Concept – Page 17 – Automobiles Review

Subaru on Tokyo Auto Salon 2012

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) along with Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI) will be taking part in the Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with NAPAC (Japan Car Parts and Aftermarket Promotion Association) in mid January. Their main idea is to promote the refinement and convenience which comes from the peculiar BOXER type of engine (“Proud of BOXER” will be their motto). And now they have revealed their showroom line up which will feature two new concepts.

SUBARU BRZ STI CONCEPT (display model) – It will be basically an STI tuned Subaru BRZ, a flat engined (BOXER engine) car which has already made a name for itself in terms of handling and performance. The parts provided by STI include a carbon fiber hood and a carbon fiber rooftop which help weight reduction and improve handling. Other performance tweaks are courtesy to:

STI Front Under Spoiler
STI Rear Trunk Spoiler
STI Sport Muffler
Brembo Brake & Rotor
Bilstein Damper
STI 18-inch Aluminum Wheel
STI Low Down Spring
STI Flexible Tower Bar

SUBARU IMPREZA G4 STI CONCEPT – again it will be the already introduced New Impreza G4 2.0i-S (Japanese specification model) modified with some of STI’s finest resources in order to achieve optimum driving experience in terms of maneuverability and control. Enhancments include:

STI Front Under Spoiler
STI Side Under Spoiler
TI Rear Trunk Spoiler
STI Skirt Lip
STI Shift Knob – CVT
STI Sport Muffler
STI Flexible Tower Bar
STI Low Down Spring
STI 18-inch Aluminum Wheel
STI Stainless Steel Mesh Brake Hose

Other racing specimens of the Subaru brand will also be showcased there – Legacy B4 GT300 (participated in the 2011 Super GT race), BRZ GT300 (scheduled participation in the 2012 Super GT race), Impreza WRX STI (scheduled participation in the 2012 24 Hours Nürburgring endurance race), and Impreza WRX STI Group R4 specification model.

Source: Subaru

December 27, 2011

Lexus Concept Named LF-LC Sports Coupe

Last week we had more speculations and less facts about the forthcoming Lexus concept which will be revealed on the NAIAS in Detroit in mid January.

Today however we are making progress by having a full view on what Lexus say will be the LF-LC 2+2 Sports Coupe Concept. It’s design, they say, is made from scratch implementing “organic shapes to achieve a close connection between driver and car”.

We certainly like it and if it ends up actually being built as a production vehicle, Lexus will be able to confidently plow ahead in the world of sports cars.

Source: Lexus

December 23, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon 2012 with Ten Exciting Exhibitions

While there is much talk about the forthcoming NAIAS, few are aware about the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon which will also be held on January 13-15 at the Makuhari Messe exhibition hall in Chiba prefecture. The organizers (Autech Japan and Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. A.K.A Nismo) promise an exciting event partly because of the showroom which is styled to look like a racetrack complete with spectator stands and everything and partly because, along with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, they have a lot of debuts to make.

In the Nissan corner visitors will feast their eyes on the new edition of Nissan GT-R pure with something called “for TRACK PACK” which is mainly focused to attract motoring enthusiasts who carve the raw experience of a sports car burning rubber on a racing circuit.

A different stand will hold the Nissan Skyline 55th Limited Edition. It is an anniversary edition (55 years in the making) equipped with smooth aerodynamic body parts complete with LEDs and other S-tune elements. The lowered centre of gravity can only add to the sporty feeling of the birthday boy.

Nissan Skyline 55th Limited Edition (2012)

Over to the Nismo sector there will be two new concepts: The Juke Nismo Concept and the LEAF Nismo concept. They both feature a sporty and aggressive look thanks to the refreshing lowering design tweaks.

The Nismo Fairlady Z Version will also take part as the enhanced, more powerful, more fun-to-drive sister of the standard Fairlady Z.

The spotlight however most likely will be on the Nismo LEAF RC – a full on sports car with a carbon fibre body based on the all-electric Nissan LEAF. Hopefully this car will prove that zero-emission vehicles have a future in motor sports.

Finally we have the Autech side of things starting with the. To start off there will be the MOTUL AUTECH GT-R which participated in the 2011 SUPER GT GT500. Back in 2011 it has actually won one of the five prizes that GT-R’s took home that year from the GT500 other representatives include.

The NV350 Caravan Rider is a customized Rider version of Nissan’s NV350 Caravan.

The Elgrand Rider High-performance Spec Black Line – Based on the already acclaimed Elgrand Rider distinguishable for its specific front grille. This Black Line edition encompasses some tweaks on the engine, suspension and body.

Serena Rider Performance Spec Black Line – Fine-tuned body and suspension give the Serena Rider great road manners and a solid stance both literally and metaphorically.

Last but not least we cannot omit mentioning the loads of Nissan/Nismo merchandise, parts and accessories that will be present there.

Source: Nissan

December 22, 2011

Nissan Pathfinder Concept Teaser

We came across this teaser for the forthcoming Nissan Pathfinder Concept. It will be revealed on the North American International Auto Show in Detroid which will be open to the public on the 14th of January 2012.

It is said that this concept, while preserving the typical Pathfinder spirit, is to introduce a new highly modern platform coated with a striking aerodynamic body, Supposedly It will be clever, it will have seating for seven and it will be cargo friendly.

The debut precedes the appointed release of the new Nissan Pathfinder which hopefully will bare as much resemblance as possible to the concept.

Source: Nissan

December 20, 2011

2012 Hyundai I-oniq concept car – Teaser

We have very special news from Hyundai, which has presented a sneak peak at its all-new I-oniq concept car. This concept car moreover is a preview of the next evolution of the brand’s ‘Fluidic sculpture’, which will bring new “language” in the design of the cars. Moreover the car is going to be one of the main highlights from Hyundai at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012.

Hyundai has only released a single picture of the car which adds to the overall curiosity around it! What we can see here and firmly state about the new I-oniq concept vehicle is that it has two strong arched curves, which define the silhouette of i-oniq. In addition they create a playful contrast between the sharp character lines and soft but muscular features. And if you analyze it further you will definitely see the long front, which gives a sporty look to the car. And the rear end appears to be with a hatchback design.

Unfortunately Hyundai hasn’t released more details about the new concept car. However more information about I-oniq will be revealed ahead of its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The i-oniq concept was designed and developed at the company’s European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

Source: HYUNDAI

December 16, 2011

Lexus Has New Concept In Mind

Lexus has announced (teased) that a new concept will be unveiled on the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One thing is for sure – it is styled by Calty which is the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California. Also Lexus has released this teaser pick on which we can only guess. It certainly looks like a sports car.

Needless to remind you that back in 2010, the company tried to break away from its comfort and luxury image by stunning the world with the Lexus LFA. It was very impressive with a 4.8 litre engine developing more than 550bhp. So small wonder that now Lexus is planning to continue the trend.

What we see here are some sharp, aggressive lines that form a low, extended nose. Naturally there is some carbon fibre visible right along a massive opening which supposedly will cool down the brakes. Just a patch of the front grille can be seen but enough to assume that it will provide proper airflow to the engine

Lexus Concept (teased) — Lexus Concept (teaser)

Speculators see resemblance to the Toyota GT-86, while others predict this will be the replacement of the Lexus SC. Whatever it is, if it turns out to be nearly as good as the LFA, Lexus will be one step closer to the performance Valhalla.

More information is expected next week.

Source: Lexus

December 13, 2011

2013 Honda Accord Coupe Concept

A world debut is expected from Honda, which will present at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (on 10^th of January) a brand new concept vehicle revealing the styling direction of the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe.

The new Accord Coupe Concept will reveal the dynamic and aggressive profile of the ninth-generation 2013 Honda Accord. The vehicle will be released for sale in the autumn of 2012. And if you are more interested and are huge fan of the brand, you can watch the live broadcast via webcast at http://hondanews.com/live/2012naias-honda (link will be live Jan. 10), when the American Honda executive vice president of sales will present the concept car.

The first of many to come Accord was produced in the distant 1976. Ever since that year, the car remains a leader in style, performance, safety, efficiency and price. Moreover it is one of the best selling cars in the US. The Accord definitely leaves big impressions – the 2012 Accord was most recently included in the list Car and Driver Magazine’s “10Best”. In it the car is mentioned as the vehicle with the highest initial quality in its segment (according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Study (IQS)). Furthermore with the introduction of the ninth-generation Accord, Honda will mark 30 years of U.S. production of the model at the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, the first Japanese car assembly plant in the U.S.

Source: Honda

December 12, 2011

2012 Rinspeed “Dock+Go” mobility concept

The motto of the concept is simple: “Take 3!” and it is all about taking three axels instead of two. However this modification is based on the thinking “but only if you need them”! This third axle with two wheels is the main feature of the brand new modular mobility system from Swiss automotive visionary Frank M. Rinderknecht. Under the name “Dock+Go” the Swiss will present the vehicle from 8^th till 18^th of March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. What is so special about this concept lies in the aim of docking “backpacks on wheels.” Moreover these single-axle “packs” can be used in different ways depending on what the driver has to do during the day. In addition they also have an insightful resolution for the so commonly met operating range problem of electric vehicles. The highlight is that neither unneeded space nor superfluous weight is carried along if it is not necessary.

As a basis “Dock+Go.” could be used any electric car: for example you can have the two-seated smart. Furthermore there is a great range of “packs” thank to which you can turn the electric-powered mini car into a dream car of any pizza delivery driver (additionally completed with an integrated heated box). As it goes for the craftsmen – there is a very special thing prepared: a toolbox pack with well-organized spaces for every tool! Eventually after the day has gone and all the work is done everything could e docked to the rear of the mini-mobile.

And here is the great news for all “high-speed” admirers. When you want to accelerate the kilometers per hour more than just 120, there have been provided an “energy pack” with a combustion engine or range extender, packed with batteries or powered by a fuel cell. Thank to it, there is an added range for reaching more distant destinations. Additionally manufacturers have shared a simple but clever trick: the docked third axle drives the rotating second axle and thus recharges the on-board battery of the city car; hence thus the first Vario-Hybrid is born! If you wonder how you can charge the batteries you can do it at home using the energy pack. The last one is recharged with solar power from the roof, thus making living and driving without any CO2 emissions a reality. A perfect car for any environmentalist isn’t it

Source: Rinspeed

December 8, 2011

2012 Smart For-Us Concept: The Rule-Breaker

Smart is as usual making grate challenges with the ideas that it have presented recently. And more precisely what I consider as a challenging idea is the vision of Smart for an urban pickup. This would probably be the best car not only for the young and people with active lives, but also for those who attach importance to low emissions and taking up minimum road space.

As usual the exterior dimensions of the car are designed the minimal possible: length/width/height: 3547/1506/1701mm. It is so small that it could almost go unseen on the loading area of a pickup. On the other hand this Smart includes state-of-the-art electric drive with a 55 kW magneto-electric motor. The world-premier of the car will be at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit between 14^th and 22d January 2012).

The aim of this Smart pick-up manufacturer is obviously to make them small on the outside and at the same time large on the inside Of course, not forgetting the safety and high comfortability.

The smart for-us is a mobility concept that will be perfect for bringing more flexibility in the city traffic. You might be amazed that it has plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them! Moreover you can always charge you batteries thanks to the docking station on the cargo area of the smart for-us. What makes the Smart a special car it is the accessibility of destinations that are out of bounds for other cars. For instance this might be traffic-calmed zones in the city or isolated park trails.

The smart for-us not only makes a powerful statement but also its appearance is achieving the one of the conventional mega-pickups. The body is shaped sensuously and with curved lines. Of course the large brand emblem can be proudly seen on the grille. Furthermore the front has a great three-dimensional design (which will immediately catch the attention) with an underride guard finishing off the lower part of the front end.

Smart manufacturer has used the longer wheelbase (2480 mm/plus 613 mm). Therefore the track has been widened by 50 mm on each side. This also makes an emphasis of the robust look of the vehicle. Meanwhile the extremely short overhangs at the front and rear make it extremely compact. Furthermore the tailboard at the rear of the smart for-us is electrically driven. When it opens first of all the cargo floor including tailboard retracts by 280 mm, then the tailgate slides down in a parallel position. All of this makes the cargo on the 900 mm cargo area very easily accessable.

However the interior is characterized by contrasts. For example it has the sleek and taut surfaces coloured in white and at the same time has the precisely designed technical functional elements in brushed aluminium. Moreover the whole cockpit enhances the aerodynamic styling for interior ventilation. On the place of the rear-view mirror it has been placed an innovation: a smartphone accommodated in a holder on top of the instrument panel support. In this way the driver can see the road behind them thank to the integrated video camera.

Smart for-us is definitely full of style and highly functional without being too complicated. Moreover what is really appealing is the fact that it is easy to individualise it. It includes two seats in the concept car which are typical for smart. At the same time the seat shells are open in the middle and are covered with a soft yellow fabric throw which will give the passengers a comfortable seating feel.

What has to be highlighted here is that the electric drive of the smart for-us! It is being based on the brand new drive concept of the smart fortwo electric drive, which will be presented firstly in the spring of 2012. The 55 kW magneto-electric motor makes the Smart for-us is agile and lively to drive in the city! And not forgetting the 130 Newton metres of torque, which makes the Smart for-us a powerful, lag-free acceleration vehicle, which can overtake other automobiles at ease! To be more precise thee maximum speed exceeds 120 km/h. And if you wonder about the power of the lithium-ion battery – it has the capacity of 17.6 kWh.

Source: Daimler

December 7, 2011

Land Rover Defender Concept DC100 in Frankfurt

Land Rover took the interesting DC100 Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle is practically the new Defender model, which is expected sometimes in 2015, of course, if the world does not end in 2012…

Here is an interesting video directly from the Auto Show published by Marchettino in Youtube. You can see all the interesting extras of the DC100.

The SUV is powered by a 2.0 liter petrol engine and a 2.0 liter diesel, which are mated to an 8-speed gearbox.

As the world is gone mad with the hybrid technologies, both engines will be included in hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Check out the video, below!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRLK4hvUSL8

Land Rover Defender DC100 Sport Frankfurt 2011

Source: Marchettino via Youtube

September 19, 2011

Volvo Concept You

Following on from the reveal of the Concept Universe earlier in the year, the Frankfurt Motorshow marks the debut of an evolution to the Concept Universe – Concept You – and gives another insight into Volvo Cars future. Both concept cars are being used as design studies to obtain input from the global car buying public to find the ultimate design of the next large sedan from Volvo.

“Concept You gives a good indication of what you can expect from our next large sedan. The blend of contemporary Scandinavian design, exquisite craftsmanship and intuitive technology will appeal to luxury car buyers all over the world,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The Concept You, combines a sleek coupé-like exterior with a luxurious high-tech interior that keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart pad technology. Concept You’s luxurious interior gives luxury sedan customers a full experience of the craftsmanship and intuitive technology that will be the hallmark of future Volvos.

Global Feedback

The company has collected global feedback on Concept Universe, both through surveys and by closely monitoring social media comments.

“The most valuable input has been used in the development of the Concept You. This car features a more daring, coupé -like profile than the Concept Universe, while the front moves towards a more classic Volvo look,” explains Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation.

He added, “The fastback profile mirrors a strong trend among European buyers. With growing signs that Chinese “taste buds” are moving rapidly in the same direction, our main aim is to explore how daring our next large sedan should be in order to be a global success. We are very eager to hear what people think about the Concept You.”

Cars Designed Around People

Volvo Car Corporation’s strategy is to achieve profitable growth by being a truly global company with products designed around customers’ needs and lifestyle.

“With our hearts in Sweden and our eyes and ears all over the world, we intend to be the brand that best interprets what buyers of modern luxury cars want,” says Stefan Jacoby. He adds:

“The Concept You reflects how people’s perception of luxury is moving beyond the traditional perspective. There is a growing appreciation for the ingenious blend of elegant design, superior craftsmanship and smart technology.”

Several aspects of the new strategy

The Concept You radiates several aspects of Volvo Car Corporation’s new, customer focused “Designed Around You” strategy:

It is a large, luxurious sedan with a new, sculpted Scandinavian form language that also honours the sweeping, elegant lines of classic Volvo models.
The inspiration from – and cooperation with – a number of world famous brands demonstrates the level of exquisite craftsmanship customers can expect from future Volvo models.
The concept car reveals how Volvo’s new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) opens up dynamic design possibilities – on top of the technological and industrial advantages.
By bringing the latest intuitive smart pad technology into the car, Volvo Car Corporation emphasises its ambition to lead the development of super-functional connectivity features in cars.

Volvo makes life less complicated and more enjoyable

Volvo Car Corporation aims to make people’s lives less complicated and more enjoyable while strengthening the company’s established commitment to safety and the environment.

“We will compete with the best with our special kind of luxury. Volvo’s cars are intuitive and uncomplicated. Our customers don’t have to give away driving pleasure to drive safely. They can be environmentally conscious and still indulge the pure joy of owning a luxury car,” Stefan Jacoby concludes

Touch-control cockpit and pure craftsmanship

The luxurious interior of the Concept You features a blend of intuitive smart pad technology and first-class craftsmanship.

“The Concept You explores new territories in our search for the ultimate intuitive car that makes the owners manual a thing of the past. Smart phones and smart pads have brought mobile infotainment into a new era. Here, we use a number of touch-screens to replace buttons and controls in order to make the driver totally connected, totally in control. The technology also helps us to create a refreshingly uncluttered interior,” explains Peter Horbury.

The Concept You control centre consists of four main areas; a digital Driver Information Monitor (DIM), a head-up display on the windscreen, a touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console and a touch-screen between the two individual rear seats. The wood/leather steering wheel has aluminium and glass paddles with integrated touch-screens.

The touch-screen in the upper part of the centre console remains in sleep mode until the driver looks at it. A hidden infrared camera registers the eye movements and information is displayed on the screen.

Another sensor registers hand movements and triggers the Infotainment system’s control mode. The possibilities vary depending on whether the screen is approached by the driver or by the front passenger.

“Certain functions, such as surfing the Web, are only accessible from the passenger side while the car is rolling. The technology knows who is the present operator and adapts itself automatically,” says Peter Horbury.

The driver can “flip” data from the central touch-screen to the head-up display and can exchange data with the rear passengers. A light guide in the free-floating centre console indicates file transfer.

Unique air-powered sound system

The Infotainment system also integrates a high-end sound system from Alpine. It features the unique “FreshAir” subwoofer – a not yet released technology that uses the air outside the car to create the ultimate listening experience.

The sound system consists of small, optimised units that considerably cut weight – while still producing a better sound than today’s systems.

Comfortable and cultivated

The interior is dedicated to offer design-driven customers a comfortable, cultivated, Scandinavian inspired environment that is also user-focused and refreshingly uncomplicated. Every detail has been chosen with the customer experience in focus.

The interior is driver-orientated at the front and comfortably relaxed in the rear. The dark colour scheme in the front seats fades seamlessly towards the rear until it fully transforms into a light rear seating area. The interior moulds into the rear seat and becomes part of the seating environment.

Volvo Car Corporation has partnered with several other famous brands in order to create a genuine feeling of luxury with the right Scandinavian touch.

Leather, suede and suit fabric

The four individual seats blend chrome-free leather from Bridge of Wear with Dinamica ecological suede. The off-black front seats have suede in the centre to create optimal grip. The soft beige rear seats are designed for pure comfort with leather in the centre and suede on the sides.

The Concept You design also integrates the luxurious qualities of a tailor made suit into the car. The back of the front seats and the door panels feature exclusive Italian fabric and designs from Swedish fashion house Oscar Jacobson.

The designers have also been generous with large, handcrafted pieces of walnut – accompanied by leather panels, Dinamica suede roof lining and carefully chosen aluminium details.

Hand-tufted wool carpets

The wooden floor, which echoes Scandinavian homes, is covered with a specially designed hand-tufted carpet from world-famous Swedish brand Kasthall. Just like the rest of the interior, it fades from dark in the front to light in the rear. The front texture has a sporty firmness, while the rear part of the carpet is luxuriously soft.

Inspiration from Georg Jensen

The Concept You is finished in a light blue, liquid metal paint from DuPont. The ventilated disc brakes are developed by Volvo’s racing specialists Polestar.

The car’s fastback silhouette is emphasised by the 21-inch polished aluminium wheels with a twisted twin-spoke design and tyres from Pirelli (275/30/21).

Up front, the Concept You grille – which has a more classic appearance than the Concept Universe – features details with the same beautifully polished craftsmanship.

“The design of the wheels, the grille and details in the innovative headlamps have been inspired by the exquisite works of world-famous Danish design house Georg Jensen. Their precious items capture the essence of Scandinavian design. Uncluttered, organic surfaces and superb craftsmanship that radiate timeless luxury,” says Peter Horbury. He adds:

“This eternal beauty of Georg Jensen design is what we are aiming for with the whole concept car. Just like the finest luxury goods, this design should feel handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time.”

Source: Volvo

September 13, 2011

BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric

320 kW of power and a peak torque of 3,200 Nm (2,360 lb-ft) from four electric wheel hub motors point the way to the powerful, efficient and ecofriendly luxury sedan of the future. Based on the latest Mercedes E-Class, BRABUS ZERO EMISSION, a business division of BRABUS, has developed the fully operational BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric concept car. The all-wheel-drive vehicle, which celebrates its world debut at the 2011 IAA, accelerates from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph) – and all without emitting as much as a single gram of CO2. A powerful 56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides an operating range of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles). There are plans for a small-series production run of this unique automobile.

For more than three decades BRABUS has ranked as one the top addresses worldwide for exclusive high-performance automobiles. Since 2008 the BRABUS ZERO EMISSION business division of BRABUS, recognized by the German Federal Motor Vehicle Department as an automobile manufacturer, deals with the development of vehicle concepts for alternative-drive cars.

For the electric drive of the BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric the BRABUS vehicle and electrical engineers decided on four wheel hub motors from English manufacturer Protean ELECTRIC.

A low weight of just 31 kilograms (68 pounds), a compact diameter of only 42 centimeters (16.5 inches) and a thickness of merely 11.5 centimeters (4.5 in.) make these motors perfectly suited for this project. They are positioned in the BRABUS Monoblock Q wheels in size 8.5Jx19 front and back.

With a peak power of 80 kW and a peak torque of 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) in Sport mode these motors are ideal for meeting the high-performance requirements that BRABUS is renowned for. In recuperation mode under braking each of the motors contributes up to 70 kW to the energy recovery system and therefore to recharging the batteries.

The concept car is equipped with an electro-hydraulic BRABUS brake system that was custom developed for this type of drive layout. The four vented bake discs are attached to the rear of the wheel hub motors, and gripped by two internal brake calipers each.

Controlling the four wheel hub motors presented a special challenge. They are coordinated by a high-tech electronic control unit and give the E-Class sedan an innovative all-wheel-drive system that defies any kind of weather and all road surface conditions. But that’s not all: the independent drive of each wheel provides the vehicle with torque vectoring capabilities, the active controlling of the yaw angle, for impressive driving dynamics and particularly safe handling.

The power output of the four electric motors adds up to a peak output of 320 kW and a whopping peak torque of 3,200 Nm (2360 lb-ft). In comparison: the 6.3-liter V12 Biturbo engine of the new 370-km/h plus (230-mph) BRABUS ROCKET 800, one of the most powerful gasoline car engines in the world, produces a peak torque of “just” 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft).

Despite its enormous performance potential the wheel hub drive is particularly ecofriendly because of its carbon neutrality. Based on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), energy consumption of all four motors combined is a low 0.24 kWh/km (0.38 kWh/mile), giving the car an NEDC operating range of some 240 kilometers (150 miles). In Eco mode, which is more than sufficient for normal operations, a continuous output of 200 kW allows operating ranges of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles) without recharging.

This substantial operating range is the credit of the powerful 56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The individual cells, connected via state-of-the-art power electronics, were placed in various locations throughout the entire Mercedes E-Class body to achieve optimal weight distribution. The space gained under the hood by eliminating the conventional engine is utilized for the cells as is the now superfluous driveshaft tunnel and the areas that normally house the fuel tank and the spare wheel.

External charging of the battery pack is handled by two separate systems. For the garage at home there is a quick charger for ecofriendly eco electricity from German energy company RWE. After one-and-a-half hours of being plugged into the 380 V three-phase grid with a charging capacity of 50 kW the eco sedan again has an operating range of 350 km (217 miles). For charging on the road at any normal 220 V AC outlet or on a 380 V three-phase outlet the car is equipped with an integrated charger that recharges the batteries fully in five hours.

On the road the BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric exhibits the dynamic performance one can rightfully expect from a BRABUS high-performance automobile and one that has been unheard of in an electrically powered sedan of this size until now.

The electrically powered sedan delivers excellent performance: the four-door car weighing 2,190 kilograms (4,828 pounds) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds. The BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric also delivers superior pulling power: the intermediate sprint from 60 to 120 km/h (37 to 74 mph) takes just 5.0 seconds. In comparison: a Mercedes E 500 4MATIC takes 5.2 seconds.

The wheel hub motors’ redline speed of 2,000 rpm effectively limits the car’s top speed to 220 km/h (137 mph).

The strong performance and low energy consumption also benefit from the aerodynamic efficiency of the BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement components, which were fine-tuned in the wind tunnel. The BRABUS front fascia lends the E-Class sedan a more slipstreamed nose and reduces lift on the front axle, contributing to outstanding directional stability. The integrated LED daytime running lights are extremely economical but ensure that the BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric is recognizable from afar.

BRABUS aluminum front sport fenders with integrated clear-coated carbon-fiber inserts create a distinctly sporty look. The BRABUS side skirts calm the airflow between the wheel wells and feature highly convenient, visually striking LED entrance lights.

Another custom development is the suspension of BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric. A height-adjustable coilover suspension calibrated to the higher vehicle weight was developed in cooperation with technology partner BILSTEIN. It offers individual ride-height settings and a sporty yet comfortable ride.

The BRABUS Monoblock Q 19-inch wheels are mounted with high-performance tires from technology partners Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA in size 245/35 ZR 19 front and back.

The interior of the concept car is supplemented by a special instrument cluster, which provides the driver with the most essential information about the battery, the electric motors and other driving parameters such as speed etc. A new center console housing the controls an electric vehicle requires was manufactured as well.

The ergonomically shaped BRABUS sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals and footrest add sporty highlights. Stainless-steel scuff plates with backlit BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric logo and velour floor mats sporting the identical marks are further exclusive accessories.

BRABUS High Performance 4WD Full Electric
Technical Data

Body

Four-door sedan based on the Mercedes-Benz W 212 series E-Class.

Steel unibody with mounts for lithium-ion batteries in engine bay, trunk and driveshaft tunnel. BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement kit with front fascia, air vents in the front fenders, side skirts, rear spoiler lip and rear diffuser.

Dimensions:
Length               4.868 mm (191.6 in)
Width                1.841 mm (72.4 in)
Height               1.464 mm (57.6 in)
Curb weight     2,190 kg (4,828 lbs.)

Electric Drive

Four electronically controlled Protean ELECTRIC wheel hub motors and 56 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging by external or on-board charger.

Peak power in Sport mode               4 x 80 kW = 320 kW system power
Continuous power in Eco mode   4 x 50 kW = 200 kW system power
Maximum recuperation power      4 x 70 kW = 280 kW total recuperation power
Peak torque                                           4 x 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) = 3,200 Nm (2,360 lb-ft) system torque
Maximum rpm                                       2,000

CO2 emissions 0 g/km

Power supply               Lithium-ion (LiCoMn) battery pack
Nominal voltage          355 V
Capacity                          56 kWh

External charger           RWE Combi Station, 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity:        50 kW (limited)
Charging time:                 1.5 hours (limited)

Internal charger   Delta ES three-phase on-board charger, 220 V AC or 380 V three-phase current
Charging capacity                12.4 kW (limited)
Charging time:                      5 hours

Suspension

Independent front and rear suspension with height-adjustable BRABUS coilover sport suspension.

Front axle:
Three-link suspension, anti-dive geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.

Rear axle:
Multi-link suspension, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry. Height-adjustable BRABUS struts with gas-pressure shocks with 10-way adjustable bound and rebound, and coil springs.

Wheels:
BRABUS Monoblock Q 8.5J x 19 H2 alloy wheels with Continental, Pirelli or YOKOHAMA high-performance brake system.
Front: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19
Rear: 8.5J x 19 H2 with 245/35 ZR 19

Brake System

Dual-circuit brake system with BRABUS high-performance brake system assisted by the wheel hub motors in each wheel.

Performance

0 – 100 km/h (62 mph): 6.9 sec.
60 – 120 km/h (37 – 74 mph): 5.0 sec.

Top speed Eco mode: 190 km/h (118 mph)
Top speed Sport mode: 220 km/h (137 mph)

Energy Consumption and Operating Range

Energy consumption based on NEDC incl. recuperation: 0.24 kWh/km (0.38 kWh/mile)

Operating range based on NEDC: 240 km (150 miles)
Operating range at a constant 100 km/h (62 mph): 350 km (217 miles)

Source: BRABUS

September 12, 2011

Tag: Concept