Connaught Type-D Coupe V-10 Hybrid

Rodney Clarke, the driving force behind short-lived British racing constructor Connaught back in the 1950s, must be spinning in his grave.

A talented designer whose Continental Automobiles garage became the foundation for the racing factory and inspiration for the Connaught name (a sort of amalgam of continental and automobiles), Clarke saw Connaught field some marginally successful Formula Two and One entries but never quite achieve Grand Prix contender status. Today that name is largely unknown outside of vintage racing circles. Now, thanks to Tim Bishop and Tony Martindale, two former Jaguar engineers and the founders of the new Connaught Motor Company, the name is back on the automotive scene in a way that no one, least of all Rodney Clarke, would have expected.

The Connaught Type-D coupe mates a 2.1-liter, narrow angle V-10 engine with an electric motor in a configuration similar to Honda’s hybrid approach. The starter-generator motor kills the engine when the vehicle is at rest, provides boost under acceleration, and captures energy during deceleration. The Type-D driver can select sport mode to maximize boost power, economy mode to optimize regenerative braking, or normal mode to strike a balance between the two. The high-torque characteristics of the electric motor provide a flat combined torque curve of 144 lbs-ft from 1000 to 6000 rpm, with a power peak of 162 hp. 

The car’s extremely low 1650 pound weight target – owing to a structure of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber – has the potential to turn this rather mundane output into truly remarkable performance. Connaught expects a 0-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds and a 140 mph top speed, putting its Type-D well within sports car territory. However, in terms of fuel economy, the Type-D carves out a class of its own. The expected fuel consumption of 42 mpg, good for a range of 600 miles on an 18.5 gallon tankful of gas, simply is unheard of in the sports car segment.

Short overhangs, a stylish notchback shape, and a scowling front fascia give the Type-D an unashamedly sporty appearance. Near equal front-to-rear weight distribution, wishbone suspension at all four corners, and a stiff structure ensure that handling follows suit. But all of this could be for naught if the Type-D fails to move beyond the concept stage. Even with financial backing from the Energy Saving Trust and a production plan that subcontracts manufacturing to an outside firm, by the time the car is slated for production in May 2006 the total cost is estimated at some $120 million, which will require substantial further investment.

Connaught is hoping buyers will pay about $65,000 for the Type-D’s discreet mix of sports car performance and high efficiency. If the company sticks to its schedule, it may very well be the first hybrid sports car to market.