Showing posts with label PARIS AUTO SHOW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PARIS AUTO SHOW. Show all posts

10/14/12

Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept



The Crosslane Coupe is a plug-in, dual-mode hybrid that combines an internal combustion engines, two electric motors, a battery pack and a single-stage transmission.

The combustion engine is a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-liter TSFI with an output of 130PS (128HP) and 200 Nm (147.5 lb-ft) of torque. The TFSI engine is coupled to an electric motor, labeled EM1, with 68PS (67HP) and 210 Nm (154.9 lb-ft) of torque. The EM2 functions primarily as a starter and alternator and is coupled to the internal combustion engine via a claw clutch.

A second electric motor, the EM2, which has an output of 116PS (114HP) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque, provides electrical traction.

The concept's hybrid system has two different operating modes (hence the dual-mode moniker). From standstill to 55 km/h (34mph), it is driven solely by the EM2, which is powered by the 17.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. In serial mode, the three-cylinder and the EM1 produce electrical energy that charges the battery.

At speeds above 55 km/h (34 mph), the system allows the internal combustion engine and the EM1 to engage in the drivetrain, while above 128 km/h (80 mph) the internal combustion engine is the primary source of power and, if needed, can be aided by the EM1.

Total combined output is 177PS (174HP), with the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint being completed in 6.8 seconds in dual-mode and 9.8 seconds in pure electric mode. Top speed is 181 km/h (113 mph), electric driving range is around 85 km (53 miles) and fuel consumption can be as low as 1.1 lt/100 km (256.8 mpg Imperial, 213.8 mpg US) and CO2 emissions just 26 g/km.

The driver can choose between two settings: in “cruise” mode the drivetrain operates as efficiently as possible, while in “race” it produces maximum performance.

The two-door Crosslane Coupe is 4.21 m (164.2 inches) long, 1.88 m (73.3 inches) wide and 1.51 m (58.9 inches) high, has a 2.56 m (99.8-inch) wheelbase and a 2+2 seat configuration.

Its bodywork sports a single-frame grille that is divided by struts, LED trapezoidal headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and two narrow openings in the bonnet that let outsiders take a peek at the upper members of the aluminum Multimaterial Space Frame.

The Crosslane Coupe has an ultralight CFRP roof that weighs less than 10 kg (22 pounds) and can be released electrically and stored over the boot’s load area.

The side doors extend down thanks to the very low sills and when they open they reveal aluminum members of the chassis. At the rear, the flat C-pillar and the low glasshouse emphasize the “coupe” moniker in Audi’s concept moniker and the taillights, which are divided in two sections by the boot lid, are similar in design to the headlamps.

An aluminum diffuser is incorporated in the CFRP rear bumper and the boot, which forms a separate shell within the space frame, can be extended about 40 cm forwards by the push of a button. In this position, when the roof is removed it protects the luggage while at the same time an extra storage space under the boot becomes accessible.

The interior is mostly made out of CFRP with aluminum elements and the floor is made of GFRP. The low dashboard is driver-oriented, the instrument panel includes virtual displays and the air conditioning controls incorporate very small displays.

Both driver and front passenger seats feature integrated head restraints, part leather upholstery and are electrically adjusted, while the center console incorporates a large touchpad that controls most functions and a large selector lever that sprouts out electrically when the car is started.



































9/30/12

McLaren P1



Although billed as a concept, in reality, the P1 is a pre-production teaser of the road car that will hit McLaren's glitzy showroom floors just before the end of 2013.

Deemed by many as the spiritual successor to the great F1 of the 1990s, McLaren says the P1 was designed with one simple goal: "to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track".
We will have to wait for the production model to find out whether the McLaren P1 can live up to its promise, but in the meantime, we can ask your opinion about the hypercar's design and if it hits the right notes.

The styling of the P1 is the result of the collaborative efforts of Chief Design Engineer Dan Parry-Williams and Design Director Frank Stephenson (his previous work includes the modern day Mini, Fiat 500 and the Ferrari F430), and their respective teams.

"The collaboration was one of the great things about the project and that allowed us to reach such a complete package," Parry-Williams said.

Stephenson agrees with him: :"We have ended up with a car that looks as futuristic as a concept car – except that it will go into production – and with similar aerodynamic properties to a sports racing car. I believe it is a terrific achievement."

According to Parry-Williams, the McLaren P1's styling prioritizes function over pure style, while Stephenson adds that he wanted a car that was "striking but also functional, a real statement of intent. I wanted a genuinely beautiful and dramatically honest “supersports” car, in keeping with McLaren’s heritage but also at the forefront of automotive design".

While McLaren's people have their own reasons to like and appreciate the design of their latest creation, we would like to ask what you think about the P1. You can cast your vote below and explain your choice in the comments.














9/28/12

Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive



Mercedes supercar features four electric motors positioned close to each wheel, for a total combined output of 740HP (750PS, 552kW) and a stunning maximum torque of 1,000 Nm (737.5 lb-ft).

With that kind of power under the hood or shall we say, near the wheels, it’s no wonder that the SLS AMG Electric Drive accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds and tops out at an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph).

“Our new electric SLS symbolizes the dynamism of the Mercedes-Benz brand in a particularly impressive fashion”, said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz at the launch of the all-electric SLS.

Adding to the impressive fashion is the €416,500 (US$538,500) price tag that the electric SLS carries – which is more than double the sticker price of the internal-combustion engine SLS AMG GT Coupe.