Chinese Supercar With Turbines Might Actually Head to Production

The final production design of the Techrules Ren RS has debuted ahead of the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

We’re a bit skeptical of all the obscure supercar concepts that debut year after year at various auto shows, especially when they come from companies that are just a one or two old. But it might be time to start taking China’s Techrules seriously after making multiple appearances in Geneva.

The Chinese automotive R&D company first showed off its Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) system at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, with the GT96 and AT96 concept cars. Then last year, it presented the Ren supercar that was designed by Fabrizio and Giorgetto Giugiaro of GFG Style. Now, the production Ren RS is making an appearance in Geneva as a track-only supercar with a carbon fiber monocoque chassis designed by L.M. Gianetti of Turin, a revered motorist specialist.

SEE ALSO: This Chinese Electric Supercar Has Turbines and 1,287 HP

The company says the Techrules Ren RS will be available with two configurations: one with 858 horsepower and 1,150 pound-feet of torque and another with 1,287 hp and 1,725 lb-ft of torque. Both configurations feature liquid-cooled electric motors provided by YASA in the U.K., with the four-motor setup driving all four wheels, while the six-motor setup has two motors for each rear wheel, and one for each front. Customers can also choose from either a centrally-mounted 30 kW turbine, or a high-power density setup with two 80 kW turbines, which are positioned either side to the rear of the concept.

All said and done, the more powerful version is capable of hitting 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in three seconds flat, on its way to a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

To help make this all a reality, Techrules has established an R&D center in Beijing and is currently working to establish key partnerships with several global automotive and non-automotive companies to further develop its turbine technology. It has already entered a Memorandum of Understanding with CRRC, the world’s largest supplier of rail transit equipment. The two companies will jointly further develop the TREV technology, with CRRC using the tech in its environmentally-friendly Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit transportation system.

“The unique modular design of the Ren chassis and powertrain has enabled us to create a perfectly engineered high-performance track car and demonstrate our TREV technology in the most efficient way,” said William Jin, founder and CEO of Techrules. “We are working hard to grow our global capabilities in engineering and manufacturing and will soon reveal major joint ventures that will enable us to further develop our innovative technology for a wide range of commercial mobility and industrial applications.”

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