Car Blog Green » geneva-motor

Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Infiniti Essence Concept One of the hands-down sexiest cars at this years edition of the Geneva Motor Show was touting some green credentials beneath its curvaceous metal skin. The Infiniti Essence concept, meant to signify the, well, essence of all that is Infiniti , celebrates the luxury marque’s past and gives us hints of its future. At first glance, the styling appears to reflect European influences but we’re assured that it’s flow is inspired by Japanese calligraphy, its details from traditional Japanese items such as a hair pin used while a kimono is worn called the “kanzashi.” As impressive as the Essence looks, what’s more important are the bits that power this hybrid. Yes, it’s a hybrid, and the innovative system it incorporates will likely be impleted in an Infiniti next year . It borrows the 3D electric motor concept from the wheels of the bubblicious Nissan Pivo and places its 369 lb-ft of torque between the transmission and the 434 horses supplied by an efficient gas-powered, twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.7-liter DOHC V6. The result of all that tech is the ability to electrically glide between the traffic lights and, in theory at least, burn a modest 29.4 mpg while having 592 powerful horses underfoot and available if the “need” arises. This engineering exercise should translate quite nicely when transferred to a more prudent vehicle. Check out the sweet visuals in the galleries below, hit the jump for full press release and essential stats. Gallery: Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept [Source: Autoblog / Infiniti ] Continue reading Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence Auto Blog: Hybrid , Infiniti , Nissan , Geneva Motor Show , Europe/EU , Japan Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

Here is the original:
Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence

Geneva 2009 = Honda Insight + ASIMO

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 10:20:00 +0000

Click above for more of ASIMO with the Honda Insight How do you emphasize that your new hybrid is perfect for robot drivers? By introducing it in Europe with the help of ASIMO. That was Honda’s strategy in Geneva recently when the new Insight Hybrid made its European debut. ASIMO, known for conducting orchestras and falling down stairs , was on stage with the leader of Honda Insight’s development team, Yasunari Seki, and posed for some pictures. ASIMO was then put to work doing 54 15-minute public performances over 13 days. For these shows, ASIMO showed off its “ability to run, climb stairs, give and receive objects and interact with people.” As long as it stays on its feet, I’m sure it is mighty impressive. Gallery: Honda Insight with ASIMO [Source: Honda] Auto Blog: Hybrid , Honda , Geneva Motor Show Geneva 2009 = Honda Insight + ASIMO originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

Car Blog Greenmore:
Geneva 2009 = Honda Insight + ASIMO

Geneva 2009: Fiat unveils new Multiair engine line

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 08:07:00 +0000

Fiat’s not planning to give up its title as the lowest CO 2 -producing line in Europe any time soon. While diesel engines remain the best choice when carbon emissions are the main concern, the Italian automaker has invested plenty of research and development into its Multiair technology for gasoline powerplants. The latest engines using this tech were unveiled earlier this week at the Geneva Motor Show , as e xpected . Nearly all automakers have some form of variable valve technology. Fiat’s system is unique in that it uses an electro-hydraulic system to actuate the valves as opposed to the more common electro-mechanical setup. This relatively simple system can alter the timing of the valve’s opening and closing in relation to how much power or efficiency is required at any specific moment. Fiat claims its Multiair technology allows for a 10 percent improvement in horsepower, a 15 percent improvement in low-rpm torque and a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and carbon emissions. Since the powerplant can be made smaller for a given power requirement, further gains are possible over a conventional engine. For a more detailed explanation of how all of this works, click past the break. Thanks for the tip, Jules ! [Source: Fiat] Continue reading Geneva 2009: Fiat unveils new Multiair engine line Auto Blog: Emerging Technologies , MPG , Fiat , Geneva Motor Show Geneva 2009: Fiat unveils new Multiair engine line originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

Car Blog Greenmore here:
Geneva 2009: Fiat unveils new Multiair engine line

Confirmed: Ferrari going hybrid

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:39:00 +0000

Click above for gallery of the Ferrari 599XX One of the stated reasons that automakers send prototype race cars around tracks at high rates of speed is to further the development of new technology for their road-going automobiles. There’s no higher form of automotive motorsport than Formula 1, so it stands to reason that fuel-saving advancements like the kinetic energy recovery hybrid systems that F1 is currently in the midst of implementing will someday make it into production cars. According to Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, the Italian automaker is in fact testing its KERS system in a prototype based on the 599 chassis. There’s some speculation that the Dale Earnhardt edition 599XX at the Geneva Motor Show may have some form of the KERS system installed, but that’s not confirmed. With this technology, energy that would otherwise be lost to braking can be stored and reused the next time the vehicle accelerates, thereby boosting both performance and efficiency, and that’s something we can all get behind. Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx [Source: Motor Authority ] Auto Blog: Hybrid , Ferrari , Geneva Motor Show , Racing Confirmed: Ferrari going hybrid originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

Go here to see the original:
Confirmed: Ferrari going hybrid

Geneva 2009: Clever EDAG "Light Car Open-Source" is like safety television for tailgaters

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:59:00 +0000

Click above for a high-res gallery of the EDAG Light Car – Open Source EDAG has presented its new “Light Car – Open Source” concept here at the Geneva Motor Show , and while it outwardly appears to look like any other nondescript electric bubble car, there’s a lot of innovative content on the inside screaming for attention. It’s hard to know where to start: The use of (O)LED technology as both driver-configurable exterior lighting units and as a television-screen-like safety feature that alerts those behind of road conditions; its 100 percent recyclable basalt fiber chassis (said to be at once lighter and cheaper than carbon-fiber or aluminum); or the fact that this is an open-source effort, with EDAG taking the lead but freely opening up the car’s technologies to outside developers for improvement and modification. In any case, the fact that the lithium-ion powered compact car utilizes in-wheel motors that help maximize interior space is a neat detail, but we’re actually most intrigued by the (O)LED technology, which gives the Light Car an egg-smooth exterior. Out back, the (O)LEDs are used to show trailing vehicles not only the LCOS’ strength of braking, but also road conditions ahead – a pedestrian crossing the road, say, or whether there’s a speed or construction zone ahead. We imagine this sort of tech would be murder to legalize (at least in the States), but it does have us thinking in new ways about vehicle safety and car-to-car communications. See the EDAG’s (O)LED tech in action in a video after the jump , and learn more from the official press release by downloading the PDF here . Gallery: Geneva 2009: EDAG Light-Car Open-Source Gallery: EDAG Light Car – Open Source Continue reading Geneva 2009: Clever EDAG “Light Car Open-Source” is like safety television for tailgaters Auto Blog: Emerging Technologies , EV/Plug-in , Geneva Motor Show , Green Daily Geneva 2009: Clever EDAG “Light Car Open-Source” is like safety television for tailgaters originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

Car Blog Greenthe original here:
Geneva 2009: Clever EDAG "Light Car Open-Source" is like safety television for tailgaters

Geneva 2009: Volkswagen reveals Polo BlueMotion concept, 87 g/km CO2!

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion Concept Volkswagen revealed the all-new Polo concept, expected to come to the US market in the next couple of years. This new B-segment car comes in three- and five-door hatchback flavors with a range of gas and diesel engines, but the leader of the pack is the BlueMotion model with 96 g/km of CO2 emissions. More importantly, VW showed a concept for the next-gen. BlueMotion model that will launch in 2010. The BlueMotion concept uses an updated 1.2L three cylinder TDI diesel, with 74 hp. Combined with 15-inch low rolling resistance tires, a blanked off grille, extended rocker panels for lower drag, automatic start stop, and brake energy regeneration. The bottom line is 71.3 mpg (US) and 87 g/km of CO 2 emissions. That makes the new BlueMotion the most efficient five passenger internal combustion car on the road. Continue reading Geneva 2009: Volkswagen reveals Polo BlueMotion concept, 87 g/km CO2! Auto Blog: Diesel , MPG , Volkswagen , Geneva Motor Show Geneva 2009: Volkswagen reveals Polo BlueMotion concept, 87 g/km CO2! originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

The rest is here:
Geneva 2009: Volkswagen reveals Polo BlueMotion concept, 87 g/km CO2!

Geneva 2009: Ford’s all-electric Tourneo Connect

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Click above for a gallery of Ford Tourneo BEV Ford couldn’t be bothered to actually bring a battery-powered version of the Transit Connect to the Chicago Auto Show last month (but they did show off four gasoline-powered versions and announced the BEV there). People visiting the Geneva Motor Show will get a more personal experience with Ford’s latest zero-emission vehicle when the Tourneo Battery Electric Vehicle concept makes an appearance there this week. The idea behind the passenger-friendly Tourneo BEV is to showcase how the battery-only powerplant can be used to ferry people as well as freight. The powertrain for both models was co-developed by Ford and Smith EV and features a 21 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery pack, a 50 kW permanent magnet motor, and a single-speed transmission. That’s good for a 160-km (100-mile) range and top speeds of about 113 km/h (70 mph). A full charge takes 6-8 hours. These numbers are exactly the same as those announced for the electric Transit Connect . Gallery: Ford Tourneo Connect BEV [Source: Ford ] Continue reading Geneva 2009: Ford’s all-electric Tourneo Connect Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Ford , Geneva Motor Show , Green Daily Geneva 2009: Ford’s all-electric Tourneo Connect originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

Car Blog Greenthe original post:
Geneva 2009: Ford’s all-electric Tourneo Connect

EVCast offers up panel of "experts" to take your electric car questions tomorrow

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:40:00 +0000

If you’d like to listen to a sort of state of the electric vehicle industry panel discussion, tune in to the EVCast tomorrow. The live show (which will be available later as a podcast and for download) starts at 1:30 Eastern (10:30 am Pacific) on Tuesday. Listeners can tune send in questions andCar Blog Green on the EVcast.com chat board (free membership is required to participate). The panel will discuss the following topics: $25 billion in waiting for EV development. Who should get it and why? Has hydrogen as an automotive fuel gone the way of the dinosaur? What does the chaos of the US auto industry mean for the up and coming EV industry? Milage Tax: Sensible or not? As a side note: the reason for the quotes on the headline above is that for some reason I’m included in the EVCast panel. I’m still not sure how much of an expert I am, but I want to make it clear that I’m not slighting the others who are scheduled to appear on the show: Ian Clifford, our old friend and CEO of ZENN, and Gint Federas, an EVCast member. I just hope they don’t ask me to sing . [Source: EVcast ] Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , ZENN , Green Daily EVCast offers up panel of “experts” to take your electric car questions tomorrow originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

Car Blog Greenmore here:
EVCast offers up panel of "experts" to take your electric car questions tomorrow

Officially official: Peugeot to offer re-badged Mitsubishi i MiEVs

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:21:00 +0000

While the partnership between Mitsubishi and Peugeot to bring electric vehicles to market has been officially official for some time, the deal we told you about that would see the Peugeot lion logo perched proudly on the nose of the Japanese automaker’s i MiEV hasn’t. Until now. On the eve of the unveiling of its ” Prototype iMiEV concept ” in Geneva comes word that the two have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would see them collaborating on vehicles based upon the iMiEV. We are guessing that the timing of this announcement and the imminent reveal of the slightly-upsized right-hand-drive prototype of the iMiEV is not coincidental. It is said that MiMoCo will be doing the manufacturing in Japan while the extra showroom floor space that Peugeot can offer in Europe should help boost sales volumes and keep costs down. While it is unknown what sort of sales targets the companies have for the car, we do know that GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi plan on making enough batteries for 10,000 i MiEVs once sales start with a doubling of that capacity within a year or two. As to what a Peugeot iMiEV will look like, until pictures are taken we can only lean on the magic of photoshop and present you the slightly altered image above. Press release after the break. [Source: Mitsubishi ] Continue reading Officially official: Peugeot to offer re-badged Mitsubishi i MiEVs Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Mitsubishi , Peugeot , Geneva Motor Show , Europe/EU Officially official: Peugeot to offer re-badged Mitsubishi i MiEVs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

Car Blog Greenthe rest here:
Officially official: Peugeot to offer re-badged Mitsubishi i MiEVs

Opel releases official photo of new Ampera ER-EV

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Click to enlarge Last week, Opel staffers foolishly left the new Ampera parked outside its Russelsheim, Germany headquarters in plain view of a photographer. There were of course no real surprises in the resulting shots, sincee the Ampera is essentially a Chevy Volt with new front and rear fascias. Opel has now released the first official image of the Ampera ahead of its reveal at the Geneva Motor Show this week. It’s clearly visible that the Ampera gets a face inspired by the GTC concept of a couple years back along with a different wheel design from its American sibling. GM sources tell us that the Ampera will have a somewhat more upscale interior as well. Under the skin, though, the hardware remains the same with a 40-mile plug-in range, 300-mile total range and a 1.4L range extender. Gallery: Opel Ampera [Source: Opel] Continue reading Opel releases official photo of new Ampera ER-EV Auto Blog: EV/Plug-in , Hybrid , Geneva Motor Show Opel releases official photo of new Ampera ER-EV originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds .Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green | Car Blog Green

More:
Opel releases official photo of new Ampera ER-EV