Car year 2012 - The new features of the next 12 months

LATEST CAR NEWS - Now it is clear: 2012 is a great car year. More than 160 new models and variants are getting ready and enrich the offer to attractive facets. Also safe: Despite all the efforts of the fuel will not quibble performance, luxury and travel facilitation

The old motto of Mercedes design ("on earshot behind fashion") was once, now the Swabia themselves set the trends. After the first four-door coupe (2004), a sport combined with great tailgate and variable loading space in the tradition of earlier Jagdwagen follows in September on the basis of the second generation of the CLS with the CLS shooting brake. For bloody venison or the dog Pack, of noble, but not exactly abundant storage space is however hardly intended, but rather for golf bags and picnic. With its elegant design, the wide range of motor and the optional all-wheel drive, the shooting brake is to close but also those niche that could never quite fill the R-class.

The car year 2012 offers wide variety

End of 2012 the Mazda slips 6 series in a flowing dress in the style of study of Takeri. Better aerodynamics, lightweight and optimised Motors help to save fuel. Analogous to the Mercedes CLS, BMW 6 series CS brings a coupé, athletic four on the market in June with the. Engines: Six and eight. A second variant of the new 3 series comes in the September the station wagon. Interior and trunk will grow significantly. For the first time VW sets up variant an off-road version of the Passat - Audi allroad model the Passat all track with all-wheel drive, bad road suspension and rustic parts shines.

Only front wheel drive and transverse engine remain, otherwise the Mercedes a-class (here all information about the new Mercedes a-class) turns A3 after two generations of the short, high Microvan to the relatively conventional, but nifty compact in the style of Audi Sportback and BMW 1 series. The middle of the year it receives Renault Megane series a facelift with more concise front in the new brand design and higher interior, this small turbo petrol engine instead of the previous 1, 6 liter aspirated.

Many compact news

As the first model of the VW Group takes advantage of the Audi A3 (here all information to the new Audi A3) from spring, the cross-modular construction kit (QMB), which is very flexible and is used to up to the next Passat. Start as a two-door, from December as a Sportback. While the golf VI was little more than a facelift, the seventh generation of the best-selling book is visually how technically completely revised. More chrome, taut lines and shiny lights emphasize the high quality, more external length and wheelbase rear create a noticeable surplus in leg room. Also is an even bigger engine options choice, including from 2013 also natural gas, hybrid and electric versions. The strong TDI-and GTI models do more 10 HP and the 1.4 TSI 140 HP complies with the Euro 6 emissions standard in the future. Due to lowered production costs, prices will remain almost unchanged. The technique of the A3 and golf also uses the stresses athletic occurring seat Leon, which will be available for the first time as a two-door and station wagon, as well as again as notchback offshoot called Toledo.

Compact Volvo sets A3 Sportback follows on to the end of the year a XC version with front or all-wheel drive in the future to a hatchback four depending of the Audi.

Send Minis, lively convertibles

Outside smaller, inside larger: After the growth spurt in the last model change the 207 successor is seven inches shorter and in an average of 110 kilograms lighter. Also the cheap CW and refurbished engines help to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Here for the first time there is a new cylinder-petrol engine with 68 and 82 HP, which should emit only 99 g of CO2 per kilometre in the initial version. Inside, especially the instruments positioned far forward above the steering wheel, as well as the touch screen for the Infotainment on the center console stand out along with more rear legroom and the larger trunk (285 instead of 270 litres).

For 850 euros extra charge the Audi gets off A1 March two Fund doors, some more head room rear and the addition of "Sportback". Designretuschen and simple equipment up the cheaper Skoda Citigo turns the VW. Opel's response to the VW up is based on a shortened Corsa platform, is also about 3.50 meters short and to be launched end of 2012 under 10,000 euros. A year later electric and hybrid variants are on the agenda. The fourth Renault Clio generation with schwungvollerem design, as well as more economical engines - from 2013 also cylinder made its debut at the Geneva show in March.

Despite the young wild ones SLK and SLS AMG Roadster: the classic SL remains a fixed size in the Mercedes. After ten years, a new generation in the wings, which is to connect more than ever great comfort with sporty dynamism under the retractable hardtop is now available. The requirements to deliver a tight weight diet Intelligent lightweight construction, the all-round refined chassis and the renovated engine range. To start in March, there is the new V6 and v8 direct injection of 340-435 HP, somewhat later in the year, the AMG models follow SL 63 (5, 5 liter V8) and SL 65 (six-litre V12 with 630 HP). The third generation of the mid-engine athlete Porsche Boxster is stronger and more economical, but retains a fabric hood. Although the textile reference suggests a conventional folding roof, the new Porsche has a multipart, retractable hardtop 911 convertible for the first time. Just in time for next summer the new VW pushes his Tin Roof in favour of a fashionable fabric Hat beetle. Six months after the Coupe follows the also two-seat Roadster, its fabric hood hand needs to be unlocked and opened as mini. Engines from 122 to 211 PS, 240 liters luggage compartment.

New products in the SUV segment

The large Tribeca has been deleted due to lack of demand from the Subaru range although long, but below the Forester, Subaru is still room for a 4.45 M long crossover with muscular appearance. Unlike in many competitors is the off-road look but not only show that the XV is basically supplied with permanent all-wheel drive, high ground clearance and mountain restart help. Among the striking wheel houses at least 17-inch wheels, under the front hood stuck always engines: two new gasoline engines (1.6/114 HP and 2.0/150 HP) or the two-litre diesel with 147 HP, in the future with start stop and optionally with continuous automatic known. Inside, there are many shelves and storage space, but only 380 litres luggage space. Starting at 18,000 euros, the still nameless, 4.30 metres long Opel SUV Corsa-based should be to have. Gasoline and diesel engines, all-wheel drive against extra charge. Powerful design with optimized engines, but only have the option with all-wheel drive the fourth generation of the SUV 4.60-metre is Honda CR-V at the start. 50 Percent more capacity and a third row of seats feature the van branch Toyota Prius + of the hybrid model. Easy entry thanks to rear sliding doors and missing mullions, as well as a very economical cylinder turbo engine with direct fuel injection are the highlights of the small Ford B Max van.

Car year 2012 : All new products in the next 12 months

All about Auto China 2012

The Beijing motor show 2012 has many new features and also the German car manufacturers use the Auto China this year as large stage for your first night. 

The automotive market in China is from 27 April until 2 may opens its doors for car industry becoming more important, according to numerous world premieres, new models are placed China in Beijing on the car. 

Sport SUV of German manufacturer 

BMW 2012 will reveal in the exhibition halls of Auto China BMW i8 Spyder hybrid super sports car, the open version of the hybrid sports enthusiast i8 deprived two seats and a fixed roof. All eleven inches length 3ers in the game, which also celebrates World premiere in Beijing brings the long version of the BMW

Full on sport, Porsche sets with the GTS version of the Cayenne. Optical bonds when the Cayenne Turbo and 20 HP more under the hood should target oriented customers particularly dynamic. More power SUV contributes Mercedes. Not only the recent facelift of Dauerbrenners Mercedes G-class Debuts at the Auto China 2012, two new AMG versions are revealed in Beijing. G63 AMG puts it in 544 BHP and 760 NM, G65 AMG will be with his Biturbo V12, 612 HP and 1,000 nm torque even to the uber-SUV. Next door, a future competitors will debut with the Lamborghini SUV concept. 

Luxury liner by Citroën

A small anniversary celebrates Ferrari at the Beijing motor show. For 20 years, the Italian athletes in China are sold. On this occasion, there is a special model of the 458 Italia limited to 20 copies specifically for the Chinese market. 

Citroën comes with a special eye-catcher to the Auto China 2012. The big Citroën DS Numero 9 anticipates the coming luxury liner of DS9. It is also the first child of the Elektroauto marriage between Daimler and BYD in Beijing to see. The Denza baptized big should go then already 2013 in series. 2012 Already in production is the Fiat Viaggio, a compact saloon, which is heavily inspired by the Dodge Dart. 

VW will be a further glimpse of the Beetle Convertible with a new big. With a particularly potent Q3 Audi is making the Chinese the small SUV. Dormant potential in the a-class, which will show Mercedes with a study of the four-door Coupé CLA.LATEST CAR NEWS

All about Auto China 2012 : Which are the highlights of the Beijing motor show

Nissan Motor Co. Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn said electric cars will make up at least 10 percent of global vehicle demand by 2020, depending on conditions.

“Ten percent by 2020 is very reasonable,” Ghosn said, referring to research by Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Demand estimates are based on Nissan’s assessment of rising energy prices and tougher environmental regulations, Ghosn said at a news conference today after the opening of the automaker’s new headquarters in Yokohama, south of Tokyo.

Nissan, Japan’s third-largest carmaker, today unveiled an electric car able to travel 100 miles (160 kilometers) on a full charge, saying it plans to start sales in the U.S., Europe and Japan next year. Nissan spent 17 years developing the car’s lithium-ion battery, which it expects to help make the automaker the biggest supplier of electric vehicles.

“It’s an aggressive number but I think it’s achievable as the number of eco-conscious people will grow,” said Yasuhiro Matsumoto, senior analyst at Shinsei Securities Co. Ghosn gave that forecast partly to urge governments, manufacturers and his company’s partners to cooperate in promoting electric cars, Matsumoto added.

The price of the five-passenger electric Leaf will be “competitive,” Ghosn said at the unveiling. Excluding battery, it will cost about the same as an equivalent gasoline-powered car, he said.

‘Mass Market’

“We are going to go for mass market,” Ghosn said. “The car will be reasonable for consumers with zero emissions, and that is just a cherry on the cake.”

The compact Leaf is modified from the platform used for Nissan’s Tiida hatchback, sold in the U.S. as the Versa.

The car’s lithium-ion battery pack can be fully recharged at a 200-volt outlet in eight hours, or in less than 30 minutes from a so-called fast-charge station, according to Nissan. The automaker is preparing to produce about 350,000 electric vehicles a year globally.

Nissan aims to use a $1.6 billion U.S. loan to retool a factory in Tennessee so battery-powered cars can be made on the same line that currently produces hybrids and other models. The automaker will also receive grants and loans from the U.K. and Portugal to build factories for lithium-ion batteries. The company hasn’t disclosed the amount of aid it will receive.

The Japanese automaker has said it will have the capacity to produce 200,000 electric vehicles in the U.S., 100,000 in Europe and 50,000 in Japan. Nissan and partner Renault SA plan to offer electric vehicles in the U.S. and Japan starting in 2010 and globally in 2012.

Hybrids

Automakers have begun to develop gasoline-electric hybrid models as higher fuel prices and rising environmental concerns spur demand. Toyota’s Prius hybrid was the best-selling vehicle in Japan last month, while Honda’s Insight ranked fourth, excluding minicars.

Ghosn has said Nissan didn’t have the financial resources to develop gasoline-electric hybrid technology in the late 1990’s. The automaker is planning to deploy electric powertrains in compact cars and hybrids for bigger and luxury models.

Nissan aims to sell a hybrid car using its own system in fiscal 2010 in Japan and the U.S. Currently, the automaker’s sole hybrid, the Altima, uses Toyota technology and is only available in the U.S.

Nissan Says Electric Cars to Be 10% of Demand by 2020

Toyota's third generation Prius has proved so popular that the cars battery supplier, Panasonic simply can’t match demand and as a result customer waiting lists now extend up to 10 months world wide.

Yesterday at the company's quarterly earnings announcement Takahiko Ijichi, Toyota senior managing director, said "Unfortunately, the batteries are not catching up with demand. Production of the batteries needs to be increased in order for our production to go up."

Toyota has production capacity to build 500,000 Prius hybrids per year, which Panasonic EV Energy can supply, but with booming demand for the new Prius, Toyota is hampered by the inability of the battery supplier to quickly increase production.

Last summer Toyota said it would begin to build the Prius at its Tupelo, Miss., factory in late 2010, but that plan is currently on indefinite hold. Ijichi says Toyota won't invest to expand Prius production until it is assured of an adequate battery supply.

Panasonic believes it will be able to match demand in a few months as it doubles EV battery production capacity to one million batteries per year by 2010.

Toyota Prius outselling battery supply

Nissan and Europcar – the European leader in passenger car vehicle rentals – are forming a partnership to market electric vehicles by 2010. This partnership will see electric vehicles available for rental in France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand and will be subsequently extended to other countries. Electric vehicles rentals allow extended test drive as a way to introduce drivers to the benefits of EV motoring.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has already formed partnerships with 27 governments, cities and other organizations to advance the deployment of EVs worldwide. Renault-Nissan electric vehicles will be introduced in the United States and Japan starting from 2010 and will start mass-marketing electric vehicles globally in 2012.

To date the Alliance has signed two final agreements in Europe with Portugal and the Principality of Monaco. The two agreements formulate concrete proposals - ranging from incentives and infrastructures to education pro grammes – creating the right conditions for mass availability and acceptance of electric vehicles. Further EV initiatives have begun in Kanagawa Prefecture and Yokohama in Japan, as well as in Israel, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, UK, France, Switzerland, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China.
In the United States, the Alliance is working on Electric Vehicles infrastructure in Tennessee, Oregon, Sonoma County and San Diego in California, Tucson and Phoenix in Arizona, Seattle in Washington, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Nissan announce partnership with Europcar

The promise of wireless electricity has been around for over 100 years. Nikola Tesla spent much of his productive life experimenting with wireless power, the familiar Tesla coils is actually a resonant wirelessly power transmitter, and the dream of wireless power was also his undoing when his Wardenclyffe project was terminated in 1904. Over the following decades very little research has been conducted with the prominent acceptation of Bill Brown who’s experiments in microwave wireless power transmission culminated in a successful demonstration in 1975 by transmitting 30kw over 1 mile at 82.5% efficiency at the Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex.

Wireless power research was dormant again unit 2007 when an MIT scientist demonstrated wireless powering of a 60W light bulb with 40% efficiency at a 2m (7ft) distance using two 60cm-diameter coils. In 2008 Intel reproduced the MIT group's experiment by wirelessly powering a light bulb with 75% efficiency at a shorter distance.

Now at this years Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas half a dozen companies are demonstrating wireless power products that will be on sale as early as April this year to recharge your laptop, iphone or power tools. Some of those products promise to render extension cords, cigarette lighter plugs, 8 plug powerboards and multiple chargers a thing of the past.

There are several different wireless electricity technologies on offer

1. Inductive Coupling

They look like a mouse pad and can send power through the air, over a distance of up to a few inches. A powered coil inside that pad creates a magnetic field, which much like a conventional transformer, induces current to flow through a small secondary coil that's built into any portable device.

A Company called Powermat has designed a pad which can charge up to 6 different enabled electronic devices. Powermat's inductive technology pairs an ultra-thin mat (5 models to choose from) with a variety of receivers, which connect to your favorite electronic devices. Future applications could be embedded directly into tabletops or other surfaces. The system even allows for the wireless transmission of data - audio & video - allowing users to sync their iPods or transmit video to their TVs at very efficient transfer rates.

Another company Fulton Innovation who are exhibiting at the show, with their partners - Texas Instruments, Energizer, Leggett & Platt and Bosch Power Tools - will feature over a dozen new applications and products that will demonstrate wireless power in the home, office, garage, and beyond. Their eCoupled technology eliminates the need for power cords by creating an electromagnetic conduit combined with an intelligent control system that constantly monitors the power flow to insure optimal efficiency and safety.

ECoupled uses a wireless powering technique called "close proximity coupling," which uses circuit boards and coils to communicate and transmit energy using magnetic fields. The technology is efficient but only works at close ranges. Typically, the coils must be bigger than the distance the energy needs to travel. What it lacks in distance, it makes up in intelligence. In conjunction with the Wireless Power Consortium, Fulton, a subsidiary of Amway, has developed a standard that can send digital messages back and forth using the same magnetic field used to power devices. These messages are used to distinguish devices that can and can't be charged wirelessly, and to relay information like power requirements or how much battery is left in a device.

One of Fulton partners Bosch has designed wireless chargers into battery power tool carry cases while Leggett & Platt have designed a center consule for vehciles that can inductively charge flash lights and cell phones. The charging surfaces come in three power levels: low is for devices less than 5 watts, medium can handle 100 watt charging, and high power charging surfaces can produce kilowatts. These charging surfaces are harmless to touch, and a Leggett and Platt representative assured us there were no dangerous radiation levels.

Texas Instruments announced last November that it would manufacture a chip-set that will reduce the manufacturing cost of integrating eCoupled wireless power into consumer electronic devices. Devices now in the pipeline at companies such as Bosch, Energizer, and others will look just like their conventional ancestors. Companies such as Philips Electronics, Olympus, and Logitech will create a standard for products, from flashlights to drills to cell phones to TV remotes, by the end of this year.

Wipower demonstrate 5 light bulbs powered using inductive coupling with 74% efficiency which they say compares favourably to the median efficiency of 58% found in many corded power supplies today, (a PC power supply typically is 70-75% efficiency). The WiPower Surface is designed like a tablet on top of which devices can be placed for charging. The Surface is typically a standalone unit but, later versions are expected to be integrated into desks and other furnishings. On the other side, the receiver is retrofitted to, or integrated with, the device intended to be charged. When devices with a receiver are placed in any position or orientation atop a transmitter, they will charge as if it were connected to a conventional power supply. Their technology and products are based on a modified coreless inductive technology architecture.

2. Radio-frequency Harvesting

PowerCast offer a wireless electricity technology based on what's known as radio frequency, or RF. This can transmit power across distances of up to 85 feet. A transmitter plugs into the wall, and a dime-size receiver (the real innovation, costing about $5 to make) can be embedded into any low-voltage device. The Powercast demonstration transmits 3 watts at 900Mhz through a patch antenna that is received by several LED equipped rectenna, which is a simple dipole antenna with a Schottky diode at the feedpoint that converts radio waves into direct current. Powercast and its first major partner, electronics giant Philips, are set to launch their first device powered by electricity broadcast through the air.

3. Laser

PowerBeam showcases wireless lamps and picture frames. Located in Sunnyvale, Calif., the company uses yet another wireless-powering approach. Its technology beams optical energy into photovoltaic cells using laser diodes. Although the company says it can maintain a constant energy flow across long distances, the difficultly of targeting a laser means that it's not ideal for charging moving devices.

Their laser can currently generate about 1.5 watts of power to solar cell 10 metres away. This would be enough to power an electronic speaker or small LED (light-emitting diode) lights, but not enough to operate a laptop, which requires an estimated 30 to 50 watts. However, the company claims that the technology could comfortably be scaled up.

4. Conductive Pad

Boulder, Colo.-based WildCharge is demonstrating a mat that uses a conductive powering technique. This is more efficient than inductive powering but requires direct contact between the devices and the charging pad. Though most of the mats or pads on display are intended to power only a handful of devices at a time, WildCharge says the product design is certified for up to 150 watts--enough to power 30 laptops.

5. Magnetically Coupled Resonance

Another wireless power technology is on display in a private suite high in the Venetian hotel tower. Magnetically Coupled Resonance was demonstrated in 2007 when an MIT scientist demonstrated wireless powering of a 60W light bulb with 40% efficiency at a 2m (7ft) and has been dubbed WiTricity. As proof that it works, an LCD TV is powered by a coil hidden behind an oil painting located 5 feet away. Another demonstration involves walking in the direction of another coil with an iPod Touch in your hand, it starts to charge when it gets within two meters.

The technique can power an entire room, assuming the room is filled with enabled devices. Though WiTricity uses two coils, just like the eCoupled system, it differs in that the coils don't have to be close to each other to transfer energy. Instead, they depend on so-called magnetic resonance. WiTricity doesn't depend on line-of-sight. A powered coil in your basement could power the rest of the house, wirelessly.

Electric Vehicle charging

These wireless electricity products represent an entirely new product sector and although it’s very early days and the varied technologies have yet to find their most appropriate niche (heres hoping a long drawn out battle over mobile phone wireless charging standards is avoided) the industry certainly has enormous potential. For example, the Mitsubishi MiEV Sport shown at the 2007 Tokyo motor show presented the idea of wireless battery charging for Electric Vehicles via a microwave system where the receiving antenna was located on the rear bumper next to the license plate. Inductive coupling would also work well in this application so perhaps we might see a network of induction coils buried in the road (much like traffic lights have induction coils in the road surface as vehicle sensors) and parking spaces. As with some of the above systems that can communicate, much like a toll tag, this could facilitate intelligent opportunity recharging of EVs without any input required from the driver.

Wireless electricity products spark a new industry

Nissan Motor Co. showed off its super-quiet, zero-emission electric car Monday — a key offering for Japan's No. 3 automaker.

The prototype is based on Nissan's Tiida car (Versa in North America), has room for 4 people and a top speed of just over 140kph. The Ev has a 80 kW / 280 Nm BLDC electric motor with a regenerative brake system that recharges the battery during deceleration and braking. This helps the car achieve a range of just under 100 miles on a full charge. That covers the typical daily distance driven by 98 percent of Japanese and British motorists, 95 percent of German drivers, 90 percent of those in France and about 80 percent of the average daily distance in the U.S. and China.

"Nissan will be a leader in zero-emission vehicles," Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga said ahead of a test-drive event at the automaker's facility. "EV is the answer." Sales of Nissan's electric vehicle is scheduled to begin next year. Nissan says it plans to mass produce zero-emission cars globally from 2012.

A 24 kWh laminated compact lithium ion battery pack sits under the car's floor without compromising cabin or cargo space. The battery layout allows smooth underfloor air flow which helps reduce drag. A quick charge station, connected to a 3-phase 400 volt supply, can recharge the car in just 30 minutes and Nissan envisages these will be built around towns as part of a wider infrastructure to support electric vehicles. In the test car sockets for both home charging and quick charging are hidden under the Nissan badge at the front of the car.



When the car is plugged in there is a timer function which allows users to pre-set the air-con to come on at a set time and cool the cabin to a set temperature. As a result, the car is cooled using mains power, so the battery doesn't have to be used. The timer can also be used to set the battery charging at a specified time at night to benefit from more favourable electricity rates.

The company is also experimenting with wireless charging system that uses induction between a charging plate on the street and one on the bottom of the car. The prototype EV doesn't have this system but Nissan demonstrated it on another car. The system charges the battery when the two plates are aligned so Nissan envisages these to be installed in parking bays.

Nissan's electric vehicle has a function within it's in-dash GPS navigation system that shows the driving radius within range of the car's current level of charge, to reassure drivers who suffer 'range anxiety'. It can also calculate if the vehicle is within range of a selected on-map destination.

Nissan will unveil the electric car's exterior design at the companies new Yokohama headquarters Aug. 2. Stay tuned!

Nissan previews electric car platform

Hyundai Motor Group, the world's No.5 automaker, says it will invest $3.3 Billion in green projects to meet the government's stricter fuel efficiency and emission requirements.

Hyundai, which includes the country's two largest car makers -- Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp -- plans to spend $3.3 Billion to develop environmentally friendly cars and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2013.

Of the total, $1.7 Billion will go to developing hybrid cars and $1.1 Billion to improving the fuel efficiency of engines. The remainder will be spent on energy facilities to cut emissions. Hyundai's announcement came after Samsung Electronics Co Ltd earlier this week unveiled a plan to invest $4.3 Billion in green research and development and facilities.

Over the next five years South Korea will invest 860 Billion, or 2 percent of its annual gross domestic product (GDP), in environment-related sectors, the government said in early July.

As part of the plans the government said it would require automakers to follow fuel efficiency and green gas emission rules above U.S. standards.

The government also said separately it would raise $1.6 Billion for "green industries" from the private sector.

HSBC estimates that of Asian government's stimulus packages in response to the recent credit crunch, spending on green-related investments will account for 20 percent, or $272 billion, more than double the amount earmarked for green projects in the Americas and five times bigger than Europe's.

Hyundai to invest $3 billion in green projects by 2013

LATEST CAR NEWS - Blessing of activities such as the Geneva Motor Show, we have a chance to see a very eccentric sports car Marussia B2. Marussia is a Russian sports car manufacturer founded in 2007.

Marussia B2 is an evolution of the Marussia B1 was first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009. These two penympang vehicle only weighs 1100 kg and is offered in three engine options that will be planted in the middle of the car.

The choice of engine is naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6-powered 300 hp or a 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 engine supplied by Cosworth are available in two options outut: 360 hp and 420 hp.

Before delivery to the rear wheels, engine power is transferred to the 6-speed automatic transmission. And about his ability? Marussia B2 is equipped with powerful 420 hp engine can accelerate from 0 -100 km / h within 3.8 seconds with a maximum speed over 250 km / h.

Sports Cars Made in Eastern Europe Marussia B2

Volvo V40

LATEST CAR NEWS - The five-door five-passenger capacity is carrying the standard features of the sensors in the front bumper detect an mempu physical contact between cars and pedestrians. If a collision occurs, the hood near the windshield off and lifted by the airbag.

Airbags that inflate will cover the area under the raised hood of about one-third of the height of the windshield to the bottom of the pillar A. The system is designed to help reduce injury to pedestrians when hit.

The system was also connected with pedestrian detection technology capable of knowing when a pedestrian stepped in front of the vehicle. If the driver does not respond at that time, the vehicle will activate the brakes automatically.

V40 Volvo City Safety technology also brings an updated, Lane Keeping Aid with auto steering, automatic Road Sign Information, Active High Beam Assist technology and Park Pilot Cross Traffic Alert.

The interior equipped with a panoramic glass roof that extends from the windshield to the rear seat. Interior lighting give the feel of the cinema. And unique, inside rearview mirror with no frame has a shape that inspired the design of modern smartphones.

Volvo V40 Pedestrian Protection Airbag Presents

As competitive as the auto indusry is we should've seen this coming. As a direct competitor to Honda’s upcoming CR-Z, Toyota are developing a new hybrid sports car based on a shortened Prius platform could have as much as 100mm removed from the wheelbase.

The same new 1.8L 2ZR-FXE engine and Hybrid Synergy Drive from the current 3rd generation Prius will be carried over with power increased by 27 kw to 100 kw (136 hp). Fuel consumption is expected to be slightly increased as a result.

To compete with the CR-Z, the new Toyota will of course be a 2-door, 2+2 seat configuration coupe. Much of the interior of the Prius will be carried over to the new car and the Prius-based hybrid sports coupe, which might carry the MR-2 badge, is expected to debut in mid-2012

Toyota to launch Prius-Based Hybrid Sports Coupe by 2012

Riding the vogue for eco-conscious products, companies ranging from battery to tyre to motorcycle makers in Japan are looking to cultivate a market that beats even hybrid cars in green credentials: electric bicycles.

Japan's motor-assisted bicycles use a small electric motor and battery pack mounted inconspicuously on the bicycle to propel the rider, constantly adjusting the motor's force to the speed and resistance of the pedalling.

That makes cycling up a hill or while carrying a heavy load a cinch, winning over a growing number of elderly and housewives in Japan. Sales of electric bicycles more than doubled from 2000 to 315,000 last year, as they became more affordable and practical.

"Once you've ridden one of our motor-assisted bicycles, you'll never go back!" a spokeswoman at Yamaha Motor beamed, urging reporters to try out a few of Yamaha's 17 electric bicycle models at a test-ride event on Friday.

The motor switches off automatically once the speed reaches the 24 km/hour (15 mph) legal limit for assisted riding, classifying the vehicles as bicycles, unlike the popular electric bicycles sold in China, which would require a licence in Japan.

Yamaha Motor, Japan's No.2 motorcycle brand and top maker of electric bicycles, expects more of a tailwind for the market.

Thanks to advances in rechargeable batteries, Yamaha's standard electric bikes have a range of 39 km (24 miles), or 67 km using an optional mode that activates the motor only when desired. That's about double the range of its first model introduced in 1993.

"A lot of our customers say their range of activity on a bicycle has expanded," said Masanori Kobayashi, a senior official at Yamaha. "They're going places where they would normally take their car or a taxi."

Charging time has shrunk to two hours from 10, with one charge costing around 10 cents. One catch though is that batteries need to be replaced roughly once every two years, and they cost at least $250 each.

FROM ELDERLY TO ENTHUSIASTS

Electric bicycle makers, which also include Panasonic, Sanyo Electric and Bridgestone, also expect a boost from the nationwide road-rule relaxation this month that allows riders to mount two pre-schoolers as long as the bicycle clears stability and other standards.

With the motor assisting, pedalling from a dead stop -- even with 10 kg (22 lb) weights in the front and rear -- was easy and smooth, a test-ride at the Yamaha event showed.

And electric bicycle makers hope to pull more customers in. At a separate media event, Sanyo, which supplies batteries for Yamaha's products, unveiled two new products, including the world's first motor-assisted bicycle with a carbon composite frame geared towards enthusiasts. The price tag: 627,900 yen ($6,636), versus anywhere from $800 to $2,000 for a Yamaha.

"We are introducing these new products to offer not just an easier ride but the joy and pleasure of cycling," Sanyo Vice President Takahiro Wada told reporters.

Sanyo expects total domestic shipments of motor-assisted bicycles to top 400,000 units in two years, making them a rare bright spot in the static overall bicycle market in Japan.

Sanyo and Yamaha officials said they also anticipate growth in Europe, where bicycle culture is just as pervasive.

Electric bicycles ride "green" demand in Japan

PEUGEOT plans to be the first manufacturer to offer a small family car with a diesel-electric hybrid power unit. It will be a version of the new 308, revealed last week, and will be on sale before the end of 2010.

The 3008 Hybrid4 is an otherwise-conventional front-drive car, powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with 200 bhp and 369 lb ft fitted with a stop-start system. However, the car’s rear axle has been modified to incorporate an electric motor with 36 bhp and 147 lb ft which drive the rear wheels. A battery pack and a pair of electronic control units have also been packaged under the boot floor. The hybrid system adds just 100kg to the weight of the car.

Peugeot have chosen not to develop a new CVT gearbox as used by most hybrids and will use an existing semi automatic six-speed gearbox which is self-shifting thanks to the automatic clutch actuation and also comes with the option of wheel-mounted paddles.

The only connection between the two power trains is a series of underfloor cables, some of which carry the electrical charge generated by the engine’s stop-start mechanism to the rear-mounted battery pack. This type of layout is sometimes referred to as a 'through the road' hybrid.

The Hybrid4 can run in front-drive, all-wheel drive, sport and purely rear-drive modes; the latter offers zero-emissions travel, though the range at city speeds is no more than a few miles.

Toyota have so far chosen not to develop a diesel hybrid citing the extra weight of a diesel compared to a petrol ICE.

Peugeot set to launch the world’s first diesel hybrid

Ford Motor Co. and researchers at the University of Liverpool are developing a laser based car ignition system that reduces emissions and may help the widespread adaption of biofuels.

The team has just received nearly £200,000 (US$320,000) in grants to test the technology from the Carbon Trust, a government funded entity charged with helping businesses in the transition to a low carbon economy.

Ford reportedly plans to install the laser ignitions in a select range of vehicles in the next few years before expanding the laser ignitions on a larger scale. The laser ignition may also overcome a significant barrier to widespread adoption of biofuels -- starting the vehicle when the engine is cold.

The operation of internal combustion engines with lean gas-air mixtures, high
cylinder head pressure and plasma spark ignition has been shown to increase fuel efficiencies and reduce green-house gas emissions by significant amounts. Internal combustion engine laser ignition studies indicate fuel efficiency increases of greater than 45% and NOx-emission reductions of more than an order of magnitude when compared to standard spark-gap spark plug performance

Running lean (lean-burn) lowers the combustion temperature and significantly reduces the amount of NOx produced. As the demand for higher engine efficiencies and lower emissions drive reciprocating engine combustion to leaner air/fuel operating conditions, increased spark energy is required to maintain stable combustion and low emissions Delivering increased spark energy negatively impacts spark plug durability and the effectiveness of the spark plug in transmitting adequate energy as an ignition source. The lack of spark plugs with the required durability is quickly becoming the limiting factor for developing ultra low emission, high-efficiency natural gas engines. Laser ignition delivers the high energy required to ignite ultra-lean mixtures and eliminates the need for spark plugs.



The laser is directed toward the combustion chamber through a thin fiber optic cable in place of a conventional spark plug. Reflecting part of the laser back from inside the cylinder can deliver information on fuel type and ignition level to allow vehicles to optimally adjust the air/fuel mix. The laser ignition spark plugs are more reliable than a traditional electric discharge spark plug.

Fundamental studies on laser ignition have been performed by the US Department of Energy under ARES (Advanced Reciprocating Engines Systems) and by the California Energy Commission under ARICE (Advanced Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine).

Ford Developing Laser Ignition to Cut Emissions

While we're on the subject of French hybrid concepts and wheel motors lets not forget the Peugeot Quark. This ATV fuel cell hybrid made an appearance at the 2004 Paris Motor Show.

The Peugeot Quark is a hybrid vehicle in that it mainly runs on electricity from its battery, but it has a second power source being a small 1.5 kw hydrogen fuel cell that runs off a 9 liter tank that stores the hydrogen at 10,000 psi.

Like most Hydrogen powered vehicles, the fuel cell is used primarily to recharge the 288 volt, 1.88 kWh Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery which in a series hybrid layout drives four TM4 wheel motors that provide 4WD and four wheel regenerative braking up to 0.3g . Driving range of the Quark is approximately 60 miles.



Each wheel motor has a continuous output of 2.5 kW and a peak of 7 kW. With 100 Nm each the Quark has a maximum torque of 400 Nm with a nominal power of 10 kW and a peak of 28 kW. Maximum speed is 110 km/h and 0-50 km/h takes 6.5 seconds which sounds mighty conservative with that much electric motor torque on tap from zero rpm. While the Quark looks like an off-road ATV it's curb weight is 450 kg (992 lb) meaning it is considerably larger.

Peugeot Quark hybrid concept

A team of 40 student in the engineering department at Sakarya University Turkey have built a car called SAHIMO that is 90% Carbon Fibre, weighs only 110 kg (240 lb) and achieves an impressive 1,336 MPG. The car has already finished as third most efficient vehicle at the 26th Shell Eco Marathon held in Europe and is now being prepared for the 3000 km Global Green Challenge which runs along side the World Solar Challenge starting October 25th.

Instead of the usual bubble canopy this fuel miser looks a lot like a gas guzzling mini NASCAR. The car features some of the best ideas from other super fuel efficient vehciles including an all carbon fibre honey comb chassis similar the world's fastest car powered by dry cell batteries, Japan's Oxyride racer. The combined electric / hydrogen fuel cell drive system is very similar to that used by World Record holders for Fuel Economy, PAC - CAR II who achieved 15,212 MPG-IMP (12,600 MPG-US) 5,385 km / liter. PAC II used a PEM type (Proton Exchange Membrane) Hydrogen fuel cell stack that is close to 70% energy efficient, (compared to a typical ICE around 25%). No technical details are provided about the fuel system in the Sakarya car apart from the fact it runs on the same fuel, Hydrogen.




Both SAHIMO, and PAC cars use a similar in wheel motor arrangement which features a small DC motor direct driving a wheel mounted ring gear similar to a starter motor. In the case of PAC 2 motors are used to give different speed ranges and a servo can lift the motors to disengage them from the ring gear when gliding downhill. The Sakarya car runs a single small DC motor engaged to a wheel rim mounted ring gear.

The car cost $170,000 to build and they believe they can achieve 1,000 km from 1 liter or 2,352 MPG. We wish them the best of luck.

Global Green Challenge contender aims for 2,352 MPG

With Peugeot's announcement of the worlds first diesel hybrid we thought it would be interesting to have a look back at a similar 'through-the-road' hybrid concept show car that sister company Citroen displayed at the at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

CITROËN C-Métisse concept car had the usual attention grabbing gull wing doors and chopped roof line but it's hybrid power train is something we hope does actually reach production in the not too distant future.

Similar to the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, the C-Métisse featured a conventional front wheel drive diesel, a 150 kW (208 hp) 2.7 Lt V6, mated to a 6 speed automatic. To make the car a though-the-road hybrid Citroen added two wheel motors to the rear wheels, each with 15 Kw (20 hp) and 300 Nm. The TM4 supplied wheel motors were liquid cooled BLDC motors with independent controllers that eliminated the need for a mechanical differential.



With 4WD and the 600 Nm of electric motor torque, the 1400 kg C-Métisse can cover 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. No specs were even given for the battery pack but with a claimed EV mode range of only 3 km at 30 kph an educated guess would say the battery storage capacity was less than 1 kWh.

Due to the very small battery capacity the combined cycle fuel consumption was 6.5 l/100 km which is only about 36.2 US MPG. Still, with a larger battery and the advantage of the rear wheel motors to not only regenerate but independent control that can be incorporated into stability systems, the C-Métisse hybrid concept still has enormous potential

Citroën C-Métisse hybrid concept

Nearly one in three (30%) U.S. car buyers are interested in purchasing an
electric vehicle (EV) for their next car, according to a recent study on
consumer EV sentiment sponsored by Better Place and conducted by Ipsos, a
leading global market-research company. While interest in EVs was strong in all
five nations surveyed, interest was highest in Israel, where 57% of drivers are
interested in purchasing an EV for their next car. Denmark (40%), Australia
(39%), Canada (35%; Greater Toronto area only), and the U.S. (30%) followed.
And, 28% of Israeli respondents said they would only consider an EV for their
next vehicle.

Highlights of the survey of more than 8,000 drivers are:

* Consumers are ready to move beyond gasoline. The multi-national study revealed
that, on average, nearly half (48%) of car buyers do not plan to consider
"gas-only" automobiles for their next car.

* Electric cars have mainstream appeal. Interest in EVs spans all demographics
and driving patterns, dispelling concerns that EVs are niche products. Interest
in EVs was widespread among men and women and across income levels. Interest was
high across the age spectrum as well, although younger drivers (18-34) were the
most interested. Driving patterns had little impact on EV interest. Interest was
also similar among those whose car was the secondary car in the household, the
primary car in the household, and also among those for whom the car was the only
car in the household.

* Interest does vary on the basis of car buyers` societal concerns. According to
the study, most U.S. car buyers are concerned about air pollution or climate
change (62%) and even more concerned about the country`s dependence on oil
(74%), even more than terrorism (63%). Related to these concerns, U.S. car
buyers want the nation to be a global leader in developing renewable energy
(78%), reducing worldwide oil consumption (59%), and reducing pollution (55%).
Those expressing one or more of these concerns are more likely to say they are
interested in purchasing an EV for their next car.

"The survey reflects the future of transportation, which is electric," said Shai
Agassi, Founder and CEO, Better Place. "There`s a perfect storm of dynamics
driving toward mainstream adoption of EVs, including consumer desire for a clean
planet, global efforts to decrease oil consumption, transformation in the auto
sector and significant investment in technology. The combination of these
factors is propelling the dawn of a new automotive era."

If battery swapping speeds the uptake of EVs it can only help. Rental was big business in the early days of colour TV until manufacturing volumes became large enough for the price to drop to an insignificant % of disposible income.

Having battery rental as an option in the early days of EVs is a huge opportunity, although the business may eventually find it’s home mostly on interstate highways.


About the Study Methodology:

The study was conducted in March and April 2009, when gas prices were near a
52-week low, and included more than 8,000 respondents from the U.S., Canada
(Greater Toronto Area), Australia (Sydney/Central Coast, Melbourne/Geelong,
Brisbane/Gold Coast), Denmark, and Israel. The size of the sample exceeds that
of most studies of this type, increasing the reliability and precision of the
estimates. Ipsos drew a stratified, random sample to reflect the gender, income
and age profile of each local market from best-of-class, online-survey panels in
each market. The sample was filtered to include only those individuals involved
in the selection of their prior car or expected to be involved in their next car
purchase. Participants were given comparable descriptions of electric, hybrid,
and gas-only cars in order to assess their interest. Standard data cleaning
procedures were employed, and Ipsos and Better Place performed statistical
analyses.


Reuters

New Survey Finds Strong Consumer Interest in Electric Vehicles

Electric car sales could jump to 86 percent of U.S. light vehicle sales in 2030 if consumers don't have to buy batteries themselves, according to a University of California, Berkeley study to be released on Monday.

A company called Better Place and emerging rivals plan to offer pay-per-mile plans, similar to cell phone minutes. A family would buy a car but Better Place would own the battery, offer charging stations, and swap out batteries as needed to extend the driving range.

The cost of building charging systems will be more than $320 billion over the next couple of decades, although health-related savings due to less vehicle pollution could be $210 billion, according to the study by economist Thomas Becker.

The main benefit to drivers would be cars with price tags and operating costs similar to or less than gasoline models.

Renault-Nissan is making cars for the Better Place project. Better Place has said its system would be cheaper than using gasoline. The Berkeley analysis predicted the per-mile cost of making and charging batteries, including the cost of building a charging system, would be similar to or sharply less than a gasoline car, depending largely on whether prices of petrol rise.

Electric cars could dominate U.S. roads in 2030

The Kia Forte LP1 Hybrid is due for release in the Korean market next month. Kia first introduced the Forte hybrid car at the 2009 Seoul Auto Show earlier this year and at the same time, the company also introduced it’s new eco-friendly sub-brand, called Eco-Dynamics.

The Eco Dynamics brand will find it’s place on new Kia vehicles with environmentally-pleasant technologies. Those include cars and crossovers equipped with ISG (Idle Stop and Go) systems, hybrid electric powertrains and fuel cell stacks. First to bear the Eco Dynamics logo will be the 2010 Kia Forte LPI hybrid.

Kia’s first ever mass produced hybrid car will be powered by a mild-hybrid system consisting of 1.6L LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injected) Gamma engine - producing a crop of 114-horsepower - and electric motor that generates additional 20 horsepower. Mated to the CVT transmission, the Forte LPI hybrid will average an estimated fuel economy of 4.7L/100km.

On the outside, the Forte LPI hybrid differentiates itself from it’s non-hybrid variant with radically redesigned front and rear fascias. In front, Forte hybrid features a slightly redesigned Kia corporate grille and a bumper with attractive fog lights design, while at rear, there are new LED technology equipped tail-lights, lip spoiler and a revamped rear bumper. Inside the Forte hybrid features a navigation display and a Super Vision instrument cluster for hybrid system data.

According to Kia, the Forte hybrid LPI will be the first hybrid car in the world to use a Lithium Polymer battery pack, which will be supplied by Korean LG Chem, the same company charged with supply the battery pack for the upcoming Chevy Volt. The Kia Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle is scheduled to go on sale in South Korean market in August this year.

Kia to launch Forte LP1 Hybrid next month