Concept Cars
Next-Gen S-Class with Plug-in Hybrid Technology could return 2.9 L/100km
According to a recent report by Car and Driver the next generation Mercedes S-Class will have a plug-in hybrid variant and it could offer a fuel consumption figure of 2.9 liters per 100 kilometers which is equivalent to about 81 miles to the gallon.
The company’s development director Dr. Thomas Weber told the publication that the ‘green’ S-Class would use a 3.0 liter petrol V6 (with direct injection with piezo injectors) and a 44 kW electric motor. The vehicle would be able to run in pure electric mode for about 30 kilometers at speeds of up to 109 km/h. Pictured above is the Mercedes-Benz Vision S 500 Plug-in Hybrid Concept.
2010 Geneva: Near production Audi A8 Hybrid Concept revealed
This is the hybrid version of the Audi A8 which is scheduled to hit the market in late 2011. The company calls this a near production concept so the eventual production car shouldn’t run far off. The hybrid powertrain has a 2.0 liter TFSI engine that produces 208hp and 250Nm of torque along with an 33 kW electric motor that makes 211Nm of torque.
Combined, they pump out 241hp and 480Nm of torque. The hybrid A8 can run without burning fuel up to 65 km/h for a “distance exceeding two kilometers”. As always more images can be found after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Audi A1: e-Tron concept and S-Line Sport Package revealed
The Audi A1 which is set to take on the mighty MINI was revealed ahead of its Geneva debut. The highly anticipated 3-door super mini is offered with number of engine options including an 86hp 1.2 TFSI and a 122hp 1.4 TFSI with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch tranny. There are also two diesel units. Both versions carry the 1.6 TDI designation and they produce 90hp and 106hp each.
To be honest I feel that the A1 has a lot to do if it wants to shake up the MINI. I prefer the MINI’s design and thus far the engine options and their power figures look better unless a high-performance version is in the works. Rumor has it that an S1 will arrive in 2012 with a 178hp power figure.
Audi didn’t waste much time and decided to present an e-Tron concept based on the A1 at the Geneva Motor Show as well as an S-Line Sport Package. The A1 e-Tron concept features a 75 kW electric motor that is transversely-mounted.
Accompanying the electric motor is a 254 cc internal combustion Wankel engine that acts as a generator. No ridiculous torque numbers this time. Audi claims that the A1 e-Tron can deliver 100 kilometers with just 1.9 liters of fuel and its emissions is figured at 45 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
Audi also released some images of an S-Line Sport Package for the A1. Details are scarce at the moment but we do know that the package includes a modified front bumper, a rear diffuser insert, a larger roof-mounted spoiler along with some unique wheels. There is also a sports steering wheel, sports seats and as well as unique trim on the inside. Continue reading to check out more high-res images. Read the rest of this entry.
2010 Geneva: Citroen SURVOLT Concept revealed with provocative video
This is the Citroen SURVOLT Concept that was showcased at the Geneva motor event. It is a 2-seater concept featuring an all-electric drivetrain. The company calls this a high-performance vehicle with a “motor racing punch” but did not reveal power figures.
We do know that the drivetrain is based on the one featured in the Citroen REVOLTe Concept. The “colorful” concept is about the size of an Audi TT and it looks more like a car that belongs on the fashion runway. More images can be found after the jump. There is also a rather sexy promo video which is a must see! Read the rest of this entry.
Toyota releases new images of the FT-86 Concept, along with family portrait
Toyota has released more images of the FT-86 Concept. Although we have seen the concept in full glory we have yet to see it alongside Toyota’s previous coupes. The grey coupe at the very back is the Toyota Supra while the left and right spots are taken up by the Toyota Celica and Corollo AE86 coupes.
The FT-86 which will replace the AE86 is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2011 and furthermore a Subaru version is expected as well. The concept is powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged boxer engine that is supplied by Subaru. The rear wheel drive concept features a 6-speed manual transmission.
It made its European debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. Continue reading to view an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
2010 Geneva: Hyundai’s i-Flow concept finally presented
This is the i-Flow concept by Hyundai which is being shown at the Geneva Motor Show. This new concept belongs to the D-Segment vehicle class and is said to preview the European-replacement of the Sonata, meaning the eventual production model is expected to be sold only in Europe.
The production model is expected to hit European showrooms sometime in 2011. The concept that was designed at the company’s Russelsheim studio in Germany features Hyundai’s first diesel hybrid powertrain. It has a force-inducted 1.7 liter diesel linked to a lithium ion polymer battery pack as well as with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Hyundai claims that the concept has a fuel consumption figure of 3 liters per 100 kilometers which is pretty impressive. An image gallery can be found after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
2010 Geneva: Citroen DS High Rider Concept
Citroen has revealed a new concept which carries the DS designation at the Geneva Motor Show. The DS High Line Concept features a hybrid system that includes a HDi diesel engine with an electric motor that is mounted on the rear axle. This means the concept has an all wheel drive configuration.
The full hybrid system allows the High Rider to run solely on pure electric power at times. The concept that measures 4.26 meters long, 1.82 meters wide and 1.48 meters high is likely to become the Citroen DS4 if it goes into production. Check out more images after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Kia showcases the all-electric Venga concept
Kia is at the Geneva Motor Show right now and the company brought along the Venga EV concept car. It is Kia’s first all-electric plug-in concept car and it features an 80 kW electric motor that can also churn out 280Nm of torque. It allows the Venga to hit the 100 km/h mark in 11.8 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h, which is pretty low.
The concept can deliver 180 kilometers over a single charge and a quick recharged would take 20 minutes (for 80% of power). Unfortunately the company did not mention anything about the concept making it into production.
