Dr Automotive Design and Tools

The advanced aluminium space frame underpinning the Fisker Karma incorporates new levels of rigidity and strength that will give the world's first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle world-class ride and handling characteristics. It will debut during the Motor Show in Geneva.

Fisker Automotive's talented and experienced engineering team designed the Karma's space frame around the car's unique Q-DRIVE® series-hybrid powertrain, filing for multiple patents in the process. Q-DRIVE® consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC® engine/generator set, a lithium-ion battery pack from A123 Systems, and a rear-mounted 403hp traction motor assembly.

Though it forms the foundation of a large sedan the Karma space frame's rigidity is exceptional even when compared to today's sports cars. By utilizing 5,000- and 6,000-series aluminium alloys and a unique extrusion-intensive architecture, the Fisker engineering team achieved the best balance between weight and size.

"Our top priorities when we designed the Karma's aluminium space frame were that it have extremely high torsional rigidity and could be easily modified to accept Karma model variants," explained Henrik Fisker, CEO, Fisker Automotive. "We benchmarked some of the world's best cars to create an all-new space frame that will deliver an exhilarating experience behind the wheel.

A super-structural tunnel running down the car's centerline acts as the Karma's backbone. It not only houses the battery pack but acts as a torque tube connecting front and rear sections. For optimal strength the Karma's space frame is joined with 79 meters of precision welding and 1,058 self-piercing rivets. Each technique is used independently only where necessary to ensure top quality and durability.

The result is an industry-leading space frame that provides a solid foundation for the Karma. Few cars match its statistics: Static torsional rigidity - the amount the space frame resists twisting forces when entering a ramp at an angle, for example - measures more than 33,000 Newton-meters per degree (Nm/deg). Static bending rigidity - the amount the space frame resists flexing forces as the car enters a ramp straight on, for example - measures more than 23,000 N/mm. Dynamic stiffness - the space frame's resistance to resonant vibrations like those felt when driving over a sharp bump or rough road surfaces -- is also world class.

Priority: Safety
Thanks to intelligent engineering solutions the Karma's space frame also provides the utmost in occupant safety and exceeds global crash protection standards.

Front impact protection starts with a patent-pending, multi-cell tempered aluminium crush box that displaces high-impact energy away from passengers. Its unique design allows it to be easily replaced, reducing repair costs that could lower insurance premiums. Dual Phase 600-Series steel reinforced components in the doors and Bpillars provide substantial side impact protection. And the lithium-ion battery's location in the center of the car puts it farthest from impact areas.

Valmet Automotive will assemble the space frames at its state-of-the-art facility in Uusikaupunki, Finland.

The Ampera extended-range electric vehicle will use the energy stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery to drive the first stage of the 600 kilometers journey from Rüsselsheim, Germany, to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, without emitting CO2.

At the wheel will be Opel/Vauxhall Director of Electric Vehicle Implementation, Gherardo Corsini. “I am really looking forward to putting a lot of “miles” on our first Ampera prototype during this maiden test on public roads,” said Corsini. “With 370 Nm of instantaneous, electric torque under my right foot, it promises to be an interesting and almost silent drive to Geneva."

When the battery’s charge is low after around 60 km, the Ampera’s on-board internal combustion engine will start to generate electricity to drive the wheels for the remainder of the journey.

A battery electric vehicle would need to find a recharging station and stop for up to several hours to recharge its depleted battery before continuing the journey. The Ampera, however, brings emission-free electric mobility without the limitations of conventional electric cars. It can drive on seamlessly and without interruption for more than 500 km before plugging into a household socket or filling up with fuel.

The prototype’s long-distance drive from Rüsselsheim to Geneva demonstrates that the five-door, four-seat Ampera can be the primary vehicle in the household, ready to drive anywhere, any time. Series-production of the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera is scheduled to begin at the end of 2011.

Opel's own bloggers will accompany the Ampera on its first long distance test under real world conditions. Starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 28, the blog will give regular updates about the journey to Geneva and continue until March 3, the day before the motor show begins. The blog can be found at:

http://opel.posterous.com/

Building on its long-term environmental heritage, leading car hire company, Avis, has partnered with the Renault-Nissan Alliance to offer electric cars to its customers from 2011.

The partnership will add to Avis' already well-established environmental programme, which has seen the company maintain a CarbonNeutral® status since 1999.

Pascal Bazin, Chief Executive for Avis Europe, explains: "At Avis, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and are always looking for new ways to improve our environmental performance."

"We are delighted to sign this important partnership with Renault to offer electric vehicles as part of our green fleet, which is an increasingly central part of our customer offering. Despite the impact of the recession, consumers are just as aware of the issues of climate change and it is only by working together with our partners that will we be able to make a difference."

Senior Vice President, Renault Corporate Sales Division, Uwe Hochgeschurtz, adds: "Avis is an important long-term partner for Renault, so we are thrilled to be able to expand our offering with the company to include electric vehicles. We are confident that the partnership will play an important role in enabling customers to experience the new technology and learn about the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, which are sure to become a significant alternative for car travel in the future."

With electric vehicles, which produce zero emissions during use, Renault is preparing a breakthrough solution that provides sustainable mobility for all. From 2011, Renault will progressively roll out four electric vehicles.

These include two derivatives of internal-combustion vehicles: • Renault Fluence Z.E., an electric version of Fluence. • Renault Kangoo Express Z.E., an electric version of Renault Kangoo Express, intended primarily for fleet and business use. The range of electric vehicles will later be extended to cover other segments, including two new cars whose architecture will be designed to run exclusively with electrical power:

• A car derived from the Twizy Z.E. Concept for motoring in built-up areas. • The fourth vehicle will take its inspiration from Zoe Z.E. Concept and is scheduled to be released at the beginning of 2012. It will be a particularly versatile vehicle
intended for everyday motoring in and around cities.

With a long history of environmental awareness, Avis has offset more than 147,000 tonnes of CO2 since 1997 by investing in a host of environmental initiatives such as renewable energy, methane capture projects and tree planting, which mean the company has now been CarbonNeutral® accredited for more than a decade.

Average CO2 emissions have also been successfully reduced year on year through the introduction of further environmentally friendly technologies and practices, including motion detector lights in many of its European offices, an extensive recycling scheme for staff and the development of a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan to prevent spills from storage and during fuel loading at rental stations across Europe.

Meanwhile, Avis customers can already benefit from an extensive eco-offering. Each car on the Avis fleet is typically only six months old, to ensure maximum fuel efficiency, whilst the average CO2 emissions for cars purchased in 2009 was just 144.6g CO2/Km.

All Avis customers also have access to environmental driving tips to help lower their emissions and can choose a vehicle from a wide ranging green fleet, including hundreds of vehicles which run on fuels other than petrol or diesel. Leisure and business customers also have the option to offset their carbon emissions prior to their journey

"Le vetture di più recente produzione, come Fiat Grande Punto, Fiat Idea, Alfa Romeo 159 e Lancia Ypsilon, cioè quelle su cui il Gruppo ha, a suo tempo, avviato la scommessa di rilancio, mostrano un livello qualitativo decisamente consistente". E' quanto si legge nell'ultima edizione del 'Rapporto Dekra sull'affidabilità dell'usato che conferma la crescita di qualità delle auto prodotte dal Lingotto e ipotizza che, "dopo aver effettuato le prime revisioni per Fiat 500, Alfa MiTo e Lancia Delta, questi modelli potranno riservare piacevoli sorprese nelle classifiche individuali ed in quella assoluta". Il Rapporto, redatto in Germania in collaborazione con l'autorevole rivista tedesca Auto Motor und Sport sulla base dell'analisi di 15 milioni di revisioni in Germania su 150 modelli, ha visto primeggiare nella categoria delle piccole la Opel Corsa D e nella classifica assoluta l'Audi A6. I due modelli italiani Fiat Grande Punto e Alfa Romeo 159 si collocano però nella Top 10 della classifica individuale sulla fascia di percorrenza 0-50.000 km, mentre la Lancia Ypsilon e l'Idea sfiorano l'inserimento nelle prime dieci. "Particolarmente interessante - conclude il Rapporto Dekra - la valutazione dei parametri di difettosità nei 5 gruppi di componenti dell'auto (impianto frenante, sospensioni sterzo, motore emissioni, luci impianto elettrico, carrozzeria abitacolo) che vengono valutati per la classifica. Le auto su cui il Gruppo Fiat ha maggiormente investito mostrano un livello di difettosità decisamente inferiore alla media del segmento ed in alcuni casi addirittura migliore rispetto a modelli di classe superiore e alto di gamma". Citando le più recenti vetture del Gruppo Fiat, il Rapporto Dekra commenta: "Tali dati lasciano ben sperare per il futuro e fanno ipotizzare che - dopo aver effettuato le prime revisioni per Fiat 500, Alfa MiTo e Lancia Delta - questi modelli potranno riservare piacevoli sorprese nelle classifiche individuali ed in quella assoluta".
(Fonte: www.repubblica.it - 24/2/2010)

The PROTON Concept car, to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, showcases an advanced series hybrid drivetrain, designed and developed by Lotus Engineering.

Lotus Engineering, the world-renowned automotive consultancy division of Lotus Cars Limited today announces its latest series hybrid vehicle technology application in the PROTON Concept, which will be unveiled at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show. The complete hybrid drivetrain in the PROTON Concept city car has been developed by Lotus Engineering and it includes the Lotus Range Extender engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles.

The PROTON Concept, a plug-in series hybrid city car, has been styled by Italdesign and will be unveiled on the Italdesign stand at the Geneva Motor Show. Lotus Engineering has designed and integrated the complete drivetrain, including the electrical drive system with single-speed transmission, which delivers low emissions, optimised performance and acceptable electric-only operating range for city use. For longer journeys, when the battery charge level falls, the 3 cylinder, 1.2 litre Lotus Range Extender engine is used to replenish the charge in the battery and provide electrical power for the drive
motors. The battery can also be recharged via an AC mains domestic outlet to achieve initial electric-only operation.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: "The hybrid drivetrain of the PROTON Concept is another example of Lotus Engineering's expertise in electrical and electronic systems and efficient performance engines. The high efficiency Lotus Range Extender engine, which we unveiled to great acclaim at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show last year is perfectly suited for the
advanced series hybrid we have created for the PROTON Concept city car. It is an exciting example of the diverse range of highly efficient total propulsion systems that Lotus Engineering continues to develop for its partners and clients."

PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director, Dato' Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir said, "Our collaboration with Lotus and Italdesign on progressive technology and design will further propel our competitiveness in the world market. Through this association, we strive to acquire and jointly develop new knowledge, skills and technologies that will ultimately benefit our customers."

Lexus has unveiled its new premium hybrid hatchback ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week. A worldwide launch is promised later this year, but we can't confirm whether that includes the United States.

From what we can tell, the car retains some of Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy as seen on the LF-Ch concept that debuted in Frankfurt last year, except in a somewhat more production-ready (read: toned-down) state. Inside, Lexus employs an asymmetrical dash design that's split into what Lexus refers to as an upper Display Zone that includes an eight-inch LCD multi-display screen and a lower Operation Zone, which includes the shift lever and other controls such as Lexus's Remote Touch multi-function controller.

As expected, the baby Lexus is equipped with a 1.8-liter VVT-i gasoline-fed engine that's mated up with an electric motor using Toyota's proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive technology and a continuously variable transmission. Sadly, we have no official power figure, but we imagine it should be somewhat close to the 134 combined ponies of the latest Toyota Prius.

According to Lexus, its hybrid hatchback can run in EV mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 28 miles per hour. In addition to pure EV mode, the driver can also select from Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Setting the CT 200h apart from other Toyota offerings is its dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the all-new CR-Z hybrid vehicle will go on sale in Japan on Friday, February 26, 2010. CR-Z combines a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and Honda's proprietary Integrated Motor Assist system, and creates fusion between futuristic and dynamic styling and exhilarating driving, along with outstanding fuel economy of 25 km/l.

Based on Honda's passion to broaden the potential for a hybrid vehicle and enable customers to experience a new kind of excitement with all of their senses, CR-Z was developed offering three core values -- Emotional (emotional look and feel), Exciting (make people want to enjoy driving) and Smart (environmentally responsible, useful and liberating). To achieve these three values in all areas of this vehicle, including design, packaging and performance, Honda applied its most advanced technologies.

CR-Z stands for "Compact Renaissance Zero," which represents Honda's commitment to go back to the point of origin (zero) to take on the challenge to create a new compact car without being bound by the values of traditional coupes.

First TV advertisement for the Australia built Camry Hybrid.

The family-sized Hybrid Camry uses the same technology found in the Toyota Prius, Hybrid Synergy Drive and delivers a respectable fuel economy figure of just 6.0 litres of regular unleaded petrol to travel 100km.

That figure makes it nearly 32 per cent more fuel efficient than the automatic petrol Camry, which incidentally already held the title for the most fuel-efficient Australian-built car.


Powering the Hybrid Camry a combination of a 2.4-litre petrol engine and 105kW electric motor resulting in a total power output of 140kW almost 20 per cent better than a petrol-only Camry.

La presenza di Lancia al Salone di Ginevra incuriosisce, più che per le auto, per la prima condivisione in Europa dello stesso spazio espositivo con il marchio americano Chrysler. Il loro legame, nato dopo l'alleanza tra Fiat e Chrysler e suggellato dalla nomina di Olivier Francois, CEO di Lancia, a responsabile del brand statunitense, è stato implicitamente esternato a Detroit con la Chrysler Delta, ma è al Salone di Ginevra che il Gruppo Fiat annuncerà per la prima vola se ci sarà convivenza sul mercato europeo e come sarà caratterizzata dal punto di vista commerciale. Il significativo abbinamento marchio-modello della Chrysler Delta ha finora rafforzato l'ipotesi del tramonto del marchio Lancia in favore di quello Chrylser. Una mossa strategicamente valida, secondo i vertici del Lingotto, perché il brand americano è più popolare a livello internazionale rispetto a quello italiano, che, secondo alcuni, potrebbe sopravvivere solo in Italia. Previsioni che tuttavia sono ancora incerte e che proprio a Ginevra saranno smentite o confermate. La vision di Torino è stata parzialmente anticipata da una nota stampa che ricorda come "i due marchi hanno fatto la storia" e "ora si compenetrano, si completano come due tasselli che racchiudono il meglio di ciò che la storia dell’automobile ha prodotto di qua e di là dall’oceano, due tessere di un puzzle che, unendosi, si trasfigurano in una nuova entità, una specie di nuovo eroe dei due mondi che ha e avrà molto di nuovo da dire". Parole, un pò fumose, che fanno da preambolo alla descrizione dell'allestimento fieristico caratterizzato da un imponente parete di sfondo che gioca sull'incastro di enormi tessere di puzzle su cui spiccano immagini dei due brand. Anche i pavimenti dello stand riprenderanno il tema del puzzle, come espressione dell’unione tra i due marchi, e ci saranno due grandi pedane, a forma di tessera, che ospiteranno da una parte due Lancia Delta e dall’altra due Chrysler 300C. In questo contesto il visitatore verrà invitato alla composizione, grazie anche ad un gioco di specchi e telecamere. Aspettiamo l'apertura del Salone di Ginevra per vedere e fotografare questa particolare scenografia, ma soprattutto per capire cosa succederà ai due marchi al di fuori dello stand, sulle strade e nelle concessionarie di tutt'Europa...
(Fonte: www.omniauto.it - 25/2/2010)

The British government is to give up to 5,000 pounds ($7,668) to anyone who buys an "ultra-low carbon" car from next year and will build recharging hubs, the Department of Transport said on Thursday.

The Plug-in Car Grant of 25 percent towards the purchase price, capped at 5,000 pounds, will be available across Britain for both private and business fleet buyers from January 2011, by which time a range of eligible vehicles should be on sale.

"By this time next year, cutting edge motorists will be on the roads with these next generation cars they've purchased because of our help," Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said.

Only battery electric, plug-in hybrids with emissions of less than 75 g/km, or hydrogen fuel cell cars will be eligible for part of the 230 million pound total fund.

The electric vehicles must have a range of at least 70 miles, or 113 km, while hybrids must be able to run for at least 10 miles without using fuel, and all vehicles must be able to go faster than 60 miles per hour. The government also plans to spend 30 million pounds on a network of electric vehicle hubs, called Plugged-In Places, in car parks, supermarkets and selected streets.

London, Milton Keynes and the north east of England will get the first recharging points—with a total of 11,000 to be set up in the next three years in those areas.

The programme is a key part of British efforts to cut emissions of climate-warming carbon from transport, which accounts for about a fifth of the country's total emissions.

Recharging electric vehicles overnight is also expected to help use up any excess electricity produced by the thousands of wind turbines that the government wants to be built over the next decade.

Electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc. said Wednesday that it will offer a lease option on its flagship Roadster and Roadster sport models, in a move intended to help ease the pricey vehicle into the mainstream.



Starting Wednesday, the 2010 Roadster, which competes against exotic sport cars like the Porsche 911, will be available on a three-year, 30,000-mile lease based on the manufacturer's price of $111,005, Tesla said. A lease requires an up front $12,453 payment, which includes a $1,658 first monthly payment, a $9,900 down payment and an $895 acquisition fee, company said.

A new study by led by Nadine Unger at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) that analyzes the net climate impacts of emissions from economic sectors rather than by individual chemical species has found that on-road transportatation is and will be the greatest net contributor to atmospheric warming now and in the near term.

In their analysis, motor vehicles emerged as the greatest net contributor to atmospheric warming now and in the near term, with a total radiative forcing of 199 mWm-2 in 2020. The researchers found that the burning of household biofuels—primarily wood and animal dung for home heating and cooking—contribute the second most warming. And raising livestock, particularly methane-producing cattle, contribute the third most.

The industrial sector releases such a high proportion of sulfates and other cooling aerosols that it actually contributes a significant amount of cooling to the system. And biomass burning—which occurs mainly as a result of tropical forest fires, deforestation, savannah and shrub fires—emits large amounts of organic carbon particles that block solar radiation.

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, so-named because this latest environmentally-focused technology demonstrator from Lotus Engineering produces 414 PS (306 kW) of power, promises breathtaking performance from a highly efficient propulsion system. The concept showcases new developments in plug-in, range-extended electric propulsion, new electronic technologies to enhance driver involvement, the adaptability of the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) that underpins the Evora 414E Hybrid and a dramatic new roof system and interior concept from Lotus Design. Through all of these aspects it ultimately demonstrates the exceptional ability of Lotus Engineering to integrate and develop advanced technologies for exciting, efficient, high performance niche vehicles.

The range extended electric drive of the Evora 414E Hybrid consists of two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via single speed geartrain, integrated into a common transmission housing, thus enabling torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle. Electrical power is stored in a lithium polymer battery pack optimised for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, mounted in the centre of the vehicle for stability and safety. Additional range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimised 1.2 litre, three-cylinder engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles. The drivetrain is designed to combine astonishing performance with efficient, low emissions driving.

Driver involvement is enhanced by the incorporation of HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and Harman International, which provide sound contouring within the cabin and improve pedestrian safety outside the vehicle. Integrated with the HALOsonic technology, the Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a brand new technology from Lotus Engineering, a sports mode that simulates a 7 speed, paddle shift transmission that combines exceptional driver involvement for a hybrid sports car and optimised energy recuperation.

The Evora 414E Hybrid has been designed to highlight Lotus’ innovative electric and hybrid vehicle technology without distracting from the pure sportscar character of the Evora. The solution is innovative, instantly recognizable, beautiful and sporty. It demonstrates Lotus DNA.

Dr Robert Hentschel, Director of Lotus Engineering said: “Innovation has always been at the heart of Lotus and is needed now more than ever. The Evora 414E Hybrid is the perfect demonstration of Lotus Engineering’s core competencies: lightweight architectures, efficient performance, electrical and electronics integration and driving dynamics. The technology demonstrator represents an encapsulation of the advanced technologies that Lotus Engineering continues to develop to overcome the current environmental challenges facing the automotive industry and showcases the future direction that the sector is taking and why Lotus Engineering is perfectly placed to lead the technological development in this area.”

The Drivetrain
For the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, Lotus Engineering has developed a highly efficient, high performance drivetrain system consisting of twin motors each limited to providing 152 kW (207 PS/204 hp) of power and 400 Nm (295 lbft) of torque to each wheel via independent, single speed, reduction transmissions integrated into a single housing, enabling torque vectoring dynamic control of the vehicle.

The vehicle energy storage system is made up of the latest Lithium Polymer battery chemistry providing 17 kWH energy storage capacity. The battery pack is optimised for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, with over 100 kW discharge capability.

The Lotus Range Extender engine provides 35 kW (48 PS/47 hp) of power at 3,500 rpm via the integrated electrical generator and features an innovative architecture comprising an aluminium monoblock construction, integrating the cylinder block, cylinder head and exhaust manifold in one casting. This results in reduced engine mass, assembly costs, package size and improved emissions and engine durability. The engine uses an optimised two-valve, port-fuel injection combustion system to reduce cost and mass and can be operated on alcohol-based fuels and/or gasoline. The generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy to replenish the battery pack charge and provides additional vehicle range in a small light weight package. The generator is also used as a motor to start the range extender engine. The low mass of the range extender unit (85 kg) and compact package makes it ideal for the series hybrid drivetrain in the Evora 414E Hybird.

All the operation and management of the range extender engine, the power management of the batteries and motor control are controlled by Lotus’ electronic control units and software systems. Full energy management of all the operating systems is the key to maximising performance and operation while minimising energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

For everyday commuting journeys, up to 35 miles can be travelled using battery power. The battery can be charged overnight using a conventional domestic mains supply through a socket concealed by the rear number plate. This permits the vehicle to operate with zero tailpipe emissions. For longer journeys, exceeding the battery capacity, the highly efficient range extender engine is used as a generator to supply the motor with electrical power and top up the battery.

Lotus has used its own vehicle simulation tools to determine the size, capacity, power and performance of all the components in the drivetrain system to optimise the system operation. Overall this is far more energy efficient, weight efficient and cost effective than fitting the vehicle with a larger and more expensive battery, which for the majority of short journeys is a redundant weight, which increases energy requirements. With regard to the total lifetime CO2 emissions of the vehicle, including the energy required to manufacture and run it, the range extender solution has a lower overall CO2 footprint than a fully electric car of comparable performance and operating range running with a larger battery.

The Package
The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid structure is the same award-winning, versatile vehicle architecture used on the Lotus Evora. The low volume architecture was designed with the upmost flexibility in mind. The Evora 414E Hybrid is a perfect example of how to integrate a compact packaged drivetrain, with excellent performance and range, while using this underpinning. The complete chassis has remained unchanged from the Evora which maintains the structural integrity and strength performance of the original car.

The structure progresses the Lotus ‘bonded and riveted’ technology with new and unique extrusions and folded panels, whilst providing production build modularity and lower cost repairs. The chassis has been designed for scalability so that it can be extended in width, length and height. The strength and stiffness of the low volume VVA chassis can be modified cost effectively by varying the wall thickness of the extrusions, without altering the exterior dimensions. The ability to lengthen or shorten extrusions with the option to tailor the chassis stiffness vastly increases the number of vehicles that can be developed from this vehicle architecture.

Driving Dynamics
The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid offers exhilarating, all-round dynamic performance and takes advantage of Lotus developed torque vectoring dynamics. Torque vectoring, which is the capacity to generate different torques at each of the driving wheels, is particularly suited to electric vehicles and significantly reduces the conflict between stability and response.

A key benefit of separate motors to drive each rear wheel individually is that this facilitates a much higher level of vehicle dynamics control. Driving the wheels with different levels of torque can not only generate all the capabilities of a conventional ESP system using energy regeneration as opposed to brake application, but it can also actively drive each wheel forward at different rates, producing a turning moment at the rear of the vehicle in addition to the steering input.

This can be used to enhance low speed manoeuvrability and ease of parking but can also be used to produce a much greater level of straight line high speed stability. Incorporating lateral sensors the system also provides stability control capabilities and levels of steering response normally only associated with heavy and expensive rear steer systems. This can provide automatic correction of both understeer and oversteer characteristics. In addition, the standard method to provide high speed stability of designing the rear wheels to toe-in is not required as the torque vectoring system automatically provides this stability control, with toe-in increasing rolling resistance, lowering fuel economy and increasing tyre wear. Lotus‘ long history of active suspension control provides the core capability to develop this technology and provides extraordinary driving pleasure on the Evora 414E Hybrid.

Driver Interaction
The Evora 414E Hybrid provides less of a psychological step change for people familiar with high performance cars compared to other electric and hybrid sports cars. The car has a simulated paddle shift gear change offering ultra quick gear changes reminiscent of a dual clutch transmission, while actually single speed. This enhances the driver interaction with the vehicle and provides a driving experience similar to current internal combustion engine high performance sports cars. The Evora 414E Hybrid uses a column mounted paddle shift to simulate the gear change and a synthesised engine sound changes frequency with virtual gear selection. The drive torque is also modulated to simulate a physical feeling of a gearshift jolt.

The virtual gearshift simulation, like a conventional gearbox, is used to change the driving characteristics and response of the vehicle. The most significant aspect that this offers the driver is the ability to control the vehicle deceleration by simulating engine braking through a virtual downshift in gears. Unlike true engine braking, the Lotus system does not dissipate the energy of the moving vehicle through internal engine friction but uses the electric motors to regenerate the energy back into the battery. While many electric and hybrid vehicles provide engine braking, this is generally at a fixed rate or preselected rate. In some driving situations this can either be too aggressive, slowing the vehicle unnecessarily, or too light, requiring additional braking application. The Lotus system effectively allows the driver to select the appropriate level of regeneration by simulating stepping down by one, two or even three gears. The simulation of engine braking through both the gear noise change and the retardation of the vehicle is fully intuitive to a driver familiar with a conventional gearbox. The simulated gearchange capability can be selected for greater driving involvement or switched off for more relaxed driving.

The Evora 414E Hybrid uses the Lotus Engineering and Harman International developed HALOsonic suite of noise solutions. The first of which is Electronic Sound Synthesis. This generates engine sounds inside the vehicle through the audio system where it provides an exciting sports sound in line with the brand and nature of the vehicle together with a high level of driver feedback in an intuitive manner. In addition, it also generates sound on the outside of the vehicle through speakers mounted at the front and rear to provide a warning to increase pedestrian safety, which is especially important for electric and hybrid vehicles which can be difficult to hear at slower speeds.

There are four driver selectable engine sounds currently on the vehicle, two of which have been designed to have characteristics of a multi-cylinder conventional V6 and V12 engine. There is also a futuristic sound and a combination of a conventional engine and a futuristic sound, enhancing the brand identity of the vehicle as a step forward in electric vehicle design.

The addition of this Lotus patented simulated gearshift concept not only provides for an exciting and involving driving experience that customers would expect from a Lotus, but also enhances the driver’s control of the vehicle while providing the capability for more efficient operation through a greater use of energy regeneration.

The Design
The distinctive colour scheme and ‘floating’ roof have been carefully designed to accent the cars electric vehicle technology whilst complementing the iconic lines of the Evora.

Copper, a colour often associated with electrical systems, has been chosen for the car’s exterior and interior. A contemporary satin finish paint is complemented by electrical circuit inspired graphics that highlight the car’s key feature lines and the unique glazed roof panel. The newly extended glazed zone integrates seamlessly with the existing forms of the Evora whilst showcasing the key components behind the hybrid and electric vehicle technology.

The signature copper theme is consistently carried throughout the car from the dramatic seat stripes and instrument panel inserts to the copper callipers that nestle behind the carbon grey forged wheels. Inside the cabin a sense of quality and richness has been created by carefully juxtaposing the different tactile qualities intrinsic to leather, Alcantara and metal

To celebrate nine decades of producing low carbon commercial vehicles, Smith Electric Vehicles has taken one of the largest stands at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show – some 400sq m – to exhibit its full range of Smith Edison electric vans and minibuses, based on the Ford Transit chassis.

2010 marks the 90th anniversary of Smith Electric Vehicles, which can trace its roots back to Newcastle upon Tyne in 1920.

It is also the third birthday of the Smith Edison electric van. Launched at the CV Show in 2007, in collaboration with Ford of Europe, the Smith Edison has a range of up to 100 miles and a top speed of 50mph. Designed for return-to-base, urban operations, the lithium-ion batteries can now be fast-charged from flat to full in as little as three hours.

Smith supplies the Edison on a range of Transit chassis, including 3.5t and 4.6t medium and high roof panel van; and a 3.5t and 4.6t chassis cab, which can be fitted with a variety of bodies such as box, refrigerated, tipper and dropside. Additionally, Smith produces an electric minibus, with various seat configurations.

Sainsbury’s Online is expanding its EV fleet with an additional 51 Smith Edison vehicles for its online shopping delivery service. This will take Sainsbury’s total to 71 EVs, creating the world’s largest fleet of electric vans. Furthermore, Edison is in use with a wide range of public and private sector fleets, including Royal Mail, TNT, Western Power, Sita, Serco and the Government Car & Despatch Agency.

At the CV Operator Show, the Tyne & Wear-based company will also exhibit a Smith Newton, the world’s largest road-going electric truck. Newton has a range of up to 120 miles on a full charge and a top speed of 50mph. A full battery recharge takes 6-8 hours. Newton is available in GVW configurations of 7.5t, 10t and 12t and is in use with fleets including TNT, DHL, Balfour Beatty and TK Maxx.

Smith is the largest single supplier of EVs into the UK Government’s Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme; this year the company will deliver nearly 60 Smith Edison vans to public sector fleets across Britain, for Phase One of the initiative.

Smith is involved in three extensive R&D programmes to improve electric vans, part-funded by the Technology Strategy Board and is also supplying 10 Edison vans for a major evaluation project funded by the German Government. Smith is also working with Proton Power Systems Plc on the development of a hydrogen fuel cell range extender, which could double the operational range of its Edison van.

Marchionne aveva sottolineato che sarebbe stato il suo sogno: ora sembra essersi realizzato. Come riporta Automotive News, che cita il quotidiano russo Vedemosti, il vicepresidente della Sollers, Nikolai Sobolev, ha dichiarato che la società russa assemblerà 150.000 Jeep l'anno. A regime i modelli interessati saranno nove ma, entro quest'anno, si inizia con le Jeep Patriot, Liberty, Wrangler e Grand Cherokee. I primi modelli costruiti interamente in Russia (quindi non solo assemblati) saranno le nuove generazioni delle Jeep Patriot e Liberty (venduta in Europa come Cherokee), entrambe attese sul mercato americano nel 2013. Questi due modelli, entrambi vicini ai 450 cm di lunghezza, verrano prodotti utilizzando l'ossatura che la Fiat chiama Compact Wide e con cui verranno prodotti diversi modelli futuri del Lingotto. Con tutta probabilità oltre a quelli della Jeep, non ci saranno altri modelli del gruppo Fiat-Chrysler prodotti in Russia. A confermarlo, anche se solo attraverso una battuta, fu lo stesso Marchionne che, in occasione della presentazione alla stampa dell'accordo con la Sollers, aveva detto: "le strade fangose russe sono perfette per le vetture a trazione integrale".
(Fonte: www.autonews.com - 22/2/2010)

La fabbrica Chrysler di Sterling Heights, Michigan, rimarrà aperta fino al 2012. L’impianto, che dopo la bancarotta del costruttore sembrava dovesse chiudere, è tornato nelle mani della New Chrysler. Dal momento della bancarotta, Sterling Heights è stata nelle mani di Old Carco LLC, vale a dire la vecchia Chrysler, la bad company nata dalla scissione degli assets passati nelle mani di Fiat e rimasta in possesso di quelli in un primo momento indesiderati. Tra di essi figuravano anche otto stabilimenti, uno dei quali, appunto è proprio l’impianto di assemblaggio di Sterling Heights, tornato sotto il controllo della nuova Chrysler con l’approvazione di una corte fallimentare del Michigan e dietro un pagamento di 20 milioni di dollari. Grazie a questa acquisizione, le attuali Chrysler Sebring e Dodge Avenger continueranno ad essere prodotte lì fino al 2012. E in futuro? I due modelli verranno aggiornati entro la fine dell’anno (e forse già in quest’occasione il nome Sebring, come annunciato da Sergio Marchionne, sarà abbandonato), ma la loro sostituzione con modelli del tutto inediti avverrà solo nel 2013. A quel punto, le nuove medie Chrysler e Dodge, che saranno tecnicamente imparentate con i corrispettivi modelli Alfa Romeo e Lancia, potranno prendere due strade: continuare ad essere prodotte nella medesima sede o cambiare casa. Niente è stato ancora deciso al riguardo ma, nel frattempo, i 1200 dipendenti dello stabilimento non perderanno il posto di lavoro. La nuova Chrysler ha inoltre ceduto alla Old Carco i diritti di produzione dei vecchi V6 di casa, un 2.7 ed un 3.5, che saranno rimpiazzati dal nuovo 3.6 Pentastar. Secondo le indiscrezioni, questi diritti saranno ceduti a loro volta a qualche compagnia russa o cinese per un reimpiego sui mercati in via di sviluppo.
(Fonte: www.leftlanenews.com - 22/2/2010)

BMW AG will produce its electric-car range at its plant in Leipzig, Germany, the automaker said Monday. In addition, BMW factories in Wackersdorf and Landshut, Germany, will produce parts for the so-called Megacity Vehicle.

“The BMW Group will build the car of the future in Leipzig with high-tech innovations from Bavaria,” BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said in a statement. “The main reasons behind this decision are the qualities that Germany has to offer: we have a tried-and-tested production network here and high levels of education and outstanding competencies at our disposal.”

The first, so-called Megacity cars are due to come off the line in mid-2013.

BMW plans to launch an entire family of electric vehicles from the Megacity subcompact, which is designed for major metropolitan areas. BMW hasn't decided on a production name for the car.

"È una questione di reputazione, di credibilità. Abbiamo messo tutto in gioco, compreso me stesso". Così, in un’intervista al Financial Times, l’amministratore delegato di Fiat, Sergio Marchionne, commenta il suo impegno per il rilancio di Chrysler. In un lungo articolo, insolitamente inserito nella sezione del fine settimana Arts & Leisure del quotidiano della City, l’editorialista John Reed ripercorre le tappe del rilancio Fiat, tentando un parallelo con quanto di nuovo sta portando Marchionne a Detroit. "Non ho alcuna intenzione di fallire", dichiara il numero uno di Fiat al Financial Times, sottolineando anche l’appoggio ricevuto da Nancy Pelosi, la speaker della Camera U.S.A.: "Non saremmo qui se lei e il Congresso non avessero deciso di appoggiare la nostra proposta. È stata una decisione decisamente coraggiosa da parte loro". All’ingresso di Fiat in Chrysler, ricorda Reed, il gruppo statunitense era in piena difficoltà, ma gli effetti della "cura Marchionne" iniziano a vedersi: "Le persone rimangono a lavorare fino a tardi, fino alle nove o alle dieci. A volte sembra di essere dentro un aeroporto", dichiara Ralph Gilles, capo della divisione design di Chrysler e Dodge.
(Fonte: www.ft.com - 19/2/2010)