In an unusual partnership, celebrity chat show host Jay Leno has created an eco-friendly 'Supercar' with General Motors. Called EcoJet, the ultra-light two-seater concept was launched at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, and uses a Honeywell LT-101 jet engine which runs on bio-diesel fuel.

Leno came up with the concept himself before asking GM's global design director Ed Welburn, if he would further develop the concept. Later, Frank Saucedo, head of GM's advanced West Coast design studio, came up with further sketches before the clay was built. The eventual design is said to be heavily influenced by the turbine-powered Firebird concept vehicle that highlighted GM's Autorama displays back in the 1960s.

EcoJet's 650-horsepower engine sits in a modified Corvette Z06 hydro-formed aluminium frame with aluminium and magnesium structural and chassis components. The vehicle's shell is an advanced construction of carbon fiber over Kevlar with Lexan glazing.

Source: cardesignnews