New Energy Automotive

Archive for February, 2012

Opel has presented officially in the Netherlands to the European media the Ampere, the first passenger extended-range electric Opel. You can travel between 40 and 80 km with a full charge your battery, and up to 500 recharges with heat engine that provides support. The feelings he has left are really positive, and its main Achilles heel of the high price, which in Spain will be € 38,900, including aid.

By summarizing what we know, the Opel Ampere has 2 motors, one electric and one 150 Nm CV/370 gas heat, 4-cylinder 1.4 liter 86 hp. The electric motor is the only thing that moves the wheels, although in some cases the heat can get to help the movement. Vehicle performance: 160 km / h, 0 to 100 km / h in 9 seconds and 0 to 50 km / h in 3.1 seconds.

The battery is composed of 288-cell lithium ion battery that weighs 198 kg and provides 16 kWh. Are located in the center of the floor behind the rear seats. To ensure operation in extreme temperature conditions, you may heat them or refrigerate.

Very good behavior.

As regards the behavior of the car, it seems very good. Its basis is the Opel Astra, excellent in this area, and 200 kilos of the battery, placed very low, help your center of gravity will be too. The suspension is comfortable, but not soft. The steering feel is soft but not enough to lack tact. As the brakes are particularly effective.

Like the Volt, the Ampera will guarantee a wide coverage-eight years or 160,000 miles throughout the mechanical-and will be sold together with all services charging assembly point in the garage, contracts with energy suppliers, etc.

Four methods of use.

it works like an automatic car. The gear selector has the same positions including, as in some cars with continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), a position L (Low or short) that reduces development for the benefit of higher accelerations.

In this area, the Ampere the Volt introduces differences, some of which also apply in this. The first is that it has reduced to 4,000 rpm these maximum rate that could turn the internal combustion engine, because it was very noisy and also has added a fourth mode of operation to the three I already had.

Thus, the Ampere, you can choose between Normal, Sport, Mountain and Hold. At the Sport is enhanced acceleration, but less than L in selecting the position change. However, the maximum speed is limited as it is to engage that. It also has better throttle response.

This at least is the prediction of Nick Reilly, executive director of GM’s European division, which has ensured that this second generation will come in 2015 and also a considerable price cut, will have important mechanical improvements. This is due to the economy of scale that allow manufacturers to reduce the present enormous production costs which directly affects prices more and more competitive.

According to Reilly, “We have much to learn from the technology of the Ampere, but improvements are a matter of time. Hope that this first generation to become a market leader and we can use this to design a second generation cheaper and with better performance than the Current ”

It has also confirmed that the Ampere’s system could be used in other models, triggering speculation about new Opel electric models in a short period of time. Reilly also added that the new generation of the Ampere will have a complete redesign and less conservative than the current, which has been attributed to be an adaptation of the Volt on a particularly difficult time for the parent brand, with a bankruptcy by medium. This new design will be based on the Safire minivan prototype Toured Concept that we saw in the Geneva Auto Show this year.

He has also confirmed that depending on the number of sales, Opel could consider moving the manufacturing of the European version of our continent, but for now this will still manufactured in the General Motors plant on U.S. soil. If we go by the numbers, the Ampere already has 7,000 reservations on European soil, a considerable amount when you consider its price, 38,900 Euros in Spain, and that the fee for the entire 2012 is 10.00 units, a figure that priori, reached in a fairly quick.

Zoe hit the market during 2012 and Renault has high expectations for which he is called to lead the number of sales of the French brand in the field of electric cars, we told you what your strengths.

It is a compact five-door four-sweater all-electric to hit the market in 2012 within the range of zero emissions French manufacturer. It has an aggressive and futuristic design with a very aerodynamic line and represents the first Renault model designed from scratch to house electrical system.

It has a length of 4.08 meters long, nearly 7 inches longer than the Clio, and 1.78 meters wide which provides space for four passengers traveling in a comfortable but is approved to accommodate five occupants.

Will be driven by an electric motor of 60 kW (81 hp) with 222Nm of torque available from zero rpm, allowing you to reach a top speed of 140km/hay will be powered by a lithium battery pack with 22 kWh of capacity , which will give a range, to be confirmed, up to 200 miles on each charge.

Furthermore, as the ZOE has been designed from scratch as a platform for an electric car, the engineers have given it the ability to be adapted to use the change of batteries, Quick Drop, which in less than three minutes; we will provide a new pack fully charged.

For the first option will need between 6 and 8 hours to charge fully, but as the units do not always recargaremos from scratch so if you usually do not use the 160km of autonomy (NEDC) and atendiéndonos the European average of 64 km, in less than two hours have the car fully charged again.

For rapid charging will need a high voltage output of at least 400V, allowing us to recharge our battery completely in less than 30 minutes or 50km in just 10 minutes extra, but many experts do not recommend using this system is usually due to extra effort we put on the batteries, so it is best used only in emergencies.

For Quick drop we wait a few years since for this we need a battery exchange station which will allow us to have a fully recharged in only 3 minutes, although this system also hangs in doubt as we will be tied to a lease battery and can use only one supplier, but completely breaks down the aura of slow pace of conventional recharging.

The weight is 1.392kg Zoe, 237 kg more than the Clio, a figure that we must take into account when the cornering but offset by recoveries by a torque figure which is double.

In short, a serious contender for super sales will be available for sale for about 15,000 Euros, which will be added the rent of the battery in the absence of official confirmation is estimated at an amount close to 75 Euros per month, with a limit of kilometers around the 15,000 km each year, after which we will pay a charge per kilometer that will be about two cents, although it is almost certain that there will be a maximum of that many miles we walk, not increase the our monthly payment amount.

The Awards for International Tire Technology Innovation and Excellence are organized by the International Tire Technology magazine, the only publication in the world devoted to technology, design and manufacture of the tire.

Cais system provides real time information on conditions of the road surface to the driver through the tires. This future technology collects and evaluates information on road conditions through a sensor located inside the tread of the tire which wirelessly sends information to the vehicle computer analysis. The system is able to instantly receive the vibration of the input data and digitized using analysis equipment of the vehicle.

This new technology sorts the current state of the road in seven categories: dry, semi-dry, wet, muddy, fresh snow, packed snow and ice. The information is transmitted directly to the driver through a device installed in the car.

“This technology Bridgestone has really impressed,” said Adam Gavine, editor of the International Tire Technology. “This is a super high-tech development which is a clear contribution to road safety.”

“We are extremely proud to have won this award in the category” Tire Technology of the Year “in its 2012 edition,” said Morimoto, Vice President and Senior Director of Bridgestone Group. “We are currently collaborating with the Japanese company Highway Administration plans to use technology CAIS in road maintenance in winter conditions. This is another clear example of how Bridgestone promotes and invests in safety and comfort of drivers. ”

The jury was composed of 12 international professionals and independent tire, engineers and scholars who have evaluated each application and awarded prizes in several categories: Technology of the Year Tires, Tire Industry Provider of the Year Tire Manufacturer of the Year.

Continental tires will show three new car at the next Geneva Motor Show. Specifically, a new summer tire for sub-compact, compact and mid-segment car, a new winter tire for the same catergoría vehicles, and other winter tire for electric vehicles, which require a lot of technology, especially respect to the rolling resistance.

Continental’s stand will feature 160 square meters and be located in Hall 5. It will show, besides the aforementioned tires, automobile tires mounted Artega GT sports ContiForceContact approved for road use. This tire was able to defeat last year in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. Other exhibits of new tires for “tuning” of Continental Switzerland. In addition to its range of premium tires, the Swiss subsidiary also sells tires Continental Through specialty stores and dealers.

The Geneva Motor Show, which opens from 8 to March 18 is the first and most important motor show in Europe. Last year 735,000 visitors could attend the event and marvel at the innovations introduced by automobile manufacturers and their ancillary providers. Traditionally, Continental is one of the most important exhibitors of the tire sector and auxiliary industry.

The oil reaches the Panamera. The luxury sedan Porsche will next year diesel engine. A variant, as it did with the Cayenne, gives an economic hue naturally a fast car.

From the first day of its launch Panamera in love by all and sundry forms, performance and packaging. Any product that allows Porsche to join the best of both worlds, high performance and interior space, all topped with high levels of active safety. A product that has become successful not only in the Porsche customers, but in the competition. The result is a good rate of sales. Hence, the saga does not stop technological machines to expand its borders with a diesel version that comes close to full speed next year.

Cayenne Strategy

As happened with the signature SUV, the Cayenne, Porsche wants to offer a diesel version of its faithful. At least that has confirmed Matthias Müller, CEO of Porsche. Müller has confessed that the success of the version of the Cayenne has been one of the key factors of the launch of this new variant of the Panamera. As for the engine without a doubt that equip the well-known three-liter engine Volkswagen source. Müller has not given any details of the Panamera Diesel engine, but made The signature could give it a twist to the group and 3.0 TDi offer more than those 240 hp. As for the traction system, more of the same, the unknown remains open.

Fast and economical

Assuming that the engine will drop in the engine of the Panamera V6 Diesel will be mentioned, acceleration from zero to sixty should walk not far beyond the six seconds. The maximum speed will touch the 230 km / h. Otherwise it is also expected Tiptronic gearbox, yes, perhaps with eight speeds. On the subject of prices, if the current range starts with the rear-drive model of 86,000 euros is easy for the diesel model is closer to the 95,000 that is worth the Panamera 4.

The Mini Rocketman Concept is a prototype three-plus seater Mini presented at the Geneva Motor Show. It will be the smallest in the range Mini.

It need not be a concept car the Mini Rocketman because the market already has other models that exploit the possibility of 3 +1, is really two places and momentarily can be three, but alas the room!.

Toyota iQ is the clearest example (also referred to the Aston Martin). In short, the Mini Rocketman hiperurbano exploits that segment that is less than twelve feet in length (3.419 mm for the concept of Mini) and noted for its urban mobility, where it should draw attention to the opening of the doors because they are not hinged but are separated and can slide forward off the car perfectly in the most narrow. From its engine is silent, but insists on its ability to accelerate and their average consumption, around 3 liters per 100 kilometers.

BMW designers loaded inks on hard things like body type carbon spaceframe, the glass ceiling with the English flag LED, ultra-modern design of its interior, rear LED drivers that seem handles. The headlights look like the eye of the angel of the BMW 3 Series but in a much larger size. Another interesting design exercise is the double rear hatch opening, the upper and lower upwardly moving body 350 mm as a drawer.

The interior of the Mini Rocketman characterized by a very modern design and is full of quality details such as the use of noble materials such as suede-wrapped dashboard, the floor that reveals the carbon fiber and the rest seem made of aluminum. Its design similar to the current Mini but modernized. It is governed by the demands of modern life, so central unit can be removed from the car and set on a computer to upgrade travel destinations browser, music titles and contacts for mobile communication, before starting a journey.

Audi has added a new model of RS: the RS3 Sport back, a thoroughbred, almost pocket-sized, five-cylinder engine turbo 2.5-liter that provides 340 hp, and that Germany will be released in early year with a price of 49,900 Euros.

Brutal. Goes from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.6 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km / h. The engine climbs to the 6,800 rpm and weighing 1,575 kilos has an average consumption, spoiling the gas, 9.1 liters per 100 km. The 2.5 TFSI engine has a displacement of 2,480 cc and a specific output of 137.1 hp per liter, with maximum torque of 450 Nm available from 1,600 rpm through 5,300 rpm. The crankcase is made of cast graphite, a material of high strength lightweight, and Audi is the first manufacturer that uses a gasoline engine. The turbocharger is large and generates up to 1.2 bar boost pressure. Cutting-edge technology in the service of high performance.

The gearbox is a seven-speed, the S tonic, which offers two modes of operation, one automatic and one manual via steering wheel paddles or the gear knob. It also has launch control system to manage a perfect sprint from a standstill with an explosive result guaranteeing no slippage of the tires, perfect to win at the output of the stoplights at the Seat Ibiza Tide, and also to enjoy with all security superb potential under total control of electronics. According to Audi engineers point, the seventh is not so much to fly, and to reduce consumption … From the motor is provided by Quattro permanent four-wheel through an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch which distributes the best possible way the torque between the axles, with priority to the front and sending torque to the rear in terms of the previous slippage. The electronic stabilization program (ESP) has a Sport mode and can be switched off completely … now that’s sportsmanship and ensure the pleasure of the most experienced users.

The suspension has been completely revised compared to conventional units, with new coil springs and shock absorbers for shaping a sport suspension that lowers the ride height by 25 millimeters, which is associated with the new alloy wheels 19-inch aluminum equipped with 235/35 tires in front and 225/35 on the back, give it an imposing appearance. And with that, no one asks for the spare wheel, at best find an emergency, rescue kit, or telephone a crane. The RS3 Sport back includes the Sport button, which modifies the engine management system, rear parking system, internal temperature control, radio system and xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights. Among the options are Banquet type front seats (design competition). The new top model in the series of A3 is the fourth Audi model to be built in the place of Hungary in Gyor, which will be mounted next to the TT Coupe, TT Roadster and the A3 Cabriolet.

The you see in the image is just one of many image creations that have been created prior to the submission of the final X1 at the end of this article you can see in the video as it is. You must know that this new model is only available with five doors and includes many design elements that the German manufacturer has begun using in their new releases like the 7 Series, which mainly include the headlights, the front and a sharper compounds rear row of LEDs.

As we have seen, it is clear that his image is that something you are looking for a buyer of an SUV, we speak of a high and mighty front, marked wheel arches, a little inclined windshield and considerable say in width (1,789 m). What if it is less common, is its low height (1.53 m) or its long hood, giving it a sporty certainly within its segment, and this certainly makes a great car for all kinds Travel by comfort.

I can say that this model has been developed from the 1 Series platform, but this time with important differences. Among these differences is the increase in the wheelbase, which passes from 2.64 to 2.74, the same distance as the 3 series. Their suspensions have been redesigned to get the wheels have greater vertical travel, thereby achieving a better performance off-road.

If you want to use in the field, according to reports can equip the X-Drive, which is a permanent total traction device works normally sending 60% of engine power to the rear axle and the rest to the front although able to reach 100% deals on one axis, a perfect choice with what you can get better traction on slippery surfaces.

Speaking of his engine, we know that initially all four-cylinder engines will be a factor to be one of its strengths. In gasoline, will feature the 1.6 turbo direct injection of 150 and 218 hp, and diesel, the character is the 2.0 in its different variants of 143 and 177 hp, but recognize that the most interesting will be the new biturbo of 204 hp. All engines carry a six-speed manual gearbox and optional, automatic six or seven speeds.

The interior has undergone major changes: the shift lever back to a more conventional, between the two seats. It also grows in occupancy due to the larger field and increase their comfort seats, including rear ventilation and massage functions active.

A new feature of note is unlimited Internet access. In the dynamic section, have increased the wheelbase and track width, and new schemes have been implemented more sophisticated suspension. Standard now bears the System Dynamic Driving Control, which selects at will four modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport +, varying strength of damping and the speed with which the gearbox selects gears, the steering feel and throttle response.

You must know that the engine range has been completely renovated. The versions that we can now choose the 740i and 750i are gasoline, 326 and 407 horsepower respectively. To which refers diesel, debuts the latest evolution of the 3.0 six cylinder engine that develops an output of 245 hp. Of course, the firm has already communicated officially supports already orders for this brand new vehicle, which goes on sale next September.