Sports Car Modification

The “driver’s hybrid” from Infiniti, the M35h sports sedan, will introduce world-first steering and braking technologies when it goes on sale in the USA and Europe in 2011. The company calls the M35h a "driver's hybrid," with innovations in both steering and braking technologies designed to blend fuel efficiency with driving feel. As the first in-house hybrid from Nissan/Infiniti, the M35h is pretty unassuming. Indeed, although the test cars we drove in Japan were covered with decals advertising their gasoline-electricness, small “hybrid” badges on the production models’ front fenders will be the biggest powertrain giveaway once the cars arrive stateside next spring.

The Infiniti’s single electric motor is located between the engine and automatic transmission, in place of a conventional torque converter. The 67-hp motor is connected to the crankshaft via a wet-plate clutch. This allows the M to use its 1.3-kWh, 340-volt lithium-ion battery pack for electric-only propulsion at speeds up to about 60 mph as long as the driver keeps throttle application below 20 percent.

The 2011 Infiniti sports sedan M35h uses a 3.5-litre petrol V6 and a 68 PS (50 kW) electric motor for propulsion while power is put to the ground via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The brakes are similarly designed primarily to suit sports sedan buyers’ needs, but at the same time contributing to the lower carbon footprint of the M35h, low CO2 champion of Infiniti’s all-new M Line sports sedan line-up.

Central to this is its one motor/two clutch system. The first clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and the electric motor, which is embedded within the automatic transmission. The electronically controlled clutch allows the full decoupling of the V6 when the car is in electric drive and power regeneration modes. Decoupling the V6 reduces mechanical drag and boosts the efficiency of the electric motor.

Aided by an exceptionally fast charge/discharge response from the lithium-ion battery pack, the result is a hybrid that’s electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than conventional hybrids.

Infiniti’s sports sedan first hybrid, the M35h is the low CO2 star of the all-new M Line which also includes petrol and diesel models and which is the first M ever to be sold in all of Infiniti’s 34 world markets.

Among the Infiniti M’s many other claims to fame are the world-first Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), state-of-the-art Forest Air climate control and Active Noise Control, while comfort and luxury are taken care of with double-piston dampers and the availability of semi-aniline leather in the spacious cabin.

Extensive details regarding these two innovations are available in the press release and Inifiniti said it will sell the M35h sports sedan on all of their 34 world markets. M35h sports sedan sales start in spring 2011, depending on market.

At the Swiss international auto show Audi has introduced its new A8 Hybrid. According to the producers, though the vehicle is designed as a concept of the gasoline-electric hybrid version, it is scheduled to enter the mass production next year. Audi revealed today the details of the upcoming A8 Hybrid Concept, set to make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Audi fits its largest sedan with a familiar 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and then mates it to a 45-horsepower electric motor for a combined 245 system horsepower. A lithium-ion battery pack is stored in the rear. According to Audi, this efficient flagship will accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 146 mph. Best of all, the 5-passenger full-size luxury sedan earns the equivalent of nearly 38 mpg on the EPA cycle.

Power like a big V6, fuel economy like a modest four-cylinder unit - Audi presents the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept as a technology concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Its two propulsion units - a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor - develop a total output of 180 kW (245 hp) of system power and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the Audi A8 Hybrid to accelerate in 7.6 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) and to achieve a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Yet its average fuel consumption amounts to only 6.2 liters (37.94 US mpg) per 100 km - the CO2 equivalent is 144 grams per km (231.75 g/mile).

The combustion engine of the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept is the 2.0 TFSI - a high-tech powerplant. This four-cylinder unit, which has been named "Engine of the Year" five times in a row since 2005, is an example of Audi's downsizing philosophy. It combines direct fuel injection with turbocharging and the AVS Audi valvelift system, which regulates the valve lift in two stages. In combination with the adjustable intake camshaft, the Audi valvelift system improves cylinder charging and ensures spontaneous and powerful torque build-up. The 2.0 TFSI delivers 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft); the torque value remains constant from 1,500 to 4,200 rpm.

A hydraulically operated wet clutch links the 2.0 TFSI with the electric motor. Its control requires the utmost precision, and a great deal of know-how has been expended to achieve its smooth, precise and swift operation. The synchronous motor, which is continually excited, also serves as a generator that develops 33 kW (45 hp) of power and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque.

The energy storage system of the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept is mounted in the rear section. This state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery is more compact and weighs less than other types but is substantially more powerful. It is protected by a high-strength housing, and a ventilation module ensures that it always operated within the ideal temperature range. Yet the Audi A8 hybrid Concept also provides ample luggage space of 400 liters (14.13 cubic feet). Several subsystems that operate on engine power in a conventional car have been modified right from the start for use in the Audi A8 Hybrid Concept. The compressor in the climate control system runs entirely on electric power.

The power electronics unit manages the interaction of the systems. Its pulse control inverter regulates the interplay of the battery and the electric motor. The DC-DC converter supplies power to users on the onboard network. The power electronics unit, which is connected to the battery and the electric motor by high-voltage cables, is located in the engine compartment. The smooth interaction of these components and their high level of integration attest to the specialized know-how Audi has accumulated. The technology architecture already provides a glimpse of a future production model - the Audi Q5 hybrid, which will be introduced later this year.

The engine compartment cover with its high-gloss finish and the glass cover of the battery in the trunk also provide visual links to hybrid technology. And the illuminated doorsteps bear the "hybrid" insignia as an elegant touch to underscore the electric aspect whenever the doors are opened - using LED technology to minimize energy consumption.

The passengers also see the prominent hybrid logo displayed on the dashboard. Some of the most significant features of the hybrid vehicle include 21-inch, two-color alloy wheels, a special paint job and the so-called “Powermeter”.

This is the 2010 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, a new car that made its debut today at the Geneva Motor Show which aims to demonstrate how a hybrid car can have breathtaking performance from a highly efficient propulsion system. Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid is a full hybrid vehicle, which comes with twin electric motors.

The new 414E Hybrid uses a high performance drivetrain system consisting of twin motors each delivering 204 hp (152 kW or 207 ps – this inspired the name 414E) and 400 Nm (295 lbft) of torque to each wheel via independent, single speed, reduction transmissions. With these numbers the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds.

The Evora 414E Hybrid is a concept car that is equipped with a 7-speed transmission and two drive settings, including Eco and Sport. The vehicle is mainly maid in a copper color, which is used not only in the exterior but also interior of the concept, including the instrument panel, seat covers and brake calipers.

The new car can be charged via a typical household plug or the car’s onboard generator. An additional range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimised 1.2 litre, three-cylinder engine capable to deliver (48 ps/47 hp). The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid has a total range of 480 km (300 miles) and can be driven as a fully-electric car for about 56 km or 35 miles.

Also, the car features HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and Harman International, which means that it will provide sound contouring within the cabin and improve pedestrian safety outside the vehicle. The car comes with a sports mode that can simulate a 7 speed, paddle shift transmission combining exceptional driver involvement for a hybrid sports car.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: “Innovation has always been at the heart of Lotus and is needed now more than ever. The Evora 414E Hybrid is the perfect demonstration of Lotus Engineering’s core competencies: lightweight architectures, efficient performance, electrical and electronics integration and driving dynamics. 

The technology demonstrator represents an encapsulation of the advanced technologies that Lotus Engineering continues to develop to overcome the current environmental challenges facing the automotive industry and showcases the future direction that the sector is taking and why Lotus Engineering is perfectly placed to lead the technological development in this area.” 

The 2011 Porsche 918 hybrid concept is set to debut tomorrow at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. This is not your average hybrid like Toyota Prius or Honda Insight. With four other debuts planned for this year’s Geneva auto show, Porsche saved one surprise for just before the show opened. Behold the 918 Spyder concept, a radical Carrera GT–like supercar that employs Porsche’s latest take on enviro-firendly performance technology.

"The strategic aim is to demonstrate that even a supercar can be environmentally friendly. Porsche 918 hybrid concept promises total driving pleasure—and a clear conscience. This is a trendsetting and sustainable premium product that uses the issue of social acceptability to its advantage. And it reflects the legacy of Ferry Porsche, who was convinced that sports cars would never go out of fashion.”

“In a way, the 918 is two cars in one,” explains the soft-spoken design director. “Its character can change from mild to wild and vice versa—mild as in wafting along in eco mode, wild as in switching the drive program selector to sport or race. In mild, the car benefits from the relatively low weight and strong aerodynamic performance. In wild, it improves downforce and stability by extending the adjustable wing, and it raises the two ram-air intake scoops to further enhance thermodynamic efficiency. 

2011 Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Concept Next-Gen Porsche Supercar

Design-wise, it was our mission to visualize a brand-new, unique, and revolutionary vehicle concept. Big wheels were a must, the stance had to be positively ground-hugging, and an unmistakable front end was imperative, as was a pacesetting mix of classic curvatures and contemporary creases. There is no doubt that the Porsche 918 Spyder marks an important evolution of our design language, certain elements of which are bound to appear on future production models.

Moving in the same direction as Ferrari with its 599 Hybrid concept, Porsche is laying its cards on the table with this dual-purpose supercar plug-in hybrid. Said to “combine high-tech racing features with electric mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities,” the 918 Spyder concept borrows the mid-mounted 3.4-liter V-8 engine from the RS Spyder race car, singing a symphony of 500 hp up to a 9200-rpm redline. That covers the race portion of the equation, while electric motors found at both the front and rear axles that combine for an output of 218 hp handle the electric mobility. These motors, able to move the car on electric power alone, make the 918 a full hybrid, which Porsche claims has a range of 16 miles using the liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery found behind the passenger compartment. Porsche claims the concept is capable of hitting 62 mph in under 3.2 seconds, topping out at 198 mph, lapping the Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 30 seconds (faster than a Carrera GT), and achieving fuel economy of up to 78 mpg, but certainly not while laying down those figures.

In parallel-hybrid rear-wheel-drive mode, the superclever Porsche can run on gasoline, on electricity, or on a combination thereof. The front wheels, though, are driven on demand by the so-called electric portal axle. A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to handle the 918’s multiple-personality disorder, selecting from E-Drive, Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, and Race Hybrid modes. E-Drive is exactly that, using the stored energy in the batteries that’s supplied through plugging the car in at home or captured from regenerative braking. Hybrid mode combines the two drive systems, allowing the driver to either conserve fuel or flog the car to their heart’s content. Sport Hybrid is a step to the performance side using both gas and electric systems with power biased to the rear wheels and torque vectoring for improved handling. Greenies need not apply to the Race Hybrid setting, which squeezes out every bit of oomph from all onboard systems and even features an “E-Boost” push-to-pass button that feeds additional electric power for overtaking. As if the 500-hp gas motor needed any help.

If required, the mighty V-8 can even act as a supersize range extender -- by driving the rear electric motor, which in turn supplies the lithium-ion batteries. In E-mode and with the batteries fully charged, a feather-footed driver can achieve a zero-emissions range of up to fifteen miles. The plug-in charge time varies from two to seven hours, depending on the available voltage. The green-colored brake calipers advertise the energy-regeneration system, which feeds the battery pack behind the seats. The energy cells are also charged when the vehicle is coasting.

The concept also uses advanced features like variable aerodynamics for increased efficiency and added downforce at high speeds, as well as a Range Manager that uses the navigation system to present the predicted range the car is able to roam in its various modes.

Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept is showing the future of premium automobiles from a new perspective, as the five-seat premium sedan combines highly efficient drive technologies with unparalleled safety and convenience features and an emotive design idiom, which interprets current Mercedes-Benz styling in line with the brand's hallmark attribute of refined performance. The F800 Style has a spacious interior full of intelligent seating, operating, and display concepts. Another unique feature of the large sedan is an all-new multi drive platform, which accommodates electric drives with fuel cells (enabling ranges of almost 375 miles) as well as the use of Plug-in Hybrids that can drive for up to 18 miles solely on electricity. Both variants of the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept therefore make locally emission-free mobility possible at the level of a premium-class automobile, while at the same time being fully suited for everyday driving and providing a dynamic driving experience.

Within the 15.5-foot external length of the Mercedes F800 Style Concept, all of the components of the vehicle's efficient and environmentally compatible alternative drives (Plug-in Hybrid or fuel cell drive system) are installed in a space-saving manner in the engine compartment and the gaps within the chassis. Each of the drive systems takes up comparatively little space for the installation. This applies in particular to the electric drive with fuel cell, which has been enhanced by Mercedes-Benz to be compact and powerful. The front end's compact package was made possible through the consistent downsizing of all F-CELL components. As a result, the entire interior space is preserved and offers plenty of room for five occupants.

In combination with the very powerful Plug-in Hybrid drive system, the Mercedes F800 Style Concept is a very dynamic expression of the concept of "fascination and responsibility." Its drive unit consists of a V6 gasoline engine with an output of 300 hp with next-generation direct injection and a hybrid module with an output 109 hp so that it delivers a total power of around 409 hp. The lithium-ion battery with a storage capacity of >10 kWh can be recharged either at a charging station or a household power socket. Thanks to its powerful and high-torque hybrid module, in the city the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept can run exclusively on electricity, therefore without generating any local emissions. Because it also has high torque right from the moment it starts, the vehicle has the same driving performance as a car with a V6 gasoline engine even when operating in electric mode. The Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept with the Plug-in Hybrid can run purely on electricity for up to 18 miles. The F800 Style research vehicle therefore marks a further important step in the creation of a market-ready Plug-in Hybrid. Mercedes-Benz will begin series production of the S500 Plug-in Hybrid with the introduction of the next-generation S-Class.

Due to its efficient drive system and a CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode, the vehicle has a certified fuel consumption of only 2.9 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. This corresponds to extremely low CO2 emissions of only 68 grams per kilometer. However, thanks to its outstanding efficiency, the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept equipped with a Plug-in Hybrid nevertheless has a driving performance comparable to a sports car (0-60 mph 4.7 s, top speed of 155 mph). When in electric mode, the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept has a top speed of 75 mph, thus meeting the needs associated with long-distance driving.

The electric drive components in the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept with the Plug-in Hybrid once again demonstrate the versatility of Mercedes-Benz' extensively scalable modular hybrid system. The hybrid system can be expanded in various ways, depending on performance needs and the area of application. On this basis, it is possible to combine hybrid modules and batteries of different performance ratings with fuel-efficient, high-torque gasoline and diesel engines. Examples range from the current mild hybrids all the way to Plug-in Hybrids that enable pure electric driving over long distances. In developing the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept with Plug-in Hybrid, the Mercedes engineers specifically focused on improving the pure electric driving in urban traffic. Thanks to high power reserves, the F800 Style in e-mode easily masters all kinds of city traffic while producing no local emissions. With the new hybrid module, the top speed of the Mercedes F800 Style Concept with Plug-in Hybrid has been increased to 75 mph in electric mode compared to the Vision S500 Plug-in Hybrid. At the same time, it emits only 68 grams of CO2 per kilometer, compared to the latter vehicle's 74 grams per kilometer.

The F800 Style also offers clean driving pleasure in the variant equipped with an electric drive based on fuel cell technology. The vehicle's electric motor develops around 136 hp as well as a strong torque of approximately 214 lb-ft. The fuel cell generates the traction current by chemically reacting hydrogen with oxygen onboard the vehicle, producing water vapor in the process as the only emission.

The new cam touchpad HMI is an intelligent expansion of the COMAND system. For many years now, Mercedes-Benz has been forging ahead with the development of innovative operating and display systems. A particularly user-friendly innovation is being presented in the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept. The HMI unit here consists of a touchpad on the center console and a camera that records video images of the user's hand as it works the pad. The live image of the hand is presented in transparent form in the central display above the console. The user sees the contours of his or her fingers glide across the image without covering anything, thus ensuring that all of the functions of the currently used menu remain visible so that they can be easily operated by applying slight pressure to the touchpad. Pressing the display with one's fingers generates a feeling similar to that of touching laptop keys so that users know when they are carrying out specific actions.

Another very user-friendly innovation created by the Mercedes engineers is the "Range on Map" function, which shows the remaining possible travel radius during electric vehicle operation as a 360° depiction on a map. Should municipalities only permit purely electric automobile traffic in the future, the driver can determine whether the electric range of his or her vehicle is sufficient for the journey into and out of the urban area by means of the Range on Map function. The system provides this function by combining information on the current battery charge level with data from the navigation system.

Mercedes-Benz introduced DISTRONIC PLUS, the world's first proximity and speed control system that operates even when the car is standing still. The system substantially reduces the stress for drivers in dense traffic, as it regulates the distance from the vehicle in front even at very low speeds all the way down to a standstill. With its new DISTRONIC PLUS Traffic Jam Assistant feature in the F800 Style, Mercedes-Benz has also become the world's first automaker to implement a system that is also capable of automatically following the vehicle in front of it into curves. The system recognizes the difference between driving along curving roads and turning, which means it does not "blindly" follow the vehicle up in front — for example, when it changes lanes in order to exit the highway.

While the Traffic Jam Assistant heightens comfort and active safety, the innovative protective system known as PRE-SAFE 360° further improves passive safety. PRE-SAFE 360° is based on the proactive occupant protection system PRE SAFE® developed by Mercedes-Benz. Unlike the previous system, PRE-SAFE 360° also monitors the area behind the vehicle. As a result, the system engages the brakes around 600 milliseconds before an anticipated rear-end collision occurs.

The Mercedes-Benz F800 Style Concept is both a technology platform and a showcar. This research vehicle was created through close cooperation between technical research and advanced engineering departments and the advanced design studios in Sindelfingen, Germany and Como, Italy. Its exterior appearance is marked by a long wheelbase, short body overhangs, and a sensually flowing roof line.

Citroën has released first details on the striking Citroën DS High Rider diesel hybrid Concept that will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It is the second concept associated with Citroën's innovative and distinctively styled DS line, after last year's DS Inside.  The Inside design study led to the DS3. The concept is expected to be the precursor to the Citroen DS4.

Without denying the appeal of conventional coupés, Citroën DS High Rider Concept represents a bold and radical vision of the future, combining compact dimensions with generous internal volumes, dynamic performance, sophisticated style and consummate quality.

Unlike traditional 4-seater coupés, with their long, low design, the Citroën DS High Rider Concept is compact and muscular. Its character is expressed in its unique driving sensations, with a sleek flowing windscreen that soars over the heads of front occupants - hinting at a bright and spacious cabin environment. The apparently continuous glazed area of the side windows connects the A-pillars to the gently sloping roof line of the rear.

Citroen's newcomer rides on  19" alloy wheels and beautifully in proportion, Citroën DS High Rider Concept's confident profile is characterised by its high waistline. Its front end is purposeful with gaping air intakes, long incisive headlights and defined ridges along the bonnet.

Citroën DS High Rider Concept is an expression of automotive luxury and elegance - exemplified by its glossy golden paintwork and brushed chrome trim that accentuate the car's flowing lines. The roof is covered with a coated textile material - to give it a more "quality" look. Just 4.26m long, 1.82m wide & 1.48m high, Citroën DS High Rider Concept combines a neat and nimble chassis, for responsive handling, with intelligent design architecture that provides occupants with a generous amount of internal space.

2010 Citroën DS High Rider Concept's ability to rise above conventional design constraints is also reflected in its choice of power. Offering an enjoyable driving experience with dynamic on-road performance, Citroën DS High Rider Concept is respectful of the environment with an advanced 'Full Hybrid' diesel drivetrain that combines a refined HDi DPFS engine under the bonnet with an electric motor located on the rear axle. 

2010 Citroën DS High Rider Diesel Hybrid Concept Car

The hybrid platform enables Citroën DS High Rider Concept to combine the fuel efficiency and power of an HDi diesel engine with the ecological benefits of a new generation electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle). Under certain conditions, both engines combine to deliver additional power with additional torque transmitted to the rear wheels.