Hyundai Blue-Will (HND-4) Concept with Plug-in Hybrid technology

Following Hyundai�s successful ascent to the top of the Environmental Protection Agency�s (EPA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) report in November 2009, the Blue-Will Plug-in Hybrid concept makes its U.S. debut at the 2010 North American International Auto.

Chief highlights include:

� Blue-Will foreshadows coming plug-in hybrid technology from Hyundai
� Four-seat sedan concept explores future design direction of compact cars
� Features panoramic glass roof with solar cells for recharging batteries
� Thermal generator converts hot exhaust gases into electricity


The Blue-Will also serves as a test bed of new ideas that range from roof-mounted solar cells to drive-by-wire steering, lithium polymer batteries and touch-screen controls, and previews future focused hybrid production vehicles from Hyundai. The concept car from Hyundai also promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40 miles on a single charge and a fuel economy rating of more than 100 miles per gallon. Codenamed HND-4, the Blue-Will is the fourth in a series of innovative concept vehicles to come out of the Namyang Design Center.

�Blue-Will�s bold character lines and fluidic sculpture design language give the perfect expression to the advanced eco-friendly technologies found beneath the skin,� said Oh Suk-Geun, executive vice president of design, Hyundai Motor Company. �At a time of rising concern about the environment and our energy future, Blue-Will demonstrates to eco-conscious car buyers everywhere that Hyundai has practical hybrid solutions that will appear on the next generation of vehicles.� he added.

VW BlueRoadster Concept 2.0TDI

Click on all images to enlargeComing across more like a Honda S2000 successor than a Volkswagen (imagine swapping the 'VW' emblem for one of that framed 'H'), the BlueRoadster Concept 2.0TDI is looking very sleek, modern and sporty.

The beauty of this roadster - and rarity for a modern VW - is its mid-engined layout and rear-wheel drivetrain. Powered by VW's 2.0litre turbodiesel pushing 180ps and 350Nm of max torque, the drop-top needs only 6.6secs to zip from 0 - 100km/h, on the way to a Vmax of 226km/h.

All these being achieved with frugality of a diesel powerplant returning 4.3l/100km, part of the fuel efficiency being aided by VW's superb 6-speed DSG gearbox.

Nothing official from VW at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show whether this will make it to showroom, but NEWBIE CARS reckon perhaps sometime in say, 2010? The concept shown above looks very much production ready, save for the dashboard and centre dash console. "Das Auto" it will be indeed if this does come true!

Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept

It looks like compact car maker Suzuki can teach a thing or two to some of the established Japanese auto manufacturers on how to make a sleek D-segment executive sedan. The sports sedan below is a prime example:

This is Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept, a follow up to the Kizashi 1 of Frankfurt 2007 and version 2 at Tokyo 2007. With a wheelbase of 2800mm, it is venturing into the realm of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.



The Kizashi 3 Concept is all wheel driven by a 3.6L V6 petrol capable of 300hp. Suzuki claims that the Kizashi 3's six plated-cylinders are both space- (V-configuration) and weight savings, with technologies that has evolved and applied from its motorcycle manufacturing and WRC racing experience. The Concept has six-speed automatic transmission with steering paddle (manual) shifters. Expect the Kizashi 3 to be in Suzuki showrooms by 2010, likely with a more universal and less tongue-twisting name.

Related posts:

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/09/suzuki-kizashi-at-frankfurt-2007.html

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/08/suzuki-kizashi-concept.html

Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept

Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept, a design study model, demonstrates a unique fusion of advanced environmental technology, futuristic styling and fun-to-drive characteristics.

Conceived around a front-wheel drive, small car platform and the hybrid is powered by a Honda IMA 4-cylinder petrol/electric hybrid system driving through a CVT transmission. It explores the idea that a car can have a low environmental impact yet still deliver all the driving enjoyment expected of a compact sports car.

Aerodynamically efficient and curvaceous, the two-door sports coupe have short front and rear overhangs. Fluid lines are created by a steeply raked windscreen which extends back above the occupants' heads where it meets a one piece glass roof. This in turn flows rearwards to give the car its fastback styling, terminating in a distinctive and futuristic 3D floating glass design � a concave element which forms an additional vertical window.

The Hybrid Sports Concept is equipped with 165/60 section tyres mounted on 20inch distinctive alloys. Such wheel dimension supports low rolling resistance without compromising sporty driving. With a sports suspension holding up a 2350mm wheelbase, this Honda concept delivers stable and predictable handling characteristics.

Rear-facing digital cameras take the place of conventional door mirrors. The Small Hybrid Sports Concept has been developed as a design study model by the design studio at Honda R&D Europe based in Offenbach, Germany.

Mitsubishi Concept-cX

Building upon 70 years of four-wheel drive expertise, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is pushing the benefits of this technology, in terms of on-road active safety and off-road ability, from Lancer Evolution to the Pajero. At the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show 2007, MMC will unveil a new compact-'SUV' called Mitsubishi Concept-cX. Featuring the �Jet Fighter� grille already seen with Lancer Sports Sedan and using a soft-road application of the Outlander-derived electric control 4WD drivetrain, the 4.1m long Mitsubishi Concept-cX bridges the gap between Mitsubishi�s passenger cars and SUVs. Is this what car manufacturers coined as the �crossover� genre?

Sharp in design and in dynamics, the concept vehicle is based on the new Lancer�s global compact platform. In tune with the times, Mitsubishi Concept-cX will have low fuel consumption and ultra-low emission levels achieved by its next generation 1.8-litre Clean Diesel engine. The Euro 5 compliant oil burner comes standard with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), plus a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the exhaust system. A preview of a family of powertrains to be launched in the course of 2009, it features a variable geometry diffuser turbocharger (VGT) which generate optimum boost pressure, even at low engine revs. The 4-cylinder turbodiesel is mated to Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission), an automated manual gearbox which will be making its world debut in the all-new Lancer Evolution X.

Related posts:

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/07/mitsubishi-evolution-xs-twin-clutch-sst.html

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/07/2007-mitsubishi-lancer-launching-soon.html

http://newbiecars.blogspot.com/2007/04/2008-all-new-mitsubishi-evolution-x.html

BKK International Motor Show 2007: Toyota Hybrid X

By Dr Long

One of the very few concept cars to be showcased at Bangkok International Motor Show 2007 was the Toyota Hybrid X. As the nameplate suggest, this is Toyota pushing the envelope of its Hybrid Synergy Drive further, affording motoring enthusiasts the world over a glimpse into what the next generation Prius could possibly look like.

Sporting an ever more one-box design, this concept is more aerodynamic than the current Prius, with a sharper nose, more rakish windscreen and a very sloping glass roof.

A small near-vertical rear screen blends futuristically as a tailgate, into the chunky rear end. The interior promises more space than ever and versatility too, with rear-swinging back doors (ala Mazda RX-8).

Improvements in electric power-storage technology will enable the next generation Prius to carry a lighter, compact but more powerful lithium-ion battery pack, in place of the current Ni-MH unit. Quite possibly, the next generation of Hybrids from Toyota will have the feature of plug-in charging from the home (or garage) A.C. mains.