Peugeot BB1 Concept, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Peugeot BB1 Concept, 2009

With the Peugeot BB1 Concept car, Peugeot has fearlessly pushed back the conventions and boundaries of automobile manufacturing to bring a totally original response to the current and future needs of urban mobility. Capable of seating four people in a vehicle just 2.5 metres long, the Peugeot BB1 Concept car is a full electric vehicle that reinvents the automobile in every way: architecture, style, interior design, drive, connectivity - while all the time respecting the environment.

At the forefront are the values of liberty, optimism - even "altruism". The Peugeot BB1 Concept car is the promise of a new driving experience.

The world is always on the move. Urban traffi c is ever increasing. Everyone wants to save time and the environment is a bigger priority than it ever has been before. Designers are seeking ever more ingenious ways to visualise a plethora of solutions for the future.

To meet all these needs, Peugeot has developed an amazing mobility offer. Depending on age and their current needs, everyone can fi nd a suitable solution in Peugeot's lion-branded range of bikes, motorbikes and automobiles.

The Peugeot are constantly studying and sharing mobility solutions, bringing together various internal companies to pool their expertise and their creativity to give rise to particularly original projects. Indeed, Peugeot has always sought to be a global, durable provider of mobility, with an inventive, responsible and competitive range of vehicles, whether they are on two, three or four wheels.

The Peugeot BB1 Concept car, unveiled at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show, paves the way for this ideal by pushing back the barriers to bring a renewed driveability, expressiveness and allure... This electric vehicle aims to explore new grounds with regards to urban mobility.

A TOTALLY ORIGINAL IDEA
The Peugeot BB1 Concept brief was to tackle all issues of the modern world faced by people on a daily basis in order to offer maximum versatility, a compact size; be dynamic and manoeuvrable (3.5m turning circle).

To achieve all this, the Peugeot teams faced a real challenge - never before seen in the history of the automobile: accommodating four people in a car 2.5m long. This record use of interior space could potentially lead to a larger load capacity, even though its "compact" size gives it the ability to park in extremely tight spots - even perpendicular to the pavement.

To meet this challenge, the structure of the passenger compartment has drawn inspiration from two-wheeled vehicles in terms of ergonomics: the driver controls the vehicle by adopting a new driving position - more vertical than is usual. This is mainly made possible through the absence of fl oor pedals. The rear passenger is seated in tandem behind the driver. On the right-hand side, front and rear passengers adopt the same position.

The original configuration for a four-wheel vehicle that the Peugeot BB1 Concept has such a totally original design. Access to the vehicle is through the inverted door opening mechanism, while boot access is through a tail board and a tailgate. The interior can be transformed as required to offer a load volume of 160 litres (with four occupants), rising to 855 litres (with just one person in the car).

A STYLISH BREAK WITH THE PAST
The style of the vehicle highlights the interior space and the driving ergonomics. With its sweeping styling lines at the front, large glazed area, low doors (for the passenger compartment ventilation system) and very clear wheel arch space. The car also represents a break with the past through its exterior styling in relation to the automobiles we have seen to date. Robust and protective, the quality and technology shine through in every detail, such as the "full LED" front headlights and rear view cameras.

USER-FRIENDLY CONNECTIVITY
As well as the openness and brightness brought by the large windows, the Peugeot BB1 Concept presents an extensive set of interactive technologies. The colour display and the vehicle's audio system provide an ideal setting for your "smartphone" functionalities: telephone, navigation, Internet access, radio, MP3... Just connect your device to the USB jack, or the 12V socket if necessary.

Universal and user-friendly, this system enables the Peugeot BB1 Concept to concentrate on essential services without multiple pieces of equipment, bringing extra safety to driving and saving considerable weight.

Similarly, the rear-view cameras remove the need for mirrors, optimising the width of the vehicle and improving its aerodynamics, while adding to the high-tech aspect of the interior.

Two original creative images have been produced for the Peugeot BB1 Concept by the artist Michel Serviteur. Portrayed around the driving position, they offer a new link with time and speed. A clock brings the interior to life by linking a colour to each period of the day; time goes by to the rhythm of the light to enhance the feeling of wellbeing. In addition, there is a graphic animation which could replace the speedometer, finding its equilibrium at a steady speed but which moves again when that speed is interrupted.

AN ENVIRONMENTALLYEFFICIENT VEHICLE... WITH A NEW ELECTRIC MOTOR
Creative - the Peugeot BB1 Concept leads the way with its electric drive system. It is fi tted with electric motors in the rear wheels, designed in association with Michelin. This original set-up maximises the interior space. It draws its inspiration from the world of the quad bike, with a maximum power output of 15 kW (20hp) - or 7.5 kW per motor. This provides the optimum power to weight ratio for the vehicle in its urban driving setting. Its characteristics give it the best possible response at start-up (0 to 30 kph in 2.8 seconds) and excellent in-gear acceleration (30-60 kph in 4 seconds), ensuring the driving enjoyment and safety that are the hallmark of Peugeot.

The lithium-ion batteries provide immediate power. They have a comfortable range of 120 km. Each of the two battery packs supplying energy to the two respective electric motors are fitted under the right and left rear seats, thereby avoiding any reduction in the interior space and the storage space. Furthermore, this location between the two front and rear wheels helps with the centring of the vehicle weight and benefits vehicle stability, especially during braking.

A NEW ELECTRIC MOTOR
Peugeot engineers have completely reinvented the way to design a vehicle. The BB1 is therefore based on a tubular chassis designed by Peugeot Motorcycles. It includes all normal vehicle dynamic systems: electric power steering, suspension (double-wishbone front and rear suspension), friction damper spring assemblies - granting the vehicle a level of road-holding to match the vehicle's performance, its urban nature and driveability and safety levels worthy of the Peugeot Marque.

The body is made up of a very light carbon structure, designed to wrap around the passenger compartment, all of which enables potential future customisation and a possibility of a variety of vehicle shapes...

Finally, the vehicle weight does not exceed 600 kg, including the batteries, enabling all its mechanical parts to be placed in their ideal position, ensuring optimal weight distribution.

AN ENVIRONMENTALLYEFFICIENT VEHICLE... WITH ITS ALTRUISTIC CONCEPT
Thanks to its electric propulsion, the Peugeot BB1 Concept is an environmentallyfriendly vehicle par excellence and emits no loud noise outside the vehicle, and above all no pollutant emissions owing to the fact that it consumes no fossil fuels.

But this eco-responsibility isn't limited to just driving. At a standstill, the passenger compartment ventilation keeps operating in daylight thanks to the solar panels placed on the roof of the vehicle. This enables two functions: pre-ventilation of the interior and the trapping of pollutants and ultra-fine dust particles (µm), due to the use of high-performance fi lters and activated carbon.

The Peugeot BB1 Concept's solar panels use cutting-edge technology, designed in partnership with the Ocean Vital foundation. Flexible (enabling their usage on surfaces as complex as the dual-bubble roof of the Peugeot BB1 Concept), they provide a high yield of around 16% of energy captured (a much higher performance than current systems) to power some of the vehicle systems.

The Ocean Vital Foundation, created by round-the-world navigator Raphaël Dinelli, works towards the development of new clean technologies, the aim of which is to preserve our natural resources and our environment. As part of the BB1 project, Peugeot and Ocean Vital have entered into an agreement to support research and development into new renewable energy technology and therefore encourage the development of research projects and the "green economy" in France.

The name "BB1" isn't the only reference to Peugeot's history and the "Baby Peugeot" models of 1905 and 1912...

This ultra-compact, lightweight electric vehicle concept is also something of a throwback to the Peugeot VLV. Three hundred and seventy seven of which were built between 1941 and 1945, meeting the then special needs of users throughout the Second World War. All this stands as proof that Peugeot has always been able to create and adapt its mobility offers to a particular time and need.

Saab 9-3 ePower Concept, 2010

 

 

• Saab 9-3 ePower Concept, 2010

The Saab Automobile is taking its first step towards developing an all-electric vehicle with the Saab 9-3 ePower. Making its public debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the Saab 9-3 ePower is the prototype for a test fleet of 70 vehicles which will participate in extensive field trials in Sweden in early 2010.

The performance of the cars  evaluated under a variety of real world driving conditions as part of the development process for a purpose-built, electric Saab vehicle. Targets to be verified include a projected driving range of approximately 200 kilometers through the use of high density energy storage in lithium-ion battery cells.

The Saab ePower is the first electric vehicle from Saab and is a result of a co-operation between Saab Automobile, Boston Power (batteries), Electroengine in Sweden AB (electric power trains), Innovatum (project management) and Power Circle (Sweden's electric power industry trade organization).

Mid-sized sports combi with zero emissions
The Saab 9-3 ePower is the first all-electric car to offer its occupants the comfort and size of a wagon bodystyle. Saab engineers have integrated an electrical architecture within the shape and dimensions of a 'conventional' Saab 9-3 SportCombi.

Under the hood is a 135 kW/184 hp electric motor driving the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. Instant torque enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration is just 8.5 seconds, together with a top speed of 150 km/h.
The compact yet powerful 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is accommodated in a modified floor-pan, mainly in space within the car's wheelbase previously occupied by the exhaust system and fuel tank. This enables an optimum weight distribution and excellent driving dynamics similar to those of a standard SportCombi.

Inside the cabin, a conventional, automatic-style gearshift lever provides selection of 'drive', 'neutral', 'park' and 'reverse'. The rev-counter, fuel and turbo boost displays in the main instrument cluster are replaced by read-outs for battery status, power consumption and driving range, all illuminated in green. To optimize space, an electric park brake is fitted.

Electro-hydraulic power steering is used and the cabin is equipped with full air conditioning, via a compressor powered by the battery pack. A separate 12-volt battery, for the lights and cabin ancillaries, is also charged from the battery pack via a current transformer
The operation of the vehicle's powertrain is controlled by a version of Saab's own in-house Trionic 8 engine management system, with new software written for an electric vehicle application.

Long driving range with excellent durability
The Saab 9-3 ePower's projected driving range of approximately 200 kilometers pushes out the boundaries for current EV performance. Key to its long range are battery cells which have an energy storage density substantially greater than the best currently used in EV applications. High energy density also contributes to a lower battery weight.

The battery pack has a capacity of 35.5 kW/h and is designed to operate with full power in ambient temperatures as low as -30ºC, at least 10ºC below the operating level of other battery packs on the market today. Another key benefit is the use of air, instead of liquid, cooling which contributes to lower cost and further weight-saving in the pack's design.

The pack is intended to support re-charge cycles equivalent to about ten years average use. It can be fully recharged from a domestic mains supply in about three to six hours, depending on depletion status. Charging times can be greatly reduced if the voltage of the electrical feed is raised, as there is no limitation on the battery's input capacity.

Test driving experience is expected to validate the performance of this advanced battery pack, which is designed to operate reliably within a full depletion 'buffer' set at only 12 percent of total capacity, a much lower operating margin than used in the management of other packs.
Its lithium-ion battery cells are also the first to receive a Nordic Ecolabel accreditation for their environmental safety and sustainability, which includes manufacturing processes.

The Saab 9-3 ePower meets the high crash worthiness standards that Saab applies to all its vehicles. The car's power pack is located outside the occupant compartment in non-deformable structural zones, well protected and encapsulated. The battery management and monitoring system supports safe performance during normal driving and in crash conditions.

Extensive user trials
Hundreds of drivers and their families will be enlisted by Saab and its development partners during a extensive test driving and evaluation program involving a 70-strong fleet of Saab 9-3 ePowers in central, west and eastern Sweden during 2011-12.

The Saab ePower project team in Trollhättan will monitor the performance of the cars across a wide variety of usage patterns and driving conditions. To log essential component data, all vehicles will be equipped with aircraft-style, black box recorders.

Maybach Exelero, 2005

 

 

Maybach Exelero, 2005

The Maybach Exelero is a high-performance concept car designed and built by luxury marque Maybach. The 690 hp (SAE) (514 kW) two-seater with a bi-turbo V12 engine is a one-off design commissioned by Fulda Tyres. Fulda is using this Maybach as a reference vehicle to test a new generation of wide tyres. The German luxury car manufacturer created the one-off model as a modern interpretation of its legendary streamlined car of the 1930s. There are various allusions to the historical predecessor, which was likewise based on a powerful Maybach automobile, in this case the Maybach SW 38, and was also used by Fulda for tyre testing.

Specifications

    * Length : 5.89 m (19.3 ft)
    * Width : 2.14 m (7.0 ft)
    * Weight : 2660 kg (5864 lb)
    * Engine : V12 bi-turbo from Maybach 57 S 690 hp (SAE) (522 kW), 1020 N·m (737 ft·lbf)
    * Top speed : 351 km/h (218 mph)
    * Tires : 315/25 ZR 23
    * Fuel used for Top speed test: 110 octane (6€/liter)

Lincoln MKT Concept, 2008

 

 

 Lincoln MKT Concept, 2008

The Lincoln pulls the wraps off a new premium utility concept vehicle - unsurpassed in its balance of spaciousness, comfort and fuel efficiency - that shows customers a new way to tour in style.

The Lincoln MKT concept features a 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine with turbocharging and direct injection that produces the power and torque of a V-8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a V-6. EcoBoost - combined with advanced transmissions, electric power steering, weight reductions and aerodynamic improvements - is a key part of Ford Motor Company's vehicle sustainability strategy.

The company is introducing EcoBoost engines that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America within the next five years. Ford will first introduce EcoBoost in the Lincoln MKS next year. The luxury sedan will feature a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6, delivering an estimated 340-horsepower and more than 340 lb.-ft. of torque on regular gas.

Premium Efficiency
The Lincoln MKT concept features an EcoBoost engine that's flex-fuel capable, providing the driver with the flexibility to switch back and forth between premium gasoline and E85 ethanol-gas blend. Burning these high-octane fuels, the MKT concept's V-6 engine delivers 415 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque - an impressive 118 horsepower per liter.

The concept's engine is mated to a six-speed transmission for greater fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency also is helped by weight-saving, eco-friendly "upcycled" materials from SABIC Innovative Plastics.

Two upcycled plastic materials, Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ, were used in making the Lincoln MKT body panels, energy absorbers, wire bundles andglazing. The resins are made from discarded soft-drink bottles and other polyester waste, keeping them out of landfills, reducing energy consumption and shrinking the vehicle's overall carbon footprint.

Some applications of the resin help the vehicle resist heat and chemicals and also improve overall noise and vibration.

Spacious Elegance
Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the Lincoln MKT concept's spaciousness - right down to the seats that mirror those found in first-class aircraft cabins. Four executive-sized chairs offer comfort and unprecedented leg room. As an added pleasure, second-row heated and cooled thigh supports deploy from under the seats, while footrests deploy rearward from the front seats, allowing passengers to fully recline.

The vehicle's symmetrical interior design divides the cabin thoughtfully, providing all four passengers equal access to the vehicle's appointments.
Through the use of soothing tone-on-colors, eco-friendly materials, ambient lighting and flexible storage, the MKT concept offers customers a unique combination of serenity and connectivity.

Environmentally friendly details include the plush, hand-knotted rug made from banana silk that covers the floor and complements the contrasting Creamy Pearl chromium-free leather seats.

Elsewhere in the interior, chrome accents - including a one-piece sculpted door handle featuring a baroque-influenced graphic - mirror the elegant lines on the concept's exterior.

For the center stack, designers invented and patented a solid-state lighting technology that allows them to project onto a contoured surface in 3-D. Until now, all projection was limited to flat surfaces with square or rectangular boundaries like a flat-screen television.
This new technology allowed designers to use non-traditional shapes and spaces for information displays as well as unique storage spaces in the center stack.

The expansive instrument panel and twin-level center console, finished in a reconstituted oak veneer, houses an assortment of technologies, including an instrument cluster inspired by Swarovski crystals. It uses Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) strategically positioned so light appears to emanate from the center of three circular dials and radiate to the outer edge of the dials.

The MKT concept's center console, which runs the entire length of the vehicle to create a feeling of continuity between the upper and lower portion of the cabin, contains individual air vents, audio and climate controls, and personal storage.

A flat screen deploys from a floating overhead console which also hides two small cameras, each aimed at one of rear seats to provide on-screen "conference calling."
In the rear cargo area, a smart space behind the second-row seats provides additional storage. Designers also included a power lift system that raises and lowers a series of rails behind the rear seats to allow flat-load or compartmentalized storage.

Lincoln's timeless design on a whole new package
The Lincoln MKT concept features Lincoln's signature double-wing chrome grille, encapsulating LED headlamps that wrap around into the sculptured hood, lending the luxury utility a powerful presence.

Its elegant body side chamfer runs along the shoulder, with dynamic haunches over the rear wheel arches. Inset into each front fender and traveling through the door panels are chrome Lincoln stars with spears that add visual length to the car. Meanwhile, winged, curb-clearing doors give the car a dramatic sense of direction, agility and forward movement.

A substantial C-pillar creates an aura of privacy for the rear occupants. Like limousines, the MKT cuts an interesting profile - long, low and comfortably wide. The signature roofline runs the entire length of the greenhouse and remains uninterrupted. The roof itself is glass, allowing in natural light.

As an unconventional surprise, designers incorporated a bustle-back design into the concept.
The classic look provides massive storage capacity, crucial for any trip.
From the rear, the concept is instantly recognizable as a Lincoln, thanks to full-width LED taillamps stretching from side to side.

The exterior is bathed in a rich Liquid Bronze Metallic paint that compliments the chrome brightwork. The intricate 21-inch, 14-spoke interlocking chrome aluminum wheels have body color accents.

Specifications
    * Powertrain
          o Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost
          o Horsepower: 415 hp @ 5,750 RPM
          o Torque: 400 lb.-ft. from 2,000 to 5,000 RPM
          o Transmission: 6-speed select-shift AWD
    * Chassis
          o Length: 208.4 in
          o Wheelbase: 120.7 in
          o Width: 78.7 in
          o Height: 63.9 in
    * Track Width
          o Front: 67.1 in
          o Rear: 67.0 in
    * Suspension: Independent Rear Suspension
    * Headroom:
          o Front: 41.5 in
          o Second Row: 39.4 in
    * Legroom
          o Front: 42.0 in
          o Second Row: 44.0 in
    * Tire size: 285/35/ZR2

GMC Terrain, 2010

 

•  GMC Terrain, 2010

The GMC Terrain is a five-passenger crossover SUV that blends bold styling with fuel efficiency and premium features.

A new, 2.4L four-cylinder engine that features direct injection is expected to deliver best-in-segment highway fuel economy of 30 mpg. Maximum fuel economy is achieved in part with an "ECO" mode that is activated via a console-mounted button. When engaged, it lowers the torque converter lockup speed to 1,125 rpm to help save fuel on models equipped with the 2.4L engine.

With front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models offered in SLE and SLT trim levels. The comprehensive purposeful technologies such as:

•     * Standard rear vision camera
•     * Programmable power rear liftgate
•     * Bluetooth hands-free phone capability
•     * MultiFlex sliding rear seat that increases passenger comfort or provides optimal  cargo space
•     * Remote vehicle start
•     * USB audio connectivity; MP3 playback
•     * Seven-inch touch-screen navigation system and a 40-gigabyte hard drive
•     * DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens
•     * Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Segment-best safety is anticipated, with features that include four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control, as well as six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. OnStar with one-year Safe and Sound service is also standard.

Bold styling
GMC Terrain has a balanced, athletic stance and offers a commanding view of the road. Its design is characterized by bold, muscular fender flares, representing GMC's aesthetic. Surfacing is angular yet refined, with a strong and capable front-end appearance that features precise, squared-off edges.
The additional design features include a unique, three-element grille that is accented by a prominent chrome surround and projector-beam headlamps mounted in large, rectangular housings with chrome accents.

The interior details and flexibility
The GMC Terrain's rich, premium interior is influenced by industrial sculpture and exudes refinement exemplified by contrast stitching and fine materials that create a structured look throughout the cabin. A "floating" center stack, highlighted by warm ambient lighting, houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

The GMC Terrain also features great attention to detail, with smart use of storage space and compartments that are suitable for a variety of items. They include an oversized glove box; a closed storage area in the instrument panel above the center stack; a closed storage compartment under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer; and two-tier storage in the doors.

GMC Terrain's seats were developed to provide outstanding comfort and the standard MultiFlex sliding rear seat can be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (200 mm), providing increased passenger comfort or greater rear cargo capacity. The 60/40-split rear seatback offers additional configurations for passengers and cargo; and the rear cargo area offers 31.6 cubic feet (894 liters) of storage, as well as one of the GMC Terrain's four auxiliary power outlets.

The Confident and agile driving experience
Two new engines are offered on all GMC Terrain models, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights:

•     * New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 264 horsepower (197 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending).
•     * New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (136 kW) that delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
•     * Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent    fill-ups

The powertrains are mounted on a rigid, body-integral structure, with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. It is the foundation of a confident driving experience that is both smooth and responsive.

GM's first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4L-equipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect booming sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system's speakers, ensuring a quiet driving experience at almost all vehicle speeds.

The GMC Terrain rides on a 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and features a four-wheel independent suspension system, with wide front and rear tracks that enhance the ride and handling. A family of 17-inch, 18-inch aluminum and 19-inch chrome-clad wheels is available.

GMC Terrain's rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency on four-cylinder-equipped models, saving nearly 11 miles per tank of gas.

GM HydroGen4 Concept, 2008

 

 

• GM HydroGen4 Concept, 2008

The  GM HydroGen4 the goal of achieving sustainable mobility with zero emissions came a step closer when GM announced the European part of its biggest ever test programme for fuel cell vehicles.

The first to operate GM's HydroGen4 zero-emission vehicles in the Berlin area as they go about their day-to-day business: ADAC, Allianz, Coca Cola, Hilton, Linde, Schindler, Axel Springer, Total and Veolia. This real-world road test will run under the umbrella of the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP), a German Federal Department for Transport, Building and Urban Development funded project focused on proving the day-to-day suitability of hydrogen as a fuel for road transport.

GM HydroGen4 on the Road
As an integral part of GM's overall advanced technology strategy towards further electrification of the car, this fourth generation fuel cell vehicle is the culmination of more than 10 years development work with hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The HydroGen4 features improvements in everyday usability, such as performance and durability. Globally, GM deploys more than 100 vehicles of this type in its Project Driveway testing programme in the U.S., Japan, Korea, China, and Germany. In the U.S., more than 100,000 people have applied as mainstream drivers for the market test. To date, 3,400 people have driven the vehicles and 30 families have used the vehicle on a daily basis over a period of around three months. In total, the vehicles were driven almost 435,000 miles. Feedback from these demonstration activities not only gives GM engineers essential validation data, but also provides a valuable insight into the likely ownership and driving experience of future customers.

The vehicles are equipped with a wireless data transfer system that assists engineers by uploading vehicle performance data to a company server. Maintenance of the vehicles deployed in Berlin will be done at a regular Opel dealer equipped with the personnel and tools necessary for servicing fuel cell vehicles.

HydroGen4's fuel cell stack uses 440 single cells which combine hydrogen and oxygen from the air to produce electricity, with water vapour as the only by-product, and therefore zero emissions. The fuel cell stack provides the electric energy for the 73kW-synchronous electric motor, delivering acceleration of 0-62mph in around 12 seconds and a top speed of 100mph.

The electric motor's instant torque characteristics also give the vehicle an excellent pick-up from low speed. The GM HydroGen4 is fitted with a 1.8 kWh buffer battery to store energy from the vehicle's regenerative braking system and cover peak electrical loads. The three carbon-fibre composite tanks hold 4.2 kg of hydrogen at a pressure of 700 bars, sufficient for an operating range of up to 320 kilometres.

GM HydroGen4 can start and run in sub-zero temperatures, a considerable advance over the previous generation technology and an important benefit for everyday usability. It is designed to be as safe as conventional vehicles and includes unique hydrogen safety features in each of its major systems.

Ford Explorer America Concept, 2008

 

 

 

 

• Ford Explorer America Concept, 2008

The Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel efficiency.
Technologies and engineering innovations help Ford Explorer America concept deliver an approximately 20 to 30 percent fuel-economy improvement, depending on engine selection, while providing room for six and their gear as well as moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

This smarter utility concept simplifies Ford Motor Company's systems approach for delivering sustainable vehicles, specifically demonstrating:

•  A powertrain lineup that includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology delivering 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, as a premium engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 hp. Depending on engine selection, fuel-efficiency will improve by 20 to 30 percent versus today's V-6 Explorer
•  Migration from current body-on-frame to unibody construction, reducing weight and delivering superior driving dynamics
•  A fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions warrant it
•  A weight reduction of 150 pounds for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized - yet superior performing - engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis components
•  Fuel-saving electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

The Ford Explorer America concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people's adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today's consumers are more discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible - but more intelligently executed.

The Ford Explorer America concept looks the part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its ability to harness today's active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own neighborhoods to the trail head.

Inside, intelligent features abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

Volvo C70, 2007

 

 

• Volvo C70, 2007

The all-new Volvo C70 offers the best of both worlds. It's a modern convertible with classic proportions, four comfortable seats and a three-piece retractable hardtop. The C70 can be transformed seamlessly from a coupe into a convertible. The retractable hardtop folds away quickly and smoothly into the trunk. Apart from the flexibility offered by the retractable hardtop it also makes for a quieter, more comfortable coupe. The large rear window glass offers outstanding outward visibility and improves body rigidity.

An important part of the side impact and rollover protection is the Inflatable Curtain (IC). In the new C70 it has been given a unique design. The curtain has an extra stiff construction with double rows of slats that are slightly offset from each other. This allows them to remain upright and offer effective head protection even with the window open. The curtain also deflates slowly to provide protection should the car roll over. This is a unique solution in the automotive world.

The C70 is designed to accommodate four adults. The two rear seats have comfortably angled backrests and generous width across the supportive cushions. Like all Volvo cars, the front seats are ergonomically shaped. With a push of a button on the backrest, the front seats move quickly forward to facilitate entry to the rear seat.

Inspired by Scandinavian tradition, the interior presents clean surfaces, genuine materials and clever functionality. The super-thin center stack, introduced in the Volvo S40 sport sedan and V50 sport wagon can also be found in the C70. Special upholstery, called Vulcaflex, is a synthetic material with a skin-like surface and a high-tech feel. Leather seating surfaces are available with the Premium Package.

Driving pleasure adds another dimension to the C70 with its standard turbocharged T5 engine. The 2.5-liter light-pressure turbo powerplant produces 218 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 236 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. The flat torque curve puts the power to the front wheels evenly and makes the car highly responsive.

The C70 is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox that was developed for the Volvo S60 R and V70 R. All six forward gears are adapted to combine rapid acceleration with a high top speed. The gearbox has triple synchros and a very distinct gear change feel. A five-speed "Geartronic" micro-processor controlled automatic with "Auto-stick" function is optional.

Audio systems for the C70 have been developed to offer high-class sound reproduction with the top up or down. The standard high performance system features a 4 x 40 watt amplifier and eight speakers. Those seeking the ultimate audio experience will find it in the optional Dynaudio® Premium Sound system. It features an amazing total output of 910 watts of power, plus Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround Sound and 14 speakers, including dual eight-inch woofers.

Minor changes to the C70 for 2007 include a standard auxiliary audio input plus MP3 playback capability from the in-dash CD changer. Sirius Satellite Radio is a new option for the C70.