Revolutionizing the Road: THK’s LSR-05 Prototype Unveils In-Wheel Motors, Advanced Electric Brakes, and Four-Wheel Steering at Paris Auto Show

At the 2024 Paris auto show, a Japanese firm known for its expertise in components that facilitate straight-line movement with rolling interaction unveiled a prototype electric vehicle. This prototype features innovative in-wheel motors, electric braking systems, and the capability for steering all four wheels.

The firm in question is THK, which has developed a prototype labeled LSR-05 that incorporates proprietary technology across various components, including the electric motor, charging infrastructure, suspension system, and seating.

The initial design of the LSR-05 was unveiled at the Tokyo auto show in 2023. However, the model exhibited in Paris is a further developed prototype that incorporates components which might be used in the final product.

Key features consist of chairs that occupy less room for mounting on the car's base than traditional seats, while still offering a high level of flexibility due to what TKH calls a unique actuator. This conserves space within the vehicle, leading to enhanced arrangement options.

Prototype model THK LSR-05

The prototype incorporates THK's in-wheel electric motors, with each of the two rear wheels equipped with a 125 hp motor. These are complemented by a standard electric motor powering the front axle with a capacity of 295 hp. The in-wheel motors are integrated with a system for steering the rear wheels and utilize a variable magnetic flux system featuring THK's robust ball screw technology. This setup echoes the one found in Dongfeng's Fengshen E70, which the Chinese car manufacturer claims to be the first passenger car globally to utilize in-wheel motors.

THK has introduced several advanced features such as a dynamic suspension setup utilizing magnetic shocks, an electronic braking mechanism, and a wireless charging solution. This innovative charging method operates through a power-transmitting unit implanted in the pavement paired with a power-receiving unit within the automobile. The company claims that reducing the car's clearance through the suspension technology enhances the charging process, allowing for a more compact and less heavy power receiver design.

Prototype Model LSR-05 by THK

The LSR-05's design was the handiwork of SN DESIGN PLATFORM, a design firm located in Tokyo under the leadership of Shiro Nakamura, ex-design director at Nissan. Devotees of Nissan will be familiar with Nakamura's work, including the initial design of the Leaf EV and the ongoing GT-R sports car project. During his tenure as the chief of creative teams for Nissan and Infiniti from 1999 to 2017, he was instrumental in shaping the design direction for numerous models from both brands.

The LSR-05 is not the sole electric vehicle (EV) conceived by Nakamura and his colleagues at SN DESIGN PLATFORM recently. Just last year, they unveiled the EV Sport 01, an electric sports car prototype intended to display the electric motors from the Japanese tech firm AIM. AIM has expressed intentions to explore commercial prospects for the EV Sport 01, but no such announcement has come from THK regarding the LSR-05. However, THK has declared they are developing a more sophisticated EV model, the LSR-07.

Labels:

Participate:

Spread the Word:

Reach Out to the Editor:

Stay Updated with Us:

Subscribe to the Green Car Reports Newsletter

Register to receive daily updates on the newest eco-friendly vehicles and environmental reports right in your email!

I consent to getting emails from Green Car Reports. I acknowledge that I have the option to opt-out at any moment. Privacy Policy.

The renowned name of the Honda Prelude could make a comeback in the American market, although it's possible that it won't come with a manual gearbox option.

The Cooper EV and the upcoming Aceman will feature an electric version of the JCW power enhancement.

Owners are instructed to keep charging under 80% for cars at risk of battery short circuiting until a solution is available in 2025.

The unexpected exit of a prominent smart home EV charger manufacturer from the U.S. market has left users questioning the functionality of their devices.

Owners of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid may encounter a problem with their car's braking system.

Audi has enhanced the Q6 E-Tron with a Sportback version, featuring a sleeker roofline and a more athletic appearance.

Kia has infused contemporary flair into its legacy, drawing inspiration from its hatchback beginnings as a car manufacturer during the 1980s and 1990s.

An autonomous vehicle, often termed as a robotaxi, is not currently available on the market. However, various car manufacturers and transportation firms are working towards actualizing this concept, with Tesla's Cybercab being one of the initiatives underway.

CEO Elon Musk hinted that concepts for electric vehicle robotaxis with wireless charging might compete with public transportation in terms of affordability and ease of use.

The head of Toyota expressed that the job market across various industries would suffer due to the adoption of electric vehicles.

A potential defect has been identified in the steering mechanisms of certain BMW i5 and i7 electric cars.

Associated Content

Top Picks

Image Gallery

Current Events

Press

Retail Partners

Feed Updates

Corporate Information

Stay Connected with Us: