BMW EfficientDynamics hybrid sports car

The BMW Group officially introduced the concept of environmentally clean sports car EfficientDynamics, which the public will be presented in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. As stated in a press release, the car combines the dynamics of the "charged" version of the BMW M-and high fuel efficiency of hybrids.

A prototype of BMW EfficientDynamics in landing formula 2 +2 is built on an aluminum chassis and most of his body is created from a special polycarbonate glass, which automatically darken in bright sunlight. The car is equipped with a hybrid power plant consisting of a three-cylinder 163-strong turbodiesel capacity of 1.5 liters, which works in tandem with robotized transmission with dual-clutch, and two electric motors - one for each axis. This capacity is located in the front 80-strong motor, if necessary, can for 30 seconds to increase to 112 horsepower, or 10 seconds - up to 139 horsepower. The total capacity of the powerplant makes 356 horsepower and maximum torque of 800 Nm.


In these BMW, from zero to "hundreds" of a concept sports car can accelerate in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 kilometers per hour, limited to that point electronics. Average fuel consumption of cars is equal to 3.76 liters per hundred kilometers, and the level of emissions CO2 - 99 grams per kilometer. Cruising prototype BMW EfficientDynamics when moving in pure electric is 50 kilometers, connecting the diesel increases to 690 kilometers.


As detailed in the company of BMW, the distribution of energy, time to connect motors and other components of the work of the power plant is calculated computer, which through the data with navigation systems, automatic stop and start the engine is able to "predict" situation on the road in front of the car. In accordance with this system prepares the necessary systems to work and accumulates and redistributes the energy to their work.

Charge lithium-polymer battery power pack from ordinary household outlet with 220 volts will take 2,5 hours, and at a voltage of 380 volts only 44 minutes. In addition, the car is equipped with a system of energy recovery during braking.

As previously reported, the serial version of the sports car BMW EfficientDynamics will be the end of 2012 and will be released a limited series.

Toyota New Lexus Hybrid (HS250h) Offers 6-Month Worth Orders

Toyota Motor Corp launched its first dedicated hybrid model under the premium Lexus brand on Tuesday, saying it had received orders worth six months of targeted sales in Japan.

The launch of the HS250h sedan marks the latest push by the world's biggest automaker to drive fuel-sipping hybrids into the mainstream as governments around the world tighten emissions and fuel economy regulations while offering consumers incentives to purchase less-polluting cars.

Toyota expects to sell an average 500 units a month in Japan of the HS250h, which does not have the unique design characteristics of instantly recognizable Prius hybrid, but like the Prius is only available as a gasoline-electric model.

"Thanks to the green-car tax and a hybrid boom fanned by the Prius in Japan, we've already gotten 3,000 orders," Senior Managing Director Toshio Furutani said at the launch.

The model will be sold in the United States and Canada from September, Toyota said. Until the end of 2009, Toyota plans to produce about 3,000 units a month.

Furutani said hybrids had become a major driver for the Lexus brand, which has struggled to sell in Japan since its domestic launch in 2005.

In the first six months of 2009, Lexus sales plunged 38 percent from the year-earlier period to 9,293 units. About 30 percent of those were a hybrid, a Toyota spokesman said.

The HS250h, powered by a 2.5-liter engine, starts at 3.95 million yen ($42,460) in Japan, making it the cheapest model in the Lexus line-up and eligible for a maximum 267,000 yen ($2,870) in "eco-car" tax breaks.

The HS250h has listed mileage in Japan of 23.0 km/liter, comparable to a Vitz subcompact.

HYBRID PRODUCTION IN EUROPE?

Toyota has a goal of selling at least 1 million hybrid vehicles a year within the next few years and has said it would offer the hybrid option on all of its models by around 2020.

Days after taking the helm at the company founded by his grandfather, President Akio Toyoda said last month that Toyota would shift its focus in the diesel-heavy European market to hybrid vehicles as part of a new effort to use its resources more selectively.

Japanese industry daily Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun said Toyota has decided to produce a gasoline-electric version of its Auris hatchback at its British factory around 2012, in what would mark its first locally produced hybrid car in Europe.

A spokeswoman said Toyota could not comment on future product plans.

The Auris, part of the popular Corolla series, was Toyota's third-best-selling model in Europe during the first five months of this year after the Yaris and Aygo subcompact models.

Toyota builds most of its hybrid vehicles in Japan, but also produces a small number of Prius cars in China and the Camry hybrid in Kentucky.

It is scheduled to begin production of the Camry hybrid in Thailand later this month, and in Australia next year. The Prius is also planned for production at a new Mississippi plant but has been delayed due to the economic crisis.

($1=93.02 Yen)

2010 Mercedes GL 350 BlueTEC SUV Preview

Highlights of the 2010 model year facelift includes the addition of more fuel-efficient engines and slightly revised styling.

Mercedes Benz has some big plans for next week’s New York Auto Show, with no less than three world debuts planned, as well as the as the U.S. debuts of the 2010 model year E-Class Sedan and Coupe.

The three world debuts include the unveiling of the all-new E63 AMG performance saloon, the production version of 2007’s ML450 Hybrid concept and the 2010 model year facelift for the GL-Class SUV.


On display will be the renamed GL350 BlueTEC diesel and GL450 petrol model, both of which will feature a restyled grille, new bumpers, wheels and new lights with LED accents.

The GL350 BlueTEC replaces the current GL350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and is claimed to offer 20-30% better fuel economy than the comparable petrol model.

The seven-seat SUV also boasts an impressive cruising range – up to 600 miles at highway speeds.

The interior should also receive a number of trim and specification updates, including the addition of Mercedes’ Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels.