Techrules turbine-recharging supercar pics released ahead of Geneva

The Techrules GT96 turbine-recharging electric supercar will make its world debut in production-ready form at the 2017 Geneva motor show, one year after a concept version was first shown to the public.

First images of the final car have been released following a testing stint at Italy's Monza circuit. The images show a camouflaged development car with a central driving position and a fighter jet-style canopy roof.

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The Chinese manufaturer's model will use Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) technology, a range-extending micro-turbine system which generates electricity to charge the battery pack. The battery then powers the motors that drive the wheels.

The car has been designed by Fabrizio and Giorgetto Giugiaro and is said to provide different configurations for the interior around the centrally-positioned driver. The chassis has been engineered by international motorsport specialist L. M. Gianetti.

Other design features include laser headlights and reversing LEDs with an integrated rear-view cameras. Techrules said this technology will be used 'across a family of models' in the coming years.

The hypercar was previewed last year with the GT96 concept. That car featured plug-in charging capability for markets with access to charging networks. If it retains the set-up of the concept, the 2017 model will feature a lightweight carbonfibre monocoque design and be powered by six electric traction motors, each weighing 13kg. The front wheels will be driven by individual single motors, while the rear wheels will be driven by a pair to each corner. Peak combined power output of the concept was 1030bhp, and it could sprint from 0-60mph in 2.5sec and onto a top speed of 217mph. Electric-only range was projected to be up to 93 miles, and the total range to be more than 1200 miles from 80 litres of aviation kerosene – or a fuel with the equivalent calorific value – using the TREV range extender.

The concept's powerplant featured a micro-turbine generator, inspired by aviation technology, which drove a generator and charged the battery. Unlike many previous turbine powertrain systems, there was no direct electrical feed from the generator to the electric motors; the TREV system is purely a series hybrid range extender charger. Using the system, the battery pack was claimed to be charged to its maximum in 40 minutes.

The GT96 was first presented in two forms at the 2016 Geneva motor show, with both based on a mid-engine electric hypercar design that features two seats and all-wheel drive. Design one: AT96 ‘Aviation Turbine’ was a track-focused model, with a turbine set-up that runs on a liquid fuel, such as aviation kerosene, diesel or gasoline. Design two: GT96 ‘Gas Turbine’ was designed to run on a gaseous fuel such as biogas and natural gas and is styled as a road-going hypercar.