The IS 300h’s powertrain achieves a total system output of 220 horsepower. The homologated emissions figures for the European model confirm it will produce 99g/km of CO2 in combined cycle driving, with a 65.7mpg combined fuel consumption.

In the UK these figures will apply to the IS 300h SE model with 16-inch wheels.

The system features a 141 horsepower electric motor and a newly developed 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine that produces a maximum 178 horsepower. The engine benefits from a new D-4S fuel injection system, Dual VVT-i intelligent variable valve timing and a high-efficiency exhaust gas recirculation system.

The rear wheels are driven through the hybrid powertrain’s E-CVT transmission.

The powertrain will allow zero to 62 mph acceleration in 8.3 seconds and a 125mph top speed.

The driver can modify the car’s performance by selecting between three different drive modes: EV all-electric running, with the gasoline engine switched off; Eco, for optimum fuel efficiency; Normal, and Sport, for sharper throttle response and a sportier steering setting.

The new IS hybrid lineup includes an F Sport model, which comes with sports-tuned suspension and electric power steering, as well as dedicated exterior and interior design features that distinguish it from the other models in the lineup.

The post Hybrid Lexus IS300h Confirmed For Europe appeared first on HybridCars.com.

First of all, BMW made it official: the i3 will be available this year in Europe.

In the words of BMW, we “will start supplying customers with driver-friendly, premium-quality electric mobility later this year with the BMW i3, whose technology is a response to the social, ecological and economic challenges of our times.”

Secondly, BMW revealed interesting bits of data from what the company learned through customer use of the BMW ActiveE and MINI E vehicles in Asia, Europe and the USA.

The distances covered by the electric vehicles showed very little difference from the distances covered by conventional cars, at somewhat over 40 kilometers (25 miles) a day on average.

On average, the pilot customers charged their vehicle two to three times a week, for the most part at home or at their workplace.

At the start of testing, more than 70 percent of users said that access to public charging stations was very important to them. In actual practice, however, public infrastructure was used for less than 10 percent of all charging.

Based on the field trial results, BMW i’s division said it set out to design a BMW eDrive powertrain for the BMW i3 which in typical commuting use between home and workplace would only require the battery to be recharged once every two to three days.

The BMW i3 to be commercialized later this year will go beyond this target, with a range of between 130 and 160 kilometers (80 to 100 miles) in day-to-day operation. This will also allow it to cope comfortably with out-of-town journeys.

An interesting fact BMW revealed is that the i3 will be powered by a specially developed high-voltage lithium-ion battery with an energy output, and thus the range of the vehicle, less affected by fluctuations in temperature than is typical of such batteries today.

BMW said the technology behind this is an intelligent heating/cooling system which always keeps the battery at an optimal operating temperature. According to BMW, this improves the everyday practicality, stable performance and life expectancy of the battery.

A further priority in designing the BMW i3, said BMW, was to reduce the energy consumption of electrical components. The cabin heating operates on the heat pump principle, which results in 30 percent energy savings in city driving compared with a conventional electrical heating system, while the internal and external lighting uses energy-saving LEDs.

Finally, the German company said the BMW i3 will also be the world’s first electric vehicle to feature full connectivity and will consequently be equipped with BMW i ConnectedDrive services catering specifically to the needs of electric mobility.

BMW described these functions as providing drivers with a realistic range estimate for their journey before they even set out. The internet-enabled navigation system is based on a dynamic range display which takes into account all the relevant parameters for the planned route and is therefore able to provide precise, reliable range predictions. In addition to the battery charge level, driving style, use of electric convenience systems and choice of drive mode, the calculations also take into account route topography and the current traffic situation. The system can identify energy-intensive uphill gradients on the route ahead and reduces the range computation accordingly. The same goes for energy-depleting stop-go conditions or traffic jams, since detailed real-time traffic data is also taken into account.

The BMW i3 can also be supplied with an optional range extender, which increases the driving range to approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles).

For trips where the autonomy of an BMW i3 would not cut it, BMW i will offer additional mobility modules allowing even longer distances to be covered – for example a conventional BMW vehicle can be provided on a given number of days per year.

The post BMW Reveals i3 Coming This Year appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The coupe-looking hatchback concept, known as provo, mixes a gasoline-fueled turbo-charged engine with regenerative-electric motors to bring what Kia calls a smart-hybrid solution to this fun-focused concept.

The company stated that this provo concept points to Kia Motors’ future B-segment expansion plans.

Gregory Guillaume, chief designer at Kia’s European styling base in Frankfurt, described the concept as “an emotional and muscular car aimed at delivering pure fun and performance for today’s city-based enthusiast driver who longs for the curves of the open road.”

The provo combines a 1.6-liter Turbo GDi engine with smart-4WD-hybrid technology from an electric motor delivering an additional power surge to the rear wheels when required; this electric motor also allows low-speed electric-only motion. A seven-speed DCT transmission – Kia’s first – completes the technical package.

Guillaume went on: “This is entirely a car for European tastes and conditions. Designed purely at our Frankfurt studios the provo was conceived as a confident and single-minded statement of dynamism and energy to deliver a new sense of fun into the B-segment. The potent shaping displays a balanced and refined outline within a compact overall shape and the tiny front and rear overhangs enhance the balance within its proportions.”

Hidden behind a single piece of glass is the latest take on the Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille treatment linking straight into the Schreyer-inspired headlamp units that are made up of more than 850 tiny LEDs.  Kia said the programmable LEDs can be used to provide daytime running lights, full beam or even race-style configurations – as well as more humorous and decorative displays to add to provo’s sense of fun!

High-intensity blood-orange accents contrast with the grey-green ‘Storm Metal’ body color to draw the eye to particular aspects of the structure and equipment, while carbon fibre surfaces interplay with traditional materials and high-gloss or anodized aluminum to strengthen the connection to the track cars that inspired provo.

The door construction is unique – the doors are made from three individual panels – the outer panel, a carbon-fiber inner panel and a neoprene-covered inner section that also features the Storm Metal body color.

Echoing the sculpted flanks of the provo, the dashboard has a business-like main binnacle containing large analogue dials on a digital display and a smaller central display of other minor gauges, but because the display is digital it can be programmed to offer a selection of functions.

Set on the center tunnel are two control hubs – the engine stop-start button and drive selector for the seven-speed DCT transmission and a Multimedia Interface control.

This latter control allows the driver to select a variety of screen displays – as well as controlling infotainment functions.  In ‘normal’ mode the driver sees a speedometer, rev counter and sat-nav route instructions.  In ‘cruise’ the display is centered on a large scale map, route instructions and a speedometer, while in ‘track’ mode the display features just a large rev counter, a track-map and a lap-timer.  There is also a full ‘entertainment’ mode allowing visuals of music, radio and other information.

Guillaume commented: “The whole interior concept was designed around not having a big centre console, but instead using latest technology to provide excellent functionality in a clean, clear and attractive manner. By using a DCT gearbox we were able to get rid of the floor-mounted gear-shift and use paddles behind the steering wheel, which has blood-orange stitching and a race style straight-ahead indicator, allowing us to use the floor space for other controls resulting in a much tidier environment.  And because the seats are fixed we have full electric adjustment for the pedal box and steering column – further simplifying the interior and giving a perfect-fit for any driver.”

The post Kia’s B-Segment Provo Concept Showcases 4WD Hybrid Technology appeared first on HybridCars.com.

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.

The post e-Co-Motion Is VW’s Electricity-powered Delivery Solution appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Land Rover will be unveiling seven Defenders converted to run on electric power at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The seven research vehicles deliver zero emissions while retaining their tough, range-traversing capability.

“Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of our business and our engineering teams are working hard to develop innovative new technology to provide sustainable motoring solutions,” said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand director.

The standard diesel engine and gearbox in the 110 Defenders have been replaced by a 70 kilowatt (94 horsepower) electric motor combined to a 300 volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 27 kilowatt-hour. Land Rover said the combination is good for a range of more than 50 miles.

In typical, low speed off-road use it can last for up to eight hours before recharging. The battery can be fully charged by a 7 kilowatt fast charger in four hours, or a portable 3 kilowatt charger in 10 hours.

These electric vehicles (EVs) retain the Defender’s legendary four-wheel drive system and differential lock. Because the electric motor delivers maximum torque from the moment it starts, there’s no need for gear shifting and the transmission is comprised of a single speed, 2.7:1 reduction gearbox combined to the existing Defender four-wheel drive system.

A modified version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response System has also been incorporated.

These vehicles were developed by Land Rover’s Advanced Engineering Team following successful trials of the Defender-based Leopard 1 electric vehicle.

Land Rover said the vehicles’ capability has been tested in extreme and environmentally sensitive conditions, demonstrating capabilities not shared by conventional road-going EVs. Trials included pulling a 12-tonne ‘road train’ up a 13 percent gradient and wading to a depth of 800mm (32 inches).

The battery weighs 410 kilograms (904 pounds) and is mounted in the front of the Defender in place of the diesel engine. The conversion adds 100 kilograms (220 pounds) to the Defender 110.

All the major components in the electric powertrain – including the battery, inverter and motor – are air-cooled rather than liquid cooled. Land Rover said it did so to save weight and complexity while adding robustness.

Regenerative braking has been optimized to such an extent that using Hill Descent Control, the motor can generate 30 kilowatt of electricity. According to Land Rover, because the battery technology can be charged very quickly at a rate of up to twice its capacity of 54 kilowatt without reducing battery life, almost all of the regenerated energy can be recovered and stored. In theory, up to 80 percent of the kinetic energy in the vehicle can be recovered this way.

“This project is acting as a rolling laboratory for Land Rover to assess electric vehicles, even in the most arduous all-terrain conditions. It gives us a chance to evolve and test some of the technologies that may one day be introduced into future Land Rover models,” said Antony Harper, Jaguar Land Rover Head of Research.

Although there are no plans for the all-terrain electric Defender to enter production, the seven EVs will go into service in real world trials later this year.

The post Seven Defender EV Prototypes To Be Unveiled In Geneva appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Just like U.S. market Nissan Leafs are now built in Tennessee, European-market Leafs will be built closer to their intended market, at Nissan’s Sunderland facility in the UK.

Nissan said it has a longer range, is more practical, better to drive and has even more equipment.

European production of the new model will soon start at Nissan’s Sunderland production facility with more than one hundred changes made to the electric car.

Improvements include an extended driving range, greater recyclability, more interior space, better charging performance, more equipment and greater choice with three versions now available.

Subtle styling changes to the nose of the car have improved its aerodynamic efficiency.

Many of the changes have come as a direct result of feedback from Leaf owners.

In addition to owner input, Nissan has been able to get feedback from aggregated data from the unique Carwings telematics system, which is at the heart of the Leaf. This feature logs information on charging, usage patterns and distance driven.

With the Leaf having been on sale for more than two years, and having delivered more than 50,000 units globally, engineers at Nissan have been able to use some of the data collected to optimize the car in line with actual customer usage.

Changes range from a new powertrain assembly that greatly enhances the car’s practicality to simple modifications, such as the addition of a LED light within the charging port making overnight charging that much easier..

Nissan is also providing a new comprehensive warranty plan for the batteries. As well as covering the batteries against defects in materials and workmanship for five years/100,000 kms (60,000 miles), batteries will be covered by a ‘State Of Health’ clause which covers gradual capacity loss.

Over time, lithium-ion batteries lose a percentage of their capacity, a natural phenomenon. But should battery life reduce quicker than anticipated over the same warranty period it will either be repaired or replaced.

One significant change to the 2013 Nissan Leaf is the move to producing the car in three different locations: North America, Europe and Japan.

In Europe, production will start this spring, as mentioned, in Sunderland in the UK, where the Leaf will be sharing the line with Qashqai and joining Note and Juke.

At the same time, the lithium-ion batteries are already being produced at a new facility nearby on the Sunderland site.

“By sourcing Nissan Leaf and its batteries in Europe, we are underlining our faith not just in the ability of the Sunderland facility to build our most technically advanced car, but also in the fact that electric vehicles can be considered a genuine alternative to conventionally powered vehicles,” said Willcox. “In its two years on sale, the global success of Nissan Leaf has shown that electric vehicles offer viable everyday transport for people with a typical daily commute.

The revised Leaf, which goes on sale in Europe in the middle of 2013, marks an important milestone in Nissan’s global zero-emission leadership. It will soon be joined by pure electric versions of the NV200, to be called e-NV200, in both light commercial van and seven-seat combi versions.

Development is also underway on a dedicated EV taxi based on the e-NV200 while an Infiniti EV is expected in 2015.

Changes to the Euro Leaf

Now assembled together as a single stack, the new powertrain is still an 80 kilowatt AC synchronous motor linked to a Nissan-designed 48-module compact lithium-ion battery, mounted underneath the cabin area to lower the center of gravity.

By moving the charger from the rear of the Leaf to under the hood, Nissan has been able to increase the size of the trunk. This means there is now no obstacle in the middle of the cargo area when the seats are folded, while rear legroom has been increased thanks to reshaped seat cushions, which allow passengers in the rear to put their feet under the seat in front.

Improvements to the heating and ventilation system are based on a new heat pump system which replaces the original ceramic heater. This significantly reduces electrical consumption and delivers an improvement in real-world driving range. This is particularly relevant to markets where drivers rely heavily on the heating and ventilation systems.

The revised Leaf’s real-world driving range has also been improved by the only visual change to the car: a subtly revised front grille helps reduce the aerodynamic drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.28.

The new Leaf’s driving range is certified at 124 miles (200km) under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC); the previous model was rated at 109 miles (175 km).

The revised Leaf is said to be more fun to drive thanks to changes to the chassis, steering and brakes engineered at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE). Main changes have been to damper settings to reduce float and deliver a more agile and dynamic drive without affecting ride comfort. The steering system has been given more weight to provide steering feel more in tune with European tastes while the performance of the brakes has been improved to make them more progressive in use, while also increasing the amount of energy recovered.

Changes have also been made to the Eco driving mode.  A new “B” setting on the transmission increases regenerative braking during deceleration while a separate “Eco” button on the steering wheel extends driving range by altering the throttle mapping to discourage rapid acceleration. The two systems can be operated independently of one another, unlike in the original Leaf.

Other key improvements to the Leaf’s e-Powertrain include reduced internal friction and a more efficient battery and energy management system.

Reduced charging time is also promised by a new option that will cut the conventional charging length in half, from eight to four hours. A new 6.6-kilowatt on-board charger will permit the use of 32-amp charging using the latest generation of chargers installed in domestic and commercial properties. A typical European domestic plug delivers 10 amps.

Other technical innovation enhancements include the new Bose audio system specifically developed for the Leaf and also available on the North American version.

Nissan’s Around View Monitor is another technical innovation now found on the Leaf. This system uses a network of cameras to generate a 360-degree overhead image of the car on the central display, simplifying parking or any difficult maneuvers.

Changes inside include the seats. As well as being redesigned for better support, the front seats now incorporate height adjustment, while a new bio-fabric covering has been introduced.

Where the original model featured material made from 39 percent recycled plastic bottles, the new bio-fabric is 100-percent derived from sugar cane, further improving the Leaf’s overall recyclability and environmental credentials. Leather is also now available, as is a darker and more practical interior finish.

The charging port has been reworked to improve usability and security and its release mechanism now uses an electric switch. Additionally, the charge cable now features an electro-mechanical locking mechanism that removes the requirement to lock the cable to the car manually.

Other detail enhancements include a new i-Key that also controls the charging port cover and cable lock.

These significant updates are incorporated as part of a major range expansion that sees the Leaf adopt the European Nissan three-tier trim line-up of Visia, Acenta and Tekna.

The Visia version offers a lower price entry point while Tekna models feature even more standard equipment than the original model.

Visia models have 16-inch steel wheels with full covers, black door mirror caps and halogen headlights, for example. Acenta versions have 16-inch alloy wheels, suede fabric seat trim, body colored mirror caps and rear privacy glass.

As well as having leather seats as standard, Tekna models come with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, LED headlights, the Bose sound system and AVM. A new color palette for all versions now extends to seven different colors with solid, pearl and metallic finishes.

The post European-Specific Nissan Leaf To Be Unveiled In Geneva appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The company said it is working intently to electrify the drivetrain using plug-in hybrid technology.

To demonstrate this, the brand with the four rings is showing the Audi A3 e-tron at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The close to reality concept car has a total of 204 horsepower of drivetrain power. In Audi’s words: “sporty performance is guaranteed.”

Audi said the A3 e-tron is “a true Audi”. The company supports this claim by saying the A3 e-tron sprints from 0 to 100 kilometer per hour (62.14 mph) in 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 222 kilometer per hour (137.94 mph).

According to the ECE standard for plug-in hybrid automobiles, the five-door model consumes on average just 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (156.81 US mpg). In pure electric mode, the Audi A3 e-tron reaches a top speed of 130 kilometer per hour (80.78 mph) and has a maximum range of 50 kilometers (31.07 miles).

The combustion engine is a modified 1.4 TFSI producing 150 horsepower. A clutch links the TFSI engine to an electric motor with an output of 75 kilowatt. The disc-shaped electric motor is integrated into a newly designed six-speed e-S tronic, which transfers the power to the front wheels.

The electric motor delivers its peak torque from start to around 2000 rpm, and the TFSI’s maximum pulling power is available in a range from 1,750 to 4,000 rpm.

Audi said the A3 e-tron can be driven with just the combustion engine, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. The driver can choose to have both electric and combustion engine active at the same time, for a “boosting” effect; when the driver lets go of the accelerator, they both deactivate temporarily (“gliding”). In this way motor braking torque is eliminated and efficiency increases.

At the Geneva Motor Show, the Audi A3 e-tron will provide a realistic glimpse into the way Audi sees the future of mobility.

The German company stated that the electrification of the drivetrain, above all using plug-in technology, plays a deciding role in the strategy of the brand.

The post e-Tron Powered Audi A3 Heading For Geneva appeared first on HybridCars.com.

On the Citroën stand at the Geneva Motor Show, the brand will showcase a C3 VTi 82 prototype fitted with this new technology it calls Hybrid Air.

According to Citroën, the C3 Hybrid Air produces CO2 emissions of just 69 gram per kilometer; in urban driving, fuel consumption and CO2 are reduced by 45 percent compared with a vehicle solely fitted with the same internal combustion engine.

A full-hybrid solution combining a gas engine, compressed air and hydraulic power, Hybrid Air delivers, per Citroën, exceptional performance with fuel economy in excess of 94 mpg (less than 3 liters/100 kilometers) and no additional batteries.

The unique Hybrid Air system was developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën in cooperation with the Bosch Group and draws from the Citroën brand’s historic expertise of hydraulic systems for cars.

Hybrid Air combines proven sub-systems and technologies including a PureTech gas engine, a compressed air energy storage unit, a hydraulic pump/motor unit and an automatic transmission with an epicyclic gear train.

Eighty patents were filed by the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group during the development process of Hybrid Air.

An electronic management system manages input from the driver to optimize energy efficiency with three operating modes: air power, with zero emissions; regular gas power, using just the combustion engine; and combined power, with the combustion engine and hydraulic motor working together.

The Hybrid Air system combines all of the technologies, relying on the electronic management unit to switch continuously between the three operating modes. Optimizing energy efficiency in this way is what helps cut fuel consumption and allows the system to recharge the energy storage unit with compressed air.

Active up to 43 mph, air mode works in the same way as the ZEV mode on existing hybrid vehicles.

In air mode, the combustion engine is not used. The energy stored (compressed air) is transmitted to the wheels through the hydraulic motor and gearbox. Depending on traffic, this mode will be active between 60 and 80% of urban driving time. Maximum use of deceleration and braking energy will ensure recharging of the compressed air unit.

The conventional gas mode transmits energy to the wheels without input from the compressed air unit. Citroën said this mode is used primarily for trips outside urban areas. Again, the energy from deceleration and braking is recovered for use when in air mode or for the boost function in combined mode.

In combined mode, the combustion engine and hydraulic motor work together. This mode is used particularly during strong acceleration, with a significant boost effect (total power of up to 90 kilowatt) delivering performance comparable to those of a car with a bigger engine.

Citroën believes its Hybrid Air technology has a number of benefits that make it both attractive and economically viable for a number of global markets:

• The system uses no additional batteries, so pricing will be competitive both in European and international markets;
• The technology operates at a constant level of efficiency, regardless of weather or driving conditions;
• The technology could be developed for all Citroën markets, is easily adaptable for both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, and is particularly efficient on B & C segment models;
• The system has no impact on interior space or cargo capacity and is essentially mechanical, which simplifies servicing operations and end-of-life recycling.

The Geneva Motor Show will be an opportunity for visitors to discover the C3 Hybrid Air, a new step forward in terms of ‘Créative Technologie’.

Alongside the Hybrid Air technology itself, the prototype on show will feature new Michelin tires sized specifically (165/50 R 18) to cut fuel consumption which are designed with a particularly large diameter and a reduced width for lower rolling resistance, weight and noise.

The post Citroen To Launch Hybrid Air Technology appeared first on HybridCars.com.

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).

The post Chinese Qoros To Launch Sedan And Hybrid Concept In Geneva appeared first on HybridCars.com.

These include a hybrid concept vehicle, the BMW Concept Active Tourer; as well as BMW Night Vision, a driver assistance system part of the BMW ConnectedDrive suite of products.

BMW Concept Active Tourer

The BMW Concept Active Tourer’s role is to give an initial glimpse of further innovations in store for BMWs in the premium compact segment.

With this study, BMW said it will showcase a raft of pioneering solutions for the interior as well as in its drive concept. Comfort and functionality are resourcefully combined with dynamics and style, while a plug-in hybrid drive guarantees highest levels of efficiency.

BMW designed the interior of the Concept Active Tourer with a raised seating position, generous space for driver and passengers, as well as a flexibly extendable luggage compartment.

According to BMW, the drive system comprises a three-cylinder gas engine and a synchronous electric motor producing a combined output of 140 kilowatt / 190 horsepower to propel the BMW Concept Active Tourer from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.

BMW expects the concept to have an average fuel consumption of less than 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers (over 113 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions below 60 grams per kilometer.

BMW Night Vision

BMW Night Vision is a driver assistance system part of the BMW ConnectedDrive suit of products.

BMW states Night Vision will make a significant contribution to accident avoidance after dark with the help of a sub-system called BMW Dynamic Light Spot.

Available starting in the summer 2013, BMW Night Vision will also feature a specific animal recognition system that extends beyond the reach of the main headlights beam. An infrared thermal imaging camera mounted in the BMW kidney grille is able to detect heat-emitting objects from a distance of 100 meters (328 feet), while distinguishing between humans and animals by the level of heat.

If BMW Night Vision anticipates a potential collision with an animal, the Dynamic Light Spots start to flash at the animal in a targeted manner. The instrument display simultaneously flags up the symbol of a deer. In the event of acute danger, the on-board system will additionally emits an acoustic warning.

BMW i3 with range-extending solutions

Additionally, the BMW i3 Concept Coupe will mark its European premiere in Geneva, while the BMW i8 Concept Spyder will also makes an appearance.

Vehicle range and charging infrastructure are a frequent subject of discussion as key factors in electric mobility. BMW states that with its eDrive powertrain, the BMW i3 is designed to require a battery recharge just once every two to three days in typical commuting use. That equates to a range of between 130 and 160 kilometers (80 to 100 miles).

The drive system and all other vehicle functions in the BMW i3 are powered by a high-voltage lithium-iron battery, a hallmark of which is that its energy output – and thus the vehicle’s range – is less vulnerable to temperature fluctuations than is generally the case with such batteries today.

Another priority when it came to designing the BMW i3, said BMW, was to reduce the energy consumption of electrical components in the car, while the use of various driving modes can boost the range by up to 25 per cent.

With BMW saying that the BMW i3 is also the world’s first fully networked electric vehicle, drivers are repeatedly updated with realistic estimates of the car’s range. If desired, they can also ask the system to display charging stations in the vicinity of the destination, with a further press of a button sufficing to reserve a slot.

The system also informs the driver how long it will take to charge the vehicle for the return journey or to travel to a further destination.

An optional range extender is also available, increasing the driving range to approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles).

The post BMW To Present Active Tourer Hybrid Concept And Night Vision In Geneva appeared first on HybridCars.com.