VW’s New Diesel-Electric Concept Gets 261 MPG

from: http://www.autointhenews.com/

Volkswagen’s latest concept vehicle may look like something from the very distant future, but it could wind up on the road within a few short years. The Formula XL1 Concept combines a two-cylinder TDI engine, an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery pack, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to attain over 260 miles per gallon.

In addition to this diesel-electric’s innovative powertrain, it features a plug-in system, low drag, and a bevy of lightweight materials to maximize fuel-efficiency. The Formula XL1 can also cover just over 20 miles on electric power alone for emissions-free driving. Technology proven in Formula 1 racing has also found its way into the Formula XL1, including the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer parts to reduce weight.

“When the new millennium was ushered in, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch formulated the visionary goal of bringing to the market a production car that was practical for everyday use with a fuel consumption of 1.0 liter per 100 km,” VW said in a statement. “In the new XL1, Volkswagen is demonstrating that this goal is now within reach.”

Inside, Volkswagen promises that the interior is well-suited for everyday practicality. Wing doors also make it easy to get in and out of this tiny two-seater.

One of the biggest variables in whether the Formula XL1 will get the green light for production is cost. But Volkswagen says it has found ways to significantly reduce production costs, and that factor alone could help this vehicle become a reality — at least in limited quantities.

WORLD’S FIRST DIESEL-ELECTRIC HYBRID: PEUGEOT 3008 HYBRID 4

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With the launch of the 3008 HYbrid 4, Peugeot becomes the first automaker to sell a full production diesel-electric hybrid vehicle.

The 3008 HYbrid 4 is powered by a 2.0-liter 163 horsepower HDi diesel, combined with a 27 constant, 37 peak horsepower electric motor, making it a powerful, yet efficient crossover. The CUV is capable of 74.4 miles per gallon highway on the European cycle, and emits just 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The 3008 HYbrid 4 also features Peugeot’s latest generation of Start-Stop technology, for even greater fuel economy savings.

The power is distributed via a six-speed electronically-controlled manual transmission, which the automaker says allows for greatly improved fuel economy over both traditional automatic and manual transmissions. The driver has the option of choosing the gear change mode at any time – manual or automatic – with either the gear lever or via controls behind the steering wheel

Driving modes
Adding to its list of impressive green qualities, the 3008 HYbrid 4 also offers a pure electric driving mode, ZEV (Zero emission vehicle), as well as four-wheel drive, Auto and Sport modes.

Peugeot says the ZEV Mode is intended to give drivers the ability to travel silently and without emitting any emissions while traveling around town.

The Four-Wheel Drive mode instructs both power trains to operate together with the rear wheels driven by the electric motor and the front wheels by the HDi diesel engine. At low speed it allows “all-terrain” capabilities equivalent to those of an SUV.

With Auto Mode the entire system is automatically controlled, including operation of the HDi diesel engine and the electric motor. This mode helps to provide an optimal blend for both fuel consumption and dynamic performance.

The Sport Mode opts for quicker gear changes at higher engine speeds than normal mode. This mode combines the diesel engine with the electric motor for more dynamic performance, optimally distributed and transmitted to the road by the four-wheel drive.

Inside the cabin
Peugeot says that with the interior of the 3008 they were aiming for a high-end look and feel, but a layout that should remind the driver of an aircraft cockpit. The cabin features an expansive fascia panel, ergonomically placed controls and an ergonomically-minded center console that helps to clearly separate the territory of the “pilot” from the passengers.

Style is provided from unique materials and color choices, and this is true in particular of the new and specific Guérande & Tramontane two-tone leather finish which subtly combines bright pale grey on the seat cushions with a black finish on the sides of the seats.

The gear lever with its modern and elegant design is a key feature of the HYbrid4 technology. It enhances the technological ambiance in the same way as the seven-inch color display which provides information on the flow of energy. A specific steering wheel bearing the signature HYbrid4 adds a touch of exclusivity to the car.

Geneva Preview: Hyundai reveals diesel hybrid i-Flow

from: http://green.autoblog.com/

by Sam Abuelsamid

Hyundai's home office in Korea has dropped the first frontal image of the new concept that will be shown next week in Geneva along with some technical details. The i-Flow is a D-segment sedan meant to go up against cars like the Ford Mondeo in Europe. Under the hood, the i-Flow has Hyundai's first diesel hybrid powertrain including a new 1.7-liter inline-four. The diesel has dual stage turbocharging and is paired up with Hyundai's Blue-drive system using a new six-speed dual clutch gearbox. Like the upcoming Sonata hybrid, the i-Flow uses a lithium polymer battery pack. With its drag coefficient of 0.25, the i-Flow is claimed to achieve 78.4 miles per gallon (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 85 grams/kilometer.

Joining the i-Flow onstage will be a refreshed version of the i30 (badged as the Elantra Touring in North America) and low emissions "blue" versions of the i10, i20, i30 and ix35 (Tucson). These models get automatic start-stop, low rolling resistance tires and aero tweaks. The four cars all get CO2 ratings under 100 g/km while the crossover ix35 gets 135 g/km. Finally, Hyundai will also show a fuel cell version of the new ix35/Tucson for the first time. Hyundai still plans to produce fuel cell vehicles in the thousands annually by 2012.

[Source: Hyundai]

PRESS RELEASE

HYUNDAI TO PRESENT EIGHT WORLD DEBUTS AT GENEVA

Hyundai has today revealed the first photo of the all-new concept car i-flow (HED-7), ahead of its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The i-flow, which advances the 'fluidic sculpture' form language of Hyundai, will be joined on stage by other newcomers, including the facelifted i30 ? to be launched as i30U ? and a number of new, production-ready derivatives with CO2 emissions below 100g/km.

Previewing a future D-segment contender from Hyundai, i-flow boasts sleek, elegant lines which not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics. The drag coefficient of 0.25Cd helps to reduce the car's CO2 output to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.

Hyundai's first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain is a key factor in delivering such an environmentally-conscious return. The exciting new U2 1,7-liter engine is augmented by two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai's Lithium Ion-Polymer battery, to give a very efficient and advanced combination, partnered with a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

The interior of i-flow redefines the perception of space in a sedan bodystyle, and sees the application of next-generation materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical company BASF. Fundamental elements, such as the seats and center console, have been crafted in collaboration with BASF for minimal weight and volume. The cockpit's main interface centers around an expansive, contoured screen, which recognizes not only touch but also gestural inputs along its fascia-wide display.

The glossy 'Liquid Metal' finish ? developed by BASF Coatings ? adds to the visual impact of i-flow's exterior. Special-effect pigments in this eco-friendly waterborne coating give the surface a polished metal appearance, and highlight the sculptural character of the car.

Entering mass production in March this year, the i30U takes over from the well-established i30, and incorporates a wide range of improvements in design, specification and competitiveness, as well as even cleaner powertrains. To complete the upgrade, i30U comes with the Hyundai 'Triple5' package, consisting of an enhanced five-year, bumper-to-bumper unlimited warranty, five years' roadside assistance, and an annual vehicle seasonal health check for five years. The package reflects the quality and reliability of the Europe-built i30 family and gives added peace of mind to consumers.

At the Show Hyundai will also reveal the latest additions to its growing collection of eco-focused Blue DriveTM innovations. Five new production vehicles have resulted from the company's leading-edge program: the i10 blue, i20 blue, i30 blue, i30cw blue, and ix35 blue. The new arrivals will drive the company towards its goal of global leadership in environmentally-sensitive automotive technologies.

Through innovations such as a stop-start system, low-rolling-resistance tyres and modified aerodynamics, the first four of these cars have CO2 emissions below 100g/km. The ix35 blue, meanwhile, boasts an impressive 135g/km ?a benchmark figure for a C-segment SUV. These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction, making all Blue DriveTM models a realistic solution for motorists.

Looking one step beyond the blue-badged models, the ix35 FCEV moves Hyundai closer to the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Debuting at Geneva, it features several important innovations over the previous-generation Tucson FCEV, and will lead to production volume of Hyundai FCEVs in the thousands by 2012. Among the developments implemented on ix35 FCEV are steps to reduce the cost and complexity of fuel-cell manufacturing and new approaches which simplify final assembly.

More information about Hyundai's star cars and the latest corporate news will be made available on the stand, where media can request press kits. The company's press conference will take place in Hall 1 at 14:15 (CET) on Tuesday 2nd March.

BMW's Baloga confirms four-cylinder diesels for U.S. market

by Sam Abuelsamid

While some of us here at ABG HQ are major fans of BMW's diesel engines, we were disappointed when BMW opted to enter the U.S. market only with the twin turbo 3.0-liter six cylinder diesel. As fantastic an engine as that is, the 2.0-liter four cylinder is also plenty strong and yields even better fuel efficiency. At an event at BMW's North American headquarters this week, VP engineering Tom Baloga told the audience that BMW would introduce the four-cylinder diesel to the U.S. lineup now that tougher fuel economy standards have been imposed. In keeping with BMW's performance image, we will get the more powerful variants, likely the dual turbo, 204 hp version used in the 123d rather than the super-high-efficiency versions. Even with that engine, we averaged 37 mpg in the 123d last year. BMW plans to clean up the four cylinder diesel with a lean NOx trap like VW uses for the Jetta and Golf TDI rather than a more expensive and complex urea injection system. The four cylinder will most likely go into the 3 and maybe 1 series cars with the six being reserved for larger cars like the 5, 7 and X5.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 BMW 123d Hatchback

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Mercedes-Benz to Bring 4-Cylinder Diesels to the U.S.?

By Jerry Garrett

Would a Mercedes-Benz luxury car that gets 44 miles a gallon interest you? Would your interest be tempered at all to know that car is powered by a 4-cylinder engine?

Those are the questions Mercedes-Benz would like to have answered before it decides whether to bring cars with that engine to North America. So, at the 2009 New York auto show, Mercedes is showing what it calls the Vision E250 BlueTEC concept.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images Dianne Reeves sang as the Mercedes-Benz Vision E250 BlueTEC concept was introduced.

“This is the world’s cleanest and most fuel-efficient luxury sedan,” said Klaus Maier, the Mercedes-Benz executive vice president who introduced it. “It has fantastic fuel economy of up to 44 miles a gallon, and it would be ready to run in all 50 U.S. states.”

The 2.2-liter diesel gets a boost from a two-stage turbocharger and direct fuel injection and is clean enough to meet emissions standards that won’t be in effect until 2014.

“In Europe, the press calls it the ‘wonder diesel,’” said Dr. Maier. “Besides clean, efficient operation, it also offers 6-cylinderlike smoothness and power.”

And its fuel economy is almost double that of a V-6.

New York is an important market for Mercedes-Benz, and the auto show here, which annually announces attendance in excess of one million people, is a prime location for getting feedback.

“We would like to see if people would accept a 4-cylinder engine in a luxury car,” said Geoff Day, a spokesman for Mercedes-Benz U.S.A. “It doesn’t have to be in an E-Class, of course. A C-Class or a GLK could be more likely choices for America.”

If the response here is positive enough, the engine could be made available for United States certification quite quickly, Mr. Day added. Sales would not be far off.

VW Launches New Fuel-Efficient and Low-Emission Brand, BlueMotionTechnologies

Written by Jerry James Stone

Volkswagen’s launched a new brand: BlueMotionTechnologies.

It houses all of Volkswagen’s best eco-friendly tech. It currently includes a new start-stop system, regenerative braking, SCR catalytic converter and the NO_x storage catalytic converter.

BlueMotionTechnologies is aimed at bringing fuel-efficient and low-emission systems to market without skimping on the fahrvergnügen. Yah, I had to dust that one off…sorry.

If you’re thinking that BlueMotion isn’t all that new, you’re right. Back in 2006 VDub introduced the Polo BlueMotion, and in 2007 they unveiled a Passat flavored one.

But unlike the Polo and the Passat, the concept behind the newly branded BlueMotionTechnologies is not limited to diesel engines. In fact, it won’t be defined by a single set of technologies at all; it will evolve.

Alongside the BlueMotionTech launch, VW has also announced a new set of “principles for the sustainable development and production of its models.” These new tenets are:

• Reducing the fuel consumption of its vehicles and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Resource efficiency and resource conservation: recyclability and the use of renewable and secondary raw materials. Moreover, alternative powertrain technologies will be developed and the use of alternative fuels and other energy storage systems.
• Health protection: focus is on exhaust emissions and interior emissions as well as reducing exterior and interior noise levels.

VW is kicking off the new brand with three different versions of its Passat:

Passat BlueMotion:
Here a common rail TDI (81 kW/110 PS) provides for 4.9 liter fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 128 g/km. The Passat BlueMotion has a Start-Stop system and conforms to limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard. Its range of over 1,400 kilometers on one tank of fuel is a minor sensation – travelers starting out in Berlin will not be looking for a gas station until shortly before Rome. Naturally, the Passat BlueMotion will also be available as a wagon.

Passat BlueTDI:
Its 105-kW diesel is ahead of its times; that is because Volkswagen is introducing the first TDI to conform to limits of the Euro-6 emissions standard that does not take effect until 2014. Aboard the Passat BlueTDI, a SCR catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxides to less than 80 mg/km. Fuel economy of the sedan shifted by a 6-speed gearbox: 5.2 liter/100-km (CO2 emissions: 137 g/km). Further options: the “BlueTDI” will also be available as a wagon, and it will be available with a 6-speed DSG.

Passat TSI EcoFuel:
The Passat TSI EcoFuel is ushering in a new era of cars powered by natural gas. Until now, one of the drawbacks of cars powered by natural gas is that their performance can be rather unexciting. Thanks to its 110 kW strong high-tech engine, the Passat TSI EcoFuel combines a maximum speed of 210 km/h with excellent fuel economy and finally puts an end to these limitations. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in just 9.7 seconds. Despite its great agility, the world’s first turbocharged and supercharged direct-injection engine configured for natural gas operation is satisfied with just 4.4 kilograms of natural gas, which is about € 4.25 per 100 kilometers. With a 7-speed DSG, the Passat breaks the magic CO2 limit of 120 g/km in this class (6-speed transmission: 4.5 kg/100-km and 123 g/km CO2). If the natural gas on board should run low before the next fill-up station, the engine controller switches over to gasoline mode. The car has a total range of more than 900 kilometers.

And on the heels of these three new Passats, VDub is also previewing its Touareg hybrid:

Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid:
Because the future of the automobile – and BlueMotionTechnologies as well – offers more than just one answer, in parallel Volkswagen is presenting a prototype of the future Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid (333 PS / under 9.0 l/100 km). This car will enter production in 2010 as the world’s first hybrid SUV to have 3.5 metric ton towing capacity. Volkswagen is introducing one of the highest performance parallel hybrid systems in the world in this SUV. The German carmaker is utilizing a high-tech alliance of a V6 TSI (245 kW) boosted by supercharger and an electric motor (38 kW). Up to a speed of 50 km/h, the Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid can be driven by just the electric motor. In this case, no emissions are generated.

Photos: worldcarfans.com

VW’s Diesel Roadster Gets 54 MPG, Offers Eco-Mode

Written by Jerry James Stone

At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen showed off its latest roadster — the BlueSport Concept. The BlueSport features a 177 hp diesel engine with rail injection and a downstream NO_x storage catalytic converter, all in a 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.

With a top speed of 140 mph, the 2.0-liter turbodiesel (TDI) delivers 258 lb-ft of torque. The Euro 6 compliant version gets 54.7 mpg where as the US version will get around 42 mpg. I am happy for the Tier II emission standards we have here in the US, and T2B5 standards are close to California’s stricter Level II standards, but do we really lose 12 mpg by those standards?

It’s VW’s eco mode that accounts for the boost in fuel economy: an automatic start-stop system and energy regeneration. Together they propel the Concept BlueSport to an additional fuel savings of up to 0.2 liter per 100 kilometers in city driving.

The roadster is barely over a ton. It’s lightweight construction includes a soft top that is the lightest in its class. It paid off. It will take less than 6-seconds to hit 60 mph. Of course, its weight also pays off in fuel consumption.

Editor’s note: this post was updated 1/24/2009 at 4:12 PST to change a reference to the vehicle hitting “top speed” in under 6 seconds. It should have said it will hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds.

Photos: VWvortex.com