Regalio Hyrdra
The Regalio Hydra, designed by Regalio Automobile, is the fastest car produced in Tarsas. Designed in 2009, the Hydra was designed at the forefront of automotive technology. Designed to top the world car speed record, the model’s top speed would have to be at least 270 miles per hour. This would take an excessive amount of engineering and curbside weight reduction techniques. Thus, it was elected to concentrate fully developing the car’s body before deciding a classification. The designers were undecided on whether to fully concentrate on performance and have a minimalist attitude for the car’s cab or to take a full luxury approach.
The initial testing of the car’s engine, which was custom designed, had been going on as early as 2008 with plans for a car to carry it since 2009. Regalio Automobile had the advantage of being able to borrow extensively from the parts offered by the Alderia Automotive Group, who cosponsored and assisted Regalio in the engine design. This allowed Regalio to concentrate on the body, which aided in being able to get over the complications usually faced by a small specialized automaker. The first Hydra was ready in 2011 and unveiled at the Marvius Auto Show for that year. Produced started early in 2012.
Regalio has placed itself under the Alderia group, becoming its sole supercar manufacturing boutique. It has since produced several subsequent upgrades to the Hydra with its access to a more extensive collection of parts, funding, and engineering.
Engine
The platform’s engine was the first to be developed. Regalio developed the engine with assistance from Alderia in 2008. The engine was to be mounted in the rear of the vehicle directly between the rear tires. The designers intended to go fully unconventional, with a 14 cylinder engine developed especially to fit the chassis. The twin turbo charged 8.1 liter engine produces 1145 horsepower on paper and 1130 horsepower in practice. A lightweight high performance intake system permits more air to be forced through at any given time, maximizing available power of the full power.. The car’s dry sump lubrication prevents “oil surge” and allows oil to continue flowing even during extreme lateral acceleration.
To permit the car to function in colder climates and to maintain optimal lubricant and refrigerant temperatures, a water/oil heat exchanger was built into the system. The exchanger permits the engine to go from parked cold temperature to optimal running temperature in just 1.5 minutes. Liquid containing tanks such as the fuel tank and coolant tanks are mounted directly on and near the engine and are shaped to hold the most liquid in the various tight spaces they are placed into. This also minimizes the number of pipes and fittings needed, reducing vehicle weight. An engine installation for a Hydra is much like a jigsaw puzzle. The radiator coolant tank, for example, specifically fits next to the right side turbocharger and is directly near the radiators.
The engine uses a total of eight radiators. A titanium exhaust system was specifically designed by specialists at the Orekal Fabrication Laboratory in Delphius. High grade titanium reduces weight while allowing for versatility in manufacture and shaping. Hydroformed joints were developed specifically for the Hydra’s exhaust system that insures the free flow of exhaust. Nickel-Chromium superalloy silencers improve reliability at high temperatures in the exposed portions of the exhaust system. The entire exhaust system weighs just 21 pounds, keeping curveside weight to a minimum.
The redline RPM of the engine is 8600 RPM. The entire engine weighs only 712 pounds. Internal components are manufactured with titanium-nickel, titanium, carbon fiber, and other highly lightweight materials. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds and get to 186 mph in 13.94 seconds. Based on a racing concept, power is fed to the wheels through a seven speed dual-clutch transmission and a custom Regalio designed gearbox that can handle up to 920 Lb/ft of torque. The car’s transmission is mounted directly below the engine where it delivers its power directly to the rear wheels for optimal racing performance. The super model road vehicle has optional four wheel drive to two wheel drive switching.
Chassis/Body
The car’s chassis and body is the single most important feature to determine performance. The entire chassis was designed in such a way as to produce the maximum amount of downforce and clip as much off the curbside weight as possible. The entire chassis is constructed out of high grade carbon fiber with lightweight high grade carbotanium for extra support for the frame. The car also includes a roll bar for maximum safety in the event the driver loses control. For simplicity of construction, the engine is bolted directly to the frame. The car’s seats are designed to reduce vibrations and noise the driver feels. The slick-shod wheels are new forged-magnesium center-lock models, which in conjunction with on-board pneumatic airjacks allow rapid change of the entire wheel assemblies.
The suspension is a double wishbone design, optimal for racing. The chassis and the car both feature active aerodynamics. The car’s spoiler can rapidly change position via an electronic motor system. This allows it to deploy for high speeds to create additional downforce. When braking at high speeds, the spoiler acts as an air brake increasing resistance and aiding the vehicle in coming to a complete stop. This gives the vehicle a short braking distance. Four flaps placed at the rear and front of the car permit it to change the height of the front and back from the ground. The ABS and ECU passes on information about the car's speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, steering angle and throttle position to manage these active features. Another active aerodynamic feature is two deployable side flaps, which as high speeds work with the same principle as the spoiler to increase downforce at high speeds for quick turns.
Interior/Cockpit
The car’s interior was originally intended to be bare, as the vehicle was to be a hypercar but it was later decided that the car would be luxurious as well as fast. The engine’s massive horsepower would compensate for the extra weight. Even with the decision, the car’s luxury features are still relatively standard when compared to supercars of the same price range, owing to Regalio’s original intention to make the car a hypercar. The entire cab was built onto the frame with copious amounts of carbotanium and carbon fiber. The seats themselves are simple bucket racing seats designed with a lightweight cloth/polyester blend with a thin layer of memory foam for comfort. Neither seat is heated unless the driver asks for it as heated seats would add weight.
The car’s internal instrumentation is fairly basic. Two TFT liquid crystal touch displays controls most of the car’s internal functions. The car has its own operating system written especially by hired experts for Regalio. The system has all the menus for internal functions such as climate control, launch control tuning, sport mode, and traction control tuning. Despite being complex, the system is relatively user friendly with obvious marked locations for accessing menus. The system can also be complex for tech savvy drivers and can interface with a special computer program that comes with each car for the owner to tune the car to his or her exact specifications outside of the factory. The car’s steering wheel is the location for the remainder of the systems. Dual paddle shifters, the ignition button, turn signal control, windshield wiper control, traction control options, launch control, cruise control, entertainment system controls (if the consumer decided to include the entertainment system), and the emergency brake control is all located on the steering wheel.
To the left of the steering wheel, an emergency control cluster for the active aerodynamics is placed in the event of a malfunction allowing the driver to retract them and turn them off. Based on whether the consumer wants more of a hypercar or more of a supercar, a full surround sound system can be installed in the car. The speakers are specially built just for the Hydra and are made of lightweight expensive materials. This comes with a full Bluetooth interface with USB and auxiliary capabilities along with satellite radio. The car is offered with two different climate control options. One is for luxury with dual control zones and heated seats and the other is for the bare minimum driver designed to reduce as much curve weight as possible. Electric windows are also optional, which is another weight saving tactic.
The instrument panel is located directly in front of the steering wheel in standard configuration. Two options are included with a fully digital display showing on two liquid crystal display screen or a retro layout of conventional dials with one small LCD screen to display relevant information. The fully digital layout displays a digital RPM reading, a diagram of the fuel tank displaying fuel levels, the engine temperature, and a digital display of the speed. The driver can switch through displays with a button on the steering wheel to see other readings such as oil pressure, battery level, tire pressure, coolant level, the turbochargers status, positions of the active aerodynamics, the number of miles on the car, the oil life, the amount of downforce being generated on each wheel, and a comprehensive list of the remaining fluids and refrigerants in the vehicle. The screen always displayed the direction the vehicle is driving, the time, and outside and inside temperatures near the top. The entire display switches to what the rear camera is displaying for easy reversing when the car is put in reverse.
The retro display has the tachometer, engine temperature, speedometer, and oil pressure all in needle gauges. The small LCD screen that sits off to the left of the gauges displays the remaining information. The car has a built in system that alerts the driver when the car is due for basic maintenance. It can also tell the driver exactly which parts are malfunctioning. The dash computer also allows the driver to turn off the electronic RPM and speed limiters. This feature may be removed for some nations which require electronic limiting. An optional system for parents, though none would ever buy this vehicle for a teenage driver, allows the parent to set the top speed that the car is allowed to be driven which requires a password to disable.
Safety Features
Safety was not overlooked by the design team. The car has two basic safety packages based on what the consumer orders. Some features cannot be sacrificed. A comprehensive 360 degree airbag system is a feature that cannot be excluded. The airbag system activates only on occupied seats via a sensor in the seat. ABS is also standard. Stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency braking preparation, a fire extinguisher, rear and front parking sensors, an anti-theft alarm system, dusk sensing headlamps, passenger size adjusting seatbelts, tire pressure monitoring, and a rear parking camera complete the first safety package. The vehicle computer also estimates how much the air in the tire will expand as it heats and cools and will alert the driver if too much air is in the tire.
The seatbelts of the vehicle adjust based on the size of the passenger to fit snugly. Buyers can ask for racing rated harnesses on the bucket seats instead of regular seatbelts. In the event of an accident, the car has an After Crash Response System, which can remove a jammed seatbelt by ejecting the belt from where it is buckled in and can signal emergency help automatically. A newly designed cruise control system uses the brake and the accelerator coupled with the front and rear parking sensors. This allows it to adjust itself on long drives with the sensors notifying it when the vehicle gets too close to the car in front of it or when a car behind it gets too close. The car can slow down and accelerate accordingly without the driver stepping in while the cruise is engaged.
The power steering is speed proportional, meaning it adjusts how fast the wheels are turned based on how fast the vehicle is moving. The headlights and taillights are both LED with LED daytime running lights. Fog lamps are another optional feature. The headlights can sense when it becomes dark and when weather conditions become severe, allowing the driver to not need to bother with headlights. The windshield wipers have to be custom ordered from the manufacturer for every replacement because the wiper track is electronically raised or lowered by a windshield sweeping sensor for optimal obstruction removal. For winter climates, the wipers track can be heated electrically to remove ice buildup. Windshield wiper fluid dispensers are also built into the blades for the best results when removing dirt and grime from the windshield. In return for requiring custom order wiper blades, Regalio has engineered them to last for up to two years without needing replacement.
Manufacturer: Regalio High Performance Boutique
Production:2012 - present
Model years:2012 - present
Assembly: Vinovia, Tarsas
Predecessor: Regalio Wyvern
Layout: Rear Engine, Rear Wheel Drive
Engine: 8.1 Liter V14
Transmission: 7 speed semi-automatic
Curb weight: 2,067 lbs (hyper), 3,857 lbs (Super)
Passengers Carried: 2
Designer(s): Ereto Midelia Regalio
Exterior
Dusk Sensing LED Headlamps (Both)
Wraith Active Aerodynamics System (Both)
17 Inch carbon fiber wheels (Both)
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers (Both)
Daytime running lamps (Both)
Interior
Custom all-weather floor mats (both)
Front and rear defroster (both)
Dual zone climate control (Super)
Occupant sensing seats (both)
Auto adjusting seatbelts (Super)
Electric adjustable headrests (Super)
Optional seats with adjustable firmness (Super)
Dual LCD touch screens for internal systems control (Both)
Built in satellite navigation (Both)
Entertainment (Super)
AM/FM high definition radio projection
Auxiliary and USB audio jacks for MP3 Players
Bluetooth hands free compatibility
Compact disk player with 6 CD cartridge changer
Premium digital surround sound with six speakers plus subwoofer
Performance
8.1 Liter 14 cylinder dual turbocharged engine (both)
7 speed semi-automatic dual clutch transmission (both)
Dual rear wheel/all-wheel drive (Super)
Safety
Anti-Lock Brakes (Both)
Driver and Passenger side curtain airbags (Both)
Emergency brake assist (both)
Engine immobilizer (both)
Front fog lamps (Super)
Descent control (Super)
Multi-sensor intelligent cruise control (both)
Front and rear parking sensors (both)
Multi setting Traction control (both)
Multi setting Stability control (both)
Rear view reverse camera (Both)
Remote keyless entry and ignition (Both)
Front storage trunk emergency release (Both)
Racing safety harnesses (hyper)
Tire pressure monitoring (Both)
Speed adjusted power steering (Both)
Spoiler air brake (Both)
Electronic brakeforce distribution (Both)
Fire extinguisher (Both)
Lane sensing swerve alert (Super)
Upcoming obstruction sensors (Super)
Obstruction sensing windshield wipers (Both)
After Crash Response System (Both)
Alderia Assurance Car Protection Plan
10 Year/200,000 Mile Basic Maintenance
10 Year/200,000 Mile Advanced Maintenance Program
10 Year/200,000 Mile Roadside Assistance
3 Month Training Course on High Speed Automobile Operation
Models and Special Editions
Production Models
- Hydra S Spec - Supercar spec Hydra
- Hydra H Spec - Hypercar spec Hydra
- Hydra R Spec - Stripped down racing edition Hydra with a roll cage, racing tires, additional carbon fiber and composite weight saving materials in key places, and a redesigned motorsport interior. Barely meets street legal requirements in most countries.
- Hydra RM Spec - Improved motorsport variant with significantly improved dual clutch transmission and additional frame improvements. Features a newly developed regenerative braking system paired with two 50 BHP electric engines for additional acceleration capability. Not street legal.
Special Editions
- Hydra Emperor Edition - Special edition Hydra pained in Blue, Gold, and White and presented to the Emperor for his birthday in 2013.
- Hydra Ludicrous (L) Spec - Special limited production vehicle with a quad turbo V14 engine producing 1,870 horsepower. Only seven were produced and were purchased prior to production by wealthy clients. The Quad 14 proved to be mechanically complex and required constant tune ups.
- Hydra L Racing Spec - Racing spec Hydra L for motorsport teams. Saw limited use before mechanical issues resulted in the car becoming a collector's item.
- Hydra Empire Edition - The Empire Edition was a special car painted in the colors of the Tarsan flag. Only twenty were produced. Special edition interior colors and precious metals were used in the construction of the vehicle.
- Hydra Nobility (N) Spec - Ten custom vehicles purchased and commissioned by the Emperor as gifts for the ten largest noble houses. Each car contains the crest of its respective family on the seats, interior dash, and hood. They are painted in a blend of the family's colors. An additional 2014 era tech package was available for those who requested it.