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Gyroscopic Two-Wheeler Concept Vehicle Is A Head Turner

Leslie Pulipa — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:01:53 +0000

What would you think about commuting across New York’s central park in a bubble with two wheels? Before making up your mind with an answer, just check out this beauty, a new concept gyroscopic vehicle from designer Sanu KR.

Mr. Sanu has based his design on that of a Segway, only with bigger wheels and a glass-bubble-of-a-chamber in which a driver can sit on a comfy recliner. On a Segway, the driver has to stand and commute and is also exposed to the elements. This vehicle looks sexy enough, but like all concepts, Mr .Sanu might have overlooked a few practical technicalities in this geeky contraption.

For starters, it will be interesting to know how propulsion will work; probably batteries. Granted the joystick guidance system works without much of a problem.

Then there is the issue which all gyroscopic two-wheelers face. They do tend to tip over while braking. The driver will most likely need additional inertia arresting systems to prevent doing a face plant in his own windshield.

Indeed, it is a concept and it does look sexy. In fact, it feels a bit nostalgic too. Sort of reminds me of a transparent glass yo yo I used to play with as a kid, or a jumbo reinforced wheel chair.

[ source ]

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“Phase Zero” Toyota RAV4 EV Prototype Hits the Road

Michael Kwan — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 18:29:01 +0000

Electric cars are really starting to take on all forms, from sensible compact hatchbacks to full out sports cars. Falling into neither of those categories is the Toyota RAV4 EV. The sport utility vehicle with an electric inclination isn’t exactly new, but its “Phase Zero” prototype has now been taken out for a test drive by someone not from Toyota.

As you might recall, this vehicle comes from a partnership with Tesla. However, it’s a completely different beast than the Tesla Roadster. There are about thirty of these prototypes making their way around, but they say that the Phase Zero models aren’t even version 1.0: “this is a sophisticated proof of concept.”

The 150 horsepower electric motor for the current FWD-only RAV4 EV is supposed to eventually provide the same kind of performance as its petrol V6 counterpart. This means a 0-60mph time of nine seconds. The 37 kWh battery pack is good for almost 100 miles of real world driving, which is impressive given the size and weight of this car.

In the test drive, the reviewer was impressed by the high level of regenerative braking: “let off the go-pedal while traveling at a clip of 40 mph or so, and you’re pulled down to about 5 mph in a matter of seconds.” However, he anticipates that Toyota/Tesla will be cranking down this regen when the EV eventually hits the real world marketplace. That’s a shame; because that’s really how you get the most out of an electric vehicle. You get 10-30% more range with that kind of regen.

Is an electric sport ute really the best way to use the tech? Probably not, but I don’t think they’re the future either way.

[Read]

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French Designers Develop Air-Powered Saline Bird Motorcycle

Michael Kwan — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 21:47:13 +0000

Think about what it means to be a green vehicle. These days, it’s typical to think of a biodiesel, a hybrid, or an electric car. Maybe you’re thinking of hydrogen fuel cells. However, none of those are likely as green as a bike that runs on, get this, compressed air.

I’d imagine there’s more to it than those canisters of compressed air that you use to dust your precious electronic components, but that sounds like the fundamental idea. Of course, just blowing air out the back isn’t going to provide much in propulsion, so the compressed air is being sent through two tanks to push the two-wheeler along.

This comes from a group of French designers: Charles-Edouard Berche, Ugo Spagnolo , Adrien Fuinesl, Frédéric Dobbelstein and Jean-Philippe Paries. The bike itself is kept like through mostly carbon fiber and, well, it looks pretty bad ass too. It’s a shame that we’re looking at just a rendering and the so-called Saline Bird motorcycle is little more than a concept.

The other green source of energy, I suppose, is manpower… but this looks like a lot more fun that pedaling away on a bicycle, don’t you think?

[Yanko Design]

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Toyota FT-86 II Concept Marks Beginning of New Supra-esque Sports Car

Michael Kwan — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:22:11 +0000

Ever since Toyota decided to retire the Supra back in 2002, there’s been a hole in the hearts of motor enthusiasts all around the world. The Celica and MR-S just didn’t cut the mustard and even those aren’t around anymore. Well, Toyota is finally starting to shake off its currently boring philosophy with the rise of FT-86 II Concept.

If you’re thinking that this story sounds familiar, there’s a reason. For quite some time, we’ve been hearing rumblings about a joint project between Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru) to build a compact, rear-wheel drive sports car. The FT-86 II Concept is the latest iteration in this partnership and it really could see the return to a Supra-esque vehicle… or at least a RWD take on the Celica.

Forget about the LF-A for a moment, as that’s a whole other league of vehicle. With the FT-86 II Concept, you could almost say that they’re trying to harken back to the days of the AE-86 Trueno. It could be the return to fun, but the overall styling is almost a little too Tiburon-esque, don’t you think?

Toyota is staying pretty mum about the precise specs, but we do know the Subaru-sourced high-revving boxer engine will be in the front and it’ll be mated with a six-speed manual transmission. For the time being, there’s no AWD option courtesy of Fuji. In any case, I’m glad that Toyota is restoring its previous claim to fame in the compact sporty market. They’re expecting the new model (which will likely get a new name in the process) to launch in Europe in 2012.

PASSION IS BACK: TOYOTA UNVEILS THE FT-86 II CONCEPT
Show car paves the way for launch of new Toyota sports model in 2012

KEY POINTS

- World premiere of sports concept car at Geneva motor show
- Design and engineering pay homage to great Toyota sports cars of the past
- Strongest indication yet of how new Toyota production model will look
- Designed and engineered for excellent power-to-weight ratio and balance
- Compact, lightweight powertrain features boxer petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission
- Front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration
- New model, jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, to be launched in 2012

The new FT-86 II Concept makes its world debut at the Geneva motor show, giving the clearest indication yet as to the final design of Toyota’s next sports car. It marks a return to the passion for driving that has inspired great Toyota cars of the past, starting with the legendary 2000 GT in the 1960s.

With its long, low bonnet, high wings and rear-set cabin, the FT-86 II pays homage to Toyota’s sports car history and is an entirely driver-oriented concept. It was created at Toyota’s European design studio ED2, where its styling was dubbed ‘functional beauty’: its bold, sweeping form has been generated purely according to the constraints of function and aerodynamics.

The low, highly aerodynamic bodyshell is stretched tight over the engineering hard points, with the muscular bodywork rendered as compact as possible. The concept measures 4,235mm long, 1,795mm wide and 1,270mm high, with a long, 2,570mm wheelbase.

Rather than using a heavy, large displacement powertrain to secure performance, the FT86 II returns to Toyota’s sporting roots by combining a free-revving boxer petrol engine with a compact and lightweight six-speed manual transmission and a low centre of gravity to achieve the best possible power to weight ratio.

Both the powertrain and the driving position have been set as low and as far back as possible to optimise balance for maximum poise, high-speed stability and agility. With a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration, this gives the car lively, accessible performance that is easy to harness and enjoy.

The FT-86 II Concept is the latest stage in the development of a new, compact rear-wheel drive sports car that is being jointly developed by Toyota and Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru). The new model will be launched in Europe in 2012.

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Saab PhoeniX Concept Takes Flight with ‘Aeromotional’ Design

Michael Kwan — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:45:33 +0000

Personally, I’m not a fan of Saabs. The cars just seem to lack any personality with so many of them looking more like overpriced “Saab-arus” than having their own unique character. I guess they’re trying to turn things around with the PhoeniX concept. See what they did there with the capital X? How edgy!

Continuing with the edginess, Saab says that it is inspired by the company’s aviation roots, creating an “aeromotional” design for this concept car. The underpinning architecture will be same as the next-gen 9-3, but the PhoeniX is supposed to provide “liquid metal” forms and “a dramatic jet canopy-inspired glasshouse.”

The “aeromotional” design continues with a teardrop cabin, prominent ripples along the hood, a body-colored scentral wing, LED headlamps, butterfly doors, and roof-mounted winglets.

As is the popular thing to do these days, the PhoeniX also happens to be a hybrid. (Of course it is!) The 200hp 1.6L turbo engine drives the front wheels, while the back wheels are electrically driven. They’re expecting to get 56.5 miles to the gallon.

I’m not convinced, but at least this bird rising from the ashes doesn’t look like an overpriced Impreza.

SAAB PHOENIX CONCEPT: THE FUTURE IS ALREADY HERE

Saab Phoenix concept: Overview

World Debut

‘Aeromotional’ design inspired by Saab’s aviation roots
Design and technical features to shape next generation of Saab cars
Minimalist cabin with ground-breaking Saab IQon infotainment system
Rightsized petrol turbo engine and innovative Saab eXWD for electric all wheel drive
Showcases technologies in all-new vehicle architecture
Sleek, innovative and exceptionally efficient: the Saab PhoeniX concept car showcases design features and technologies which will shape the next generation of cars from Saab.

Based on a new architecture which will underpin the next Saab 9-3 model, the PhoeniX introduces ‘aeromotional’ design: a visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles and passion for innovation that inspired the creators of Saab’s first car, the iconic Ursaab,

The PhoeniX embraces teardrop, ‘liquid metal’ forms and a dramatic jet canopy-inspired glasshouse that gives fresh expression to Saab’s signature ‘wraparound’ and translucent ice-block design themes.

The clean, muscular shape enables an exceptionally low drag co-efficient of just 0.25cd and also explores the potential for airflow management through the use of distinctive, side-mounted ‘winglets’.

Butterfly opening doors give easy access to a 2+2 cabin that blends simplicity with technology. It has a minimalist, ‘stripped out’ feel, including a new expression of Saab’s driver-focused layout and a world debut for Saab’s innovative IQon infotainment and communications system. In true Saab tradition, there is also a surprisingly versatile cargo deck.

“The PhoeniX establishes a new reference point for the future of Saab product design,” says Jason Castriota, Saab Automobile’s Executive Design Director. “It symbolises a renaissance of the innovative spirit and passion that drove Saab to build its first car. We’re now taking the visual DNA forward with what we call ‘aeromotional’ design, adding emotion, power and fluidity. This design aesthetic will shape and differentiate future models in the Saab portfolio.”

Under its rippling bodywork, the Saab PhoeniX deploys an innovative driveline, with an electrically-driven rear axle mated to a sophisticated 200 hp, 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine driving the front wheels. The result is an intelligent, hybrid all-wheel-drive capability that enhances driving pleasure while reducing fuel consumption. Combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are projected to be 56.5 mpg and 119 g/km.

Aeromotional design

The PhoeniX’s ‘aeromotional’ design theme is inspired by Saab’s aviation roots and draws expression from Ursaab, the prototype designed by aircraft engineers that spawned Saab’s first generation of cars.

The entire form of the PhoeniX is seemingly moulded by the wind. Tightly-wrapped by a liquid-like skin, the teardrop cabin resembles a dark ice block and appears to erupt from the center of the muscular bodywork. Two prominent ripples flow along the hood into the disguised windshield pillars, as if barely able to contain a powerful structure underneath.

At the rear, the dark screen also bursts through the outer skin of the rear deck, The tapering form hints at the teardrop rear styling of Ursaab, while the ‘sawn off’, kamm tail echoes a form from Saab’s first coupé, the Sonett.

The low, frontal styling features a stretched interpretation of Saab’s signature three-port grille. A body-colored central wing is now dominant and, in keeping with the car’s minimalist design, LED headlamps are almost invisibly located at its tips. The new grille and bonnet forms are among the styling themes likely to be seen in future Saab production cars.

Butterfly-opening doors provide enhanced access to the low-slung cabin. There are no visible door handles or mirrors to disrupt airflow, and small cameras on slim stalks provide rearward vision.

Roof-mounted ‘winglets’ enable PhoeniX to cleave the air as efficiently as possible. They channel airflow from the side of the car and direct it across the rear deck, reducing lift forces for greater stability without increasing drag.

Minimalist interior

In true Scandinavian tradition, the 2+2 cabin adopts a clean, minimalist look. It has the ‘stripped out’ feel of a competition car, with shell-like seats and metalised interior sections that mimic the exposed network of a rollover cage.

Fresh expression is given to Saab’s traditional, driver-focused instrument layout. A circular pod in front of the driver, shaped like the afterburner of a jet engine, presents data in tandem with the head-up display.

Angled at 45º to the driver, a separate module accommodates Saab’s advanced IQon infotainment and communications system. For good ergonomics, the 8-inch colour touch screen is as close to the driver’s finger tips as the steering wheel.

Saab IQon (see separate release for full details) is a ground-breaking car communications platform using Google’s AndroidTM operating system. Based on pioneering ‘open innovation’ with third-party service providers and applications developers, it comprises an embedded computer platform which seamlessly connects to the internet when the car’s ignition is switched on. The touch-screen provides access to audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation, on-board music storage and smartphone-like downloading of applications.

Red illumination for all instrument and ambient cabin lighting brings warmth and emotion to the cabin. This includes the floor, where LED light tubes are exposed by perforations in the black carpeting. It is all part of the new ‘aeromotional’ design strategy, incorporating ‘fire and ice’ effects.

The PhoeniX’s curvaceous rear deck disguises a deep-opening tailgate. It gives access to a flat cargo deck, including fold-flat rear seatbacks and a cargo track for adaptable load carrying.

Efficient propulsion

Under its sculpted bonnet and beneath its cargo deck, the PhoeniX advances Saab’s rightsizing powertrain strategy. Its propulsion system combines a highly efficient, 1.6-litre turbo engine driving the front wheels with innovative, electric rear wheel drive technology.

The compact, all-aluminum petrol engine produces 200 hp (147 kW) and includes variable valve timing and lift control, as well as start/stop functionality, minimal parasitic losses and a fuel cut-off function. A stainless steel tank is fitted, which is lighter and less expensive than a conventional plastic design,

The engine is supported by Saab’s innovative eXWD system. It comprises a rear drive unit housing a 25 kW (34 hp) electric motor/generator powered by a small battery pack. Regenerative braking is used to sustain the battery’s charge.

Currently under development for the next generation of Saab cars, this hybrid propulsion system enables the benefits of all-wheel-drive while also reducing fuel consumption. Using a six-speed manual transmission, projected combined cycle fuel economy and CO2 emissions are 56.5 mpg and 119 g/km.

The driver can select one of three eXWD operating modes. The default Eco mode delivers optimal fuel and CO2 efficiency with power assistance to reduce load on the petrol engine at low speeds; Sport mode includes maximum power assistance with torque vectoring across the rear axle for greater chassis control; and Traction mode enables optimal grip at take-off and in slippery conditions.

Inside and out, the Saab PhoeniX showcases new design directions and technologies that will be part of forthcoming Saab products.

[via Saab]

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