Geneva Show 2010 Highlights: Hyundai i-Flow Concept

As Hyundai continues to branch out into new segments, its European operation, which until recently has focused primarily on small cars, is debuting the Hyundai i-flow concept in Geneva. It's a vision of a coming Hyundai that's expected to do battle in Europe's larger D-segment.

The i-flow is the latest concept to wear Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language, and the large D-segment sedan wears it well. Hailing from Hyundai's European Design Headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, the i-flow incorporates lightweight materials and solar cells from supplier BASF meant to reduce weight and increase energy efficiency.

The i-flow is fitted with Hyundai's first-ever diesel hybrid drivetrain, in which a 1.7-liter diesel engine with dual-stage turbocharging is mated to Hyundai's Blue Drive hybrid system and a new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. As we understand it, the i-flow is a parallel hybrid, allowing it to be powered by its lithium-polymer battery pack and electric motors, the diesel engine or a combination of both. Combined with a slippery 0.25 coefficient of drag, the i-flow will reportedly return 78.4 mpg and emit 0.30 grams of CO2 per mile.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Geneva Show 2010 Highlights:Honda 3R-C Concept

Honda has had a thing lately for creating small, urban-themed personal transport concept vehicles. Just last December, its designers brought out the three-passenger P-Nut to the L.A. Auto Show. At this year's Geneva show, the Big H will continue its prototype lineage with an interesting looking concept vehicle called the 3R-C.

While the P-NUT concept was the brainchild of Honda's American R&D styling studio, the 3R-C was designed and developed solely by the company's European studio, based in Milan, Italy. Billed as a "minimal urban transport vehicle," it's hard to call the 3R-C a concept car, as the one-passenger, three-wheeled design study blurs the line between microcar and scooter.

Although it appears to have a translucent canopy in these pictures, it only shields the cockpit when the 3R-C is parked -- in normal operation, it rotates upright, serving as a windshield and air deflector. Designers wrapped the "safety seat" in bodywork, helping protect the driver from debris and traffic. We'd imagine a helmet would be requisite, and conveniently enough, the 3R-C sports a locking trunk, large enough for such gear or small luggage.

Power, we're told, comes from a battery-electric driveline mounted low in the chassis, but Honda hasn't provided any details and and hasn't indicted yet if the concept is actually functional.
Thanks to: Motor Trend

Geneva Show 2010 Highlights: 2011 Ford Focus Wagon

The 2012 Ford Focus Wagon being unveiled at the 2010 Geneva show is the fifth variant derived so far from Ford's new Global C-car platform, the development of which is part of its evolving "One Ford" effort. We first saw the platform underpinning the C-Max and Grand C-Max at last fall's Frankfurt motor show, then the Focus sedan and hatch in Detroit. Ford has plans for at least five more cars derived from the platform. The U.S. market will see several of those vehicles, but the Focus Wagon reportedly won't be one of them.

While almost entirely developed in Europe, the new Focus line will be approximately 80 percent identical across the globe, with the other 20 percent accounting for subtle differences in taste according to individual markets. Even suspension tuning is virtually identical.

We are getting the funky five-door Focus hatchback, which is almost as versatile as a wagon and doesn't come with the negative stigma. Indeed, Americans appear to be warming up to the idea of hatchbacks if orders for the Fiesta -- Ford's other new world car -- are any indication. So far, Fiesta orders in the U.S. are reportedly evenly split between sedan and hatches.

In addition to getting the Focus Wagon, the Europeans are also getting diesel engines for their Foci. A 2.0-liter Duratorq TDCi engine lineup is available in 161, 138, and 113 hp flavors, while the 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi can be had with 113 or 94 hp. Ford hasn't released any torque output for the diesels yet, but we do know the automaker will offer its six-speed dual-clutch automatic (aka PowerShift) transmission with the 2.0-liter diesel engines.

Other exciting engine news for non-Americans includes the launch of the 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine, which will produce up to 177 hp in the wagon. Ford will offer the EcoBoost engine with 148 or 177 hp in Europe. Again, Ford is withholding torque ratings on its EcoBoost engine at this time. U.S.-bound Foci will only have a 2.0-liter I-4 producing 155 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Geneva Show 2010 Highlights: Ferrari 599 Hybrid Concept

The future is green for Ferrari – and here’s the proof! This vividly coloured 599 GTB Fiorano is the firm’s first-ever hybrid, and it points the way to an eco-friendly supercar of tomorrow that combines increased efficiency with even greater performance.

It is called the HY-KERS, and is the star of the Prancing Horse’s Geneva Motor Show stand. It boasts a stack of ‘green’ technology, most of which has been transferred from the company’s Formula One racing cars.

Beneath the skin, it boasts what is, at 20mm, an extremely slim lithium-ion battery pack, mounted between the floorpan and aerodynamic undertray. A new Ferrari-developed electric motor is positioned beneath the boot floor, coupled to the 599’s dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox.

The 100bhp unit boosts the 620bhp 6.0-litre V12’s output to a storming 720bhp and increases total torque by 150Nm to around 750Nm. Under braking it acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy produced to recharge the batteries.

A new start-stop system is teamed with the hybrid powertrain, and Ferrari estimates CO2 emissions are reduced from 415g/km to around 250g/km. Meanwhile, fuel economy increases from 15.8mpg to an anticipated 22mpg. Crucially, though, the HY-KERS is not only more efficient than the standard car, it’s faster and even better to drive.

The hybrid system adds 80kg to the weight of the vehicle. However, together with the boost in power and torque – Ferrari says that it aimed to offset every extra kilogram by a gain of at least 1bhp – the HY-KERS covers 0-124mph in a mere 10.4 seconds (that’s 0.6 seconds faster). It’s not only straight-line speed which has been improved – driving dynamics have as well.

The F1 influence is apparent in the electric motor which cuts in automatically during acceleration, providing instantaneous torque when moving away from a standstill and during overtaking manoeuvres. This enhances traction and braking, too. As with the F1 KERS system, Ferrari says drivers can be given the option of a steering wheel-mounted button to boost performance when required.

However, don’t expect a hybrid 599 to be available any time soon. The technology is so advanced that Ferrari estimates if it was to put the HY-KERS on sale now, the car would cost £400,000 – which is twice as much as the standard 599.

Talking to Auto Express, concept engineer Ferdinando Cannizzo said: “We’re not using the same components as other hybrids. This is totally new. The cost will come down, and perhaps getting a hybrid on sale in 2015 is a realistic goal. By then, we will reduce the system’s weight so there is no overall penalty – and we will also have extra performance. What’s more, the set-up will improve dynamics. It is possible that the entire Ferrari range will be hybrid.”

Meanwhile, Ferrari will make stop-start available on the California convertible this month. It boosts fuel economy by six per cent. The system will be rolled out across the range in the coming years. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

Geneva Show 2010 Highlights: Citroen DS High Rider Concept

It's compact, spacious, and muscular. And it's called the Citroen DS High Rider. The French automaker is slated to bring its newest concept to Geneva where it'll show off the future design cues and philosophies expected to make production in the near future on the upcoming DS4.

Rather than go the traditional, sleek two-door route, Citroen's design team focused creating a sturdy look. Its broad shoulders and rear haunches accentuate that goal, while a pulled back windshield and seamless side glass give it a contemporary and clean profile. Like the Aston Martin Rapide and other cars of late, its hidden B-pillar emphasize athleticism and refinement.

It's compact, spacious, and muscular. And it's called the Citroen DS High Rider. The French automaker is slated to bring its newest concept to Geneva where it'll show off the future design cues and philosophies expected to make production in the near future on the upcoming DS4.

Rather than go the traditional, sleek two-door route, Citroen's design team focused creating a sturdy look. Its broad shoulders and rear haunches accentuate that goal, while a pulled back windshield and seamless side glass give it a contemporary and clean profile. Like the Aston Martin Rapide and other cars of late, its hidden B-pillar emphasize athleticism and refinement.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Geneva Show 2010 Highlights: BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept

BMW’s hybrid countdown continues. Following on from the 7 Series and X6 ActiveHybrids, the new 5 Series version is all set to make its Geneva Motor Show debut.

The Concept ActiveHybrid 5 Series features the latest version of BMW’s modular hybrid drivetrain. Under the bonnet there’s the same 300bhp 3.0-litre straight six that powers the 535i, equipped with a specially-tuned hybrid stop start system. Sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox is a 54bhp (40kW) electric motor which draws its power from a boot-mounted battery.

An automatic clutch ensures that power is switched seamlessly between the conventional engine and motor, disengaging the power sources as necessary. The hybrid system allows the car to be powered by electricity alone, or use the electric motor and engine in combination to boost performance when accelerating. The motor also acts as a generator on the overrun and when braking, feeding electricity back to the battery.

The hybrid 5 also features intelligent energy management system. Using sensors in the engine and dampers, and taking into account any pre-programmed route in the satnav, the system analyses how the car has been driven and where it’s heading to and works out the most efficient way for the hybrid system to operate.

For example, if you have a long, downhill stretch of motorway coming up, the car primes itself to regenerate as much energy as possible. The system is also programmed to ensure that the battery is fully charged as you near the your journey’s end, maximising the amount of time that the petrol engine can be switched off. BMW claims the system extends electric range by 30 per cent. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express

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