Hybrid HSV being considered

Holden’s fast-car division is studying the same type of hybrid technology used in Formula One – for possible use in road and race cars. 

Holden Special Vehicles – which also runs the Holden Racing Team in the V8 Supercar category – is working on an “energy recovery system” for a one make racing series in India.

But the technology could be adapted to a limited run of road cars, the company says. “We know how to adapt [the KERS system] with race cars and the technology could be adapted to road cars,” says HSV managing director Phil Harding.

“It’s early days but we are investigating it for our road cars. If it meets our quality, reliability and performance standards, it’s the type of thing we would consider.”

The kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) gathers and stores energy when a car is braking, but then provides a brief power boost when accelerating. In Formula One, KERS is most commonly used for overtaking; drivers push a button for a six-second power boost. The system usually takes a lap or two to recharge.

In road cars it could be used to boost acceleration, either from a standing start or on the move. The KERS device HSV is looking at is about the same size as a large can of fly spray and is fitted to the rear axles of the car.

HSV says it is only experimenting with the technology for the race car export program to India – but if successful, the system could be used on road vehicles. HSV will ship the first of two race cars to India next week, the first of up to 30 to be used in a one-make racing series there.

“We have identified an untapped market for the design, development and engineering of race-spec cars for the Indian market,” says Harding.

“There is an affluent business community in India which is passionate about high performance cars and the potential to race them.” HSV exported 25 cars to the Middle East in 2005 for a one-make racing series there.