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Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Concept

By on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 | No Comments

Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge ConceptSuzuki has revealed a new Kizashi sedan variant called the Kizashi EcoCharge.

Coming as a concept car, the EcoCharge will be an entrance for Suzuki to enter the growing market of hybrid vehicle.

It is powered by a 2.0-liter in-line-4 petrol engine, paired with an electric system of propulsion.

The electric drive-train comprises a 115 V lithium-ion battery and a 15 kilowatts motor unit.

The combination helps to maximize fuel economy. And during acceleration, it will deliver the car an electrical power boost.

Compared with the standard Kizashi, the EcoCharge Concept has an increase of combined fuel consumption figure up to 25%.

Other technologies featured include low-rolling resistance tires, fuel cut-off system, automatic engine shut-off system, and regenerative braking.

6-speed automatic transmission is also fitted to provide power management.

Currently, the Kizashi sedan is not available in the UK market. Suzuki considers a single 2.0-liter petrol engine version will not attract the buyers.

The Kizashi sedan is predicted to go on sale in the UK when the hybrid version commences production.

The Mi-ray – Chevrolet’s innovative roadster

By on Saturday, April 9th, 2011 | No Comments

The Mi-ray – Chevrolet's innovative roadsterChevrolet’s new roadster concept – the Mi-ray, has just been revealed.

The Mi-ray was not developed in Europe, but in Seoul – Korea.

In fact, the brand of Chevrolet is being widely introduced in Korea.

The Mi-ray itself takes inspiration from the heritage of Chevrolet’s sports car.

Similar with the Corvair Super Spyder of 1962, the Mi-ray is purposeful and lightweight.

The body is composed from light materials such as carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.

The car is also open and small, just like the Monza SS of 1963. From the outside, the luxury of the interior can be seen clearly.

And its scissors doors are designed in the style of Le Mans racer.

Luxury sense of the interior is emphasized by the ambient lighting, that flows to the area of back seat from the instrument panel.

Other features include natural leather and a variety of aluminums.

The Mi-ray is equipped with a 1.6-kWh lithium-ion battery. And two 15-kW electric motors are mounted in the front for delivering zero emissions and fast acceleration of driving.

Since the Mi-ray can be switched to rear-wheel drive (from front-wheel drive), then it is also equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, used specifically to generate the rear wheels.

Smart forspeed concept is unveiled

By on Thursday, March 24th, 2011 | 1 Comment

Smart forspeed concept is unveiled Forspeed, a new electric two-seater concept, has just been unveiled by smart.

As smart’s electric scooter and bike, the forspeed is intended to be an open-air vehicle.

It is therefore, the car has no side windows and roof. A low wind deflector is even not available.

The forspeed is generated by a 16.5kW lithium-ion battery combined with a rear-mounted 30kW magneto-electric motor.

Smart says that a full charge for the forspeed can last up to 84 miles. And the top speed is claimed to reach 75 mph.

By using a socket of 220 volt, 80 percent of charge can be fulfilled for the forspeed in only 45 minutes.

The driver may also press a button mounted in the center console for overtaking. By pressing the button, then a short boost of 7 horsepower will be activated.

The forspeed’s battery is set to be durable. The wind deflector houses photo-voltaic cells that can deliver solar power for the on-board electrical system, making the battery lasts longer.

Since the car has no roof, the driver can stretch an available tanneau cover over the interior and attach it to the body.

The forspeed has been debuted by smart at the 2011 Geneva auto show this month.

The first units of Mercedes F-CELL for selected customers

By on Monday, December 27th, 2010 | No Comments

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL hydrogen car is supported by an electric motor which can provide 134 horsepower and torque of 215 lb-ft. By using half the fuel only, B-Class F-CELL can deliver driving performance which is similar to the conventional electric cars using optimum fuel.

For generating electricity, B-Class F-CELL utilizes a fuel cell stack. For energy storage, the car utilizes a lithium-ion battery. To refuel B-Class F-CELL, it only take about three minutes. And the emission or substance resulted from the fuel cell system of the car is only water.

Van Petten with his Mercedes F-CELL

California is the first state in the U.S. to receive the first units of Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL. And Mr Vance Van Petten has been so lucky for being one of the first U.S. customers who receive Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL. Van Petten is one of the selected people who participate in the B-Class F-CELL leasing program.

Mercedes-Benz had no choice, but to select carefully those who want to participate in the B-Class F-CELL leasing program, since the number of hydrogen fueling stations is very limited. Hopefully, the cars can provide the US Department of Energy with real-world driving data for supporting their Hydrogen to the Highways program.

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