Standing out among the carbon fiber and large wheels at SEMA was the debut of the Ronn Motors Scorpion hydrogen-powered supercar. Built in Texas, this hydrogen vehicle isn't a fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor. Instead, the Scorpion features a modified 3.5-liter Acura V6 that has hydrogen injected into it. Where does the hydrogen come from? Using a process similar to electrolysis, water is zapped with electricity in order to create a hydrogen gas that is then pumped into the engine. When the hydrogen is added to the V6, the claim is that the car will achieve 20-40% better fuel economy with lower emissions.
The company is taking deposits for the regular version of the Scorpion (just $150,000), which offers 450 HP from the twin-turbocharged V6, and the much greener Scorpion HX ($250,000), which should be good for 600 HP and includes all manner of luxuries. We've heard of this technology before, though we remain skeptical until we see hard scientific proof. Video of the car and a press release below. Click to view
Scorpion Ronn Motor Company @ SEMA 2008
Ronn Motor Company Partners With duPont Registry to Debut Eco-Exotic ScorpionTM Supercar at SEMA Debuting November 4th, Austin-Based Auto Company Revolutionizes Supercar Category at Show Famous for Debuting Groundbreaking Technology AUSTIN, TX—(Marketwire) - Ronn Motor Company, Inc. (RMC) (PINKSHEETS: RNNM) is proud to announce the highly anticipated introduction of the world's first eco-exotic supercar with the Scorpion™ making its world debut at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, November 4th - 7th. The first supercar of its kind to ever be created, the Scorpion™ is set to be unveiled at a show famously known for displaying the very best in groundbreaking automotive products and new technology. On the eve of the world premiere, the gasoline-hydrogen hybrid has caught the attention of a wide gamut of enthusiasts, ranging from exotic car fans to green fuel aficionados, including renowned authority in luxury, duPont Registry, which will be honoring the eco-exotic at its own SEMA booth with its esteemed Publisher's Choice award. "One of the missions of the duPont Registry is to bring our readers the very best in automotive luxury and to make sure they are aware of new, unique cars such as the Scorpion™ from Ronn Motor Company," said Thomas duPont, Founder and Publisher of the duPont Registry. "We are extremely proud to have the Scorpion™ with us at SEMA and think this wonderful car aptly addresses several issues the world faces today while simultaneously delivering a beautifully designed, astoundingly high performing exotic." Designed by RMC and engineered by acclaimed design firm, MetalCrafters, with a flowing, sensually lined low slung body; the $150,000 (U.S.) twin-turbo 450-horsepower Scorpion™ supercar features the latest in green fuel technology through its proprietary H2Go™ Hydrogen On-Demand system. With an aesthetically pleasing look joined with supercar performance and environmentally friendly technology, Ronn Motors is set to create a new breed of high-performance exotic automobiles made for enthusiasts looking for an exotic without compromise. "Ronn Motor Company is proud to announce that the world introduction of our Scorpion™ eco-exotic will take place at such a celebrated automobile event like SEMA," commented President and Chief Operating Officer Ronn Maxwell. "The SEMA show presents the perfect platform for us, and we couldn't be more excited for the Scorpion™ to be introduced there at the duPont Registry booth. Our hope with the Scorpion™ is to implement a paradigm shift not only in how the industry looks at supercars, but at cars in general." The Scorpion™ will be displayed at the duPont Registry booth at the SEMA show, where Publisher Tom duPont will personally unveil the supercar to an enthusiastic gathering of leading automobile publications and members of the media as well as car aficionados. As recipient of the duPont Registry: A Buyers Gallery of Fine Automobiles® Publisher's Choice Award, the Scorpion™ was judged by the magazine as embodying forward-thinking technology and styling as acknowledged by Founder and Publisher Tom duPont. The Scorpion™ supercar will be limited to 200 production units, retailing for $150,000 (U.S.). Deliveries of the vehicles are slated for the first quarter of 2009.