Hypercars with Reduced Carbon Emissions?
This page is translated from the original post "Des Hypercars à émissions carbones réduites ?" in French.
- 31/08/2023 11:53
The Italian manufacturer Pagani bets on revolutionary hybrid bearings and announces an expanded partnership with SKF.
As the European Sustainable Development Week, taking place from September 18 to October 8, 2023, approaches, it is no surprise to see manufacturers unveiling numerous ambitious plans and renewing their commitments to eco-responsibility. When this comes from a manufacturer known for its diabolical hypercars developing nearly 1000 hp, it’s even more surprising.
For 25 years, since the debut of the brand’s first creation, the C12, Pagani has relied on SKF to equip its vehicles, particularly with joints, lubrication management devices, and bearings. These components are highlighted in a joint statement as a credible development axis for reducing carbon emissions. On paper, less resistance from friction equates to a lower energy requirement to produce motion. In this case, more efficient bearings, more resistant to wear, and exhibiting a reduced coefficient of friction of 5 to 8% according to tests carried out by SKF, should help lower the energy consumption of these Italian sports cars. They feature rolling elements made of silicon nitride, a material with hardness, compression resistance, and elastic modulus superior to standard steel, as well as polymer cages and ceramic balls, which weigh 126 grams less per wheel compared to steel balls.
The initiative is commendable, but considering the case of the Utopia, the latest model from Horacio Pagani’s workshops, the 864 hp produced by the Mercedes-origin biTurbo V12 may require a bit more effort to achieve a reasonable carbon footprint. However, it’s worth noting that with a dry weight of 1280 kg, the beautiful Italian supercar already adopts a lightweight approach to contain its fuel appetite, and the mass reduction in motion proposed by SKF follows this virtuous path.
There remains the positive impact in terms of safety and sustainable development of such innovations, which make SKF’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 more realistic. For Pagani, we’ll see later.
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