2011 SsangYong XIV-1 Concept

The name XIV-1 is derived from the phrase ‘eXciting user Interface Vehicle’, highlighting the show car’s focus on interaction with the driver and passengers. The exterior design of SsangYong XIV-1 Concept with its continuous glass area epitomises the perfect proportions of the compact SUV. Designers took inspiration from the simplicity of the side view of a graceful sailing yacht, which is synonymous with outdoor pleasure and enjoyment. A wide C-pillar and slim roof appear to float above the body, providing a nimble, fast yet strong stance.

The objective of SsangYong XIV-1 Concept is to maximise the enjoyment of movement while also providing passengers with a moving communication space. SsangYong’s designers have named the interior concept ‘each one & all together’, enabling passengers to freely move and rotate all the seats to tailor the cabin layout to their specific needs. Each of the concept’s four seats can rotate through 360 degrees in addition to moving forwards and backwards.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-CELL Plus Concept

A new addition to Mercedes-Benz’s portfolio of electric cars is the near-series Mercedes-Benz B-Class E-CELL Plus Concept – a compact model that meets all the needs of daily motoring with a total range of up to 600 kilometres. As such, this electric vehicle is also ideally suited to long journeys and offers its driver unrestricted mobility. This is made possible by the combination of a powerful electric drive generating a peak power output of 100 kW and a continuous output of 70 KW with a 50 kW petrol engine. The latter performs a dual role: at low vehicle speeds it charges the battery via a generator. At higher speeds – on prolonged motorway stretches, for example – it additionally serves as a driving engine, acting on the front wheels together with the electric motor via a newly developed automatic transmission.

 When the battery possesses sufficient energy, the vehicle runs locally emission-free on electric power alone. The energy accumulator can be recharged by means of a conventional domestic power socket. Rapid charging is also possible with this vehicle. This enables a charging time in the order of one hour.

When the battery charge status drops below a certain limit, the combustion engine is activated (“Range Extender mode”). The large range which is available in “Range Extender mode” ensures that the vehicle will always reach its destination, even if the battery is flat. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approx. 11 seconds and the top speed of 150 km/h are both attainable in either operating mode. In order to ensure the most efficient possible motoring, two variants are possible, depending on the vehicle’s speed:

Below a speed of around 60 km/h, the combustion engine and generator attend to on-board power generation (“serial mode”). In this case, the combustion engine is run in the most fuel-efficient mode.

At speeds of over 60 km/h the combustion engine acts as a driving engine together with the electric motor (“parallel mode”), transmitting the generated power to the front axle. Any excess power generated by the combustion engine is used to charge the battery and to run the ancillary units.

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Toy Robot Prepares For Ironman Triathlon

The challenge of Hawaii’s grueling Ironman Triathion course is a formidable goal for anyone, but for a tiny Japanese robot known as Evolta, it would seem to be an impossible task.

But Evolta is no stranger to hardship as this Panasonic creation has already scaled the cliffs of the Grand Canyon, endured the Le Mans 24-hour circuit racetrack and has walked 310 miles from Tokyo to the old Japanese capital of Kyoto.

The hand-sized, green and white robot gets its stamina from three rechargeable batteries, which the robot bears on its back, and is fitted with three different bodies to accommodate the different physical challenges. These include: one mounted on a tiny bicycle, one in a round hoop with a supporting rear wheel and another mounted on a curved, fin-like blade.

Evolta will swim, bicycle and run its way through one of the world’s toughest triathlon routes, which commences on October 24 and will continue without stopping for seven days and nights.

“This is very tough even for a sportsman, but I think it is worth a challenge… Evolta’s height is just one-tenth of a grown man, so we figured out that it would take it 10 times more time. … I hope it will … succeed in the end,” said Tomotaka Takahashi, creator of Evolta.

The robot’s assignment is to swim, run and bike for approximately 143 miles. The time given to complete the task is one week or 168 hours, which is ten times longer than it would take a human of normal proportions.

Evolta’s creator had his own challenges as well. For one thing, he had to find away to make the tiny robot impervious to moisture and effectively protect it from mold. The batteries are slated to go on sale in late October. They have a long life and can be recharged up to 1,800 times via a recharger pad.

Here’s to Evolta, the new miniature triathion champ!

(Link)

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2012 Fisker Karma

Combining striking, elegant design with high performance, ultra-low fuel consumption and zero emissions on demand, the four-door, four-seat Fisker Karma embodies the brand’s commitment to creating Uncompromised Responsible Luxury™ vehicles that deliver Pure Driving Passion. The Fisker Karma arrives in showrooms this summer, setting a new benchmark for time-to-market after being unveiled as a concept in 2008 and creating the Premium Luxury EV segment.

With its proprietary EVer™ powertrain the Fisker Karma can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds, yet achieve the equivalent of more than 100 miles per gallon and 83 g/km CO2 emissions in real-world driving on an annual basis.

The Fisker Karma can run purely on electric power supplied by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to 50 miles (80 km); after that, a 175 kW generator driven by an efficient, 2.0 liter, direct-injection, turbocharged gasoline engine extends the range an additional 250 miles (403 km). The Fisker Karma’s total range between recharge/refuel can reach 300 miles.

With a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $95,900 before federal tax incentives of $7,500, and a €85,500 suggested retail price in Europe.

2012 Fisker Karma Technical Specifications

• Motors: Two rear-mounted electric traction motors, mid-mounted lithium ion battery pack and front/mid-mounted range-extending gasoline engine/generator set
• Battery: 20 kWh, 180 kW lithium ion w/Nanophosphate™ technology (A123 Systems)
• Range-extending gasoline Engine/Generator set: 2.0-liter, 260hp, low-emission, four-cylinder direct fuel-injection w/ turbocharger (GM Ecotec®) and 175 kW generator
• Traction motors: 403 hp (300 kW) total [2 x 201.5 hp (150 kW)]
• Torque: 981 lb.-ft (1300 Nm)
• Transmission: Single-ratio gearbox/Limited Slip Differential combination
• Dimensions
• Overall Length: 196.7 in. (4996mm)
• Overall Width: 78.1 in. (1984mm)
• Overall Height: 52.4 in. (1330mm)
• Overhang [f/r]: 35.9 in. (913mm) / 36.3 in. (923mm)
• Wheelbase: 124.4 in (3160mm)
• Track [f/r]: 66.6 in. (1692mm) / 67.0 in (1701mm)
• Cargo Capacity: 6.9 cu. ft. (195 l)
• Curb Weight: 5600 lbs. (2539 kg)
• Fuel Capacity: 9.5 US Gal. (36 l)
• Turning Radius: 40.4 ft. (12.3m)
• Performance
• Stealth Mode
• Lithium-ion battery power only
• 0-60mph (97 km/h): 7.9 sec
• Top Speed: 5mph (153 km/h)
• Sport Mode
• Lithium-ion power with Engine/Generator
• 0-60mph (97km/h): 5.9 sec
• Top Speed: 125mph (201 km/h) electronically limited
• Range
• Total Range: 300 miles (483 km)
• Electric only: 50 miles (80km)
• Extended range: 250 miles (403 km)

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2011 Ford Fiesta ST Concept

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show provides an important preview of what could be the next performance vehicle in the Ford Performance Vehicles product pipeline – the Ford Fiesta ST Concept. Muscular and sporty, the Ford Fiesta ST Concept is inspired by the Ford Fiesta WRC. It features a dynamic sports chassis and a high-performance powertrain with a 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost® engine, yet is capable of delivering impressive fuel economy.

Target performance levels for the Ford Fiesta ST Concept are 177 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, enough to propel it from 0-60 mph in less than seven seconds. A top speed exceeding 136 mph is targeted.

The advanced design of the turbocharged, four-cylinder Ford EcoBoost engine – connected to a six-speed manual transmission – means the Ford Fiesta ST Concept is forecast to deliver CO2 emissions of less than 140 g/km.

 

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Renault Clio RS 200 Raider 2012

A first for Renault, and highly exclusive, even amongst the most expensive cars on the market today, Raider is finished in matt Renault i.d. paintwork. The choice of matt Stealth Grey or Diavolo Red is contrasted by a gloss black finish to the roof, rear spoiler, F1-style front blade, rear diffuser and door mirrors. This gloss black finish is also applied to the 18″ ‘Interlagos’ alloy wheels, one inch larger diameter than the standard 200 wheels. These are fitted with Bridgestone RE 050A tyres, as used on the record-breaking Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy. Naturally, the acclaimed Cup chassis is standard featuring a lower ride height, stiffer springs and dampers, quicker steering ratio and red finish to the Brembo brake callipers. The exterior finish is rounded off by extra-tinted rear side and tailgate windows and a Raider badge.

A warm interior welcomes the driver. Leather upholstered Recaro seats are complimented by the zinc grey finish to the centre console and fascia inserts. Contrasting with this is a white rev counter. Bluetooth, USB connectivity, automatic climate control and Renaultsport carpet mats are also fitted. A numbered plate identifies the number in the 50 production run. Customers can order their Raider with a no cost choice of either Renaultsport Monitor – Renaultsport’s on-board telemetry system – or Carminat TomTom Live satellite navigation.

The Clio Renaultsport 200 Raider will be available to order from the end of October when further details and pricing will be announced.

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2012 Acura TSX Special Edition

The 2012 Acura TSX Special Edition package consists of numerous upgrades to the exterior including a more aggressive front spoiler, rear bumper fascia and side sills, 17×7.5-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels with a dark grey finish and a “Special Edition” badge on the trunklid. Inside, the TSX Special Edition makes use of exclusive seating surfaces with perforated black Lux Suede® inserts and red backing. Unique red stitching and red-lighting are used throughout the interior, and aluminum pedal covers add a race-inspired look. Finally, a black headliner material replaces the standard grey headliner used on other TSX models.

Pricing for the Acura TSX sports sedan starts at $29,810. The new TSX Special Edition, available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual or Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, is priced at $30,810. The Acura TSX V-6 is priced at $35,350 and a Technology package, consisting of items such as Acura’s award-winning ELS audio system and hard-drive based navigation system, is available on the TSX and TSX V-6 for $3,100.

For 2012, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon now features a compact tire repair kit that allows for a significantly larger underfloor storage area. The TSX Sport Wagon starts at $31,160 and an available Technology Package is priced at $3,650, including a power rear tailgate. Destination and Handling charges for all TSX models are unchanged at $885.

The TSX and TSX Sport Wagon go on-sale today with the new Special Edition model available at the end of the month. The TSX Special Edition makes its public debut at the Orange County International Auto Show on September 22nd.

TSX 5AT 29,810

TSX Special Edition 5AT 30,810

TSX Special Edition 6MT 30,810

TSX w/ Technology Package 5AT 32,910

TSX V-6 5AT 35,350

TSX V-6 w/ Technology Package 5AT 38,450

TSX Sport Wagon 5AT 31,160

TSX Sport Wagon w/ Technology Package 5AT 34,810

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