Dr Automotive Design and Tools

Korean brand Kia has unveiled the new Naimo electric car concept at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show today.

The Naimo's name is derived from the Korean word 'Ne-mo' which means 'square shape'. And this is one concept which isn't running away from its boxy design. It features no B-pillar and rear-hinged doors.

But the design of the Naimo is influenced by Asian Celadon-style pottery, with its asymmetrical shapes reflected in the roof design of this concept as well as in the dot-styled LED headlamps which also provide an off-center feel to the car. Those off-kilter design cues are meant to contrast with the square shape of the car.

On the inside, things get a little more down to earth with the use of Korean oak for the floor and interior door panels. Korean "Han-ji" paper serves as the headlining and these hand-crafted interior touches are complimented by the off lines of that sunroof design.

Powering the Naimo is a PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) electric motor with an output of 80 kW (109 PS / 109 bhp) and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque. Juice is supplied by a 27 kWh lithium-ion battery pack positioned under the rear trunk.

The car rolls on low-resistance tires on 20-inch alloy wheels.

Top speed on the Naimo is 150 km/h (93 mph) and the car has a range of around 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. A quick-charge system (50 kW) allows the battery to reach 80 percent capacity in about 25 minutes.

Audi is going the PSA (Peugeot Citroën) route in developing a hybrid system that doubles as an all-wheel drive conversion kit.

This is the A5 e-tron Quattro plug-in hybrid which matches a 2.0 liter TFSI engine with 211 PS (155 kW / 208 bhp) with two electric motors, one on each axle, that makes this A5 an all-electric capable vehicle.

The electric motor at the front adds another 45 PS (33 kW) to the power going through the front wheels while an 81 PS (60 kW) electric motor at the back powers the rear axle. That rear-mounted motor only kicks in when acceleration requires it to or when sensors detect a loss of rear traction such as in a hard curve. Juice for the electric motors is supplied by a 9.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

With that electrical setup, the A5 e-tron Quattro can travel up to 40 km (25 miles) solely on electric power and is able to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph). Overall, fuel-economy is rated at 2.7 liters/100 km with a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds (0.6 seconds faster than the standard 2.0 liter TFSI A5) and a top speed of 228 km/h (142 mph).

But this is just a prototype and Audi engineers have had to make use of carbon fiber and aluminum parts to counteract the weight gain of all that electrical gear to keep the curb weight around the same 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs) mark of the standard 2.0 TFSI A5 Quattro.

We'll see if this prototype ever makes it to the streets but Peugeot is ready to prove the concept's market-viability by bringing the 3008 HYbrid4 all-wheel drive capable diesel-electric hybrid to market later this year.

SIM-Drive has developed the Advance Development Model No. 1 named “SIM-LEI” as its nickname. LEI stands for the initial letters of “Leading Efficiency In-Wheel motor”.

The object of this project is to develop a prototype of the advanced development model aiming to start mass-production in 2013. This project collected 34 establishments and organizations who intend to enter in the electrical vehicle business in the future.

The target performance of SIM-LEI was to achieve over 300km of range per charge, which is generally pointed as the major concern for the electrical vehicle to promote in the market. The prototype achieved this target by 333km of range per charge by JC-08 mode, which represents general urban traffic condition in Japan.

The battery capacity to achieve this target is 24.5kWh as almost the same level as other electrical vehicles presented in the market. Electrical power consumption is 77Wh/km. (for comparison, a Nissan LEAF uses 173Wh/km)

The fundamental technologies to achieve this performance are the SIM-Drive original technologies, such as direct drive in-wheel motors and component built-in frame. Other than these two, the following technologies contribute a lot.

All steel monocoque body contributes to reduce body weight. High power density battery provides highly efficient energy re-generation. Super low rolling friction resistance tire reduces friction resistance. The super low air drag body reduced the drag drastically.

The SIM-LEI is as long as medium size sedan, and as wide as a compact car. It has a lot of leg room and large trunk space.

The acceleration performance, which is one of the feature of the electrical vehicle presented by
SIM-Drive, achieved by 4.8 seconds for 0-100km/h standing start acceleration. This is the performance equivalent to the prestige sport cars.

In total 34 Japanese corporations participated in this project. On completion of the development and construction, SIM-LEI proved to be able to drive in long range, and the energy consumption rate is quite favorable.

This achievement indicates that if we use mid-night surplus electricity, no additional power generation plant is required even when all vehicles in operation are replaced with the electrical vehicles.

Using battery on board of the electrical vehicle as the energy storage, electricity charged at mid-night could be used at daytime for domestic household. The electrical vehicle can be used for grid storage to help utilities at the peak-times.

Robert Llewellyn takes an exclusive first ride in the Delta E4 coupe electric car with technical director Nick Carpenter

The Tango EV has been around for a few years now but this is the first time we’ve seen an in-depth review of the car. Automotive technology website, Translogic, has just provided a full review of the car including insightful interviews with its creator, Rick Woodbury.

Unlike the G-Wizz, another small and very skinny electric vehicle, the Tango provides ample power with more-than-adequate acceleration. In fact, the Tango EV is able to achieve 0-100km/h in just four seconds (3.8 seconds for 0-60mph/97kph) and has previously run a quarter mile of 12.8 seconds – similar to a Tesla Roadster.

Take a look at the video above for more interesting details on how the Tango was developed, and a quick road test.

Ben Short isn’t complaining about the rising price of gasoline. In fact, the Chevrolet Volt owner from Rochester, N.Y., doesn’t pay attention to the rising prices since he’s only used about a half a tank of gas in the last three weeks.

Short is an early Volt purchaser whose idea of an electric car with extended range is that it is an electric car first and foremost. Like the typical Volt driver, Short counts on the Volt’s 16 kWh lithium-ion battery to take him about 35 miles between charges. Interviewed recently by WHAM-TV, Short said he remembered gas was “floating just above $3 a gallon” when he last bought it.

If he gets really good at going without gas, Short will find his Volt telling him the engine generator needs to start every so often, while the Volt’s specially engineered fuel tank makes sure the gas inside stays fresh.

“Gasoline readily evaporates at normal ambient temperatures and it also degrades over time from oxygenation and condensation, “said Jon Stec, fuel system integration engineer for the Volt. In order to ensure that the gasoline in the tank doesn’t hurt the Volt’s performance or emissions when it is needed, engineers pressure sealed the 9.3 gallon steel fuel tank to contain the gasoline vapors.

“Using a sealed tank limits this evaporation when the engine is off,” Stec said.

For the last several decades, new vehicles have been equipped with charcoal canisters to trap evaporating gasoline and then feed it back to the engine. Since the Volt’s engine may not fire up for extended periods, hydrocarbons potentially could build up in the canister, so the sealed tank contains the vapor. The extra pressure meant that a lightweight steel tank had to replace the lightweight plastic tanks used in most modern vehicles.

Volt engineers and supplier Spectra Premium Inc. developed the tank from 1.4 millimeter thick hot-dip tin-zinc coated steel to resist corrosion from both inside and outside. Despite the strength of the tank, it has a mechanical pressure relief valve that begins opening at 3.5 psi and a vacuum relief that opens at -2.3 psi, levels that are rarely exceeded.

Even with a tank that resists fuel vapors escaping or humidity getting in, the gas inside still needs to be used up and replenished periodically. That’s where the Volt’s “maintenance mode” comes in. If the engine hasn’t started after six weeks, the powertrain controller sends a message to the driver telling him the engine needs to run for maintenance.

Volt drivers can defer the engine maintenance mode for up to 24 hours, after which the engine will run for a while on its own to use up some of the gas and keep the internals lubricated and ready for use. If a driver manages to go a full year between fill-ups, the fuel maintenance mode will run the engine until the old gas is used up or the driver adds fresh fuel.

“For the driver who starts the year with a full tank of 9.3 gallons and runs 15,000 miles on electricity, the maintenance mode will use just enough gas to average a very respectable 1,613 miles per gallon,” Stec said.

Here are the first spyshots of the BMW i8, flagship of the new BMW i sub-brand, conducting cold weather testing. According to Scott26, it’s undergoing drivetrain testing and some details on the car seen here will still be subject to change.

The i8 was previously intended to be powered by a The combination of a 3-cylinder turbo diesel with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full engine at the rear axle to enable an overall system output of 241 kW/328 bhp. But, according to R&D chief Klaus Draeger, the diesel motor will now be replaced by a traditional gasoline engine in order to appeal to the widest potential sales market.

The Yaris HSD concept was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and represents the first down-sizing of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology.

The concept car inherits all the clever DNA of the Yaris as well as the smooth, sophisticated driving experience of Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain. Its new, more advanced and sophisticated style points to the forward-looking design direction for the next Yaris model range.

It offers customers an ingenious combination of small, compact packaging and a spacious, practical interior. Flanked by highly contoured headlamps, the upper grille opening is shallow, helping the air flow smoothly over the upper half of the body.

The Toyota logo is fully integrated within the front lip of the bonnet, adding stylish articulation to its leading edge.

In profile, the Yaris HSD concept’s sleek, monoform shape is emphasised by the long, sweeping roofline and a single, crisp character line which runs smoothly through the length of the vehicle.

Short front and rear overhangs and a long wheelbase maximise passenger accommodation and load space. Several hybrid-specific styling cues indentify the Yaris HSD concept as a Toyota full hybrid model derivative.

Air turbulence has been minimised by flat, vertical ‘aero’ corners housing front foglamps and matching rear reflectors, a large integral rear spoiler, comprehensive underbody covers and 18″ aero wheels featuring enlarged air gaps for improved cooling air flow.

Even the door handles and rear side-view cameras have been carefully designed to the most aero-efficient shape.

The show car’s striking, white pearl paintwork is unique to the Yaris HSD concept. It showcases a further development of this remarkable finish, with highlighting provided by sparkling blue metallic accents.

Requiring specialised, multi-layering application techniques, this hybrid-specific application brings an extraordinary depth and quality feel to the finished paintwork.

The presence of Hybrid Synergy Drive® is further emphasised through hybrid Blue Toyota badges, LED daytime running lights and ‘synergy’ blue illuminated highlight surrounds to both the outer mirrors and door handles.

Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology targets demanding urban customers who expect a new driving and ownership experience from their car.

Combining low fuel consumption, emissions and cost of ownership with uniquely relaxed and quiet driving, HSD proves that driving pleasure need not be compromised by environmental responsibility and low running costs.

Introducing full hybrid technology into a car of this size has presented Toyota with several unique engineering challenges.

The new powertrain design must be optimised for installation within the vehicle’s compact, extremely efficient packaging design without detriment to either system quality and performance, or passenger or cargo space.

This comprehensive repackaging of HSD technology is essential for meeting the growing market demand for urban-based family vehicles, without compromising either interior space or hybrid performance.

The production model, following on from the Yaris HSD concept, will be launched throughout Europe in the second half of 2012.

Toyota has brought the iQ EV concept to Geneva.

The electric version of the mini iQ model is not yet ready for production but Toyota will be testing this prototype here with an intention of bringing it to market.

The iQ EV comes with a 47kW (64 PS / 63 bhp) permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and 11kWh/270V lithium-ion battery which lies flat in the bed of the car. A new battery layout for Toyota which does not eat up valuable cabin space, especially on a minicar like the iQ.

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a long 14 seconds, though, and top speed is a modest 125.5 km/h (78 mph). Range on a full charge is 105 km (65 miles).

The iQ EV features dual 100/200V AC and DC charging sockets - a DC quick charge station delivering an 80 percent charge in about 15 minutes.

Toyota will begin testing the iQ EV in Europe, Japan and the U.S. later this year.

Source: Toyota

Rolls-Royce has officially unveiled the 102EX prototype.

Described as "one of the most significant initiatives taken by the company in recent years," the 102EX is a Phantom-based electric vehicle which kick starts Rolls-Royce's exploration of alternative powetrains. As part of this mission, the company will send the prototype on an international tour to give owners, VIPs and media the opportunity to test drive the car. Through this process, Rolls-Royce hopes to answer fundamental questions regarding consumer acceptance and confidence in EV technology.

At its heart, the 102EX is motivated by a 71 kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to two electric motors that develop a combined 389 hp (290 kW / 394 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the prototype to accelerate from 0-60 mph in "under 8 seconds" and hit a limited top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). More importantly, Rolls-Royce estimates the car will have a range of approximately 200km (124 miles) on a single charge.

When the battery is depleted, it can be recharged in 20 hours with a single-phase charger or 8 hours with a three-phase charger. Additionally, the car is equipped with an induction charging system which allows for wireless recharging. To use this system, the car is parked on top of an induction pad and "power frequencies are magnetically" transferred to the battery.

On the styling front, the model is virtually indistinguishable from a standard Phantom. Despite this, the 102EX has an Atlantic Chrome exterior with an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and a C-pillar charging port.

Inside, the cabin takes an eco-friendly path as the wood trim is replaced by aluminized foil weave accents. Furthermore, the unique Seton Corinova leather upholstery - which is tanned using vegetable oils - covers the seats, floor and arm rests. Lastly, the 102EX is outfitted with a revised instrument cluster and a center console-mounted charging indicator.

While it is worth noting that Rolls-Royce has invested significant thought into the development of 102EX, the company has no plans for a production model.

Source: Rolls-Royce

With the Geneva Motor Show just around the corner, Rolls-Royce has released the first teaser images of the 102EX concept.

Essentially a Phantom EV, the 102EX is a "test bed" which will be used to gather feedback about consumer acceptance of alternative powertrains. As part of this process, VIPs (owners, enthusiasts, and members of the press) will get the opportunity to test drive the car at a number of locations in Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.

According to Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, "With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future." He added, "It must be a technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future."

No word on specifications, but more information will be released when the 102EX is officially unveiled on March 1st.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Toyota will launch this iQ-based electric prototype at next month’s Geneva motor show.
The car “represents Toyota’s long-term vision for short-range sustainable mobility”, according to the Japanese firm, and demonstrates how the new technology could find its way across the model range.

The prototype uses the firm’s new flat lithium-ion battery from the plug-in Prius and is hidden beneath the floor to not impede on the interior space of the four-seat iQ. The dimensions are identical to the IQ upon which the EV prototype is based.

Toyota has yet to confirm final specifications of the car, but says its battery pack will be good for a range of 65 miles and it could be introduced for sale in 2012 after undergoing fleet trials this year.

It will be on display at Geneva alongside the firm’s FT-86 Concept I, the seven-seat Prius+ and the Yaris HSD.

At the Geneva Auto Show this year, German manufacturer BMW will be bringing a new interpretation of the Vision concept shown in 2009 in Frankfurt. This time, however, the concept has been created not as an extension of a power train, but as an extension of the drivers themselves.

To be used as a show-and-tell platform for BMW's finest technologies in terms of “current and future methods of mobile networking,” packed with eye-catching, mind-blowing infotainment systems, the car will also benefit from a very special unveiling during the Geneva event.

Among the technologies developed by BMW for the concept, one of the most important is the new interpretation of the Head-Up Display (HUD). Build to render the information in 3D, it is capable of projecting information about the route precisely onto the location of a possible turn-off - in relation to the actual field of view.

Working in conjunction with the display is the freely programmable instrument cluster, which is used to complement the projections generated by the HUD. Also built to render the information in 3D, the cluster is said to be able to enhance the impact of the data relayed to the driver by means of graphics.

In the Vision ConnectedDrive concept, the passenger too can feel he is part of the car. The Passenger Information Display can be used by the wannabe co-pilot to evaluate information or address details for the navigation system. The funny side of the ride is insured by means of an Emotional Browser, which can gather data about the surroundings, including people, mood or location.

On the outside of the car, an array of sensors embedded into the headlights and the rear lights is used to monitor the traffic situation and the environment. The outside mirrors have been replaced by antennas, which are used as transmission-reception hubs for the data transmitted from or to the vehicle.

Honda's EV Concept electric vehicle and a platform for mid size plug-in hybrid vehicles will be displayed alongside the revised Accord range at the Geneva Motor Show.

The concepts were unveiled at the LA Auto Show in November 2010 and will be shown at Geneva as part of Honda’s “Road to Zero Emissions”, illustrating the current technology of hybrids alongside the near-future technology of plug-in vehicles and the ultimate goal of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, like Honda’s FCX Clarity.

The two new cars are integral to the Honda Electric Mobility Network, the company's comprehensive approach to reducing CO2 emissions through innovative products, energy-management and energy-production technologies.
The Honda EV Concept hints strongly at the direction and styling for Honda's upcoming production battery electric vehicle, the Fit EV, which will be introduced to the U.S. and Japan in 2012. The all-new plug-in hybrid platform showcases Honda's next-generation, two-motor hybrid technology set to debut in 2012.

Honda EV Concept
The EV Concept is designed to meet the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter and utilises the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback (known as Jazz in the UK).

The Honda EV Concept will achieve an estimated 100 mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4 city cycle. Driving range can be maximised by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sporty hybrid. In addition to this, the Honda EV Concept will include several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximising battery range.

Alongside the Honda EV Concept will be a prototype Honda charging stand, providing a glimpse at the future of an electric-charging infrastructure that is easy to use and intuitive for consumers.

Honda Plug-in Hybrid
Honda will also preview a plug-in hybrid platform, which showcases Honda's next-generation two-motor hybrid system. Integrated into a mid-size saloon platform, the plug-in hybrid is designed to be compatible with daily driving habits, allowing for short, frequent trips in all-electric mode, while providing long-distance driving capability when needed.

The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximise driving efficiency: all-electric, petrol-electric and an engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

FCX Clarity
The FCX Clarity will also be displayed alongside the two concept vehicles demonstrating its position as the ultimate solution to zero emissions mobility. The world’s first production fuel cell electric vehicle has been available to lease in the US and Japan since 2008.

Honda Range at Geneva Motor Show 2011

Accord
The revised Honda Accord Saloon and Tourer models will make their debut at the show. Both cars receive a host of changes including enhanced styling, emissions, ride and handling.

Jazz
The revised Honda Jazz marks the return of a CVT automatic transmission to the endlessly flexible B-segment hatchback.

Jazz Hybrid
The Jazz Hybrid went on sale at the beginning of February 2011 and further demonstrates Honda’s continuing commitment to petrol-electric hybrid technology.

Insight
The 2011 Honda Insight features revised suspension components and settings, specification changes and new exterior colours.

CR-Z
The world’s first 6-speed manual hybrid coupe, the Honda CR-Z will grace the stand at the Geneva Motor Show.

CR-V
The CR-V equipped with the Euro NCAP award-winning Collision Mitigation Brake System, the Honda-developed autonomous emergency braking technology, will sit in the safety zone of the Geneva Motor Show stand.

It may be a concept, but the Nissan ESFLOW electric sports car proves it's possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving.

It looks like a sports car, handles like a sports car and performs like one too. But ESFLOW is different to every other sports car yet built: it's electric. Using technology pioneered in the award-winning Nissan LEAF, the EV concept shows that driving can still be as much fun tomorrow as it is today.

The Nissan ESFLOW

Nissan has a reputation for creating some of the most exhilarating sports cars on the market. Nissan has also developed the world's first practical Zero Emission family car, the Nissan LEAF.

Now Nissan has put that expertise together. It has captured the excitement of a sports car and the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle and blended them into one dramatic two-seater concept: ESFLOW.

ESFLOW has been created from the ground up as a pure electric vehicle, to give an idea how a Zero Emission sports car of the future might look. Living ecologically has often been seen as an act of austerity - to save one's environmental conscience sacrifices must be made. ESFLOW is here to address that misconception.

Owning an ecologically sound car does not have to come at the expense of driving enjoyment. The briefest glance at the ESFLOW is enough to tell you what kind of car it is: a long bonnet leading into a steeply raked, wrap around windscreen, the compact cabin placing the occupants bang on the car's centre of gravity, hunched arches over ultra-low profile tyres wrapped around six spoke wheels. ESFLOW is unmistakably a sports car, and those in the know will recognize its heritage - hints of classic and contemporary Nissan sports cars abound.

Vitally, ESFLOW is not an existing ICE (internal combustion engine) powered vehicle that has been adapted to run on electricity, but a sports car that's been designed from the outset as a Zero Emission vehicle. This means that Nissan's forward thinking designers have had free rein to place the power train and batteries in the optimum positions to benefit the car's handling and performance and enhancing the thrill of driving.

The Car

The ESFLOW is based on existing technology, implemented in innovative ways. An attractive, head turning composite body covers an aluminium chassis, incorporating its own roll cage. The powertrain unit, which employs the same technologies installed in the Nissan LEAF, is tuned to offer a sporty driving experience.

The Powertrain

ESFLOW is rear-wheel drive and it runs on two motors. The car's graceful proportions allow the twin electric motors to be placed above the axis of the rear wheels, in a mid-ship position,. These motors independently control the left and right wheels, and so the torque is optimized to ensure outstanding vehicle stability and control as well as efficient power regeneration. The motors produce enough torque in an instant for it to reach a 100kph in under 5 seconds.

Power for the motors comes from the same laminated lithium-ion battery packs used in the Nissan LEAF, but in ESFLOW the packs are located along the axis of the front and rear wheels. This centralizes the mass of the car, and thus its rotation point, close to the driver's hips. These cleverly positioned batteries enable the car to travel over 240km on one charge.

The Chassis

An aluminium chassis has been built around the drive train, taking full advantage of the opportunities that Zero Emission electric propulsion provides. Power cells are incorporated in such a way that they benefit ESFLOW's strength and poise, not detract from them. Indeed, unlike a conventional fuel tank, batteries do not get lighter as they provide energy, so the car's weight distribution remains constant throughout a drive.

The high waistline afforded by the ESFLOW's classic sports car proportions allows strong, yet unobtrusive roll bars incorporated in to the structure behind the seats to safely take the entire load of the car in the event of a roll over, negating the need for obtrusive, thick, reinforced A-pillars and the blind spots they inevitably create.

This almost unobstructed view ahead will not be unfamiliar to fighter pilots, and just as such pilots speak of "strapping their planes on to their backs", we hope ESFLOW owners will also feel the car to be an extension of their bodies, reacting to their slightest whims. The driver must be at the centre of the sports car both physically and metaphorically.

The Body

The ESFLOW is undoubtedly an attractive car. Crisp, clean lines not only convey the purity of its sporting potential, but suggest the clarity of electric power. The colour scheme chosen for the concept car is inspired by glaciers - highly reflective solidified liquid with blue tints in its shadows. Like its ZEV concept forebears and contemporary stable mate the ESFLOW's headlights and Nissan emblem are tinted cool blue. The six spoke wheels contain blue carbon inserts while the same material adorns the side sill, roof mounted lip spoiler and lower rear bumper.

Blue LEDs accentuate the futuristic lights slashed into the bodywork both front and rear. Where the Nissan LEAF's protrusive headlights are used to guide airflow around the door mirrors, this is not needed on ESFLOW as the mirrors have been replaced with minute rear view cameras at the base of its A-pillars. The ESFLOW's front lights do protect a secret of their own however: flip out charging points built in to the air ducts beneath.

The Interior

Ecological minimalism need not come at the expense of luxury. The cabin of the ESFLOW is clean and open and weight saving has been a priority throughout its design, but it is still a comfortable and pleasant place to sit. By far the heaviest components in modern cars' interiors are the steel framed, thickly upholstered and increasingly motorized seats. In ESFLOW the seats are sculpted into the rear bulkhead of the car, negating the need for a heavy frame. This of course means that they are immobile, but this is of no consequence as the fly-by-wire steering and pedals adjust electrically to the best spot to suit each individual driver's size and preferred driving position.

The seats themselves are upholstered in gold leather and perforated gold suede while the doors are trimmed in dark blue leather and suede. The blue and gold motif, the colour of sparks, is continued across the dashboard, which is also adorned with silver carbon trim, and features four multifunction illuminated LCD displays.

Car Specifics At A Glance:

• ESFLOW – a pure EV sports car concept
• Rear-wheel drive two-seater
• Two electric motors, each driving a rear wheel
• Laminated lithium-ion batteries mounted low for best weight distribution
• Dramatic styling with wraparound windscreen for unobstructed visibility
• 0-100km/h in under 5 seconds
• Over 240kms on one charge

The fully electric Zoe is a Clio-sized supermini with a range of up to 100 miles. It’s still in the concept stages, but it will definitely go into production and you’ll be able to buy one in mid-2012. Better still, the final car won’t lose much of this one’s va-va-voom, and it’ll cost about the same as a mid-spec Ford Fiesta. Who said electric cars couldn’t be desirable? Not us!

The design

The Zoe’s teardrop profile is dominated by what’s probably best described as its ‘friendly’ face. The sweeping headlights blend seamlessly into the grille, and the nose looks unusually clean because fewer air intakes are needed than on a petrol or diesel car. ‘It’s the first time we’ve used this new front end on a car that’s going into production, and we’re getting some great feedback’, says Axel Breun, Renault’s design director of concept and show cars. ‘It proves Renault is getting back to its best at building emotive cars.’

Remember the previous-shape Mégane? Well, the Zoe is vaguely similar round the back, albeit curvier and more fluid.

The concept is 90% ready for production, and Renault describes it as an ‘exaggerated’ version of the Zoe you’ll be able to buy in 18 months. The final car – which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September – will be 5-7cm shorter and narrower, but Renault assures us the basic look will be left alone.

That’s not too tricky a promise to keep, because this isn’t an outlandish concept with gull-wing doors. It’s essentially a normal-looking supermini, which is something Renault sees as very important. It knows a big chunk of the car-buying public already has reservations about buying an electric car, and doesn’t want people to have to get their heads around something that looks like an iPod on wheels.

There are some futuristic features on this concept, but most will make way for more humdrum alternatives. You’ll notice there are no door handles, for example. The door pops open when you simply stroke a metal square that’s surrounded by squiggles of light. Very clever, but expensive and not practical. Conventional door handles will be the order of the day on the final production car.

The same goes for the lights. The LED units on the concept car have a halo around them, which flashes orange when you’re indicating and glows blue when you’re not. The final car may have LED daytime running lights, but the head- and tail-lights will be conventional.

Other changes?

Other minor exterior changes will include larger door mirrors – to meet legislation – and smaller wheels. The 19-inch alloys fitted to the concept look great, but 17-inch wheels are more practical.

The Zoe will be near enough identical in size to the current Clio after the miniaturisation process its about to undergo, but Axel Breun says it doesn’t offer a preview of Renault’s next supermini: ‘The next Clio will obviously share one or two design features with the Zoe – such as this new front end – but it will be very different overall,’ he says.

Renault is keen for a more cohesive look across its range, though. Simon Luque, deputy programme director of Zoe, says: ‘We want anyone who sees one of our cars to immediately know it’s a Renault, but we don’t want to fall into the trap of, say, Audi where you have to study every model carefully to work out if you’re looking at an A4, A6, or an A8.’

The world's largest solar powered boat will sail around the world to show solar power is a viable source of energy.


A nearly 100-feet long and 50-feet wide ship named "Planet Solar" weighs 60 tons, and is decked with photovoltaic modules. The vessel was launched in Monaco on Monday.

German entrepreneur Immo Stroeher and Swiss project founder, Raphael Domjan made their dream a reality.

They're taking it on a record-breaking round-the-world trip to show that solar power is a viable source of energy for transport.

On board batteries allow the boat to sail for about three days without fresh solar power.

According to the German shipbuilders, the vessel should be able to reach speeds of up to 15 nautical miles per hour. The crew of six hope to make it around the world in 160 days, all of them fossil-fuel free.

The catamaran will stop in Miami, Cancun, San Francisco, Sydney, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi.

Volkswagen today presented the XL1 prototype, the eagerly-awaited vehicle that consumes only 0.9 l/100km (261.3 US mpg - 313 IMP mpg)! Scheduled to make its world debut at the Qatar Motor Show (26-29 January), the new concept releases only 24 grams of CO2 per kilometer, obviously thanks to a series of technological innovations, all of them supposed to cut emissions and improve mileage.

The XL1 uses a combination of lightweight construction, monocoque and add-on parts made of carbon fiber, a very low aerodynamic drag (0.186) plus a very advanced plug-in hybrid system which relies on a two-cylinder TDI engine and an electric motor.

Specifically, the car measures 3,888 mm / 1,665 mm / 1,156 mm (153 in / 65.5 in / 45.5 in) and has a wheelbase of 2,224 mm (87.5 in). The 800 cm3 two-cylinder TDI engine generates a maximum power of 48 hp and 120 Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds an extra 27 hp and 100 Nm of torque. The powertrains are mated to a 7-speed DSG, with the electric unit being backed by a lithium-ion battery pack.

Weighing only 795 kilos, the car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 11.9 seconds, while achieving a maximum electronically-limited speed of 160 km/h (99.4 mph). The estimated range of the electric motor is 35 kilometers, while the whole autonomy, TDI plus electric, goes up to 550 km with only 10 liters of fuel.

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, today announced its NX software and Teamcenter software were used to design and develop Exagon Engineering’s Furtive-eGT all-electric automobile.

The Furtive-eGT, France’s first all-electric luxury car, was created by Luc Marchetti, founder and chairman of Exagon Engineering. It combines high performance with respect for the environment while meeting consumer expectations for style and comfort.

“The Furtive e-GT’s looks and performance are both incredibly compelling,” said Marchetti. “This car positions France in the rapidly expanding electric car market. I am passionate about cars and my ambition when I founded Exagon Engineering was to create an all-electric luxury car that meets the same standards as a gas-powered vehicle. By partnering with Siemens PLM Software, I was able to create a masterpiece.”

Exagon Engineering uses the NX integrated computer-aided design, manufacturing and engineering analysis (CAD/CAM/CAE) software for all of the 3D digital product development work associated with the Furtive-eGT. All product data – including the detailed NX models – is then securely managed, disseminated and controlled using Teamcenter, the world’s most widely used digital lifecycle management solution.

"We are delighted to have worked with Exagon Engineering on the design of the Furtive-eGT and to have offered them our expertise in PLM, as well as our industry-leading software,” said Christophe Iffenecker, Vice President & Managing Director, Siemens PLM Software, France.

Exagon Engineering are the company behind many of the ice racing machines that contested the Trophée Andros Electrique last season.

Prius C Concept is a "cordless" Prius hybrid family member that will come to market in the first half of 2012.

The C Concept is an evolution of the Toyota FT-CH concept unveiled at Detroit exactly one year ago