Having worked out the TREV (Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle) technology on the AT96 and GT96 prototypes, the Chinese company Techrules built a serial version of its hybrid supercar.

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At the annual Geneva Motor Show, Beijing-based startup company Techrules has unveiled the final prototype of an electric hypercar called the Ren. Walking through the exhibition of the Geneva Motor Show from afar it seemed that this was another iron technology freak, but it turned out that this was a giant stand of the Chinese company Techrules. In one corner, the chassis is on display for everyone to see, in the center of the exposition there is a complete breakdown of the technical part, and at a distance is the actual diesel-electric supercar Techrules Ren, which in some ways outshines even the Bugatti Chiron coupe in terms of its characteristics.

The coupe presented at the Geneva auto show is called Ren (in Chinese culture, this means "humanity, goodwill").

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The heart of the machine is a diesel-electric power plant with a microturbo generator. Ultimate power – over 1300 hp! This TREV technology has already been tested by Techrules on prototypes and is now ready to be put into single-piece production.

The drive wheels are driven by electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery. If necessary, electricity can be generated by onboard diesel generators with microturbines.

Like the concept predecessors, the wheels are driven exclusively by electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery.

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If necessary, the machine can run on-board generators based on microturbines. Moreover, the design is conceived as modular and involves a large number of combinations of motors, generators and batteries, and even bodies.

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Techrules Ren will be offered in different variants:

  • with a battery with a capacity of 14, 25 and 32 kWh;
  • with one or two turbogenerators with a capacity of 30 or 80 kW.

Number of traction motors:

  • two – rear drive wheels;
  • four – all-wheel drive;
  • six – four-wheel drive, two electric motors on the rear wheels.

The design is modular, and the customer is free to vary the filling.

In the most advanced version, Techrules Ren is capable of accelerating to 320 km/h, and the first hundred is exchanged in 2,5 seconds. Obviously, for a car of such power and curb weight (1630 kg), the maximum speed should be higher, but it was forcibly limited, since flying at such speeds requires an appropriate chassis, aerodynamics and much more that the same Volkswagen concern does when developing Bugatti.

The top option means one YASA brand electric motor (160 kW) for driving each front wheel, and two of the same for each rear. The motors are connected to the wheels through gearboxes with a fixed gear ratio of 1:3.3.

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The top option means one YASA brand electric motor (160 kW) for driving each front wheel, and two of the same for each rear. The motors are connected to the wheels through gearboxes with a fixed gear ratio of 1:3.3.

The total output of six electric motors is 1305 hp. and 2340 N•m (on wheels – up to 7800 N•m), which fall on 1630 kg of dry weight. Electric motors accelerate the supercar to hundreds in 2,5 seconds and allow you to reach a maximum speed of 320 km/h.

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Eighty liters of diesel fuel (two tanks of 40 liters each) should be enough for 1170 kilometers with an average consumption of 7,5 liters per 100 km. The power reserve on pure electric traction (with battery-powered motors) is up to 200 km.

The chassis and body of the super hybrid was developed by the Italian company LM Gianetti. Adjustable suspension – double wishbones with push rods and horizontal KW shock absorbers.

In the bowels of the body are hidden two microturbines of 80 kW each and a traction battery with a capacity of 25 kWh (practically used is indicated). It is charged both from microturbines and from the DC network. In the latter case, 80% refueling from a “high-speed” electric column requires only 15 minutes.

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When passing part of the scoring path on electricity (measurement for plug-in hybrids), the average fuel consumption of the Techrules creation is 4,0 liters per 100 km, and “clean” – 7,5.

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The company indicates that for 80 liters of diesel fuel, the car is able to overcome 1170 km in the NEDC cycle, and with careful handling of the gas pedal, all 2000 km (of which about 200 km on electric traction alone). By the way, the car has two safe tanks of 40 liters each, certified by the FIA ​​and minimizing the risk of fire even if damaged.

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The design was proposed by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio. The driver sits in the center (as in the famous McLaren F1), and the passengers sit on the sides and slightly behind. Each rider has its own transparent cap-fairing. To get out of the car, you need to practically “undress” it – raise all the caps. External rear-view mirrors replace three video cameras.

Assembly of the Techrules Ren coupe will begin in 2018 in Italy. In total, they plan to make 96 cars at a pace of about ten cars a year. How Chinese-Italian cars will affect the global market for such hypercars is hard to say, but they will not go unnoticed. Moreover, the manufacturer promises to use TREV's diesel-electric technology to create more practical cars – a family sedan and a compact city car.

If the maximum equipment is not needed, it will be possible to choose a version with four electric motors (one per wheel) and a total power of 870 hp. Or a variant with only two electric motors on the rear axle (435 hp).

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You can also vary the microturbine part. Instead of two on-board generators of 80 kW, put two of 30 or one of 30 kW (it has less output, but higher efficiency).

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Multiply all this variety of combinations by three batteries. In addition to its default version (25 kWh), it will be possible to order a reinforced (32 kWh) or a lighter version (14 kWh).

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The Techrules Ren is based on a carbon fiber monocoque, complemented by aluminum and steel power components. Adjustable suspensions – double wishbones with push rods and KW horizontal shock absorbers.

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The coupe is equipped with carbon-ceramic brake discs with a diameter of 380/355 mm (front/rear) with six- and four-piston AP Racing calipers.

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The interior trim used leather, Alcantara and denim from Pantaloni Torino. At the rear, between the microturbines, suspension components and engines, the designers carved out a place for a 60-liter boot.

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The model received several driver assistance systems, a head light based on laser LEDs, and several more driving modes that affect the engine control program, electric power steering, traction control and vectorization systems, and stabilization.

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The project provides for varying the number of seats and, accordingly, transparent caps over them. The track version shown here is designed for one driver. It will also be possible to order the Le Mans version, with two seats and two lanterns, and a triple version (this is the maximum number of seats).

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