As one of the most important auto shows of the year takes place in Detroit, the need for brands to create a meaningful impression on the forward-thinking automotive market is paramount. For at least one company, their work in acquainting customers to once advanced producted started a week earlier. Prior to showcasing this year’s automotive innovations, General Motors brand Chevrolet had issued an important remedy the 2011 North American International Auto Show‘s Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Volt.

Currently the only plug-in hybrid vehicle in the United States marketplace, the Chevrolet Volt was put under investigation last year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in regards to a battery fire risk. Originating from a fire at the vehicle holding area of the NHTSA, the cause was linked to a Chevrolet Volt that was administered a side-impact pole test weeks before. It was assessed that a coolant link caused by a broken line led to the overheating and sparking o lithium-ion battery pack. In November of 2011, the NHTSA announced they had recreated the fire under lab conditions using the identical perimeters that caused the June fire.

Just in time to save General Motors’ corporate assembly in Detroit some headaches of having to answer repeated questions on the Chevrolet Volt’s post-crash fire risk, the company’s engineering team provided a multi-prong fix for the car. The first solution is to construct a more comprehensive structural assembly around the Volt’s battery pack. Second and third modifications strengthening the Volt plug-in hybrid focuses on the battery’s cooling system. A new sensor will be added to the battery cooling supply to monitor fluid levels. Finally, a temper-resistant bracket is added to the battery coolant reservoir of the Chevrolet Volt protecting against the potential of coolant fluid overfill.

Quick to resolve the problem, the new modifications to Volt’s electrical powertrain hardware has already been tested. Four Chevrolet Volts featuring the enhanced crash protection were crash tested through the month of December. With no coolant leak or fires erupting from the collision aftermath, General Motors is confident they have successfully resolved the issue.

Chevrolet Volt owners will be notified individually about the new safety enhancements available for their vehicle in the coming weeks. Since late November, Volt owners were offered use of a ‘loaner’ car if they felt unsafe driving their plug-in hybrid.

In 2007, General Motors shocked automotive journalists and enthusiasts with a perspective of plug-in hybrid driving through debut of the Chevrolet Volt Concept at the North American International Auto Show. Shortly after the conceptual design made headlines in many publications of that time, a production version of the Chevrolet Volt becoming the world’s first plug-in electric/gasoline plug-in hybrid from a major automaker. Spending what seemed to be an eternity on the car show circuit, the Chevrolet Volt’s debut came with the accolades including the 2011 Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show.

Enduring the Chevrolet Volt’s first challenge as the vehicle launches into wide release throughout the United States and Canada this year, the fire concern has much to do about the continuing learning process behind advanced powertrains entering production cars. As new players like the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi and the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid approaches the marketplace in the next 12 months, the Volt will count on its head-start from the showroom as an advantage.

Information source: General Motors

Photo source: Chris Nagy and General Motors

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Debuting the New Beetle concept at the North American International Auto Show back in 1994, Volkswagen either has a special place in its corporate heart for Detroit or realizes the automotive exhibit is the location to show up the leading American automakers. With intrigue building for what automakers had in store for the auto show, Volkswagen entered with a certain degree of stealth. Without drawing too much attention or tempting to auto press with tidbits of information, the German-badged car company presented a product important to compete with the current North American family sedan market. Only Volkswagen’s second production hybrid vehicle, the 2013 Jetta will feature an electric-assisted model.

Drawing down their price for the sixth-generation model, the Volkswagen Jetta sedan succeeded to capture a larger piece of the four-door vehicle segment in 2011. In association with value, space, equipment and safety, a modern sedan sold in the United States appears to require a hybrid variation. The 2012 Toyota Camry and Kia Optima come with hybrid options while the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco will receive the ‘mild hybrid’ equipment categorized as eAssist technology. Unveiled at the very same 2012 North American International Auto Show, the 2013 Ford Fusion elevated the bar in electric-assisted motoring providing both a common hybrid as well as the Energi plug-in hybrid. The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid sedan will give the German auto company a chance to more deeply embed themselves with the American automotive culture.

Though the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is assembled within the same four-door frame as the convention Jetta, the gasoline/electric powertrain running at slow speeds will give the first defining clue to some drastic mechanical technology. Making the Jetta Hybrid coast at slower speeds will be the electric motor power coming from a 60-cell lithium-ion battery holding a total capacity of 300Ah. Gasoline propulsion will come from the smallest such engine to be made available on the new Jetta. Sold in Europe on a convention gasoline version of the Volkswagen sedan, the Jetta Hybrid will receive the award-winning 1.4 liter TSI powerplant. Together, the electric motor and turbocharged motor are handled through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. Despite the high-tech hardware, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is slated to weigh around 220 pounds more than a traditional Jetta model.

For speeds up to 37 miles per hour, the Volkswagen Jetta launches on electric only power for a distance up to 1.3 miles. Automatically configured for the all-electric travel, a driver can decouple the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid’s gasoline engine for additional zero emission power up to 44 miles per hour by pressing the E-mode button on the vehicle’s dash panel. Capable of 0 to 60 miles per hour acceleration runs in under 9 seconds, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is also engineered to save fuel at highway speeds. For speeds up to 84 miles per hour, the Jetta Hybrid will detect when the accelerator pedal has been disengaged. Once detected, the TSI engine will be disconnected via the decoupling clutch allowing the sedan to truly coast.

Volkswagen has admitted the final fuel economy numbers for the Jetta Hybrid will need to be verified by the EPA. Estimates from the auto manufacturer places the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid fuel miles at 45 miles per gallon through combined city and highway driving.

The occupants inside of the Jetta Hybrid will comfortably accept the same level of comfort and features in this sedan as they would in the gasoline or Jetta TDI model. Along with the planning to generating, storing and releasing the electrical energy, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid incorporates safety built into their advanced powertrain. The climate-controlled lithium-ion battery pack operates on systems that are designed to disconnect the electrical storage in non-use or in case of an accident. Automakers are quickly learning the need to develop safety technology inclined with the needs of electric vehicles.

If awaiting the arrival of the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid in the United States and Canada, the first cars will be delivered to customers by November of 2012. Interesting enough, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid appears only planned for the North American market for the immediate future. With no considerations for the European markets such as the United Kingdom, Volkswagen will continue to rely on that region’s preference to diesel engines the net near identical fuel mileage.

Information and photo source: Volkswagen Group

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As car fans, we often pick sides of your favourite brands. Claiming allegiance to an automaker, there is a pride in the technological advantages claimed by a choice company. VTEC, EcoBoost, SkyActiv and TDI identify some popular names of solutions used to define a particular automaker. However, when it comes to developing some of the newest technologies in motoring, it is rare that a single auto company can carry the costly and long process alone. In fact, some notable automakers went out of business or close to bankruptcy attempting to go in alone through the development of technology that became essential to modern cars and trucks. Heading into the end of this year, two major auto companies are in talks that could result in the furthering of advanced powertrains.

In a very brief statement (consisting of a single sentence), General Motors confirmed they are currently conversing with Germany auto company BMW in co-developing future vehicle technology. With very little detail given on top of the simple admittance that discussions are taking place, General Motors has stated fuel cell technology could be a joint venture. Both companies have been working on the prospect of using hydrogen and fuel cells as a future propulsion for automobiles.

General Motors had been confident fuel cell vehicles would be a future (perhaps distant) power source since the turn of the 21st century. The Autonomy and Hy-wire concept cars were visions for General Motor’s possible fuel cell-powered roadways. However, GM’s cash shortage during bankruptcy and the industry rush towards electric batteries placed their development plans for hydrogen power on the technological back burner. In 2009, BMW produced limited test run of a gasoline/hydrogen burning vehicle called the Hydrogen 7 sedan. The BMW Hydrogen 7 was created under the understanding that employing hydrogen for internal combustion engines could be appreciated as requiring less drastic and more easily adaptable. Hydrogen use for internal combustion engines would also provide incentive for creating hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Though General Motors and BMW have incorporated battery-supported, electrified vehicles in production, the promise for hydrogen motoring seems like a solution either company is willing to abandon.

It can be inferred from the release that the General Motors/BMW partnership can lead to other areas of automotive research. The future product development partnership could also involve focus with other emerging technologies. This year, both auto companies have made an active campaign to incorporate a greater use of carbon fiber construction in future vehicles. An super lightweight but strong engineered material once viewed as too exotic for widespread use in the car industry, carbon-reinforced polymers (popularly referred to as carbon fiber) expanded production and refinement through the past 20 years have realized greater cost-effective use.

In Munich, the BMW i brand concept vehicles are structured around the extensive employment of carbon fiber. According to estimates, BMW Member of the Board Klaus Draeger indicated that carbon fiber construction methods could result in 250 to 350-kilogram (551 to 772-pound) weight savings over other electric cars. Overcoming the weight burden associated with electrified powertrains, the use of carbon fiber alongside aluminum allowed the BMW i3 concept to coast weighing a comfortable 2,755.8 pounds. The same construction has been utilized through the concept BMW i8 sports coupe.

In Detroit, a major polymer producer and General Motors have pledged to further the widespread adaptation of carbon fiber materials. Working with Japanese branded company Limited, General Motors is researching faster and more cost efficient manufacturing procedures that could see the practical application of carbon fiber to high volume automotive products.

If a technology-sharing results from the most recent talks, this will be the second time that General Motors and BMW have been jointly involved in as many years. Six years ago, the two companies along with Chrysler were involved in a hybrid transmission venture. With General Motors large trucks and sport utility vehicles adapting what would be known as a two-mode hybrid, BMW created the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 for the North American market.

Information source: BMW, General Motors
Photo source: Chris Nagy

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Saddled with the high upfront costs currently attached to the early electric production cars, the new driving lifestyle will drastically affect the refueling environment for consumers. Whether a full EV (electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid model, charging of a vehicle’s battery pack will see private parking lots or garage become an active hub for the operations of electric cars. For the most part cancelling-out the trip to the gas station, electrified vehicles would ideally be completely ready for a complete zero emissions run over a reasonable, unobtrusive course of time. Owners of electric vehicles will quickly become acquainted that not all charging operations are equal.

Similar to gasoline highway fuel economy estimates that automakers publish to sell their vehicles most effectively, charging times for electric cars varies depending on certain factors. For example with the Nissan Leaf fastest battery charge time is recorded at 7 hours. However, if the Leaf is charged to using a standard 110-volt household outlet, the electric car would take a very long 21 hours. In order to achieve faster charging times, electric car owners will need to opt for a home charging unit. One of several leading units coming to market is from GE (General Electric) and will now have the additional advantage of being sold through major on-line website Amazon.com.

Priced at $1,099.00 with free basic shipping through Amazon, the GE Wattstation is a modern looking wall-mounted charging device. The Design of the GE Wattstation is meant to provide a simple interface for users to understand and operate. By simply inserting the cord into an electric vehicle’s power inlet, charging through the GE Wattstation is indicated by a green charging icon on the terminal. The Wattstation is universal for any current electrified vehicle including full electrics vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Spark EV to plug-in hybrids such as the Chevy Volt or an upcoming Toyota Prius model. When the GE Wattstation is not in use, the power cord can be wrapped around the device just as easily as a garden hose. With a shut-off button on the unit, zero power consumption is achieved when the GE Wattstation is not in use.

Suitable for installation inside a garage or even outside, the GE Wattstation comes with a step-to-step DVD detailing the proper method for mounting the unit. The charging unit is configured to be easily integrated with existing properties. Even outside the house, the sturdy design of the GE Wattstation wall charger withstands harsh weather and is secured against theft.

Expanded distribution of the at-home Wattstation unit is part of GE’s comprehensive power supply hardware needs intended to brand themselves as a potential household name as well as a commercial application for EV charging. Besides being sold through Amazon, the distribution of the GE Wattstation will also involve electric car company CODA Automotive. Through an agreement entered last month, CODA Automotive endorses the GE Wattstation as original equipment. Now across the United States and Canada, 46 published public locations have industrialized GE DuraStation charging units capable of replenishing electric vehicle batteries. GE has also entered a deal in September to buy Chevrolet Volts for use at their Shanghai headquarters cross promoting the technology in China. With electric cars finally earning a chance to shine in the 21st century, the construction of the infrastructure on personal, commercial and public property will need to grow at a pace faster than the EV lifestyle itself. The business opportunity presented to rapid electric charging solutions has not been lost on companies like GE.

As the first crop of mass-produced electric cars open to nationwide marketing, the GE Wattstation will have immediate industry competition. When announcing the Focus Electric vehicle, Ford Motor Company entered a collaboration with electrical hardware producer Leviton to create their own charging unit. The Ford branded 240-volt vehicle unit will be sold for $1,499 with the cooperation of Best Buy and their Geek Squad group. Consumers can expect to see a fast-growing competition from charging unit providers GE, Leviton, and other companies as they seek industry leadership no matter what EV prevails.

Information source: Ford Motor Company, GE
Photo source: GE

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We knew it was only be a matter of time when an automotive safety alarm bell would sound over an electric vehicle. One of the heaviest promoted vehicles unleashed on the North American marketplace in the past few years, the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt represented a new way that automobile producers and customers could view roads in the near future. A high-profile vehicle, the brand-new Chevy Volt is now facing a publicly visible probe into a potentially dangerous defect that appeared during the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

Following a standard side impact pole test in May of 2011 where a Chevrolet Volt was awarded a five-star rating (thanks in part to side curtain airbags), the major drama for the American-built plug-in hybrid car did not develop until three weeks after the crash. In June, a fire that engulfed the crashed car as well as three other vehicles was linked to the Volt‘s electrical propulsion system. Revealed in paperwork filed on the 25th of November, the resulting incident was traced to a failure of the Chevrolet Volt’s lithium-ion battery pack. Like most modern battery-powered vehicles sold or about to be sold in North America, the Volt’s electrical storage is temperature-controlled. Through the initial crash test, the NHTSA team discovered the coolant line damaged following the side impact, which is believed to be connected to excessive heat from an injured lithium-ion battery pack causing the vehicle fire.

Since the June fire, an investigation started by the NHTSA has included an attempt to replicate the condition that created the fire. In early November, three Chevrolet Volts were subjected to identical side impact pole crash test intent in recreating the potential cause of the fire five months earlier. Though those tests did not result in fires of the lithium-ion battery, the retest of the vital Chevrolet Volt component was recorded to have spark and smoke accompanied by an elevation in temperatures that reached up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. While attempting to notify the public of their investigation on the Chevy Volt’s primary energy storage pack, the NHTSA cautions that there are no real-world incidents yet to result in a side impact causing the kind of battery damage occurring in the New Car Assessment Program test.

Reacting to this disturbing news made public, General Motors was prompt in reassuring that the auto company is working closely with the NHTSA in detailing this crash test concern. Senior vice president of global product development Mary Barra has commissioned an engineering team to track down and eliminate any further electrical problems. For owners of the plug-in hybrid Volt feeling uneasy about their Volts for the interim, Chevrolet has extended to them use of another General Motors vehicle for no charge (no pun intended). General Motors also asserts the favourable Chevy Volt crash test results that totalled a 5-Star rating as attributes of the vehicle.

With 5,003 examples of the Chevrolet Volts sold this year up to the end of October, the vehicle enters wide sales distribution across the United States and into Canada against a fair share of public praise as well as criticism. Admirable for its innovative production car powertrain that could be the key to the next generation of automobiles, some doubt the nearly $40,000 (offset partially by federal test credits) Chevy Volt is nothing more than an eco-friendly publicity machine. While some will forgive the plug-in hybrid Volt if a fix to the potential risk of battery overheating is fixed quickly, the hatred for the car by others could be compounded with the NHTSA investigation. Remaining in opposition for the Chevy Volt are some people who has acute techno-fright when it comes to electrified vehicles.

A first major challenge relating to a safety defect (and one can expect a last), the resolution for the Chevrolet Volt is important in determining future acceptance of electrified vehicles. Besides the returning exploration for the Chevrolet Volt sedan, General Motors future premium expression of the plug-in hybrid system in the Cadillac ELR wagers heavily on maintaining confidence in the reduced-emissions technology.

Information source: General Motors, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Photo source: Chris Nagy, General Motors

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This past week, a most prolific figure of American motoring celebrated their centennial. Founded by Swiss engineer Louis Chevrolet and early American car business mogul William Durant on November 3rd 1911, Chevrolet assembled their first prototype vehicle in an era when the number of auto companies was as diverse as the mobile App world today. Surviving the sizable competition, two world wars, heightened government regulations and the recent bankruptcy of parent company General Motors, Chevrolet is entering 100 years as an industry star. Enjoying sales success with the new Chevrolet Cruze compact, winning back consumer enthusiasm with the Corvette ZR1 and Chevrolet Camaro as well as preparing a new globalized focus to be highlighted with the upcoming Malibu, the motivation for the auto brand is as absolute as their past achievements.

While particular Chevy products will mean something to a variety of world motorists, the following eight vehicles display the evolution of the 100-year old car company.

1912 Chevrolet Series C Classic Six

The car that launched the Chevrolet name, the first prototype was constructed in 1911 with regular production started in 1912. Producing fewer than 9,000 examples of the Series C Classic Six over three years, this earliest Chevrolet was a high society touring vehicle featuring European styling inspiration. In 1914, this vehicle was succeeded by the smaller, less expensive Baby Grand. The first Chevrolets wore an insignia reflecting an adaptation on the Swiss cross that would eventually morph into the iconic “Bowtie“ badge.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Launched in 1967, the Chevrolet Camaro was immediately positioned against the Ford Mustang in order to capture the young drivers seeking a nimble but powerful American sports car. The 1969 model year of the Camaro allowed the car to project itself as more than a “me too” entry in the pony car segment. Featuring seven different engines starting with a 140-horsepower inline six-cylinder powerplant, maximum power was acquired through the COPO sourced Camaro ZL1. The last year for the first generation body style, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro also served as the Indianapolis 500 pace car for the triumph of Mario Andretti at the Brickyard. The pace car wearing white with orange striping has grown to be one of the most recognized designs ever to lead the Indy 500 competitors to green. The colouring scheme was revived for the 2011 500-mile event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as Chevy shares a centennial celebration with the Brickyard.

1960 Chevrolet Corvair

While performance and overall abundance allows most Chevrolets to become major cultural items, a particular car in the auto brand’s history had an indirect and unintentional impact the whole car industry.

A creative attempt at a compact car, the rear-engined Chevrolet Corvair debuted in 1959 as a 1960 model. Attaching some European flair to this economy vehicle in the Chevrolet line-up, the Corvair was definitely am attractive car sold in coupe, sedan, wagon, convertible and even utility-oriented van as well as pick-up in the early 1960s. Selling well at the beginning, the Corvair became the example of public safety activist Ralph Nader. Though the Chevrolet Corvair was targeted as unsafe, the vehicle was roughly no less unstable than many other automobiles on the market. However, the damage done against the Chevrolet Corvair enacted a new level of safety standards that has saved countless lives on the roads.

1957 Chevrolet Belair

Considered by many as on of the most beautiful American cars ever built, the Chevrolet Belair in the 1957 model year combined the best of V-8 power and striking yet simple style. Built in an era where automakers would build almost their entire vehicle line-up off one chassis, the premium-trimmed Chevrolet Belair coupe or convertible model is the most envied model. Rare models of the 1957 Chevrolet Belair featured the brand’s first application of fuel injection allowing a 283 cubic-inch engine to produce 283 horsepower (a major feat for the 1950s). One year after the 1957 model, Chevrolet sailed along the styling path of the late 1950s involving excessive chrome and monster vehicle proportions.

1955 Chevrolet Corvette

While the first year of the Chevrolet Corvette in 1953 was a monumental time for the long-enduring American built sports car, the 1955 model year presented the fiberglass two-seater with its soul.

Selling just over 3,800 vehicles in the first two years of production, the Corvette was almost dismissed by General Motors by the time 1955 rolled forward. Powered by the adequate ‘Blue Flame’ inline-six initially, Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was able to persuade that the 1955 model should have a V-8 engine. The first of what would be known as the small-block engines, the 265 cubic-inch V-8 was introduced just as Ford began marketing their potent Thunderbird sports car. Thanks to the competition from a long-standing foe and a new devotion to speed, the Chevrolet Corvette speaks American performance driving on the streets and on the track through every incarnation since the 1955 model year.

1977 Chevrolet Caprice

Affectionately called the ‘Flying Brick’ by some, the Chevrolet Caprice built from 1977 to 1990 was a staple of United States cities. The 1977 model year Chevrolet Caprice was one of many larger General Motors to undergo a much-publicized downsizing in the wake of the oil crisis of the earlier 1970s. Seeing its wheelbase reduced by 5.5 inches compared to the previous generation Caprice, the modern-looking downsized car was well received by customers in showrooms but found growing admiration among larger entities. Law Enforcement agencies ordered a bundle of Chevrolet Caprice sedans revering the V-8 power and still beefy steel bodies. Taxi companies were also a steady customer of the Caprice appreciating the rear room and trunk space as good for business. Redesigned in 1991, the Caprice would remain an American fleet duty worker until 1997. Recently, the Caprice name is readying for a return to the United States as Chevrolet’s new law enforcement product.

1998 Chevrolet Silverado

It is amusing to note that the richest history of Chevrolet is found in the work-duty pickup trucks. Dating back to their first truck in around 1918, Chevrolet progression in the pickup truck category involves steady capability and even style. During the 1950s, Chevrolet trucks were defined by employing design cues shared with cars including the 1957 Belair.

Carrying on from the tradition of tough truck endurance of the C/K line, the Silverado pickup truck succeeded the full-sized true utility vehicle in the 1998 model year. Making the Chevrolet Silverado so important was the changing urban automotive landscape that accepted larger trucks. The Silverado was considerably more refined and adaptable for a variety of terrains. At one time, the high volumes of Chevrolet Silverado and other related large utility vehicles were integral for General Motors business model. When fuel costs skyrocketed in 2008, General Motors overdependence on their truck sales (which began to slump considerably) almost led to the auto company’s downfall. However, even as cars have become the new focus with the bowtie brand, the Chevrolet Silverado continues to be a pivotal leader in brand sales accounting for nearly one of every four Chevrolet products sold in 2011 up to the end of October.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

The first plug-in hybrid vehicle introduced for the mass market, the Chevrolet Volt started as a 2007 concept car that Robert Lutz quickly green lit for production frustrated that Japanese auto company Toyota was receiving all the press for their hybrid drive system. Able to travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone, Chevrolet constructed a four-door compact sedan possessing a 0.28 drag coefficient skin around the innovative powertrain. Sold in limited markets since last year, Chevrolet has widened the availability of the Volt for the 2012 model year. Retailing with a suggested manufacturer price tag at nearly $40,000, ownership of the Chevrolet Volt is assisted by government tax credits while the technology remains an experiment.

Potentially reshaping not just Chevrolet but the whole 21st century auto industry, the Chevrolet Volt could be the key to many more anniversaries for the car company.

Information source: General Motors, Corvette-America’s Sports Car, Cars of the Sizzling ‘60s
Photo Source: Chris Nagy, General Motors

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Before the emergence of the Tesla Roadster, electric cars were in danger of becoming a victim of an undeserved stigma. As most electric vehicle is built to feature a minimized carbon footprint, the common belief was to think of battery-powered cars as lacklustre performers. In truth, the characteristics of electric powertrains lends surprisingly well to preppy performance attributes for a vehicle.

Planning to change minds on the way all-electric vehicles will be viewed is German automotive performance company Brabus. Having already worked magic on the Tesla Roadster in late 2008 and showing off an electric powered Smart Fortwo in 2009, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show served as the premiere for Brabus’ latest zero emissions concept car.

Honed from a Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric invokes the initial reaction of allure as the fuel-powered examples from this German car customizer. Brabus body enhancements, including aluminum front fenders with carbon fiber inserts, not only allows the prototype sedan to command performance authority but also assists in aerodynamic efficiency. Brabus has also outfitted LED daytime running lights to the vehicle achieving minimal energy consumption. When looking at the rear of the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric, a notable item is the exclusion of the exhaust pipe.

A suspension system for the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric was created in cooperation with Bilstein featuring gas-pressure shocks and adjustable height settings. Perhaps some of the most dramatic wheels ever to be found on an electric wheel, 19-inch Brabus Monoblock Q wheels spins on this unique technology showcase.

Rather than Mercedes-Benz 4Matic drivetrain, the Brabus has turned to Protean Electric to showcase in-wheel electric drive on the converted E Class sedan. Providing acceleration and braking assist, the total 320 kilowatts of electric current is fed by a 56 kWh lithium-ion battery. An electric motor connected to each wheel, all-wheel drive on the Brabus car is supplied with assistance of individual computer controls. Weighing 68 pound each and perfectly located behind the sporty Brabus wheels, the in-wheel system displayed on the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric is the latest application of an automotive design theory popularized on General Motor’s Autonomy concept car in 2001. Along with the deceleration handled by the wheel hub mounted electric motors, a Brabus high performance braking system stops the sedan promptly.

To be driven in one of two modes (Eco and Sport), the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric most aggressive manoeuvring is approached in the Sport setting. The initial acceleration of the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds is not bad for an all-electric vehicle but a little longish for a luxury performance sedan. In fact, the current Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan 0 to 60 mile per hour launch is 6.5 seconds. Though the effort from the standing start may not immediately excite, Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric peak power at only 1,000 RPMs kicks in for impressive performance at speed. From 37 to 74 miles per hour, the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric accelerates in 5 seconds flat (faster than a Mercedes-Benz E500 4Matic). The Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric top speed is 137 miles per hour.

In Eco mode, the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric sedan maintains a tamer 118 mile per hour top speed but provides greater traveling distance. Under the best driving scenario, the Brabus electric sedan can run 217 miles on a single charge. To recharge the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric vehicle, the prototype tuner car presents two enticing options. The Delta ES three-phase on-board charger replenishes the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric’s lithium-ion battery in a very reasonable 5-hour time cycle. Using a 380-volt, 3-phase RWE Combi Station, Brabus touts the High Performance 4WD Full Electric sedan can be charged in only 1.5 hours.

Only a prototype show car, the course of automotive propulsion technology could see a vehicle similar to the Brabus High Performance 4WD Full Electric wetting performance appetites soon.

Information and photo source: Brabus

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Ford Start Concept

Designed by Ford’s California-based design offices this Ka-sized city car is powered by a 1.0-litre 1.0 litre turbocharged and direct-injected engine. The ‘EcoBoost’ engine offers the same performance as 1.6 litre engine, but produces less than 100g/km of CO2 emissions.

Arcimoto Green Concept Car

The Arcimoto Green Concept car takes its inspiration from the bicycle. Designed with two wheels at the front and just one at the back, the car is extremely light and as such uses much less battery power than other battery cars giving it a longer range of up to 160 miles per charge.

Phoenix Roadster

Made from bamboo and rattan roadster the Phoenix Roadster is the world’s first biodegradable car. Created by product designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Albrecht Birkner the Phoenix’s biodegradable skin is designed to last at least 5 years, the average length of time most people keep a car.

VW Bulli

The Bulli is an all-electric concept inspired by the Classic VW Camper. This zero-emissions vehicle has a driving range of around 184 miles and a 0 to 60 time of 11 seconds. With rear seats that fold flat to make a bed, all you need is then is your sleeping bag and a surfboard.

Peugeot SXC

The SXC (Shanghai Cross Concept) is a hybrid crossover powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine at the front and an 95bhp electric motor at the rear giving a combined 48.7mpg and emitting 143g/km of CO2. Whilst not the most impressive figures, do bare in mind this thing is bigger than a BMW X5.

Neora

The Neora Concept, from Taiwanese electric car maker Luxgen, is powered a 241 hp motor and is capable of travelling 400 km when fully charged. The Neora has a top speed of 250 km/h and features unique LED lights and an infotainment system from smartphone manufacturer HTC.

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is the electric car maker’s second car. Tesla refer to the concept car as a ‘beta car’ meaning is almost ready car for production. The Model S supports DC fast charging, giving the car an extra 300 miles of range with just a 1 hour charge.

KTM E3W

The KTM E3W is an electric two-seater three-wheeled concept car powered by a 15kW electric motor with a range of up to 60 miles. To keep weight to a minimum the car has a plastic body and to make getting in and out easier the E3W has super cool scissor doors.

VELV

The VELV concept from PSA Peugeot Citroen is a 100% electric car with a 27-horsepower electric motor and a top speed of 68 mph. Capable of 62 miles when fully charged the VELV has aerodynamic styling, gull-wing windows and a peculiarly narrow backend.

Hyundai Blue2

The hydrogen-powered Blue2 hybrid from Hyundai produces an impressive 90 kW of power and is capable of 82 mpg. The car also feature automatic opening doors opening system, cameras instead of mirrors and even LED screens instead of number plates.

Opel One Euro

The One Euro concept from Opel is so called because of its ability to travel 100 kilometres for just one euro. This clever little car is a tandem two-seater, meaning that the passenger sits behind the driver, and has a range of just over 60 miles and a top speed of 75 mph.

MUTE

The MUTE is a prototype lightweight electric vehicle from Munich’s University of Technology. The car features a 15kW engine powered by a 10kW Lithium Ion battery and a 4kW Zinc-Air range extender; where zinc reacts with air producing a chemical reaction that results in electricity.

Jaguar C-X16

The Jaguar C-X16, is a super sexy concept from Jaguar. The hybrid coupe features a kinetic energy recovery system like that found in Formula 1 cars, where energy expended during breaking is stored for later use. One press of the C-X16′s push-to-pass button and the car will get a boost of power without using any extra fuel or emitting any harmful gases.

Audi Urban Concept

The Audi Urban Concept is another tandem car, with space for a single passenger behind the driver. Powered by two electric motors, with a combined 20bhp, the Urban Concept weighs less than half an average car and can be charged from a domestic socket in just one hour.

VW NILS EV

The Volkswagen NILS EV is a single seater featuring in-wheel motors powered by a lithium ion battery. This tiny, lightweight concept is made from aluminium and polycarbonate, weighs just 1014 pounds and has a top speed of 81 miles per hour.

This green car concepts post was brought to you by the team at carrentals.co.uk, a car hire comparison site from within the UK.

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Leave it to Gordon Murray, the man behind cars such as the McLaren F1, the Light Car Company Rocket and world stomping Brabham F1 cars to design an electric car that finally gets it right. Yes, yes, I know, the Tesla Roadster. Let me just start off by saying that I think Tesla’s Roadster is a great car. Fast, looks nice, fast, has decent enough range, and it’s fast. The only real problem with the Tesla Roadster is that it weighs a lot. For all it’s sportscar aspirations (and it is most definitely a sportscar) it’s more than a little on the porky side given its size and weight.

Gordon Murray, like Colin Chapman, Vitorio Jano and Rudolf Uhlenhaut before him, understands that weight is a sin in a performance car. And Murray, like any of us gearheads out there, also knows that when it comes to performance, the real bug-a-boo with an electric car is the weight of the damn batteries.

No problem said Gordon (or something along those lines). Mr. Murray and his business, Gordon Murray Design, were able to design and build the car you see here: The TEEWAVE AR1 Boasting a carbon fiber-body, this roadster is as lightweight as it is good looking. The TEEWAVE AR1 tips the scales at a measly 850 kilograms, and that INCLUDES the 250 kilogram lithium-ion battery. That means the TEEWAVE AR1 weighs about what a Lotus Elise does and it beats the Tesla Roadster by a whopping 400 kilos and the Nissan Leaf by around 700 clicks. Say hello to Our Lady of The Blessed Acceleration.

This was not just a Murray idea though. The TEEWAVE AR1 was custom-built for a Japanese chemical firm called Toray. It seems that Toray is big into the manufacturing of carbon fiber and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, so they wanted Murray to showcase the potential of the groovy material in mainstream automotive applications. Toray hopes to see automakers using such materials widely by 2015. And frankly, so do I.

Because, you know, keeping the weight down will turn out to be more and more vital as carmakers struggle to reach tightening fuel economy and emissions standards. Smaller, lighter vehicles require less energy to move yadda yadda yadda, just do the math. And, as it turns out, the benefits are even bigger for electric vehicles. Gordon says every kilo shaved from an electric vehicle saves between $23 to $31 in battery costs because you need less energy to accomplish the same range.

The TEEWAVE features a carbon fiber monocoque and aluminum subframes along with some trick carbon fiber crash zones. There are three sections for the car (very similar to the overall architecture of the McLaren MP4-12C road car), and Gordon Murray Design says the carbon fiber components can be manufactured in less than 10 minutes. The entire car, from concept to completion, was built in just nine months. I’ll pause here so you can let those figures sink in.

Thankfully, the TEEWAVE is a little bitty car at just 13 feet long and 5.7 feet wide, making it almost exactly the same size as the Roadster or an Elise or a Miata. Sources speculate that the drivetrain components are from the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which would jive with the announced specs of the TEEWAVE. The car packs a rather small 47 kilowatt (63 horsepower) electric motor and a 16 kilowatt-hour lithium battery, which provides a stated range of 114 miles and a recharge time of six hours.

“A great deal of attention has been given to the low weight, low center of gravity and suspension geometry which has resulted in an excellent ride and handling balance,” the company said.

Okay, so it seems like a good design, but it does leave me asking one question: When you going to produce it in large numbers Gordon?

Source: Wired Autopia

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Now this is what I’m talking about. This is what needs to be done to make electric vehicles not only better, but much more fun to drive: Race them. I’ve always found the vocal and bitter response from almost all gearheads to anything and everything EV-related to be highly puzzling. Digging your trench deeper or stuffing your head in the sand and shouting “no-no-no-no-no-no-no” isn’t going to help (nor is it very smart or mature). As much as we like internal combustion engines (and trust me, I like them a LOT) we, as gearheads, are going to have to face facts that a number of years from now, they are going to be few and far between. If we simply refuse to be part of the EV conversation, then we will not have any say in what kind of personal transportation options (i.e. cars) we have in the future.

But if we get in now, and we start saying things like, “That Volt you made is real nice there General Motors, but where’s the sportscar version?” then the better EV cars we will be able to buy in the future.

Of course, what’s the best way to insure that EVs are better all around? What’s the single best thing we can do to make them stronger and faster and more efficient and handle better? Like I said: Race them.

And that’s what Toyota just did by dropping an EV drivetrain into a Radical SR8 and setting out to break Peugeot’s lap record at The ‘Ring. The French guys EV record was at a respectable 9 minutes 1.338 seconds. So everyone seemed to think that Toyota could crack out something in the mid 8s, maybe even the low 8s. Nope. Toyota set a new EV lap record of 7:47.794!

Go check that out in Gran Turismo or Forza and see how quick that is. To put that into focus, that’s quicker than a Nissan GT-R, faster than a Porsche 997 Turbo, faster than a 360 Challenge Stradale ferchissake! That, kiddos, is a damn fast time. Sure, sure, that was in a Radical chassis, but don’t forget that it was running on road legal tires.

The car was equipped with two electric motors that were capable of propelling is to a top speed of 260km/h and put out a combined 800Nm of torque. Or to put it another way, it’s both quick and fast. TMG’s (that’s Toyota Motorsports Group) had a target time of being the first electric vehicle break the eight-minute barrier, so getting down into the 7-40s was a surprise even for them.

Pascal Vasselon, TMG’s Technical Director had this to say: “The goals for this project were twofold: obviously we wanted to set a new EV lap record and I am very pleased we could achieve that so comprehensively. On the other hand, we also wanted to learn more about the operation of our electric powertrain in extreme circumstances; in motorsport there is no more extreme circuit than the Nürburgring. On the record lap the TMG EV P001 performed better than in testing due to the improvement we already could make based on that experience. We have enhanced our electric powertrain development thanks to the information our engineers have gained and our future EV products will benefit from this project.”

And the money guys at Toyota were also happy as well. “This is a very impressive achievement which really shows the huge potential for electric powertrains to deliver fast, exciting action on the race track. There’s no doubt that electric motorsport can be every bit as thrilling as traditional racing and it was an amazing sensation to watch the TMG electric vehicle fly past on the Nordschleife, with only the sound of wind rushing past and tires squealing. To achieve a new lap record at the first attempt, and by such a huge margin, is a great achievement and I am very proud to see TMG’s name in the record books. But this is not the end of the story for TMG and I hope we will see our electric powertrains in action on the track again soon,” said Rob Leupen, TMG’s Director Business Operations.

All I can say is: Great! Now, when are you going to make a street legal version that I can buy … cause a ride like this would be an absolute terror on an Auto-X course!

Source: Axis of Oversteer

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The oldest industrial brand name in the General Motors portfolio, German’s Opel division started as a sewing machine manufacturer in 1862. Evolving to the production of bicycles soon later, Opel’s presence in wheeled transportation would turn to automobiles for the first time since 1899. At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Opel’s roots for their adventurous climb into the auto industry debuts in the ultra-modern RAK e Concept.

Before Opel integrated with General Motors in 1928, the Germany car manufacturer captivated press and potential customers through the performances of experimental rocket -driven car. Called the Opel RAK, streamlined shapes and the solid-fuel rocket propulsion demonstrated a radical exercise in alternative automotive power. The Opel RAK 2 example of the rocket car achieved 143 miles per hour on four wheels. Developed 83 years after the successful RAK 2 demonstrations, the Opel RAK e Concept projects excellence in electric car technology.

As an experimental design and technical platform, the Opel RAK e Concept resembles a vehicle from the latest Tron movie. Not consisting of pixels and paragons, the Opel RAK e Concept is a narrow four-wheeler built around a steel space frame. Said to incorporate affordable materials rather than expensive, exotic products in construction, the Opel RAK e is a lightweight vehicle presented with a minimal profile. Carefully packaged, braking and power systems are designed to maximize the cozy concept car. The vehicle rides on relatively skinny low-rolling resistance tires.

Small and light overall, propulsion needs for the Opel RAK e Concept is exhibited as quite modest. An electric-powered vehicle, the Opel RAK e Concept offers a maximum power output of 36.5 kilowatts. Drawing power from a 5-kilowatt hour battery, a top travel distance of 100 kilometers (62 miles) is possible on the Opel RAK e Concept immediately following a three-hour charge. Opel advertises the RAK e Concept’s being supplied from a 5 square meter, 500-watt solar panel for minimized environmental impact. According to the German auto company’s estimates, the Opel RAK e Concept can realize 100 kilometers of travel at a cost of one euro (the equivalent of $1.36 in American funds).

Seating a driver and passenger in a tandem-style, the Opel RAK e Concept enclosed cabin has active chassis components visible to the riders. The unusual two-seat set-up inside the Opel RAK e Concept preserves enough roominess to provide all the amenities modern travelers expect in a vehicle. One advantage for the narrow tandem cockpit set-up is unhindered vision ahead and alongside the driver. Custom fitting to the driver, the RAK e Concept features a completely adjustable steering wheel and foot pedals. Infotainment system as well as climate controls can also be found inside of the RAK e Concept collected into convenient displays.

The Opel RAK e joins the Audi urban concept and the slightly larger BMW i line-up as electrified compacts presented at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. With drivers in parts of Europe paying as much as twice the equivalent for the same amount of gasoline as United States territories, the motivation to consider smaller electric cars could simply be enough to provoke a production variant of the Opel RAK e.

Information and photo source: General Motors

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Every new car company (and boy, there seems to be a lot of them these days) inevitably seems to hit some sort of Preston Tucker moment. No, I’m not saying a bunch of feds in the pockets of Detroit are about to come swooping down on the builders of the futuristic three wheelers in an act of vengeance for their cars being too good. But when the headline reads, ” Aptera refunding all deposits for its ultra efficient three-wheeler”, it has to give one pause.

Funny thing is, I have some experience with the Aptera three-wheeler, even if it is only peripheral. When I was living and working in San Francisco, a boss of mine gave me a call to come down and help him drive one of the things (I was working for a tech magazine at the time). Sadly, I missed the call, but Mr. Bossman was suitably impressed by the Aptera.

And no, in case you’re trying to dismiss this as being full on geek love, this guy was a dyed in the wool gearhead of the first order. Total more than one Ducati, still kicks himself over letting that Plymouth Superbird go, so when he said, “You should have driven the thing man, it was quicker than you’d expect, and the handling was really impressive,” I took him at his word.

And ever since, I have been paying attention to Aptera, waiting for them to finally roll out their three-wheeler. But, as the delays mounted, and the debut dates got slipped and slipped and slipped some more, I began to give up hope.

And now come the news that the company is not only refusing to take deposits, but is also taking the proactive step of returning the deposits they already have.

In an e-mail to their followers, Aptera said that it is returning every deposit made for the ultra-aerodynamic, three-wheeled electric vehicle (or planned hybrid version, that’s still kind of iffy) thus far. The e-mail reads, in part:

“Our path to production has been longer than anticipated, which has complicated our reservation administration to the point that we have decided to return your deposit. … [Our credit-card processing system] is designed for transactions to be completed in a six-month window. Since most of Aptera’s deposits have been in reserve for more than six months, maintenance of the account has become problematic for our credit card processor and administratively cumbersome for Aptera.”

Uh, huh. So, by saying, ” … maintenance of the account has become problematic for our credit card processor and administratively cumbersome for Aptera,” you mean that it’s an IT/Admin problem that you just don’t want to deal with cause of the hassle? Really? Boy, I’ve heard some whopper sized excuses from IT guys before (and I’m sure main Gearhead Chris will back me up on that), but this is a new one.

Curiously, this comes just after Aptera announced that they got another round of funding, $2.25 million to be exact, and that’s nothing to sneeze at.

So honestly, I’m not sure what to make of this. I just hope they get things turned around and they get the thing rolling out of the factory and on the road. It’s interesting, distinctive looking and, honestly, you have to say we need more transportation options than we currently have.

Source: Autoblog

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It’s not everyday that the phrase “Have you heard about this new car maker?” can be heard. But, ripples have been felt from the new Rivian Automotive currently based in Rockledge, Florida and its CEO, R.J. Scaringe. The automotive prodigy has always been around cars- a student of the automotive industry- and soon this 28 year-old phenom could take the “Big Three” by storm.

  Rivian Automotive was founded in 2009 after Scaringe achieved his PhD from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). He studied not only the mechanics and inner workings of the gasoline combustion engine in the Sloan Automotive Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Wai Cheng, but also lean manufacturing processes and operations management. This unique trifecta of skills and experiences has enabled Scaringe to conceive of a vehicle that not only appeals to the car enthusiast, but also environmentalist and cost conscious consumers. Most recently he was profiled by the White House as a “Champion of Change,” in recognition of the work his company was doing to innovate and put people to work in America.

The main focus of the production philosophy of Rivian is a lean model. For those who don’t know what “lean” is, it’s a process by which “waste” is eliminated from a procedure, reducing time and cost along the way. One way Rivian is doing this is by making a car design that can only be put together in one way, therefore eliminating the possibilities of errors and reducing the manufacturing time. Interestingly, the Rivian production model almost completely removes the robotic worker seen in many of the major automotive production facilities and replaces them with- hold on to your hats- people. That’s right, flesh and blood individuals! Scaringe cites that the removal of expensive robotic technology and reverting to a live workforce actually increases production efficiency while reducing the costs associated with manufacturing.

“The focus will be to turn out tens of thousands of vehicles, not millions and not hundreds.” Scaringe said in a recent phone interview. He explains that the car’s modular design and “one way only” assembly will not only reduce errors in construction, but also ensure rigorous quality standards. The idea is that Rivian is not out to over-saturate the existing market, but to create a niche that offers high quality, great looking cars to people who love to drive but don’t want to spend a fortune doing it.

Later in 2011, Scaringe plans on announcing where the permanent home of Rivian Automotive will be located. He knows that it will be within Brevard County, Florida, but there are still a few sites to choose from. Once a facility is chosen, Rivian could be hiring 1200 or more workers, many of whom could come from the recently unemployed, highly trained NASA workforce. Facility and employee decisions still up in the air, the company’s main goal has been consistent from day one; to make a fun to drive, highly efficient vehicle that pays homage to a love of cars and won’t break the bank.

  To achieve this, Scaringe has already assembled some of the industry’s best designers including the recent addition of 2002 Automotive Designer of the Year, Peter Stevens. Stevens brings bold design achievements, such as the McLaren F1, to a team comprised of equally forward thinking designers and engineers to help the initial Rivian model achieve an original and instant iconic image. Scaringe hopes that the aerodynamic aggressive body lines add to the company’s allure giving each model a distinctive, yet branded look. With a lineup that will include a coupe, a 2×2 4-seater, a crossover, and a sedan, each one should be identifiable as unique but unmistakably Rivian.

The costs of the vehicle are significantly less than any other luxury sports car on the market, with estimated initial retail price ranging from the mid $20 to $30,000 price range. But, don’t expect any skimps. The initial model will meet 5-star safety standards, have an exterior that draws the eye, and an interior that keeps even the most critical passenger happy. Scaringe says that even though the price point has mass appeal, the car he produces will be a luxury car that every car enthusiast will want to drive. “Premium feel… high end without the cost.” he indicated.

Also later in 2011, Rivian will begin to announce the dealership infrastructure it has set up to sell, service, and supply components of its cars. Scaringe indicates that Rivian will partner with already existent dealerships to be able to provide a full customer service experience. The design of the car itself will also allow for easy, quick repairs in case of collisions as well as customizing of exterior color for the individualist. Parts suppliers are also enthusiastic about being able to offer components in a timely manner to keep from alienating owners in the event of any issue.

While Scaringe is still pretty secretive about the exact specifications of the engine drive-train systems, he did say that the advanced gasoline engine will achieve 60MPG or better within the existing infrastructure, including compatibility with E85 fuels. The engine gaskets and other components will resist the problems caused by the ethanol alcohol that most all gasoline engines are currently experiencing. Also in the plans are a proprietary hybrid-diesel engine that could achieve more than 90MPG in the city and well over 100MPG on the highway. Plus, the sleek and aerodynamic body coupled with the aluminum frame and other weight reductions would lead to instant MPG improvements even before Rivian’s highly efficient engine introductions. This is all part of how he proposes to revolutionize the industry.

  Scaringe revealed all of this, but still withheld the name of his debut into the very exclusive vehicle manufacturing sector. Many automotive industry onlookers see this as a sign that Rivian, like others before it, will never fully make it to market. Scaringe, on the other hand, says he’s holding back so that Rivian can “make a splash” over ripples of rumors. As the date draws closer for the first uncloaked reveal of the coupe that will change the automotive market as we know it, Scaringe promises that he will tell us, his fellow car enthusiasts, everything we want to know. But until then, we will have to be patient. He suggested maybe taking a drive around the “Space Coast” of Florida, and maybe we might catch a glimpse of the camouflaged, aggressively-styled Rivian as it passes us by while we are stopped at the pumps.

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As indicated by recent news from the United States on an aggressive 54.5 mile per gallon fleet mandate for all car companies by 2025, the global push to lower fossil fuel consumption is very active. Opening the realm of what was once only dreams to automotive engineers, creations crafted to contend in the compliance to future efficiency targets are receiving the investments they so gravely needed to land on driveways and parking lots. Considering not just one innovation, the future vehicles being guided to production could be the very radical shape you’ll soon accept in everyday life.

BMW (an auto company already earning creditability for advanced vehicle engineering) announced earlier this year the intent to create a sub-brand to unleash what would become a bolder form of automotive expression. Describing the BMW i as “Naturally vibrant, highly aesthetic images with a futuristic atmosphere will characterise communications”; the German automaker’s awaited division is the latest stepping-stone from their Megacity initiative. Led by only word that the BMW i brand will set on producing highly electrified powertrain configurations, seekers of greater amounts of hard information on the type of automobiles expected from the organization has now been satisfied by this past Friday’s premiere in Munich.

Given form through a grand introduction, the BMW i brand was showcased by physical forms of the i3 and i8 vehicles. Encompassed in their LifeDrive vehicle architecture, both vehicles represent structures especially conceived around electric propulsion. Aerodynamic maximization and usage of aluminum as well as carbon fiber materials are aspects used in exterior design of the BMW i automotive products. Employing lightweight construction, the BMW i vehicles will enter life produced using eco-minded processes. Aluminum will be manufactured using 100 percent renewable energy. In the cabin, customers will notice unique design details such as the absence of center tunnelling, increased window area and an 8.8 inch information display. Besides the many changes, much of the beloved BMW design traits have been lent to the i3 and i8 concept vehicles including the kidney-shaped grille openings.

First to the market for 2013, the subcompact BMW i3 design is a four-seat vehicle weighing around 1,250 kilograms (2755.79 pounds). In the prelude to the BMW i product launch, the BMW company has been gaining real-life input on the expected usage of electrified vehicles. Turning a multitude of MINI Coopers into MINI E cars, these small cars were turned into rolling labs for BMW to collect information for making their BMW i line-up desirable with little compromise from customers. Evaluating the MINI E’s data, BMW reported that 90 percent of drivers were able to commute within the battery pack range of the electric vehicle. For this reason, the BMW i3 will be primarily sold as a fully electric vehicle. However, the i3 will also come with an optional plug-in hybrid configuration that will feature a range extender powerplant. As an all-electric vehicle, the BMW i3 lithium-ion battery contains the capacity for 100 miles of driving at a top speed of 93 miles per hour. Charging in 6 hours on standard circuit, an optional quick-charge method is also available that can load the i3 battery with 80 percent capacity in only a single hour.

Planned to be added to the i3, the BMW i8 will follow to market in 2014. A plug-in hybrid sport coupe, the i8 is propelled by 96 kilowatts of electric power through the rear wheels and a 220 horsepower, three-cylinder gasoline engine. Provides being capable of fuel economy near 100 miles per gallon, the BMW i8 is slated to deliver acceleration to 62 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds. Going 20 miles on pure electric power, the i8 shifts to the gas engine. When both powerplants work together, the BMW i8 moves with all-wheel drive to top speeds up to 155 miles per hour.

With the initial two cars presented to the public, the BMW i sub-brand also touts advanced solutions that can greatly improve driving experiences inside of urban areas. In-car technology such as Parking Assistant, Traffic Jam Assistant and Proactive Front Protection insures the highest chance of a safe return from city driving. BMW i is also vocal about partnerships created through their i Ventures. i Ventures have invested into services such as MyCityWay and ParkatmyHouse that allows individuals to rent out their property as parking space.

Information and photo source: BMW Group

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Presently the leading news story transpiring in the United States is a political battle in the nation’s capital. Attempting to concoct a working plan to control federal government spending, the ability to best manage the taxpayers’ money is placed into question. While managing government finances has proven to be a difficult and contentious issue, the Obama administration gathered an agreement providing savings of a different kind. Assisting motorists of American roads, a plan to mandate fleet fuel economy of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 has been approved by auto manufacturers and government agencies.

Since 1975, the United States government have policed the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the region by requiring automakers uphold a fuel mileage benchmark. Called the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE), vehicles produced by an auto manufacturer must produce average fuel consumption above a set number. First set at 18 miles per gallon in 1975, the passenger car CAFE standard had stood at 27.5 miles per gallon since 1990. As erratic gasoline price hikes damaged the global economy and caused a hardship for many drivers, the United States government under President Bush pushed meaningful improvements for the CAFE regulated number in 2007. Among the biggest adjustment was a crackdown on the light truck vehicle category. The 54.5 mile per gallon mandate for 2025 also includes for massive improvements in light truck fuel consumption. Rising from a 2016 CAFÉ target of 35.5 miles per gallon previous set by the President Obama government in 2009, the 54.5 mile per gallon benchmark will be reached through a gradual fuel economy improvement of 5 percent from 2017 to 2025.

The 2025 fuel economy improvements will also provide a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from future vehicles lessening environmental impact. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) applauded the new agreement. “This is another important step toward saving money for drivers, breaking our dependence on imported oil and cleaning up the air we breathe,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P Jackson citing also American demands for cleaner vehicles that does not increase the cost of motoring. The EPA and the Department of Transportation had previously lobbied for a much more aggressive CAFE standard as high as 62 miles per gallon.

Just short of doubling the 2010 requirement of 27.5 miles per gallon, the new 54.5 mile per gallon fleet-wide fuel economy requirement is said to be a bipartisan agreement that also includes the blessing of automakers now under pressure to meet ambitious fuel mileage targets. In a statement issued by General Motors, the leading American auto company said, “Reducing fuel consumption and lessening the automobile’s impact on the environment is important to our business because it’s important to our country and our customers. GM has the best line up of fuel-efficient vehicles in the company’s history”. American Honda executive vice president of sales John Mendel was another company that appears able to match the tightened US fuel economy standards. “Honda has long been a leader in, and advocate for, reducing petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Honda embraces this new challenge and we welcome the competition we will have with other automakers that will result from these new standards, because it will benefit both our customers and the health of the planet.” Calling the plan ambitious, Toyota Motor Sales president and chief operating officer James Lentz welcomes the corporate challenge. “Toyota has embarked on the most aggressive expansion of hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars of any automaker, and we are committed to continuing our demonstrated environmental leadership.” Lentz said as his auto company is already introducing an expanded Toyota Prius range and an all-electric RAV4 EV in select markets.

In response to the 2025 target, every automaker was able to boast about full electric, hybrid or super efficient gasoline products. In order to reach the new CAFE mandated fuel economy number, technology and experience gained through the construction of these vehicles will have to become even more commonplace.

In the case of the auto industry, North American governments have seemingly expected a lot from the companies that keeps the continent mobile. During a massive spree of corporate bailouts which started with failing financial institutions receiving a quick cash infusion, the US government gave the Detroit 3 auto companies a much harder time when they required assistance. With General Motors and Chrysler Group taking multi-billion dollar financial assistance plans, both have since repaid government obligations.

Meeting one challenge, the auto industry new economical and environmental requirements will definitely be a massive cutback. Starting in 2011, an estimated 12 billion barrels of oil savings will accompany a greenhouse gas reduction of 6 billion metric tons by the 2025 model year.

Information source: Environmental Protection Agency, General Motors, Honda of America, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota Motor Corporation
Photo source: Chris Nagy

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