EcoJet redefines supercar boundaries

This futuristic, clean-running supercar is the brainchild of car-making giant General Motors and lantern-jawed American TV funnyman/talk-show host, Jay Leno.

Unveiled at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the 485kW projectile -- dubbed EcoJet -- is powered by a Honeywell LT-101 turbine engine that runs on bio-diesel fuel.

The engine sits in a modified Corvette Z06 hydroformed aluminium frame with aluminium and magnesium structural and chassis components. The vehicle's shell is an advanced construction of carbonfibre over Kevlar.

EcoJet's genesis goes back to a discussion between Leno, an avid car enthusiast and collector, and Bernard Juchli, the chief mechanic and caretaker of Leno's formidable wheeled collection.

Once the idea was hatched, Leno turned to General Motors design chief Ed Welburn for styling direction.

"A couple of paper napkins later, Ed had begun to capture the essence of the car," said Leno.  "I've admired the work of GM's Design Studio in North Hollywood, California, and asked Ed if the studio's director, Frank Saucedo, and his guys could continue the design study."

Welburn agreed, and a two-week sketching frenzy commenced as GM's designers began working after-hours with Leno's team on the project.

"EcoJet's aesthetics were driven by aeronautical and jet-age influences," said Welburn. "It's a purpose-driven design that conveys power, capability and even danger, with a hint of Cadillac's sophisticated design vocabulary."

Borrowing design cues from jet aircraft and Formula One racecars, the supercar began to take shape under the watchful eyes of Leno and Welburn. A concurrent engineering program defined the vehicle's proportions and mechanics.

Leno relied on Juchli and the entire ‘Big Dog' team at his garage to turn the EcoJet vision into a reality.

"We thought we pushed the creative envelope with the '66 twin turbo Toronado project with GM, but this turbine-powered monster is a whole new level of complexity," said Juchli, who constructed the car at Leno's facility.

A green, mean supercar -- George Jetson would love it... and so would the EPA.

ECOJET SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle description: mid-engine, turbine-powered, two-seat supercar
Wheelbase: 2795mm
Engine: Honeywell LT-101
Max power: 485kW
Max torque: 542Nm
Fuel type: bio-diesel
Wheels: 20x10-inch front; 22x12-inch rear
Tyres: 255/35R20 front; 305/30R22 rear
Track: 1698mm front; 1692mm rear
Length: 4674mm
Width: 2024mm
Height: 1180mm