he Dubai motor show was the setting for the global unveiling of what looks to be the world’s

first hybrid supercar – the US-built Kepler Motion. Engineered for optimum acceleration, the Motion has a unique layout, with a mid-engined 542bhp Ford V6 powering the rear wheels and a 247bhp electric motor in the nose to power the front wheels.

Designed by a group of hand-picked engineers, aerodynamicists and manufacturing specialists, the Motion features active suspension and aerodynamics, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle, while a carbon fibre composite makes up the monocoque chassis and body to keep the weight down to under a tonne.

In its current form, the car is just a rolling concept – only aerodynamic, powertrain and

Tconsumption simulations having been carried out so far – but the first running prototype should appear in six months.

‘The goal is to be quicker from 0-100kph than the Bugatti Veyron and to reach 300kph+ top speed,’ says Neil Hannemann, the Motion’s Project Manager, as he explains the car’s appeal at what is probably the show’s smallest stand, ironically positioned between the

Mercedes SLS and Ferrari stands. ‘We’re aiming at Koenigsegg and Pagani, and even the Veyron,’ he adds. It’s a bold target to say the least. But then again, at a price of $1.5m, you expect it to be special. Explaining the reasons behind the independent powertrains system, Hannemann says that separating the driven wheels gives better weight distribution and allows for more flexibility. ‘The Lithium-ion

cells weigh only 100lbs [45kg], which is less than if you add a drivetrain for the front wheels as in a typical all-wheel drive system.’

The 3.5-litre twin-turbo Ford EcoBoost unit was chosen for its compact size, lightness and efficiency. Hannemann isn’t willing to divulge on who will be in charge of engine development, only commenting that ‘it’ll be a well-known company - it’ll be interesting’.

Despite the efficiency connotations associated with hybrids, Kepler’s aim with an electric powertrain isn’t to save fuel (which is why he prefers you use the word ‘dual-power’). ‘You’ll be able to drive it for better fuel economy or in electric mode only,’ says Hannemann. ‘But that’s not the goal – it’s just the result. The goal is for performance.’ And if you’re wondering what kind of performance, think 0-100kph in 2.5sec. Most of the time, power

KEPLER'S 789BHP HYBRIDELECTRIC POWER WILL BE USED FOR PERFORMANCE, NOT FUEL ECONOMY

PLANET evo

DUBAI SHOWPLANET evo

DUBAI SHOWPLANET evo

DUBAI SHOWPLANET evo

DUBAI SHOWPLANET evo

DUBAI SHOW

Above: electric motor for the front, Ford V6 for the rear; the two work independently

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will come from the petrol engine, with the electric motor stepping in when the car senses the driver needs more power.

As for the electric power, it’ll be recuperated through regenerative braking, or from a pluggable cable linking to a mains socket.

Apart from the show mirrors and a few details at the rear, which will be modified post-aero work, the design will remain identical. The interior consists solely of a steering wheel right now, but Hannemann says the cabin will be designed with driver focus in mind. There’ll also be different driving

modes available, with various ride and comfort settings through the rocker-actuated coil-over-dampers.

As with other hopefuls, Kepler Motors could be another supercar maker to whom the lure of limited edition performance car glory will be too much to resist, but Hannemann does have an impressive CV when it comes to low volume performance cars. Before arriving at Kepler, he worked at McLaren for three years, designing the upcoming MP4-12C, and even drawing up an early electric version of the sportscar. Previously to that, he

was engineering director on the Ford GT, chief engineer for the Saleen S7, and during the ’90s, he worked on Chrysler’s Viper racing programme, which became a success in GT championships and in Le Mans.

As for the origins of the Kepler moniker, it comes from the company founder’s love of astronomy. Russ Wicks, an American water and land speed record holder, chose to use the name of the 17th century German astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler. Kepler is best known for his laws of planetary

motion, which is where the title came from.

Only 50 hand-built Motions will be produced at a rate of two to three cars a month in the company’s base in California, and deliveries should start in 2011.

With limited-run supercars popping up left, right and centre, Kepler Motors is trying to appeal to an already crowded market. Still, it looks like by the end of next year hybrid power will be all the rage. And if Kepler’s private backing holds out, the Motion may yet beat the bigger manufacturers to the hybrid supercar crown.

Opposite page: the Motion’s design is a collaborative effort within the Kepler team; apart from the mirrors, the shape will remain unchanged. Left: Mohammed Ben Sulayem takes an interest in the hybrid supercar. Above right: the men behind the project - founder Russ Wicks (right) and Program Manager Neil Hannemann

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