The PROTON Concept car, to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, showcases an advanced series hybrid drivetrain, designed and developed by Lotus Engineering.

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited today announces its latest series hybrid vehicle technology application in the PROTON Concept, which will be unveiled at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show. The complete hybrid drivetrain in the PROTON Concept city car has been developed by Lotus Engineering and it includes the Lotus Range Extender engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles.

The PROTON Concept, a plug-in series hybrid city car, has been styled by Italdesign and will be unveiled on the Italdesign stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Lotus Engineering has designed and integrated the complete drivetrain, including the electrical drive system with single-speed transmission, which delivers low emissions, optimised performance and acceptable electric-only operating range for city use. For longer journeys, when the battery charge level falls, the 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre Lotus Range Extender engine is used to replenish the charge in the battery and provide electrical power for the drive motors. The battery can also be recharged via an AC mains domestic outlet to achieve initial electric-only operation.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: “The hybrid drivetrain of the PROTONConcept is another example of Lotus Engineering’s expertise in electrical and electronic systems and efficient performance engines. The high efficiency Lotus Range Extender engine, which we unveiled to great acclaim at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show last year is perfectly suited for the advanced series hybrid we have created for the PROTON Concept city car.  It is an exciting example of the diverse range of highly efficient total propulsion systems that Lotus Engineering continues to develop for its partners and clients.”

PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir said, “Our collaboration with Lotus and Italdesign on progressive technology and design will further propel our competitiveness in the world market. Through this association, we strive to acquire and jointly develop new knowledge, skills and technologies that will ultimately benefit our customers.”

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Vauxhall will unveil a dramatic concept car at this year’s Geneva Show that is set to boost its credentials as a leader in environmental vehicles. The Flextreme GT/E illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-sized vehicles, as well as compact cars, like the upcoming Ampera.

Vauxhall calls the strategy underpinning Flextreme GT/E, ‘e-mobility unlimited’, which will effectively adapt the highly efficient E-REV drive system to vehicles across all market segments. In other words, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to driving a car with zero C02 emissions.

Sleek and aerodynamic, the Flextreme GT/E achieves a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, allowing it to reach an estimated top speed of 125mph-plus while conserving energy and extending the driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low, wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, ‘floating’ C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

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At the 2010 Auto Expo in New Delhi, Suzuki Motor Corporation is displaying its latest Concept car, The R3, which has been designed at Maruti Suzuki India’s Research and Development department.

The R3 Concept is a compact MPV that can seat six people in three rows and has been designed as an example of a vehicle that could cater for India’s rapidly changing car market and where consumer lifestyles are quickly evolving.

R3 combines compact dimensions and stylish profiling with four wide opening doors without a central B pillar, allowing easy access for all occupants.   

Maruti Suzuki is of particular importance to Suzuki Motor Corporation, it has had a major presence there since 1983 and currently holds around a 55 per cent market share of the passenger car market.

To put this into perspective; of the 11 million passenger vehicles currently on the roads in India; over 7.5 million are Suzuki’s with Alto the most popular car on sale. 

Maruti Suzuki has the capacity to build up to 960,000 vehicles per annum from its highly efficient plants close to New Delhi at Gurgaon and Manesar.

Indian Suzuki owners are very happy too as Maruti Suzuki recently won the J.D. Power Asia and South Pacific customer satisfaction index survey for the 10th year in a row. The index score was 824 out of a possible 1,000 and way above the industry average of 785 points.

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Aston Martin today releases the first official images of the ‘Cygnet’ – a new luxury commuter concept car.

The Cygnet concept represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence – and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin’s luxury brand ownership.

Work on the concept is ongoing and will continue into 2010 when it is hoped that it will become a production reality initially available to Aston Martin customers in the UK and Europe.

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Once again, MINI achieves all this by consistently expanding the model range and through the unconventional creativity of MINI design. Just a few months prior to the launch of the brand’s fourth model announced for autumn 2010, MINI is now demonstrating its potential for further enhancement of driving pleasure and diversity through another spectacular concept car: the concept of a brand-new type of vehicle proudly presented by MINI at the North American International Auto Show (16–24 January 2010) in Detroit.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept is a four-seater concept car designed consistently for maximum driving pleasure, taking up the enhanced options of the new MINI and combining these potentials with the vision of a radically open body concept.

ALL4 all-wheel drive and the variable interior give the MINI Beachcomber Concept abilities absolutely ideal for a spontaneous and active experience of freedom and leisure time. The potential offered by the car’s modern drivetrain technology and space concept is used here to the greatest possible extent to ensure a highly emotional driving experience. Hence, the MINI Beachcomber Concept consistently does without doors, a conventional roof and all other body elements which might possibly limit the intensity of the occupants’ encounter with their surrounding world. This makes the driver and up to three passengers one harmonious entity communicating directly with their surroundings – whether cruising through town, enjoying rough tracks in the mountains, or breezing along the beach.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept combines all-wheel drive with cutting-edge suspension technology, numerous body elements serving to make the car extra-strong and robust, as well as an elevated seating position. Generous spring travel and extra-large light-alloy wheels raise the entire car to a higher level. Access to the front and rear seats is nevertheless exceptionally convenient and easy thanks to the omission of doors and the entry cutouts extending all the way down to the seat bottoms, allowing the driver and passengers to get in and out in one smooth and flowing process. A pleasant and interesting side effect is that the distance the occupants feel from their surroundings is reduced to a minimum.

The driver and passengers will also enjoy the driving pleasure created by this concept in everyday traffic under regular motoring conditions – simply because the MINI Beachcomber Concept retains its unmistakable character even when adverse weather conditions require use of the soft roof or the lightweight door and roof elements fitting on easily and conveniently within a few instants. “

(Via .)

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Honda unveiled the Personal-Neo Urban Transport (P-NUT) design study model at LA Auto Show 2009 today, demonstrating a futuristic concept for an ultra-compact and stylish city coupe.

Designed around a small, micro-car ‘footprint’, ideal for use in cities and tight urban areas, the
P-NUT’s packaging concept includes a central driving position, rear powertrain layout and clever interior space-saving solutions.

‘A new generation is discovering the benefits of living in urban centres that provide convenient access to business, entertainment and social amenities,’ said Dave Marek, director of advanced design for Honda R&D Americas, Inc. ‘The Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept explores the packaging and design potential for a vehicle conceived exclusively around the city lifestyle.’

The P-NUT’s exterior styling uses crisp angles with dynamic flowing lines that span outward toward the rear of the car, creating a sleek yet planted and aggressive look that also allows for a spacious and open interior with excellent visibility.

The exterior styling intends to be premium and sophisticated while balancing the need for maximum interior space and an aerodynamic appearance. The interior layout, in conjunction with the rear powertrain design, contributes to the car’s overall exterior shape.

Inside, with its centre driving position flanked by two rear seats, the P-NUT provides generous legroom for all occupants, roughly the equivalent of a mid-sized saloon but in a vehicle with the exterior footprint similar to a micro car. In addition there are clever interior solutions such as rear seating areas that fold up and out of the way to increase storage capacity. The windshield serves as a head-up display for the navigation system and the reversing camera.

‘The objective of the exterior and interior designers was to explore the potential for a new type of small-segment-category vehicle that overcomes many of the obstacles for existing micro-car designs,’ said Marek. ‘While the Honda P-NUT concept introduces function-oriented concepts, it also shows that small cars don’t have to compromise on style or amenities.’

The modular rear engine bay is designed to accommodate a wide variety of potential powertrain technologies including a conventional small internal combustion engine, a hybrid system, or a battery-electric drivetrain.

The P-NUT design study model has been developed by The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Los Angeles. There are currently no plans for production.

Specification

Size class: Ultra-compact
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Passengers: 3
Length: 3,400 mm
Width: 1,750 mm
Height: 1,439 mm
Powertrain: Internal-combustion engine, hybrid-electric or battery-electric

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, has released a concept sketch of a light commercial electric vehicle based on the newly launched NV200.

The low-cost multi-purpose vehicle would allow ambulance drivers to drive directly into the hospital or van and taxi drivers to enter urban areas where CO2 emissions are restricted.  The van is one of four electric vehicles Nissan has announced for the future. At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan, said LEAF – the world’s first mass market affordable EV – will be launched in Japan and the US in late 2010, Europe in 2011 with global mass-marketing efforts to begin in 2012.

At the show, Ghosn also announced plans to release a four-seater Infiniti electric compact car, as well as LandGlider, a totally new concept which combines the best of two- and four-wheel vehicles.

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Chevrolet delivers a futuristic vision of technology and design with the 50th Anniversary Corvette Stingray Concept. A version of the model was first shown at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and stars as ‘Sideswipe’ in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The Corvette Stingray Concept represents both the iconic legacy and an exciting future for Corvette.

The Corvette Stingray Concept was developed as an internal design challenge to combine classic Corvette cues with surprisingly high-tech features, modern materials, and a striking new appearance. The car is well-appointed with a clamshell hood, scissor-style doors, ergonomic seats, rear-view camera with night vision enhancement, and a high performance hybrid drive. Interactive touch controls allow the driver to customize the power and efficiency of his or her ride and share it with friends via the in-car camera system and advanced telemetrics.

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At the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, Suzuki will exhibit its latest concepts for the future including a Swift with Plug-in Hybrid system and an SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV).

Swift Plug-in Hybrid is ideal for drivers who travel low mileages of around 20km every day and is designed to be driven primarily on electric power. It is fitted with a compact 660cc engine and equipped with a generator to charge the lithium-ion battery if capacity level drops. Further recharging when parked is by means of a domestic plug socket. The type of petrol engine used for the Hybrid is similar to that fitted to Suzuki’s compact dimension and low tax ‘Kei’ cars in Japan.

Also on display as part of Suzuki’s longer term future is the SX4 FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) which combines a General Motors produced high performance fuel cell with a Suzuki developed high pressure hydrogen tank and a light and compact capacitor. The capacitor helps to promote driving performance by recovering energy during braking and using it to reduce fuel cell loading under acceleration. The FCV is currently under test on public roads in Japan.

On two wheels; and after stunning the motorcycle world with the Crosscage fuel cell bike in 2007, Suzuki have now applied this technology in a more accessible way by adapting it to its popular Burgmann scooter. The fuel cell is air cooled and is of light and compact design with a hydrogen tank capacity of 70MPa, the highest used on a bike so far.

Continuing the fuel cell theme; Suzuki has been producing electric wheelchairs for 35 years and will be showing the MIO – powered by a direct methanol fuel cell instead of a conventional lead – acid battery. The methanol solution is held in a cartridge bottle that can easily be replaced by the user when empty, removing any worries of running out of fuel on the road. Suzuki began joint trials of the MI0 with the Shizuoka prefecture government in November 2008 with a view to enhancing it ready for commercial sale.

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Audi presents the highlight of the IAA 2009: the e-tron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors – two each at the front and rear axles – drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 – 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometers.

The performance figures are by no means the only evidence of the consistent and holistic strategy. The design makes it clear that the e-tron belongs in the major leagues of sports cars, and the package takes into account the specific realities of an electric vehicle. The battery is directly behind the passenger cabin for an optimal center of gravity and axle load distribution.

The e-tron is able to freely distribute the powerful torque of its four electric motors to the wheels as required. This so-called torque vectoring allows for dazzling dynamics and an undreamed-of level of agility and precision when cornering.

Audi has taken a new and in some cases revolutionary approach to many of the technical modules. A heat pump is used to efficiently warm up and heat the interior. The drive system, the power electronics and the battery are controlled by an innovative thermal management system that is a crucial component for achieving the car’s range without compromising its high level of interior comfort. Networking the vehicle electronics with the surroundings, which is referred to as car-to-x communication, opens new dimensions for the optimization of efficiency, safety and convenience.

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Volkswagen has unveiled an all-new zero-emissions vehicle – the E-Up! concept.

Powered by an electric motor capable of delivering a peak of 81 PS (54 PS constant) and 154 lbs ft of torque channelling drive through the front wheels, the E-Up! can accelerate to 62 mph in 11.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 84 mph.

The E-Up! weighs just 1,085 kg – a remarkable figure given that the lithium-ion batteries powering the vehicle account for 240 kg of this total.

The batteries have a capacity of 18 kWh which allows a theoretical range of over 80 miles. Through the use of proposed public charging stations 80 per cent of the vehicle’s battery capacity can be made available within an hour. Using a 230-volt domestic system would require a charging time of around five hours. This process is aided by a series of solar panels measuring 1.4 square metres mounted on the roof.

Housed under the floor of the E-Up!, the batteries are protected by a specially designed crash structure and are kept cool by a series of heat exchangers. The entire system, including the electric motor, transmission and differential are all extremely compact to free up as much space inside the car as possible.

Drawing inspiration from the new design direction established by Walter de Silva (Head of Design, Volkswagen Group) on the Golf as well as the up! concept from the 2007 Frankfurt Show, the new E-Up! evolves the look with a distinctive ‘face’ and clean, minimalist lines complemented by intricate detailing around the front and rear lights. The E-Up! measures just 3,199 mm in length and sits on a 2,190 mm wheelbase with minimal front and rear overhangs.

Despite the diminutive dimensions the E-Up! is spacious inside and is capable of carrying three adults plus a child. The 3+1 seating arrangement means two adults can sit on the passenger side of the vehicle with the passenger seat mounted 50 mm further forward than the driver’s seat to allow this to be possible. On the driver’s side a small space is available for occasional use by adults or children. The total loadspace is 85-litres, rising to 320-litres when the seats are folded.

The innovative approach to the drivetrain and packaging is continued in the design of the interior. To reduce demand on the vehicle’s batteries simple mechanisms such as the mirror adjustment and windows are manually operated. These simplistic methods extend to the touchscreen HMI (Human Machine Interface) system which relays critical information to the driver including the amount of charge remaining and offers advice on nearby recharging stations.

On unveiling the E-Up! Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group said: ‘Cars with pure petrol and diesel engines – which in the foreseeable future will continue to be unbeatable for mid- to long-range distances – will be supplemented by cars like the E-Up! in coming years. And that will happen starting in 2013. The concept now being presented in Frankfurt very realistically shows how we envision such a Volkswagen with pure electric drive technology, visually and in terms of size.’

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The Frankfurt Motor Show marks the debut of the revolutionary new Volkswagen L1 Concept – a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle constructed from aluminium and carbon fibre weighing just 380 kg and capable of returning 189 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 39 g/km of CO2.

The L1 can seat two occupants in tandem. They enter through a side-hinging, electrically operated canopy to maximise the aerodynamic efficiency of the L1 Concept. The result is a remarkable co-efficient of drag figure of just 0.195.

Not only is the body extremely aerodynamic but it’s also very light and strong. The safety cell, constructed from carbon fibre reinforced plastic, weighs just 124 kg. At 3,813 mm in length, the L1 Concept is comparable to the Fox yet at just 1,143 mm in height it’s as low as a Lamborghini Murcielago. Its width, at just 1,200 mm, is narrower than any conventional car on sale today.

The driving environment shares more in common with an aircraft than a car. The adjustable front seat is thin and constructed from carbon while the rear passenger sits in a fixed seat built into the monocoque. The driver has an excellent view of the road and sits behind an instrument panel set into the body of the car. The rear view mirror is replaced by an organic light-emitting diode display while the main controls for the operation of the vehicle are grouped around the steering wheel.

Every element of the L1 Concept is intended to maximise efficiency. At its heart is a tiny 800 cc two-cylinder common rail, direct injection TDI engine. In ‘ECO’ mode the engine develops 27 PS at 4,000 rpm, in ‘Sport’ mode this rises to 29 PS and 74 lbs ft of torque developed at 1,900 rpm.

The modest kerb weight of the L1 Concept linked to efficient aerodynamics mean that it is capable of accelerating to 62 mph from rest in 14.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 99 mph. Despite having only a 10-litre fuel tank the L1 Concept’s incredible efficiency means that it is capable of travelling 416 miles between stops.

The 800 cc engine is derived from the 1.6-litre TDI engine found in the new Golf BlueMotion, also making its debut at the Frankfurt Show. The two have identical cylinder spacing, bore and stroke as well as exhaust gas recirculation and diesel particulate filters to ensure they meet and exceed the Euro-5 emissions regulations.

Under normal conditions the 14 PS electric motor is inactive, only engaging when additional acceleration is required, delivering 40 per cent extra torque. In addition, the electric motor can take over from the engine to power the L1 Concept for short distances.

The L1 Concept draws inspiration from the original 1-litre car, unveiled in April 2002 when Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, then Chairman of the Board of Management, drove the concept between Wolfsburg and Hamburg. At that time productionising the carbon fibre reinforced plastic body was simply not viable. With modern production processes, large-scale manufacture of such structures is now possible.”

(Via .)

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Citroën has unveiled its ultra-chic REVOLTe concept at the Frankfurt Motorshow.

A vibrant and sophisticated re-chargeable hybrid, REVOLTe represents a bold vision of the luxury, compact city car of tomorrow, combining confident styling with environmentally responsible technology to create a unique concept for the future of urban transportation.

REVOLTe reflects the changing role of small cars with style and elegance becoming as important as economy and practicality. True to Citroën’s credentials as a bold and forward-thinking brand, REVOLTe snubs the traditions of the conventional small urban vehicle, bringing a highly contemporary approach to the segment.

Inspired by the 2CV, REVOLTe takes the key attributes of Citroën’s timeless and iconic classic and turns them on their head – a clear example of Citroën looking to the future by taking inspiration from its cool past. Where the 2CV was plain and neutral, REVOLTe is luxurious and colourful; where the 2CV was basic and simple, REVOLTe is intelligent and technologically advanced and where the 2CV was slow and bouncy, REVOLTe is lively and spirited.

Compact, with a visually-stunning low stance, REVOLTe measures just 3.68m long, 1.73m wide and 1.35m tall. The well defined wheel arches, curving bonnet, forceful lines and sculpted sides that match the roof line, all combine to present a sleek and elegant profile.

Rear-hinged doors provide easy access to the multi-coloured cabin, with woven black leather, thick crimson velvet and gleaming aluminium. REVOLTe’s bright colours and luxury styling reflects Citroën’s bold creativity and the desire to modernise notions of conventional car design. Thanks to iridescent, glossy colours, silky smooth textiles and sophisticated materials, REVOLTe has a vibrant, dare-to-be-different interior that throws tradition aside. The result is a small urban vehicle much more like a fashionable, glamorous and clearly feminine accessory to the driver’s modern lifestyle.

The original and distinctive three-seater layout – driver’s seat to one side with two passenger seats behind it – is designed to resemble a lounge, with the rear seats taking the form of a contemporary sofa. The passenger on the opposite side to the driver can stretch out their legs fully into the space where the front passenger seat would have traditionally been. Alternatively, Citroën have made it possible to fit a rear-facing child-seat in the space available. Notably, the rear seats also serve to conceal the concept’s battery pack, maximising useable cabin and luggage space.

REVOLTe also introduces luxury from the application of technology. The touch-sensitive screen that projects forward from the dashboard is encased in a deep-red beam of crystals – that also recycles the air on-board like a respiratory system. On the outside, REVOLTe’s folding roof is covered with solar cells, which feed power to systems controlling on-board comfort – and reducing the load on the batteries. At the very front of REVOLTe, a backlit glass element is incorporated into the grille – this original feature highlights the chevrons above, subtly asserting the concept’s identity as true Citroën.

With a design philosophy of sophistication and the use of environmentally responsible technology, REVOLTe’s re-chargeable hybrid power-train features a small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor and a battery re-charging function. Agile and responsive, REVOLTe’s advanced drive-train delivers lively performance suited to the urban environment. REVOLTe also provides the option of CO2-free driving with the ability to run in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode.

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* Zero Emissions
* Electric Powered with a Range of 75 Miles
* Accommodates Four Occupants
* Reinvents the automobile in every way

With its BB1 concept car, Peugeot has pushed back the conventions and boundaries of current automobile manufacturing to create a totally new solution to the current and future needs of urban mobility.

Capable of seating four people in a vehicle just 2.5 metres long, the BB1 concept car is a full electric vehicle that reinvents the automobile in every way: architecture, style, interior design, interior space, connectivity – while all the time respecting the environment.

The world is always on the move and urban traffic levels are forever increasing. Everyone wants to save time, but the protection of the environment is an ever increasing priority.

To meet these ever changing needs, Peugeot has developed a range of mobility options across all of its many product offerings. Depending on age and individual needs, everyone can find a suitable solution in Peugeot’s lion-branded range of bikes, motorbikes and automobiles.

Peugeot are, however, constantly studying and sharing mobility ideas within all the different sister companies to pool their expertise and their creativity to create particularly innovative and original projects. Indeed, Peugeot has always sought to be a global, recognized provider of mobility, with an inventive, responsible and competitive range of vehicles, whether they are on two, three or four wheels.

The BB1 concept car, unveiled at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, paves the way for this ideal by pushing back the barriers to bring an innovative, fun, expressive and stylish vehicle. This electric vehicle aims to explore new grounds with regards to urban mobility.

A totally original idea

The design brief for the BB1 was to meet the mobility needs of everyday individuals on a daily basis and provide maximum versatility, a compact size, manoeuvrability (3.5m turning circle) and good performance levels.

To achieve all this, the Peugeot teams faced a real challenge – never before in the history of the automobile has a car been created to accommodate four people in an overall length of just 2.5m. This amazing use of interior space can also be adapted to increase the potential load capacity, even though its ‘compact’ size gives it the ability to park in extremely tight spots – even perpendicular to the pavement.

To meet this challenge, the design of the structure of the passenger compartment has drawn inspiration from two-wheeled vehicles in terms of the ergonomics and controls. The driver controls the vehicle by adopting a novel driving position – more vertical than is usual. This is mainly made possible through the absence of foot pedals, as in a conventional car.

Access to the vehicle is through the reverse opening doors, while the load area access is through an innovative tail board / tailgate design. The interior can be transformed as required to offer a load volume of up to 160 litres (with four occupants), or 855 litres (with just one person in the car).

A stylish break with the past

The style of the vehicle highlights the interior space and the unique driving position. With its bold styling lines at the front, large glazed surface area, low door waistline (for the passenger compartment ventilation system) and extended wheel arches, the car represents a real move away from current vehicle design.

Robust and protective, the quality and technology shine through in every detail, such as the ‘full LED’ front headlights and rear view cameras. The double bubble roof, similar to the RCZ, helps with the feeling of space within the vehicle, as does the openness and brightness created by the large glazed surface areas.

User-friendly connectivity

The BB1 includes an extensive range of interactive technologies. The colour multi-function display and the vehicle’s audio system provide the ideal link for all the functionalities of a ‘smart phone’: telephone, navigation, Internet access, radio, MP3… Just connect the device to the USB connector and the 12V power socket if necessary.

Universal and user-friendly, this system enables the BB1 to provide a range of essential services without the need for multiple pieces of equipment, bringing extra safety to driving and saving considerable weight.

Similarly, the rear-view cameras remove the need for mirrors, optimising the width of the vehicle and improving its aerodynamics, while adding to the high-tech feeling of the interior.

An environmentally-efficient vehicle…

Creative – the BB1 breaks new ground with its electric drive system. It is fitted with two electric motors mounted in the rear wheels, designed in association with Michelin. This original set-up maximises the interior space and draws its inspiration from the world of the quad bike. They produce a maximum power output of 15 kW (20hp) – or 7.5 kW per motor, proving the optimum power to weight ratio for the vehicle in its urban driving environment. This ensures the best possible response at start-up (0 to 19 mph in 2.8 seconds) and excellent in-gear acceleration (19 – 37 mph in 4 seconds), ensuring driveability and safety are to the levels expected of a Peugeot.

The power for the vehicle is provided by two lithium-ion battery packs supplying energy to the respective electric motors located under the right and left-hand rear seats, with a comfortable range of 75 miles. This layout avoids any reduction in the interior space or the available storage space. Furthermore, this location between the front and rear wheels helps with the weight distribution of the vehicle and benefits vehicle stability, especially during braking.

Innovative light-weight structure…

Peugeot engineers have completely reinvented the way to design a vehicle. The BB1 uses a tubular chassis designed by Peugeot Motorcycles. It still, however, includes all normal ‘car’ dynamic systems: electric power steering, suspension (double-wishbone front and rear suspension), friction damper spring assemblies – granting the vehicle a level of road-holding to match the vehicle’s performance, its urban nature and driveability and safety levels worthy of the Peugeot Marque.

The body is made up of a very light carbon fibre structure, designed to wrap around the passenger compartment, all of which enables potential future customisation and a possibility of a variety of vehicle shapes.

Finally, the vehicle weight does not exceed 600 kg, including the batteries, enabling all its mechanical parts to be placed in their ideal position, ensuring optimal weight distribution.

An environmentally-friendly concept

Thanks to its electric propulsion, the BB1 is an environmentally-friendly vehicle par excellence and emits no loud noise outside the vehicle and, above all, no pollutant emissions owing to the fact that it consumes no fossil fuels.

But this eco-responsibility isn’t limited to just driving. At a standstill, the passenger compartment ventilation keeps operating in daylight thanks to the solar panels placed on the roof of the vehicle. This enables two functions: pre-ventilation of the interior and the trapping of pollutants and ultra-fine dust particles (μm), due to the use of high-performance filters and activated carbon.

The use of new generation solar cells

The BB1′s solar panels use cutting-edge technology, designed in partnership with the Ocean Vital foundation. Flexible (enabling their usage on surfaces as complex as the dual-bubble roof of the BB1), they provide a high yield of around 16% of energy captured (a much higher performance than current systems) to power some of the vehicle’s systems.

The Ocean Vital Foundation, created by round-the-world navigator Raphaël Dinelli, develops new clean technologies with the aim of preserving our natural resources and environment. As part of the BB1 project, Peugeot and Ocean Vital have entered into an agreement to support research and development into new renewable energy technology and, therefore, encourage the development of research projects and the ‘green economy’ in France.

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The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is BMW’s most innovative concept car ever and sets a new performance car agenda. Its unique powertrain, ground-breaking performance potential and exo-skeletal style bodywork crafted from aerodynamic knowledge gained in Formula One set it apart from anything previously seen.

Powered by a three-cylinder turbo diesel engine and two electric motors, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is capable of BMW M3 performance but with a fraction of that model’s CO2 emissions and far greater fuel economy. The striking concept car is showcased with a powertrain producing an anticipated 356hp and 800Nm of torque for true supercar performance. However, the vehicle has been designed to be capable of recording 75.1mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 99g/km.

The vehicle’s impressive performance figures improve further when it runs solely in hybrid mode. When taking the sources of electrical energy generation into account the CO2 emissions of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics drop to a staggering 51g/km*.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics highlights a number of technologies that will appear on BMWs of the near future. BMW’s Air Curtain system that channels air through a front valance with the air exiting ahead of the front wheel is fitted. The Air Curtain system’s exiting air flow effectively deflects air from entering the wheel arch and causing turbulence thus improving all round performance.

The bodywork of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics also takes styling cues from the marque’s involvement in Formula 1. The exo-skeletal appearance of elements of the design mean the vehicle cleaves through the air with the least possible resistance. The drag co-efficient is 0.22 – the lowest figure of any BMW road car. The subtle folds of the bodywork that sit proud of the passenger cocoon create downforce without the need to have large spoilers.

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine is another feature that indicates production potential. In isolation this new engine is capable of recording peak power of 163hp, a new record in terms of output per litre at 109hp, and a peak torque of 290Nm. Mounted transversely and ahead of the rear axle, the diesel engine can be the sole power source for the vehicle or it can work in conjunction with the electric drive. Alternatively the diesel engine can be used to charge the electric drive battery pack.

The hybrid drivetrain features two electric motors – one on each axle. At lower speeds just the electric drive mode functions. The rear axle motor can produce up to 38kW of power and 290Nm of torque, while the second axle motor is capable of 60kW and 220Nm of torque. However, an overboost function allows the driver to top this up to 84kW for a 30 second boost and 104kW for a 10 second power enhancer. When taking all three power sources into account these figures equate to a car that records a peak power of 356hp and torque of 800Nm. Power is transmitted to the road via an enhanced version of BMW’s existing seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics has a range of 31 miles when driving only on electric mode. Combined with the three-cylinder diesel engine this extends to a total possible distance between fill-ups and charges of 431 miles. Using a conventional domestic power source at 220 V would result in the vehicle being fully recharged after 2.5 hours. Access to a slightly more powerful 380 V sees the charge time drop to 44 minutes.

Unlike other hybrid vehicles that use existing vehicle architecture and then add a hybrid drivetrain, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics isn’t penalised by weight. A V8 or larger capacity engine that would be the norm for a supercar has been substituted by a compact three-cylinder engine and two electric motors. This is fitted to an aluminium chassis to further save weight. The result of this is that the vehicle tips the scales at just 1,395kgs.

The use of low rolling resistance tyres has also taken on another twist to offer something unique. Normally customer demand for larger alloy wheels with wider tyres is at odds with aerodynamic and rolling resistance targets. However, BMW engineers working with Michelin developed a solution to this conundrum. The contact patch of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics has effectively been turned 90 degrees by virtue of specifying larger diameter wheel rims. Larger, but thinner tyres result in the same percentage of rubber being in contact with the road, but the cross section of the tyre as a whole is smaller making for less rolling resistance and greater aerodynamic efficiency.

BMW is renowned for using lightweight materials as part of its EfficientDynamics strategy and this concept car is no different. The chassis and suspension are made entirely from aluminium while the roof and the outer skin of the doors are made of a lightweight polycarbonate glass. This material also comes with special properties that allow the glass to darken in sunlight to keep the cabin temperature at the desired level.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics also showcases BMW’s Thermo Electric Generator currently fitted to the exhaust system of test cars and being developed for production. This works on the principle of the Seebeck effect to generate an electrical current courtesy of the temperature change between two metal based semi-conductors. This system alone generates enough charge to power some of the auxiliary features.

Inside, and the 3D Head-up Display is another feature that highlights at possible production car capability as does a new incarnation of iDrive with a touchpad screen. The vehicle’s 4.6 metre length, 1.9 metre width and 1.24 metre height permit a 2+2 configuration that makes this supercar a practical form of transport. With the rear seats folded the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics even has room for two sets of golf clubs that can be stowed in the 150-litre luggage area.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is the centrepiece of the BMW stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show. More images and video footage of this model and other new products at the show can be seen at www.bmw-web.tv.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics won’t be the only star in Frankfurt, the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon, currently the marque’s lowest CO2 emitting model at 109g/km, will debut. Joining this model will be the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the BMW X1, the BMW X5 10-Year Anniversary Edition and new engine introductions into existing model line-ups such as the BMW 118d Coupé and 120i Coupé.

Representing BMW UK at the Frankfurt Motor Show will be Graham Biggs and Angela Stangroom. They will be able to answer any further questions about the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics or other products on display. Graham can be contacted on 00 44 7771 976867 and Angela on 00 44 7740 740425.

*If the car drives under just electric power CO2 emissions (tank to wheel) are actually 0g/km. However, if the electric power comes from a European power station emitting an average of approximately 290g CO2 / kWh, electric consumption by the car of 17.5kWh/100km means well to wheel emissions are 50.75g/km (17.5 x 290 ÷ 100 = 50.75).

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