Will This Tesla Concept Win Le Mans in 2030?

Is it even a car?

April 27, 2017 9:00 am

Sports predictions for the year 2030:

  1. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will lead the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl victory.
  2. The Warriors and Cavaliers will face off in the NBA Finals for the 16th straight year.
  3. And this all-electric Tesla concept will take the checkered flag at 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Developed by a team of students for the 2017 Michelin Design Challenge, the Tesla T1 concept has an e-motor with 335 horses as well as a pair of 3D-printed tires made from magnesium, titanium, tungsten and graphene at each corner. It sounds too good to be true, but the engine-tire combo produces an estimated 1,770 pound-feet of torque, which would translate to a top speed of 255 MPH.

Further boosting the concept car’s performance: an innovative turbine system that harnesses air flowing through the car while it’s in motion, giving it a vast supply of wind-generated energy.

Tesla Concept (4 images)

As if all that tech isn’t enough to ensure a win at Le Mans, the 2,000 pound car would pack a “Dynamic Axis System” that allows turning from the center of both axles for superior cornering.

The developers have 17 years to make this jalopy a reality.

Wish them luck.

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