I've been studying the published FIA regulations as they relate to some of the questions that have come up in the discussion of this evolving concept. A few things I've noticed:
Per section D2.4.2, it looks like it's not a hybrid by their definition.
I can't find anything disallowing movable aero for category A (automobiles) although there is a specific entry allowing same for "Special" automobiles, apparently meaning rockets and jets, so maybe that implies their prohibition for just plain automobiles. This may be irrelevant, however, because of section D4.2.7, which establishes an Absolute World Wheel Driven Record.
Does anybody know anything for sure about this?
Hi Tortoise,
Thanks for looking these up. It appears supercharged rotary engines vehicles are category A grouped under V and XV sections excluding electricity and solar power sources, and electrical engines under groups (XVIII, XV, VIII, VII). So in our example what is the power plant and what is the source of power relative to these classifications?
Is the IC engine the engine type or generator for the source of power? The wheels are driven by electric motors so should this be considered an electrical engine with an XVII and/or XIV external power source? By FIA definition its not a hybrid as you say tortoise because it has no self-rechargeable energy... no batteries. Because the supercharged rotary engines generate electricity which powers the electric wheel motors it appears this vehicle would most likely be considered and electric powered vehicle under the category A; XIV group.
The classification makes no difference to me as the goal is to claim the unlimited wheel driven record for a 4 wheel vehicle. It might be more reasonable to classify this as a category C vehicle where the IC/Gen/Motor engine is a combination apart from those shown under category A. Your thoughts? Thanks... Terry