Mazda Takeri - Fuel Efficient Diesel Concept Car

Mazda Takeri

For many of us a car is that vital tool which takes us to work or to see our families, maybe on holiday. Its a necessity in the modern age, an extension of our legs and let's us speed up the pace of life, travelling distances which would be impossible on foot quickly and effortlessly. So does it matter what a car looks like? should it provoke an emotional response when we cast our eyes upon it or does it just need to get the job done?

Mazda's design inspiration for its 'next generation' cars is 'Kodo - soul of motion' and the idea behind it is to capture the essence of a living creature, like a Cheetah tensing in the moments before it is ready to spring forward, whether you care about the inspiration or not, most people will agree the Takeri is pleasant to behold. 

The Takeri uses something Mazda call 'SKYACTIV' technology, which includes Mazda's first regenerative braking system, converting kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration, storing it in capacitors and then using it to power the vehicle's electrical equipment, thus reducing the load on the engine and saving fuel. 


Combined with the new 'SKYACTIV-D' diesel engine, Mazda i-stop (stop/start system) , lightweight structure, advanced aerodynamics & regenerative braking should endow the Takeri with extremely good fuel economy together with decent performance.

No figures are available from Mazda or even details of when or if they are going to build it - they seem to have put a lot of detail on this car, and most of the technology is already available, so, on that evidence, it would seem more likely than not that it will be built.

      

Ford Fusion/Mondeo 2013 - Hybrid & Energi Models

The 4 door Aston  2013 Ford Fusion/Mondeo

Ahhhh  Meeester Bond your four door saloon awaits you....... Ford have done it, havn't they, unashamedly plagarised Aston Martin's trade mark grille, that is  – it's a bit cheeky, but to be honest the result isn't bad. Cars in this sector tend to be hideously bland to look at, I'm sure we all find ourselves being overwhelmed by apathy at the sight of most four door hatchback's. But this is reasonably inoffensive to the eye, sleek, pretty? I think I need a lie down.....Nurse NURSE.

The Fusion will be available in S, SE and Titanium trims and with 3 engine options. In the states the bread and butter standard unit is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with approx 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, mated solely to a six-speed automatic transmission. Also available are a 1.6-liter EcoBoost (Turbo) four with 179 hp and 172 lb-ft, and the top of the range 2.0-liter EcoBoost four with 237 hp and 250 lb-ft. Both engines can be had with the same six-speed automatic, though the smaller 1.6-liter engine can be mated to a six-speed manual box. Front-wheel drive is standard across the range, but top-of-the-line Fusions with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine can be had with all-wheel drive. Ford is no longer going to offer a V6

In the Hybrid (above), power comes from a 2.0L inline-four – downsized from the 2.5-liter unit in the current Fusion Hybrid. Total output is estimated to be 185 hp and 130 lb-ft torque, powering the front wheels via an electronically controlled (CVT) continuously variable transmission. The Hybrid runs on 17-inch wheels wrapped in low-rolling-resistance tires, and Ford says the car should achieve up to 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on a run. That not only beats the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid, but also gets tantalisingly close to Prius territory. Ford says that the Fusion Hybrid will be able to operate at speeds up to 62 mph without starting the engine, very useful for efficient cruising.

The Chevrolet/Holden Volt/ Vauxhall/Opel Ampera - Hybrid Petrol/Electric

The Chevy Volt

Looking very different than the original 2007 Concept car which was shown at the North American International Auto Show.  The Chevrolet Volt is a 4 seat plug-in hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by the good General (Motors). Sales in selected U.S. markets began in mid-December 2010, according to the EPA the Volt is the most fuel-efficient compact car sold in the United States.

And the General tells us the Volt can travel 25 to 50 miles (40 to 80 km) on its lithium-ion battery alone. The EPA official all-electric range is 35 miles (56 km), and the total range is 379 miles (610 km). The EPA rated 2011 model year Volt's combined city/highway fuel economy at 93 mpg-US (2.5 L/100 km; 112 mpg-imp) equivalent (MPG-e) in all-electric mode, and at 37 mpg-US(6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg-imp) in gasoline-only mode, for an overall combined gasoline-electric fuel economy rating of 60 mpg-US (3.9 L/100 km; 72 mpg-imp) equivalent. The 2012 model year Volt received a revised EPA rating, increasing the combined city/highway fuel economy in all-electric mode to 94 MPG-e. The Volt operates as a pure battery electric vehicle until its plug-in battery capacity drops to a predetermined threshold from full charge, at which point its gasoline engine powers an electric generator to extend the vehicle's range. The Volt's regenerative braking also contributes to the on-board electricity generation. In order to improve performance, the internal combustion engine may at times be engaged mechanically to assist both electric motors to propel the Volt.

The base suggested retail price for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt in the U.S. was US $40,280 before theUS $7,500 U.S. federal tax credit and additional incentives are available in some locations. The 2012 Volt base price is US $1,005 less than the 2011 model, as features have been removed from the base configuration. The Volt was sold initially only in selected U.S. markets and became available nationwide in November 2011. Deliveries of the 2012 Volt began in Canada in September 2011, and the suggested retail price starts at CAD 41,545 (US $43,568) before any available rebates. The initial Canadian launch is also limited to selected markets and availability in the rest of Canada is expected before the end of 2012. In China the Volt's price starts at  RMB 498,000 (around US $75,500) and initial sales will be limited to eight cities. In the Eurozone the Volt will also be sold as the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera, at a price of €42,900 (US$58,000) including VAT before any government incentives. Deliveries of the first Chevrolet Volts in Europe began in France in November 2011. Customer deliveries of the Opel Ampera were delayed in Europe until the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) completes its investigation of the Volt's battery fire risk after test crashes. In the UK the Volt platform will be sold as Vauxhall Ampera at a price of £33,995 (US$53,000) and deliveries are scheduled to begin in May 2012. In Australia the plug-in hybrid will be sold as the Holden Volt and its launch is scheduled by late 2012. Since its launch in December 2010 cumulative sales and customer deliveries in the U.S. and Canada reached 8,272 Volts through December 2011.

Among other awards and recognition, the Chevrolet Volt won the 2009 Green Car Vision Award, 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year, 2011 Green Car of the Year, 2011 North American Car of the Year, and 2011 World Green Car. Despite the awards earned and the positive reception from many automotive critics, there has been some controversy and concerns in the media. These include the extent of the federal government participation in the Volt development during the General's unfortunate and embarassing 2009 government-led bankruptcy; concerns about the Volt's relatively high sales price; complaints about price markups due to the Volt's initial limited supply; and concerns about the battery pack fire risk after a crash.

                                                The 2007 Chevrolet Volt Concept Car

Lumeneo Smera - Electric 4 wheeler (Leans like a Motorcycle!)

Lumeneo Smera - 'leaning' into a slide

Currently only available in Paris, the innovative Smera is powered by two electric motors and a lithium  battery pack. The Smera should have a 150km range, an 80 MPH top speed and is fitted with regenerative braking. 

The most astonishing feature of this very narrow four wheel car is that it leans into corners like a motorcycle. The Smera seats 2 people and costs €24,500 

Peugeot 3008 - Diesel/Electric Hybrid

                                Horror as monstrous carbuncle obscures spectacular lakeside view

Peugeot claims the 3008 Hybrid as the first Diesel Hybrid and it will come initially in two variants (a 99g and 104g model), the pair being distinguished by the amount of Co2 they release into our atmosphere. Larger wheels, slightly more CO2 output, slightly less fuel consumption (around 70MPG) and a few extra luxury knick knacks, seemingly the only difference between the two. The 3008 will has 4 wheel drive and a starting price of £26,995 in the UK. Thanks to Peugeot's Stop & Start system the car can run in Zero emission mode using just it's electric motor

Hybrid4 Technology (99g model)

- Diesel (e-HDi 163 bhp) and Electric Motor (37 bhp)
- 4 Wheel Drive
- 200bhp
- CO2 99g/km & 74mpg
- manually controlled electronic gearbox (EGC)
- e-HDi with Stop and Start
- Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
- Alarm (Thatcham 1 Category approved)

Fisker Karma - Range extended Electric vehicle

Fisker Karma

The Sleek 'design copied from a Cheetah' Fisker Karma has Dual electric traction motors, driving the rear wheels through a limited slip differential. With a 50 mile electric range, a full length solar roof and a 2.0l turbocharged motor giving it a 300 mile total range. 0-60mph takes just 6.3 sec and Fisker have made sure of a very low co-efficient of drag (0.313cd). Top speed is limited to 125mph. Place your orders it's due to hit the showrooms in 2012. 

lightning GT - Electric car

Lightning GT

Built by the Lightning Car Company, based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, this running prototype combines elegant GT looks with electric power. the Lightning looks fantastic, in a cool modern-retro kinda way. And Lightning has big plans to develop its new zero-emissions supercar.

Powered by Lithium-Titanate batteries, it generates a 400hp equivalent 44kW and can be charged in only 10 minutes, with the off-board charger thanks to it's Lithium-Titanate batteries (although using the domestic charging system will take up to 15 hours). With the help of regenerative braking, the firm hopes the car will have a range of nearly 150 miles and a 0-60mph time of less than five seconds. It’s powered by two electric motors - driving the rear wheels - The makers are hoping to start deliveries this year. expect to pay around the £120,000 mark. 

The Lightning GT has been seen around London, and various other events, such as the Goodwood festival of speed in preparation for it's production run. 

Venturi Fetish - Electric

The Venturi Fetish

Reported as the first 2 seater all electric car to go on sale in 2006, The Venturi Fetish is claimed to have a top speed of 100mph and a 0-60 time of under 4 seconds.

Toyota Prius - Hybrid Petrol/Electric

The Toyota Prius is the established Hybrid running on it's electric motor at low speeds then phasing in a petrol motor for out of town running.

Amazing Toyota Prius Hybrid battery repair secrets Click Here!

The Urbee

There is much about Urbee that is highly innovative. However, the innovation does not lie in expensive 'start-of-the-art' technology, the use of expensive materials, or complicated manufacturing processes. Urbee's innovation is that it uses widely available materials and components in original ways.

The designers of Urbee have attempted to maximize the distance that can be traveled per unit of energy consumed by minimizing seven important properties of the car: weight, coefficient of aerodynamic drag (Cd), rolling resistance (Crr), frontal area, maximum speed, maximum acceleration.

COEFFICIENT OF DRAG

The Coefficient of Drag (called "Cd") for a vehicle is one of three things that affect how much energy is required to overcome aerodynamic resistance. It is a number that describes the 'slipperyness' of a shape as it passes through the air. Urbee is being designed to have a Cd about half that of a traditional sports car.

COEFFICIENT OF ROLLING RESISTANCE

We have attempted to make the coefficient of rolling resistance of Urbee as low possible by using large diameter motorcycle tires inflated to high pressure. As well, the cross sectional profile selected for the tire has a very small contact surface with the road.

FRONTAL AREA

The frontal area of a vehicle is approximately equal to its width multiplied by its height. We decided to make the roof of Urbee as low to the ground as the lowest production car ever made, the Ford GT-40, which was 40 inches above the ground. We also tried to minimize the width by placing the two occupants as close as comfortably possible to each other.

MAXIMUM SPEED AND ACCELERATION

By reducing the maximum speed and acceleration of Urbee compared to what many other cars are capable of, we can dramatically reduce the maximum horsepower required to power our car. The smaller motor/engine size in turn decreases the weight of the vehicle and increases the range.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Name: Ford Fusion Hybrid 
Manufacturer: Ford
Sold in: North America
Engine: 2,500 cc
Fuel efficiency: Average: 41/36 mpg (City/Hway)
Fuel: Regular Unleaded/Electricity

Honda Insight Hybrid Petrol/Electric

Name: Honda Insight (last produced 2006)
Manufacturer: Honda  
Engine: 995 cc
Fuel efficiency: Average: 61-68 mpg. (manual)
Average range: about 700 miles (manual).
Fuel: Regular Unleaded/Electricity

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