The HST truck is an idea to provide long distance transport facilities to the developed market of the year 2030. Maximizing the productivity by reducing expenses while increasing revenue is the main goal of this innovative truck. Since the main headache of haulage firms is the fuel expense, this truck was designed to lessen coefficient of drag to ensure minimal air resistance. Therefore, it aims to incorporate slippery body panel, sleek aerodynamic feature by a conical front, flush body with no protrusions like wipers, mirrors, etc. Additionally, the HST truck aims to be longer than traditional trucks, but more movable via a steered trailer.
Kioko says:
“An increase in payload would definitely result in an increase in revenue. One way to increase payload is via longer semi-trailers. However, legislation restricts the length of trucks. Reason being, longer trucks would be difficult to maneuver, thus risking the safety of other road users while requiring the rebuilding of infrastructure to accommodate larger turning radii. The HST aims to be longer than current trucks, but more maneuverable via a steered trailer.”
Designer : Kioko Muthui
The smallest improvement to the highway freight industry will create a great impact. This highly efficient truck is achieved by the use of a diesel/electric hybrid setup, a converting sleeper cab, and its streamline design. The truck runs with high efficiency through the use of a combustion turbine coupled with an electrical generator. The generator charges the battery reservoir. The combustion turbine utilizes its thermal energy by the use of a steam generator throughout the cooling system, the steam generator also provides an additional amount of cooling, reducing the size of engine ventilation and overall body drag.
The converging sleeper cab sits like a conventional driving cab, but allows for more visibility. The driving cab rotates to allow for a better sleeping position, and reveals a storage compartment for personal storage and a mini dresser. While the cab is in the sleep position the drive pedals are locked out under the cab, due to the rotation, for safety. The seats fold down and together to form a comfortable memory foam mattress.
The cab glass is also ionized and tints or blacks out according to the driver’s needs, the location of the tint will also modify to allow for view on top and not out the sides, or as the driver wishes. The aerodynamic streamline shape was inspired by locomotives and DTM race cars. The fenders sweep up to provide minimal drag, while the hood sleekly rounds to allow air to pass effortlessly, much like an airplane nose. The cab forms a tear drop shape, and covers over the cab-trailer gap, eliminating drag between the cab and trailer. The cab is also bowed at the rear to accommodate the trailer during turns while reducing drag by covering over the sides.
Text from Peter :
Aerodynamic Converting Hybrid Semi. The hybrid truck utilizes its aerodynamics by eliminating the sleeper cab and rounding the body. Long haul truck drivers are the target market. The driving cab rotates to accommodate the driver for sleep and exposes a storage compartment for clothes and possessions. The wheelbase adjusts to provide optimum aerodynamics and ride comfort, while allowing parking to become an easier task. The rear portion of the cab is curved to form the radius of the trailer to allow for turns and additional aerodynamics. The top portion of the cab has an adjustable airfoil to allow air over the top of the trailer, thus reducing even more drag. In the cab the driver experiences a sense of openness and optimal vision, but when he or she needs privacy the Ionized windows will tint or even black out for sleep.
“I set out to create an efficient truck for the vast highway freight market. Even the smallest increase in efficiency creates a huge impact on the overall use of fuel. In the U.S. alone, millions of gallons of diesel are used every year on semi truck transit. Along with its environmental impact the truck must accommodate for its driver at rest and at work. The cab must give the feeling of home while at the same time provide a safe driving environment. Parking the truck without the trailer is also an issue to address. ” states Peter Azzouni.
Designer : Peter Azzouni
Corvette Grand Sport (2010) has been revealed by General Motors as it returns to the illustrious racing heritage from Corvette. Powered by a LS3 6.2L engine, the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport may develops 430 hp (321 kW) and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm).
Corvette Grand Sport (2010) comes with a revised suspension system and a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox that gives a 0.2 second improvement in 0-60 acceleration time.
Corvette Grand Sport (2010) also available with a two-mode exhaust system which takes the numbers up to 436 hp (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).
Grand Sport. It’s one of the most storied monikers in Corvette’s illustrious racing heritage. Chevrolet announced it is returning to the lineup in the new, 2010 Corvette Grand Sport model.
The announcement was made at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash, held at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.
The new Grand Sport combines the Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).
The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette’s previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.
Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.
The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes:
Wider front and rear fenders – including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges
Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler
Functional brake ducts and extra cooling
Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional
Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear
Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers
Specific manual transmission gear ratios
Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models
With its special equipment, the Grand Sport offers a unique blend of performance and amenities. Its suspension package approaches that of the Z06, but includes a removable roof on coupes (Z06 has a fixed roof) and, of course, the availability of a convertible body style. Also, the paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission is offered, while a manual transmission is the only choice with the Z06.
All of Corvette’s exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport, and an available Heritage package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages, too.
Grand Sport history
Envisioned by legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov as a factory-built, lightweight and race-ready production model that would trump domestic and foreign road-racing competitors, the original Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea that led to the production of five special prototypes in 1963. The project was later shelved, following GM’s agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed motorsports.
The five prototypes were based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette and were hand-assembled under Duntov’s watchful eye. But while they looked like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built race cars that shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the Grand Sport engine program that featured a special, 377-cubic-inch small-block V-8 with side-draft carburetors.
Although never officially sanctioned by General Motors, the five Grand Sport prototypes saw extensive racing experience throughout the 1960s in the hands of “private” racers who had strong contacts within Duntov’s engineering circle. All five original cars are accounted for today and are among the most valuable in the collector market.
Chevrolet offered a limited-edition Grand Sport production model in 1996, commemorating the original racing cars and marking the end of the C4 era in Corvette production. All of the 1,000 examples were painted Admiral Blue and featured a white center stripe and red “hash mark” graphics on the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some of the original race cars.
*SAE certified.
SPECIFICATIONS Overview
Models: Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe and Convertible
Body styles / driveline: two-door hatchback coupe with removable roof; rear-wheel drive (Coupe and Convertible)
Construction: composite body panels, hydroformed steel frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components
Manufacturing location: Bowling Green, Ky.
Engines
6.2L V-8 LS3
Displacement (cu in / cc): 376 / 6162
Bore & stroke (in / mm): 4.06 x 3.62 / 103.25 x 92
Block material: cast aluminum
Cylinder head material: cast aluminum
Valvetrain: overhead valve, two valves per cylinder
Fuel delivery: SFI (sequential fuel injection)
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
430 / 321 @ 5900* w/ std. exhaust
436 / 325 @ 5900* w/ opt. exhaust
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 424 / 575 @ 4600* w/ std. exhaust
428 / 580 @ 4600* w/ opt. exhaust
Recommended fuel: premium recommended not required
EPA estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): 15 / 25 (automatic)
16 / 26 (manual)
Transmissions
six-speed manual six-speed paddle-shift automatic
Application: std. opt.
Gear ratios (:1)
First: 2.97 4.03
Second: 2.07 2.36
Third: 1.43 1.53
Fourth: 1.00 1.15
Fifth: 0.71 0.85
Sixth: 0.56 0.67
Reverse: 3.28 3.06
Final drive ratio: 3.42 2.73
Chassis / Suspension
Front: short/long arm ( SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber
Rear: short/long arm ( SLA) double wishbone, cast aluminum upper & lower control arms, transverse-mounted composite leaf spring, monotube shock absorber
Traction control: electronic traction control; Active Handling
Brakes
Type: front and rear power-assisted disc with ABS with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, cross-drilled rotors
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): front: 14 x 1.3 / 355 x 32 rear: 13.4 x 1 / 340 x 26
Brake swept area (sq in / mm): front: 309 / 1994 rear: 269 / 1735
Wheels & Tires
Wheel size: front: 18-inch x 9.5-inch rear: 19-inch x 12-inch
Tires: front: P275/35ZR18 rear: P325/30ZR19
Dimensions
Wheelbase (in / mm): 105.7 / 2685
Overall length (in / mm): 175.6 / 4460
Overall width (in / mm): 75.9 / 1928 Overall height (in / mm): 48.7 / 1236
Curb weight (lb / kg): 3311 / 1502 (Grand Sport Coupe) 3289 / 1492 (Grand Sport Convertible)
Weight distribution (% front / rear): 51 / 49
Interior
Seating capacity 2
Interior volume (cu ft / L): 52 / 1475
Headr oom (in / mm): 38 / 962
Legroom (in / mm): 43 / 1092
Shoulder room (in / mm): 55 / 1397
Hip room (in / mm): 54 / 1371
Capacities
Cargo volume (cu ft / L): Coupe: 22 / 634 Convertible: 11 / 295 (top up); 7.5 / 212 (top down)
Fuel tank (gal / L): 18 / 68.1
Engine oil (qt / L): 5.5 / 5.2 (automatic transmission) 10.5 / 9.9 (manual transmission)
