Category Archives: Auto Shows

2010 Beijing Auto Show will be highlighted by the alternative-energy cars

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Beijing Auto Show 2010 - attribution erinohara73

More than 2,100 exhibitors from 16 countries will attend the 11th Beijing International Auto Show that starts on April 23. The event will feature the latest designs for alternative-energy cars, according to People’s Daily.

The 200,000 square-meter exhibition area will showcase 990 cars, of which 89 will have their world premiere. Stiff competition will come from Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche, Ford, General Motors and other global automakers. Over 700,000 visitors are expected to arrive at the event. On display would be 95 new alternative-energy cars, accounting for almost 10% of the total number of participating vehicles, the largest number in the show’s history. Toyota will bring in its new new-energy vehicles such as the FT-E V, which features the lithium-ion battery; the FCH V, using the high-performance fuel cell “Toyota FCStack,” and the new Prius, powered by lithium-ion battery and using external plug-in rechargeable hybrid technology. BMW will be introducing the hybrid 7 Series and X6. Audi will display its new hybrid Audi A8, a four-wheel drive e-tron electric sports car and the A1 e-tron electric cars. BYD will have the F3DM electric car and e6 prepared. Chery will also be showing off the pure electric QQ. FAW Group will introduce two electric bionic concept cars: the E-wing and E-coo. Soueast Motors will promote its Delica electric vehicles.

[Via: Autonews - sub. required]

Beijing Preview: Voltec-powered Chevy crossover concept could debut

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The media previews for the 2010 Beijing Motor Show are happening at the end of this week and, assuming a certain Icelandic volcano doesn’t upset the atmosphere further, we expect to be on hand. One of the possible debuts is a new Chevrolet-badged MPV concept. What makes this vehicle particularly interesting is that it may be propelled by the same Voltec extended range EV powertrain used in the Volt.

On the design patent that was issued last week, one of the credits is given to Bob Boniface, the design manager that led the development of the original Volt concept as well as the production Volt and Opel Ampera. The association with Boniface as well as some of the design details imply that this new vehicle will be an ER-EV. The shape of the headlamps and tail-lamps as well as other elements of the front fascia seem to be lifted directly from the Volt. A very similar looking vehicle appeared briefly in a GM video released last summer alongside the production Chevrolet Orlando and featured the same blocked off grille used on the Volt. This vehicle is smaller than the Orlando and would likely be a roomier five-seat alternative to the Volt.

[Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, via GM Inside News]

New York Auto Show: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

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After releasing the first teaser on Friday, Hyundai revealed today the all-new 2011 Sonata Hybrid at the New York Auto Show.

The new car carries the Hyundai-developed Hybrid Blue Drive architecture which is a full parallel hybrid drive system. With this system the car can operate on an electric motors, gasoline internal combustion engine or , as you imagined, using a combination of those two. The new system uses lithium polymer battery technology – leapfrogging competitive in-market nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion applications. Continued after the jump!

Under the hood we find a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter Theta II engine capable to deliver 169 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW (151 lb-ft) electric motor for maximum fuel economy.

This means we have a total output of 209 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, exceeding all mid-size competitors, and 195 lb-ft of torque. Sonata Hybrid’s projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 39 mpg offers significant benefit to hybrid owners with highway commutes, while also offering outstanding city fuel economy of 37 mpg (for those who don’t know, the recently unveiled 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid delivers an impressive 41mph – take that Hyundai!).

“Hyundai applies advanced technologies to vehicles to provide the best solutions for the everyday driver,” said Krafcik. “Unlike traditional hybrids that trade off highway fuel economy for higher city ratings, the Sonata Hybrid delivers best-in-class highway fuel economy, while still delivering about a 40 percent improvement in city fuel economy compared to a Sonata equipped with the Theta II GDI engine. We think this is a better balanced approach for the majority of car buyers.”

 

[Via: 4WheelsNews]

Geneva 2010: Infiniti M35 Hybrid

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Infiniti’s first hybrid – the new M35 Hybrid – had its launching at the Geneva Motor Show. It could actually be regarded as the petrol-electric version of Infiniti’s new 5-series rival, the M saloon.

The M35 is equipped with Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid system, a 3.5-liter V6 mated with a 67bhp/199lb ft electric motor that is located between the engine and the seven-speed transmission. The M35, like the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg, is featured with a second clutch that disconnects the engine from the transmission. This enables the car to coast effectively, reducing drag and improving efficiency.

The M35’s transmission is an upgraded version of the standard Infiniti seven-speed auto. To make the engine more responsive and efficient, Infiniti removed the torque converter. The car’s engine is the US-spec V6, which is capable of 316bhp and 266lb ft.

European and UK Infinitis have a 3.7-liter unit but Infiniti is using the older V6 since development work on the hybrid began before the 3.7-litre engine was created. The M35 weighs about 150kg more than a standard M; however, Infiniti claims that using a laminated lithium ion battery cuts 30kg.

When compared to a conventional battery, the laminated unit is easier to cool and this increases efficiency and longevity. This makes the batteries last 136,000 miles before they need to be replaced. Weight is further reduced by removing the starter motor.

Instead, the electric motor turns the engine over. Infiniti sources say that this became a technical issue since both clutches had to slip to allow the engine to start. The hybrid is expected to go on sale after about a year, sales of which should account for 33% of total European M sales. For the first full year (2011), total sales in Europe are estimated to average 3,500.

Geneva 2010: Chrysler 300C Eco Style

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Chrysler had on display a 300C Eco Style at the Geneva Motor Show. Instead of an all-electric 300C, Chrysler had taken a new approach on the “environmental awareness” movement and made good use of eco-friendly materials.

On the 300C Eco Style, Chrysler used cork, bamboo, recycled jute carpeting and suede seat inserts. Aside from its refined interior, the car also now boasts a set of refurbished wheels. At the Geneva Motor Show, the 300C Eco Style had a Vanilla exterior color with black roof and large 20-inch wheels.

For its interior, the car has been provided with cactus-accented seat-inserts and door trim, bamboo appliques placed on the door trim, center console and steering wheel. Chrysler said that the recycled materials are used on the interior.

We see recycled ultra-suede seat inserts on the front while the rear-passenger seats are remarkable because they’re soft but durable. Organic themes on the center console and door trim of the interior compartment come in the form of hydrographic patterns. For the exterior, water-based paints were used.

Powering the Eco Style 300C is a 5.7 liter HEMI. Multi-displacement System (MDS) is featured on this engine.

MDS alternates between a fuel-efficient four-cylinder mode when the car is cruising and the V8 mode when power is needed. Chrysler claims that with the MDS, vehicle performance is not sacrificed for the sake of optimizing fuel economy.