Capstone Turbine (CPST) is about to reveal its prototype CMT-380 hybrid-electric supercar at the LA Auto Show Dec 2 – 13. The car, which is powered by lithium batteries and a 30kW microturbine engine has the specs of a half way decent sports car.. 0-60 in 3.9 sec, 150mp top speed along with the advantages of a hybrid electric.. 500 miles on a single tank of diesel or biodiesel and up to 80 miles on pure battery power.
It’s interesting to note that the Chief Creative Director at video game producer Electronic Arts helped develop the concept of the sleek looking hybrid which features a Factory Five Racing GTM body.
This isn’t the first transportation application of a Capstone 30kW microturbine. The company has installed its 30kW microturbines in buses, trolleys and shuttles in New York, Baltimore, Charlotte, London, Tokyo, Paris, Rome and Auckland. Several months ago the company integrated a microturbine into a Ford S-Max. However, the CEO said he has no plans to become a car manufacturer. Here’s a quote:
“The Capstone CMT-380 is a fun hybrid car with tremendous performance, but it’s not in Capstone’s business plan to start manufacturing complete cars,” Jamison said. “However, the limited production CMT-380 and Langford Whisper hybrid-demonstration vehicle are intended to showcase the technology and demonstrate the value proposition of microturbines as electric-vehicle range extenders.
Shares of CPST are about 3% today as the stock continues to carve out a new base.