Silverstone-based Delta Motorsport has launched its autonomous-capable electric vehicle test best known as the Delta S2 flexible vehicle platform.
It is an aluminium skateboard-style chassis engineered to allow for complete flexibility in vehicle length, width, ride height and wheelbase. Its brain is Delta’s highly flexible platform master controller (PMC) which enables rapid and low-risk development of new vehicle configurations.
Delta’s PMC accommodates an almost infinite range of drive, steering and braking system configurations, also taking control of interfaces with the battery system, charger and all other ancillary high voltage components. Integrated within the PMC is Delta’s vehicle dynamics control capability, which offers benefits from simple traction control right up to electronic stability programme (ESP) capability.
“Many companies are developing the artificial intelligence required for autonomous vehicles, but they do not necessarily have a vehicle capable of delivering their vision,” said Simon Dowson, managing director of Delta. “The flexibility of the S2 chassis and the integration of the platform master controller allows the delivery of multiple configurations quickly and at low cost.”
“Its low weight, compact size and near-zero-emissions make it ideal for use as an automotive range extender,” added Nick Carpenter, engineering director. “Even using gasoline as a fuel, the optimised operation point and catalytic reaction give competitive efficiency with near-zero NOx, CO and particulates.” Delta can also develop its catalytic generator system to suit a wide range of fuels from diesel to hydrogen. It’s simple to integrate and by using parts familiar to the existing automotive supply chain enables low cost at high volume.
