Green wheels: Michael Motorsports' Gitano

The urgent need to reduce harmful environment impacts and for reducing dependency on oil is shifting an alternative interest in manufacturers for fuels and green technology. Green technology is the alternative use of environmentally friendly vehicles that produces less harmful impact on the environment. These environmentally friendly vehicles contribute to sustainable transport, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It also cuts down on the import of oil. The Department of Energy has been suitably impressed by the concept of the Gitano electric sports car and has extended its support as an alternative fuel fed vehicle for the future.

Michael Motorsports Gitano

The green machine

This is a green design concept created to personify the company's competitive spirit. It is a design that is based on modern styling, drawn on classic lines. This car lets you experience the real brutish strength of a car's performance while being with one on the road. It is equipped with either petrol V8 or performance electric sports motor and is the ultimate transition into future driving. With a British sports chassis and suspension system, this car will give the driver total control and flexibility. The Gitano is a joint effort among different countries in its creation. The Filipino Michael Motorsports focused on the concept and design, business planning and pre-engineering activities. The British company kept in mind the concepts and designs of the suspension, chassis and vehicle standard. While the American firm, EV Drive Oregon developed the electric power train component. It was originally started when a British investor tapped the creation of a European prototype which could strongly compete with the top European models.

Green factor

The harmful fuel emissions generated by vehicles on a daily basis can be reduced if these vehicles become mass market consumption. With a self charging electric battery, this model is bound to take on a totally new demand market in the future as is the expectation of the company's vision. The Filipino company Michael Motorsports has spent 23 years in building replica sports car and that experience is embodied in this Gitano. This is amplified in the use of 150 KW electric motor under its hood. It is capable of pumping out torque of 300 Nm on a continuous basis. Beneath the trunk, there is a 25 KW range extending rotary engine, the size of a spare tire. It pumps back energy into the battery pack as it burns the combustible fuel. Its components and power drives are from EV Drive.

The powertrain

This is a car that unites and merges with the driving skills and handling of the driver. It has a petrol variant which is environmentally friendly and with fewer emissions, has high horse power and torque efficiency. Its engine is of the LS-series of V8 with a torque capacity of 424Lb-ft and 430 hp horsepower. It can displace a capacity of 376 cubic inches. Its electric variant has high performance with a motor high cooling AC and can cover a distance of 100 miles. It has unequal length double wishbone, gas dampness with anti-roll bars to achieve superior inclination axis and excellent roll performance. Its steering is power assist with adjustable columns and it has four wheel disc brakes with front and rear split.

The highs

This car races through space and time and is truly a time machine capsule. The car proportion follows the classic concepts of French architect Le Corbusier's human body ratio. Its proportions from the long hood to the short deck clearly exemplifies an aggressive form and shape that is ready to bounce. It is a car designed for beastly performance and yet awe-inspiring in its beauty.

The lows

The Gitano developed by the Filipino manufacturer Michael Motorsport was displayed at the SEMA show. The President of Motorsport, Jan Kierfulf believes that Philippines has a great potential in the automotive industry. The Gitano is neo retro with large grille and stern with an EV-Drive technology. The company has used sub-contractors for the electric power train and EV Drive and the English chassis and suspensions. These different configurations may need to be properly tested. So far, the Gitano is yet to prove its mettle and potential on the road despite all its features.

Cost and availability

So far it is being produced in limited quantities meant only for Europe. The first lot is supposed to be produced in Britain, although there is no indication as to when these cars will roll on the road. The company has not revealed its price officially at the current moment.