At the SEMA Show earlier this month a new type of super car was shown off, the RMC Scorpion, less than a year since it was displayed as a concept car. The thing that makes this car different to all the others is that it runs on a hydrogen petrol mix. Because it runs on a hydrogen mix then it will have less emissions as well as a better fuel economy that is reported to be around 40 mpg.
Before you start thinking this is going to go nowhere because there are very few hydrogen suppliers around the country so therefore if you get a Scorpion you have to find a way to access a hydrogen supply, well you are partly right because, yes the Scorpion dose need hydrogen but everyone in the country has access to a source of hydrogen, the tap. Another advantage the Scorpion has over other hydrogen based cars is that it stores the hydrogen in a 1.5 gallon tank as water, and then produces the hydrogen as it needs it, meaning if you run out all you have to do is find a tap and fill the tank up again. Other than the connivance of the tank this also means the hydrogen is a lot safer since it is not pressurised or in its raw form that is highly combustible.
Just because it’s good for the environment and fuel efficiency doesn’t mean that it has sluggish performance with top speeds and acceleration that match the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano.
As well as the insides of the car being nice, I think the outside is also very nice with the bonnet lower than the wheel arches and the large air intake scoops on each side and Scissor doors just top the look off.
The RMC are already taking orders for the Scorpion that has a price tag of £95,000 ($140,500) for the standard version and £160,000 (around $237,000) for the HX version but with only 200 being made for next year.
Although this car is not going to be on my Christmas list this year I think that the hydrogen fuel system that is going to be produced as an aftermarket system as ‘H2GO’ may be considered if the petrol prices rise again. H2GO shall be sold for around £600 ($900) and they say you will get a 25 per cent improved fuel economy.
This report was compiled by Christopher Walker on behalf of Find-a-Part - Car Parts Search specialists since 1978.
