Showing posts with label Hybrid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hybrid. Show all posts

Subaru's Viziv Concept Previews Future Design Direction and New Diesel-Electric Hybrid


Whenever you hear the words Subaru and crossover in the same sentence, images of the brand's much-loved Forester come to mind, a car for which stylish good looks take a back seat in favor of interior space, practicality and simplicity.

Subaru Viziv

Subaru Viziv

Subaru Viziv

Subaru Viziv

Subaru Viziv

Subaru Viziv Interior

Subaru Viziv Interior

However, with the Viziv crossover concept, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, Subaru is announcing a much more style-oriented approach for its future models and its design direction in general.

The concept features a "Subaru Boxer Diesel Hybrid" system, which uses the company's 2.0-liter horizontally-opposed turbo diesel engine in conjunction with two rear-mounted electric motors. With various selectable modes, the system ensures the car has adequate grip in slippery conditions, while at the same time being at home in town.

From a design standpoint, the Viziv concept is rather successful, we say. With clean, flowing lines and a prominent front fascia, the car heralds the arrival of a much better-looking range of Subaru vehicles.

Hopefully, the modern design of the interior will also serve as inspiration for future road-going models, as this is an area where the Japanese automaker's offerings have never really shined.

The hybrid powertrain will also make its way into future production models, but will it mean the end of fun-to-drive Subarus? After all, remotely controlled electric motors can't really be a substitute for a prop shaft sending the engine's power to the wheels, at least not in terms of driver engagement and the overall experience of driving a car.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Infiniti Q50 Lands in Europe with Merc's 168HP 2.2-liter Diesel and 359HP Hybrid Version


The brand-new Infiniti Q50, which made its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show last January, made its European premiere in Geneva and, according to the manufacturer, it is its “most significant car yet for the European marketplace”.

Infiniti Q50

Infiniti Q50Infiniti Q50

Infiniti Q50

Infiniti Q50

Infiniti Q50

That’s because the rear-wheel drive sedan is designed to compete in the compact premium class where it will face some stiff opposition. Since most Europeans opt for diesel engines, the Q50 will be available in the Old Continent with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that puts out 168HP (170PS) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

In spite of a pretty respectable 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of under 9 seconds, Infiniti announces an average consumption figure of just 4.4 lt/100 km (53.5 mpg US, 64 mpg UK) and less than 115g of CO2 per km.

This engine is the first fruit of Infiniti's collaboration with Mercedes-Benz and will be available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed auto transmission, both tailored to Infiniti’s own specs.

Clients wishing more oomph can opt for the second version of the Q50 that will be offered in Europe, the 3.5 Hybrid that, thanks to its 359HP (364PS) output sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 5.5 seconds.

The Q50 Hybrid uses the same dual-clutch Direct Response Hybrid and seven-speed auto transmission as the M35h “big brother” but with an extended EV-only range and improved performance and efficiency: its average consumption is 6.2 lt/100 km (38 mpg US, 45 mpg UK) and it emits less than 145 g/km of CO2.

The diesel Q50 will be offered only with rear-wheel drive while the Hybrid will be available with AWD, too. Both models will go on sale from autumn, depending on the market, in standard and Sport versions.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Volkswagen Unveils Production 0.9lt/100km or 261MPG XL1 Plug-in Hybrid

As promised, Volkswagen has taken the super-frugal XL1 from concept car to production model, with its world premiere to take place at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Volkswagen XL1 Production

Volkswagen XL1 Production

Volkswagen XL1 Production

Volkswagen XL1 Production

Volkswagen XL1 Production
Volkswagen XL1 Production

Volkswagen XL1 Production

The radical two-seater model is dubbed the most fuel-efficient production car in the world returning an amazingly low fuel consumption of 0.9 l/100 km, which is the equivalent of 261 mpg US and 313mpg UK, with CO2 emission of just 21g/km. As with other European plug-in hybrid models, these value includes the constant use of the electric motor.

So, how does the XL1 achieve such an impressive fuel economy? For starters, there's the plug-in hybrid powertrain that comprises a 0.8-liter two-cylinder TDI diesel engine rated at 47hp (48PS), an electric motor delivering 20kW (27HP or 27PS), a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission and a lithium-ion battery.

Then we have its compact dimensions at 3,888 mm long, 1,665 mm wide and just 1,153 mm tall, its super slippery body made in part from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) with a Cd rating of just 0.189 (the latest Prius has a Cd of 0.25), and its lightweight construction with a kerb weight of only 795 kg or 1,753 pounds.

VW claims the XL1 can hit a restricted top speed of 160 km/h (100mph) and accelerate to 100 km/h (62mph) in a respectful 12,7 seconds.

Unlike the tandem seating position of VW's first 1-litre concept cars presented in 2002 and in 2009, in the XL1, two occupants sit slightly offset, side by side, almost like as in a conventional vehicle.

Among other notable highlights are the XL1's gullwing-style doors, the use of cameras instead of exterior and interior mirrors projecting surroundings in LCD screens, and the ability to travel around 30 miles on a single battery charge.

Volkswagen hasn't announced pricing and availability details yet, but it is widely believed that the Germans will offer the XL1 as a lease car in limited numbers.

Articles Source : Carscoop