Skip advert
Advertisement

Techrules Ren - Turbine supercar makes official debut

Electric supercar Techrules has shown its first production car testing before its Geneva debut

Chinese R&D firm Techrules is among several companies to unveil an electric supercar at this year's Geneva motor show, with the innovative turbine range-extended Ren.

Previewed shortly before the show testing at the famous Monza race circuit, the final production vehicle is as striking as you'd expect from a car penned by Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro. But the most interesting aspect is what Techrules calls its TREV technology - for Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Range-extended electric vehicles are nothing new, popularised by the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera in recent years, and turbine technology has also been tried before, most notably in prototype versions of the Jaguar C-X75.

Techrules wants to bring the technology all the way to production however, using micro-turbines that can, in a way that's difficult with a conventional combustion engine, be constantly run at its most efficient speed, generating significant energy as it does so, charging the batteries.

One or two turbines can be specified, while two types of turbine will be available, either a 30kW high-efficiency unit or an 80kW turbine for higher power density. Fuel consumption is claimed as 2000km from 80 litres of fuel - that's 70.6mpg, though Techrules quotes "pure" fuel consumption as 37.7mpg, so clearly your mileage will vary - with 124 miles of electric-only running.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

Because of the nature of turbine combustion, several different fuels can be used, though Techrules says diesel has proven the most efficient and also surprisingly low-emission - better than the current EU6 standard for diesel cars, in fact. The company says that in the future, liquefied natural gas or hydrogen will be preferable, and the latter, if generated through renewable means, would generate zero tailpipe emissions.

Advertisement - Article continues below

> Discover more Geneva motor show debuts here

In the Ren supercar the TREV system is hooked up to batteries of either 14kWh, 25kWh or 32kWh (the latter two capacities being similar to that available in a Nissan Leaf, by way of comparison) and up to six electric motors.

Maximum power offered is up to 1287PS and 1725lb ft of torque, with the majority (1150lb ft) hitting the rear tyres. The 0-62mph acceleration time is as quick as we've come to expect from high-performance electric cars, at 2.5 seconds, while top speed is quoted at 199mph.

The rest of the Ren's mechanical makeup is impressive too, with a carbonfibre monocoque (housing three seats, in a McLaren F1-style layout) with aluminium subframes to house the motors, double wishbone pushrod suspension at both the front and rear using KW dampers, and AP Racing carbon-ceramic discs all-round.

The triple canopy system is unique too, with a single-canopy version available for racing versions. The interior looks more concept than production, with a square steering wheel, fixed passenger seats and a mixture of leather and denim trim.

But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Techrules Ren is that its drivetrain and turbine setup is effectively modular, with the potential to use its components in everything from SUVs to city cars.

No price is quoted for the Ren - assume it to be astronomical - but if its technology can filter down to more conventional vehicles it could be a more significant vehicle than its alienesque form suggests.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

ZEV mandate explained: What is it and how does it affect performance cars?
EV charging
Advice

ZEV mandate explained: What is it and how does it affect performance cars?

In 2025 28 per cent of a manufacturer’s sales will need to be all-electric, so will exciting ICE cars survive?
18 Mar 2025
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E looks like a concept, but you can actually buy one
Renault 5 Turbo 3E – front
News

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E looks like a concept, but you can actually buy one

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a 533bhp, rear-drive revival of one of the world’s most iconic hot hatches, limited to 1980 units
17 Mar 2025
Revised Dallara Stradale broadens road and track focus
Dallara Stradale front
News

Revised Dallara Stradale broadens road and track focus

Track-focused but road-legal purist driver’s car comes in for a raft of enhancements
13 Mar 2025
Ferrari 488 GTB (2015 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide
Ferrari 488 GTB
In-depth reviews

Ferrari 488 GTB (2015 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide

Ferrari’s first turbocharged supercar of the modern era was a monumental achievement and now, a bit of a bargain (relatively speaking)
13 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ferrari 296 Challenge 2025 review – Maranello's hybrid supercar goes V6-only
Ferrari 296 Challenge
Reviews

Ferrari 296 Challenge 2025 review – Maranello's hybrid supercar goes V6-only

Stripped of the road car’s heavy and complex hybrid technology, Ferrari’s entry-level competition car provides a glimpse of an alternative universe
15 Mar 2025
Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming
2025 Porsche 911 GT3
News

Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming

The 911 will get even more exclusive and desirable variants with increased customisability going forward
12 Mar 2025
Best hypercars 2025 – the ultimate dream cars
Best hypercars 2025
Best cars

Best hypercars 2025 – the ultimate dream cars

Fastidiously engineered and breathtakingly fast, these are the finest hypercars of all time
17 Mar 2025