2016 GVA Eclipse Concept - AllCarIndex

GVA unveils the Eclipse: A Revolutionary Electric Hyper-car Concept

 - First pictures revealed of the stunning Eclipse Electric Hyper-car from Global Vehicle Architecture (GVA)

- Featuring world-first window concept(patent pending) enabling LMP-type aerodynamics and stratospheric speeds

- Projected performance: maximum speed over 330 km/h; 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds; 0-200 km/h in under 6 seconds

- Full-sized, production-orientated prototype designed, developed and built in-house, in China.

- Created by GVA’s experienced British design team

Beijing, 15June 2016 –Global Vehicle Architecture (GVA), a China-based automotive design company, is sending shockwaves through the auto industry with the unveiling of its revolutionary new Electric Hyper-car Concept – the ECLIPSE.

The car was designed and developed by GVA’s in-house design and engineering team led by British Design Director NarendraKaradia, who’s CV includes senior design roles at Ford, VW and JLR.

The GVA Eclipse boasts projected performance of 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and 0-200km/h in less than 6 seconds with a maximum speed in excess of 330km/h.

These exceptional figures are achieved through a combination of advanced lightweight construction techniques and the latest battery technology – but most importantly – a truly ground-breaking aerodynamic concept!

“We wanted to make a real statement with our first show car. It was not going to be enough to simply put some batteries in a sleek shape and call it a Hyper-car,” said Karadia. “We wanted to find a more efficient way of gaining access to the 200mph club so we decided to take a fresh look at the fundamental hard points of vehicle architecture.”

All cars on the road today have what is commonly known in the automotive industry as a ‘drop-glass’. This describes the position of the side window in its open state and is a modern day requirement for all consumer-based cars that have to comply with access to toll booths, drive through outlets, etc.

The GVA Eclipse adheres to the same requirement but in a completely different way. The window moves in an upward direction and is located in the upper part of the door when in its fully open position.

This has allowed a sleeker and narrower lower body section, never seen before in a road car and a revolutionary aerodynamic solution allowing the airstream to pass on the inside of the front wheel, along the side of the vehicle and then between the body and rear wheel – in principle, similar to the solution adopted by LMP racing cars.

The vehicle is envisioned to be built using ultra lightweight carbon-fibre and powered by four electric motors each linked to an electronically controlled gearbox to produce a total output in excess of 1300 BHP with peak torque of a massive 1750 Nm!

In addition, the concept will adopt the latest lithium-ion battery technology with a proposed capacity of 85KWH to deliver an exceptional range of over 500 km on a full charge, or 300km when charged to 80% – in just 15 minutes!

“The GVA Eclipse is no normal electric hyper-car,” continues Karadia, “and that’s not because of some future battery technology, but because ofour unique aerodynamic design innovation. In fact the concept achieves its performance goals based on current battery and motor technology.”

Full aerodynamic testing has not yet been completed, but the extensive knowledge and expertise of GVA Chief Designer Riaz Sherazee (also British) was drawn upon heavily during the development of the car. It was during his tenure at VW Motorsport Design that he learned his aerodynamic craft, working on cars such as the Beetle RSI, VW formula V and the Le Mans winning Bentley EXP speed 8 LMP of 2004.

“The basic principles are the same; the idea is to reduce the frontal area of the vehicle and ease the passage of the airflow over and through the car,” said Sherazee. “For a regular car travelling at moderate speeds the advantages are negligible, but at over 150mph the laws of aerodynamics play a huge part, and at 200mph plus, any aerodynamic advantage has a massive impact on the amount of power needed to propel the car to hyper speeds.”

The revolutionary window concept became the car’s identity. No other vehicle on the road today has a similar architecture and the GVA Eclipse is therefore a totally unique proposition.

The design adheres to form and technical requirements. Its svelte side section has a unique aesthetic likened to a toned athlete – taught and trim – translating into a new form of body section.

The negative section gives a light aerodynamic visual to the form and you can imagine air passing through the vehicle rather than around it. The concept has two distinctive elements that combine to form a harmonious volume, perfectly blending a mix of soft surfacing and hard, taught sweeps.

The front angular surfaces slice through the air with the precision of a fighter jet, complemented by wraparound glass, which creates a sleek and stealthy profile. Viewed from above, the perfectly elliptical cabin encapsulates the three passengers. 

Interior space requirements have not been compromised, creating an extremely roomy cabin environment – something not normally associated with hyper-cars.

Cameras are used to monitor the exterior giving a full panoramic view of the rear when required and these can also act as side mirrors.The doors themselves open in a scissor-like fashion allowing complete and easy access to the vehicle.

The GVA Eclipse’s cabin is not being revealed at this stage as Patents are currently pending approval but it will be shown early next year featuring a design that takes HMI to a new level.

“We wanted a car that was deliverable and would pass through a vehicle development program and not lose any of its beauty and aesthetic appeal due to inadequate feasibility,” said Karadia“. The GVA Eclipse is very much production orientated and not just a flight of fancy.”