EV tech expanding into race cars

As noted at the auto blog TopSpeed, Swiss-based automaker Green GT is in the process of developing an FIA-spec electric race car. Built with a carbon chassis and a fiberglass body shell, the Green GT will be powered by two-phase synchronous motors each capable of 210 horsepower, producing a total output of 402 hp.

Green GT recently presented the car under a Le Mans prototype with a Sprint body at the Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne -- with no less a luminary than FIA president Jean Todt on hand to determine the performance and validity of the concept electric racer in a competitive setting.

Just goes to show how far the gamut of emerging, pure-EV technology spans, and is going to span. The track at LeMans is long way from your typical country road.

Draka takeover battle turning political

The unfolding takeover battle for Dutch cable maker Draka Holding NV is turning political amid fears that China's ambitions and Europe's tough stance on cartels could undermine European cable makers' competitiveness, as reported in the business pages of The Wall Street Journal.

Worries stem from Chinese company Tianjin Xinmao Science & Technology Investment Group's €1 billion ($1.31 billion) offer to acquire Dutch cable maker Draka. The privately held Xinmao swooped unexpectedly, after Draka had already agreed to be acquired by Italy's Prysmian Spa. The bid also trumped an offer from France's Nexans SA.

Reuters has provided a useful chronology of developments in attempts to acquire the Dutch company.

Here's a round-up of related news links:

Prysmian CFO Facchini Confident of Draka Deal (Bloomberg)

Prysmian would need investor cash to up Draka bid (Reuters)

Prysmian, Draka Defend Deal Against Chinese Counterbid (Wall Street Journal)

Prysmian Won't Raise Draka Bid After Higher Offer From Xinmao (BusinessWeek)