Loremo LS
The Loremo LS is basically a turbo-diesel vehicle optimized to the hilt. Its got low weight, great aerodynamics, a small engine, and has been engineered for safety and low cost. Like others who are as far along (Aptera, Tesla), the company behind the Loremo has been at this since before the Automotive X Prize was even imagined. Check out the new page on the Loremo LS, or read on for the same information in a less pretty format.
Short Description: 2+2-seat, ultra-light, turbo-diesel
Availability & Cost: 2009, Europe only, <15k Euro
Availability & Cost: 2009, Europe only, <15k Euro
Background and Details
- Loremo = low resistance mobile
- by Gerhard Heilmaier, Stefan Ruetz and Uli Sommerby
- Loremo GT: 3-cylinder, 50HP, 78 MPGe, E20k version
- Note the lack of doors - you must climb in via the hood/windshield opening. This supposedly allows them to make the door area safer (more reinf orcement), but more importantly is easier than side doors because the vehicle is so low to the ground (<4 feet high!).
- Prototype “L1” built and tested - works!
- The two rear seats are rear facing and suitable only for children - rear hatch entry, height limit is 5’2”.
- The front seats are also height restricted to 6’2”
- An electric version is proposed with a 130 mile range
- References:Loremo Facts Loremo FAQ Loremo Blog: L1 Testing Treehugger Frankfurt AutoShow Seriouswheels
Vehicle Stats
MPGe
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>117
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Weight
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1144 lbs
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L x W x H (ft)
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12.5 x 4.5 x 3.74
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HP
|
20
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0-60 MPH
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16 seconds
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Top Speed
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100 MPH
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Engine
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2C turbo-diesel
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Cd x Frontal Area
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0.20 x 11.84 ft^2
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Going over the AXP documents, it is not clear to me if AXP entrants need to meet current or future (or any) US emissions standards.
As you may know, US emissions standards for diesel engines got much tougher in 2008, and are set to get even tougher in 2010.
They require the use of "exhaust gas recirculation" (EGR) and a "diesel particulate filter" (DPF). Both technologies hurt fuel economy significantly.
So... Loremo doesn't meet current or future US emissions, right?
Maybe it meets Euro emissions? They're not anywhere near as tight as US emissions regs. They need DPFs, but not EGR.
Buzzcut - I believe you are correct that the Loremo could not be sold in America. I certainly didn't read anything about any emissions control equipment on the Loremo.
The AXP requires contestants to meet "Tier 2 Bin 5" requirements, which is actually fairly strict.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tier_(emission_standard)
However, I do know that some diesel engines (with after treatments) do meet this standard - in fact, they even meet the more strict California emissions standards. VW is bringing some of these clean diesels into America over the next few years. But this stuff is expensive and high tech, and probably covered by patents.
Interesting fact: I know that Aptera was planning on using a small diesel engine (like the one here in the Loremo), but because of emissions requirements their hybrid (typ-1h) will now use a gasoline engine. So for smaller companies I think the Tier 2 Bin 5 requirement will eliminate diesel as a possible fuel.