Solar Streak: Electric Venturi Astrolab Debuts
There are some crazy new cars coming out of Paris, one that has caught my eys is the Venturi Astrolab. Sure, it uses alternative energy -- which is great. But for $120k, I would have hoped for some more discreet placement of the solar panels (CIGS anyone?). And don't forget to wear your sunglasses, the glare off of those panels must be blinding. Love it or hate it, you will fit right in at the World Solar Challenge.
From Edmunds:
PARIS — Venturi Automobiles, the Monaco-based specialty-car builder, took quite a left turn at the auto show here with its Astrolab.
The maker of the Fetish sports car unveiled what it describes as a "high-performance solar vehicle" that employs Formula 1 design and construction techniques. We're assuming this is a world first.
Curiously, Venturi likens the Astrolab to a sailboat in that its aim is to consume as few fossil fuels as possible, even while the car is being built. The firm doesn't specify how it intends to achieve this, other than to say, "The emissions of CO2 required for its construction will be compensated for by environmental actions."
The Astrolab's ultra-lightweight monocoque chassis is built of carbon fiber and functions as a safety cell protecting the two inline occupants. Photovoltaic cells are covered by a unique nano-prismic film that is designed to concentrate solar energy. A 21-horsepower electric motor is all that is required to drive the 617-pound vehicle.
Venturi says the vehicle can recharge itself while in motion and can store solar energy in its nickel-metal-hydride batteries. With a top speed of 75 mph and a range of 68 miles, the Astrolab is intended primarily as an inter-city commuter — albeit a fairly expensive one.
Venturi says it is scheduled to deliver the first cars in January 2008, at a base price of $117,000 plus tax.
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