Volvo joins the idea of​wireless charging

With the coming electric car market and forecast the short to medium term is on the table, there are many possibilities open to it ahead of firms from different sectors such as automobiles, electrical or electronic device for studying different types of technologies that can be applied and introduced to market as part of the business.

Within this context and in relation to systems of an electric charge, the Swedish company Volvo Car Corporation has opened a project, together with the Belgian Flanders DriveTo develop a vehicle charging system by the method of inductionThat is, without cables. Volvo will transfer a unit of C-30 electrical testing.


The system consists of a ground plate magnetic coil that transfers the AC power without physical contact to the vehicle when it is placed on top. The car will inductive sensor installed and a voltage converter to transform the alternating current in the continuum that is necessary.

Estimates talk of being able to recharge in a hour and twenty minutes. Volvo joins open to other projects and other companies are also developing on the topic of inductive charging.

Ville, an electric bike to go to super perfect

This at least is the idea of ​​designer Hyuk-Jae Chang, who from his study Yanko Design proposes a twist to the idea of ​​using a bicycle to go shopping, and thanks to the Ville, we enter into any establishment and make a purchase easily.

This is a electric bicycleThat's an extremely simple becomes a shopping cart, As well as allowing us to leave the car at home, thus saving fuel and emissions, can be used within the premises thus avoiding the possibility of our stolen.


As we say, this is one of the many concepts that circulate on the Internet but has come to our attention because it is an idea applicable to today, as long as their costs under control and be fully functional final design.

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4, Top 10 innovative car

We decided to include in the Top 10 Car innovative alternative to this "crossover" hybrid, as the first diesel hybrid to be manufactured and marketed in series. At least if you have more luck than Audi Duo TDI , 1997Because, being rigorous, that model was actually the first hybrid diesel German history. Of course it was so expensive (and were also other times) that only 60 units were sold.

The Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 not a car designed specifically for a hybrid (such as eg Toyota Prius.) This is a version of 3008, a passenger crossover type (or crossoverAs Peugeot), ie a sort of car-like SUV, but without being at all, actually could pass for a minivan-like crossover. Measures 4.36 m long, 1.84 wide and 1.61 m in height.


However, in the HYbrid4 traction may be total (all-wheel drive). It combines the two engines one in each axis. The engine is placed forward in the engine compartment and move the front wheels, while the electric motor is mounted on the rear axle and drives the rear wheels. The 3008 is Hybrid4 full hybrid parallel, With certain qualifications.

3008 HYbrid4: Two axes, two other

Engine with greater prominence in the 3008 HYbrid4 is the internal combustion engine, a diesel HDi 2.0-liter four-cylinder, common rail direct injection at very high pressure (2,000 bar) and piezo injectors. Yield 163 hp (120 kW) and 300 Nm of torque. Additionally equipped with particulate filter as standard imposed and Euro 5.

The truth is it's a very refined engine, low noise and clean enough to be a diesel. It is designed to be efficient and have low power consumption, in fact gives the maximum power at a rate of rotation is not very high, at 3,750 rpm.

The second engine is the Electric, Permanent magnet synchronous in 37 CV (27 kW) peak power (27 hp continuous) and 200 Nm of torque (100 Nm or continuous). There is no mechanical connection between the heat engine front and rear electric motor. They can run the two at a time, or alternately. At low speed, can run only the electric motor (although the manufacturer has not said for how many miles).

The total combined power of 200 hp (147 kW) and 500 Nm Torque (peak, of course). Peugeot has not yet provided the data of acceleration and the maximum speed. The average consumption is only 3.8 l/100 km (With alloy wheels 16 ") and 99 g / km of CO ₂. If equipped with alloy wheels 17 "(which are slightly wider tire) the average consumption rises to 4.0 l/100 km.

Bear in mind that there is a transmission system between the engine and rear axle and back (between the electric and the front axle). The Intelligent Traction Control, Distributes the force between the wheels of the same axis as the circumstances of adhesion the pavement.

The diesel engine has a system stop-start it off in arrests to reduce consumption. The alternator-starter, reversible and somewhat larger than normal, you can take advantage of the energy in excess of the engine and can transfer some power to the rear electric motor. Not like a Prius in the electric motor itself starts to heat engine.

The batteries electrical system are nickel-metal hydride, are placed under the rear seats, so that the electrical system just subtract 12 liters in volume of the luggage compartment over the other versions of 3008. The batteries are also recharged during deceleration and braking (thanks to regenerative braking).

The transmission for the petrol engine of course, is through piloted manual gearbox (Ie, no clutch pedal but no, since this is automated), has six speeds and can operate in sequential manual or automatic mode.

Multimode

In the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 4 The driver can select a command together with the change, one of the four modes of operation.

* Mode Auto: As the name indicates the management of the two motors is done automatically in search of greater efficiency.
* Mode Sport: In this way does not seek the lowest consumption and the gearbox is set to slow the gear shift, a motor speed of the heat higher and better acceleration.
* Mode ZEV: In this way forces the exclusive use of the electric motor, hence the name Zero EmissionHowever electric propulsion alone I fear should not last more than a mile (but Peugeot has not specified the data).
* Mode 4WD: This is the force driving all four wheels at once by running the two engines (the problem is that when the batteries are discharged, can only be transferred to the electric motor power from the alternator reversible, equivalent to about 11 hp, what the car would be more of a front-wheel drive with a little help on the rear axle).

Equipment and interior

The equipment is very complete, so common today. The basic version is available from 33,800 euros, And the limited edition, more equipped (for example leather or gps navigator 7 "), costs around 39,500 euros (if there will be discounts or not is a thing of the manufacturer.)

Comes with a HUD (Head Up Display) projection of basic information (such as speed) on a small screen made of polycarbonate, placed between the frame and the windshield. The headlamps feature daytime running light LEDs.

Outside and inside there are only small features and design details that distinguish version HYbrid4 the rest of the 3008 version, such as different front grille and bumpers nuances.

The visual quality of the materials used in the dashboard is pretty good. The interior of 3008 is not very large, especially noticeable in the rear, or are broad, and have much legroom (and I do not have much resemblance to ceiling height). The trunk is large enough (given the size of the car, 4.36 m), has a volume of 420 liters.

Admittedly consumption from 3.8 liters to the hundred is very good, especially being a car rather high (but still with a not too unfavorable aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.29). Even so, remain a milestone in the diesel hybrid, a greater role for the electrical, with a more powerful engine, and increased battery capacity, including the possibility that it was a plug-in hybrid would make this proposal even more interesting .

Toyota Friend, the social network for cars

Times change, cars are different ways to communicate and have nothing to do with those of our elders. Toyota is aware of this development and the mind set on these concepts has created Toyota FriendA network where our car is a friend.

Toyota Friend intended as a meeting point for users of the brand, especially among the holders of a hybrid vehicle. We share opinions, exchange information, manage our carpool schedules and the car liaise with external elements such as gas stations and washing facilities.


Our Toyota become a friend on our network and, thanks to the connectivity that today allow mobile phones, they will contact us to report, for example, the time remaining load "The burden will be completed at 2:15 am, okay? See you tomorrow.”

In the hands of corporations Salesforce and Microsoft, Toyota will launch this new platform during 2012 in Japan, coming to the world after seeing what roads takes its proposal.

Although a priori it seems very good idea to be seen that acceptance is the platform, and is the heart of a network are its users and the amount of competition that exists in this industry today, which Toyota Friend is a desert without enough users could mean a bump for the proposal.

Japanese electrical that runs 300 km without recharging

The company Japan SIM-Drive has finished the construction of an electric vehicle that were developed between January 19, 2010 and March 31, 2011 under the "Advanced Development Model No. 1." He has been named SIM-LEIDerived from the initials of "Leading In-Wheel Motor Efficiency".

SIM-LEI has achieved a range of 300 km per load, and 333 km JC-08 mode, which represents the general conditions of urban traffic in Japan. The battery capacity is 24.5 kWh. Maximum Speed 150 km / h. Its rate of energy consumption is 77 Wh / km JC-08 mode and 84 Wh / km at a constant speed of 100 km / h.


This has been achieved thanks to the original technology used by SIM-Drive, as its special system of engine and components used wheel. The type of steel on which it was built, low-friction tires and body running low air resistance have been other elements that have worked to improve paragraphs as resistance and weight.

Its dimensions are 4.7 m long, 1.6 m wide and 1.5 m high with a weight 1650 kg and 4 seats. The company says it has a great leg room and good luggage. Its speed increases from 0-100 km / h 4.8 seconds.

Some 34 companies are involved in this project, including most notably a Mitsubishi Motors and engineering giant IHI, Along with others trying to enter the electric car business in the future. The aim is to develop the prototype until it can be mass produced and brought to market, according to preliminary estimates, in 2013.

The Brammo Empulse goes on sale this summer

We read in the forums Brammo that enrollees in the reserve list to be the first to receive a unit of Empulse have received an email from the company stating that despite a small delay, first units will be delivered in late July.

This is excellent news that arrives after almost a year since the announcement of the departure of the Empulse, the first electric superbike for sale, which seeks to disrupt the market for electricity-driven bikes with a performance of heart and a price, pretty tight.


The Empulse have a motor 30 kW nominal power, with a pair of 80 Nm available from zero revs, able to push it up to a maximum speed of 160 km / h, Which zooms that many have electric bikes slow and unexciting. Have three pack different lithium battery, so that each client purchase suits your needs and budget.

These depart from the basic, with a capacity of 6 kWhSufficient to cover a distance of 100 km with each charge, to the largest, with nothing less than 10 kWhThe higher capacity pack so far in the world of electric bikes and to provide enough energy to travel about 160 KM with a load, a considerable figure.

According to its creators, the acceleration will be comparable to 650 CCThis is partly due to its powerful engine, But especially to linear supply power of 80 Nm, We remember being felt in full from the first lap of our right wrist.

As these prices will depart from the $ 9,995 (7,700 euros) for the version with 6 kWh, up $ 13,995 (10,700 euros) for the gifted with the biggest pack, very competitive prices. But also keep in mind that these amounts each buyer can subtract aid established in each state, which in some cases, such as ColoradoAmount to nothing less than $ 5,700 by bike, almost 4,000 euros.

At the moment nothing is known of his arrival in our market, but they certainly do, prices will not be the same as in North America, for the usual taxes and other costs that are multiplying these rates to jump the pond, although these benefits , certainly have their fans.

The EV Cup is delayed until 2012

A few weeks ago our friend introduced us the first Ibanez competition International fully electric carsThe EV Cup, a competition between different and varied categories of electrical sought to extend the show through several continents, with evidence both in the UK, Portugal, North America and even Spain.

Now, after many rumors have been confirmed it was an open secret, delay until next 2012 the official start of the proofs are the preliminary circuit Laguna Seca end of this year. You replaced the early British land, for a more propitious America, where it appears that the EV Cup has received more support.


The main reasons are wielded by the organization that the world of electric mobility is advancing at a rapid pace and it takes more time to assimilate these changes and adapt security measures to new features. But without doubt the greatest handicap of this discipline has been the indifference of Large manufacturers, Which has limited participation to a handful of small builders interested in advertising in the competition itself.

Mercedes and the electric mobility

There are many fronts that the German manufacturer has opened in the quest to launch a range as wide and at the same time ensuring high levels of quality and satisfaction for the buyers. That is why they have signed agreements with manufacturers like Tesla, with the intention of exchanging knowledge and technology, and get a place in new markets.

To do so is designing a range of cars that cover virtually every segment, from the small Smart, Through the Class A, A version powered by a fuel cell, and even the supercar SLSWho will receive a spectacular development that will enable even better performance of the combustion engine version.


That is why we will conduct a review of their projects and so we shall see in what condition is each and its possibilities for a German landing in the world of electric cars until now taken over by the Japanese and American and the long shadow that begins to arrive from China.

Smart ED

We started this review with the smallest of the range, Smart EDOne of the first to be approved by the board of Daimler to start production and also one that best suits the urban characteristics of the first generation of electric cars are limited by the short range of their batteries forcing them to a life within cities, and this is where the Smart develops best of their small size.

This mount an engine with maximum power 30 kW, And a pair of 120 Nm available from zero revs, allowing you to reach a top speed limited to 100 km / hIn our opinion, more than enough. For its part, the battery pack has not been selected oficialemte but is expected to have a capacity of 16.5 kWh enough to cover half of 135 km with each load cycle as NEDCBut Daimler says that the final model could reach 200.

The release date is set for market middle of next year price and brand managers have only said that will be considerably higher than the model with internal combustion engine, so we can speculate on a figure above 20,000 euros.

Class E-Cell

The Class E-Cell is also a veteran in the electrical program Mercedes a few years ago and is testing a very suitable platform to accommodate the heavy and bulky batteries to the underside of the vehicle, opting for a sandwich design them, what keeps almost intact both in space for the occupants and the area allocated to the load with a generous 435 liters.

Will be manufactured at the plant that Mercedes has in the German city of Rastatt and although the tests are being carried out with a generous pack of lithium 36 kwh of capacityWhich, according to Mercedes are enough to cover over half 200 km with each load, although it is anticipated that the final version has a smaller pack.

The engine will have a Class-A rated 50 kW, 70 kW maximum, With a pair of 290 Nm available from zero revs, allowing you to reach a speed of 150 km / h and reach 100 km / h in 14 seconds.

His arrival is expected in late 2012 and so far nothing is known about their prices.

Class F-Cell B

Acronyms F-Cell assume that the model in question has an electrical system but instead of a battery that is powered by a fuel cell. In this case involves a different way compared to pure electric and technology that will face many challenges if you want to get a foothold in the market and thus cease to be always the future to become present.

Some of these problems focus on high price technology, very pr over pure electric, also the high cost of service stations, And its performance discussed inauspicious environments such as extreme cold. On the other hand, found only on the positive side of the scale, but both very important, aspect of fast reload that allows us to have great autonomy and power-ups like cars with combustion engine.

In this case the B-Class F-Cell opt for an engine 100 kWWith a torque 290 Nm, Which allows a maximum speed of 170 km / h. For its part, the hydrogen is stored in a reservoir 720 bar, Which provides a range according to the cycle NEDC no less than 385 km with each load. It has a lithium battery 1.4 kWh capacity, which has the same utility as a hybrid, that is, provide help in times of high demand for power while storing energy recovered by regenerative braking.

Is the date of sale? because so far it is unclear whether it will come out commercially, with the relentless push of lithium batteries every year to improve their performance while reducing weight and price, so that the fuel cell could be limited to a professional use.

In the next chapter will talk about the other members of the family Mercedes power, as the spectacular SLS E-CellWith its four wheel motors, the worker Vito E-Cell and even a model somewhat forgotten in recent time, E-Cell BlueZEROThe vision of an electric range extender Manufacturer Germany.

The Chevrolet Volt debuts in Japan

It's been a busy week for the electric range extender General Motors, after meeting the MPV5, Which will be their first option, and plans for increase production, Now it is the turn to its official presentation on Japanese soil.

So far the Volt only sold in certain states Americans for the sake of limited production, But increasing this will finally determine whether the acceptance of this model beyond the borders of the United States is similar, this is a timely made on demand prompted by the novelty and the very limited number of vehicles leaving the factory.


In Europe we will reach the Volt middle of next yearAnd oddly enter price war with his brother AmperaBecause if nothing changes, the Volt will be exactly $ 1,000 cheaper than the Opel model, with a final price 37,900 euros, Taxes and subsidies included.

CT Lexus 200h, a hybrid Nürburgring

If a few days we have seen fastest electric on the track of the "green hell", now it's turn Lexus Hybrid who has dared to tackle one of the most demanding and memorable journeys of those who produced the automotive world in its history, in a test of strength six hoursWithin the category SP4, dedicated almost standard models.

To do this, Lexus, with the help of trainer GazooHas sent at least powerful of the entire range of hybrids, CT 200h, But some "vitamins" for the occasion, as this is worth it. For starters, the little engine Original 1.8-liter, The same as riding the Prius has been replaced by a 2.4 from the H 250h, while the electrical system remains intact with 37 CV power.


Overall 191 hp designed to prove that hybrids are prepared for such tests, in addition to table greater reliability, A powerful ally in the careers of this type. For its part, the physical changes have been limited to a few new mirrors and the elimination of all elements of interior comfort, with the aim of reducing weight.

The result was not all bad and at the end of the race, the CT 200h has been a creditable second drawer. But contrary to what many might think, this is not the first experience of a Lexus hybrid in the German track and as a curiosity, I commented that in 2005 dared to Nürburgring 24 hours with no less than the SUV RX 400h.

Pop Kia concept, the Korean automaker also aims

In this idea increasingly marked to distinguish different types of electric vehicles because they require different types of mobility, Korea Kia would not be less alongside other manufacturers are releasing their utility and is already working on its concept.

Under the name Pop Kia, Can be seen before us a modern image product, attractive, and that makes it clear at a glance that this is an electric utility. Its design gives me the feeling that is fairly well thought out without entering the debate over whether or not the first like colors that have officially launched.


And commenting on specifics, saying that is 3 m long, 1.740 m wide and 1.490 m high. The estimated power for engine start would 68 hp with 190 Nm of torque and could give up 140 km / h. Its batteries are recharged in 6 hours into a standard and 30 minutes in a high voltage outlet.

These are the result of the alliance Hyundai-Kia with LG Chem. And at that point, are revolutionary for being a 20% lighter and easier to manufacture than current lithium ion and also retain the same power with what they call Lithium polymer gel. Dan 160 km autonomy at full load.

I said before I see him well studied, because for example, have managed to be drawn from the manga a third place which is achieved thanks to a bench and given shape to the front seats, making the occupant is sitting back in a corner and with a reasonable space considering it is a car of three meters.

The steering wheel is nothing of the typical form, but flattened, thus helping in the interior space. In its implementation has a screen Transparent OLED to display the vehicle data. Its interior is simple but not absent from a modern line on doors and driving area.

In the presentation of Paris, the chief designer of Kia Europe Gregory Guillaume, Said: "The interior and exterior are designed jointly. From the beginning, we look at the seats trying to ensure that passengers have perfect vision, as happens in a helicopter. "

Seeing their way back glass roof, which now allows for great lighting, it makes me think that maybe there would be room to accommodate photovoltaic cells in the final version, and thus allow more electricity storage. We'll see how much change to its final form.

The doors will not go unnoticed by his way of opening up, up, as do some famous sports. Certainly helps to conserve space and improve access to the car. Say they have taken elements inspired by urban, skateboards or bicycles "high-tech." Estimates talk of 2012.

Mugen Honda, First Pictures

A few days ago we Told you Mugen Those of you going to put hand to hybrid sport compact Honda CR-Z . His idea WAS to stick a turbo engine of 1.5 liters of gasoline and electric support leave together in a 197 hp power. Would the car So get the engine with more nerve Than I Was crying.

Beside the preparation of course Also change Other elements of the car like brakes, suspension and bodywork, and is not worth to Have 200 horses, you have to Be so. So we Promised a very sporty car and Many Attractions in general.


Well, if by the time we only knew A Few Would Be teasers as the model now come to light Have photographs , Which Could come very close to What Would Be the final model. The truth is That it has great looks Just as we all imagined.

The penalty of this car is That it is part of a preparation That has nothing to do with the brand. We are going to Be built in a limited series and Can Be Purchased in Un Certain areas only. So I fear That MOST of us Have to settle for seeing on paper, and buy one and Not talk

MPV5 Chevrolet Volt Concept, the side of the Volt family

Voltec was clear it had to be used in other future models of different segments, and so will appear in the prototype that has already been submitted, the MPV5 Volt Concept. It seems that this concept is laying the groundwork for what would be a possible electric minivan.

Its dimensions are 4,585 mm long 1,871 mm wide, 1,612 mm high with a wheelbase of 2,760 mm, 15 mm longer than the saloon. This allows for a generously sized boot, 864 liters and 1,764 liters by folding down the second row of seats. Less aerodynamic but more comfort that is what matters most in this type of vehicle.


We do not know what can change in the final model, I hope not much because I have seen in the images do not dislike it, familiar but without losing the essence of aesthetics Volt. Some differences in mirrors, windows, I see no very large roof line down back and you just a small spoiler and a small rear diffuser.


As for the technology running anything different to the concept of his brother "small." Is an extended-range electric vehicle, with 111 kW (150 hp) Of instant torque and power 370 Nm and offers a maximum speed 160 km / h.

It has over 220 battery Lithium-ion cells and capacity 16 kWh. Offers 52 km range in electric mode and 482 km extended range operation with the support of motor gasoline of 1.4. Somewhat less than the original Volt for reasons as simple as the size and weight.

Load times are official 8 hours under 120 V and a 4 hours with 240 V. The interior is presented with the same look and dynamism that the Volt and the same systems. Dates have been assuming more in time but probably we already talked about 2012 to definitively materialize and begin shipping.

GM to export the final preparations Volt

General Motors is developing the Chevrolet Volt production in the coming months. Currently only sold about 1700 units per month and the factory does not anymore. In fact, only be purchased in some U.S. cities like New York, California, Washington and little else.

For now the objective is clear, we must increase production of cars. To this are going to get close to its Detroit Hamtramck plant for one month to modify and Inclusive production lines with new equipment which will produce more cars .

GM wants to close the year having sold 16,000 Volts, and by 2012 the idea is to manufacture other 60,000 cars in the Volts and Amps (also manufactured in this plant) of which 45,000 will remain "at home" and the rest will be exported outside the country to Canada, Europe and China.

During his short life, it seems that the beginnings of this model are the color of roses, even though many people believed the opposite for their high price of sale. Remember that this car is worth U.S. $ 41,000 .

IBE concept SEAT

SEAT was presented in Geneva in 2010, took him to Paris last year more developed and has also led to the Barcelona Motor Show last week, this time even he could enter. The SEAT IBE concept is a small electric sports car bodied coupe, two plus two seats and two doors. Measures 3.83 m long, 1.80 wide and 1.22 m high, and perhaps could well mark the lines for future Ibiza.

It's a car designed specifically for electric, so the aerodynamics and the car's weight play a key role. SEAT says the car weighs 1,000 kg, but did not disclose further details on these two aspects, beyond the intentions. Do they think to use lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber body parts?

The electric motor will power 75 kW (102 hp) And 200 Nm of torque, less peak power, because according to data SEAT continuous power is 68 hp. You can reach 160 km / h top speed and accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h 9.8 seconds.

The batteries will be Lithium ion, With a capacity of 18 kWh and allow you to have a range of about 130 km (A figure on today's low, especially when you consider the trends toward autonomy are closer to the 200 km to 100). Presumably this will change in the final version. Anyway I must say that SEAT did not specify any date for launch.

Narrow tires to reduce consumption SEAT IBE

The tires are intentionally narrow (width 175) and low rolling resistance to reduce consumption, this does not compromise the stability of the tread and IBE thanks to the great width of the car and the track. Alloy wheels 19 "will probably be reduced up to 16 or 17 inches in a more pragmatic.

Aesthetically details are very powerful as headlights leds and LED rear lights and fiber optics. Twice Glass ceiling does not have to disappear. We must recognize that the Spanish builder has proposed a very sporty design without being loud outside. Inside the concept car is usually the most groundbreaking.

I especially the design of the seats look as backet I liked it. The center console is quite strange as thin and may have been one of those things that fall in the final design. The box instrument is a digital screen (this would not be so strange, like a Renault Scenic and takes one.)

Another unique detail of IBE concept is the system IBE connectWith a standard dock for connecting a mobile phone smart phone on the console and integrate it with certain features of the car (battery life, recharge programming, music, etc.) by exploiting others that bring your phone as gps, internet in the car or applications, such as exchange of information (on the traffic accidents or weather) with other cars or road infrastructure.

Indeed, in the past received a Hall of Barcelona special mentionIn the eighth edition of the awards for best innovations in the automotive sector, organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (STA) And the show floor.

Audi R8 e-tron, ready for the end of 2012

Audi is making several of his pre-series units Electric supercar R8 e-tron. Mounted on satellite facilities plant NeckarsulmIn Heilbronn-Biberach (Germany). Although the model makes the concept a bit far in 2009 that spread in particular by headlights, front grille and interior.

The R8 e-tron not very different from another R8, is something of a special edition of the standard R8, but only driven by electricity. Still having the same body coupe 4.43 m long, two doors and two seats, with only 1.25 m tall. There are slight changes in the hood and other small details.


Has four electric motors of 57.5 kW, two in the front and two in the rear. In total yield 313 hp and deliver an amazing torque 4,500 Nm. Accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.8 s. Works in practice by as much as Audi drive quattroWith a 50-50 sharing of the tractive force between the two axes (though you can distribute on a variable by electronic control).

The battery pack Lithium ion, 53 kWh (42.4 kWh in practice, to extend its useful life not rush until you are completely empty), is placed in the central-posterior part, behind the seats, the space occupied by the engine internal combustion conventional R8. Thus the weight distribution remains almost identical, 70% rear, 30% ahead.

It has a range up to about 250 km. Top speed is limited to 200 km / h. The car is not heavier than the R8's engine, the batteries weigh about 500 kg, but V8 engines also weigh a lot. In total weighs 1,600 kilos. Do not forget that the body is made of an alloy Aluminum and just over 200 kg. The internal heating, more efficient, is by heat pump.

Be produced in small series. No one knows the official price (too early for that), but serve as a reference to the heat engine R8 starts at about € 127,000.

Ecco, the futuristic vision of the Swiss NAU

The company NAU, In typical visionary sense of their creations, just presented its prototype zero emission EccoThis would be a kind of car with a dual function, auto and time of living space. Seeing him, straight out of movies like Artificial Intelligence and Minority Report.

Its futuristic look is really unlike anything ever seen. Its design has been designed to achieve reduce wind resistance and its elongated shape allows the "conversion" to mini-camp home. It measures 2.45 meters wide and 4.60 meters long. Its interior design is so studied that allows serving kitchen, a living room, toilet and shower and a bed.



Has two electric motors with lithium ion batteries that are charged with solar panels on top. When standing, a photovoltaic cell that has shaped roof membrane spreads out like an accordion to store more solar energy. The roof also expands or opens to the rear and to create space for a loft bedroom.

NAU is a team of designers different disciplines as architects, art directors, designers, interactive, visual effects artists and filmmakers. His experience includes residential and cultural design for advertising, games and Hollywood movies.

Construction environments combine audio, video, graphics and lighting. Create new experiences through virtual spaces and envision future possibilities using the latest technologies to make a particular product and captivating.

Seem crazy, but since then what has innovation, functionality and design concerns have created a product the less different and captivating eyes. The imagination shows its power to attract to our senses. We'll see how they evolve this prototype.

Audi A6 Avant, official data and images

Having launched the new Audi A6 earlier this year, Audi just to publicize the issue and the final figure of the family version of this, the Audi A6 Avant. It is without doubt one of the most anticipated releases along with S6 and RS6 sports, it will take at least a year still to come.

The new Audi A6 Avant measures 4.93 meters longOnly one millimeter more than the saloon with whom he shares the body also includes a 20% more aluminum parts. This means that the previous model the average weight has been reduced by 70 kilos. And that is to be efficient, not only can eliminate engine character, you can also reduce weight.


One of the main reasons that lead a buyer to opt for an Avant instead of a sedan, apart from their external appearance for my taste is much more attractive in the Avant, is the luggage capacity. The Audi A6 Avant have capacity of 565 litersCertainly more than enough for long family trips. This capacity increases to 1,680 liters by folding down the rear seats.

The engines of the Audi A6 Avant

As for engines, Audi A6 Avant comes with two petrol and four TDI. The less powerful engine but also the most efficient, is the 2.0 TDI of 177 horsepower announcing the consumption of only 5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Rounding out the diesel range 3.0 TDIAnd I say "the" because it is available with three different power levels: 204, 245 and 313 horsepower. The latter has a twin turbo blowing so much that you can accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in just 5.4 seconds and reaches a top speed without problems 250 km / h (electronically limited).

As for the petrol engines, there will 2.8 FSI with 204 horses, And the most powerful version falls short in power than the diesel, since it is the 3.0 TFSI 300 hp.

Gearboxes six, seven or eight gears

The new Audi A6 Avant is combined with a standard six-speed manual gearboxBut can also carry the sports S-tronic seven-speed, the multitronic continuously variable or the Tiptronic eight relationships. The less powerful versions will come standard with front, but also available for more powerful versions of Quattro traction so characteristic of Audi.

The new Audi A6 Avant will arrive in showrooms in the second half of 2011. Its base price is 40,850 euros.