Land Rover Evoque_e project announced

Jaguar Land Rover has announced its leadership of an advanced powertrain research and development programme for state-of-the-art, next-generation hybrid and battery-electric powertrain technologies based on the Range Rover Evoque platform.

‘Evoque_e’ is a two-year £16.3m UK government Technology Strategy Board project. Jaguar Land Rover will contribute £4m to the project and will lead a consortium of 12 selected partners – eight from industry and three universities.

The partners include Zytek Automotive, GKN Driveline, Motor Design Limited, AVL, Drive System Design, Williams Advanced Engineering, Delta Motorsport, Tata Steel, Bristol University, Cranfield University and Newcastle University.

Starting in October 2013, the unique collaboration will design, develop and build three research vehicles showcasing state-of-the-art, next-generation powertrain concepts for a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV); a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and a full Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).

Peter Richings, Jaguar Land Rover Director Hybrids and Electrification,said: “The aim of the project is to develop technology platforms which are configurable and compatible within the architecture of an existing production vehicle. The modular technologies include single and multi-speed axle drives; modular battery packs and integrated power electronics, multi-machine, advanced control development and torque vectoring.

“The research teams will look at how the speed of the electric motor can be increased, to reduce its size, weight and cost while enhancing performance and durability. We will also look at the use of alternative materials to both reduce the use of rare earth materials and for systems optimisation.

“The outcome of the Evoque_e project will be new technologies with the potential for high volume production that are capable of delivering benchmark performance in terms of cost, weight and ustainable use of materials.”

As Britain’s biggest investor in automotive research and development, and the biggest investor in manufacturing R&D, Jaguar Land Rover is spending £2.75 billion in the year to March 2014 on product creation. Jaguar Land Rover showcased a number of the other collaborative research projects it is leading at the LCV 2013 event. These projects include the extreme downsizing of internal combustion engines, efficient management and storage of heat energies and weight reduction of engines through innovative new design concepts.

Commenting on these research projects, Dr Wolfgang Epple, Jaguar Land Rover Director Research and Technology said: “Jaguar Land Rover has ambitious plans for growth. We believe that the success of our global business – and the UK economy – lies in engineering and innovation. Our research programmes bring together some of the best engineering minds in the UK. With Evoque_e, we will build on previous Jaguar Land Rover technology demonstrators and show clearly the breadth of our capability and commitment in advanced powertrain technology.”

Jaguar Land Rover already collaborates with a number of leading universities in the UK on a range of technology and skills projects. More than half of Jaguar Land Rover’s research and advanced engineering team are based at Warwick University’s Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), to work collaboratively on key new technologies including energy storage, weight reduction and digital verification.

Antony Harper, Jaguar Land Rover Head of Research, illustrated the importance of this work and its benefits to the company and the UK economy, saying: “We are keenly aware that not all the clever people work for us and our collaborative research programmes harness the best of UK engineering innovation, to develop new and exciting technologies.

“The development of our business and our continuing investment in R&D has also encouraged inward investment into the UK, with our suppliers creating and funding their own research projects in UK universities. Technology Strategy Board funding allows us to multiply the effect of our investment and nurture UK-based technology investment, in supporting our work to address future needs, wants and legislation around the world.”

Land Rover Evoque_e project announced

Jaguar Land Rover has announced its leadership of an advanced powertrain research and development programme for state-of-the-art, next-generation hybrid and battery-electric powertrain technologies based on the Range Rover Evoque platform.

‘Evoque_e’ is a two-year £16.3m UK government Technology Strategy Board project. Jaguar Land Rover will contribute £4m to the project and will lead a consortium of 12 selected partners – eight from industry and three universities.

The partners include Zytek Automotive, GKN Driveline, Motor Design Limited, AVL, Drive System Design, Williams Advanced Engineering, Delta Motorsport, Tata Steel, Bristol University, Cranfield University and Newcastle University.

Starting in October 2013, the unique collaboration will design, develop and build three research vehicles showcasing state-of-the-art, next-generation powertrain concepts for a mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV); a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and a full Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).

Peter Richings, Jaguar Land Rover Director Hybrids and Electrification,said: “The aim of the project is to develop technology platforms which are configurable and compatible within the architecture of an existing production vehicle. The modular technologies include single and multi-speed axle drives; modular battery packs and integrated power electronics, multi-machine, advanced control development and torque vectoring.

“The research teams will look at how the speed of the electric motor can be increased, to reduce its size, weight and cost while enhancing performance and durability. We will also look at the use of alternative materials to both reduce the use of rare earth materials and for systems optimisation.

“The outcome of the Evoque_e project will be new technologies with the potential for high volume production that are capable of delivering benchmark performance in terms of cost, weight and ustainable use of materials.”

As Britain’s biggest investor in automotive research and development, and the biggest investor in manufacturing R&D, Jaguar Land Rover is spending £2.75 billion in the year to March 2014 on product creation. Jaguar Land Rover showcased a number of the other collaborative research projects it is leading at the LCV 2013 event. These projects include the extreme downsizing of internal combustion engines, efficient management and storage of heat energies and weight reduction of engines through innovative new design concepts.

Commenting on these research projects, Dr Wolfgang Epple, Jaguar Land Rover Director Research and Technology said: “Jaguar Land Rover has ambitious plans for growth. We believe that the success of our global business – and the UK economy – lies in engineering and innovation. Our research programmes bring together some of the best engineering minds in the UK. With Evoque_e, we will build on previous Jaguar Land Rover technology demonstrators and show clearly the breadth of our capability and commitment in advanced powertrain technology.”

Jaguar Land Rover already collaborates with a number of leading universities in the UK on a range of technology and skills projects. More than half of Jaguar Land Rover’s research and advanced engineering team are based at Warwick University’s Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), to work collaboratively on key new technologies including energy storage, weight reduction and digital verification.

Antony Harper, Jaguar Land Rover Head of Research, illustrated the importance of this work and its benefits to the company and the UK economy, saying: “We are keenly aware that not all the clever people work for us and our collaborative research programmes harness the best of UK engineering innovation, to develop new and exciting technologies.

“The development of our business and our continuing investment in R&D has also encouraged inward investment into the UK, with our suppliers creating and funding their own research projects in UK universities. Technology Strategy Board funding allows us to multiply the effect of our investment and nurture UK-based technology investment, in supporting our work to address future needs, wants and legislation around the world.”

Double Victory for Audi Hybrids at WEC round in Brazil [VIDEO]

Audi has remained unbeaten in the 2013 sports car season to date. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro hybrid sports car has won the fourth of eight rounds in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). In addition, it claimed victory in the 12-hour classic at Sebring in March.

The race weekend in Brazil ended in victory for Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer (CH/D/F) ahead of Loïc Duval/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish (F/DK/GB). On clinching their success in the São Paulo 6 Hours, the winners reduced the gap to their team colleagues in the drivers’ standings by eight to 22 points.

After a flawless race, the current World Champions celebrated their second WEC win of the season following their success at Spa in May. 38,000 spectators watched Fässler/Lotterer/Tréluyer in car number ‘1’ cross the finish line at Interlagos with a three-lap advantage over their sister car.

The situation in the standings at the season’s midpoint has thus become more thrilling again after the Le Mans winners Loïc Duval (F), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) had arrived with a 30-point advantage.

The significant gap in the race, though, does not reflect the true performance delivered by car number ‘2.’ In the early phase, Audi factory driver Allan McNish dominated the action. But then the drivers’ trio experienced an unusual streak of misfortune. In a safety car period, Tom Kristensen, after pitting, returned to the track behind a slower GT race car.

The nine-time Le Mans winner, who drove the fastest race lap as well, lost around half a minute because the car in front was not keeping the pace of the pack ahead. Loïc Duval subsequently took over the cockpit and was in the process of starting a recovery when, on lap 142 at the exit of the pit lane, he lost the right rear wheel of his car, which had gotten jammed while being mounted.

Thus, Duval had to complete one lap on three wheels. The resulting two stop-and-go penalties completed the misfortune of the leaders of the standings who thus lost four laps in total.

In the end though, Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich had reason to be pleased with a race weekend that left nothing to be desired. Audi Sport Team Joest, on taking grid positions one and two, setting the fastest race lap and scoring a one-two result, achieved the maximum that was possible and celebrated the first victory in South America.

Only the eagerly awaited battle with Toyota did not take place. The challenger’s only race car had become involved in an accident as early as on lap 25 and, as a result, was forced to retire.

In three weeks from now, Audi Sport is aiming to continue its string of success. On September 22, the WEC will be racing on the circuit at Austin in the US state of Texas for the first time.

Toyota Yaris Hybrid-R designed for Road or Track

Toyota has transformed the volume-selling Yaris hatch into a dynamic track or road car by injecting it with high-performance engineering and advanced hybrid technology inspired by the company's Le Mans racing program.

The Yaris Hybrid-R, which will make its world premiere at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show, is a showcase of ideas for the future development of hybrid technology to achieve maximum performance and increased driving pleasure.The concept car's hybrid powertrain combines a highly tuned 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine and two powerful electric motors to provide total output of 313kW (420hp). The direct-injection turbo, which has been adapted to racing conditions, provides 224kW (300hp) of power and 420Nm of torque to drive the front wheels.

It was specifically developed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH according to FIA (International Automobile Federation) rules for a Global Race Engine to be used in different motorsport disciplines, such as the World Rally Championship and the World Touring Car Championship

At the rear of the Yaris Hybrid-R, each wheel is powered by a 45kW (60hp) electric motor, providing an "intelligent" electric four-wheel drive capability. The motors generate electricity during braking and supplement the petrol engine during acceleration.

As with Toyota's TS030 hybrid Le Mans race car, the energy recovered from braking is stored in a super capacitor. Its high power density and fast charge/discharge speed are perfectly suited to the requirements of sporty driving on a track, which requires brief and immediate bursts of power.

Track and road modes

The Yaris Hybrid-R driver can push a button on the steering wheel to select "road" mode for day-to-day driving or "track" mode for competition."Track" mode makes full use of available performance, with the rear electric motors able to reach a combined maximum power peak of 90kW (120 hp) for up to five seconds.A third 45kW electric motor, located between the engine and the six-gear sequential transmission, can operate as an advanced traction-control system.

At low speeds, or in a curve, when the engine power and torque exceed the grip potential of the front wheels, the motor can convert torque from the petrol engine into electric energy and direct it to the rear wheels.The twin rear electric motors can also enhance handling characteristics during cornering by altering the distribution of torque between the left and right rear wheels, achieving the same effect as an intelligent torque vectoring differential. Depending on the radius of the curve, the system can send more torque to the outside rear wheel, apply more braking force to the inside wheel or even brake and accelerate each wheel independently to promote a better driving line and to limit understeer.

Selecting "road" mode reduces engine output and the amount of energy distributed by the super capacitor. The hybrid system works seamlessly with the 1.6-litre turbo, especially during start-up phase at low rpm when the engine's efficiency is not yet optimum. The super capacitor can release the energy recovered under braking for a maximum duration of 10 seconds, while the total power of the two electric motors is limited to 30kW (40hp). Depending on the state of charge of the battery, the Yaris Hybrid-R can be operated in full electric mode for short distances, especially during parking operations.

The Toyota press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show will take place in Hall 8, Stand D19, at 12:45pm (20:45pm AEST) on Tuesday 10 September.

700 Hp Audi Sport Quattro Plug-In Hybrid concept bound for Frankfurt

Quattro is Audi and Audi is quattro – the brand and the technology are indelibly linked. In celebration of the 30th birthday of the Sport quattro, Audi will present its legitimate successor at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt am Main. The Audi Sport quattro concept show car continues the grand quattro tradition, with a stunning coupe design and plug-in hybrid drive with a system output of 515 kW (700 hp).

quattro is more than just a technology – quattro is a philosophy. The term stands for driving safety and sportiness, technical competence and a dynamic approach to life. Since the debut of the "Ur-quattro" in 1980, Audi has sold more than five million cars with permanent all-wheel drive, far more than any other premium manufacturer worldwide. The strengths of the quattro concept and its successes in racing have been impressively displayed for over three decades now.

One legendary Audi classic is the Sport quattro, which made its debut at the 1983 IAA and was designed as a homologation model for the World Rally Championship. With 225 kW (306 hp) and many technical innovations, it was the supercar of its day. The short wheelbase, which honed the handling, gave the Sport quattro an unmistakable look. The competition car wrote racing history. Walter Röhrl drove it to a convincing victory in the 1987 Pike's Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado, U.S.A.

Powerful performance: the plug-in hybrid drive

The plug-in hybrid drive makes the Audi Sport quattro concept a breathtakingly dynamic coupe. System output is 515 kW (700 hp); system torque is 800 Nm (590.05 lb-ft). Power flows through a modified eight-speed tiptronic to the quattro powertrain, which features a sport differential on the rear axle. According to the applicable standard, the show car consumes on average 2.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (94.09 US mpg), a CO2 equivalent of 59 grams per kilometer (94.95 g/mile).

The combustion engine is a four-liter, twin-turbo V8. It produces 412 kW (560 hp) and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque. The cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates four cylinders under part load, and a start-stop system make the sonorous eight-cylinder unit very efficient.

Located between the 4.0 TFSI and the transmission is a disc-shaped electric motor producing 110 kW and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft). It draws its traction energy from a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery in the rear with a capacity of 14.1 kWh. The show car is charged via an Audi wall box, which uses intelligent charge management to ensure the optimal feed of energy to the lithium-ion battery. The Audi Sport quattro concept can cover up to 50 kilometers (31.07 miles) on electric power alone. An intelligent management system controls the interplay between the two drives as needed, and the driver can choose between various operating modes.

The customer can choose between various characteristics for the Audi Sport quattro concept depending on the operating and driving strategy. A choice of three modes is available. EV mode is for purely electric driving; Hybrid mode for maximum efficiency and Sport mode for maximum performance.

In EV mode, only the electric motor is active. With a peak electric output of 110 kW and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque, electric driving both inside and outside the city is possible. An active accelerator indicates the transition to hybrid operation to the driver so that he/she can consciously control the switch between electric and hybrid vehicle.

In Hybrid mode, environmental and route data are used to compute the optimal use of the electric motor and combustion engine for fuel efficiency and implement this via the operating strategy. If navigation is active, the route is optimized for efficiency. This mode also includes the ability to customize the operating strategy. If the driver wants to retain a certain amount of electric range or to drive certain route segments on electric power, they can use the Hold or Charge function to precisely adjust the charge of the battery even without charging from the power grid.

In Sport mode, the operating strategy sets the drive system for maximum power and performance. The electric boost function supports the combustion engine in all driving situations. The energy management system ensures that the battery always has sufficient charge.

When the V8 and the electric motor work together, the Audi Sport quattro concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds – much like the powerful Audi rally cars once did. Its top speed is 305 km/h (189.52 mph).

The lightweight construction concept also plays a large part in this dynamic performance. The occupant cell combines ultra-high-strength steel panels and cast aluminum structural elements. The doors and fenders are made of aluminum, and the roof, the engine hood and the rear hatch are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. The result is a curb weight including the battery pack of just 1,850 kilograms (4,078.55 lb).

The show car's chassis is easily able to handle the drive system's power. Handling is as dynamic as it is stable. The front suspension features five control arms per wheel; the rear suspension follows the Audi track-controlled trapezoidal link principle. Tautly tuned springs and dampers connect the Audi Sport quattro concept firmly to the road. The dynamic steering varies its ratio as a function of driving speed. The brake calipers grip large, carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs, and the tire format is 285/30 R 21.

Production-ready Porsche 918 Spyder will debut @ Frankfurt [VIDEO]

The Porsche 918 Spyder is celebrating its debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, 10 – 22 September. The super sports car with plug-in hybrid drive is not only a technology pioneer but also marks the beginning of a new era for sports car manufacturing. Never before has a super sports car designed for everyday use offered such an impressive bandwidth of dynamic performance combined with the fuel consumption of a compact car.

In setting this technological benchmark, the Porsche 918 Spyder is taking on a pioneering role similar to that of the 911 when it was first unveiled at the IAA 50 years ago. Appropriately, in honour of this anniversary, Porsche is presenting the limited edition "50 years 911" model. Based on the 911 Carrera S, this latest version of the iconic coupe combines traditional 911 features with state-of-the-art technology. On the subject of icons, Porsche is completing its line-up of sports cars at Frankfurt with the public unveiling of the new 911 Turbo – which, in turn, is 40 years after the turbocharged 911 was first shown.

In addition, the new generation of the Panamera Gran Turismo underlines the unique breadth of the Porsche range today. As the first plug-in hybrid in the luxury car market segment, the Panamera S E-Hybrid is further proof that Porsche is leading the field with its expertise in the development of fuel-efficient powertrain concepts for sports cars.

The outstanding combination of performance and efficiency for which Porsche is renowned remains consistently attractive to customers. Matthias Müller, President and CEO of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG recently said, "From January to July, we were able deliver around 95,300 new vehicles worldwide – that's 17% more than in the first seven months of 2012. We are therefore very confident about the next few months and we now firmly believe we will have sold more vehicles by the end of 2013 than we did in the previous year. Based on how things are going at the moment, we are set to have another record year – and that's in spite of the fact that the present economic climate is far from satisfactory."

2012 was the most successful year to date in the history of Porsche, with 143,096 vehicles sold and sales revenue of Euro 13.9 billion.

The Porsche genetic blueprint for the future: 918 Spyder with high-performance hybrid

The 918 Spyder is the continuation of the traditional Porsche DNA in a ground-breaking sports car concept. Designed from the start to be a high-performance hybrid, the 918 Spyder boasts an unprecedented combination of performance (offering the 887 hp output of a super sports car) and the virtually silent motion of an electric vehicle. The vehicle is able to accelerate from 0 – 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and offers an average standard fuel consumption of between 94 mpg and 85 mpg. The 918 Spyder also allows a combustion engine to be combined with an electric motor-based drive to further optimise the dynamic performance of the vehicle.

Toll switches on Australia’s first all-electric truck

Australia’s leading provider of transport and logistics, Toll Group, has unveiled Australia’s first 100 per cent electric truck.

The 10-tonne Smith Electric vehicle will be used for parcel pick-ups and deliveries around Brisbane, and was on display at Toll’s Larapinta depot in Brisbane’s south today.

Market-leading express road freight business Toll IPEC will use the all-electric vehicle during an initial three-month trial that will look at how the vehicle performs in Australian conditions, and its cost to operate. Speaking at today’s unveiling, Toll Group Environment and Energy General Manager Nick Prescott said Toll is constantly looking for ways to apply new technologies and practices to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources.

“We are extremely excited to be the first to get a look at this type of vehicle,” Mr Prescott said. “It is a shining example of the sorts of things we’re doing as part of our broader Smarter Green environmental program, which looks at the use of smarter fuels such as biodiesels, compressed natural gas and electric vehicles, but only when it makes operational and economic sense to do so. The Smith Electric adds to the many CNG, LNG and hybrid vehicles we operate in Australia and globally.

“Improving emissions, safety and energy consumption and costs also benefits our customers. That’s why we offer lower-carbonchoices through our technology, fuels and energy efficiency initiatives.” Toll will use data from on-board diagnostics that can be viewed online to monitor the vehicles’ performance in real-time.

Patico Automotive is the exclusive distributor of the Smith Electric range in the Oceania region. Managing Director Tony Fairweather said Patico was proud to be representing such an innovative brand as Smith Electric in this region, and was looking forward to trialling the vehicle in Australia.

“Smith Electric has been able to develop a product that makes absolute commercial sense, and we’re honoured Australia’s leading transport and logistics company, Toll, were so keen to be the first to use it,” Mr Fairweather said.

Peugeot to unveil 208 HYbrid FE concept at Frankfurt

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, PEUGEOT and Total will unveil their technological concept, the 208 HYbrid FE, a full petrol hybrid with exceptional characteristics and without a Plug-in energy source.

The Research and Development teams the two partners rose brilliantly to the challenge proposed by establishing a remarkable level of performance, based on a production PEUGEOT 208 hatchback: 0 to 100km/h / 0 to 62mph in 8.0 seconds and CO2 of just 49g/km over the official NEDC European Drive Cycle (Combined Cycle figure). Numerous innovations are implemented in several areas:

  • Aerodynamic properties: improvements of 25% for the CdA,
  • Weight: reduction of 20%,
  • Powertrain: 10% improvement in fuel economy,
  • Hybridisation: recovery of 25% of the energy over one drive cycle.

    The 208 HYbrid FE project combines ideas which until now acted against each other - Fuel Economy and Fun&Efficient, reason and driving pleasure - giving a preview of the vehicles of tomorrow.

    "The 208 HYbrid FE project is essential as it explores solutions for reaching the bar of 2l/100km. It also showcases our R&D work with our historic partner Total. Together, we are developing more economical vehicles, we are winning victories all over the world. Together, we are making good progress." Maxime Picat, Director General, Automobiles Peugeot

    "With the 208 HYbrid FE, PEUGEOT and Total are combining their expertise to offer the technical solutions of tomorrow. Energy efficiency is a strategic aspect for our Group as it is at the heart of the expectations of our customers, who wish to enjoy the benefits of efficiency and yet retain driving pleasure. It is also a response to contemporary environmental challenges and the means of preserving fossil fuels, which are precious resources." Philippe Boisseau, member of the Executive Committee, President of Marketing & Services and New Energies department at Total

    Since 1995, PEUGEOT and Total have been working extensively together to significantly increase fuel economy, improve CO2 emissions and the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of motor vehicles. For PEUGEOT, this is a long-standing environmental policy. With this commitment, in 2013 the Marque is reducing still further the weighted average emissions of CO2 of its European ranges: by the end of May it was 116.3g/km, compared to 121.5g/km in 2012.

    Total's researchers are continually working on developing future motor vehicle fuels and lubricants.

    The Group provides PEUGEOT and its networks worldwide with FE (Fuel Economy) lubricants: by reducing friction in the combustion engine, these lubricants have contributed to a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions in the last ten years with PEUGEOT engines. The Total Excellium top-of-the-range fuels also contribute to improving fuel economy.

    The objective of the 208 HYbrid FE is to combine real driving pleasure with low CO2 emissions. More precisely, the intention is to halve the CO2 emissions of the PEUGEOT 208, equipped with the 1.0- litre VTi 68 and to provide it with acceleration comparable to a performance hatchback, so quite a challenge!

    The challenge is made all the greater for the teams of the 208 HYbrid FE project as the production PEUGEOT 208 is already renowned for its weight-saving design and its latest-generation engines that allow it to offer a high-level driving experience.

    To rise to this challenge, Total and PEUGEOT therefore combined their capacity for innovation in all areas capitalising on the virtuous circle initiated by the hatchback.

    "The goal of 49g and acceleration from rest in 8.0 seconds is as difficult to achieve as victory on the other side of the world. The small team consisting of the best experts in each of the areas brought all of its creativity and enthusiasm into play, and we did it!" Bruno Famin, Director, PEUGEOT Sport

    The 208 HYbrid FE, all part of the Marque's hybrid strategy
    The policy goal in terms of CO2 is ambitious. It involves achieving 95g/km on weighted average of the new vehicles sold in Europe in 2020. To rise to this challenge without sacrificing driving pleasure, PEUGEOT is investing in several technologies which are already present on its vehicles and achieving substantial progress: continuous improvement of the efficiency of the internal combustion engines, down-sizing strategy, widespread use of the Stop & Start, electric drive ...

    The HYbrid4 diesel-electric hybridisation, is part of this process. Launched as a world first by PEUGEOT on the 3008 Crossover, it has since been extended to the 508 RXH and the 508 Saloon. Over 28,000 customers of the HYbrid4 technology have discovered an new driving pleasure which combines performance, simplicity of use, silent-driving and reducing environmental impact with CO2 emissions from 88g/km.

    With the 2008 HYbrid Air, PEUGEOT is innovating once more in the interests of the environment and of its customers in all of its markets. In fact, this breakthrough technology combines petrol and compressed air to fulfil customer expectations and rise to the challenges facing the motor industry.

    On the current generation of B segment vehicles, the HYbrid Air considerably improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions. In fact, on completion of the homologated Drive Cycle tests, the figures are set at just 2.9l/100km (97.4mpg) and 69g/km. This technology is a key step towards the goal of reducing fuel consumption to just 2.0l/100km (141.2mpg).

    The 208 HYbrid FE combines innovations which will make it possible to achieve this record figure.

    PEUGEOT style, naturally efficient
    Fluidity is part of the Marque's stylistic heritage, it is in its DNA. On the 208 HYbrid FE, the aerodynamics experts took the exercise to an extreme. So, the Cd improves by 25%, to a value slightly lower than 0.25 and a real feat on a conventional vehicle where the passenger space and boot are maintained!

    To achieve this, the air is parted by the 'floating grille' redesigned for permeability and reduced by 40% to just 5dm². In fact, as the engine has been modified for efficiency, it duly requires less cooling.

    On the body sides, any flow disrupting components has been eliminated to help improve the aero performance. The tyres, specially developed by Michelin, are of the Tall&Narrow type, ie: of large diameter and narrow width. They are fitted on 19" alloy wheels on which the carbon aerodynamic flaps fill the space between each spoke.

    Cameras provide the rear vision, the image being reproduced on board on the interior mirror reminiscent of sporting disciplines like endurance racing. The rear track also contributes to this efficiency by being narrower by 40mm, further reducing the Cd. Finally, the design of the roof extends in an almost horizontal movement leading into the tailgate spoiler.

    The rear aspect, with chamfered edges, has an air deflector in its lower section. It deflects the airflow which passes under the vehicle without hindrance due to the completely flat floor.

    Finally, to reduce its environmental footprint as much as possible, the LED lamps of the 208 HYbrid FE have thin vertical fins, inspired by the Onyx Concept supercar. These features minimise the air flow turbulence.

    A considerable reduction in weight: 20%
    When it was launched, the PEUGEOT 208 hatchback shook up the segment, notably due to its light weight - from only 975kg at the Access level. This performance is remarkable, but in the future vehicles will need to be even lighter while still providing the high levels of comfort and safety.

    "Reducing the weight was a primary area of consideration. To achieve the 20% reduction in the weight of the vehicle we carried out a study part by part and equipped the 208 HYbrid FE with the most innovative materials from Hutchinson, CCP Composites and Total's Polymers activity. This process is even more virtuous as it does not sacrifice any of the safety and comfort used in the vehicle while introducing real innovations." Philippe Girard, Scientific Department Representative, Total Composite materials

    The 208 HYbrid FE benefits from the latest material innovations developed by the Polymers Division of the Refining-Chemicals department at Total, as well as by its two subsidiaries CCP Composites and Hutchinson.

    Taken from the end of the assembly line, the 208 retains its metal structure. Composite components replace bodywork panels and the floor, further reducing the weight of the body shell from 295 to 227kg. The one-piece outer skin (weighing just 20kg), the flat base (8kg), the door panels (c2kg) and the lower front panel are made from carbon fibre. The bonnet (5kg) and the wings (c2.1kg) are constructed from a composite VER/Carbon, a material which is half the weight but with comparable structural properties. It is obtained from a new type of resin which can be used untreated, painted or colour-dyed.

    Finally, with the exception of the door windows, the glazing uses polycarbonate to further save 5kg.

    The 208 HYbrid FE innovates in its use as this material has up until now be reserved for headlight lenses. It reduces the weight by more than 50% compared to conventional glass.

    Innovative suspension and wheels
    The 208 HYbrid FE rests on innovative pseudo MacPherson suspension with a 'glass fibre resin' composite transverse located blade. It replaces several components: suspension springs, lower wishbones and anti-roll bar. The front blade also has varying flexibility along its length. Designed and produced by Hutchinson, using these two blades saves 20kg.

    Due to their dimensions, the 145/65 R19 wheels themselves reduce the rolling resistance by 20%. They also require less effort on the steering wheel to direct them, making steering assistance superfluous: saving in space under the bonnet, fuel consumption and extra weight. The wheels are fitted onto low friction bearings assisted by special Total grease.

    The wheel rims house large brake discs 380mm in diameter and 9.6mm thick. They are rigged with two-piston callipers, 44.5mm at the front and 31.8mm at the rear.

    On braking, the reduced effort on the pedal and the intervention of the electric motor mean that the supplementary braking assistance can be eliminated.

    A passenger compartment for five occupants
    The 208 HYbrid FE needed to retain the interior features of the production hatchback model. The result proves it: a very economical vehicle that can comfortably accommodate five people and their luggage. Only the air conditioning is eliminated due to its impact on fuel consumption.

    The composite door trim pads are developed by Total's Polymers Division using Polypropylene reinforced with natural fibres. Its excellent structure, rigidity and impact absorption properties are accompanied by a reduction in weight of up to 15% and mean a reduction in the carbon footprint of these components. The centre console and vent trims are of VER resin (CCP Composites) left untreated to offer an appearance not previously seen before. In fact, their slightly amber honey colour reveals the natural fibres through transparency.

    The weight reduction techniques have also been applied to the petrol engine and the gearbox.

    An efficient and high-performance power train
    The 208 HYbrid FE is driven by a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which combines development of the latest generation of 3-cylinder engine with a battery and an electric motor taken from PEUGEOT Sport's Endurance programme. Special engine management and special software control the entire drive train. Overall, the efficiency of the powertrain increases by an impressive 10%.

    "The challenge of this project consisted of combining engine optimisations (reciprocating gears, cylinder head, etc.) and optimising the flow of energy between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. All of the solutions can potentially be carried over to production." Julien Lidsky, Manager, 208 HYbrid FE Powertrain, PEUGEOT Sport

    1.2-litre VTi-FE petrol engine of high efficiency
    The 3-cylinder engine has undergone several modifications: optimisation of the engine operational cycle, reduction of friction losses, thermomanagement... All of these advances lead to fuel economy improvements by 10% yet with power maintained at 68bhp (50kW).

    The Miller Cycle is accentuated and the compression ratio modified from 11:1 to 16:1 to increase the engine's thermodynamic efficiency. This can lead to self-ignition of the mixture (or knock), which is potentially destructive. To prevent this, several actions were taken.

    So, the rate of unburned elements in the combustion chamber is reduced by valves of increased diameter, redesigned exhaust pipes, a redesigned manifold, and an adapted valve lift pattern. Furthermore, the heat exchanges are optimised in the cylinder block due to coolant passages arranged between the cylinders. The coolant now passes through the cylinder head along its entire length to recover the heat around each source: combustion chambers, between injectors and spark plugs.

    The engine adopts direct injection which, by means of very precise phasing with the closing of the cylinder, maximises the benefit of each molecule of fuel. The variable setting at the inlet and at the exhaust extends the range of optimum efficiency to the entire engine speed range, both at full load and partial load.

    However, not all of these various developments favour power at high engine speed. So, the capacity is modified to 1,233cm3 by increasing the bore and the stroke (75mm x 93mm) to maintain the declared 68bhp (50kW). On the other hand, this progress benefits the maximum torque produced which increases by 25%.

    All of the moving components are specific to the 208 HYbrid FE. The nitrated steel crankshaft, the titanium con rods and the aluminium-copper alloy pistons are cut from solid. So, their weight is reduced in spite of the increase in capacity; the con rods and Gudgeon pins being halved.

    The friction losses are a challenge as they represent approximately 1/5th of the power consumed by an engine. On the 208 HYbrid FE, they are reduced by approximately 40% notably by the crankshaft, the pistons and the Gudgeon pin, the piston rings and the camshaft followers. These components are given a diamond-like Carbon coating and are geometrically optimised.

    The weight of the cylinder head, also cut from a solid block, is halved due to the reduced thicknesses permitted by its design and the characteristics of the aluminium used. The coolant circuit and the inlet line are made by rapid prototyping of resins charged with glass fibres or carbon. To do this, the laser beam of a 3D printer fuses successive layers of aluminium powder. This produces a functional component quickly and more cheaply in the context of individual specialised manufacture.

    Produced using the same process, the piston base jets serve here both to cool them on use under load and to heat the oil as quickly as possible on starting.

    This virtuous circle affects all of the areas explored by this technological demonstrator. So, the size of the radiator is reduced, benefiting the aerodynamic properties. The alternator, the starter and the reverse gear are eliminated, reducing the weight, mechanical losses, but also in its overall dimensions.

    Piloted transmission
    The base of the production piloted manual gearbox is retained for its high efficiency and its integrated actuators. The casings cut from a solid block houses a cascade of gears to connect the electric engine to the differential crown wheel. To reduce friction losses, the teeth of the gears are given a tungsten carbide chrome coating.

    The greasing is redesigned to reduce the volume of lubricant necessary and prevent splashing over the gears, which also consumes energy. Now, the lubricant is moved to the highest point by the final drive crown wheel before circulating through gravity over the entire mechanism. The prototype gearbox oil is developed by Total Lubricants based on bio-sourced oils, of 75W grade with a very high viscosity index (higher than 250). This produces a 3% reduction in consumption, and becomes a preview of the lubricants of the future.

    Taken directly from a competition environment, a fluid grease of low density also reduces the quantity deemed necessary. Its longevity is assured by operation at a lower temperature due to a reduction in friction and finally, the hub bearings adopt a special fluid grease, which adheres but limits friction losses.

    Fuel and lubricant
    The 208 HYbrid FE passes the CO2 emissions cycle with a benchmark Super 95 fuel. The performance additives of the Excellium type, developed by Total Additives and Special Fuels, would alone reduce the CO2 emissions of this engine by more than one additional gramme per kilometre.

    "The 208 HYbrid FE offers a convergence of innovations from the laboratories of Total. Today, the group's researchers are developing biofuels, energy saving lubricants (Fuel-Eco lubricants) and special additives all contributing to improving fuel economy. In France, close to 250 researchers are working on developing the products of tomorrow." Philippe Montantême, Senior Vice President Marketing and Research Strategy, Marketing & Services department at Total

    A special engine oil of extremely low viscosity has been developed by Total Lubricants using ultrafluid based oils and by the addition of friction reducing agents containing molybdenum. Of grade 0W12, this oil develops its properties very rapidly with a shorter temperature rise time. Optimised as regards friction, it retains, both when hot and when cold, an advantage compared to the best products on the market. Thus improving fuel economy, here again a few more grammes are saved!

    A hybridisation taken from endurance experience
    The project has benefited from the expertise of PEUGEOT Sport with its experience acquired in endurance competition. So, the electric motor and the battery are those developed for the PEUGEOT 908 HYbrid4 endurance race car.

    "The hybridisation developed for the 908 HYbrid4 is state-of-the-art in this domain. The work consisted of integrating it within the power train of the 208 to recover as much energy as possible on braking and using its full potential on acceleration." Pierre Lebrene, Manager, 208 HYbrid FE Energy Recovery System, PEUGEOT Sport

    A special architecture The electric machine combines power and lightness as, at only 7kg, it develops 30kW as a motor and 100kW as a brake generator. In both modes, its torque reaches a maximum of 30Nm. Proportional to the speed of the vehicle, its maximum speed is 40,000rpm. This electric motor provides the reverse gear function, by inverting the direction of rotation, and the starter function. It also provides access to ZEV driving, purely electric.

    The Lithium-ion battery, which has a capacity of two usable MJ or 0.56kWh, consists of 0.56 cells of 90V each. They are arranged in groups, which permits the ability to isolate one if deemed necessary.

    To ensure that this strategic unit is cooled correctly, Total has developed a special oil for circulating in the dedicated radiator.

    Weighing 25kg, it is installed, with the 20-litre petrol tank, on a subframe which is bolted underneath the vehicle directly below the rear bench seat. Here, sporting experience is demonstrated with improved weight distribution. For the inverter and the ECU, these are installed under the bonnet in the space left free by the braking assistance. The hybridisation has no effect on the interior packaging, so the inside the vehicle the passenger space is maintained.

    The principle of operation
    During deceleration phases, whether by releasing the accelerator pedal or through braking, the vehicle is slowed down primarily by the electric motor. The hydraulic braking only comes into operation at the end of braking phase to maximise the recovery of the energy available. Over one homologation cycle, this recovery is 25%. Then, on acceleration, this energy is returned and assists the petrol engine according to various parameters: acceleration dictated by the driver and the gear selected.

    The 208 HYbrid FE, Fun&Efficient and Fuel Efficiency
    The PEUGEOT and Total teams, who have been working for months on creating this technological demonstrator, can be justifiably proud.

    Up until now, there have been low consumption vehicles and high performance vehicles. For the first time, these two qualities are combined in the same vehicle.

    The emissions of CO2 are just 49g/km. The different areas divide up the reduction of 50g/km as follows:

  • weight reduction, aerodynamic properties and tyres: 40% that is 20g,
  • hybridisation: 40% that is 20g,
  • engine and gearbox: 20% that is 10g.

    The performance aspect, which improves from 14 to 8 seconds over the 0 to 100km/h / 0-62mph exercise is also contributed to by:

  • weight reduction, aerodynamic properties and tyres: 4 seconds,
  • hybridisation: 2 seconds.

    The 208 HYbrid FE proves itself beyond the figures. Due to the virtuous circle in which the two partners became involved, the driver enjoys new experiences at the wheel of this technological demonstrator: acceleration worthy of a GTi with mixed fuel economy of 2.1 1/100km (112mpg). Without any loss of comfort or ease of use, the driver will rediscover a direct link with the road due to the elimination of the powered, energy-consuming assistance.

    "At the beginning of the project, the objective seemed very ambitious, of a very high level. It was! The two partners, PEUGEOT and Total, achieved it by combining their technological expertise. PEUGEOT Sport has contributed its expertise to the project and has identified new areas of development. Production and competition are progressing together." Christophe Mary, Technical Manager of the 208 HYbrid FE project, PEUGEOT Sport

    The 208 HYbrid FE proves that the emotional aspect will always have its place in a PEUGEOT vehicle, even in an increasingly restrictive energy and environmental context. PEUGEOT and Total are the major players in a modern vision of the motor vehicle.