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Archive for the ‘Concept Cars’ Category

Jaguar XJ Limo Green Hybrid Study

April 9th, 2010

Shteph

This year’s “World Mobility Forum” exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany (April 15-18) will be the ocasion on which Jaguar will show off its XJ “Limo Green” hybrid study that was teased for the first time last September.

Making use of Chevy Volt-like hybrid power train, the 2011 XJ-based Limo Green comes with a range extending gasoline engine that was developed in conjunction with Lotus, MIRA and Caparo. The vehicle uses an electric motor producing 145kW and 295 lb-ft of torque for propulsion. A lithium battery pack offers about 30 miles or close to 50 kilometers driving range with a full charge. Once the battery is depleted, a Lotus-developed 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline unit kicks-in to produce enough energy to power it for another 970 kilometers.

The XJ Limo Green prototype is said to return a combined fuel economy of 5.0lt/100 km with CO2 emissions of juts 120 g/km.

Even though the study is billed as a one-off concept, it is believed that Jaguar will use the technology on its future production models.

Posted in Concept Cars, Hybrid, Jaguar

Tags: 2010 jag xj, Hybrid, limousine, Lotus engine

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BMW and SGL Team Up for Washington-Based Carbon Fiber Plant

April 6th, 2010

Shteph

BMW (holding a 49% stake) and SGL (holding 51%) have joined forces to create SGL Automotive Carbon Fiber LLC, which will be located in Moses Lake, Washington. The joint venture will build a $100 million “state-of-the-art carbon fiber manufacturing plant” and help create 80 local jobs.

According to SGL ACF LLC, the end result will be carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) “used for BMW Group’s upcoming Megacity Vehicle.” They’re referring to what will be the end result of BMW’s Project i, a mode of transport “designed for fully electric, zero-emission driving.”

Why build in Moses Lake? Mainly, energy costs in Washington state are highly competitive and there’s access to renewable hydropower [re: it's green as grass]. Other factors included “favorable infrastructure conditions, existing utilities, a skilled labor force and ease of working with the local government.” (more…)

Posted in BMW, Concept Cars

Tags: BMW, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, Megacity vehicle, SGL

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Seat Leon Ecomotive goes 16,000 km on Single Tank

April 6th, 2010

Shteph

SEAT presents the Leon Ecomotive Prototype, a car said to be capable of travelling a full 10,000 miles (16,093 km) without refuelling. Making this feat possible is a 545 litre (120 UK gallons/ 144 US gallons) diesel tank accommodated within the car.

Gone are the rear seats, and instead this massive liquid-holder has been fitted safely into that space while storage space was engineered to sit on top of it. The engine is a 1.6-litre TDI common rail powerplant with start-stop technology.

Because the car comes with a 12-month/10,000-mile service interval, buyers would not need to refuel it themselves. In any case, it cannot be filled up at the nearest filling station thanks to a special nozzle in the boot. Therefore only the dealer can put diesel in on service day. Drivers with higher mileage needs would simply bring it in as soon as it hits 10,000 miles.

“Clearly, you’d be a fool not to see the benefits of this new Leon Ecomotive,” said head of SEAT UK Press & PR, Mike Orford. “Travelling 10,000 miles between fill-ups removes a significant amount of forecourt queuing and waiting time for Leon drivers, meaning they’ll have more time to spend enjoying their car. We expect the first drivers will be tickled pink when the car goes on sale here.”

SEAT is today unveiling the first details of an exciting new Leon Ecomotive Prototype which adds a radical twist to the idea of maintenance-free motoring.

(more…)

Posted in Concept Cars, Seat

Tags: 1.6l TDI common rail, Concept Cars, fuel-efficient, Seat Leon Ecomotive, VW-based cars

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Audi prepares successor for A2?

March 9th, 2010

Shteph

Seeing the Audi A1 and A1 e-tron concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show provides proof that the quad-ring automaker is putting a much larger focus on its small car offerings. With that in mind, new rumors are cropping up about a possible successor to the A2 – the quirky little hatch that never went to the U.S. and only had minor success in Europe.

“There’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1,” Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told AutoWeek during the Geneva Motor Show. The new A2 would likely be A1-based and use an electric powertrain, possibly sourced from the A1 e-tron concept. European media has reported that the A2 successor is expected to debut by 2014, and no word has been given about a possible U.S.-spec version. However, with Audi keeping the A1 away from American soil, it’s likely that the A2 would be a Europe-only affair, as well.

Posted in Audi, Concept Cars

Tags: A2 successor, Audi A1 e-tron, Geneva report

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Futuristic Hyundai i-flow

March 8th, 2010

Shteph

The Hyundai i-flow is one of the significant concept cars at Geneva, not just because it looks dramatic, but because under that heavily sculpted skin is a range of latest tech that could appear in Hyundai’s next generation of cars. Powering the i-flow is the company’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain consisting of a U2 1.7-litre oil burner with two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s lithium ion-polymer battery. Coupled to a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, the drivetrain is capable of 33.3 km/l and a low CO2 output of 85g/km.

The i-flow is also a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from a flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator developed in partnership with leading chemical company BASF. One such idea is thermal engine encapsulation, which ensures that the engine reaches optimum operating temperature more quickly by retaining heat when the car is idle. Hyundai says that this translates into fuel savings and emissions cuts of 5% during summer and up to 9% in winter. The thermo-electric generator meanwhile recaptures energy from hot exhaust gases and converts it to electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Designed at Hyundai’s European studio in Russelsheim, the i-flow sports the firm’s “fluidic sculpture” design language. With an overall length of 4,780 mm and a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the i-flow is a Honda Accord sized D-segment contender that is set to hit the market in 2011. It remains to be seen how much of the i-flow’s styling is retained for production, but things look promising with the recent Korean realisation that advanced design is as important as making competent cars. (more…)

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Hyundai

Tags: futuristic concept cars, Geneva report, Hyundai i-flor concept

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Alfa Romeo Pandion by Bertone is simply heavenly!

March 6th, 2010

Shteph

After a two year absence from the international scene, Bertone returns with a bang by unveiling one of the most memorable cars of this year’s Geneva show – the Pandion concept, as a tribute to Alfa Romeo’s 100-year anniversary and also a proposal for the future look of the brand.

The first car penned by Mike Robinson in his new role as Design and Brand Director at Bertone, the Pandion is named after the Pandion Haliaetus, a scientific name for the Osprey sea hawk. And it’s this bird’s wings that inspired the Pandion’s most striking feature – those spectacular doors that open upwards to the air. They incorporate the car’s front and rear fenders and stand exactly 90 degrees straight from the centre of the rear wheels. In the event of a rollover, the doors are designed to fall off for easy exit, says Bertone. (more…)

Posted in Alfa Romeo, Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Special, Super cars

Tags: Alfa Romeo concept car, Alfa Romeo Pandion, Betone

3 Comments »

French carmaker + tailor + men magazine = gorgeous concept

March 6th, 2010

Shteph

What happens when a French carmaker teams up with a top men’s magazine and a prestigious tailor house? Well…gorgeous concept cars are born! GQbyCITROËN took the French sexyness, appealingness of GQ men and Savile Row tailors style. And judging by the GQbyCITROËN concept, the fashionable fellas know a few things about svelte car design, as well. The GQbyCITROËN concept is a collaboration between Dylan Jones, GQ’s editor, and Mark Lloyd, a British designer who is most recently credited for the new Citroën DS3. Makes sense, then, that GQ and Citroën are branding this concept as “the ultimate gentleman’s drive.”

The GQbyCITROËN rides on the values of the classic GT theme, and designer Lloyd thought a proper grand tourer was much more suited to the GQ style, saying: (more…)

Posted in Citroen, Concept Cars, Special, Super cars

Tags: Citroen concept cars, QC

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Seat IBe: gorgeous but far away

March 5th, 2010

Shteph

The Seat IBe revealed at Geneva can be seen as VW’s Spanish subsidiary’s rival to the Scirocco. Although its 3.78 m length is 250 mm shorter than an Ibiza, the IBe measures 1.8 m wide and is only 1.22 m in height. The showcar’s 19-inch wheels also look good with almost zero overhangs beside them.

Unveiled here by managing director James Muir (right) and chief designer Luc Donckerwolke, the IBe is a zero-emissions electric vehicle powered by lithium-ion batteries. With a max output of 102 bhp and 200 Nm of torque, the IBe completes the century sprint in an unexceptional 9.4 seconds, although the 0-50 km/h time of 3.4 seconds suggest good point and squirt acceleration. Top speed is limited to 160 km/h.

An electric powered SEAT should be quite far away, since the brand only plans to launch its Leon Twin Drive plug-in hybrid in 2014. For now, SEAT has a popular range of diesel powered Ecomotive cars, the best of which (Ibiza Ecomotive) achieves 27 km/l and 98 g/km of CO2.

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Seat

Tags: Geneva report, Seat IBe concept

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I.DE.A Institut Sofia puts the woman in the car

March 4th, 2010

Shteph

It seems that women are part of your (misoginist) life, whether you like it or not, and now, they’re even messing up with your most astonishigly-looking cars: they inspire the carmakers with their curves and humps. Not that they haven’t been doing it for the last century…

Created by the quizzically-abbreviated I.DE.A. Institute, the Sofia’s hourglass shape is inspired by the female form. And we don’t have much trouble believing that line, curvaceous as it is. The hybrid part, though, is pure fantasy. Because like many design studies, the I.DE.A. Sofia is an empty body shell. It’s got no interior, but more to the point, it has no mechanicals inside. Its creators say it could theoretically accommodate a V8 engine, with or without the assistance of an electric motor, driving either the front wheels or the rear.

Like it? Don’t get too excited by the prospect of production. The I.DE.A Institute claims to have contributed to designs for numerous major automakers, but in its 30-year history has produced more household appliances and furniture. But for the next upstart looking to join the likes of Fisker and Tesla, the sumptuous shape could be just the ticket.

Posted in Concept Cars, Super cars

Tags: Concept Cars, I.DE.A Institut Sofia concept

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2012 Buick Regal GS with no AWD system

February 26th, 2010

Shteph

As you may know already GM is working hard on the 2012 Buick Regal GS, which will be based on the Regal GS Concept, unveiled back in January at the Detroit Auto Show but also on the all-wheel drive Opel Insignia OPC.

But, apparently, the upcoming car will be offered without the all-wheel drive system. This was confirmed by Bob Lutz, GM’s Vice Chairman who said that the produc planners are debating whether all-wheel drive is worth the added weight and cost. Regarding the engine, we will see the same 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology found on the Regal GS Concept and capable to deliver 255 horsepower (190 kW) as well as 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Posted in Buick, Concept Cars, General Motors

Tags: AWD system, Buick regal GS, Concept Cars

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Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid sounds very promissing

February 25th, 2010

Shteph

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid Concept Car is a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid car in keeping with Hethel’s performance credentials: it’ll hit 60mph in ‘less than 4sec’. The range of the Evora hybrid testbed is said to be more than 300 miles. This concept develops 414ps, so this is where the name comes from. Though it is a hybrid, it runs only on electric power. The ‘hybrid’ refers to the range-extending 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, used only to top up the battery in the same way as the Chevy Volt.

Apart from the very promissing performance figures, there are features that make the Evora really interesting: there’s a gadget to give the electric Evora the feel of a seven-speed transmission, and something called HALOsonic sound synthesis so you can make yourself heard when running on EV silent mode. The latter was developed in conjunction with Harman. (more…)

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Hybrid, Lotus

Tags: Electric Cars, Evora, Hybrid, Lotus

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Upcoming electric Infiniti?

February 24th, 2010

Shteph

Nissan’s president confirmed that an all-electric model was in work for luxury brand Infiniti, but nothing more has been said since. Additionally, Infiniti head Saito gave some clues of what to expect from an EV Infiniti.

According to Saito, Infiniti’s first electric vehicle offering will take the form of a small car, likely on par with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. Infiniti sees the compact luxury segment growing rapidly in the coming years, surpassing the current entry-level luxury segment, which includes cars like the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and even Infiniti’s own G. (more…)

Posted in Concept Cars, Electric Cars, Infinity

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2011 Kia Optima

February 22nd, 2010

Shteph

New Kia Optima – or Magentis – will make its debut at New York Auto Show on April 2nd.

Based on the design sketch, we can see that Kia has ditched the distinctly three-box, uninspiring looks of the current car for a sleeker and sexier design. Of course, the actual car will be toned down from this, but we expect a looker based on Kia’s recent track record. The Korean brand promises “bold, athletic and sporty visual energy” for its D-segment challenger.

Little else is known for now, but Kia has revealed that the new Optima is longer, lower and wider than the car it replaces, and features a “significantly longer wheelbase”. Hopefully, they will keep the good looks and we won’t have a shock when the official unveiling will take place. ‘Cuase this is usually what happens: teaser photos look …teasing, but the actual car lacks a lot of the teasing parts.

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Kia

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Mercedes-Benz F800 for Geneva

February 20th, 2010

Shteph

Yet another carmaker has revealed pictures of its concept car that will be revealed at Geneva Auto Show: Mercedez-Benz F800. The new car previews the next-generation CLS and shows a completely new design line for the German brand. As a premiere, the car comes with a new concept for the rear doors which are sliders, not swingers, exactly like those features on the minivans.

Other features are the incorporation of two different electric drivetrains: one version of the F800 Style is a a plug-in hybrid with a V6 petrol engine mated to a 100 hp electric motor (Mercedes-Benz says that the car can run 18 miles in full-electric mode). The other version of the F800 Style is a pure electric vehicle powered by an on-board fuel cell.

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Electric Cars, Hybrid, Mercedes

Tags: Concept Cars, F800, Mercedes-Benz

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Concept car: Tesla EYE

February 18th, 2010

Shteph

Yet another EV concept car to make its debut at Geneva: Tesla EYE. It was commissioned by EV carmaker Tesla to a group of IED Turin (L ‘Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin) design students. The project brief was this – a 2+2 sports car that can be used everyday with an affordable price that targets young, cosmopolitan customers.

A total of 11 lucky students of the Masters of Arts in Transportation Design programme at the IED coordinated by Pininfarina senior designer Luca Borgogno and FIAT senior designer Andrea Militello worked on the project, and were supervised by Tesla Motors chief designer Franz von Holzhausen. Pirelli and OZ Racing also helped out wherever needed.

Posted in Auto Shows, Concept Cars, Electric Cars, Special, Tesla

Tags: Concept Cars, Electric Cars, Tesla EYE

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