Title: Jet Plane on Wheels: The History of the Chrysler Turbine Car Program Source:
Ed's Auto Reviews URL Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4QVMYPy5co Published:Feb 1, 2023 Author:Ed's Auto Reviews Post Date:2023-02-01 18:19:39 by Esso Keywords:None Views:582 Comments:22
I saw a clip like this before, maybe even this one. Interesting and perhaps sad. Seems like if enough engineering was put into turbines they could have become a mainstay and even beat out pistons. Reminds me of VHS vs Beta. Beta was better quality but VHS beat them out simply due to marketing or what not. Goes to show that the best product doesn't always win.
The problem with the Chrysler Turbine was that it was direct drive, the main turbine shaft was mechanically geared to the driveshaft, like a conventional ICE. That resulted in horrible fuel efficiency, about 10mpg, and they weren't especially fast.
A turbine powered car was run in Indy500 in 1968, it ran the race without refueling but crashed 8 miles shy of the requisite 500. Turbines are only efficient running at very high rpm, they have a sweet spot.
Union Pacific had some turbine electric locomotives in the 50's, they were great for long distance high speed runs, but were very costly to maintain, something I think could have been overcome by bringing in some more experienced jet engine experts. If I recall, they just sort of slapped some leftover WWII crap together, typical of GE.
I think a hybrid using very small turbine to spin an alternator(/or DC generator, whatever), would be ideal.
Jones qualified the car at Indianapolis in sixth place at 166.075 mph (267.272 km/h). At the start of the race, he quickly took the lead and rarely relinquished it. However, with just 8 miles (13 km) left to go, he coasted into the pits with a transmission bearing failure.
...
The engine drove a Ferguson four-wheel drive system, which transmitted the power to the wheels. A torque converter eliminated the need for a clutch pedal and gearshift. The engine idled at 54% of full throttle, which meant that the driver didn't even have to press the accelerator pedal to pull away; all he had to do was ease his foot off the brake pedal.
I am going to guess Chrysler, since they did the powertrain for the Jensen FF (Fergeson Formula) and had the experience with turbines, but I could be way off.
Although I did hear a story once about Chrysler offering to buy out Mattel,but Mattel's board of directors refused the offer, citing their concerns about maintaining quality control.
