GM EN-V Concept, 2010

 

 

GM EN-V Concept, 2010

By 2030, urban areas will be home to more than 60 percent of the world's 8 billion people. This will put tremendous pressure on a public infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services.

General Motors and its strategic partner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC), share a common vision for addressing the need for personal mobility through a radical change in personal urban transportation. They are exploring several solutions for tomorrow's drivers. Among the most promising is a new vehicle form called EN-V.

A Promising Solution
EN-V, which is short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, maintains the core principle of personal mobility - freedom - while helping remove the motor vehicle from the environmental debate and redefining design leadership. EN-V is a two-seat electric vehicle that was designed to alleviate concerns surrounding traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and affordability for tomorrow's cities.

Three EN-V models were unveiled in Shanghai. They represent three different characteristics that emphasize the enjoyable nature of future transportation: Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh). The concepts will be showcased from May 1 through October 31 at the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai. Shanghai is expected to become one of the epicenters for the establishment of personal mobility solutions for the future.

Breakthrough Technology
GM EN-V Concept's platform has evolved from the platform of the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility (P.U.M.A.) prototype that was developed by Segway and debuted in April 2009. Segway has worked collaboratively with GM to develop and deliver multiple copies of the drivetrain platform that seamlessly connect to and power the various EN-Vs.

GM EN-V Concept is propelled by electric motors in each of its two driving-mode wheels. Dynamic stabilization technology empowers EN-V, giving it the unique ability to carry two passengers and light cargo in a footprint that's about a third of a traditional vehicle. It can literally "turn on a dime" within its own operating envelope. In addition, everything in EN-V is drive-by-wire, supporting its ability to operate autonomously or under manual control. The motors not only provide power for acceleration, but also bring the vehicle to a stop.

Power for the motors is provided by lithium-ion batteries that produce zero emissions. Recharging can occur from a conventional wall outlet using standard household power, allowing EN-V to travel at least 40 kilometers on a single charge. EN-V can also improve the efficiency of the public electric infrastructure since the vehicle can communicate with the electric grid to determine the best time to recharge based on overall usage.
Its autonomous operating capability offers the promise of reducing traffic congestion by allowing EN-V to automatically select the fastest route based on real-time traffic information. The concept also leverages wireless communications to enable a "social network" that can be used by drivers and occupants to communicate with friends or business associates while on the go.

This combination of sensing technology, wireless communication and GPS-based navigation establishes a technology foundation, pieces of which could migrate from the EN-V concept and potentially lead the way to future advanced vehicle safety systems.

The ability to communicate with other vehicles and with the infrastructure could dramatically reduce the number of vehicle accidents. Using vehicle-based sensor and camera systems, EN-V can "sense" what's around it, allowing the vehicle to react quickly to obstacles or changes in driving conditions. For example, if a pedestrian steps out in front of the vehicle, EN-V will decelerate to a slower and safer speed and stop sooner than today's vehicles.

Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson, 2010

 

Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson, 2010

The exterior of the 2010 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 offers a bold front fascia and six-bar shaped billet style grille and boasts specialized forged aluminum and Harley-Davidson® chrome badging. The truck will have a lowered appearance because of a fully integrated deployable running board.

Also standard are 22-inch low-profile performance tires - the largest in the F-Series lineup - and Euroflange forged wheels with a polished and painted center wheel cap. The paint selection is classic Harley-Davidson - Tuxedo Black and the first Ford application of Lava, a deep maroon with three-color metal flake.
The interior is customized to appeal to the truck buyer who appreciates the attention to detail for which both Ford and Harley-Davidson are renowned.

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics, 2010

 

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics, 2010

Teaming up with the BMW 320d, the new BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition is being presented for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. This unique saloon combines fuel consumption of just 4.1 litres diesel/100 kilometres (equal to 68.9 mpg imp) and a CO2 rating of 109 grams per kilometre in the EU test cycle with engine output of 120 kW/163 hp.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine of this high-tech model boasts an all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharging with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection complete with piezo-injectors. With the engine and the entire car modified once again for an even higher standard of efficiency, this unique saloon targeted above all at the German, Italian, French and Spanish markets comes with optimised aerodynamics, an extra-long final drive ratio, and an innovative two-mass flywheel incorporating a centrifugal-force pendulum.

All this makes the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission car in BMW's current model range. In the fiercely contested midrange segment it is an unparalleled, highly attractive premium offer for the truly demanding and progressive customer focusing primarily on superior economy and the environment, without wishing to forego the sporting driving characteristics so typical of a genuine BMW.

The enhanced efficiency already offered by the existing models in the BMW 3-Series thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics making these cars superior to their competitors, is now raised to an even higher level in the
Four-cylinder diesel engine with optimised efficiency and superior performance all in one.
The BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition is powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine specifically optimised for even greater fuel economy and emission management and, therefore, for a standard of efficiency never seen before. All this comes from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder power unit with its all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharging and the latest generation of common-rail fuel injection featured with various power stages also in the BMW 316d, the BMW 318d and the BMW 320d. The engine specially conceived for the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition develops maximum output of 120 kW/163 hp at an engine speed of 3,500-4,200 rpm and peak torque of 360 Newton-metres/265 lb-ft all the way from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.

The engine stands out in particular through its sporting and dynamic power from low revs. The innovative centrifugal-force pendulum incorporated in the two-mass flywheel, together with the longer transmission ratio, serves to significantly reduce the level of engine speed at all road speeds relevant in practice in the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition. The shift in load points beneficial to fuel economy and emissions goes together in this case with full maintenance of the spontaneity and running smoothness so typical of a BMW diesel.

Centrifugal pendulum in the two-mass flywheel for smooth and comfortable motoring without vibrations even at very low engine speeds.

To ensure smooth driving characteristics free of vibration also when driving at particularly low engine speeds, the power unit of the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition features a so-called centrifugal pendulum efficiently compensating any unsmoothness in running characteristics typically encountered at low revs. This innovative component is integrated in the engine's two-mass flywheel where it dampens the vibrations generated under load, thus ensuring comfortable and acoustically optimised development of power and performance all the way from low engine speeds.

This increase in motoring comfort will encourage the driver to use a higher gear more often or, respectively, not to shift back as he otherwise would do. But when accelerating the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition still offers the driving behaviour and agility so typical of BMW.

The driving dynamics characteristic of a BMW are borne out also by the car's acceleration to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds and by the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition accelerating in fifth gear from 80-120 km/h in 9.6 seconds. Top speed is 225 km/h or 140 mph.

BMW 135i Coupe, 2010

 

 BMW 135i Coupe, 2010

Starting immediately the BMW 135i Coupe and the BMW 135i Convertible come with a straight-six power unit of the latest generation for the first time combining BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management, all interacting with one another to set new standards for economy with the highest level of performance.

In conjunction with the seven-speed double-clutch gearbox (DKG) featuring Sport Automatic available as an option for the first time in the BMW 1-Series as of March 2010, these superior technologies offer a further significant reduction of fuel consumption and emissions on these top-flight performers, setting up new records in acceleration and dynamic performance.

The top engine featured in both versions of the BMW 1-Series develops maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm from a capacity of three litres, combining spontaneous and direct response with unleashed free-revving driving qualities. Peak torque of the six-cylinder is 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft delivered from just 1,200 rpm all the way to 5,000 rpm.

The seven-speed double-clutch gearbox with Sport Automatic shifting gears without the slightest interruption in power and torque, is likewise designed and built for dynamic performance of the highest standard.

Sport Automatic offers not just the option to shift gears manually on the electronic gear selector lever or via the shift paddles on the steering wheel, but also the usual comfort and convenience of a BMW automatic transmission.

The combination of these two innovations in a compact car naturally guarantees driving pleasure of a new standard never seen before. Accelerating from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.0 and from 0 - 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, the BMW 135i Coupe with its double-clutch gearbox offers the same supreme standard as a thoroughbred sports car even more than in the past.

A truly unique achievement in this performance class is average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of 8.5 litres/100 kilometres (equal to provisional combined of approx. 22 mpg US), almost one litre/100 kilometres better than the comparable figure in the former model with its six-speed automatic transmission.

This significant reduction of fuel consumption, together with acceleration to 60 mph improved once again by 0.2 seconds, clearly confirms the progress made through BMW EfficientDynamics with this new engine and transmission technology.

The BMW 135i Convertible with double-clutch gearbox accelerates to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and reaches 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.6 litres/100 km (provisional combined US figure approx 22 mpg), which is 0.8 litres better than on the former model with automatic transmission.

On the same fuel consumption, this is better even than the acceleration and consumption figures of the respective models with a six-speed manual gearbox: the hand-shifted version of the BMW 135i Coupe accelerates to 60 mph in 5.1, the manual-gearbox version of the BMW 135i Convertible in 5.4 seconds (0 -100 km/h on the Coupe in 5.3, on the Convertible in 5.6 seconds).

At the same time the combination of the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine with the manual gearbox also newly developed likewise enhances all-round efficiency by a significant margin. In practice, this means a reduction of average fuel consumption by the BMW 135i Coupe to 8.5 litres and a reduction on the BMW 135i Convertible to 8.6 litres/100 kilometres (provisional combined US figure for both models approx. 22 mpg).

Outstanding innovation for optimised efficiency: first-ever VALVETRONIC on a turbocharged engine.

The new straight-six power unit of the BMW 135i Coupe and the BMW 135i Convertible owes its exceptional efficiency to the first-ever combination of BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection, and VALVETRONIC valve management.

The turbocharger system following the twin-scroll principle separating the ducts for three cylinders at a time both in the exhaust gas manifold and in the turbocharger, as well as VALVETRONIC developed to an even higher standard of efficiency, contributes accordingly to the extremely spontaneous and direct response of the drivetrain.

This kind of technology allows infinite adjustment of valve stroke and valve timing on the intake valves. Throttle losses in the charge cycle are reduced to a minimum and the energy contained in the fuel is put to maximum use. In conjunction with High Precision Injection likewise optimised to an even higher standard, this offers an unparalleled balance of driving performance and fuel economy never seen before in this class.

The BMW 135i Coupe and the BMW 135i Convertible come as standard with a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies combined with one another in an appropriate symbiosis for each specific market, including features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, a gearshift point indicator on models with a manual gearbox, a map-controlled oil pump, final drive with optimised warm-up running qualities, as well as on-demand control of the engine's ancillary units such as the pressure-controlled fuel pump.

Audi A4 allroad quattro, 2010

 

 

Audi A4 allroad quattro, 2010

With its permanent all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, the Audi A4 can handle any road or trail; it also offers driving pleasure - even on unpaved surfaces. Naturally, the Audi A4 allroad quattro features all the innovative technologies which impart to the A4 model line its superiority: a range of powerful and highly energy-efficient engines, Audi drive select (intelligent handling technology), the high-tech S tronic transmission, and innovative communication and assistance systems. The vehicle will be available in early summer at a basic price of 37,100 euros.

The design of the Audi A4 allroad quattro recalls the Audi A4 Avant: crisp lines enclose tastefully curved surfaces and the low roof line establishes a coupé-like silhouette. Striking details re-interpret this model line's sporty elegance. The moon-gray single-frame radiator grille bears vertical chrome strips; an accentuated bumper and large air inlets underscore this vehicle's unique identity. Chrome rings encircle the fog lights. And in the option featuring xenon plus headlights, light-emitting diodes comprise the daytime running lights and taillights. Underneath the front end and tail end, the A4 allroad has a stainless-steel underbody guard.

Interior
Refined touches, uncompromising quality and flawless functionality: the interior of the Audi A4 allroad quattro embodies all the strengths for which Audi is renowned. The cockpit clearly serves the driver. Among the control unit's highlights: the standard electromechanical handbrake - which has replaced the lever on the center console with a button - and the central on-board monitor. A color display complements the concert or symphony sound system, or the MMI navigation system plus; the MMI's offset control unit is housed in the center console.

Customers can choose one of several different trim materials: an exclusive allroad fabric, two types of leather, or an Alcantara/leather combination. The fabric designs are available in two colors and the leather trim in seven colors (two of which feature sporty contrasting stitching). Standard inlays are micrometallic platinum; options include aluminum trigon, natural fine-grain ash, laurel nutmeg, and walnut brown. Carpeting is made of velour; the headlining is star silver, linen beige, or black (optional). Many of the operating controls gleam thanks to their standard aluminum look; the door sill trims bear special allroad logos.

The Engines
Audi will initially offer three different engines for the Audi A4 allroad quattro: a gasoline engine and two diesel engines. All three are turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engines. They command respect due to excellent performance, impressive pulling power, smooth running, and high fuel efficiency. The engines are further bolstered by pioneering technologies arising from Audi's modular efficiency expertise. For example, all three units boast a standard on-board recuperation system, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy during deceleration.

The Driveline
The 2.0 TDI transmits its power to a six-speed manual transmission. The 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI feature the next generation of Audi's dynamic and very efficient S tronic. This innovative dual-clutch transmission switches extremely smoothly among its seven gears within a few hundredths of a second. S tronic also excels thanks to its high efficiency ratio and a broad spread of the gear ratios. The seven-speed S tronic has a fully automatic mode at the ready: the driver can shift as required, if necessary via shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The differential is in front of the clutch and immediately behind the engine. This technical stroke of genius made it possible to reposition the front axle much closer to the vehicle's front end, in turn allowing for a long wheelbase and an ideal distribution of the axle loads. The benefits include steady straight-line stability, superb ride comfort, and excellent driving dynamics.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its purely mechanical center differential favors the rear, distributing power at a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axle. If necessary, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive can route up to 65 percent to the front or as much as 85 percent toward the tail end.

Audi A1 e-tron Concept, 2010

 

 

Audi A1 e-tron Concept, 2010

The new e-tron model series from Audi will gain another new member at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show: The Audi A1 e-tron Concept is a Mega City Vehicle (MCV) with an innovative drive technology. It comes equipped with a powerful electric motor for zero-emission driving in the city. There is also an internal combustion engine on board that recharges the battery in exceptional circumstances. The Audi A1 e-tron Concept is very agile thanks to the 75 kW (102 hp) peak power of its electric motor.

The technology of the Audi A1 e-tron
The e-tron model family from Audi is just a few months old, but it already has a number of members, for each of which Audi has chosen a different drive technology. The first e-tron, which debuted at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt/Main, is a near-series high-performance sports car with electric motors for all four wheels. The study shown at the Detroit Motor Show in 2010 is a lightweight, compact two-seater with two electric motors on the rear axle.

The Audi A1 e-tron Concept now presents another approach - a compact electric car in the premium class. The four-passenger, two-door MCV city car was designed specifically for use in the metropolitan areas of Europe and North America and in the rapidly growing megacities of Asia and South America. The Audi A1 e-tron always drives on electric power; its internal combustion engine is only used to recharge the battery in isolated cases.

The integration of the new technologies shows the holistic approach that Audi is pursuing with electric mobility. The objective is to use the energy with the lowest possible losses. The precise interaction of the components, their intelligent packaging, and the efficient management of the current flows are the product of the expertise that the company has developed in this area.

Audi has developed a proprietary thermal management system to keep the battery, the electric motor, and the power electronics within their respective ideal temperature windows.

The electric motor: 75 kW (102 hp) peak power
The synchronous electric motor of the Audi A1 e-tron is mounted transversely at the front of the car. Its low mounting position has a positive effect on the vehicle's center of gravity. Continuous output is rated at 45 kW (61 hp), with peak power of 75 kW (102 hp) available in short bursts. 150 Nm (110.63 lb-ft) of torque is continuously available, and peak torque is 240 Nm (177.01 lb-ft).

The electric motor sends its power to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. The elegant, retractable selector lever on the console of the center tunnel used to choose between "Drive," "Reverse," and "Neutral" was taken from the first Audi e-tron.

The power electronics are mounted in the engine compartment above the electric motor. The most important components are the pulse-controlled inverter, which serves as the controller between the electric motor and the battery; the DC converter, which connects the high-voltage network with the 14 volt electrical system; a breaker unit to protect the high-voltage components; and the charging module. The socket for the standard charging plug is located behind the rings in the single-frame grille of the Audi A1 e-tron. A fully depleted battery can be recharged in approximately three hours from the 380 volt grid. A display immediately adjacent to the plug-in connection shows the current charge status and the charging time remaining.

The concept of the innovative Mega City Vehicle requires the electrification of key auxiliaries. The refrigerant compressor of the climate control system, for example, is electrically powered by a high-voltage electric motor that supplies only the amount of power needed at the time.

This increases system efficiency substantially compared to conventional concepts. Thanks to a special circuit, the climate control loop also functions as a heat pump that regulates the temperature of the cabin and the battery.

The power steering of the Audi A1 e-tron is electro-mechanical and thus particularly energy-efficient. An electronic brake system makes it possible to tap into the recuperation potential of the electric motors. A hydraulic fixed-caliper brake is mounted on the front axle, with two novel electrically-actuated floating-caliper brakes mounted on the rear axle. These floating calipers are actuated not by any mechanical or hydraulic transfer elements, but rather by wire ("brake by wire"). In addition, this eliminates frictional losses due to residual slip when the brakes are not being applied. In addition, the servo unit received a new, demand-controlled electric vacuum pump.