The new BMW Vision EfficientDynamics combines superb driving performance with extremely low consumption. A hybrid drive system and a revolutionary design are among the highlights.
The Mazda MX-5 has become the biggest selling roadster of all time thanks to a simple, unchanging formula of low weight and fun dynamics.
To celebrate the car’s 20th anniversary, Mazda recently unveiled a special edition model for sale in the Japanese domestic market, but that wasn’t enough. Now Mazda has released images of a speedster-style concept dubbed the MX-5 Superlight. The concept, which is set to be revealed at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, has the front windscreen removed and futuristic-looking roll bars at the rear.
While Mazda is keeping mum about the finer details, it is expected that a number of weight-saving measures have been undertaken on the car. The MX-5 Superlight was designed by Mazda’s in-house team in Germany, and other unique cosmetic and structural changes include the absence of A-pillars and door handles as well as the smooth front and rear decks.
In terms of engines, the concept is expected to be fitted with the standard MX-5’s range-topping 2.0L gasoline engine, and with all the weight-saving measures put in place the Superlight should be very rapid.
Sadly, a production version of the car will most likely never happen, and the MX-5 Superlight will most likely remain a commemorative concept for the 20th birthday of the MX-5.
With the days counting down till the Frankfurt Motor Show kicks off, Lexus has cut loose a single teaser image of its hotly anticipated hybrid hatchback concept. The C-Segment model carries the LF-Ch badge and not the rumoured CT nameplate as first thought.
“Think BMW 1 Series, but hybrid.” That’s how Lexus describes the LF-Ch, with the Audi A3 and Volvo C30 also on its competitors list. Under the bonnet will be some form of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, but no actual powertrain details have been released. A more detailed explanation of the car’s finer points will likely be made available in the run up to Frankfurt.
Audi’s e-tron concept packs monstrous torque figures and the good looks of the Audi R8 into an environmentally friendly package. Now Audi has green-lighted the e-tron for production.
Powered by a set of four electric motors, the e-tron generates a ridiculous (and possibly inflated) 3,319 pound-feet of torque and 313 horsepower. It will rocket the e-tron from standing o 100kph in just 4.8-seconds and it also does 60-120 kph in just 4.1 seconds, demonstrating excellent in-gear acceleration.
Audi expects to have the car, complete with its 42.4 kilowatt-hour battery pack, in a production prototype stage within 2 years. With the full production e-Tron to come within three years, meaning we could see it in showrooms by the end of 2012.
Shortly after revealing its Lotus Seven like e1 electric sportscar at the Frankfurt Motor Show, e-Wolf has just released images and details of its next model, the e2. Unlike the open-topped e1, the German carmaker’s e2 follow up will feature a shape clearly inspired by any number of supercars from Italy, most noticeably the Lamborghini Reventón and Ferrari Enzo. If you have to copy another car, might as well make it the best.
Currently existing in theory alone the electric supercar will be powered by one 134-horsepower electric motor per wheel for a total of 536 green horsepower and an impressive 1,000 Nm of torque. The run to 100kph is expected to be handled in well under four seconds, though the top speed may be capped at 250 kph.
Energy storage will be taken care of by a lithium ion battery pack composed of 84 flat cells. No details have been released on the pack’s exact capacity, but e-Wolf suggests that range could be as high as 300 kilometers per charge after a recharge of just 30 minutes – to achieve this a extra-strong specialised charger would be required. Production is currently planned for 2011.
Smart cars aren’t known for their performance pedigree but who couldn’t use a bit more power. German tuner Brabus has come to the party and unveiled its Ultimate R smart fortwo art this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
The go hard Smart fortwo is powered by a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that develops 82.4 kW at 5,750 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 3,300 and 3,900 rpm. Brabus claims it has shortened shift times in comparison to the standard model. The official performance numbers state the Ulitmate R can reach a top speed of 170 km/h and do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Ultimate R is fitted with a custom coil-over sport suspension that lowers the ride height by 30 mm and gas-pressure shock absorbers.
Featuring a special gun metal paint job and carbon fibre components the Ultimate R will be available in both coupe and convertible forms.
The rumours of a potential match between Suzuki and Volkswagen just keep coming. Last month, reports emerged that Volkswagen AG was interested in a small slice of Suzuki Motors. more recently a Suzuki executive at the Frankfurt Motor Show mentioned that an agreement between the two automakers would be in place by the end of the year.
What at first seems like an unlikely match makes total sense, for Suzuki and VW this connection would be a win-win situation. Suzuki would have access to a variety of VW’s technology, while Volkswagen would have a solid supporting leg in India and Southeast Asian markets.
Neither party has any official word on the matter. However, last Monday Martin Winterkorn, VW’s Chief Executive, said the product portfolio of the Japanese automaker would fit well with his company.
Mini has officially revealed the Roadster Concept alongside it’s new Coupe Concept (read news item) at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Like its hardtop stablemate the Roadster is strictly a two-seater with a chopped roofline and tilted back windscreen. This is almost certainly set to be the second new model that will be produced at MINI’s Oxford UK assembly plant alongside the Coupe.
Also like the Coupe, the Roadster makes extensive use of Mini family design cues and appears pretty much unchanged from the belt-line down compared to existing Minis. For the Roadster, the roll-bar structure has been moved forward so it sits directly behind the seats. This should improve the coupe’s structural rigidity, helping make the Roadster a more competent handler.
The front air dam of the Mini Roadster Concept looks seriously performance ready. And it should be, considering that Mini’s 175 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-litre engine will be even more willing to please in the smaller Roadster. Weight distribution has been improved, shuffling a bit more weight over the rear axle for more neutral behaviour. The slightly shorter layout and lower weight also helps handling, while power-to-weight ratio is improved, too.
Another functional advantage of the Roadster is increased boot space thanks to the missing back seat. The volume increases and the opening is now usably large, extending over the rear deck and down to the bumper. A lockable pass-through gap also allows a passenger to reach items banging round in the boot.
Aesthetically, the concept’s houndstooth-and-leather seating and gold striping show the concept won’t be all about performance.
A new multi-function screen display offers five new gimmicky indicators: the Nature Guard (how eco friendly you’re driving), Highspeed Shifter (when to shift for maximum power), Gravity Indicator (lateral and g-forces), Heart Beat (engine speed visualized by beating heart) and Buddy Radar (shows where other Mini drivers are).
It’s cute, it will go reasonably hard and there is no reason why the new Roadster won’t be a sales success when it reaches production.
This week’s Frankfurt Motor Show marks the beginning of a new generation of Ford’s new C-segment platform with the debut of the new C-Max.
Apparently Ford, is planning over the next few years to take the new compact platform global and to develop as many as 10 different vehicle variants around the world. In addition to the C-Max, the next Focus will be available as a four-dour sedan, three- and five-door hatchback and convertible. That still leaves a number of other possible vehicles that Ford hasn’t announced yet, which probably means some crossovers and perhaps even sports variants will be coming over the next few years.
Ford have a lot of eggs in this new C-segment basket and with the increasing importance of the compact segment, all of these variants will play a big part in Ford’s future.
After once staging a famous revolution and now, chain smoking while eating snails the French certainly know the meaning of the word “revolt”. It’s not surprising that French carmaker Citroen knowingly used the word – with an extra ‘E’ for its latest concept car unveiled this week in Frankfurt.
The REVOLTe concept is a throwback Citroen’s iconic 2CV, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. The REVOLTe simply borrows the basic shape of its forbearer and gives it a modern take. The modern part comes in the form of an unspecified small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor and a battery re-charging function. Measuring just twelve feet long, the REVOLTe has seating capacity for three – one offset up front and two in the back – accessed by suicide doors.
No output or performance figures have been officially released for the REVOLTe but according to the press release it is a ‘lively performer with strong acceleration’. It may just need that speed to evade the rioting masses angry at this polarizing new take on the much loved 2CV.
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