Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://www.autobloggreen.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Lamborghini considering diesels and hybrids for Estoque]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/06/lamborghini-considering-diesels-and-hybrids-for-estoque/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/06/lamborghini-considering-diesels-and-hybrids-for-estoque/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/11/06/lamborghini-considering-diesels-and-hybrids-for-estoque/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



When the Lamborghini Estoque concept was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, a good number of eyebrows were undoubtedly raised by the notion of a front-engine, rear-wheel drive four-door sedan from the Italian maker of hyper cars. In truth, though, Lambo has a history of bending the rules a bit, even producing SUVs for a period. It's hard to think of Lamborghini without also considering what may be its fiercest competitor, Ferrari. That other Italian automaker has gone on record stating that it will never offer a diesel oil-burner, but Lamborghini sees things a bit differently. "The pressure is already on us to do something significant to lower CO2," says chief engineer Maurizio Reggiani, who adds, "The opportunity is there to develop a turbocharged, maybe even a diesel engine for Estoque, and since the car could be well-priced and could sell in quite large numbers for us, it's a big chance for us."
Lamborghini realizes that ultra-low carbon emissions are just not going to be possible with its high-end supercars. Still, as the Italian automaker focuses in on broadening its range of vehicles, it could also broaden its use of alternative fuels. We also know that Porsche has hybrid plans for its upcoming Panamera sedan and is also planning on using diesel power.

[Source: Four Wheels News]

Lamborghini considering diesels and hybrids for Estoque originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diesel lamborghiniDieselLamborghinilamborghinilamborghini diesellamborghini emissionslamborghini estoquelamborghini estoque conceptLamborghiniDieselLamborghiniEmissionsLamborghiniEstoqueLamborghiniEstoqueConceptThu, 06 Nov 2008 19:21:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Optimal Energy in Paris speaks about the Joule ]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/19/video-optimal-energy-in-paris-speaks-about-the-joule/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/19/video-optimal-energy-in-paris-speaks-about-the-joule/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/19/video-optimal-energy-in-paris-speaks-about-the-joule/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high resolution gallery

The 2008 edition of the Paris Motor Show officially ends today and to commemorate its passing we thought we'd bring back one of our favorite electric cars from the affair with a few video-captured words from a couple of its creators. Perhaps second only to the Pininfarina B0, (if our poll is any indication) the Joule from Optimal Energy stood out amongst its electric brethren and sisteren as a practical transportation option. Up until the start of the show its appearance was something of a secret but when the wraps finally came off we were happy to see that it wasn't some fanciful concept, or future super toy for the super rich. And thankfully it wasn't a bizarre looking NEV. No, the 6-seater MPV looked like something you might see on the street today and that's one of the main points made by Kobus Meiring, CEO of Optimal Energy who, along with some of the electric cars from Paris 2008, appears in this video after the jump.

Gallery: Optimal Energy Joule



[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Optimal Energy in Paris speaks about the Joule

VIDEO: Optimal Energy in Paris speaks about the Joule originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JouleKobus MeiringKobusMeiringOptimal EnergyOptimal Energy JouleOptimalEnergyOptimalEnergyJouleParis 2008Paris Motor ShowParis2008ParisMotorShowSun, 19 Oct 2008 20:12:00 EST<![CDATA[A bit of EV history: Renault Dauphine Henney-Kilowatt]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/17/a-bit-of-ev-history-renault-dauphine-henney-kilowatt/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/17/a-bit-of-ev-history-renault-dauphine-henney-kilowatt/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/17/a-bit-of-ev-history-renault-dauphine-henney-kilowatt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Renault Dauphine / Henney Kilowatt (Wikimedia Commons)

Few people know about the Renault Dauphine. Sold in the U.S. in the late '50s, it was a creation by Renault usually powered by a 0.845 liter engine good for 32 hp. Yup, that made the car really slow. Road & Track magazine measured the Dauphine's 0-60 mph acceleration time in moons at 32 seconds. Nevertheless, we mention it here today because a special version that ran on electrons was shown during this year's Paris Motor Show. Back in the day, the Dauphine impressed Russell Feldman, CEO of the National Union Electric Corporation, Henney Motor Co and Exide Batteries. He ordered 200 engine-less Dauphines and made them electric. Fitted with a 36-volt system of 18 sequential two-volt batteries, the car could reach 60 km/h (40 mph) and had a range of 60 km (40 miles). Of course, the weight didn't help. A standard Dauphine weighed 650 kg, but the array of batteries made the Dauphine Henney-Kilowatt weigh almost twice that. The second generation, though, featured an improved 72-volt battery pack with a top speed of nearly 100 km/h (60mph) and a range of about 100 km (60 miles).

[Source: The Blog Auto and Wikipedia]

A bit of EV history: Renault Dauphine Henney-Kilowatt originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dauphinehenneyhenney-kilowattrenault dauphineRenaultDauphinerussell feldmanRussellFeldmanFri, 17 Oct 2008 12:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Heuliez, Michelin and Orange wrap a revolution in a plain package]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/09/paris-2008-heuliez-michelin-and-orange-wrap-a-revolution-in-a/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/09/paris-2008-heuliez-michelin-and-orange-wrap-a-revolution-in-a/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/09/paris-2008-heuliez-michelin-and-orange-wrap-a-revolution-in-a/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



French coachbuilder Heuliez, along with Michelin and Orange[TM], have brought with them to the 2008 Paris Motor Show a most unremarkable-looking car. (My apologies to fans of the Opel Agila) And that's the point. The WILL (pictured above) is meant to seem "familiar and friendly" even though its makers believe it is the embodiment of the future of automotive design. The technology that makes this claim plausible is the Michelin Active Wheel system which we previously saw on the Venturi Volage. It incorporates a motor, brakes and "a revolutionary electric suspension system" inside the wheels. Heuliez has constructed the WILL around the system which has allowed them to offer a lightweight 5-seater with two trunks that is built for safety and stability. With no engine under the hood, the front end is designed around absorbing impact. The active suspension in the two front wheels can quickly sense any pitch or roll and instantly adjust, which is said to offer "unprecedented levels of comfort and road holding."

Orange, the France Telecom brand, brings connectivity to the project. WILL has the usual navigation with real-time weather and traffic. It offers emergency call service as well as high-speed internet access to driver and passenger (no Googling while driving, please). It can also allow remote monitoring for theft protection and fleet tracking. The WILL should have three different lithium ion battery configurations offering 150, 300, or 400 Km of range. (That's 93, 186, or 249 miles). They also mention the possibility of a fuel cell. The first vehicles will begin testing this Autumn and should be available for professional drivers, fleets and municipalities in 2010. The general public may have to wait an extra year. The current price target is being reported as between €20,000 ($27,344) and €25,000 ($34,180). Check out the bonus video in French for glimpses of the WILL at the factory and read the press release after the jump.

[Source: Michelin / Avenir du Véhicule Electrique Méditerranéen (AVEM)]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Heuliez, Michelin and Orange wrap a revolution in a plain package

Paris 2008: Heuliez, Michelin and Orange wrap a revolution in a plain package originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FranceHeuliezin-wheel motorIn-wheelMotorMichelinMichelin Active WheelMichelinActiveWheelOrangeParis 2008Paris2008WILLThu, 09 Oct 2008 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Eco & Mobility present the Simpli-City and Next-ère]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/09/paris-2008-eco-and-mobility-present-the-simpli-city-and-next-ere/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/09/paris-2008-eco-and-mobility-present-the-simpli-city-and-next-ere/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/09/paris-2008-eco-and-mobility-present-the-simpli-city-and-next-ere/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Away from the glamor cars spinning on their turntables with posing models are a few vehicles that most of the North American press has not had time to investigate. The Simpli-City and Next-ère made by Eco & Mobility are two such vehicles. Both are lightweight electric cars that, together with the Heuliez Friendly we already showed you, are being promoted with the help of recent French presidential candidate Ségolène Royal, who represents the Poitou-Charentes region where they all originate.

The two cars are both made with recyclable materials including hemp fiber and share many components which are mostly sourced close to the area where they were produced. The Simpli-City (on the left) seats three to four people while the Next-ère is built for two. They are said to have a range between 80 and 150 Km (50 to 90 miles) depending on the type of battery used. Top speed is 55 Mph which is as fast as we think anyone in their right mind would want to go in these. The pair are meant to be sold under the brand Electrique Llinarès Véhicule (ELV) and have a target price of €5,000 ($6,834). We are pretty sure we won't be seeing either on our shores any time soon. Bonus video after the jump featuring Mme Royal, the Simpli-City, Next-ère and the Friendly in Paris.

[Source: Région Poitou-Charentes / Eco & Mobility]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Eco & Mobility present the Simpli-City and Next-ère

Paris 2008: Eco & Mobility present the Simpli-City and Next-ère originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Eco MobilityEcoMobilityElectrique Llinars VhiculeElectriqueLlinarsVhiculeNext-reParis 2009Paris2009Poitou-CharentesSgolne RoyalSgolneRoyalSimpli-CityThu, 09 Oct 2008 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes to add C and E class hybrids by 2011 in U.S.; 12,000 smart EVs in four years]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/07/mercedes-to-add-c-and-e-class-hybrids-by-2011-in-u-s-12-000-sm/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/07/mercedes-to-add-c-and-e-class-hybrids-by-2011-in-u-s-12-000-sm/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/07/mercedes-to-add-c-and-e-class-hybrids-by-2011-in-u-s-12-000-sm/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mercedes Benz S400 BlueHybrid

Next year's arrival of the S400 BlueHybrid appears to be just the first stage of a massive move to hybridazition of the brand's lineup. The ML450 is scheduled to get a Two-Mode hybrid late next year, pending resolution of issues with battery supplier Cobasys. A new generation of the high-volume mid-sized E-class arrives sometime in 2009 and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche reportedly told media in Paris last week that it, too, will get the hybrid treatment. The smaller C-Class that debuted in 2007 gets a refresh in 2011 that is also expected to add an electric motor into the drivetrain package. The C and E are both likely to use the smaller, less expensive mild hybrid system that goes into the S rather than the larger Two-Mode. Finally, Zetsche had good news for EV fans when he said the company expects to be producing 12-15,000 electric Smarts per year starting in 2012.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid


[Source: eGMCarTech]

Mercedes to add C and E class hybrids by 2011 in U.S.; 12,000 smart EVs in four years originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-classc-class hybridC-classHybride-classe-class hybridE-classHybridmercedes-benzsmart edsmart electric carsmart electric vehiclesmart evSmartEdSmartElectricCarSmartElectricVehicleSmartEvTue, 07 Oct 2008 16:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Heuliez Friendly]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/06/paris-2008-heuliez-friendly/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/06/paris-2008-heuliez-friendly/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/06/paris-2008-heuliez-friendly/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Well, it certainly looks pretty friendly. Plus, powered only by electrons, it will be friendly to our environment too. What is it? The Heuliez Friendly, which debuted at this year's Paris Motor Show. Three seems to be a theme here, with a trio of electric motors to choose from, three different vehicle lengths to be offered and a seating capacity of yourself and two of your best friends. According to reports, the French automaker expects its Friendly to hit 70 miles per hour and its nickel metal hydride battery to last for 140 miles. After it's spent, the Friendly can be recharged via any standard wall outlet.

Heuliez plans to begin selling its Friendly in Europe in 2010. Also on the schedule are kit-assembled remakes of the G-Wiz from Reva Motors. These electric vehicles would be the first cars ever to wear the Heuliez badge, as the company has so far only created modules such as convertible tops for other automakers.

[Source: Channel 4]

Paris 2008: Heuliez Friendly originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heuliez FriendlyHeuliezFriendlyparis 2008paris motor showparis motor show 2008Paris2008ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2008Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Peugeot-Citroen HYmotion4 hybrid drive system]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/06/paris-2008-peugeot-citroen-hymotion4-hybrid-drive-system/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/06/paris-2008-peugeot-citroen-hymotion4-hybrid-drive-system/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/06/paris-2008-peugeot-citroen-hymotion4-hybrid-drive-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Peugeot-Citroen HYmotion4 hybrid drive architecture

Traditionally, automakers use the biggest auto shows in their home countries as a platform to display their latest and greatest ideas, both aesthetic and technological. Such was clearly the case this week at the Paris Motor Show for PSA, the parent company of Peugeot and Citroën. One of the technical highlights on the stands of both PSA brands was something called HYmotion4, a new through-the-road hybrid system. HYmotion4 was featured on four different vehicles including the Peugeot RC and Prologue and the Citroën Hypnos and C4 WRC.

The idea of a through-the-road hybrid system is not new and has been used previously by a number of manufacturers. To date however, no mainstream manufacturer has produced such a hybrid configuration. In engineering a car, there are many ways to skin a cat, and judging by the number of examples that PSA showed in Paris, it seems that Peugeot and Citroën may follow this path for production as an alternative to the hybrids being produced by the likes of Toyota, Ford, GM and others. Learn more about through-the-road hybrids after the jump.

[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Peugeot-Citroen HYmotion4 hybrid drive system

Paris 2008: Peugeot-Citroen HYmotion4 hybrid drive system originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OK, it's Monday morning. Some of you are at the office and, maybe, not yet fully ready for the work week. While you're sipping a coffee or tea and getting ready to get things done, we've got a few videos to ease you into the day from our friend Adam over at SmartPlanet. Adam was at the Paris Motor Show and filmed cars like the Honda Insight, the Ford Ka, the Citroën Hypnos and the Renault Z.E. sitting on those giant autoshow turntables, spinning around and around. You can watch the action, such as it is, after the jump and I think it might be the perfect way to start the week. Just remember to snap yourself out of your daze before the boss notices.

[Source: SmartPlanet]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Watching the cars go 'round and 'round

Paris 2008: Watching the cars go 'round and 'round originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: What's your favorite?]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-whats-your-favorite/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-whats-your-favorite/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/05/paris-2008-whats-your-favorite/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for a gallery of the Honda Insight concept

We saw a lot of new green concept vehicles make their debut during the press preview at the Paris Motor Show last week. Now that we've all had time to digest the new offerings, what struck you as particularly good this year? I've set up a poll with all of the green (or green-ish) Paris vehicles after the break. If you need a refresher, click on any of these links to see our posts on these rides and the photo galleries to go along with them. There's some good-looking stuff on display over in France. Here's what we saw:


My two cents: concepts are nice and all, but the Honda Insight takes the cake. Now, what about your two cents? The poll is open after the jump.


Continue reading Paris 2008: What's your favorite?

Paris 2008: What's your favorite? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>paris motor showparis-motor-showParisMotorShowSun, 05 Oct 2008 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Peugeot unleashes 118 mpg HYmotion3 Compressor Concept]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/peugeot-unleashes-118-mpg-hymotion3-compressor-concept/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/peugeot-unleashes-118-mpg-hymotion3-compressor-concept/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/peugeot-unleashes-118-mpg-hymotion3-compressor-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more shots of the Peugeot HYmotion3 Compressor Concept

We really dig Peugeot's new HYmotion3 Compressor Concept. It's got three wheels -- two up front and one in back, our preferred arrangement -- and a hybrid drivetrain. The two front wheels are independently powered by individual wheel-mounted hub motors and have no connection to the supercharged four-stroke 125cc engine that powers the rear wheel. Regenerative braking is all that provides power to the scooter's battery pack. Like the Piaggio MP3, the HYmotion3 is a leaning machine. Besides that radical powertrain, the scooter features a full safety cage that encompasses both the driver and passenger. A real windshield sits at the front with a second large sunroof overhead.

The engine shuts down when it's not needed and the electrically-driven front wheels are capable of powering the machine by themselves. The HYmotion3 is extremely fuel efficient, recording 118 miles per gallon. Could it see production? It's not beyond the realm of possibility, as the supercharged engine is already sold in other Peugeot scooters and the aforementioned MP3 has proven that the design can be a success on the sales floor. In other words, stay tuned.

Gallery: Peugeot HYmotion3 Compressor Concept


[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Peugeot unleashes 118 mpg HYmotion3 Compressor Concept

Peugeot unleashes 118 mpg HYmotion3 Compressor Concept originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>peugeotpeugeot hymotionpeugeot hymotion3peugeot hymotion3 compressorpeugeot scooterpeugeot scooter conceptPeugeotHymotionPeugeotHymotion3PeugeotHymotion3CompressorPeugeotScooterPeugeotScooterConceptSat, 04 Oct 2008 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Live reveal of Honda Insight and a new company blog]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/video-live-reveal-of-honda-insight-and-a-new-company-blog/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/video-live-reveal-of-honda-insight-and-a-new-company-blog/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/video-live-reveal-of-honda-insight-and-a-new-company-blog/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for a gallery of the Honda Insight concept

Honda this week launched its first blog in conjunction with the debut of the new Insight concept in Paris. If Honda's usual practice and the spy photos we've seen are any indication, the concept Insight that is on the show stand right now will be almost identical to the production model coming next spring. While the Insight's profile undoubtedly shares a lot with the Toyota Prius, it also differs in many design details. The Insight has more surface development than the Prius including the belt-line and rocker panel creases that help catch the light and make the look more interesting. The Insight also has a less distinct peak in the roof than the Toyota giving a sleaker look to the green house. The primary elements that are likely to change in going to production are the lights with the concepts fancy clusters giving way to something a little more conventional. You can check video of the Paris reveal and running footage of the Insight after the jump.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Honda Insight Concept


Gallery: Honda Insight concept


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading VIDEO: Live reveal of Honda Insight and a new company blog

VIDEO: Live reveal of Honda Insight and a new company blog originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>honda insighthonda insight concepthonda insight parisHondaInsightHondaInsightConceptHondaInsightParisparisparis motor showparis2008ParisMotorShowSat, 04 Oct 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Danny's Contentment talks Nuvu with Mia]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/video-dannys-contentment-talks-nuvu-with-mia/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/video-dannys-contentment-talks-nuvu-with-mia/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/video-dannys-contentment-talks-nuvu-with-mia/#commentsFiled under: , ,



While we old-fashioned, glued-to-keyboard bloggers had to wait until the official reveal to get a glimpse Nissan's latest EV concept, new-fangled video blogger Danny Fleet got actual face time with both the Nuvu and a representative from the Japanese auto maker before the Paris Motor Show even started and recorded some of the low down on the concept and the company's EV future plans with his trusty camera. He even got them to drive it a very short distance.

While there weren't any "Holy Cow! Really?" moments, we did learn a bit that wasn't covered in the lengthy Nuvu press release. For instance, this is not the electric car that Nissan is planning on selling in 2010. Also, although Danny couldn't get Mia to discuss Nissan's involvement with Project Better Place we do learn that the 2010 EV will first be made available in the U.S. and Japan before the rest of the world gets it. Hit the jump for more info and hot vlogging action.

Gallery: Nissan NUVU concept - Live Shots



Gallery: Nissan NUVU Press Shots



[Source: Danny's Contentment]

Continue reading VIDEO: Danny's Contentment talks Nuvu with Mia

VIDEO: Danny's Contentment talks Nuvu with Mia originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Danns ContentmentDannsContentmentNissan EVNissan NuvuNissanEvNissanNuvuNuvu EVNuvuEvParis 2008Paris2008Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Wallyscar to make electric Jeep-like vehicle]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-wallyscar-to-make-electric-jeep-like-vehicle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-wallyscar-to-make-electric-jeep-like-vehicle/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-wallyscar-to-make-electric-jeep-like-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res shots of the Wallyscar Izis

It's pretty easy to see more than just a passing resemblance between the new Izis from Wallyscar, which is now being shown at the Paris Motor Show, and another famous vehicle. Like the original off-roading Willys, the Izis features body-on-frame architecture and a very small gasoline engine. In the case of the Izis, that engine comes from Peugeot and displaces 1.4-liters, good enough for 75-horsepower, just a bit more than the 60 horses of the classic Willys Go Devil engine.

The Izis is street-legal in Europe, as its Peugeot engine is fully Euro 4-compliant, though the vehicle has a Euro NCAP rating of only two stars. It also has a very short wheelbase and sits well above the ground. Early Jeeps with similar dimensions were more than a bit 'tippy' on the street, as were some early Jeep-like cars from Suzuki and Daihatsu. Having never piloted in Izis, we can't really comment on how it handles, but we bet it'd do rather well off the beaten path.

An electric version is also said to be available. No information on specifications are provided other than a suggested electric-only range of 90 kilometers, or about 56 miles. That's plenty for some fun-in-the-sun off-roading or for daily transportation for city-dwellers.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Wallyscar


[Sources: AutoMotoPortal, Wallyscar]

Paris 2008: Wallyscar to make electric Jeep-like vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric carselectric iziselectric jeepElectricCarElectricCarsElectricIzisElectricJeepparis 2008paris motor showparis motor show 2008Paris2008ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2008wallyscarwallyscar izisWallyscarIzisSat, 04 Oct 2008 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 diesel hybrid ]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-peugeot-prologue-hymotion4-diesel-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-peugeot-prologue-hymotion4-diesel-hybrid/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/04/paris-2008-peugeot-prologue-hymotion4-diesel-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4

Peugeot's Prologue HYmotion4 concept is in many ways the opposite of the same company's RC HYmotion4 concept. The upright crossover style Prologue is a different animal from the sleek four-door coupe. Both vehicles use the same through the road hybrid architecture but flipped front/rear. The Prologue puts the internal combustion engine up front and runs on diesel instead of gasoline with the electric motor going at the back. The diesel puts out 163 hp while the motor is limited to 27 kW. With both the engine and motor running, 221 lb-ft of torque are available to the front wheels while the rears get 148 lb-ft. As with the other HYmotion4 concepts, the vehicle can be propelled by either the engine, motor or both. In rear wheel drive electric only mode, speeds are limited to about 30 mph by the 36 hp output and the use of a nickel metal hydride battery. Nonetheless, the Prologue generates some pretty impressive numbers. The French automaker claims a combined mileage of 52.3 mpg (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. One interesting performance enhancement that Peugeot mentions is the interaction between the transmission and motor. The 6-speed manual gearbox features automated shifting. The electronic controls automatically activates the electric motor during shifts to fill the gap in power flow smoothing out the process.

Gallery: Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4


[Source: Peugeot]

Paris 2008: Peugeot Prologue HYmotion4 diesel hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e

Land Rover vehicles are not renowned for their fuel efficiency, at least not in a good way. Now that the English SUV builder is owned by India's Tata it has to make do without input from Ford and will have to meet future CO2 emissions limits without averaging with its former parent. As a step in that direction, Land Rover unveiled a new variant of the Freelander 2 (LR2 here in the states) at the Paris Motor Show. The TD4_e version adds a new "Intelligent Start/Stop" system along with an upshift light in the instrument cluster. When the TD4_e replaces the current TD4 next year, it will also get lower rolling resistance tires.

Because of the high compression ratios of diesel engines, they tend to shudder a bit when shutoff abruptly. Land Rover has incorporated some control changes that ramp down the fuel feed and engine speed before shutting off completely allowing for smoother operation. The engine is shutoff when the vehicle stops, the transmission is in neutral and the clutch pedal released. As soon as the driver presses the clutch pedal, the engine restarts. The bottom line is an eight percent improvement in fuel efficiency from 31.4 mpg to 34.6 mpg (U.S.). Since no Land Rovers are available with diesel engines in North America, we probably won't see the TD4_e anytime soon.

Gallery: Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e


[Source: Land Rover]

Paris 2008: Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4_e originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automatic start stopAutomaticStartStopland roverland rover freelanderland rover freelander 2land rover freelander td4_eland rover freelander2LandRoverLandRoverFreelanderLandRoverFreelander2LandRoverFreelanderTd4_estart stopStartStopFri, 03 Oct 2008 20:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: smart shows off its second-gen ED]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-smart-shows-off-its-second-gen-ed/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-smart-shows-off-its-second-gen-ed/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-smart-shows-off-its-second-gen-ed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



While some sites are busy making fun of its name (yeah, we thought of that too... and you? Does it matter? Comments are welcome), others were busy conducting interviews with Dr. Z. in an attempt to find out when we may see the smart ED in America. The answer is that it's coming, if not next year then shortly thereafter. Daimler hopes to have 1,000 electric smarts running rather silently around the world by the end of next year, and it's distinctly possible that a portion of them will be in the U.S. This is the second-generation of the smart ED, and it is now powered by a lithium ion battery pack that may or may not be supplied by Tesla Motors. The last-gen model used a sodium battery. With the new pack, the smart ED can achieve a range of up to 150 miles -- plenty of distance for the urban use the little car is likely to be subjected to.

[Source: Popular Mechanics / Photo: Inside Line]

Paris 2008: smart shows off its second-gen ED originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric smartelectric smart carelectric smart edelectric smart fortwoElectricSmartElectricSmartCarElectricSmartEdElectricSmartFortwoparis 2008paris motor showparis motor show 2008Paris2008ParisMotorShowParisMotorShow2008smartsmart edsmart evsmart fortwoSmartEdSmartEvSmartFortwoFri, 03 Oct 2008 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Venturi Eclectic, the production version]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-venturi-eclectic-the-production-version/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-venturi-eclectic-the-production-version/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-venturi-eclectic-the-production-version/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While Venturi has cars that drive on the bleeding edge of technology and cost more than several Tesla Roadsters they have not forgotten those of us with more modest means and lesser needs. For folks with as little as €15,000 ($20,700) in pocket and no desire to cruise faster than 45 Kph (28 Mph) there is the newly revised Venturi Eclectric. You may remember the original Eclectic Concept from the 2006 Paris Motor Show with its box shape and open cockpit. This newer version is a little smaller, slightly more aerodynamic and includes doors on its accessory list.

Like its forerunner, there are solar panels affixed to the roof that can offer a couple free klicks of mobility each sunny day and an available 300 watt wind turbine that is said to be good for 13 kilometers (8 miles) when it's breezy. If you find yourself out of juice after sundown on a still night you can always plug in the on-board charger and be ready to go its battery-only distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles) in as little as five hours. Production of the neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) is set to begin in October of 2009 with as many as 3,000 units being produced each year at a new Venturi factory near Sablé-sur-Sarthe, France. You can get even more details at the Eclectic website.

[Source: Venturi]

Paris 2008: Venturi Eclectic, the production version originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EclecticNEVproduction EclecticProductionEclecticVenturiFri, 03 Oct 2008 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4]]>http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-peugeot-rc-hymotion4/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-peugeot-rc-hymotion4/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/10/03/paris-2008-peugeot-rc-hymotion4/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Peugeot RC HYmotion4 concept

The RC HYmotion4 concept unveiled by Peugeot at the Paris Motor Show is just one of several hybrid drive concepts being shown by that brand and Citroen. All of these feature an interesting new through the road hybrid system that I'll write more about later. The RC is a four-door GT coupe that has a 1.6L gas engine in the back driving the rear wheels with 218 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. Up front, a 70 kW electric motor provides up to another 132 lb-ft of twisting force for those wheels. The combined output is limited to 313 hp and acceleration to 62 mph comes up in 4.4 seconds. In the combined drive mode, the carbon dioxide emissions are rated at only 109 g/km. The system allows the car to operate in either internal combustion, electric only or blended modes. Peugeot claims it achieves 52.3 mpg (U.S.) in combined driving. Having the electric motor at the front wheels allows the car to maximize its regenerative braking capability and the energy is stored in a lithium ion battery pack. Even with the RC's 4.7 m length, the overall weight comes in at only 3,141 lbs.

Gallery: Peugeot RC HYmotion4 concept


[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4

Paris 2008: Peugeot RC HYmotion4 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pininfarina B0 (B Zero)

While we've known for some time that an electric car would be forthcoming from the partnership between the fabled firm of Pininfarina and the French industrial giant Bolloré, the two companies have avoided any embarrassing premature publication of photos until the predetermined moment at the Paris Motor Show. Any speculation that the final product resulting from the French-Italian marriage might be beautiful but impractical or just plain French ugly can now be put to rest. When this sophisticated four-seater, four-door hatchback rolled out of the factory in Turin we can imagine dark clouds parting and a spotlight of sunshine beaming down to illuminate the B0 (pronounced "B Zero") with a voice, not unlike that of Homer (the donut-eating yellow guy, not the Greek poet), intoning thunderously with lots of reverb, "Sweeeet."

And sweet it is! After thousands of miles of testing with the BlueCar platform, the companies have refined that technology in this new design and hit all of their performance benchmarks including a 153-mile range and a top governed speed of 80 Mph. Although the advanced solar panels built into the roof and hood are quick to catch the eye with their high tech appearance, the real secret weapon in this city car is the lithium polymer "LMP" battery matched up with a supercapacitor. The elegant energy storage component not only allows for excellent regenerative braking and acceleration capabilities but also extends the life of the battery. It is stressed that the B0 is not a concept car or a prototype but an actual production model that will be built in Turin by the end of 2009. The Pininfarina-branded B0 is dedicated to the memory of Andrea Pininfarina who was a big believer in this project.

Gallery: Pininfarina B0



[Source: Pininfarina]

Paris 2008: Pininfarina and Bolloré debut the B0 (B Zero) production electric car originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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