While the SEMA Show isn't exactly the sort of place you'd go to find the latest in green technologies, Nissan and Florida-based company Braille Battery found a way to stay true to the performance-oriented culture of the Las Vegas specialty show and at the same time, promote hybrid technology and alternative fuel usage with the presentation of the "Hot Rod Hybrid". "We were very honored that Nissan North America chose to select our battery company to build and power this forward thinking race car", said Brand Manager Ray Ferriera for Braille Battery.
Based on the factory Nissan Altima Hybrid, the Hot Rod Hybrid is a race car for use in the newly formed Hybrid/electric class in the Redline Time Attack Series and the Cannonball Run/One Lap of America race in April 2009. The race vehicle uses an electric supercharger to supplement the heavily modified drivetrain that comprises an E85-powered 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 440HP. According to the company, the Hot Rod Hybrid hits the quarter mile 12.9 seconds at an estimated 109.2 mph or 175km/h. A race-style interior with "no-waste" ECO 2009 Sparco racing seats, along with an eco-focused paint scheme, Power Film flexible solar panels, energy conserving Yokohama tires and Stillen aero body paneling complete the long list of modifications.
Specifications and Performance
- Nissan Altima Hybrid – Braille Battery "Hot Rod Hybrid" Race Car
- Weight 2970.5 pounds (3485 stock)
- "Hot Rod Hybrid" System: 2.5 Liter Inline 4 Cylinder – Ethanol E85 Fuel Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous – Braille Battery Powered
- "Hot Rod Hybrid" Horsepower* 440 HP
- Modifications – Ethanol E85* Vortech Electric Supercharger DCHSEO-P1
- Modifications – Electric Drive* Braille Battery Carbon Racing Pack – Phase 1 Experimental
- Horsepower Peak – Ethanol E85* 270 HP @ Crank / 270 @ Crank - Estimated
- Torque – Electric* 240 lb/ft @ 0 – 1500 rpm, Voltage 650 Volt Max
- Battery Charging Regeneration Technology, Solar Panel Charging System
- Transmission Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
- Chassis Unitized body construction with TIG Welded 6 Point Racing Cage
- Suspension BC Racing Aluminum Coil Over Suspension, Stillen Sway Bar
- Brakes Wilwood Lightweight Vented Disk w 4-channel ABS
- Seats Sparco "ECO2009" Made from waste materials, FIA Approved
- Steering Wheel Sparco 360 Suede Wheel
- Wheels Front/Rear: 18 x 9 Enkei Lightweight LF-10 Rims
- Tires Front/Rear: 255/40 18" Yokohama Low Rolling Resistance Neova High Performance Tires
- Acceleration Quarter Mile* 12.9 sec. @ 109.2 mph estimated
- Lateral Acceleration* 1.02 g
- Braking: 60-0* 97 feet
- Racing Fuel Economy* 35 laps at Sebring vs. 20 Laps at Sebring for Non-Hybrid
* Unverified Data. Information Calculated on Individual Manufacturers Specifications
