Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept Shown At NYIAS
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, New York International Auto Show, Saab
Tags: 9-x, biohybrid, swedish
Saab went green at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.
Exploring design themes from Saab’s award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation Hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package (see separate release for details).
The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a ‘low friction’ loading system.
With its ‘turbine’ wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact ‘hatchback’ looks.
The smooth ‘fuselage’ bodywork, now without any visible handles or door mirrors, the bold ‘wraparound’ window graphic and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupé concept shown at Geneva two years ago.
The car’s distinctive ‘shooting brake’ silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. “You could say we designed this car from back to front, “says Lo. “The shape of the 9X is right for a car of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space.”
Echoing Saab’s roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag – and fuel consumption – at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph (43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.
The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver- focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be ‘frozen’ in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.
Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.
At the rear, the cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down The floor, and the back of the folding rear seats, is covered by ‘high friction’ rubber carpeting, which ‘grips’ items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the tailgate is opened and closed.
The treatment of light is an important part of Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It’s a personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to reflect the pattern of the changing seasons
Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC: R 320, ML 320, and GL 320 At The New York Auto Show
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Mercedes-Benz, New York International Auto Show, SUVs
Tags: bluetec, German, gl 320, ml 320, r 320
Mercedes-Benz presented three new SUVs equipped with the world’s latest and cleanest diesel engine at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The new R 320 BlueTEC, ML 320 BlueTEC, and GL 320 BlueTEC use the highly efficient AdBlue exhaust aftertreatment system that meets the most stringent 50-state emissions limits.
Whether it’s the newly restyled ML320 BlueTEC family SUV, the larger GL320 BlueTEC or the versatile R320 BlueTEC, the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz sport utilities get 20-30 percent better fuel economy, surprisingly good performance and extremely low exhaust emissions. This latest generation of electronically injected CDI engines is changing consumers’ dated perceptions about diesel engines. The BlueTEC diesels have impressive cruising range up to 600 miles traveling at highway speeds, and these well-appointed SUVs can do all that without sacrificing performance. In addition, V8-like pulling power makes the BlueTEC diesels ideal for towing.
BlueTEC is a modular system that includes an oxidation catalytic converter and a maintenance-free particulate filter as well as new techniques for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions – the last type of exhaust gas that’s higher in diesel vehicles than gasoline engines. The BlueTEC diesels use an NOx storage catalytic converter in combination with an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection to lower NOx emissions.
The AdBlue system injects an aqueous urea solution into the exhaust flow, which releases ammonia (NH3), reducing nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in the downstream SCR catalytic converter. Just the right amount of AdBlue for a given engine load and speed is injected to get the greatest reduction of nitrogen oxides. Its tank only needs to be refilled every 10,000 miles during routine maintenance intervals.
2009 Nissan Denki Cube Concept at the 2008 New York Auto Show
Filed under: Auto Show Pictures, Concept Cars, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, New York International Auto Show, Nissan
Tags: cube, denki, Japanese
The 2008 New York Auto Show just held the world debut of the 2009 Nissan Denki (Japanese for “electric”) Cube Concept
The lithium-ion battery-powered Denki Cube Concept electric vehicle was created to draw attention to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.’s (NML) global environmental efforts. It also serves as a preview of Nissan’s future small car strategy for the North American market, which includes plans to sell a redesigned gasoline-powered, next-generation Cube at Nissan dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in 2009.
Added to the current-generation Nissan Cube’s solid foundation, the Denki Cube has a new EV powertrain and unique exterior and interior treatments. The Denki Cube Concept’s exterior features fresh front and rear styling treatments, including a new “electric themed” front grille design with an AC power charging port, a radical “lightning” headlight design and new bumpers and turn signal lamps. In the rear, the signature Cube asymmetrical rear quarter area (with wraparound glass on one side) has been enhanced by a new bumper with hidden taillights. The roof sheet metal has been replaced with a full fixed glass panel that enhances the interior’s sense of wide-open space. The Denki Cube Concept exterior also features new door mirrors and unique 16-inch wheel covers. The finishing touch is provided by a special white pearl paint and graphics.
Inside, the Denki Cube Concept reflects the designers’ intention of creating a relaxing, moving social hub, like a favorite room in an owner’s house. Though the production Cube offers three rows of seating, the Denki Cube Concept offers only two rows and the wheelbase has been stretched 9.4 inches in order to better accommodate the lithium-ion battery cells. The newly designed front and second row seats are joined by a revised instrument panel with an IP-mounted shift button, a special steering wheel design and new door panel and cargo area trim.
The biggest transformation from production Cube to Denki Cube Concept is one that isn’t visible – the replacement of the standard 1.3-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and laminated lithium-ion batteries located under the floor and seats. The laminated structure and unique material technology offer more power, energy and battery stability, as well as compact size and packaging flexibility, versus conventional cylindrical batteries.
Nissan’s compact lithium-ion battery technology, one of the company’s traditional strengths, provides batteries with twice as much energy compared with a conventional cylindrical battery of the same type and safer operation due to the use of chemically stable spine-structured manganese for the electrode material. In order to better leverage Nissan’s lithium-ion battery capabilities, a new company, Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC), was jointly established with NEC Corp. and NEC Tokin Corp. – with the goal of dramatically enhancing future battery performance and reducing battery costs.
HUMMER HX Concept Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Concept Cars, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, HUMMER
Tags: American, Detroit, HX
The HUMMER HX Concept debuted at the recent 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. The HX is HUMMER’s response to the recent trend of car manufacturers attempting to create the same type of vehicles we love with a more environmentally-friendly twist. The HX Concept is powered by a flex-fuel V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and is smaller, lighter, and more efficient than its siblings.
Watch the video of the Hummer HX Concept Debut:
Cadillac Provoq Concept Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Videos, Cadillac, Concept Cars, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels
Tags: American, Detroit, Provoq
The Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the latest example of GM’s groundbreaking E-Flex propulsion system, combining the new fifth-generation fuel cell system and lithium-ion battery to produce an electrically driven vehicle that uses no petroleum and has no emission other than water.
Watch the video of the Provoq Concept unveiling in Detroit, MI at the 2008 North American International Auto Show and let us know if you like the new look or if you’ll be sticking with the Escalade.
Click here for more on the Cadillac Provoq Concept.
Saturn Flextreme Plug-in Concept Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Concept Cars, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Saturn
Tags: American, Detroit, Flextreme, Plug-in
The Saturn Flextreme Plug-in Concept debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI, featuring General Motors’ breakthrough E-Flex electric propulsion technology that provides up to 34 miles of all-electric, emissions-free range. The onboard engine creates additional electricity to extend the vehicle’s driving range to a total of 444 miles (715 km).
A collaborative effort between Saturn and GM’s European Opel brand, the Flextreme concept was developed to showcase the future design direction of both brands, which share many similar customer traits. This design partnership has resulted in several highly successful production vehicles in the U.S. and Europe such as the Saturn Aura; the Saturn Sky and Opel GT; Saturn Vue and Opel Antara; and the Saturn Astra and Opel Astra. The Flextreme concept debuted as an Opel at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.
The Flextreme also represents Saturn’s ongoing commitment to deliver vehicles that use less fuel and produce fewer emissions. Unlike conventional vehicles and gas-electric hybrids, the Saturn Flextreme concept features GM’s E-Flex System that uses an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery to propel it for up to 34 miles of electric-drive-only range. The battery can be recharged at a household outlet in just three hours. On the road, a clean and efficient 1.3L turbo-diesel onboard engine generates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range. Fully charged, the Flextreme’s 34-mile, all-electric driving range is enough for most daily commuters in the U.S. to travel without using any fuel or emitting any CO2.
Saturn’s commitment to innovation and clean transportation is further illustrated by the two high-tech electric Segway® Personal Transporters ingeniously packaged below the Flextreme’s cargo floor. With a twist of the handlebar-mounted release, the handlebar retracts and rotates downward for easy loading into the rear compartment. Once docked, the batteries of these modified Segways can be charged along with the Flextreme’s batteries.
In keeping with Saturn’s philosophy of challenging conventional thinking, the Flextreme concept design team set out to create a vehicle that combined GM’s E-Flex chassis with a body style that is dynamic, yet efficiently makes the best use of space. To do so, it uses the FlexDoors® and FlexLoad® systems, two innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance the Flextreme’s functionality.
With the FlexDoors system, access to the rear cargo area is through two butterfly-style rear tailgate doors that individually swing open upward along the central axis of the vehicle. This thoughtful feature allows the Flextreme’s trunk to be accessible from the side when parked tightly against a wall or another vehicle, or when a bicycle rack is fitted on the rear.
The rear doors are another key distinguishing feature of the Flextreme. While the front doors open in the conventional manner, the rear doors are rear-hinged. And as there is no center roof pillar (B-pillar), opening both doors on one side creates a large opening for easy entry. For families, this feature is especially useful when securing child seats and children into the rear seating positions.
Land Rover LRX Concept Video
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Land Rover, SUVs
Tags: Detroit, LRX
The LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient, US Federal-specification, 2.0-litre, turbodiesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this powertrain could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other 4×4s of comparable size, and reduce emissions to approximately 120 g/km.
Watch our video of the Land Rover LRX Concept from the 2008 North American International Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI and let us know what you think of this new design.
Click here for more on the Land Rover LRX Concept.
Fisker Karma Video From The Detroit Auto Show
Filed under: 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Auto Show Pictures, Auto Show Videos, Fisker, Green Hybrids/Alternative Fuels, Sedans/Saloons
Tags: Detroit, karma
Fisker recently unveiled the Karma at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI.
The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that can do 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, with a 125 mph continuous speed. Once you plug it in (at any normal/regular outlet) to charge overnight, you can travel the first 50 miles without producing emissions or using gasoline.
Production should begin in the 4th quarter of 2009 with a starting price of $80,000.
