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Green Machines Porsche

Porsche 918 rocking cool mono Martini livery

Porsche 918 prototype spied

Porsche wins the cool award for the year so far, thanks to this 918 prototype with monochromatic Martini livery. It just looks the business!

It certainly looks much better than the Frankenstein look we saw in March, and it’s even better than more finished preview Porsche gave us back in May. And given the sales debut of the 918 über-hybrid is still some 12 months away we’re hoping to see more more of these stylish themes from Porsche along the way.

In case you need reminding of the potential awesomeness inside the 918 Spyder, they have taken the 3.4 litre V8 from the RS Spyder (currently on tour in Australia) and coupled it with Porsche’s own electric flywheel technology from the GT3 R Hybrid.

All wrapped up in a stunning sportscar silhouette the end result is a handy 770hp and a new dream machine for kids to hang on their bedroom walls.

Follow the link below for more photos.

[Source: Autoblog | Pics: CarPix]

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Audi Green Machines

Audi R8 e-tron sets Nürburgring electric record

Audi R8 e-tron

Audi has announced the arrival of the R8 e-tron by claiming a new Nürburgring lap record for a series production electric powered vehicle. The all-electric R8 e-tron lapped the Nordschleife in 8:09.099, impressive for a production-based model, but still some way off the Toyota–Radical TMG EV P001 (7:47.794).

The R8 e-tron was first previewed in concept form at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. According to Audi the production model has a pair of electric motors, each producing 280kW/820Nm (560kW/1640Nm combined).

We’re not exactly sure how this works, and there’s no firm details just yet, but Audi say a total of over 4900Nm of torque can be sent to the rear wheels from standstill. Bring on all-electric power!

Markus Winkelhock, part of the winning crew from the Nürburgring 24 hour race, was at the wheel for the R8 e-tron’s record run. Normally the R8 e-tron is limited to 200km/h, but the limiter was raised to 250km/h for the record.

However, proving the 1780kg e-tron is no slouch, Winkelhock completed two timed laps with the 200km/h limiter still in place and recorded times of 8:30.873 and 8:26.096.

“The record drives were a fantastic experience for me,” said Markus Winkelhock. “Of course, the R8 e-tron is a production car, not a racing car with the assistance of aerodynamics.

“But with its low center of gravity and rear biased weight distribution, it brings with it a lot of sporty qualities. The torque with which the electric motors propel the car uphill beats everything that I know – even if they make hardly any noise in the process, which at the start was really a completely new experience for me.”

The official launch of the R8 e-tron will take place towards the end of 2012. For now Audi has kept much of the finer detail under wraps, but has revealed the car has a range of around 215km and can reach 100km/h in 4.6 seconds. Up to 49kWh of energy is stored in a T-shaped rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is mounted in the center tunnel between the passenger cell and rear wheels.

More from Audi after the break, including some rather nice shots of the R8 e-tron attacking the Nordschleife.

Categories
Audi Green Machines

Audi R8 e-tron prototype spied

Audi R8 e-tron

The marketing benefits of Audi’s 2012 Le Mans win will soon be seen on the road when 1000 R8 e-tron evaluation models hit the streets later this year. Thanks to that 11th victory at the Circuit de la Sarthe, the world is more aware of the e-tron brand than it’s ever been.

Of course, the e-tron name has been with us for a few years now. The original R8 e-tron concept was revealed at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show after all.

A near production ready R8 e-tron has recently been seen out on the roads in Europe ahead of its evaluation launch. We’re not sure if the prototype version here lives up to the specs of the original show car. But to refresh your memory the Frankfurt concept featured a total of 230kW, courtesy of an electric motor at each wheel, and a staggering 4500Nm of torque.

At first glance the R8 e-tron looks much the same as the conventionally powered petrol models. A large bonnet scoop and the lack of exhaust tips at the rear are the best clues that this R8 is not like the others.

[Source: WCF]

Categories
Green Machines Tesla

It’s oh so quiet

Tesla Model S

US businessman Steve Jurvetson is the first person to get his hands on the new four-door Tesla Model S, a couple of weeks ahead of schedule too. You can see a short video of him driving away in his new car from Stanford University’s business school. There’s a bit of fanfare with people lining the way as Jurveston drives off in his US$90,000 plaything, but it’s nothing like the fanaticism whipped up at an Apple Store opening.

We’re sure you’ll agree the Model S is a very smart looking car. True to Tesla form performance is key to its character. We think Jurveston has picked up the Performance model, so the 85kWh battery can propel the rear-wheel drive saloon to 60mph in a mere 4.4 seconds.

More impressively, Tesla claim the Model S Performance can travel 300 miles (480km) at 55mph, roughly 90km/h, on a single charge. That’s actually pretty good, don’t you think?

[Thanks to Michael for the tip]

Categories
BMW Green Machines

VIDEO: BMW i8 Concept Spyder

BMW i8 Concept Spyder

Can you hear that humming sound? That’s the sound of the BMW i8 Concept Spyder driving around an empty car park. Perhaps not the best context to show what is really a rather attractive car, but that’s what BMW has thought best. Bring yourself closer to Munich’s latest i-creation by watching the four videos we have for you after the break (hosted by BimmerFile).

Categories
BMW Green Machines

BMW i8 Concept Spyder revealed

BMW i8 Concept Spyder

BMW has today revealed photos and information for the i8 Concept Spyder. This, we’re fairly certain, is not an April Fool’s Day gag. The i8 Concept Spyder is based on the i8 hardtop (aka Vision Efficient Dynamics).

Like its sibling the i8 Concept Spyder features an ‘eDrive’ hybrid drivetrain, combining a 164kW three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (at the rear wheels) and 96kW of electric power (powering the front wheels) to offer a total of 260kW. And with 550Nm of torque on tap there’s enough to get up and go to take the 1630kg eco-sportscar to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds.

Zero-emissions travel is limited to a modest 30km or so, but is offset by a reasonably quick recharge time of less than two hours. On the plus side you can use a domestic plug to recharge. So, if you do insist on all-electric power you’ll be limited to city commuting. But you have to start somewhere.

We reckon the electronic instrument cluster and central info display look pretty nifty, too, and expect it won’t be too long before we’re seeing technology like this in more mainstream BMW models.

The i8 Coupé is due for release in 2014 so it’ll probably be some time before the i8 Spyder makes the transition from concept to reality.

Categories
Green Machines Porsche

Porsche brings us closer to the 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Spyder prototype, March 2012

Tech geeks Wired were invited along to Nardo in Italy to take a closer look at the development of the 918 Spyder. You’ll recall the concept was first launched at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It promises massive horsepower, around 770 in all, thanks to a combination of an RS Spyder-sourced V8 and a pair of electric motors, one at each axle.

The 918 Spyder doesn’t go on sale until the latter half of 2013, which explains the rather cobbled together prototype you see above. And you’re going to have to pay a lot of money for the keys, or extension lead, whatever. Somehow, we think it will be worth the wait:

“Flick the steering wheel mounted switch into “Hot Lap” mode and in third gear Porsche claims you’ll be thrusted forward with an overboosted total of 700 lb-ft 9950Nm] of twist. That’s good for a zero to 60 mph run of less than 3 seconds, 124 mph [200km/h] in less than 9 seconds and on to a top speed of 202 mph [325km/h]. And if you’ve got enough juice from the liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery pack, you can hit 90 mph [145km/h] without using a single drop of fuel.

“The entire chassis is a mix of carbon fiber and aluminum, including the passenger compartment and associated crash structure, which weighs in at a scant 485 pounds [220kg]. Carbon fiber construction has come a long way since Porsche’s last super car, the Carrera GT, and Porsche illustrates that by pointing out that the passenger tub of the GT took five days to make. Today, they can crank out five 918 tubs a day thanks to new innovations in composites and assembly methods.”

If that’s grabbed your attention then you’re probably going to like Harry Metcalfe’s video after the break, with thanks to Evo.

[Source: Wired & Evo]

Categories
Green Machines Infiniti Motor Shows

Geneva 2012: Infiniti Emerg-E

Infiniti Emerg-E

Phwoar, that’s pretty sexy, don’t you think. It’s the Inifiniti Emerg-E concept and it’s been made to help put the fancy-Nissan product on the map as it extends into new markets.

Well, a 300kW sports car with seductive flowing lines and a 0-60mph time of 4.0 seconds is a pretty good place to start. True, they’re not the most spectacular numbers going around for a car that looks that good, but keep in mind it’s only got a measly 1.2 litre three cylinder petrol engine to supplement the twin electric motors.

The baby engine is rather quaintly called a “range extender”. That’s just as well too, because in all-electric mode you’ve only got around 50km to play with.

Most importantly, though, the Emerg-E made us sit up and take notice. Infiniti is coming to Australia, too, so let’s hope there’s more stuff like this to follow.

If you want to keep an eye on Infiniti product the European division has rather kindly opened their press guff up to everyone, no passwords required: www.infinitipress.eu

Categories
Green Machines Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva 2012: Volkswagen Cross Coupé

Volkswagen Cross Coupe

Here is the “new” Volkswagen Cross Coupé. If you think you’ve seen something like this before, well, you have, last December. Back then the Cross Coupé on display in Tokyo was a petrol-electric hybrid. But now, VW has ripped out the TSI engine and plonked in a TDI, coupled it to the electric motors and, voila, a “world premiere”.

The Cross Coupé concept weighs 1858kg and it’s a measure of the car’s technology that it can accelerate to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 220km/h, thanks to its total power of 225kW. Yet, with a cautious approach, it will sip diesel at just 1.8l/100km.

In full electric mode the top speed is limited to 120km/h and a range of only 45km is predicted. An electric motor powers each axle, with up to 40kW sent to the front wheels and a max of 85kW to the rear. If power is being supplied only by the TDI engine the Cross Coupé is front-wheel drive.

In photos the Cross Coupé looks quite big, but in actual fact it is sized in between a Golf and Tiguan. Hinting at a possible production future the concept model has been based on the MQB platform.

Local sales figures tell us the SUV market is the strongest segment around. The Range Rover Evoque is showing that style plays an important role in the market, whether purists like it or not. So, were the Cross Coupé an actual production model do you reckon it would sell well?

Categories
Green Machines Holden

Honda CR-Z wins 2011 Wheels COTY

Honda CR-Z, 2011 Wheels COTY winner

Honda’s frugal and slightly oddball CR-Z has won the 2011 Wheels Car of the Year award. It’s the world’s first hybrid to be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission. Even though it’s powered by a modest 91kW/174Nm 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist the Wheels judges applaud the CR-Z’s ability to put a smile on the face of its driver.

Wheels Editor, Bill Thomas, said: “The CR-Z takes the idea of the car in a direction we think it should go. It’s innovative, trendsetting, efficient and fun to drive.

“We think the spirit of Honda shines through. Cars don’t have to be ‘supercars’ to be fun. It’s the CR-Z’s balance of abilities—the combination of price, performance and fun.”

While long time staffer and COTY judge John Carey stated: “Expertly engineered, impressively efficient and with strong safety credentials, the Honda CR-Z is also a genuine joy to drive… Endowed with the kind of handling and steering that invites involvement, the Honda puts a smile on the face of any driver who accepts the invitation.”

The CR-Z beat a field of 28 models, consisting of over 60 cars in total when different model variations were added to the mix. It’s the sixth time Honda has won the award and follows the company’s most recent success with the Accord Euro in 2008.

Categories
Green Machines Motorsports Toyota

Toyota Prius GT300 on show in Tokyo

Toyota Prius GT300

We got wind of a racing Prius late last year and the Prius GT300 is now on display, in full racing livery, at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

At this stage there’s no official text or detail from Toyota that we can see, but the large hybrid text on the side of the car indicates the Prius will indeed remain true to its eco roots. Panasonic, makers of the batteries used in the Prius road car, also feature prominently in the car’s livery.

Porsche has already made a successful racing debut with its own 911 GT3 R Hybrid, so it’s no real surprise to see Toyota follow suit. On that basis it makes sense for Toyota to use the Prius name to make its hybrid racing debut.

The Prius GT300 will race in the Japanese Super GT series where, as its name suggests, power in its category is capped at 300hp. The Toyota will race against the new Subaru BRZ among others when the series kicks off in March.

[Source: Autoguide]

Categories
Green Machines Motor Shows Toyota

Detroit 2012: Toyota NS4 concept

Toyota NS4 concept, Detroit 2012

We don’t usually spend too much time covering Toyotas here at AUSmotive. But while going through the pics for our Detroit Motor Show gallery we thought, credit where credit is due, this Toyota NS4 concept actually looks half decent.

So we figured we’d take a proper look at the car, which Toyota says uses a more efficient “next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system”.

Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, said, “NS4 demonstrates Toyota’s take on the human connection to the car with technology that considers both emotional and rational relationships, person-to-car and car-to-society.

“The continued success of our conventional hybrid vehicles has laid strong groundwork for market acceptance of future advanced technologies.”

Taking centre stage in that human connection is the smartphone-inspired Human Machine Interface (HMI). As well as handling the expected duties of basic driver information and HVAC controls, the HMI system has the ability to learn the preferences of the driver and anticipate certain responses.

Sounds interesting, if a little scary as well. Find out more after the break.