General Motors today introduced a new concept vehicle called the EcoJet — a turbine-powered supercar that runs on bio-diesel and puts out 650 horsepower. “EcoJet’s esthetics were driven by aeronautical and jet-age influences,” said Welburn. “It’s a purpose-driven design that conveys power, capability and even danger, with a hint of Cadillac ’s sophisticated design vocabulary.”
EcoJet’s genesis goes back to a discussion between “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, an avid car enthusiast and collector, and Bernard Juchli, the chief mechanic and caretaker of Leno’s collection. Leno then turned to Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design, for design direction.
The car — on display at SEMA this week — is powered by a Honeywell LT-101 turbine engine that runs on bio-diesel fuel. The engine sits in a modified Corvette Z06 hydroformed aluminum frame with aluminum and magnesium structural and chassis components. The vehicle’s shell is an advanced construction of carbon fiber over Kevlar.
