“I bet if you’re part of the PlayStation generation, you’ll be able to drive this thing straight away, on level 10, probably” - James May
Hy-wire is a descendant of the GM Autonomy released at the 2002 North American International Autoshow. The Autonomy is a car which combines a hydrogen fuel cell with drive by wire technology. These technologies in combination allow all the mechanicals of the car to reside as a separate component to the body and passenger space. The absence of a direct connection between the steering & pedals is possible with by-wire technology. Instead of mechanical connections to the chassis, the driver input is sent straight to a computer which then actuates the necessary component. With this setup, there are no restraints in when designing the interior space as connections from the controls to the chassis are not made.
A single docking port provides the electrical connection between the chassis and body. There are 10 pick-up points where the body mounts the chassis. Such few attachments provide maximum flexibility when designing a body. The Hy-Wire is placed atop the same chassis as the one found on the Autonomy. With such a flexible chassis, GM was able to create the Hy-Wire in only eight months. GM’s skateboard chassis contains its control and propulsion systems in an 11 inch ‘skateboard’. Having such a small chassis, allows GM to maximize interior space.
The body used in the Hy-Wire accentuates what is possible with GM’s skateboard chassis. The driver has an unobstructed view of the road ahead with no engine to see over. Essentially, the diver has an view from floor to ceiling. Driving the skateboard chassis, is an electric engine. It is mounted transversly at the front of the chassis. Electric power is created by fuel cells at the rear of the car. These cells draw Hydrogen from tanks located securely in the center of the car. They convert the hydrogen to electricity, then send the power to the electric engine. The hydrogen tanks themselves are made from composite materials. Three of these units are used in the chassis and have a total weight of 75 kilos (165 pounds). They store gaseous hydrogen at a pressure of 350 bars (5000 pounds per square inch).
(source: Car and Driver)
CC2 Stats
Tier: 1
Token: 3
Price Range: 5B
Exclusivity: Group
Replacement for: Limac Town Stretch
Scrap limit: 4000
Press-Q-feature: Switchable driving position
