Main Website Update, new specs Oct 2008

[MikeB]

Guys,

The www.flytheroad.com (http://www.flytheroad.com) website has had some significant updates. The Parallel Hybrid drive train is mentioned explicitly, as are some new performance specs:


• Accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6 seconds
• Reach top speeds of approximately 100 mph
• Achieve fuel economy of 75 + miles per gallon
• Provide an all electric range of at least 20 miles
• Provide a total driving range at least 400 miles
on a six-gallon tank of gas

These specs are quite reasonable, and 20 miles of plugin range is more than I expected. I'm a little disappointed that our 100mpg number has dropped closer to 75, but that's still pretty darn good. 6 seconds for 0-60 is as fast as my Subaru WRX was, and that was plenty quick.

[Russ]

MikeB, looks pretty interesting. Did you see the new interior for the V-1 located on the Main FTR page under the Venture One section? That looks pretty cool to and it even has what appears to be a cup holder on the left side of steering wheel. It would have been nicer to see a control yoke like the F300 lifejet had, but hey at least its a start. Maybe they should look into a Clean Diesel plug in hybrid for their next model. I bet that could easily get 100+ miles to the gallon of fuel.

[MVRacing]

Also included is a new graphic of the interior.

[AZEqualizer]

I think they are being conservative > I believe the 20+ electric range will add on top of the 75+ MPG and we still would have under optimum condition a 100+ mpg. (unlike how some people like to figure mileage) and the sport may have some optional additional batteries if they follow a prior proposal

My current car is rated at 36MPG highway and I get 38+ in town and 43+ on the highway .... the car isn't even broken in yet so I expect to get better. I drive conservatively most of the time but I have been known to get on it when the conditions are appropriate.

[AZEqualizer]

I think this whole page is worth repeating... Thanks Scot and VV team.


The VentureOne
Indulge yourself, consume less

The VentureOne concept is a new class of vehicle for the urbanation of America and the most compelling and enjoyable way to join the new "Urban Nation." And what better way to join than driving an Urban Life Vehicle (ULV).

This is a vehicle with standout design and scintillating performance that is equally at home in the carpool lane as it is carving through your favorite country road. It's as appropriate parked in front of a trendy restaurant as it is in front of your home.

The VentureOne is a revolutionary, two-passenger, fully enclosed, tilting three-wheel vehicle that incorporates a full complement of unique, patented technology and the most proven components available. With a level of expectation for daily use, this unique vehicle can corner like a high performance sports car, providing one of the most exhilarating and unique driving experiences possible.

The superb handling characteristics of the VentureOne are made possible by a patented tilting technology, Vehicle Control system or DVC™ that utilizes a combination of hydraulic and mechanical technologies, providing high reliability, quick response, and a remarkably natural driving experience.

The VentureOne combines a slippery drag coefficient (cd), reduced material weight and a hybrid propulsion system, with plug-in capability that enables it to:

• Accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6 seconds
• Reach top speeds of approximately 100 mph
• Achieve fuel economy of 75 + miles per gallon
• Provide an all electric range of at least 20 miles
• Provide a total driving range at least 400 miles
on a six-gallon tank of gas

All this performance and efficiently is being designed to be sold at a very affordable price.

VentureOne is replete with a full complement of unique patented technology, proven components, and a level of security that balances its great design proportions. The result is a ULV that is brilliant to drive, inexpensive to operate and completely appropriate in today's environment.

http://flytheroad.com/images/venture_one_sm.jpg

http://flytheroad.com/images/Cockpit_sm.jpg

“Flying the Road” is the best description for driving this vehicle – a feeling unlike anything you’ve experienced.

[AZEqualizer]

"Leading Edge" vs. "Bleeding Edge", understanding the truth

There is a lot of buzz out there when it comes to emerging technologies. Myriads of pundits are all proclaiming extreme breakthroughs that claim to solve everything in one masterstroke while world-class companies continue to successfully evolve the state of the art.

Central to Venture Vehicle's technology approach is one of recognizing that a combination of proven systems and components adapted to an innovative design and unique concept, beautifully integrated, can maximize the ownership experience in all ways, from driving dynamics to reliability to outstanding efficiency to environmental responsibility.

The new VentureOne is tangible proof of this philosophy. Every component, from comfort and convenience items to the chassis and propulsion system has been selected to blend seamlessly into a total package.

As an example, the new VentureOne chassis will incorporate the patented Dynamic Vehicle Control system, or DVC™, a unique patented Electro-hydraulic tilt-steering control technology, developed by Carver Engineering in the Netherlands, that will give the driver the ability to attain extreme lateral acceleration that rivals the best sports cars in the world while maintaining control and ride comfort.
http://flytheroad.com/images/tilting.gif

Further, Venture Vehicles has done an exhaustive study, evaluated numerous electric and hybrid configurations, and decided to develop the VentureOne with a plug-in parallel hybrid architecture based primarily on performance, packaging and cost.

http://flytheroad.com/images/combustion_illustration.gif

Venture Vehicles has made preliminary estimated power calculations using conservative assumptions. The assumptions made include a sub-optimal drag coefficient, 0.32, a heavier vehicle, 1,500 lbs., and a heavier driver, 200 lbs. Even with the aforementioned assumptions, the results show extraordinary acceleration performance, and maximum speeds of approximately 100 mph while achieving fuel economy of at least 75 MPG.

Looking forward, the company has anticipated the potential of emerging technologies and has the flexibility to adapt them as they reach market viability and deliver a superior customer package. This will assure that future Venture Vehicles will always have the latest and most proven technologies integrated into their vehicles.

[AZEqualizer]

Proven Hybrid technology engineered into the VentureOne doesn't push the envelope, it creates a new one

Fuel economy and low emissions are to be expected for small vehicles, and the VentureOne is no exception. With the narrower shape and smaller size of the VentureOne, owners will enjoy significantly less fuel consumption compared to other conventional vehicles.

http://flytheroad.com/images/wind_draft.gif

Venture Vehicles engineers investigated every conceivable electric and hybrid configuration and decided to focus further develop efforts on a plug-in parallel hybrid architecture based primarily on vehicle performance, size, and value. The VentureOne parallel hybrid will include an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

http://flytheroad.com/images/prop_hybrid_new.gif

The reliability and performance of established technologies are integrated into the efficient VentureOne package to deliver extraordinary vehicle performance, estimated maximum speeds of 100 mph while achieving an earth friendly 75 + MPG.

[MVRacing]

Thanks AZE! You are quicker that I=y:

[MVRacing]

Specs look pretty good to me. I'm wondering if that diagram implies a 2 cylinder ICE?

[AZEqualizer]

That is because I am driving the V1 and you got in the Dagne... just because you were still polishing your V1! :whoohoo:

[ziggy951]

I would hate to be a tech that has to work in that engine bay lol. The specs make me....more optimistic about the vehicle performance...but less optimistic about its retail price. And how about that poor test dummy in the back seat eh?

Overall though, heck of a nice update. Now we know we have enough room for a 100lb Eestor device when they come out :)

Awwww I just thought about poor "someone to be unnamed". I bet he's :confused:o:h"we"ll1u:n:s;ure;5(:shup:m:a:d:(:11 and bl:ink:1 all at the same time.




Z

[AZEqualizer]

I think the dummy figures were just thrown in for reference.... and not true to scale.

I belive they will hit in the 20-25K price area. They know this is a sweat point for price.

[randi]

Hi,

I started a thread ... with these same pages excerpted from the main FTR website, got a message that it's for review by admins, what happened? Where does it go, and how long does it stay in the review line. Does one get notified if it's not posted --for whatever reason?

I'm really curious ... especially since this would have my very first thread started ... and, well, I was kinda excited about it.

[westonlgray]

These look like reasonable specs. Now I just wonder how long it will be until I am able to fly to sunny CA to buy my own?

[WarpedOne]

http://flytheroad.com/images/combustion_illustration.gif

I must admit I kinda like this configuration. It shouldn't be hard to convert it into pure EV.
It seems a wankel ICE is out of the picture, replaced with a (bike?) two-cylinder engine. Nothing bad about that.

[MVRacing]

For fuel mileage, I think they are getting to the 75+MPG this way -
400 miles minus the 20 mile EV range is 380/5 "usable" gallons = 78 MPG

In the diagram, we have seen in the past where there was a cutout/indent in the rear of the driver seat for the passengers knees & feet. I also think the dumbies are max size ... 6'4" or 6'6" ?

[Jack Willard]

Specs look pretty good to me. I'm wondering if that diagram implies a 2 cylinder ICE?

I am still on board with those specs.

That diagram is "diagrammatic" only I imagine, because having the ICE drive go through the electric motor would sure be inefficient. That just adds an extra load.

I will still have to see where the price comes out. There is a price point that I would consider too much. But if we end up with a good tax credit that can be applied to reduce the price, that will sure help. We do have a proposition on the ballot in California that would provide a tax credit for purchasing a hybrid. I sure hope that passes.

:burning:rubber:

[AZEqualizer]

There is a federal measure that will help (tax incentive) especially because of the 20Mile+ electric range

[ziggy951]

http://flytheroad.com/images/combustion_illustration.gif

I must admit I kinda like this configuration. It shouldn't be hard to convert it into pure EV.


We are totally on the same page. I was thinking the very same thing. Replace the Engine with a larger battery/EESU and use it to augment the existing one. Possibly upgrade the EM too :) Hell, maybe even rip out the tranny as well and couple the EM to the drive shaft directly somehow.



Z

[WarpedOne]

Jack Willard:

That diagram is "diagrammatic" only I imagine, because having the ICE drive go through the electric motor would sure be inefficient. That just adds an extra load.

This would depend on the motor type. If it is permanent magnet type then yes, rotating it would eat up some HP, but if it is AC or seperately excited DC then it would behave just like a flywheel. CVT should have lower inertia than classic transmissions so no big losses there.

ziggy951:

Hell, maybe even rip out the tranny as well and couple the EM to the drive shaft directly somehow.

You would get worse acceleration, lower top speed and lower range. Why would you want that? :)

[ziggy951]

Better acceleration by far, probably lower top speed, and maybe less range. There are some pretty spectacular motors available now.

Truth is that you wouldnt do a 1:1 ratio from the em to the driveshaft but at the very least would use some sort of gear drive to make it more efficient. Thats what i was talking about though I didnt write it that way. A full trans would probably just be unnecessary depending on the gears and weight, but that is still to be seen.


Z

[MVRacing]

I'd love to get my hands on 2!! One to drive and one to modify!! Wonder if I could just get a second power pod? :-)

[Mark Tomlinson]

Although the diagram is "diagramatic", it and specs make me think they are talking about a full hybrid rather then a light hybrid. This is good.

I especially like this paragraph,

Looking forward, the company has anticipated the potential of emerging technologies and has the flexibility to adapt them as they reach market viability and deliver a superior customer package. This will assure that future Venture Vehicles will always have the latest and most proven technologies integrated into their vehicles.That, coupled with the tone of the page ("Leading Edge" vs. "Bleeding Edge", understanding the truth), gives me a hint of a business model I've been hoping for - incremental innovation.

Truth is, with a son in college, a daughter getting married, and a new Jeep Patriot in the driveway, I probably won't have the money to fly-to-buy the first model year. Which is okay - it forces me to not impulse-buy the first thing out the door. I'll probably end up with a better vehicle.

[longspeer]

Hey Congrats to all on getting over a thousand members!!!


I am very excited to see development starting to come out on the FlyTheRoad site. My impulse buy will be hampered by me living in Idaho since I expect the first few rounds to be sold to people in California.

[Gunner]

Thanks guys, I just came from the V1 home site and completely missed the updates you posted here. That's why I like this site, I learn more here. Way to go.

[cobraphx]

There is a federal measure that will help (tax incentive) especially because of the 20Mile+ electric range

Assuming the battery pack is at least 4kWh (the minimum battery capacity to count for the new battery powered vehicle tax credit). But if it hits that mark, it's a $2500 tax credit + $417 for each additional kWh of capacity.

Here's the applicable quotes from the legislation:
Must be a new production vehicle,
which draws propulsion using a traction battery with at least 4 kilowatt hours of capacity,
which uses an offboard source of energy to recharge such battery,
which, in the case of a passenger vehicle or light truck which has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds, has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act and meets or exceeds the equivalent qualifying California low emission vehicle standard under section 243(e)(2) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year,
and the Bin 5 Tier II emission standard established in regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 202(i) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year vehicle.


(1) MOTOR VEHICLE- The term `motor vehicle’ has the meaning given such term by section 30(c)(2) (of the IRS Code).

Not sure what's in this section. I don't think this section excludes "enclosed 3 wheeled vehicles". But I can't find the code online.

Pretty sure VV can get the V1 to pass the applicable emissions, ie. the Bin 5 Tier II emission standard. But not 100% sure the V1 qualifies as a 'motor vehicle' under the code. I hope so though.

[waboom]

Pretty sure VV can get the V1 to pass the applicable emissions, ie. the Bin 5 Tier II emission standard. But not 100% sure the V1 qualifies as a 'motor vehicle' under the code. I hope so though.

Not to worry - I'm sure that if for some reason it doesn't, then Howard will put his newfound skills as a political lobbyist (http://flytheroadclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8733&postcount=1) to work in Washington to amend the code!