Archive for March, 2010
Porsche has unveiled a surprise concept car, the 918 Spyder, on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show during a special pre-show event. Introduced by President and CEO of Porsche AG, Michael Macht, the mid-engined sports car takes the “ecology vs. performance” issue a few notches up.
Described as a “Super-Sports” car, the 918 Spyder is a low emissions plug-in hybrid with a split personality. On the ecological side it is capable of 3.0 litres/100 kilometers (94 mpg imp / 78 mpg US) with just 70 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer. However, on the performance side, it’s driven by a V8 producing more than 368 kW (500 PS / 493 hp) plus three electric motors putting out 160 kW (218 PS / 215 hp). That gives the two-seater a combined power output of 528 kW (718 PS / 708 hp) resulting in a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph), and a lap time on the Nurburgring Nordschleife in less than 7:30 minutes, which is faster than the Porsche Carrera GT.
The 918 Spyder features a liquid cooled lithium-ion battery, brake energy regeneration, push-to-pass “E-Boost” button for sudden overtaking maneuvers, and four driving modes. They are: E-Drive mode for electric only powered driving; Hybrid mode, which uses both the electric motors and the V8 engine relative to driving conditions; Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance; and Race Hybrid mode for hardcore performance running at the limit.
“Power is transmitted to the wheels by a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission that feeds the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a fixed transmission ratio.”
Take a good look at the interior because Porsche states it previews “the potential interior architecture of future Porsche super sports cars.”
With elements of the Carrera GT, Boxster and Cayman models all wrapped into one, it’s anyone’s guess what future model the 918 Spyder previews, if any at all. Latest rumors have mentioned an all-new entry level model that will be built on the Audi R4 platform (aka e-tron Detroit concept). Could this be it? Hopefully we’ll find out tomorrow when the 918 Spyder has its Geneva Motor Show debut.
Duration : 0:3:21
Solaris Launches Assembling electric cars in Ethiopia
Porsche 911 Hybrid engineer Marc Lieb and Porsche Cars North America COO Michael Bartsch on the automakers new hybrid vehicles.
Duration : 0:3:0
General Electric is a superb company and I loved making this short video for them. The conference wasn’t very visual but it was a serious opportunity for leading battery experts to connect with one another. If this is your area of interest, I hope you enjoy this. To see more of my work, please visit www.theHoffmancollection.com.
Duration : 0:9:12
Manufacturers simply cannot keep you with demand for these gas-friendly vehicles.
Duration : 0:1:49
Renault is working on two main fronts: the introduction of new technologies for internal combustion engines and transmissions as well as an commitment to all-electric vehicles. To the backdrop of the UN Climate Change Conference, Renault has decided to make a number of electric vehicle prototypes available to accredited attendees for test drive purposes (previous appointment must be made). These prototypes preview the upcoming: Renault Fluence Z.E., Renault Kangoo Express Z.E. and Kangoo be bop Z.E. Renault estimates that electric vehicles will account for 10 per cent of the world market by2020. The Alliance is investing €4 billion in its zero emissions programme and a 2,000-strong team (1,000 at Renault, and 1,000 at Nissan) is already working on electric vehicles.
Duration : 0:3:0
GM and Chevron killed the Electric car, and now claim that it didn’t exist. Well, this car proves that it does, and that GM is a LIAR.
Duration : 0:3:48
Video created for Plug-In Electric Vehicles 2008. Our RAV4EV Electric Car crushes a hydrogen fuel cell car on energy efficiency and for the greater good. May the Force be with electric cars – now!
Duration : 0:1:30
Globe 2010 (Vancouver, BC) – Larry Hutchinson, Director, Toyota Canada Inc. announces the 2010 Toyota Prius PHV Canadian Partnership program.
Duration : 0:6:28
The auto industry is widening and spreading its wings faster than earlier. Leading carmakers introduced a series of hybrid cars concepts at the Geneva Auto show 2010 that are going to shake up the auto industry.
Duration : 0:2:10