Project 1221 has opted to develop in-house its own gas turbine engine technology and is due to introduce to the market a novel engine configuration with Vaneless Counter-Rotating Turbine, particularly for the 800 shp - 1,200 shp class (turboshaft and turboprop versions). All engine versions - turboshaft, turboprop and turbofan (above) - present comparatively lower weight and smaller overall dimensions, a lower number of complicated and expensive components, a longer service life, lower service costs, greater reliability and increased capability to maintain constant power.

During the last few years that we have been pursuing the goal to create and to market a turbine road car - reads a press release just issued by Project 1221 - we have had the opportunity to assess for ourselves the objective facts as well as the "myths", the "legends" and the "conspiracy" theories that are linked with the so far failed application of the gas turbine engine in automotive production.

Be what it may, we eventually came to the conclusion that unless we produced our own Project 1221 gas turbine technology we would not succeed in our endeavour. So, that is exactly what we did, although it definitely was not in our original intentions to "complicate" our lives to such an extent.

Indeed, we joined forces with some of the brightest minds in the industry and given that we started from scratch, approximately twenty months ago, we sensibly took as well into account the option of integrating gas turbine technology with hybrid/electric technology.

The result is an innovative line of extremely light and compact powerplants that are suitable for multiple applications and combine typical gas turbine performance, reliability and multi-fuel capability with zero-emission and plug-in capability, if so desired. What is more, it is our intention not just to adopt these powerplants ourselves but to commercialize them as well, as soon as possible. At the same time we thoroughly developed a versatile chassis concept, which integrates composite elements to an aluminium space-frame, with non-structural body panels.

Gas Turbines Engines

Project 1221 has opted to develop in-house its own gas turbine engine technology and is due to introduce to the market a novel engine configuration with Vaneless Counter-Rotating Turbine, particularly for the 800 shp - 1,200 shp class (turboshaft and turboprop versions). The novel design of the engine allows in particular the variation of the engine cycle through the variation of the RPM of the power turbine.

The ability to regulate the cycle of the engine provides increased capability and a series of advantages in comparison with analogous engines, because it allows to establish an optimum combination of cycle parameters for a variety of engine operating conditions. Notably, the Project 1221 automotive/marine turboshaft gas turbine engine has the unique capability to deliver the same performance as a conventional gas turbine engine of 50% larger capacity, while employing a transmission of 80% smaller capacity. Thanks to a double power take-off, our automotive/marine turboshaft can be combined at the same time with a conventional gearbox as well as with an electric generator/motor or air turbine, offering great flexibility (hybrid and zero-emission capability) and the opportunity to pursue different applications, with exceptional cost and weight reductions.

SPECIFICATION: Power: 800 shp (nominal) - 1,200 shp (maximum); Torque (maximum): 1,431 Nm; RPM of output shaft: 8,000; RPM of compressor turbine: 41,000; RPM of power turbine: 26,300; Dimensions: width 390 mm, height 390mm, length 800 mm; Weight: 110kg

Indeed, all engine versions (turboshaft, turboprop and turbofan) present comparatively lower weight and smaller overall dimensions, a lower number of complicated and expensive components, a longer service life, lower service costs, greater reliability and increased capability to maintain constant power. Besides adopting these powerplants ourselves for our own upcoming vehicles, craft and aircraft, it is our intention to commercialize them as well, as soon as possible.