Tag: Hybrid

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Audi Green Machines

Audi A6 hybrid

Audi A6 hybrid

Audi will be adding a hybrid model to its new A6 range. The A6 hybrid will be powered by a 155kW 2.0 TFSI four cylinder and a 33kW electric motor. Audi claim the hybrid can achieve an average fuel consumption figure of 6.2l/100km, while emitting CO2 emissions of 142g/km.

The hybrid model will be driven by the front-wheels and the electric motor sits behind the petrol engine. A portion of the boot space is taken up by the lithium-ion battery.

While the car is designed to be powered by both petrol and electric motors, the A6 hybrid can run in a full zero emissions electric only mode. However, the range is an amusingly modest 3km, assuming a constant speed of 60km/h. Hmm, not much vorsprung durch technik going on there. Still, you have to start somewhere.

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Audi

2011 Audi A6

2011 Audi A6

Here are the official pics of the 2011 Audi A6. Following this morning’s leak there’s no surprises in regards to the look, which is straight from the familiar Audi playbook.

Audi say the new model is lighter than the car it replaces. The figure published is 1575kg, but finding a reliable figure for the kerb weight of the previous generation is proving a bit tricky. Around one fifth of the new model is made from aluminium.

At launch, in Europe at least, there will be five engines on offer, with a mix of four and six cylinders. Peak power will range from 130kW (2.0 TDI) to 220kW (supercharged 3.0 V6). There will also be an A6 hybrid model on offer with a total power of 180kW.

The usual electronic gadgets and driver aids are included, of course. These are headlined by the optional MMI navigation plus system featuring Google connectivity and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.

Inside the expected level of finish and quality materials has been delivered once again. The “wrap around” dash also looks quite nice. On some models Audi has used timber veneer which has pushed that look away from the older style walnut look, and towards a stylish speedboat theme. It looks pretty good in the pics, too.

After the break you will find all the images you could hope for along with some intro press material. A detailed press release can also be downloaded for those that really want to sink their teeth into detail of the new A6. Those wanting to see and touch the new A6 for themselves will be able to do so early next year. Local buyers will have to wait a bit longer as usual, but for now, Audi Australia aren’t saying when.

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BMW Green Machines

BMW turns vision into reality

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

BMW has recently announced it will be turning its Vision EfficientDynamics concept into a full production model. The concept version first saw the light of day at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The road going version will be headlined by BMW’s ActiveHybrid technology, which in this instance translates to a 3 cylinder turbo diesel with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine fitted at the rear. All those bits add up to a peak power figure of 241kW (328bhp).

Other numbers of note are the claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds, a supposed fuel consumption figure of just 3.76 litres per 100km and CO2 emission rating of 99g/km. The car is fitted with a lithium-polymer rechargeable battery that can be charged in two and a half hours. This is a good thing, too, because the total range available in full electric mode is only 50km. However, the total range of the car, including 24 litres of diesel, is around 700km.

Those following more closely will have been kept up to date on this model at the dontblogaboutthis website, where more info can be found. After the break you read BMW’s press release along with some more pics and a repeat performance of the company’s explanation of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept.

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Green Machines Lotus Motor Shows

Paris 2010: Lotus City Car concept

Lotus City Car Concept

Lotus has added to its Paris Motor Show bonanza with this wee City Car concept. As with the Eterne concept, Lotus are proving anything Aston Martin can do, they can do too. The petrol-electric hybrid City Car should do a ripping job at reducing the CO2 emissions of the Lotus fleet. The dirty air emitted from this concept is rated at around 60g/km.

Adding neither speed (0-100km/h: 9 seconds) nor lightness (1400kg), the three-door four seat City Car has a total range of 500km from its hybrid power, reduced to 60km in full electric mode. Lotus do say the new concept offers class-leading acceleration, but let’s face it, that’s no great claim at this point.

Perhaps forewarning us of new greenwash euphemisms to come Lotus call the City Car concept’s 1.2 litre petrol engine a “Range Extender”. To be fair, with just 35kW and 3 cylinders, calling it an engine might be stretching the truth, too. In total, peak power can be as high as 162kW, which is not too shabby at all. However, the catch comes when you see continuous power is rated at a more modest 54kW.

I suppose we shall have to get used to these econoboxes from sports car makers in years to come, but it doesn’t make them any less palatable. More details on the City Car concept can be read after the break.

[via World Car Fans]

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Audi Green Machines Motor Shows

Paris 2010: Audi e-tron Spyder

Audi e-tron Spyder

This is the Audi e-tron Spyder, it’s the latest in the e-tron range from Ingolstadt and joins similar concept models previously shown at Detroit and Frankfurt. Featuring a fuel efficient 221kW V6 diesel engine the e-tron Spyder is complemented with a a pair of electric motors, one each to drive the front wheels, offering a further 64kW in all.

By using its Audi Space Frame technology weight has kept to 1450kg, or about the same as a current model TT. That’s not especially light, it must be said, but at least the addition of the electric motors hasn’t bothered the scales too much. Audi has managed to distribute that weight evenly over both axles, aiding handling and road holding.

The V6 TDI provides 650Nm of torque, the electric power adds a further 352Nm, meaning the Spyder concept can propel itself to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds. Sedate driving is rewarded with fuel consumption of just 2.2l/100km. CO2 emissions are kept low as well, producing just 59g/km. If you want to play the zero emission game you can, but to achieve the maximum 50km range you need to keep your speed below 60km/h.

At just 1100mm high, thanks to its gangster looks, the e-tron Spyder adds to the successful design legacy of Audi’s recent concept models. There’s plenty of other trick details included with this car, too, so make sure you check out the complete press release. Full details, pictures and video available after the break.

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Volkswagen

VW Touareg R rendering

Volkswagen Touareg R rendering

Following the last week’s news that Volkswagen’s R GmbH division is expected to add some herbs to the new Touareg comes this rendering courtesy of the Motor Authority website. All the key “R” exterior features are there; huge air intakes in the lower grille, signature blue paint and gloss black mirrors.

It seems the 5.0 litre V8 will feature twin turbo technology to help it reach 500bhp, an engine likely to be found elsewhere in the VAG line up; Audi S8, for example. Of course, the Touareg R hybrid will have an electric motor providing another 50bhp or so.

The Touareg R is expected to be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2011.

[Source: Motor Authority]

UPDATE 3 September: Car and Driver have thrown something different into the mix by reporting the Touareg R will be powered by a 4.2 litre V8 diesel.

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Green Machines Porsche

Jay Leno on the Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Spyder

AUSmotive is fast becoming Porsche 918 Spyder central; this is the fourth article on the hybrid hypercar inside one week after all. However, this close up look provided by Jay Leno is one of the best opportunities yet to get a good understanding of the 918’s finer details.

The chemistry between Jay and Porsche Design Chief Michael Mauer isn’t exactly electrifying, if you’ll pardon the pun. But the 8 minutes plus of footage available after the break is very easy watching if you’re a fan of the 918 Spyder.

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Green Machines Porsche

More Porsche 918 Spyder driving footage

Porsche 918 Spyder

With the recent appearance of footage showing the Porsche 918 Spyder in action it seems Porsche design boss Michael Mauer was feeling left out. But, as you can see from the pic above, Herr Mauer eventually got his way and found some one on one time with the 918 and some open road.

In the video below Mauer talks a little about the new Spyder and has a short squirt behind the wheel, in what must be close to being the best looking coupé to be revealed in 2010 so far.

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Porsche

Porsche 918 Spyder: Hear that sound

Porsche 918 Spyder

US publication Road & Track brings us a first sound bite of the Porsche 918 Spyder. Actually, looking at the screen cap above, you get a great sense of the car’s size and, of course, of its perfectly formed side profile. Its near on perfect!

The current 3.4 litre V8 in the prototype doesn’t sound half bad, either. Take the jump now to watch the clip. There’s a second clip, as well, which shows the 918 in action, albeit slowly.

[Source: Road & Track]

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Green Machines Porsche

New info on the Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Spyder

In late July word came through that Porsche had signed off on production for the stunning 918 Spyder with hybrid drive. Now a prototype 918 is touring the United States. It is understood the car will be on show in California and Florida only.

A series of images apparently taken before the California event have been posted on the Teamspeed forums. Along with the pics came some interesting info that, while it may turn out to be 100% accurate, it’s probably best to treat the following with some reservation.

Production is expected to be somewhere around 1000-2000 vehicles. The current 3.4 litre V8 may have its capacity increased to something like 3.6 litres in a bid to find even more power. There will probably just be the one transmission option for the 918 Spyder, too, a double-clutch PDK unit.

Currently the show car, reportedly worth a cool US$20 million, is an all carbon-fibre body. However, it is likely some panels on the final version will be made from aluminium to help comply with safety regulations.

Inside, the trick touch screen centre console will stay; a first for Porsche. It’s also believed that Porsche want to keep the side wing mirror cameras, with their display shown in the main instrument cluster.

For the outside the massive 22″ inch wheels are likely to be reduced for the production version. Some minor revisions to the rear bumper assembly are expected for practical purposes. It is uncertain if the very cool side exit exhaust tips will make it to production.

There are a number of pics after the break and you can follow the link below for larger sizing and more information.

[Source: Teamspeed]

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Green Machines Porsche

Porsche 918 Spyder given green light

Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche have confirmed recent rumours by approving full series production of the 918 Spyder hybrid supercar.

President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG, Michael Macht, says “Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts.

“We will develop the 918 Spyder in Weissach and assemble it in Zuffenhausen. This is also a very important commitment to Germany as a manufacturing base.”

Earlier this year a 911 GT3R Hybrid came within two hours of winning the Nürburgring 24 hour race at its first attempt. Already speculation exists suggesting the 918 Spyder will race at the Ring in 2010. Those rumours just got some legs, and will no doubt increase with today’s news.

At this stage the decision to build the car is all Porsche are telling us. They say more news will follow in the coming months. The full statement from Porsche is available after the break.

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Green Machines Porsche

918 Spyder set to become most expensive Porsche ever

Porsche 918 Spyder

The Porsche 918 Spyder now has around 2000 expressions of interest. Last we heard the count was at 900 or so, just 100 short of the minimum number Porsche required to build the hybrid brute; offering a 500bhp 3.4 litre V8 and a 230bhp electric motor.

Now that it looks more likely than not that the 918 Spyder will go into full production, speculation has centred around its pricing. How does €500,000 sound? That’s almost three quarters of a million dollars in Aussie notes. Supposedly that figure comes direct from people with intimate knowledge of the 918 Spyder program. If the rumours are right, that would make the 918 the most expensive car sold by the Stuttgart company.

I’ll take two, thanks.

[Source: Bloomberg]