Porsche 918 RSR Hybrid

Porsche presented the 918 RSR hybrid concept car at the North American International Auto Show in january. The two-seater mid-engine coupe with a fly-wheel accumulator is a synthesis of the 911 GT3 R and 918 Spyder hybrid concepts. The direct-injection V8 engine is a further development of the power unit from the RS spyder and now has a power output of 414 kW al 10300 rpm in the 918 RSR. The electric motors at the two front wheels each contribute 75 kW, and therefore a total of 150 kW, to the installed peas driving power of 564 kW. This additional power which is generated during braking, is stored in an optimised flywheel accumulator.

Read more »

Posted in: 918 RSR,accumulator,concept,direct-injection,electric motors,fly-wheel,hybrid,Porsche

Johnson Controls: New Lightweight Seat Systems

For lightweight vehicle construction, Johnson Controls has developed modular seat structures and complete SEAT SYSTEMS made of steel and aluminium that make weight savings of 1 kg per seat structure possible. Suitable for both front and rear seats, they are claimed to contribute to weight savings "to a high degree" without impairing comfort or safety. Seat elements that are subject to lower crash loads can be replaced by lightweight alloys as a modular systems. Zones that are exposed to high crash loads are made of higher strenght steel.

Read more »

Posted in: construction,Johnson Controls,lightweight,SEAT SYSTEMS,vehicle

Audi A1 - with range extender

AUDI is working on the electrification of the A1. In the AUDI A1 E-TRON, a small single-rotor Wankel engine is used as a range extender. The engine has a displacement of a 254 cc and runs at a constant speed of 5000 rpmin its optimum efficiency range. The rotary engine drives a generator that produces up to 15 kW of electriv charging power. Including the generator, the entire assembly weighs approximately 65 kg. Fuel consumption is reported to be 1.9 l/100 km - a CO2 equivalent of 45 g/km. AUDI is to start fleet trials with the A1 E-tron in 2011.

Read more »

Posted in: a1,audi,audi a1,e-tron,engine,extender,range,range extender,rotor,single-rotor,wankel

Lamborghini: CARBON FIBRE SPORTS CAR

The key future of a new super sports car from Lamborghini is its carbon fibre technology. The cell of the Murcielago replacement is made entirely from CFRP, is designed as a monocoque structure and weighs 147,5 kg. It is made from a series of individual components. These include stiffening elements made from braiding technology. This is said to be one of the best technologies for managing energy absorption in the event of a crash. After the curing process, the entire cell functions as a single section, known as the ‘tub’, and the complete roof.

Read more »

Posted in: carbon fibre,cell,energy,monocoque,super sport,technology,tub

BMW: Investement in LEIPZIG PLANT

The BMW Group is expanding its plant in Leipzig to make it the first location in Germany for the large-scale production of zero-emission electric cars. In the period up to 2013, the company plants to invest around 400 million euros in new buildings and machinery for the production of the MEGACITY VEHICLE (MCV). Around 800 jobs will be created in the process. From this year onwards, the BMW ActiveE, which is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe, will already roll off the production line at the Leipzig plant. After the Mini E, this vehicle represents the BMW Group’s second step towards putting a zero-emission electric vehicle into series production. Experience gained from these two electric cars will be channeled directly into the series development of the MCV.

Read more »

Posted in: ActiveE,BMW,electric,Leipzig,MCV,Mini E,vehicle

Volkswagen: Presentation of the XL1

Volkswagen unveiled the third evolutionary stage of its 1-l car strategy at first Qatar Motor Show: the XL1. The car, which is designed as a plug-in hybrid, is claimed to achieve a fuel consumption of 0,9 l/100 km and therefore a CO2 emissions value of 24 g/km. The powertrain is a two cylinder TDI diesel engine with an output of 35 kW with a 20 kW electric motor. The lithium-ion battery enables the car to be driven for up to 35 km in pure electric mode. Gear shifts are performed by a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Lightweight components made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic and a drag coefficient of 0,186 contribute to the car’s fuel efficiency.

Read more »

Posted in: clutch,consumption,diesel,engine,fuel,hybrid,TDI,transmission,volkswagen,XL1

ZF: New Automatic Transmission for Passenger Cars

ZF has developed a 9-speed AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION for passenger cars with a transverse front engine. ZF already presented a stepped automatic transmision for vehicles with a transverse front engine at the IAA in 2009. The new transmission will offer significantly better performance while at the same time reducing fuel consumption. The modern torsion damper systems in the torque converter also have a favourable effect on fuel consumption and CO2 emission. Production of the transmission is planned in Greenville, South Carolina (USA).

Read more »

Posted in: 9-speed,consumption,emission,engine,fuel,performance,ZF