Touge Spyder: The Electric Hillclimb RacerUnleashing the Emotive Possibilities of Electric Motoring
Touge Spyder builds upon the natural advantages of an electric powertrain. Electric motors have a much higher specific torque than petrol engines for breathtaking acceleration. They can generate and store energy when braking and actively vector torque to assist cornering, granting agility far beyond that of a traditional combustion-driven car. These positive attributes have been utilized to create a car that is highly specialized for its environment. The apex predator of serpentine tarmac.
The romance of the car has always revolved around the freedom to transcend the natural limits of human movement. Touge Spyder is an electric racing concept designed for touge racing, sprinting up steep Japanese mountain passes. This project explores the divergent evolution of future vehicles. One path optimized for efficiency and sustainability, the other for raw thrills. Touge Spyder addresses the latter route, it is an exploration of the emotive, visceral possibilities of electric motoring.
The chassis of the Touge Spyder is woven entirely from carbon fiber on a rotary loom, a unique manufacturing technique that allows for incredibly strong and lightweight non-contiguous longitudinal elements. The subframes, on the other hand, are 3D printed from titanium using electron beam fusion. This advanced technology enables the fabrication of complex geometries without relying on costly jig manufacturing.
Under the hood, the Touge Spyder boasts an 80kW Emrax 208 motor driving each wheel, delivering a combined power output of 320kW and an astonishing 1800 Nm of torque. Electricity is supplied by four packs of 655 LG He4 cells, providing 470v to the motors. With a mass of 320kg, this electric hillclimb racer can accelerate from 0-100kph in a mind-boggling 1.6 seconds.
Touge Grand Prix is the concept racing series that Touge Spyder was designed for. It allows people to race in the forests and mountains of Japan while maintaining deference for their purity. This all-electric racing series embraces speed and excitement without the fumes and noise, making use of drones to capture the action while minimizing the impact on the environment.
The Touge Spyder project started in April 2018 in Tokyo and has been in development ever since. It draws inspiration from the European motorsport culture of Bergrennen and pays visual homage to the lightweight Porsche 909 Bergspyder and the Honda RA272, the first Japanese car to win an F1 Grand Prix.
With its cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art engineering, Touge Spyder represents the future of sustainable racing. It pushes the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve, proving that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand. This electrifying concept car is a testament to the emotive possibilities of electric motoring, solidifying its position as the apex predator of serpentine tarmac.
Image Credits: Designer Moses Rowen, Touge Spyder 1-5, 2022
Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to Moses Rowen, 2022
Awards and Accolades: This Design was awarded Iron in A' Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design Award in 2022. The Iron A' Design Award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, they provide fulfillment and positive feelings, contributing to a better world.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: Moses Rowen
Image Credits: Image #1: Designer Moses Rowen, Touge Spyder 1, 2022
Image #2: Designer Moses Rowen, Touge Spyder 2, 2022
Image #3: Designer Moses Rowen, Touge Spyder 3, 2022
Image #4: Designer Moses Rowen, Touge Spyder 4, 2022
Image #5: Designer Moses Rowen, Touge Spyder 5, 2022
Project Team Members: Moses Rowen
Project Name: Touge Spyder
Project Client: Moses Rowen