Automobile News

The much awaited wonder Peugeot 3008 has finally been announced. All the biggies of the automobile industry and the car lovers had witnessed this inevitable beauty in the Paris Motor Show last year, in the shape of the Prologue Hybrid 4. According to the company, the Peugeot 3008 is mainly meant to allure modern families, sport loving couples, senior citizens and those who are turnoff by hatchbacks and MPVs.

In terms of appearance the car lives up to the expectations and its unique complexion guarantees to turn you on. In the Peugeot 3008 more stress is laid on secondary safety which is noticeable via its intelligent design and structure. Clearly, the 3008 is intended as more of an environmentally friendly car, than, say, the Peugeot 907 V12 Evolution. Deliberately, the weight of the car is kept to a minimum to reduce the emissions and, therefore fuel consumption and running costs. To deliver more finished appearance the makers have utilized the laser welding technique replacing the normal spot welding. The glass roof of the Peugeot 3008 contains merely 5mm panoramic glass, assuring the similar level of security as promised by the current roofs fitted to the 308 SW etc. Generally, the traditional engine is located under the bonnet and powers the front wheels whereas under the load area an electric motor is placed in adjacent to the rear suspension. Apart from these finalized attributes there are some not finalized attributes as well under which the engine’s model and its BHP rate come. According to the sources, this is the group’s first Hybrid 4 technology equipped vehicle.

Chrysler LLC has added two models to its portfolio of electric vehicles, the Jeep Wrangler and Patriot. This portfolio has been growing at a fast pace. In the Patriot, Chrysler has effectively combined the small petrol engine with the electric vehicle technology ENVI. This combination provides the vehicle with an overall range of 400 miles and an electric only range of 40 miles.

The range of forty miles comes with zero fuel consumption and zero emissions. According to Chrysler LLC’s Advance Vehicle Engineering vice president and ENVI president, Lou Rhodes, Jeep Patriot EV joins their already extended ENVI portfolio of vehicles driven on electricity. He said that these achievements of Chrysler Engineering was a standing proof of what is possible through the Chrysler developed technology.

Integration of electric technology into the most compact SUV of the industry goes on to highlight the social responsibility shown by Chrysler, said Rhodes. Prototype of the Wrangler EV reveals that it is a two wheel drive and a model that is range extended. Efforts are however on by Chrysler to develop electric motors in-wheel and a four wheel drive to showcase their electric-drive technological skills and capabilities. The overall range and drive of the Wrangler EV is similar to that of the Patriot EV. Previously, Jeeps, 4 x 4s, and SUVs were considered the antithesis of environmentally friendly vehicles, but this new development clearly changes that perception. Now electric Jeeps will clearly not be rally racing off road any time soon, or be found in games like Jeep Thrills, but the advancement is still a welcome one. Lou Rhodes says in a market where consumers are looking to explore completely the environmental potential, Jeep Wrangler ideally brings to them an electric drive that is clean and fuel efficient.

Tags for this article: chrysler, electric, suv

The new Honda Insight seems to rival the Toyota Prius. To make it more attractive than the original Insight, Honda has incorporated some innovative features, such as an Eco Assist and a five-door hatchback. However, to know the accurate price, we will have to wait till its launch in April. Since it is a Prius fighter, we can assume the price to be below that of the Prius.

If you compare it with the original Honda Insight of 2000-2006, this one is also a hybrid model but it does have more seats. Yes, instead of two seats there are five of them. Just like its competitor Prius, it has also offers the comfort of folding seats and a hatchback too. In fact, Insight is specifically planned to accommodate a different need. It is designed to house its various electronic components, a gas tank as well as a high-voltage battery.

In case of mileage, it is estimated that the Insight will give a 40/43 mpg, which is lower than the 48/45 mpg of Prius. However, some reports suggest that this estimated EPA is just a minimum evaluation. So you can expect more….which is very good, especially since even with lowered petrol prices, mpg has become one of the most important features of a car; far more important than having the latest in-car navigation or entertainment system like the Kenwood KVT-522. As a good point, the Insight has the calibre to depend on the electric power for a distance up to 30 mph and even 50 mph for the downhill driving. All these features definitely give it a “sporty” image.

The Insight will be available in an EX and a LX trim levels: EX offers more functional features and is appropriate for the consumers interested in innovative characters.

Tags for this article: 2009, hybrid, toyota prius

British sports car makers Lotus and Ginetta have recently announced that they are looking forward to expanding their business sphere in the current year by building road-going electric cars. The announcement has generated a mixed response and there are many who are against this move, especially in case of Ginetta who is a total novice concerning the logistics behind the production of the announced cars.

Lotus is in a better proposition to deliver goods, as the Hethel-based outfit has already been rolling chassis for the Tesla Roadster, known as the ‘leccy Elise’, apart from building the Dodge EV for Chrysler, codenamed ‘leccy Europa’. It theregore appears a bit logical for Lotus to take the next step in the direction of expanding the company wings.

Regarding the recent developments, Lotus Chairman Michael Kimberley, while speaking to Financial Times asked the discerning public not to be taken aback when they see the company’s electric model, which he added will be launched shortly. He also expressed the hope that the model will unveil the latent potential that lies with electric vehicle technology.

Critics have however derided the tactics of the company saying that the new models are nothing, but a comparatively poor version of some range-extended vehicle like the Chevy Volt or Fisker Karma, and in no way accepted as a purely electric plug-in as per the Tesla. There are also claims doing the rounds that the new versions take the concept from a forthcoming car by the name Evora, and you shouldn’t be surprised if it goes to even earlier models for inspiration, like the Geneva Motor Show held in March.

Environmentalists would love the fact that there is a growing consciousness among both consumers and the automobile manufactures to address the serious issue of global warming and pollution. Automobile companies nowadays have shifted their focus to invent technologies that will substantially bring down the emission of hazardous gases like CO2. General Motors has come up its fourth edition of its zero emission, hydrogen fuel cell propelled prototype, the HydroGen4, in this spirit.

The mode is based on the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, and symbolises a marked improvement from many previous models Chevy models, like the, say the Chevrolet Nova, which was known for its terrible fuel efficiency. The model is expected to go into production in a large scale, and should have a production run of 100 or so units. Company sources informed that they are setting themselves a deadline to retail hydrogen fuel cell cars by 2015.

The HydroGen4 scores over its predecessor in its ability to start even at sub-zero temperatures, which is quite an achievement considering the many difficulties associated with a fuel cell vehicle. Moreover, you tend to benefit from an increased range from a fill of hydrogen, improved performance, quieter operation and improved durability. Another factor contributing to the appeal of the car is that it is build in a way that you can maintain it in a cost effective and convenient manner.

The initiative taken by General Motors doesn’t mean that hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles is a ready alternative to conventional fuels. It is far from the truth, and the recent initiative is all but a small step before we can start thinking of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a viable solution.

Tags for this article: general motors, gm, green

Mercedes has come up with a novel concept in the form of its latest zero-emission car that can be powered by three different propulsion systems. The car takes inspiration from the B Class hatchback, and its electric motor can be energised by the batteries alone, or by a battery pack recharged by a fuel cell generator, or even from batteries whose range can be inflated by an external combustion system. The point here is that in each of the above cases the batteries are water-cooled lithium-ion, while the electric motor produces an inspiring 93bhp and 236lb ft of torque which powers the front wheels.

The Blue-ZERO concept exploits the possibilities thrown open by the sandwich construction of the B Class, which has been generating a lot of buzz due to its unobtrusive nature as far as passenger and luggage space is concerned. Moreover, the model is also a trendsetter of a sort for its low centre of gravity. Drivers should also love the crash performance meted out by the car which assisted by its unique design and layout. All the three models can reach speeds of up to 62mph in a matter of seconds, while the top speed is regulated at 93mph to improve battery life.

The mode when run on pure electric E-Cell has a range of 120miles which can be extended to an astounding 248miles in F-Cell form by the fuel cell generator.

This latest development shows Mercedes’ intent to promote low emission vehicles and from 2009 onwards the company will operate a small fleet of experimental hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to get acquainted with the various issues confronting the concept. While energy efficiency is admittedly important for everyday household products, like the energy efficient A class Hotpoint FF4DK fridge freezer, it is far important for your car, in terms of saving both money and the environment. Mercedes, it seems, has recognised this. The company, in fact, has completed all the formalities to introduce its first series of pure electric cars come 2010.

Electric car manufacturers are having a very difficult half this year as unit sales continue to plummet to new levels. Going by statistics, electric car sales have come down drastically to just 156 against a healthy 374 for the same period last year, a staggering decline of 58%.

The turnaround happened only a few months after Nice Car Company, one of London’s two electric car distributors, had taken over reins as the administrator.

It may be mentioned that Nice, set up by ex-Lotus colleagues Julian Wilford and Evert Geurtsen in 2006, had been selling an all-electric version of the French-made Aixam Mega. There were also plans on its part to expand the existing range by the end of the year by selling a Chinese-made two-seater called MyCar and five-seat MPV called the Ze-O.

The plans however, now appear to be a distant reality provided the given circumstances. Meanwhile, administrators are being called up by the stake holders to provide the logic behind the emergence of such a situation. Top selling brands like Going Green are also facing the heat with comparatively reduced sales.

Going by a conservative survey there are around 1,100 all-electric cars plying the UK roads. Many of the owners turned electric to take advantage of a policy that exempted electric cars from congestion charges and allowed parking congestions.

The nemesis of this infant market turned out to be Ken Livingstone’s plan to exempt standard petrol and diesel cars with sub-120g/km CO2 emissions. So we will have to wait awhile before the electric car is as prevalent as the electric toothbrush. Even though the plan in question was later scrapped, it had already done enough to lure away potential customers.

Ford is all set to expand its popular Kuga crossover breed with its recent policy of adding three new models to the existing series. The Kuga range is immensely popular both among the users and critics for its lower CO2 emission, automatic transmission, and greater power and torque. The new models set for launch will retain many of the impressive traits of the existing Kuga, especially 2.0-litre TDCi, but with a far more effective role as a CO2 banisher. The new models CO2 output has been measured at just 159g/km.

Business users are actually in for a treat as the new front-wheel-drive version effectively enhances fuel economy and comes with many a cost benefits. Business customers in particular can now look forward to a change in legislation, set to take place in April next year, as it will clear the way for them to reap the benefits offered by Kuga 2WD. The benefit is that they can now lay their claim for a 20 per cent annual write down allowance against Corporation Tax for a car with less than 160g/km CO2. That is not all as customers stand to gain more for its improved fuel efficiency as it falls into the new sub-160g/km banding for Vehicle Excise Duty. With these savings one could easily outfit the car with a high valued entertainment system like the Kenwood KVT-729. Moreover, Ford has added new performance flagships to the Kuga range, intelligently coupling the intuitive AWD with the acclaimed 2.5-litre Duratec engine found in the Focus ST, Mondeo and S-MAX.

That is not all, as the models, each outfitted with 200PS and linear torque of 320Nm, the five-cylinder petrol-engined giant powers from standstill to 62mph in 8.2sec flat.

Tags for this article: ford

Mercedes-Benz has decided to give a definitive thrust to their insatiable experimentation on different models with their decision to unleash the company’s first hybrid version, the S-Class flagship sedan early next year.

The model, identified by the name S400 BlueHYBRID, will be powered by a modified version of the 3.5-liter V6 that has been in vogue in the standard S350 European-market sedan. The modified version, according to company sources, has proved to be a great asset in the final analysis as it has remarkably improved the engine’s efficiency. Moreover, it has been connected with an electric motor, the necessary control equipment, in addition to a compact lithium ion battery. All of the above is more than sufficient for powering any onboard gps navigation, in car entertainment, or car speaker stereo systems as well.  The arrangement thus more or less resembles a conventional S-class as seating and cargo capacity are left untouched.

The hybrid version has some innate advantages over its contemporaries as for instance, in the case of say the big Benz, it captures braking energy and provides additional boost, apart from providing a substantial amount of instantly available torque. The car lacks on an electric-only mode, but nevertheless has a stop/start system which by default will kill the petrol engine when the car is rolling to a stop, and not turn it on again until it gets back underway.

Performance wise the model has managed many a rave reviews, especially for its environment friendly traits. Statistically, it emits CO2 at a rate of 190 g/km which is a significant drop of 20% from the standard, petrol-only S350. It also gives you the benefit of better mileage, as it consumes gas at a rate of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometers.

A supermini-MPV with impressive cabin flexibility, the Ford B-MAX is a Fiesta-based car that will surely replace the much-criticised Fusion.

Inviting Ford to join the rapidly growing supermini-MPV class, the B-Max is an efficient newcomer. Expected to be produced at the Ford’s new factory in 2010 in Romania, the B-MAX includes vast, bold headlights and orderly tail-lamps. Visually appealing and performance efficient, the model will feature a turbo petrol engine, with a capacity of 1.0-litre units. While we can expect an output of somewhere between 89bhp to 108bhp, there is also a scope for a 1.6-litre petrol engine. Then the oil burner is also included, mainly to form a basis for the green Econetic version. Doing so saves far more energy than energy saving tyres do, as well as other small eco friendly measures. So that’s great news for the eco-friendly motorists, who hate to disturb the environment with pollution-generating vehicles.

If the B-MAX turns out to be as good as it sounds, it will give a tough competition to the rivals like Renault Modus and Vauxhall Meriva. All this should not be taken as less than an achievement for the brand as its previous model Fusion was not competent enough to take that challenge.

As per the information from Ford, they are planning to construct 100,000 models in the initial year and the numbers might even increase in case of more demand.