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Sequel
Overview
Design
Technology
Fuel Cell
Wheel-hub Motors
Suppliers
Specifications
DETROIT - Sequel has taken today's state-of-the-art, by-wire technologies and integrated them into a vehicle that is not only safe, but is a blast to drive by giving the driver greater control. The by-wire systems use electrical signals and actuators to operate the accelerator, brake and steering, and chassis-damping subsystems.
"This allows it to respond faster and have greater sensitivity, which provides for more precise vehicle control," said Nick Zielinski, GM vehicle chief engineer, Advanced System Integration.
Sequel's lower dominant structure has an inherently stable design with 50:50 front/rear weight distribution and a low center of gravity. Sequel also boasts, in addition to anti-lock brakes and StabiliTrak, a unique, all-wheel-drive traction system with front and rear torque control that further enhances vehicle stability and traction.
A transverse-mounted, three-phase, 60-kW electric motor drives the front wheels, and two, three-phase 25-kW electric wheel hub motors drive the rear wheels, resulting in a total power of 110 kW.
"We have further improved the front traction system torque by 25 percent over the Chevrolet S-10 prototype we showed last year," said Chris Borroni-Bird, director of GM's Design and Technology Fusion Group and program director for Sequel. "By placing an electric hub motor in each rear wheel, there will be a 42-percent increase in torque when the vehicle begins to accelerate. All of that torque is available instantly and really makes Sequel fun to drive."
The rear wheel hub motors and the power inverter module for the front electric motor were developed by GM's Advanced Technology Center in Torrance, Calif.
"Wheel motors are a natural tie-in to all-wheel-drive, and they enable a higher level of traction and anti-skid control, improved steering and enhanced vehicle performance," said Borroni-Bird.
| Contact: Renee McClelland |