The Lotus Evora 414E Range Extender Hybrid was chosen by the Editors of the SAE’s Automotive Engineering International Magazine, for its design and engineering innovation, uniqueness, potential for “real-world” production application, and potential benefit for industry customers and end user.

“The Lotus Evora 414E was chosen for the AEI Tech Award for its unique combination of a multimode virtual seven-speed shift schemel, torque-vectoring stability control, and energy and power management optimization schemes,” said Kevin Jost, editorial director of Automotive Engineering International Magazine.

Every year, the editors of Automotive Engineering International select, from among SAE World Congress exhibitors, the technologies they judge worthy of an AEI SAE 2013 Tech Award.

The SAE said judging is based on level of design and engineering innovation, uniqueness, potential for “real world” production application, and potential benefit for industry customers and end user.

The SAE 2013 World Congress is held this year between April 16 and 18 in Detroit.

“In one high tech vehicle, the Lotus Evora 414E encompasses all the key areas of Lotus Engineering’s expertise, and doesn’t just demonstrate the high level of technological advancements in our products, but is also relevant to the motor industry and applicable to the long term future of the car,” said Aslam Farikullah, chief operating officer for Lotus. “We are delighted that the SAE have recognized this with such an important and prestigious award.”

Lotus said the Evora 414E Hybrid concept showcases new developments in plug-in, range-extended electric propulsion, new electronic technologies to enhance driver involvement and the adaptability of the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA).

The range extended electric drive of the Evora 414E Hybrid consists of two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via single speed geartrain, integrated into one common transmission housing, thus enabling torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle.

Electrical power is stored in a lithium polymer battery pack which is optimized for energy density, efficiency and high power demand and mounted in the center of the vehicle for stability and safety.

Additional range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimized 1.2 liter, three- cylinder engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles. The drivetrain is designed to combine astonishing performance with efficient, low emissions driving.

Driver involvement is enhanced by the incorporation of HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and HARMAN, which provide sound contouring within the cabin and improve pedestrian safety outside the vehicle.

Integrated with the HALOsonic technology, the Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a brand new technology from Lotus Engineering, a sports mode that simulates a 7-speed, paddle shift transmission that combines exceptional driver involvement for a hybrid sports car and optimized energy recuperation.

The Evora 414E Hybrid has been designed to highlight Lotus’ electric and hybrid vehicle technology without distracting from the pure sportscar character of the Evora.

Technical details available:

• 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds
• Total hybrid range of over 300 miles
• Eco mode or Sports mode featuring realistic 7 speed paddle shift with energy recuperation
• 152 kilowatt (204 horsepower) and 400 Nm (295 pound-feet) of torque

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At next week’s Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be showing a transporter concept vehicle it calls the e-Co-Motion.

This concept is said by Volkswagen to be rated at 800 kilograms (1764 pounds) of payload while offering the benefit of zero emissions thanks to an electric drive system.

“Electric mobility – especially in light commercial vehicles – could play a crucial role in meeting the growing transport needs of the world’s megacities,” explains Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Speaker of the Brand Board of Management.  “Freight trains and conventional or hybrid-powered high capacity lorries would deliver goods up to the city limits.  Then, at transfer stations, smaller electric delivery vans would take over.  Their predictable travel routes and fixed depots would simplify battery charging and equipment maintenance.”

Designed from the ground up to be powered by an electric drive, the e-Co-Motion is said by Volkswagen to offer many essential European commercial vehicle properties: high maneuverability with a small vehicle footprint, very good visibility and seating ergonomics with easy entry, exit and walk-through.

Also, a low cargo floor height and large cargo capacity make loading easier.

The concept vehicle offers a maximum cargo capacity of 4.6 cubic meter (162.45 cubic foot) and 800 kg (1764 pounds) of payload.  This was enabled by clear partitioning of the vehicle body into a lower driving-relevant zone containing a drive unit located under the floor, with battery and gearbox; and an upper superstructure that is specific to delivery tasks.

This, according to Volkswagen, generates ideal conditions for maximum space utilization, and all sorts of body versions and customer solutions are imaginable.

The vehicle can eventually be setup as a driver’s cab in front of a cargo box, as in the concept vehicle, or a passenger shuttle, low platform or refrigerated box, depending on the customer’s needs.

We can already see some wishing for a Westfalia camping version, with pop-up top an all.

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The Qoros 3 Sedan, which is entering a pre-production development phase after two summers and two winters of testing, is due to be launched in China in the second half of 2013, with first European sales following later in the year.

The launch of further Qoros models is then planned at intervals of approximately six months. The crossover hybrid concept gives hints as to the direction of said future models.

To be produced in a new assembly plant in Changshu, China, the range of Qoros models is being designed and engineered, according to Qoros, by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent, and has been developed with the support of internationally-renowned suppliers such as Magna Steyr, TRW, Continental, Bosch, Getrag, Benteler, Lear, Microsoft, Harman, Neusoft-Alpine and Iconmobile.

Qoros said its models will feature an infotainment system which the company considers unique in the automotive field.  Featuring an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen, the system was developed in-house by Qoros with displays designed for minimal driver distraction, replacing the array of switches and buttons that blight many modern car interiors.  The system features advanced navigation, social networking connectivity and the ability for drivers to monitor their car’s health and, for example, to book dealer service appointments.

Alongside the first production model from Qoros, the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show also sees the unveiling of the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept. This crossover model is said to feature a compact hatchback body and an advanced hybrid drivetrain.

It presents the application of signature styling themes introduced on the Qoros 3 Sedan to possible future compact hatchback and crossover models.

The Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept features a hybrid drive system developed in partnership with electric drive systems specialist American Axle.

A three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine with producing 97 kilowatts (130 horsepower) is installed transversely at the front driving the front wheels.

A 50-kilowatt electric motor is located in the back, between the luggage compartment floor and the rear axle. The electric motor is powered by a LG Chem lithium-ion battery with a maximum capacity of 1.9 kilowatt-hours.

A second electric motor – the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) – is mounted between the petrol engine and the transmission.  Its role, as well as to start the gas engine more discreetly than a traditional starter motor, is to charge the rear electric motor’s dedicated battery so that the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept can operate continuously in all-wheel drive mode.

During the most demanding driving, the ISG delivers additional power to the front axle.

Intelligent control software ensures seamless transition between petrol-engine front-wheel drive, electric motor rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive, depending on the most efficient mode to respond to the driver’s inputs and the prevailing road conditions.

In theory, the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept can be driven in pure-electric mode at a speed of up to 120 km/h (75 mph), and for a maximum range of approximately 2.5 miles (Qoros’ provisional target, not yet verified).

Qoros 3 Sedan

Two four-cylinder 1.6-liter gasoline engines will be available at the launch of the Qoros 3 Sedan in China, both of which feature VVT (variable valve timing).  The naturally-aspirated unit delivers an output of 93 kilowatt (126 horsepower) and 155 Nm maximum torque.  The turbocharged version offers 115 kilowatt (156 horsepower) and 210 Nm maximum torque.  Both engines are linked to a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with an optional six-speed dual clutch transmission available for both.

A stop-start system will be available from launch.

“With the support of AVL, Qoros is also developing a new three-cylinder 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and an all-new four-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, both with GDI (gasoline direct injection).  These engines will deliver highly competitive performance and efficiency,” comments Klaus Schmidt, Executive Director of Vehicle Engineering, who was formerly a senior manager at BMW M-Power.

Founded in 2007, Qoros describes itself as an equal joint venture partnership between Chery Automobile, China’s biggest independent automotive manufacturer, and Israel Corporation, a global industrial holding company.

Qoros is headquartered in Changshu, a region of great importance to China’s rapidly expanding automotive industry, where construction of its all-new, highly-efficient and environmentally-sustainable production facility is nearing completion.

“The factory has an initial annual production capacity of 150,000 units, with potential for expansion to 450,000 units,” explains Alexander Wortberg, Qoros’ Director of Production (also a former BMW employee).

Qoros operates an engineering centre in Shanghai, which is also the company’s base for many commercial and purchasing functions. Further operations are located in Munich (Germany) and Graz (Austria).

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The fully functional concept combined a turbodiesel direct injection engine (TDI) and two electric motors. Its combined fuel consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) is 1.8 liters per 100 kilometers (130 mpg). This is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 46 g/km.

Interestingly, the concept can run in pure electric mode at speeds up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 mph) and can cover a distance of up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) on electric power alone.

The battery, which consists of eight modules, has an energy capacity of 9.8 kilowatt-hour and is located in the center tunnel of the Cross Coupé.

This does mean that, like the Chevrolet Volt, the Cross Coupé is a four seater.

The turbo diesel engine is rated at 140 kilowatt while the front electric motor is a 40 kilowatt unit ; the rear electric motor is an 85 kilowatt unit.

By its configuration, the Cross Coupé can be a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle. The front wheels can be powered by both the TDI and by the front electric motor while the rear whiles are exclusively powered by the rear electric motor.

The Cross Coupé has proportions very different from current products; it is longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan and the vehicle’s width and height are positioned exactly between these two as well. The main difference is the concept vehicle’s wheelbase, which at 2,630 mm (103.5 inches) is clearly long relative to the concept’s overall length; 52 mm (2 inches) longer than the Golf’s, 26 mm (1 inch) more than the Tiguan’s.

While a design study, this Cross Coupé concept is fully functional and illustrates various possible technology and design combos Volkswagen may consider for future products.

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Toyota said the Fun-Vii is designed to attract a younger generation that is increasingly tech-savvy. The Toyota Fun-Vii (Vii stands for Vehicle, Interactive, Internet) is a concept vehicle that heralds a not-too-distant future when technology and automobiles will be seamlessly integrated.

The Fun-Vii boasts innovations such as car security based on biometric authentication, a breakthrough navigation system that intuitively projects needed information through augmented reality, and wireless re-charging.

In addition, the Fun-Vii is covered by impact-resistant body panels that transform the car exterior into one big display, and the same technology is also on the inside of the car, enabling the look of the interior to be fully adjustable as well.

“The wide range of exciting capabilities in the Fun-Vii demonstrates the impressive impact of Toyota innovation,” said Larry Hutchinson, managing director, Toyota Canada Inc. “This vehicle shows us just how far our imaginations can take us in redefining the future.”

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