Connaught Type D H - hybrid cars
July 4, 2008 Posted by: Lee Sibbald
One of the most famous names from the yesteryear of Formula One managed to beat mainstream manufacturers to the punch with the development of a high performance energy efficient sports car. The Connaught Type D H sent shockwaves through the industry as the manufacturer was reborn with a concept that put it ahead of the pack.
Quick links:
- History of the Connaught Type D H
- Environmental credentials of the Connaught Type D H
- Connaught Type D H statistics
- Future of the Connaught Type D H
History of the Connaught Type D H
If you’re wondering where you’ve heard the Connaught name before, then you’re probably a long term sports fan – Connaught Engineering was one of the leading names on the Grand Prix circuit in the 1950s. In total its cars participated in 18 Grand Prix events achieving one podium finish and racking up 17 championship points.
In addition to its participation in motor racing, Connaught built a number of sports cars based on the Lea Francis Sports Chassis. The British manufacturer achieved a great deal of competition success and even attempted to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 in 1962.
In 2004, the Connaught name was revived by the Connaught Motor Company which built its Type D Syracuse and Type D H hybrid super car.
The Connaught Type D H stole a march on its rivals by becoming the first high performance energy efficient sports car. It relied on innovative and inventive engineering with a typical British sports car style. It has a V10 engine for superb performance, but combines this with hybrid technology to bring fuel consumption and emissions down.
Environmental credentials of the Connaught Type D H
The achievements of the Connaught Type D H are simply remarkable. Here is a car with a top speed of 150mph and with the ability to race from 0-60mph in a mere 6.2seconds. Yet it complies with the ultra low emissions targets set for 2010 and is exempt from the London Congestion Charge.
The V10 petrol/hybrid engine is, according to Connaught, not just a green statement – it’s there to deliver performance. The engine is supported by an electric motor and that means that when the Connaught is positioned in traffic the petrol engine can switch off, and when the accelerator is pressed the engine restarts smoothly and moves the car away. The air conditioning can also operate using this 48volt electrical system.
The Connaught Type D H is said to be 30 per cent more fuel efficient than other vehicles in its class – it is capable of achieving 42mpg. Due to the support from the Energy Saving Trust for environmental initiatives the Connaught Type D H should be exempt from congestion charges and fit into low insurance and tax bands.
Connaught Type D H statistics
Here are some crucial statistics about the Connaught Type D H:
- 0-60 MPH: 6.2secs
- CO2 emissions: N/A
- Engine: V10 petrol/electric engine
- MPG Combined: 42mpg
- NCAP rating: Five stars
- Top speed: 150mph
- Torque: 192Nm from 1000 to 6000rpm
- Weight: 870kg
Future of the Connaught Type D H
Orders are being taken on the Connaught Type D GT Syracuse and it is expected that the Type D-H hybrid will follow shortly. Check back at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk for more information.
What hybrid cars are available?
The number of hybrid cars available in the UK is on the increase although they are still not as readily available as it is hoped they will be in the long term. Here is a list of some of the hybrid cars currently available in the UK – click on the links to find out more:
There are also several hybrid cars available in other markets:
Here is a list of some of the hybrid cars that are coming soon:
Filed under: Latest news |
