Holden’s 1,340-HP Virtual Race Car Pays Tribute to Historic Bathurst Win

Holden, an import-only brand, now has something to call its own. That is, if you count a virtual race car.

General Motors’ Australian brand showed off the Time Attack Concept racer last week. Though it looks like it would fit right in with the futuristic Vision Gran Turismo concepts of the “Gran Turismo” video game series, this virtual car celebrates the 50^th anniversary of Holden’s first win at the Bathurst 500.

Designers and engineers worked together to imagine this concept, which is said to use plenty of carbon fiber. The body, chassis, wheels and suspension all utilize this lightweight material, contributing to a weight of under 2,000 pounds. The powertrain consists of four electric motors that make a total output of 1,340 hp and a whopping 2,390 lb-ft of torque. Four individually controllable cyclo-gyro fans, powered by their own motors, use variable blades that can direct thrust to create optimal downforce for a given corner. Each traction motor has its own three-speed automatic gearbox, making possible a theoretical 0-62 mph time of 1.25 seconds. But perhaps the concept is more than just a sky’s-the-limit design study with wild specs.

“The Time Attack Concept racer is an illustration of how we can utilize cutting-edge technology to develop transportation solutions for the future,” said Holden Design Director Richard Ferlazzo, in a release. “You can see from the extremely detailed approach to incorporating the advanced technology in our Time Attack Concept racer that this is more than just a visual exercise. Holden’s recent announcement of the expansion of 150 new engineers to our Advanced Vehicle Development team means we have the talent, resources, and technology to continue delivering to that charter.”

After 69 years of making vehicles in Australia, GM officially shut its Holden plant last year. A few months ago, GM announced that Holden engineers will develop technologies for autonomous vehicles and electric powertrains, with up to $120 million earmarked for R&D in Australia per year.

The Time Attack concept may never get built, but it’s possible some of its radical performance ideas could inspire future GM EVs. Here’s hoping GM lets Holden continue developing that active downforce system. See how all of the concept’s technologies work (in theory) in the video below).

Source: Holden

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