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Toyota Aqua: The Even More Compact Hybrid Commuter Car

Michael Kwan — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 01:14:02 +0000

are increasing in popularity and in variety. Even within Toyota, they have introduced some new variants to the Prius line, but what if you want something even smaller and even more efficient? That’s where the newly revealed Toyota Aqua cruises into the picture.

The Toyota Aqua, from what I can see, looks to be roughly Yaris-sized and is purpose-built for the Japanese urban commuter. This is Toyota’s smallest hybrid offering on the market and it is said to get 35.4 km per liter; that works out to about 83MPG or 2.8L/100km. That’s better than its Prius stablemate, which “only” gets 32.6 km per liter.

The good news is that Toyota isn’t keeping the Aqua to just the roads of Japan. They have plans to roll it out worldwide next year to about 50 countries around the globe. It may not be known as the Aqua when it reaches a dealership near you, though, as it is being marketed as the Prius c on the international market. The European version is based on the Yaris, but gets the same hybrid system.

Pricing for the Toyota Aqua in the Japanese domestic market is set to start at 1.69 million yen (about $22,000), though the local price in other markets will surely vary.

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Green Lite Motors working on a 100MPG hybrid commuter trike with Autodesk

Michael Kwan — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:39:05 +0000

Until we figure out how to effectively and safely use hydrogen to power all our vehicles, hybrids are going to be the popular option for those who want to be a little more environmentally friendly with their daily commutes. Green Lite Motors agrees and the clean tech company is using Autodesk Product Design Suite to envision what a proper commuter vehicle should be. It’s not every day we here about what software the EV guys are using to come up with their creations, so its nice to see Autodesk teaming up with smaller guys out there to show what can be done.

The concept calls for a three-wheeled hybrid vehicle. It’ll be officially classified as a motorcycle, but it’s probably closer to a Smart Car in scope. There’s seating for two, including a full roll cage, four-point harnesses, seat backs, and front airbags. The goal is to have this trike, which is powered by a hybrid gas engine and electric motor, achieve 100 miles on the gallon while still giving up to 250 miles (400 km) of range and a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h).

That should be enough range and speed for the vast majority of commuters, including those who take the highway to get to work. The digital prototypes of the unnamed vehicle were made using Autodesk Inventor software, which is included as part of the Product Design Suite. But alas, it’s a digital prototype for now, so who knows when this green trike will see the light of day for cost- and environmentally-conscious commuters.

Autodesk Software Helps Develop 100 MPG Commuter Vehicle

Green Lite Motors Produces Hybrid Vehicle Combining Car Comfort with a Breakthrough in Fuel Efficiency

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Green Lite Motors, a clean technology company developing new transportation alternatives for commuters, is using Autodesk Product Design Suite from Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), to more efficiently design a three-wheeled hybrid vehicle capable of traveling 100 miles on a single gallon of gas, as well as achieving highway-ready speeds of 85 miles per hour and a cruising range of 250 miles.

“From concept to manufacture, and marketing to maintenance, Autodesk software helps bring clean technology products to market sooner.”
Although classified as a motorcycle, the vehicle is fully enclosed like a car, giving commuters a safer, more comfortable and environmentally friendly way to get to work. The vehicle can carry two passengers using a hybrid gas engine and electric motor, which supports long-range freeway cruising, as well as enhanced fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic. For safety, driver and passenger are protected by a steel roll cage, four-point safety harnesses, seat backs and front airbags. The vehicle’s comfort features also include heat, air conditioning and a sound system.

The Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program — which provides software for emerging clean tech companies in North America, Europe and Japan — enabled Green Lite Motors to use Digital Prototyping with Autodesk Product Design Suite. Autodesk Inventor software, included in Product Design Suite, was used to create digital prototypes of the third and fourth generations of the vehicle.

Digital Prototyping Accelerates Vehicle Development

“The Autodesk Product Design Suite has helped Green Lite Motors build the machine virtually to present an exceptionally strong vision of both the mechanical and aesthetic designs of our vehicle,” says Tim Miller, president and CEO at Green Lite Motors. “In leveraging the capabilities of Digital Prototyping, within a few weeks we were able to collaborate with a shared Inventor model to create a design capable of being manufactured.”

Green Lite Motors also leverages its digital prototype from Inventor with Autodesk Showcase software, another product included in Product Design Suite, to create compelling animations and renderings to visually communicate the mechanical and aesthetic designs of its vehicle — helping the company more effectively share its vision of greener transportation with potential investors and partners.

“Green Lite Motors is developing a unique hybrid vehicle to minimize driving’s environmental impact, and Digital Prototyping is helping them do it more quickly and with less waste,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Manufacturing Industry Group at Autodesk. “From concept to manufacture, and marketing to maintenance, Autodesk software helps bring clean technology products to market sooner.”

About the Clean Tech Partner Program

The Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program supports the efforts, innovations and environmental advancements of clean technology pioneers, providing world-class software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas through Digital Prototyping. Clean tech companies in North America, Europe and Japan are invited to apply to receive up to $150,000* worth of software for only $50. Access to a collection of Autodesk industry-leading software includes up to five licenses of Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate, AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite, Autodesk Simulation Mechanical, Autodesk Inventor Publisher and Autodesk Vault Professional software. For additional information, visit www.autodesk.com/cleantech.

About Green Lite Motors

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Green Lite Motors Corporation is developing a breakthrough vehicle that addresses the fuel efficiency, traffic congestions and parking challenges faced by drivers in large metropolitan areas. For additional information, visit www.greenlitemotors.com.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries — including the last 16 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects — use Autodesk software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

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Can’t Decide Between Car or Scooter? Get the McCar from Geely

Michael Kwan — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 22:24:39 +0000

Believe it or not, this vehicle really has nothing to do with the golden arches and you probably won’t be able to super size it with a Diet Coke. Strange name aside, the Geely McCar might actually provide a novel solution to the urban commuter.

You see, it’s not just a car; it’s also an electric scooter… sort of. The Geely McCar (short for Magic Car) will look not unlike the Fiat 500 or Toyota Yaris from the outside, but this two-door ultracompact has a built-in folding three-wheel scooter out the back.

The car itself (being proposed as either a hybrid or a full electric) will seat four people and when it is on the road, the car will share its juice to keep the scooter charged up for when you need it. I imagine this could be great for carpooling if one out of the three passengers, not including the driver, has to go somewhere else.

I don’t think a Geely McCar would fly in North America, but slap on the recently acquired Volvo brand name to go with a new model name and you could have a winner for urban commuters. Assuming, of course, that the Big Mac population isn’t too fat to weigh down the McScooter that comes as part of the McCar. You’ll also probably have to stop and do a bit of manual undocking to get the scooter apart, rather than an in-transit transformer-like separation as we may have hoped for.

[Read]

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Chevy Mi-Ray Hybrid Roadster Concept from Seoul

Michael Kwan — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:24:57 +0000

Okay, the honeymoon period for the Chevy Volt is wearing on thin, so we’re left asking General Motors what they have done for us lately. As they prepare to enter the Korean market, GM has come forth with the Chevy Mi-Ray concept at the Seoul Motor Show.

Yes, it’s just a concept for now, but the hybrid roadster could add some edge and sportiness to the company’s “green” line of vehicles. Personally, I’m not a big fan of having those chunky lines all over the place, but apparently this design is inspired by a modern jet plane.

Korean for “future”, the Mi-Ray is an open top roadster too, so I don’t really anticipate that it’ll make it to showrooms in quite this form. There aren’t too many mass produced cars without roofs. The rear wheels are driven by the 1.5L four-banger behind the driver, while the front wheels get their grunt from two front-mounted 15kW (20hp) electric motors.

Yes, you get carbon fiber, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, scissor doors, LED headlights, retractable cameras in place of sideview mirrors, and other niceties, but I’m not sold on the Mi-Ray. I do appreciate how companies are trying to move away from “boring” with their hybrids and EVs though.

[Read]

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Live Video: BMW i8 (Vision EfficientDynamics) Playing in the Snow

Michael Kwan — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:50:55 +0000

Last month, the new BMW i-Series made its official debut on paper, but all we got were some concept sketches. Now, we get to see a (camouflaged) BMW i8 in action, rolling around on a snowy track.

Instead of just a few spy photos, we’ve managed to find three spy videos. The BMW i8, which you may have previously known as Vision EfficientDynamics, appears to be a two-door super coupe that will likely compete against the likes of an Audi R8 and other similar vehicles.

We’re told to expect 62MPG while still being able to do 0 to 62mph in 4.8 seconds. It’s kind of hard to tell what kind of performance this thing can really offer until they spin it around Nurburgring or, at the very least, the Top Gear Test Track with the tame racing driver. Under the hood is an 161-horsepower 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo DIESEL engine (will probably be switched to gasoline when it hits production) a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle (80HP) and full electric motor on the rear axle (51HP), giving a combined 292HP total output.

From what I hear, though, this kind of Bavarian green performance isn’t going to come cheap: expect the price tag to start in the $240k range whenever this is ready to hit dealerships.

[BimmerPost]

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Toyota Prius+: The Plus Means Seven Seats for Soccer Practice

Michael Kwan — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:48:26 +0000

If Jeremy Clarkson despises the Toyota Prius with a passion, he may be enlisting an angry mob with pitchforks and flaming torches for the newly revealed Toyota Prius+. It takes everything about the hybrid car and makes it even less appealing to diehard enthusiasts.

This expansion on the Prius family is the first full hybrid in Europe to seat seven people. The styling is almost reminiscent of a Mazda5, you could say, so it might have to be five rather fit (or small) people. The other tidbit is that it’s the first non-plug-in hybrid from Toyota to use a lithium-ion battery pack.

In addition to the extra seats, Toyota has also put in an integrated panoramic sunroof, but it’s fixed in place. It would have been so much nicer if it was retractable… but then again, it would be so much better if it wasn’t a Prius either.

There’s no mention of North American availability, but Toyota is expecting to launch the Prius+ in Europe starting in the first half of next year. Expect a deplorable Top Gear review to follow shortly thereafter… if the Soccer Mom-inspired vehicle eventually makes its way across the line.

TOYOTA REVEALS A NEW PRIUS FAMILY MEMBER – PRIUS+

Europe’s first seven-seat full hybrid revealed at Geneva motor show

KEY POINTS

Geneva debut for new Prius+ full hybrid MPV
Lowest fuel consumption and emissions of any seven-seat vehicle on the market
Designed from the ground-up, while retaining key Prius family styling cues
First non-plug-in Toyota hybrid to use lithium-ion battery pack
Due for European market launch in first half of 2012
Positive initial response from Prius Plug-in lease demonstration programme
The new Prius+ makes its debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, representing further expansion of Toyota’s Prius family. It is the first full hybrid model in Europe to offer seven seats, combining family friendly versatility with strong environmental performance and advanced technology.

As its name suggests, Prius+ provides a significant increase in space and passenger accommodation compared to its sister hatchback model. There are three independent, split-folding second row seats and a 50:50 split-folding third row. In spite of the increase in size, it retains the fundamental performance benefits associated with Prius, including the lowest fuel consumption of any seven-seater on the market.

Set to go on sale during the first half of 2012, Prius+ is a new vehicle, designed from the ground up. Its exterior represents an evolution of the established Prius design, rather than simply being an elongated version of the standard model.

The look of the new car is characterised by its extended roofline with an integrated panoramic (fixed) sunroof. It retains the Prius triangular silhouette and achieves a Cd 0.29 drag coefficient. The trapezoidal front end incorporates sharp-edged headlamps, flat, vertical ‘aero’ corners that reduce air turbulence, and an enlarged lower grille to improve aerodynamics and engine cooling.

The rear of the car features a top-hinged tailgate, intricate lamp clusters and a roof spoiler that further manages smooth airflow.

Prius+ is equipped with the latest generation of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive and is the first Toyota non-plug-in hybrid to use a lithium-ion battery pack. The compact dimensions of this battery – first introduced in Prius Plug-in – allow it to be contained entirely beneath the second row seats, which means passenger and loadspace and the vehicle’s interior flexibility are unaffected.

As in the standard Prius, Prius+ features three ‘on-demand’ drive modes so that capabilities of the hybrid powertrain can be fully exploited. EV mode allows the car to be driven on electric motor power alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions; ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy, while POWER mode sharpens response and boosts performance.

Toyota Prius Plug-in
Toyota also aims to bring Prius Plug-in to the global market in the second half of 2012 and in preparation for this around 600 vehicles are currently taking part in demonstration lease programmes worldwide, including 20 in London. These projects are designed to assess every aspect of real-world use and verify the car’s overall environmental and technological performance before going on sales

Initial feedback from European lease project customers is very encouraging. Most of those surveyed have reported that the car exceeds their expectations, in many cases by a significant degree. Two thirds have expressed themselves fully satisfied with the car’s EV driving range, which in real-world testing has exceeded nine miles.

[via Toyota UK]

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Porsche Panamera S Hybrid With 380 Horsepower Sips Just 30.4MPG

Michael Kwan — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:53:51 +0000

Who said that you had to sacrifice performance for fuel economy? Certainly not the folks at Porsche, because they’ve decided to take the engine from the Cayenne S Hybrid and plunk it into the much more aerodynamic Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

Despite having a 3.0L super-charged V6 (good for 333 hp) and a 47 hp electric motor, the Panamera S Hybrid is able to get a combined fuel economy of 30.4 miles per gallon (6.8l/100km). That puts it on par with cars quite a bit smaller and quite a bit weaker. The green part of the equation is pretty good too with CO2 emissions of 159g/km.

What happens when you reign in the combined 380 horses at the beck and call of your right foot? You’ll go from zero to 62mph in 6.0 seconds before topping out at 168mph. That’s nothing to sneeze at, remembering that this is pretty much a full-sized four-door sports sedan. The usual Porsche accoutrements apply too like bi-xenon headlights, tire pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rearview mirrors, touchscreen satnav, and an eight-speed Tiptronic S gearbox.

Given what you get, the $95,000 US asking price doesn’t sound so terrible, especially when you place it next to the Aussie price of $298,300. Even so, I’m not a fan of a four-door Porsche. Jeremy Clarkson would probably say it’s bollocks too, but he’s no fan of hybrids either.

HYBRID POWER EXTENDS PORSCHE PANAMERA RANGE

The Panamera S Hybrid marks the beginning of a new chapter of Porsche Intelligent Performance, as well as continuing the success story of the four door Gran Turismo. Without sacrificing its sporting driving dynamics and elegant travel for four passengers, the new Panamera S Hybrid combines a total power output of 380 hp (279 kW) with CO2 emissions of just 159 g/km, achieving a performance ratio of 2.39 hp per g/ CO2 that is unbeaten in the UK car market.

In addition to offering 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph, the Panamera S Hybrid returns fuel economy of 30.4mpg Combined. These statistics position the Panamera S Hybrid as offering impressive levels of efficiency, achieved through a combination of clever engineering solutions under the skin and the use of lower rolling resistance tyres specially-developed by Michelin.

The range in purely electric mode is approximately 1.25 miles, with driving in this mode possible up to 53 mph, depending on the road and traffic conditions. The Porsche hybrid drive is also the only system in the world able to exploit additional consumption reserves thanks to its so-called ‘sailing’ function. During phases when no power is required from the combustion engine, ‘sailing’ entails switching off the engine and disengaging the drivetrain at speeds of up to 103 mph (Cayenne S Hybrid 97 mph).

The Panamera S Hybrid is driven by the same engine combination that has already proved itself in the Cayenne S Hybrid, a model which already accounts for a fifth of Cayenne sales in the UK. The main propulsion is provided by a supercharged three-litre V6 engine delivering 333 hp (245 kW) supported by a 47 hp (34 kW) electric motor. Both power units are capable of powering the Panamera S Hybrid either alone or in combination. The electric motor also operates as a generator and a starter. Together with the separating clutch, it forms the compact hybrid module located between the combustion engine and the transmission.

The electric motor is connected to a nickel metal hydride (NiMh) battery where the electrical energy recovered while braking and driving is stored. Power transmission is handled by the familiar eight-speed Tiptronic S, with a wide spread of ratios, as already fitted to the Cayenne.

Every Panamera has a high level of standard specification that includes leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, cruise control and a three year warranty.

The Panamera S Hybrid also features adaptive air suspension as standard, plus the innovative display panel – already seen in the Cayenne Hybrid – that provides the driver with all the relevant information about the vehicle’s specific hybrid driving status.

With the introduction of the new hybrid, the Panamera range now comprises six different models with a choice of two- and four-wheel drive and four engines. This diversity echoes the evolving preferences of Porsche customers, and which the sales success of the Panamera is already confirming. Approximately 15 months after sales started, nearly 30,000 vehicles have been delivered worldwide, of which over 1,000 have been in the UK.

The Panamera S Hybrid goes on sale in the UK in June 2011, priced from GBP86,146. The low emissions of 159 g/km CO2 is of particular relevance to fleet and company car buyers as it sits under the Company Write Down Allowance threshold of 160g/km. This means for a company purchase, the price can be offset against tax at the rate of 20% per annum.

Fitted to every Panamera is a Porsche Vehicle Tracking System (VTS), a sophisticated vehicle security package approved to Thatcham Category 5 standard, and customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

Porsche Centres across Australia are now taking orders for the Panamera S Hybrid, with deliveries beginning in August. The Panamera S Hybrid is priced at $298,300.

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Ford GT supercar gone green?

Michael Kwan — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 02:44:24 +0000

Sure, you could take the all-electric route and opt for a Tesla Roadster, but there’s just something to be said about Detroit muscle. And that’s how we somehow find ourselves looking at the new Ford GT. Except, well, it’s a hybrid.

That said, this car doesn’t exactly roll in the same circles as the Toyota Prius. Detroit’s blue oval is reportedly working on a new version of the GT, as shown here via AutoExpress UK, that gets most of its grunt from a supercharged V8. If you need more jump, you hit the button and the electric motor pushes more power to the front wheels. That’s the hybrid part, though it is capable of running on electricity alone for “short” stretches.

All in all, the total power output is in the 600hp range, giving the new Ford GT Hybrid enough jump for a 0-62mph time of about three seconds before topping out at the 200mph range. The all-aluminum chassis helps to keep the weight down to a manageable 1400kg.

Since it is Detroit muscle, you can be sure that this mid-engined supercar is designed to tackle the straights and not the twisties. That said, they’re apparently targeting Ferrari, Lambo, and McLaren with this beast. Somehow, I think that’s a different crowd.

[CrunchGear via AutoExpressUK]

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Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to debut in Geneva

Michael Kwan — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 23:10:22 +0000

Electric vehicles are well and good if you have the time and infrastructure to charge them. In the meantime, plug-in hybrids could serve as a clever middle ground, and that’s precisely what we’re finding with a new Volvo V60 set to be unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show.

Yes, it’s still a boring old Volvo on the outside, despite the “naughty” claims that the Swedish automaker is trying to attach to this series. Under the hood (or rather throughout the car), though, you’ll find more than a few Swedish delights. There’s a perfectly capable 2.4L five-cylinder turbodiesel in there, capable of generating 215hp.

However, the greener folks in the audience are likely more interested in the 70hp electric motor mounted on its backside. Power comes by way of a 12kWh Li-ion battery that gives you about 50km of range on a full charge. That’s on par with the Volt.

I’m not at all convinced that these PHEVs are the wave of the future, but at least the automakers are finally making some headway in taking us away from drill, baby, drill.

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid
- another world-first from Volvo Car Corporation

At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Volvo Cars will be unveiling the V60 Plug-in Hybrid – a virtually production-ready car with carbon dioxide emissions below 50 g/km, which translates into fuel consumption at 1.9 l/100 km.
In 2012 Volvo Cars will be the first manufacturer on the market with this new breed of hybrid – which is the result of close cooperation with the Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.

The V60 Plug-in Hybrid features the very best properties from three different car types in one, single attractive sports wagon. This includes a possibility for the driver to drive up to 50 kilometres on pure electricity.
“This second-generation hybrid is the perfect choice for the uncompromising buyer who wants a superbly carbon dioxide-lean car packed with driving pleasure,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

D5 engine and Electric Rear Axle Drive
The front wheels of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be driven by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel, which produces 215 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 Nm. The rear axle features ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) in the form of an electric motor producing 70 horsepower, which receives its power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car features a six-speed automatic transmission.

“In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has all the traditional properties of a genuine sports wagon. What we’ve done is to spice it up with spearhead technology,” says Stefan Jacoby.

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will be revealed at a press conference in Geneva on March 1st 2011.

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