Westfield is shaping up to build a hybrid version of its Lotus 7-style kit cars.
Malcolm Fendick, head of clean fuels and technology at the Department for Transport is to announce the start of a new sports car technology partnership between Westfield Sportscars and the University of Warwick's manufacturing group, with the aim of exploring the potential for hybrid versions of Westfield cars. It kicks off at a special conference on hybrid vehicle technology at the university tomorrow.
Westfield boss Julian Turner said: "It's an exciting time for the business, and we are firmly committed to the development and introduction of performance enhancing technology, both in terms of the vehicle dynamics and the environment. The University of Warwick is the ideal partner with which to explore the commercial viability of hybrid technology."
Adrian Vinsome, project manager of the hybrid work at the University of Warwick said: "With Westfield we will be looking at both improvements in performance and environmental impact. Our in-house developed tools allow us to rapidly assess a wide range of scenarios to establish the best compromises, and understand the business case that these options present to the company."
The announcement will be made as part of a two-day conference and exhibition on hybrid vehicles at the university on 12-13 December. It will bring together leaders in the field of hybrid vehicles including experts from industry, academia and government. The conference is looking at hybrid development from all perspectives -- technical, commercial and political -- with the aim of removing barriers, increasing activity in the field and stimulating the region’s economy. It'll be addressed by the Minister for Transport Stephen Ladyman and Chairman of Advantage West Midlands Nick Paul. A range of hybrid vehicles will be on display.
Conference chair and Warwick researcher Adrian Vinsome said: “Some people consider that hybrids are a 'bridge technology' until something better comes along. However, all evidence points to the fact that it'll be some years until any technology is mature enough to totally replace the internal combustion engine, and hybrid technology will still be vital”. He echoed Toyota USA boss Jim Press, who said: “I think everything will be a hybrid, eventually. It will either be a petrol hybrid, a diesel hybrid or a fuel-cell hybrid.”