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Subaru's Viziv Concept Previews Future Design Direction and New Diesel-Electric Hybrid

Posted by Alex Bale Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Whenever you hear the words Subaru and crossover in the same sentence, images of the brand's much-loved Forester come to mind, a car for which stylish good looks take a back seat in favor of interior space, practicality and simplicity.

However, with the Viziv crossover concept, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, Subaru is announcing a much more style-oriented approach for its future models and its design direction in general.

The concept features a "Subaru Boxer Diesel Hybrid" system, which uses the company's 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed turbo diesel engine in conjunction with two rear-mounted electric motors. With various selectable modes, the system ensures the car has adequate grip in slippery conditions, while at the same time being at home in town.

From a design standpoint, the Viziv concept is rather successful, we say. With clean, flowing lines and a prominent front fascia, the car heralds the arrival of a much better-looking range of Subaru vehicles.

Hopefully, the modern design of the interior will also serve as inspiration for future road-going models, as this is an area where the Japanese automaker's offerings have never really shined.

The hybrid powertrain will also make its way into future production models, but will it mean the end of fun-to-drive Subarus? After all, remotely controlled electric motors can't really be a substitute for a prop shaft sending the engine's power to the wheels, at least not in terms of driver engagement and the overall experience of driving a car.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Infiniti Q50 Lands in Europe with Merc's 168HP 2.2-liter Diesel and 359HP Hybrid Version

Posted by Alex Bale

The brand-new Infiniti Q50, which made its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show last January, made its European premiere in Geneva and, according to the manufacturer, it is its “most significant car yet for the European marketplace”.

That’s because the rear-wheel drive sedan is designed to compete in the compact premium class where it will face some stiff opposition. Since most Europeans opt for diesel engines, the Q50 will be available in the Old Continent with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that puts out 168HP (170PS) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

In spite of a pretty respectable 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of under 9 seconds, Infiniti announces an average consumption figure of just 4.4 lt/100 km (53.5 mpg US, 64 mpg UK) and less than 115g of CO2 per km.

This engine is the first fruit of Infiniti's collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and will be available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed auto transmission, both tailored to Infiniti’s own specs.

Clients wishing more oomph can opt for the second version of the Q50 that will be offered in Europe, the 3.5 Hybrid that, thanks to its 359HP (364PS) output sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 5.5 seconds.

The Q50 Hybrid uses the same dual-clutch Direct Response Hybrid and seven-speed auto transmission as the M35h “big brother” but with an extended EV-only range and improved performance and efficiency: its average consumption is 6.2 lt/100 km (38 mpg US, 45 mpg UK) and it emits less than 145 g/km of CO2.

The diesel Q50 will be offered only with rear-wheel drive while the Hybrid will be available with AWD, too. Both models will go on sale from autumn, depending on the market, in standard and Sport versions.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Volkswagen Unveils Production 0.9lt/100km or 261MPG XL1 Plug-in Hybrid

Posted by Alex Bale Friday, February 22, 2013

As promised, Volkswagen has taken the super-frugal XL1 from concept car to production model, with its world premiere to take place at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

The radical two-seater model is dubbed the most fuel-efficient production car in the world returning an amazingly low fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km, which is the equivalent of 261 mpg US and 313mpg UK, with CO2 emission of just 21g/km. As with other European plug-in hybrid models, these value includes the constant use of the electric motor.

So, how does the XL1 achieve such an impressive fuel economy? For starters, there's the plug-in hybrid powertrain that comprises a 0.8-liter two-cylinder TDI diesel engine rated at 47hp (48PS), an electric motor delivering 20kW (27HP or 27PS), a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission and a lithium-ion battery.

Then we have its compact dimensions at 3,888 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and just 1,153 mm tall, its super slippery body made in part from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) with a Cd rating of just 0.189 (the latest Prius has a Cd of 0.25), and its lightweight construction with a kerb weight of only 795 kg or 1,753 pounds.

VW claims the XL1 can hit a restricted top speed of 160 km/h (100mph) and accelerate to 100 km/h (62mph) in a respectful 12,7 seconds.

Unlike the tandem seating position of VW's first 1-litre concept cars presented in 2002 and in 2009, in the XL1, two occupants sit slightly offset, side by side, almost like as in a conventional vehicle.

Among other notable highlights are the XL1's gullwing-style doors, the use of cameras instead of exterior and interior mirrors projecting surroundings in LCD screens, and the ability to travel around 30 miles on a single battery charge.

Volkswagen hasn't announced pricing and availability details yet, but it is widely believed that the Germans will offer the XL1 as a lease car in limited numbers.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Road Test: Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid

Posted by Alex Bale Thursday, February 21, 2013

Price as tested: €52,200

+ Smooth, efficient, seamless hybrid system, classy, comfy
– Very little really
= Merc's first on-sale hybrid is a cracker, right up with the Lexus GS450h

The problem with hybrids is that they never work. Hmmm. That last statement may need a bit of explaining and context. OK, here goes; the problem with hybrids is not precisely that they don’t work (clearly they do, as they go, stop and steer) but that they never seem to work quite as well as you want them to. Hybrids are very clever, very good for lowering your official emissions figure and therefore your annual motor tax bill and very good for making you feel like you’re doing your bit for the environment. What they tend not to be very good at is returning anything like their claimed fuel consumption figures in real-world driving.

Partly, that’s a weight issue. All those batteries and electric motors add mass and complication to a car and the inertia of that mass has to be overcome every time you accelerate. Partly, it’s a driving style thing. To get the best economy out of a hybrid (or any car for that matter) you just have to drive like a saint, or as if a baby panda has taken up residence under your throttle pedal.

So it was that I came to the Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid expecting to be disappointed. And yet, it had a surprise for me. It may have a long-winded name but actually, the E300 is one of the more simple hybrids around. It’s not expected to do duty as a pure-electric vehicle for anything other than short bursts, so its weight and complication are kept to a minimum. In fact, the E300 weighs just 110kg more than the standard E250 CDI diesel upon which it is based. That makes it only the third diesel hybrid car to go on sale (following on from the French pair of Peugeot 3008 Hy4 and Citroen DS5 Hy4) and, I’d argue, the most successful yet.

Instead of a massive stack of batteries eating into boot and cabin space and pushing up the kerb weight, the E300 has a smaller 19kW lithium-ion battery that’s actually packaged within the engine bay. That feeds a 27bhp electric motor which is neatly packaged within the existing casing of the seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox. The idea behind all this extra gubbins is to give the E300 the power and grunt of a big V6 diesel while retaining the economy and emissions performance of a smaller-capacity four-cylinder engine.

And, on paper, it works rather brilliantly. A standard E250 CDI diesel, with a manual gearbox, returns Co2 emissions of 130g/km, giving you an annual road tax bill of €270. An E300 BlueTec does 109g/km, depending on which size of alloy wheel you spec it with. That means you’ll pay just €190 a year to tax it. Perhaps not the biggest consideration for someone spending north of €50k on a new Mercedes, but nice to know all the same.

Speaking of the price tag, there’s a major benefit there too. A very basic E250 CDI, with an optional automatic gearbox, in Classic trim, costs €51,665. An E300 BlueTec in the same trim, but with a standard automatic gearbox, costs €52,200, which seems like not a major extra expense. But wait, it gets better. A regular E300 CDI V6 diesel, to which a BlueTec Hybrid is more or less comparable in terms of performance, costs €64,160 and costs €390 a year to tax. This whole hybrid thing is looking pretty good.

Of course, this is the point where a hybrid’s on-paper performance tends to fall down and disappoint. But actually, the E300 BlueTec rises the the challenge quite well.

I think the key here is the gearbox. Hybrids tend to have very annoying gearboxes, whether it’s the CVT in a Prius that lets the engine rev and roar annoyingly any time you ask for a bit of acceleration, or the EGS gearbox in the Citroen or Peugeot cars which seems to pause for a long and deep thought between every ratio. The Merc’s conventional wet-clutch automatic transmission is a revelation in this respect. You ask for acceleration; you get some. You back off and cruise, and everything goes quiet again. Gear changes are done without fuss, noise or pause. In hybrid terms, it’s an unusually lovely experience.

It’s a very refined powertrain as well. You’ll most likely start off in electric mode, and considering how small the battery is, you’ll go for a surprising distance before the diesel engine kicks in. When it does, you’ll know all about it as there’s little or no hope of entirely disguising the noise of a DERV engine firing up from a cold start, but once everything warms up, it’s a very smooth, refined unit. What will also surprise you is how often, in motorway and main road cruising, the engine shuts down and the electric motor takes over. Known as sailing, this effect can dramatically cut your long-range driving fuel consumption.

Ah yes, the dreaded question of fuel consumption. Mercedes quotes an average consumption figure of 4.3-litres per 100km, or 65mpg. Will you be surprised if I tell you we didn’t manage to match that? Of course not, but if an average of 6.0-litres per 100km on our brief test drive (47mpg) seems like the traditional hybrid disappointment, then perhaps it shouldn’t be. For a start, from an engine with more power and grunt (590Nm) than the standard E250 CDI, that’s a match for the conventional diesel’s fuel consumption, and on top of which, I reckon you’d easily get the E300 to average around 5.0l/100km without too much effort.

There’s not much point in pronouncing on the handling and ride, as our test car was the outgoing-shape E-Class, and there’s a new, sexier-looking E, with tweaked and improved suspension arriving any time soon. Suffice to say that like almost all E-Class models that have come before, what it loses to rivals like the BMW 5 Series in terms of outright precision, it makes up for in terms of comfort and quietness.

No, the E300 BlueTec isn’t going to save the planet, the wales or the endangered salamander, and nor thankfully does it claim to. It is, instead, a well-engineered, good to drive car with a distinctly well-thought-out hybrid transmission installation that will save you money on fuel and tax, relative to other, similar cars. And it’s one of the first hybrids we’ve ever driven that’s not a disappointment.

Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTec Hybrid 
Price as tested: €52,200 
Capacity: 2,143cc
 Power: 201bhp + 27bhp electric motor 
Torque: 590Nm combined 
Top speed: 250kmh
 0-100kmh: 7.8sec 
Economy: 4.3l-100km (65mpg) 
CO2 emissions: 109g/km 
Road Tax Band: A3. €190
 Euro NCAP rating: 5-star; 86% adult, 77% child, 59% pedestrian, 86% safety assist.

News: McLaren's P1 supercar hits the test track

Posted by Alex Bale Sunday, January 27, 2013

It was almost exactly 20 years ago that we car enthusiasts were getting all girlishly excited about the prospect of McLaren's first ever road car, the original F1. That went on to be the fastest car in the world, and to win Le Mans at its first attempt. So just imagine how excited we are at the prospect of this, the P1, McLaren's successor to the F1...

Just 500 of this amazing looking car will be built, and while its engine is structurally similar to the 3.8-litre V8 turbo that's in the existing MP4-12-C supercar, not only will the P1 get a power boost, it will also get a hybrid KERS setup that will boost power again for overtaking bursts. Quite what you'd need an overtaking burst to get past in one of these remains unexplained. A Veyron perhaps?

Anyway, expect power to be at least 750-800bhp, and with all the active aerodynamics and computer controlled suspension that you'd expect from McLaren. And judging from the still-camouflaged styling (why, when they showed the car un-disguised at the Paris Motor Show last year?) it will look remarkably like being violated by a Le Mans racer when it does overtake you, boost or no boost.

Enjoy the photos and check out the video too. It spits fire...

News: General Motors stands by electric cars in the face of dismal sales

Posted by Alex Bale Tuesday, January 22, 2013

57,000 sales out of just over 14-million. That's how many electric cars sold in the United States last year, causing more than a few people to announce the second death of the electric car. But General Motors' US president Mark Reuss has come out fighting for the battery car, saying that he expects Americans to embrace the technology more and more.

“The electric vehicle is not dead. We at GM believe that the public will accept and embrace electric vehicles. Some people already have" said Reuss at the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit.

He also promised that not only would the next generation of Chevrolet Volt, sold here as the Opel Ampera, have a greater battery range, it would also be thousands of dollars cheaper, as GM is now able to make batteries and electric drivetrains more efficiently.

News: Porsche's ground breaking 918 gets a price tag

Posted by Alex Bale

Porsche's 918 Spyder supercar, which claims to offer the performance of a true road-racer with the emissions of a Prius, has officially gone on sale... but only in the US for now. We Europeans will have to wait just a little longer for a price tag for our dream car.

And the price tag for American Porsche-philes? $845, 000, or around €634,000, and yes, that's before taxes, delivery and related charges. Wow. Time to start a Post Office savings account, chaps...

Of course, this being a German car, that $845k is just the starting point. There are extras...

If you want the track-focused 'Weissach Pack' which lowers the car's weight by around 34kg, you're going to have to find $929,000 down the back of the sofa. And things like those retro-seventies Martini racing stripes will cost a wee bit more too.

Still, with a reported output of 729bhp and a plug-in hybrid transmission that allows you to cruise around town in silent, zero-emissions mode, perhaps knocking on for a million dollars is cheap at the price, really.

2013 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Posted by Alex Bale Thursday, January 17, 2013

There are many hybrids on the market, but none of them can match the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid. The world's first diesel plug-in hybrid is Volvo Car Corporation's most technically advanced model ever - an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one. At the mere touch of a button you can choose which of your three cars you want to drive at any given moment in time.

2013 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

The production version of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be launched in just one colour - Electric Silver. Sales get under way at the start of 2012, and the first cars will be built in the autumn of that year.

"Our plug-in hybrid has received considerable attention since it was unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Now we're taking the next step by presenting the production model, which is graced with a distinctive profile featuring a spectacular silver colour, an exclusive interior and generous standard equipment," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The first 1,000 units of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid are only available in Electric Silver livery. The car is also distinguished by aero-designed 17-inch wheels, integrated exhaust tailpipes and a number of bodywork features in glossy black, such as the grille and the aerodynamic front spoiler.

The chromed "Plug-in Hybrid" emblem is found both on the lower part of the tailgate and in a smaller version on the front wings.

Exclusive interior

The interior of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has black leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and inlays of blue-grey wood. Other distinctive interior details include a leather-covered steering wheel, specially designed mats and a gear lever knob with integrated indicator.

The list of standard equipment includes features such as speed-dependent power steering, electrically adjustable driver's seat, parking sensors front and rear, Bluetooth phone link and Volvo on Call.

Standard is also the High Performance Multimedia DVD audio system with its 4x40 W amplifier, eight loudspeakers and seven-inch screen.

Smartphone app

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the first Volvo to be launched with an entirely digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM). The conventional analogue gauges have been replaced by a one-piece LED screen offering a large number of display options. The driver can choose which information to show via the car's menu setup.

It is also possible to communicate with the car via a mobile app. This gives the owner access to a number of smart functions such as air conditioning, pre-cooling and after-cooling, and a reminder to connect the charge cable if this has not been done by a predetermined time.

The first Volvo with the D6 badge

On the car's tailgate there is a D6 badge. The reason is that the combined performance of the five-cylinder turbodiesel and electric motor puts the car firmly within the same horsepower range as the petrol powered T6.

The front wheels of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid are powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel producing 215 hp and maximum torque is 440 Nm. The car has a six-speed automatic transmission.

The rear axle is powered by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. The electric motor is supplied with power from an 11.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

The sophisticated and exceptionally compact battery pack consists of 10 modules each containing 20 cells. An integrated computer monitors the system and compares temperature and charge level in each of the 200 cells. The battery pack also has an integrated water-cooling system driven by the car's climate unit.

Three driving modes - three cars in one

The driver selects the required driving mode via three buttons that give the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. If the battery pack has been recharged with electricity from renewable sources, its range is up to 50 kilometres and its carbon dioxide emissions are zero. The electric range varies with terrain, climate and driving style.

Hybrid is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The diesel engine and electric motor cooperate to ensure optimal balance between driving pleasure and environmental footprint. CO2 emission (NEDC, mixed driving cycle for certification) is 49g/km, corresponding to diesel consumption of 1.9l/100km. The car has a total range of up to 1,000km.

In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the maximum possible power. The diesel engine and electric motor have a total power output of 215+70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440+200Nm. The electric motor's lightning-quick torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

Save battery power for later

The driver can choose to save battery power in order to drive on pure electricity later on, for instance in an urban green zone or in the heart of a city.

When Save is activated, the on-board system ensures that there is always sufficient charge for driving later in Pure mode. If necessary, the high-tension generator will charge the battery pack so there is sufficient capacity for driving in Pure mode.

The aim is that the Save mode should ensure there is sufficient battery power for about 20 kilometres of driving on electricity alone.

Charge at home - cooling or heating in advance

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid can be recharged from a regular power outlet (230V/6A, 10A or 16A) at home or in a parking lot. Recharging time varies with amperage. A full charge with 10A takes 4.5 hours. This is cut to 3.5 hours with 16A, while a 6A charge takes 7.5 hours.

It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment to provide a more comfortable start of your journey. This also means that more battery power is used for actually propelling the car.

The pre-conditioning function can also cool the batteries. The ideal operating temperature for the battery pack is 20-30°C. This means that cooling prior to driving is very important in order to maximise battery charge and thus also range.

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has two heating systems. In electric mode the car uses a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) air heater. The car also has a diesel-powered heater.

Better pulling power with four-wheel drive (AWD)

Pressing the AWD button activates the electrical four-wheel drive. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the diesel-driven front wheels and the electrically-driven rear axle. The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better grip when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.

However, owing to the electric motor's lower power, torque to the rear wheels is limited and four-wheel drive is active up to 120 km/h.

When four-wheel drive is activated, the diesel engine operates continuously and the generator ensures that the charge level in the battery pack is sufficient to supply the rear axle with the necessary power.

Since electric four-wheel drive is only activated by the driver when necessary, it is more economical than conventional permanent four-wheel drive.

Two-stage braking system

A two-stage braking system is yet another smart feature of the Volvo Plug-in Hybrid. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the system starts braking the rear axle's electric motor. This braking energy is then used to recharge the car's battery pack.

The mechanical brakes are activated only when the situation requires more braking power than the rear axle can provide.

Immense interest suggests that the first series of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will sell out quickly

Volvo Car Corporation is on the threshold of introducing the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid - a rechargeable diesel hybrid car that is the company's most technically advanced model ever.

Production gets under way in November 2012 and the first model year's volume is limited to 1,000 cars. They will be offered with Pure Limited specifications, including the highest trim level Summum.

The indicative price of the world's first plug-in hybrid with diesel engine is starting at EUR 57,000 depending on market.

"There is immense interest from the markets. We are convinced that the first thousand cars will be sold even before production gets under way next autumn," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. He adds:

"With the V60 Plug-in Hybrid we boost our leading position in electrification. None of our competitors can offer customers an equally ingenious car. It elevates hybrid technology to an entirely new level."

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the synthesis of close cooperation between Volvo Car Corporation and Swedish electricity supplier Vattenfall. The development project was financed jointly by the two companies.

"We are proud of launching this unique car together with Volvo. The Plug-in Hybrid confirms that electricity is the fuel for future transports," says Öystein Löseth, CEO of Vattenfall.

Nordic region the biggest market

After the initial batch of 1,000 cars for model year 2013, production of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will increase to 4,000-6,000 cars as of model year 2014.

About 30 per cent of total volume will go to Sweden and the other Nordic countries. Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Britain will have a share of between 5 and 15 per cent each.

"We expect the order books to fill very quickly. The most discerning customers have many exclusive cars to choose between. But for anyone who truly wants to be in a league of their own behind the wheel of the most ingenious car in the world, there's only our V60 Plug-in Hybrid," concludes Stefan Jacoby.

Electrifying temporary presence

In addition to other venues, the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be launched through "electrifying" temporary presence in high profile venues. They will appear in places such as Stockholm, Berlin and London. The idea is that customers should meet the car where they feel most at home.

Surveys reveal that the main target group for the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid includes customers that are eager to adopt unique new technology. The car is ideal for customers who want superior environmental performance without compromising any of the established qualities in a contemporary luxury car.

Volvo Car Corporation expects that 80 per cent of total sales will be in the form of company cars.

Starter pack from Vattenfall included

Vattenfall offers the owners of this new car a starter pack including 100 per cent renewable electricity generated by Vattenfall´s own production facilities and a wall-mounted charging station. The starter pack will be provided in Vattenfall's core markets Sweden, Germany and Netherlands.

"Neither the business world nor society can tackle climate changes single-handedly. It is Volvo Car Corporation's mission to develop cars with minimum carbon dioxide emissions, but it is up to society as a whole to create a sustainable future. This project shows how cooperation between experts in different spheres brings us closer to a changeover from individually carbon dioxide-lean products to a climate-smart lifestyle," says Stefan Jacoby.

Superior technology

From the environmental viewpoint the plug-in hybrid is totally superior to the first generation of hybrid cars, which in principle reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 15 per cent compared with the same model without hybrid power.

In hybrid mode, the large rechargeable battery pack in the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid gives 65 per cent lower carbon dioxide emissions than a conventional V60 with the same diesel engine: 49 g/km. This corresponds to fuel consumption of just 1.9 litres/100 km.

What is more, at the touch of a button the driver can choose to cover up to 50 kilometres on pure electric power - or utilise the combined capacity of the diesel engine and electric motor to create a veritable driving machine that offers 215+70 horsepower and 440+200 Nm of torque.

"It is the on-demand possibility to choose between the car's three different temperaments that makes the V60 Plug-in Hybrid superior to all other hybrids on the market. Thanks to the Pure, Hybrid and Power buttons, this car is the perfect choice for the uncompromising customer who wants minimum carbon dioxide emissions combined with maximum driving pleasure," says Stefan Jacoby.

A study of daily driving shows that most European drivers cover less than 50 kilometres a day, for instance to and from work. On longer trips, the diesel engine gives the car the same range as a conventional hybrid - but with far lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Articles Source : NetCarshow

2012 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept

Posted by Alex Bale Saturday, January 12, 2013

At the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volvo Car Corporation will unveil an innovative gasoline plug-in hybrid. The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is an electric car, a highly economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into one. At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the electric motor is to be utilized.

2012 Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept

"The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. "You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car's renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap."

"This world-class gasoline plug-in hybrid technology, featuring a state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine from our upcoming Volvo Environmental Architecture engine family, will reach our American showrooms in a couple of years. However, it is too early to say which model will be the first to feature this solution," Stefan Jacoby says.

Pure Hybrid Power - three cars in one

The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The operational range is up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, U.S certification driving cycle) with zero tailpipe emissions in urban traffic. The range according to the European certification driving cycle NEDC is 45 km.
Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The gasoline engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure with minimum environmental impact. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO2 emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) - which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg. Using the U.S certification standards, which include emissions from the production of the electric energy, the combined fuel economy in continuous driving is 50 mpg. The car has a total operating range of up to 600 miles (960 km).
In Power mode, the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The gasoline engine with 280 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.) is combined with the electric motor with 70 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.). The electric motor's instant torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds).

Four cylinders with the same power as a six-cylinder unit

The front wheels of the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept are powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine from the forthcoming VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine family. This engine produces 280 horsepower and maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.). Power delivery to the wheels comes via a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

"In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept we demonstrate that our forthcoming four-cylinder engines offer the same high performance as today's sixes. At the same time, their fuel consumption will be lower than in current four-cylinder engines," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

The concept car carries a "T8" badge, which emphasizes the combined 350 horsepower of the high-performance four-cylinder engine and the electric motor. This moves the car into territory previously occupied solely by eight-cylinder engines.

"It's time to stop counting cylinders," Peter Mertens says. "Four-cylinder engines are the most effective way to quickly reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer expectations when it comes to driving pleasure and performance."

Reduction of parts, weight and fuel consumption

VEA is a modular range of diesel and gasoline engines. The gasoline versions come with direct injection, minimized internal losses and balance shafts for maximized comfort.

Several levels of turbocharging open up for flexibility that encompasses the whole range from high power and torque variants to extremely fuel-efficient derivatives. In order to cover all customer requirements, certain engines will gain added performance via hybrid drive or other spearhead technology.

The modular format is based on a standard of 500cc (30 cubic inches) per cylinder for optimum thermodynamics. It could also be used to develop three-cylinder engines. VEA offers several advantages

The number of unique parts is reduced. This promotes manufacturing efficiency, quality assurance and efficiency of new development projects.
The new powertrains are considerably lighter than present engines with similar performance.
Fuel economy is improved by up to 35 percent compared to engines with similar performance.
Modularity and compact transverse design are also ideal for future electrification developments.

Integrated Starter Generator

The engine in the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept has no conventional starter motor or alternator. Instead, there is an Integrated Starter motor and Generator (ISG) connected to the crankshaft, which is located between the engine and the transmission. The ISG is capable of delivering an extra 34 kW (45 hp) during acceleration. It also charges the battery during braking.

Charge the battery at home

The rear axle of the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is driven by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. It is supplied with power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

The battery pack is recharged from a regular power outlet, at home or at a parking place. Recharging time varies with the current. If 220V is available a full charge with 12A takes just 3.5 hours. With 110V/12A a full charge takes 7.5 hours.

It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment in order to make the start of the journey more comfortable. This also means that more battery power is available to propel the car.

Constantly online

The Volvo Sensus infotainment system in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept keeps the driver constantly updated on everything that makes the journey simpler, more efficient and more entertaining. A few examples of available information:

Best route to the destination depending on whether the driver prioritizes low energy consumption, the fastest route or the shortest distance.
Low Emission Zones where sufficient capacity is needed for running on pure electricity.
Charging stations with access to renewable electricity.
Locations along the route with access to quick-charging facilities.

Mobile application

The driver also can connect to the car via a mobile phone application. This offers convenient access to a wide range of data, such as the battery's charge level, remaining range, and the location and capacity of the nearest recharging station. Via the app, it is possible to verify if the charger cable is hooked up and it is also possible to pre-program the car's interior climate.

"Creating an intuitive driver's environment that always gives you access to updated, useful information is an important part of our product development. This includes that you should be as updated when the car is parked as when you're behind the wheel," says Stefan Jacoby.

Muscular appearance

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is painted in a special white color and the 21-inch wheels enhance the muscular appearance. The interior features unique detailing and colors, such as sober dark-blue leather upholstery and inlays of blue-grey wood.

The instruments have been tailored to give the driver all the necessary information about petrol and electricity consumption, battery charge level, remaining range and so on.

Electric four-wheel drive

The electric four-wheel drive in the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is activated by pressing the AWD (All Wheel Drive) button. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the gasoline-driven front wheels and the electrically driven rear axle.

The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better traction when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.

Saves battery power for later

The driver can choose to save battery power for later in order to drive on pure electricity later in, for example, an urban green zone or in the heart of a city. When Save is activated, the generator charges and tops up the battery pack if necessary. The aim is to ensure sufficient battery power for about 12 miles (20 km) of driving on electricity.

Articles Source : NetCarshow

News: Lexus strikes at 3 Series with dramatic new IS

Posted by Alex Bale Wednesday, January 9, 2013

You're looking at the first pics of the ultra-aggressive face of the new Lexus IS, the compact sports saloon that Lexus is hoping will, at long last, really take the fight to the heartland of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

Depending on how you feel about the styling of the current Lexus GS, you may or may not love the new IS' styling, with that outrageous sucked-in grille (vampire fangs, anyone) but while we're sitting slightly on the fence at the moment, we're loving the way the grille design makes it look as if the Lexus badge is being sucked into a black hole. Cool.

Of more practical concern, the new IS is going to be longer, more spacious (good – the current one is way too small inside) and lighter. The driving position is going to be lower and more overtly sporting too, and just have a gander at those gorgeous all-digital instruments. They've been lifted more or less straight from the fantabulous V10 LF-A supercar.

There is a concern that Lexus is going to hobble itself with regard to engine choice though. Once again, only two powerplants will be available but this time around there's no diesel option, or at least none has been officially announced. For now, you'll have to choose between a 2.5-litre petrol V6 IS250 (which no-one in Ireland is going to buy) or a new IS300 Hybrid. Now, we're not 100% sure what the petrol engine component of the IS300 will be just yet, but it is already rumoured to have Co2 emissions in the region of 99g/km. Now, seeing as Toyota can get around 85g/km out of the Prius; 1.8-litre petrol hybrid, we're going to go out on a limb here and suggest that the Lexus' unit will be rather more muscular.

Will being a hybrid hold the IS back, in sales terms, against the more conventional, but very engaging to drive, BMW 320d and Audi A4 2.0 TDI? Yes, it very well could, although it should be noted that the hybrid-only GS450h is at least as engaging and enjoyable to drive as any diesel 5 Series, so if the same engineers are working on the IS300 then perhaps, at last, we'll have a compact hybrid that's as good to drive as a diesel, but just as (if not more) economical and efficient.

We'll find out more when the IS gets its official public unveiling at next week's Detroit Motor Show.