Mini Beachcomber Concept First Look

The Mini Beachcomber Concept is based on Mini's upcoming crossover SUV platform. With AWD, lots of ground clearance and suspension travel, and a flexible interior, it caters to active outdoors activities. Yes, there are both cloth and hard plastic detachable side panels and roof panels, so you won't get wet.
Mini is planning to launch a crossover SUV late next spring. Unfortunately, it isn't going to be available in the US market, and Mini isn't saying when or if it ever will be. What they will be showing us at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show is a concept based on the upcoming SUVs chassis and suspension. Like all proper crossovers, there's all-wheel-drive, which Mini has cleverly branded as "ALL4", combined with generous ground clearance and plenty of room for big, aggressive tires.

The serious fun starts when you remove the cloth doors and top, leaving you with a dune buggy-style off-roader, with room for four. There are hardtop inserts for the roof and doors, as well, making the vehicle more suitable in inclement weather. The rear cargo door is split vertically for easy access, and the right side door half can be locked open to accommodate longer items. There's even a clamp arrangement in the rollover bar that's designed to hold surfboards vertically. The rear seatbacks fold for stowage of such sundry as mountain bikes or camping equipment. Just to prove the Beachcomber's off-road capabilities, there's a compass and inclinometer mounted on the instrument panel.



The design is supposed to be reminiscent of the classic Mini-Moke, a similar design based on Alec Issigonis' original Mini sedan. Consisting of little more than a Mini floor pan and a minimal body, the Mini-Moke remained in production until the mid-70's, and was popular in warmer climates. The Beachcomber concept is somewhat more civilized, with functional rollover protection and load paths through the frame to absorb crash damage. If you're looking for the spare tire, relax, the Beachcomber uses run-flat tires.

New Smart Fortwo Edition HighStyle Added to UK Lineup

Smart has announced UK pricing for its recently launched Fortwo Edition HighStyle. The latest addition to the Fortwo range costs from £10,900 on the road and is available solely as a coupe. Only 215 of the edition HighStyle are making their way to the UK with 180 of these featuring the 71 bhp engine and 33 with a turbocharged 84 bhp unit. The special edition model is finished in a chocolate brown metallic and features 12-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels, a silver tridion safety cell and aluminium-look 'highstyle' logos.

The model's interior benefits from heated, leather metallic-silver seats together with leather optic door inserts and upper and lower dashboards, matt-silver detailing throughout the cabin, a leather three-spoke steering wheel with gearshift buttons and leather-trimmed gearknob.

The vehicle's stand equipment also includes an integrated audio and navigation system from Pioneer with Bluetooth, iPod and USB connectivity.

2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine Pictures

2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine

2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine

2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine

2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine

Peugeot’s clean, green AWD coupé

You may remember the pics and details from Peugeot’s Audi TT clone that were about released a month ago. Now, Peugeot has announced that they want a piece of the green market too, with this RCZ HYbrid4 concept.

Headline figures are around 3.7l/100km, CO2 emissions of 95g/km and all while still having a smidge under 150kW to play with.

That’s not tricky part, though. The real headline feature of this car is that the power supplied is split between two engines, one driving the front wheels, the other powering the rears. A 2-litre diesel offering 120kW provides the go up front, while an electric engine sends an additional 28kW to the rears. Torque to the front is a healthy 300Nm, while that tiny leccy engine sends 200Nm of torque to the rear axle.

A pretty neat interpretation of all-wheel drive then!

PEUGEOT RCZ HYBRID4 – CLEAN GREEN FUN

• 200 bhp - 76.35 mpg and 95 g/km of CO2
• Four-wheel drive
• Multi-link rear suspension
• First public viewing at the 63rd Frankfurt Motor Show

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot will unveil a concept version of its exciting RCZ 2+2 coupé, the RCZ HYbrid4. Based on the same power train as the 3008 Hybrid4, it is powered by a 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine with a maximum power of 163 bhp and a 37 bhp electric motor giving a total power output of 200 bhp.

Its creation clearly demonstrates the flexibility of the Peugeot HYbrid4 technology and the marque’s desire to offer this technology in different vehicle types across its model range (crossover, coupé ….)

With the innovative HYbrid4 technology, the RCZ HYbrid4 concept car achieves a level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions previously unheard of in the world of the sports car: 76.35 mpg and just 95 g/km of CO2. This clearly shows that performance and respect for the environment are achievable together in one vehicle.

The RCZ HYbrid4 is powered by a 2.0 litre 163 bhp HDi diesel engine at the front and a 37 bhp electric power train at the rear. This gives a maximum power output of 200 bhp and a maximum torque of 221 lb ft at the front and 147 lb ft at the rear.

The hybrid power train also benefits the dynamic performance of the vehicle as the rear suspension now becomes a multi-link arrangement due to the HYbrid4 rear power train module, which also provides four-wheel drive.

The RCZ HYbrid4 concept car illustrates more than ever a new chapter in the history of Peugeot’s “lifestyle vehicles” and shows that, in the future, performance can live happily alongside respect for the environment.

Technical Data – RCZ HYbrid4

Engines

Front:

• HDi Diesel
• Capacity (cm3): 1997
• Maximum Power @ rpm: 163 bhp @ 3,750 rpm
• Maximum Torque @ rpm: 221 lb ft @ 1,580 rpm

Rear:

• Synchronous Electric Motor With Permanent Magnets

• Continuous / Maximum Power: 27 bhp / 37 bhp
• Continuous / Maximum Torque: 74 lb ft / 147 lb ft
• Combined Maximum Power HDi + Electric: 200 bhp
• Transmission: 6-Speed Electronically Controlled Manual Gearbox (BMP6)

Performance (Driver Only)

• Acceleration: 0 to 1000 m (s): 29.6; 0 to 62 mph (s): 8.5
• In-gear acceleration: 18 to 37 mph in Auto (s): 2.8; 50 to 75 mph in Auto (s): 6.3
• Maximum Speed (mph): 134 mph

Fuel Consumption

• Urban Cycle: 67.3 mpg
• Combined Cycle: 76.3 mpg
• CO2 Emissions: 95 g/km

Electric Mode (Zero Emission Vehicle)

• Fuel Consumption: 0 mpg
• CO2 Emissions: 0 g/km
• Maximum Range at Stable Speed: 2.80 miles

Dimensions (m)

• Overall length: 4.287
• Overall Width: 1.845
• Overall Height: 1.359
• Wheelbase: 2.612
• Front / Rear Overhang: 0.934 / 0.741
• Front / Rear Track: 1.580 / 1.593

Special Features

• High-Voltage Nickel Metal Hydride Battery, Voltage 200 V, Capacity 5.5 Ah
• 200 V to 12 V Converter to Supply Vehicle Network in ZEV Mode
• Inverter: Operating Voltage Range: 150 to 270 V - Liquid Cooled
• PTMU: GMP Control Unit Ensuring Optimal Fuel Consumption

2010 Vw Golf R

Car and Driver scoops the inside poop on the latest über-Golf headed to The Land of the Free. According the Csere-free buff book, the Golf R will offer the GTI’s four cylinder engine tuned to “an impressive” 270 hp with all wheel-drive to tame all those ponies. The R’s lighter, cheaper 2.0-liter turbo four may help the new top spec Golf sell more prolifically than the last top shelf Golf, which featured a heavier and more expensive 3.2-liter six, clocking in at $32,990 (msrp). Well, it couldn’t do any worse; you can still buy new ’07s. Car and Driver reckons VW will call the new car an R20 Turbo. As always, we reckon it all comes down to price/performance. The GTI is a stunner. The R20T would have to offer significantly better thrust and handling for a reasonable premium to make it. What are the odds? Meanwhile, if you haven’t driven the original R32, you should. Oh, yes.

Peugeot’s RCZ Hybrid will deliver 76.35mpg

Peugeot RCZ Hybrid Concept was announced to make its debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show and but in the meantime we found out something about the production version of the car.

According to our sources, the new hybrid will deliver an impressive 76.35mpg when it goes on sale. The upcoming vehicle will carry a 163bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine fitted with a stop-start system and with an electric motor that is good for 37bhp and 147lb ft at full tilt. An interesting feature will be the capability of the car to run in front drive, -wheel drive and purely rear drive modes. According to the manufacturer, the powertrain can also easily be converted to use a petrol motor instead of diesel which means that we will see two hybrid versions of the RCZ Hybrid!

2010 Smart Fortwo Electric Car - Detail, Photo, Specs

From mid November 2009 the new smart fortwo electric drive will roll off the production line at the smart factory in Hambach, France. Unlike its predecessor, the electrically driven smart fortwo of the second generation is fitted with an innovative and highly efficient lithium-ion battery. It is housed in a space-saving position between the axles, which means that space is not compromised in any way in the intelligent two-seater vehicle. A 30 kW electric motor is fitted at the rear. This provides for good acceleration and high agility with 120 Newton metres of torque that are immediately available. The smart fortwo electric drive can be charged at any normal household socket. In Germany, a full battery charge costs approximately two euros and is sufficient for a range of around 135 kilometres – more than enough for city traffic. smart has made electric drive a practical alternative for zero-emission mobility in urban areas. The new smart fortwo electric drive is initially being leased to customers in Berlin and other cities in Europe and the USA who will subject the environmentally friendly trendsetter to intensive real-world testing in tough everyday conditions. From 2012 it will be available to anyone interested.

Environmental friendliness and contemporary functionality have been defining features of the smart fortwo ever since it was launched more than ten years ago. Since then its innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. With a length of just over two and a half metres the extremely compact vehicle can also park perpendicular to the flow of traffic. In addition, the space-saving and environmentally friendly two-seater currently has the lowest fleet consumption and brings its occupants to their destination comfortably and safely. Its design is fresh, youthful, modern and yet sophisticated and has made it an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility to the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. The smart fortwo has established a class of its own.

smart fortwo electric drive offers innovative driving fun

The new smart fortwo electric drive from the popular brand that will roll off the production line from mid November 2009 is a logical continuation of a very ambitious goal: the production of a well-engineered, attractive city car that has no local exhaust gas emissions i.e. a zero emission vehicle. smart started emission-free driving in the tough everyday conditions of city traffic in 2007 in London. Since then 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation have been in practical customer operation. The feedback from the UKcapital has been very positive and confirms the high degree of maturity of this vehicle concept.

In 2008 smart presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive, a more advanced electric drive with an innovative lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including higher performance, shorter charging times, a long life and high reliability. Marc Langenbrinck, responsible for brand management at smart, says: "The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on a successful and accepted vehicle concept with character and inherent environmentally friendly characteristics. Its innovative electric battery drive makes it the perfect car for the city: it is agile, economical and climate-friendly. Motoring with zero local emissions in an urban environment has become a reality. This equates to driving fun with a clear conscience."

Electric drive taken into account in the very first concept

Electric drives have been part of the smart concept right from the start. The later integration of the components needed for electric drive was planned at a very early stage. For example, there is space for the battery in the underfloor between the axles where the tank is located in other smart models . The electric drive module does not limit the space available in the smart fortwo electric drive in any way; there is just as much interior and luggage compartment space as in a smart fortwo with a combustion engine.

Powerful drive

A 30 kW magneto-electric motor is installed at the rear of the new smart fortwo electric drive and reacts immediately and without delay. Powerful torque of 120 Newtonmetres is immediately available. This results in a surprising amount of power when pulling away. The smart fortwo electric drive accelerates from 0 - 60 km/h in 6.5 seconds – just as quickly as a petrol model which it initially leaves behind it. Its maximum speed has been deliberately limited to 100 km/h, a suitable speed for the city. Thanks to the power characteristic of the electric motor, the smart fortwo electric drive needs just one single fixed gear ratio. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine's direction of rotation changes.

The second generation smart fortwo electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery from Tesla Motors Inc. with capacity of 14 kWh. It is simple to charge at any fused 220 Volt socket.
A fully charged battery is sufficient for up to 135 kilometres of driving fun (NEDC). This range is more than enough for city traffic as studies have shown that cars drive an average of 30 - 40 kilometres per day in towns and cities. For this, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours. Plugging the car in overnight will fully recharge the battery.

Electronics optimise the battery charge status and power consumption

Special electronics ensure that all is well with the battery. The electronics also monitor the charging process and control the capacity display.The vehicle's power electronics supply the electrical system with electric current from the battery via a DC/DC converter. In addition, they also control the heating and air conditioning, for example, to minimise the strain on the battery. Clever drivers can air condition their smart fortwo electric drive in advance as long as their vehicle is being charged at home - the long-standing dream of stationary cooling becomes a reality! No other car offers this comfortable option.
The new second generation smart fortwo electric drive is based on the smart fortwo coupé/cabrio passion. As well as air conditioning with automatic temperature control all the equipment features of the popular passion equipment line are included. In addition to the battery indicator, an ammeter shows the consumption and the recuperated energy.

Very low costs

Based on German electricity prices it costs approximately two euros to drive the smart fortwo electric drive for 100 kilometres (even cheaper with off-peak electricity). This is less than the price of two litres of petrol. Electric power is much cheaper in lots of countries. The maintenance costs are considerably lower than those of a smart with a combustion engine as the battery, motor and other components of the electric drive are maintenance-free.

In addition to the low running costs, there are further cost advantages in lots of countries and cities. For example, drivers of a smart fortwo electric drive are entitled to national subsidies, tax advantages or exemption from local toll charges such as the city centre congestion charge in London.

smart fortwo electric drive in major cities in Europe and the USA

From the end of 2009 the smart fortwo electric drive will be delivered to selected leasing customers. Leases will be offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometres. The first vehicles are destined for the "e-mobility Berlin" project . Here, in cooperation with the energy provider RWE and with the support of the German government and the city of Berlin Daimleris creating the conditions for running battery-driven vehicles with no local emissions.This includes setting up a network of electricity charging stations that enable intelligent communication between electric vehicles and the power network so that the battery can be charged when electricity is cheapest.

Further vehicles of the new generation smart fortwo electric drive will take to the roads of Hamburg, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa, Madridand they will also be deployed in further projects in Europe. Some of the models will also go to cities in the USA.

There is already a very lively demand for the smart fortwo electric drive, and from 2012 it will be produced in large volumes as a normal part of the smart range and sold via the smart dealer network. This underlines the pioneering role of the car brand on the way to attractive individual mobility with zero local emissions in cities and urban population centres.