The Nissan DeltaWing hit the racing circuit in 2012 as a collaboration between Nissan->ke62 and DeltaWing Technologies. Since then, the two companies have had a falling out of sorts, leaving the latter to continue developing the car on its own. For 2014, DeltaWing Technologies Inc.->ke4582 has answered questions on what the DeltaWing race car would look like if the company chose to turn into a street-legal, four-passenger car.

Don't be fooled by how the rendering looks because while it doesn't fit into conventional styling, the design has a lot of purpose behind it.

According to the company, the street-legal DeltaWing still possesses that unique and innovative shape because of the continued focus on a design that's light and more fuel efficient. DeltaWing made use of lightweight steel, aluminum, and advanced composite materials to drive home this point. This style that allows the car to be as economical as possible without compromising its performance levels.

The most unique design feature of the DeltaWing is its front end, specifically the narrow track and thinner tires. It's not what you'd expect for a car these days, but the rationale behind it also played a big part in the decision to put the engine in the back, creating a rear-focused weight imbalance that not only increases the car's efficiency, but also reduces rolling resistance. The end result is a prototype that should handle remarkably well, with particular importance being placed on its agility and functionality.

DeltaWing Technologies has a simple objective in creating this rendering. It wants to showcase that horsepower isn't the be-all-end-all of performance. Design, technology, and efficient use of lightweight materials are all equally important elements in formulating a high-performance equation.

But don't go thinking that the DeltaWing would be slow, as the manufacturer is shooting for a six-second 0-to-60-mph time and a top speed of 130 mph, all while delivering up to 70 mpg. Sure, those aren't supercar number, but they are enough to compete with today's smaller sports cars, like the MX-5 Miata->ke1185 and FR-S->ke3820.

The company also has big plans for the prototype, the most important of which is to find a suitable mass-market automaker that can take what DeltaWing Technologies has created and bring it to the next level as a true street-legal sports car->ke506 of the future intended for a global audience.

Click past the jump to read more about the DeltaWing race car.

2014 DeltaWing Street-Legal Prototype

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 DeltaWing Street-Legal Prototype
  • Engine/Motor: inline-3
  • Horsepower: 85
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Why It Matters

Stronger emphasis being placed on fuel efficiency has forced a lot of automakers to re-evaluate their model lineups. With this kind of unique design, DeltaWing is hoping that a company can see the massive potential of the prototype and hopefully, set into motion a move to bring this rendering to life. Big stakes for all parties involved.

DeltaWing race car

The Nissan DeltaWing burst into the scene a few years ago as a collaboration between Nissan->ke62 and DeltaWing Technologies. Since then, the two companies have had a falling out of sorts, leaving the latter to continue developing the car on its own.

To this day, the DeltaWing still features one of the oddest-shaped bodies in racing history. The long and thin front nose and the wing-like back end have earned the car a lot of second and third looks. there is, however, a real technical explanation behind its odd shape, keeping the aerodynamic drag to a minimum.

The DeltaWing, particularly the tub and body panels, is made of a carbon composite and its chassis is an FIA-homologated, carbon-fiber monocoque. This construction helps keep the car's weight to a svelte 475 kg (1,047 pounds), which means it's ridiculously light when empty.