Four years after introducing the most advanced golf car in its history, Club Car has introduced two new models for 2008. Building on the huge success of the Precedent, which launched in 2004, company officials say the Precedent i2 represents the next generation in golf car innovation and performance.
“Precedent i2 builds on what made Precedent a revolutionary golf car and makes it an even more reliable, better performing car for the course owner/operator and golfer,” said Phil Tralies, Club Car chairman and CEO.
Precedent i2 and Precedent i2L, which includes a number of upgrades aimed at upscale facilities, will begin shipping in March. To the casual observer, the Precedent i2 looks like its namesake. The exterior styling that set Precedent apart from three decades of angular-shaped golf cars has not been altered. But, in many respects, that’s where the similarity ends. The Precedent changes start with the new Excel™ drive system, which continues the evolution of Club Car’s highly regarded electric platform with enhanced efficiency, reliability and control capabilities.
One of the key benefits of the more sophisticated system is that it increases the benefits of Precedent’s motor braking and regenerative braking features to provide greater control of the vehicle and a smoother ride. By lowering the car’s motor-braking capability to speeds near zero, the driver gains more control and assurance when descending hills. Increased motor braking also improves Precedent i2’s regenerative braking ability by capturing and returning more kinetic energy to the batteries. (In earlier Precedent models, regenerative braking occurred down to approximately 10 mph.) Improved regenerative braking could reduce energy costs by 20 percent over previous models.
With more energy being returned to the batteries, cars will require less charging and be able to stay on the course longer. Because the driver will apply less pressure to the mechanical brake, there will be less wear on brake parts, which will extend the life of the brake system and reduce costs. Golfers also will have a more secure feeling when they are on a severe down hill slope because the mechanical brake is being supported to a greater extent by regenerative braking.
In addition to the Excel system, Club Car also is introducing a new charging system and dash design and enhancing Precedent’s 360-degree bumper design.
The new high-capacity charging system reduces charging time and water consumption, and helps extend battery life by utilizing optimized charging algorithms.
The vehicle’s dash area has been redesigned to make it easier to clean and to make golfers’ personal items more visible.
Precedent’s 360-degree wraparound bumper now has greater energy-absorbing ability to reduce impact damage to the car’s body and frame. The bumper also has been given a new texture that facilitates cleaning.
Standard amenities on the Precedent i2L model include 10-inch rims and aluminium wheels, soft-grip steering wheel, custom logo, accent striping, premium windshield and canopy storage net.
Club Car www.clubcar.com