Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet Concept debuts at 2011 Worthersee

With the Golf R and Scirocco R already in production, VW is showcasing a concept version of the Golf R Cabriolet at the VW fanboy get-together in Austria, using reaction to inform their decision as to whether or not the car will hit dealers.

The concept features the same treatment that was applied to the standard Golf R model, including a sport chassis that lowers the car’s ride by 25 mm, a 17-inch brake system with internally ventilated discs at all wheels, blue painted high-performance brake calipers, and 19" "Talladega" alloy wheels with size 235 tires. Then the vehicle gets its top ripped off to create a more wind-in-your-hair feel.

The Golf R Cabriolet is anything but a chick car with its 265 horsepower turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder. It reaches 0-62 mph in less than six seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. According to VW, the Golf R Cabriolet is the fastest open-top Golf, ever.

The interior, Motorsport shell seats in dark blue carbon leather, combined with high-end Nappa leather in “Pure Grey”. The backs of the shell seats are painted in luxurious black piano paint. Upholstery piping and decorative seams provide for colour contrast. Carbon accents emphasise the concept’s technical-sporty character.





Press Release

Volkswagen News at Wörthersee: Powerful 270 PS Golf R revealed as cabriolet concept!

• Cruiser: open-top Golf R at full strength even in lowest speed range
• Strong look: debut of Golf R Concept at Wörthersee

Wolfsburg / Reifnitz, 02 June 2011 - Volkswagen has travelled to the largest GTI Meet in the world at Wörthersee with an entire fleet of new models, concept cars and accessory highlights. After revealing the new Golf GTI Edition 35 in a world debut, the company that invented the GTI will be pulling the veils off some other secret projects of a sporty nature: Volkswagen is presenting the Golf R Cabriolet as a concept car with 270 PS of power and a top speed of 250 km/h; it is a fascinating thought experiment in cabrio dynamics. This "power cabrio" also demonstrates the inexhaustible potential of the Golf. But there is more news as well: other concept cars such as the Golf R Concept and the latest original accessories will make the GTI Meet (until June 4th) a mecca for every Volkswagen fan.

Golf R Cabriolet concept: Volkswagen just recently introduced the new Golf Cabriolet, and the designers and engineers of Volkswagen R GmbH have already come up with an extremely sporty variant of this model: the Golf R Cabriolet Concept. Like its closed top counterpart, the 199 kW / 270 PS Cabriolet concept races to the 100 km/h mark in less than six seconds. Their top speeds are also identical at 250 km/h. This makes the R Cabriolet the fastest open-top Golf ever. Even more impressive, however, is the engine's tremendous torque - 350 Newton metres from a low 2,500 rpm make this cabriolet an ideal cruiser.

Like the closed-top Golf R, the cabriolet was lowered by 25 mm via a sport chassis. A 17-inch brake system with internally ventilated discs at all wheels and blue painted high-performance brake callipers (including R-logo) enables impressive deceleration values. Making contact to the road surface on the Golf R Cabriolet Concept are 19-inch "Talladega" alloy wheels with size 235 tyres.

Naturally, the Golf R Cabriolet Concept also presents an especially sporty interior concept. Motorsport shell seats in dark blue carbon leather, combined with high-end Nappa leather in "Pure Grey", set the tone here. The backs of the shell seats are painted in luxurious black piano paint. Upholstery piping and decorative seams provide for colour contrast. Carbon accents emphasise the concept's technical-sporty character. The sand-blasted aluminium door sill plates with black piano paint inlays display finely crafted workmanship.

Golf R Concept: Two variations of the Golf R Concept are also making strong visual statements at Wörthersee. Like the classic Golf R and the R Cabriolet on display at Wörthersee, the two Golf R Concepts are also powered by a 2.0-litre turbo engine with the mentioned 199 kW / 270 PS, which is as powerful as it is efficient.

The first version of the Golf R Concept attracts attention with mid-tone "Velvet Grey Metallic" exterior, polished 19-inch "Talladega" alloy wheels, orange painted brake callipers and carbon mirror caps.

The driver and front passenger have the pleasure of sitting on perfectly ergonomic motorsport shell seats. Their outer segments are upholstered in black Nappa leather; anthracite-coloured Nappa leather ("Light Anthracite") is used towards the inner surfaces in the area of the lateral seat supports and towards the head section. The cross-stitched centre panels of the seat and seatback gets an even lighter Nappa leather ("Pure Grey"). The back shell glistens in black piano paint. The piping on the side sections of the seat and head section provide a fine contrast: the orange of the brake callipers is repeated here. Meanwhile, interior accents match the look of the mirror caps: carbon. The same material is also used for the steering wheel, gear shift lever and the door sill plates. Black piano paint characterises the panels behind the inside door handles, the trim of the window controls and the trim of the gear shift grip.

The second model of the Golf R Concept is painted in the sophisticated "Aplomb Blue". The 19-inch "Glendale" wheels that are new to the Golf line-up shine in "Brilliant Silver". Once again, the exterior mirror caps, various interior accents and the door sill plates are made of carbon.

Parts of the back shells of the motorsport shell seats also feature carbon. Black Nappa leather covers the outer areas of the seat and seatback surfaces. Meanwhile, the ridge of the seats - a continuous stripe that runs along the lateral seat and back supports - consists of blue leather. The sport leather steering wheel's inner segments and grip recesses were upholstered in "carbon leather"; characteristic of this lightweight material is its woven structure. Even the floor mats have a carbon look. The decorative seams here, as in the area of the parking brake lever, are styled in blue.

Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH: At the 30th GTI Meet, the accessories company is not only showing complete vehicles, but also lifestyle articles and vehicle accessories. Available in the "GTI Shop" at the Volkswagen exhibit is the entire new "GTI Collection" of sporty shirts, coats, jeans, children's articles and accessories. And that is not all: the 35th anniversary of the Golf GTI was reason enough to design a commemorative series: the "GTI Edition 35 T-Shirt Collection" with the best advertising motifs over the 35 years of the GTI.

Classic accessories on display at Wörthersee include various alloy wheels (up to 21-inch in size). Also being presented by Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH is a customised Polo with features that can be ordered individually such as interior accents and door mirror caps in carbon look, special tailpipe trim, rear apron with diffuser and 17-inch "Motorsport" alloy wheels - all with affordable sports appeal. And that is how it should be. Because Volkswagen democratised the sports car with the GTI back in 1976. 35 years later, this also means that the accessories line-up offers enhanced sports appeal for every budget.

Porsche Boxster E Prototypes

The Michelin Challenge Bibendum is an annual event run by the French tire company aimed at promoting the development of sustainable mobility. At this year’s event in the German capital of Berlin Porsche rolled out its Boxster E electric car prototype, revealing a few more saucy details about its testing schedule and zero-emission future.

In total, Porsche had three Boxster E models which weren’t just on display, but were available (to a select few) to be driven around a course. While two of the prototypes feature a traditional Boxster rear-drive layout Porsche has also built an electric AWD version.

The Porsche Boxster E is equipped with a 90kW motor (about 120 hp), while torque is about 270 Nm. Performance stats are 0-100 km/hr in 9.8 seconds. That is significantly slower than the traditional Boxster’s 6.5 seconds. If that’s not enough for traditional Porsche enthusiasts, the company has worked on a solution of offering two motors totalling 240 hp and torque of 540 Nm. In that set-up, acceleration is down to about 5.5 seconds.
Each of the battery’s cells has a nominal voltage of 3.3 V and an individual capacity of 20 Ah. Its energy content is 29 kWh of which approximately 26 kWh are available for use. Its maximum power output is 240 kW, or 60 kilowatts more than the all-wheel drive Boxster E draws under full load. The battery and power unit components are connected to two water cooling circuits.

All three prototypes are outfitted with ceramic composite regenerative brakes, an electric air conditioner, a revised instrument cluster and an active sound system that provides drivers with acoustic feedback. 

Press Release

Boxster E prototypes attract many prospective customers

Stuttgart. The two Boxster E prototypes which Porsche showed off at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin last week have proved to be a real attraction to the public. At this forum for sustainable mobility, which was staged for the eleventh time this year, representatives from politics, industry, trade and research discussed the environmentally-friendly mobility and vehicle concepts of the future. The trips in the electric Boxsters were in particular demand amongst the expert audience. On a sporty circuit, the vehicles demonstrated that a Boxster with electric drive still remains a genuine Porsche in terms of driving dynamics. In the wake of the GT3 R Hybrid, 918 Spyder and 918 RSR, the Boxster E is yet another sports car concept exhibiting the brand's characteristic combination of research and driving pleasure.

The Boxster E, with one electric motor apiece on front and rear axle, runs on purely electric power with four-wheel drive and is equivalent to a Boxster S in terms of driving dynamics. Together with two other Boxster Es, in which an electric motor drives the rear wheels, the prototype is being used to explore the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles and how they are used, especially in terms of driving and battery charging. What the researchers are after is an understanding of the requirements facing future products, where to go next with Porsche Intelligent Performance and how to integrate electric vehicles into the infrastructure.

The practical trials with the three Boxster Es are part of the "Model Region Electro-Mobility Stuttgart" large-scale trial. The Stuttgart model region is being sponsored as part of the Federal Government's "Electro-Mobility in Model Regions" project. The Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS) is making approximately 130 million euro available from the Federal Government's economic stimulus package II for eight model regions nationwide. The project is being coordinated by NOW GmbH, the National Organisation for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.

Thanks to its design as a mid-engine sports car, the Porsche Boxster is the ideal vehicle platform for conducting realistic trials with electric-drive systems. The open-top two-seater car is very light, enabling the new components that are the electric motor, battery and high-voltage technology to be accommodated within the vehicle in a crash proof way. Together with the low drag, this reduces driving resistance for optimal range. Also of importance for a Porsche sports car, even one that is electrically driven, is the high driving dynamics potential, not least as a consequence of the balanced axle-load distribution peculiar to the mid-engine design.

The Boxster E is an all-electric vehicle without any additional combustion engine on board. Propulsion is provided by two independent electric motors with constant mesh gearboxes that act on the front and rear axles. The rear drive unit comprising motor and transmission, together with the power electronics for controlling the electric motor is located where the manual transmission and exhaust system are accommodated in the conventional Boxster. In the front end, the space vacated by the 64-litre fuel tank, now redundant, is occupied by the second drive unit. The power electronics unit in the adjacent luggage compartment serves the front axle electric motor. The Boxster E thereby features all-wheel drive without mechanical transmission of power. To ensure maximum driving stability and traction, a central electric control unit looks after the synchronisation of the two electric motors and controls the drive torque distribution to the front and rear axle.

The two electric motors develop a total power output of 180 kW and a maximum total torque of 540 Nm at a maximum engine speed of approximately 12,000 rpm. That means that the two electric motors in tandem deliver significantly higher drive power than what is available from present day hybrid vehicles' electric-power units. Not only does the Boxster E's all-electric drive produce no emissions - it also offers a completely novel form of driving pleasure. The electric drive's maximum torque kicks in virtually from the first turn of the engine. The Boxster E moves almost silently while at the same time developing powerful propulsion from the very outset. The two motors enable the two-seater to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds from a standing start. Its top speed, limited to 200 km/h (124 mph) is achieved without any gear change at all - whether automatic or manual. The two machines' high power output offers a second advantage into the bargain: It means more recovered power is available because more energy can be recovered during braking. This increases efficiency of the drive unit.

In the case of the two other Boxster Es with rear wheel drive there is no front electric motor, which means that they deliver a power output of 90 kW and a rated torque of 270 Nm. They manage the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.8 seconds with their top speed being achieved at 150 km/h (93 mph). Because all Boxster Es are comparatively quiet on the road, Porsche engineers have designed an Active Sound Design system that provides drivers with acoustic feedback as well as alerting any passersby.

Irrespective of variant, the heart of every Boxster E is manufactured by Porsche. This lithium-iron-phosphate based traction battery is fitted in place of the combustion engine. Each of its cells has a nominal voltage of 3.3 V and an individual capacity of 20 Ah. Based on the NEDC, the combined energy from 440 individual cells is good for approximately 170 kilometres (107 miles) of driving pleasure in the Boxster E with its ready-for-the-road weight of a mere 1,600 kg. For an overall weight of 341 kg, the battery's energy content is 29 kWh of which for inherent physical reasons approximately 26 kWh are available for use - an outstanding performance for a battery. Its maximum power output is 240 kW, or 60 kilowatts more than the all-wheel Boxster E draws under full load. The battery and power unit components are connected to two water cooling circuits. As with the conventional power unit, the heat exchangers are accommodated behind the front air intakes.

The battery is anchored to the same points on the body structure as the combustion engine in the Boxster S. There are numerous advantages to this, especially in the event of a crash, because by using the same load paths as in the Boxster S, the battery is optimally retained within the vehicle while at the same time being protected from damage by the surrounding body structure thanks to its central position within the vehicle. As with the combustion engine in the production vehicle, the traction battery is installed in the Boxster E from below and can be swapped out very quickly if so required. This is also facilitated by special motor sport fasteners that enable the battery to be disconnected from the cooling circuit without air getting into the system.

The traction battery is charged via a charging cable. Any conventional socket can be used as an energy source. The charging port on the vehicle features an illuminated ring and as with any Porsche sports car the vehicle is recharged at the front end. The charger is accommodated at the front of the car. It converts alternating current from the socket into direct current, enabling the traction battery to store the electric energy. Its charging capacity is a maximum of 3.3 kW meaning that is takes approximately nine hours for a full charge. The charging time can however be reduced using a rapid charging function. There is enough space left over for luggage in the front luggage compartment despite the electronic components; the Boxster E's rear luggage compartment remains unchanged.

It goes without saying that all of the production models' important safety and comfort features are replicated in the Boxster E as well. The new brake system enables an optimal melding of the braking forces of the electrical generators and the mechanical brake system, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). The electrically powered air conditioning compressor accommodated in the front luggage compartment ensures comfortable temperatures inside the vehicle.

Not only are the clutch pedal and gearshift lever absent in the Boxster E, there is no rev counter either. In its place is a special E-Power meter in the central instrument cluster display. A swing to the right indicates power call-off and to the left power recovery. Recuperation - namely the recovery of energy by using the electric motors as generators - can be modified by means of the push buttons in the steering wheel. The effect: a sort of on-demand engine brake. Otherwise, when the driver lifts his foot off the accelerator, the Boxster E simply sails on, using the moving vehicle's kinetic energy. Among its other functions, the instrument cluster's right-hand TFT display acts as an intelligent range management system, displaying useful driving information: the range remaining or how many miles can be gained by switching off the air conditioning system.

Protoscar Lampo3

The latest prototype of the Swiss company Protoscar was unveiled yesterday at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum and the least we can say is that the car is superb!

The new version is equipped with four-wheel drive, using an electric motor on the front and two rear axle, managed to balance the tension between both the axles and between the wheels on the same axis with effect torque vectoring.

Power is provided by a 32 kWh lithium-ion battery that has been outfitted with a BRUSA on-board charger which enables the car to be charged with everything from "a standard single-phase 10A plug ... to a three-phase 32A industrial plug."

The Lampo3 has a satisfactory 124-mile range, but it’s not going into production just yet. Protoscar will be demonstrating the car this summer and developing it further before releasing it for sale. Expect a hefty pricetag for an electric car that can do 0-60 in 4.5 seconds...




Press Release

From LAMPO to LAMPO3 : The evolution to a purpose designed premium EV

LAMPO3 is a battery powered electric demonstration sports car developed on the base of 30.000 km lessons learned with its predecessors LAMPO and LAMPO2

It features a purpose designed light weight chassis, a 2+2 coupé design and a fast charge option. The BRUSA powertrain (3 motors with a total output of 420 kW) guarantee extreme performances without compromises in terms of efficiency.

LAMPO3 has been developed by Protoscar (www.protoscar.com ), a Swiss company working for OEMs, power utilities and governments, and since 24 years specialized in the development of CleanCar projects. LAMPO3 has been unveiled the 11 May in the M-Way Shop in Zürich.

Purpose designed chassis
LAMPO3 is an electric sports car with purpose designed lightweight chassis that impressively shows un-compromised CleanCar design and engineering competences:
1) For the first time a pure electric 2+2 coupé features a chassis specifically built around the electric components, unlike most OEMs' EV-chassis, which are adapted from internal combustion versions. LAMPO3 is the worldwide first pure electric sports car being a 2+2 seater and providing enough luggage space and optimized ergonomics.
2) The light weight chassis carries actively cooled batteries, optimally positioned in the central tunnel to improve drive dynamics, safety and pay load.
3) Three motors - of which two on the rear axle and one on the front axle - allow an improved dynamic behaviour of the car and an optimized torque vectoring, not only between front and rear axles, but also between the two rear wheels (the motors actively drive on different adapted RPMs for instance in curves, where the inner wheel turns slower than the outer wheel).

Technical description and top performances
LAMPO3 has three electric motors (in fact becoming a four-wheel drive with variable torque between front and rear axle for optimal handling, safety and efficiency) with a total output of 420 kW (equivalent to 550 HP), 900 Nm and 32 kWh of Lithium-Ion battery capacity. LAMPO3 features real sports-car performances: 4.5 seconds for accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, 220 km/h of max. speed, and 200 km of range. More than enough energy for driving throughout the whole year is produced by a remote solar plant, allowing a real zero-emission drive.

As the first two LAMPO prototypes, LAMPO3 impressively demonstrates that from a pure performance point of view (acceleration, torque, overtaking, speed, efficiency) pure E-drive is THE solution not only for city cars, but for all other types of vehicles including premiumsegment cars (the only segment, through which new technologies have been introduced into the market successfully so far). The real performance of LAMPO3 will be demonstrated on different test-tracks during the year 2011 by the winner of the 2010 GT1 24 hours of LeMans, Mr Gabriele Gardel. Catch him ... if you can!

For the first time a LAMPO concept could be produced in a micro-series for public customers such as companies involved in the EV development, entities dealing with the promotion of EVs and private enthusiasts.

Charging Modes
LAMPO3 is equipped with the new BRUSA on-board charger NLG6 allowing up to a 22kW of charging power. Therefore LAMPO3 can be charged with every kind of power actually on the market: from a standard single-phase 10 A plug, up to a three-phase 32A for charging at industrial plugs (fleet users). Moreover LAMPO3 has an interface for DC fast charging based on CHAdeMO standard (www.chademo.com). With LAMPO3 different infrastructure solutions will be tested and evaluated.

Home Charge Device
The Home Charge Device offers maximum safety to charge any compatible electric vehicle, because its hardware and software is personalized to a specific car brand, model, plug (Type 1 / 2 / 3 or CEEPlus Plug) and to a specific national grid.

Electric plugs are available everywhere, but not all of them can withstand the full power required by an electric vehicle charger. The HCD allows the automatic adapting according to the limitations of the available infrastructure.

The HCD is to be considered as "snow chains": because it is personalized, it follows the specific car once the car changes to a second user. This is why the HCD is conceived as a mobile device, and can easily be hanged up on the wall (in the garage or outside, since the HCD is conceived both, for indoor and outdoor use). The marketing concept is to offer the possibility of ordering the HCD equipment device and its proper installation at the same time, including a relevant check of the existing electric domestic installation.

Fast Charge (in association with ABB)
The ABB DC fast charge station is conceived to dramatically decrease the charging time of electric vehicles. According to the battery type and its status, an additional range of up to 100 km can be achieved within 10 minutes of charging. This charging solution is mainly intended as a range extension, not as a recharge system for full charges, although this would be possible as well (at least between 20% and 80% DOD - according to the battery type and status).

The ABB DC fast charge follows the CHAdeMO standard. Two characteristics define this standard: protocol and connector compatibility - both will be made available by CHAdeMO, and no IP will limit the diffusion of such systems. Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Peugeot, Citroen, Think and Protoscar already support this standard from an OEM point of view.

Philosophy
Well to Wheel approach - Protoscar not just realises zero emission vehicles, but also cares about the energy needed to let them move. This takes into account the entire energy chain, focused on CO2 emissions - the so called "Well-to-Wheel" (www.optiresource.com). LAMPO3 is powered by
solar energy, produced by a remote 16 kWh photovoltaic plant located in Seggiano (Tuscany), Vitabella Palazzetto. The energy produced is put into the global grid and charges the LAMPOs around Europe when needed. The goal is to self-produce all the energy that we need for the car getting to counterbalance the entire consumption.

See: www.sunnyportal.com/Templates/PublicPageOverview.aspx?page=c07b1bc9-afdd-4ae9-
a489-8ffb4fbcea9d&plant=496a607f-3e95-44fe-bef5-4013639397a3&splang=it-IT

Innovative top-down approach
With LAMPO3 we clearly apply a top-down approach, instead of a bottom-up strategy. Traditionally the automobile sector initially shows trendy characteristics in exclusive, premium, vehicles. Unavoidably, at first the price of such products is very high but with growing production the prices decrease, allowing a large number of people to have access to the new technology (in other words the first buyers allow the technology to circulate).

However, in the electric vehicles market the strategy is often contrary based on a bottomup approach. This is the reason why electric vehicles are not always successful. In today's market the majority of the EV promoters try to sell electric cars as a "rational vehicle" and forget the emotional aspects. But as a matter of fact, for most buyers a car is essentially an emotional object and not only a means of transport. The LAMPO3 as well as its predecessors LAMPO and LAMPO2 shall demonstrate that electric drivetrains can be perceived positively and totally accepted if placed and launched in a different way.

Vehicle‘s name and logo
LAMPO3 because it is not just the third car within the LAMPO project developed by Protoscar, but it is even more efficient than its predecessors and the purpose design chassis represents a huge step forward in terms of design and engineering of sporty Evs.

In the Italian language LAMPO means „lightning". A lightning stands for power, especially for electric energy like the one propelling LAMPO3 ,Moreover a lightning is fast, intense . impressive and, last but not least, LAMPO3 is a product of nature. The edgy logo of LAMPO3 with its straight lines reminds the lightening and emphasizes the electric spirit of the car.

Vehicle's design
The Design of LAMPO3 has been inspired from an oblique approach to car design, combined with an essential rule for an extremely advanced, performing and efficient vehicle: form follows function. We took inspiration from the American Le Mans and FIA GT1 series cars, where all the functional aspects of these high performance cars are presented in a stylish way.

The general layout of the vehicle, consisting in a shortened bonnet, front wheels close to the cabin, long wheelbase and short rear overhang, helps to give a very dynamic feel to the silhouette of the car. This combined with some "LAMPO DNA" design clues creates the mix that lead to the final design that wears LAMPO3 body.

2012 Honda CR-Z Mugen concept

Honda has released the first pictures of the CR-Z Mugen, ahead of its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

2012 Honda CR Z Mugen Rear View 495x355 2012 Honda CR Z Mugen
After a further 15 per cent increase in power over this ‘stage 1′ engine and with over 50 kg reduced from the chassis, overall performance is set to meet Mugen’s original targets.

That achieved 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds, and the team says the test version has already passed that, thanks to a hike in power to 200bhp and 245Nm of torque.

The regular 1.5 i-VTEC engine develops 113bhp, while Mugen's bolting on a supercharger and fettling the IMA hybrid system for nearer 200bhp and 181lb ft. And Mugen's dieticians have stripped out 50kg of unnecessary heft, to make the CR-Z more agile. The bonnet is made from carbonfibre while the wheels are lightweight Mugen alloys.

Mugen also has upgraded handling and performance, fitting adjustable shocks and large disc brakes, increasing track and reducing weight. Mugen GP 17-inch forged alloy wheels are part of an exterior package that includes front and rear airdams, side skirts and a rear wing.

Press Release

FIRST IMAGES OF CR-Z MUGEN REVEALED

Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro have revealed the first official photographs of the CR-Z MUGEN - the higher-performance hybrid coupe.

Development of the supercharged Honda CR-Z is on track, with performance figures already looking promising.

Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have given 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R.

After a further 15 per cent increase in power over this 'stage 1' engine and with over 50kg reduced from the chassis, overall performance is set to meet MUGEN's original targets.

"Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging," says Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro. "We've retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in 'eco' mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special 'MUGEN' mode."

Hyundai Blue2 Concept

Hyundai has just unveiled the all-new Hyundai Blue2 Concept car at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show in Korea. 2011 Hyundai Blue2 Concept aims to satisfy all the senses of future drivers, including the air they breathe. Hyundai Blue2 concept is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW (1.65kW/L) and fuel economy of 34.9km/l.

The concept is the Korean automaker's first sedan-style FCEV. Hyundai did not disclose production plans for the Blue2, which it says is read as "Blue Square," but it appears to be focusing more on hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles than pure electric vehicles at this point. Hyundai says that the name comes from a combination of the company's "Blue Drive" and the number 2 from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.

Aesthetically speaking, the Blue2 Sedan Concept has an exterior whose design language is being described as ‘Intersected Flow’ with other external features complementing the contoured form of the car, including the LCD screen panels on both the front and back, side cameras in place of the standard side mirrors, a roof camera, and automatic opening doors.





Press Release

Hyundai to Showcase New Thinking at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show

• Hyundai unveils next-gen FCEV sedan concept ‘Blue2' and Sonata Hybrid

• Cutting-edge eco-friendly and telematics technologies show Hyundai's future

• Separate booth displays Hyundai's latest commercial vehicle technology

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea's largest automaker, showcased its latest `new thinking' on products, technologies and services to the world at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show, which opened today under the theme of ‘Evolution, Green Revolution on Wheels.'

Hyundai unveiled its latest eco-friendly creation, the Blue2 (Read as "Blue square") concept vehicle, the company's first sedan-style Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) powered by hydrogen. The automaker also introduced its first gasoline-hybrid vehicle, the Sonata Hybrid, to its home market. Most importantly, Hyundai applied its new brand direction, "New Thinking. New Possibilities.", throughout its exhibition, including its customer-oriented booth design, entertaining displays and cutting edge future technologies.

"Hyundai's goal is not to be the biggest car company, but the most loved. We want to be a reliable partner to our customers, supporting their happiness, rather than a company that pursues its own interests," said Steve S. Yang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor. "We will ceaselessly introduce world-class products of the best quality to overcome the difficult market environment and turn it into an opportunity, while modestly listening to the voice of the customer." In particular, Hyundai will focus on "improving quality, creating new values through new thinking, and developing advanced eco-friendly technologies to contribute to a greener society," Yang said.

Blue2

Hyundai Motor staged a world premiere of its new concept car, Blue2 (codenamed HND-6), a mid-size FCEV which shows a blueprint for future sedans. The name ‘Blue2' is a combination of Hyundai's sub eco-brand ‘Blue Drive' and the number `2' from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.

Aiming at gaining early leadership of the FCEV market, Blue2 is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW(1.65kW/L) and fuel economy of 34.9km/?. The Blue2 is materialized in a sporty and luxurious style, a combination of futuristic, flowing designs and eco-friendly features. The Blue2 is equipped with low-resistance tires and alloy wheels which are designed to improve aerodynamic performance, while the car's interior design encompasses a futuristic look by using eco-friendly new materials.

Hyundai's concept keywords for the exterior design are ‘Intersected Flow,' featuring innovative and dynamic designs. The vehicle's condition is visible via unique and futuristic images on the exterior of the car through outside LED screen panels, which are located on both the front and rear of the car. Blue2 also features a welcome system which recognizes the driver, while an automatic opening door system enhances the driver's convenience. Conventional side mirrors are replaced by side cameras and a roof camera, offering a state-of-the-art driving environment.

The exterior designs flow inside the vehicle, with asymmetrically-designed dashboards and doors to optimize a driver's convenience and add emotional value. Wider seats enable people to get in and out of the vehicle more comfortably.

Hyundai combined the cluster and center fascia, applying an advanced Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED) monitor and ultra-light tempered glass, called Gorilla® Glass, providing more accurate and vivid graphic information. The infotainment system is operated by a Motion Sensor Moustick, a haptic wheel and motion sensor that respond to the driver's touch and hand movements, respectively, giving drivers a new experience.

Blue2 aims to satisfy all the senses of future drivers, including the air they breathe: A cluster ionizer freshens the air inside the vehicle, while antibacterial genuine leather with leaf-shaped patterns, called ‘eco-graphic perforation,' enhances an eco-friendly look and feel.

Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai also unveiled its first gasoline hybrid model, the Sonata Hybrid, to its home market. The Sonata Hybrid, which made its world debut at the 2010 New York International Auto Show, also encompasses Hyundai's new thinking, as Hyundai developed the world's first full parallel hybrid system and applied lithium-ion polymer batteries to a hard type hybrid model for the first time in the world.

Equipped with a Nu 2.0 Hybrid engine, a 6-speed hybrid automatic transmission and a 30kW hard type hybrid electric motor, the Sonata hybrid delivers a peak output of 191ps (engine: 150ps, electric motor: 41ps) and the best fuel economy in its class at 21.0km/? (All specifications limited to the Korean market).

The Sonata Hybrid, which is based on Hyundai's best-selling mid-size sedan, differs from the gasoline model with its dynamic `hexagonal grille.' The vehicle also has an `Eco Guide Gauge' on its cluster to help drivers build more economical driving habits. The Sonata hybrid will go on a sale in the Korean market in the first half of this year.

i40, Curb, and In-Vehicle Technologies

Along with Blue2 and the Sonata hybrid, Hyundai introduced i40, a mid-size wagon exclusively developed for the European market, which made its world debut at Geneva in March. Hyundai also displayed Curb (codenamed HCD-12), a compact Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV) concept unveiled at Detroit in January. Curb, targeted at the next generation of Hyundai buyers, is also a test bed for future Hyundai in-vehicle connectivity technology.

In order to promote its advanced eco-friendly technologies, Hyundai built a ‘Blue Drive Zone' at its booth, which displays its first Full Speed Electric Vehicle (FSEV) BlueOn and its electric bicycle ECCOV. Hyundai's most advanced powertrain technology will also be on display - some for the first time - including its 6-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and 8-speed auto transmission, as well as its 1.6 Gamma Turbo GDi, Nu 2.0 GDi and Nu 2.0 CVVL (Continuously Variable Valve Lift) engines.

The ECCOV (Eco Community Vehicle), introduced at Geneva in March, boasts a maximum speed of 30 km/h and can travel as much as 50 km on a single charge in electric mode.

A total of five new future in-vehicle technologies introduced at the 2011 CES early this year were also on display: Smart Connectivity System, which allows drivers to connect their smart phones and tablet PCs with the vehicle; Motion Sensor Moustick, which recognizes the driver's hand movements through sensors to control the car's audio and navigation system; Dynamic Cluster, an LCD gauge and information system that is driver-customizable; Car Browser System and Web Platform, a fully functional Internet terminal; and Multifunctional Safety Vision System, a four-camera, 360-degree view around the vehicle.

Commercial Vehicles

Hyundai Motor set up a separate booth for its commercial vehicles under the concept of ‘Enjoyable Sensation Truck & Bus,' displaying three new models: The New Trago 27t Dump, Mega space-cab Tractor and the 2011MY Universe.

In order to promote its future eco-friendly technology, Hyundai's commercial vehicle booth also created a ‘Green zone,' showcasing its electric bus, diesel hybrid mega truck, hydrogen fuel cell bus cutaway and a new eco-friendly power system technology.

In particular, ‘Elec-City' is a zero-emission electric bus developed in-house. A test fleet of Elec-City will be operated in some metropolitan bus routes starting this year, while Hyundai plans to mass produce the buses starting in 2013. During the G20 Seoul Summit in 2010, Elec-City was used as the official shuttle bus for organizers and officials.

Equipped with three 100kW motors, Elec-City delivers a peak output which is equivalent to a combustion engine's 402ps and maximum speed of 100km/h. It can run 120 km on a single charge.

Hyundai also displayed two new commercial vehicle technologies: The Commercial Vehicle Telematics System, which collects real-time data from the vehicle to enable more efficient freight transportation management; and the 3.5t AMT system, which allows drivers to enjoy the convenience of an automatic transmission, with the fuel efficiency and power of a manual transmission.

New Thinking for Customers

Hyundai's new thinking could be seen in its booth layout and services, as well. By reversing the conventional thinking that motor shows are for cars, Hyundai brought a new concept that motor shows are for ‘visitors,' which means everything should be designed to maximize their enjoyable experience.

Hyundai's new booth enables visitors to comfortably view the cars, while the entire space on the second floor of the booth is used as a lounge where customers can relax and get a view of the whole booth. Hyundai is also providing FCEV shuttle bus services to and from the parking lot to the exhibition hall. Staff members at the booth will provide product information using tablet PCs.

As part of its efforts to evolve from simply an auto manufacturer that provides transportation to an automaker that creates an auto culture, Hyundai presented its virtual-driving Veloster game machine, as well as a 4D theater showing ‘Robocar POLI,' a 3D animation for children presented by Hyundai Motor, Roi Visual and EBS.

2011 Seoul Auto Show: Kia Naimo electric concept【Video】

The Kia Naimo Electric Concept car has just been unveiled at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show in Korea.

The Naimo's name is derived from the Korean word 'Ne-mo' which means 'square shape'. And this is one concept which isn't running away from its boxy design. It features no B-pillar and rear-hinged doors.

Kia would not confirm any production plans for the car, saying in a statement that it "explores the practicalities of introducing a zero-emissions, five-door, four-seater city car into a future niche market."

With a 150kph (93.2mph) top speed, four-seat accommodation, and a high air pressure windscreen wiper system, with external rear view mirrors replaced by cameras, there is plenty of gadgetry to help reduce aerodynamic drag and improve performance.

Along with the 125 mile range (which would put the car ahead of the 100 mile per charge Nissan LEAF), Kia says the Naimo can be recharged to 80 per cent of its capacity within 25 minutes using a 50kW quick charge, with a full-charge taking five and a half hours using a conventional outlet.

A twin-pack 27 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery, located under the boot floor, gives the vehicle a driving range of 200 km on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch alloy wheels.