Category: Hybrid

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Peugeot 308 R Hybrid 500 hp AWD hot hatch [VIDEO]

Feast your eyes on the ultimate 308. PEUGEOT has unveiled a stunning new version of the compact family hatchback – with a combined 500 bhp and four-wheel drive.

Badged the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid, it has been developed by PEUGEOT Sport, the brand’s famous in-house engineering and racing division, which last year unveiled the critically acclaimed RCZ R. The car’s plug-in petrol hybrid powertrain results in a car capable of hitting 62mph (100km/h) in 4.0 seconds, yet still has astonishingly low CO2 emissions of 70g/km.

At the heart of the PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is a plug-in powertrain with four-wheel drive that develops 500hp. The unit combines three sources of power, each capable of moving the vehicle independently of the others. They are a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP 270 S&S petrol engine, plus two electric motors – each with power of 85kW/115hp – mounted one on each axle. The front one is linked to the six-speed gearbox.

The result is a family hatchback which is capable of supercar performance. The PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid can hit 62mph (100km/h) from a standing start in only 4.0 seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 155mph. In spite of such astonishing performance, CO2 emissions are just 70g/km.

“If we were able to reach this kind of performance on a C-segment, it is all down to our passion for a challenge and our desire for excellence. PEUGEOT 308 R HYbrid is part of a very select club of cars reaching 0-62mph in four seconds” says Jean-Philippe Delaire, PEUGEOT Sport Head of Development, 308 R HYbrid powertrain.

PEUGEOT Sport has been involved in every stage of development of the 308 R HYbrid, using its technical expertise and successful racing record to define the specifications of each component. For impeccable dynamic handling, the car’s weight has been optimised and placed as low as possible. The lithium-ion 3kWh battery has an excellent ratio between power and size, and is housed under the rear seats in place of the fuel tank. In turn, the 50-litre tank has been placed in the boot above the rear electric motor and two transformers.

The PEUGEOT Sport engineers have equipped the car with four driving modes:

  • Hot Lap mode is the most powerful, harnessing the full potential from the three power sources to reach a total of 500hp and maximum torque of 730Nm.
  • Track mode delivers 400hp and 530Nm, mainly from the petrol engine and the rear electric motor. The front electric motor serves as an additional booster when accelerating.
  • Road mode is specially designed for road use with power of 300hp and torque of 400Nm. The petrol engine delivers its full potential, while the rear electric motor helps during accelerations. The front electric motor is not used in this mode.
  • ZEV makes priority use of the rear electric motor. The front electric motor comes into play, depending on the pressure applied on the accelerator pedal.

    The all-wheel drive system of the 308 R HYbrid makes for formidable handling, especially when coming out of the corners. The braking system is on a par with the car's performance, with 380mm ventilated discs at the front, gripped by four pistons, and 290mm discs to the rear. However, they are not used every time the brakes are applied, because PEUGEOT Sport has designed the powertrain to decelerate using the electric motors throughout the full speed range, starting at 155mph. Not only does this preserve the discs and pads, but uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

    It is one of three recharging strategies. The second uses the front electric motor as a generator, driven by the petrol engine, while the third solution is a rapid recharging terminal restoring the battery to its maximum power in just 45 minutes.

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    Mitsubishi to Launch Outlander Sport Plug-In Hybrid in 2016

    Mitsubishi is planning to bring to the US a plug-in hybrid version of its smaller Outlander Sport model – a segment of the market where previous to this week no automaker offered any hybrid, but to which both Toyota and Nissan have now thrown their hat in the ring.

    Mitsubishi says of its baby PHEV: 'The system is estimated to achieve very low CO2 emissions of below 40g/km while also delivering gutsy and smooth performance with its 163bhp electric motor.' It adds that it is developing plug-in electric hybrid systems best suited to each model in its line-up with a view to introducing them in the near future.

    "We are committed to huge investments in capital as well as huge investments in R&D," Mitsubishi's Don Swearingen, executive vice president for sales and fixed operations at Mitsubishi Motors North America said.

    "With the way our company was structured and the financial conditions that we were in, we had to get ourselves (back) on solid ground" before making this commitment,

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    Nissan Launch X-Trail Hybrid in Japan

    Nissan has introduced the X-Trail Hybrid in Japan, equipped with a 2-liter MR20DD four-cylinder engine and an electric motor.

    Nissan says the hybrid powertrain “delivers a comfortable driving experience with its powerful acceleration and remarkable quietness, which eclipse those of typical 2.5-liter gasoline engines.”

    The 2.0-liter gasoline engine delivers 147PS (145hp) at 6,000 rpm and 207Nm (153lb-ft) of torque from 4,400 rpm, while the RM31 electric motor has a maximum power output of 30 kW (40hp) and a maximum torque of 160Nm (118lb-ft). The hybrid system also includes a high-output lithium-ion battery which is able to charge/discharge quickly.

    In combination with an XTronic CVT, the hybrid powertrain achieves a fuel economy of 20.6 km/l (4.8 l/100 km or 48.5 mpg US) in the JC08 mode and meets Japan’s 2020 fuel economy standards, which means all grades are eligible for tax exemptions.

    Furthermore, the X-Trail Hybrid achieves a 75 percent reduction of NOx (nitrogen oxide) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) in exhaust emissions over 2005 standards and SU-LEV certification.

    The Nissan X-Trail Hybrid features Intelligent Dual Clutch Control, which is a two-clutch parallel hybrid system that delivers engine and motor energy mechanically to the transmission without having a motor assist or a torque converter, thus favoring responsive starts and acceleration.

    In terms of equipment, the Nissan X-Trail Hybrid gets Forward Emergency Braking as a standard feature, as well as the NissanConnect Navigation System, the latest generation in-car navigation, information and entertainment system with smartphone link application. Nissan is planning to also introduce Forward Emergency Braking as standard on major models in Japan, by the end of autumn 2015. The X-Trail Hybrid is priced from 2,804,760 yen ($23,415).

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    Toyota unveil 2016 RAV4 Hybrid [VIDEO]

    Toyota unveiled the new RAV4 Hybrid at the New York International Auto Show. The eighth hybrid in the Toyota lineup, the RAV4 Hybrid offers more power as well as better fuel economy than the conventional RAV4, according to Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager Bill Fay.

    The hybrid system consists of a 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter petrol engine and eCVT transmission along with an All-Wheel-Drive System with Intelligence (AWDi) featuring a rear motor that operates independently from the front motor. This additional electric motor delivers instant torque to the rear wheels only when additional traction is needed, thereby automatically helping prevent wheel spin.

    AWDi adapts to the angle or condition of the road, with no driver input needed. The electronic AWD provides increased safety and stability on slippery surfaces and enables a towing capacity of 1,650 kg (3,634 lbs). Easy and safe towing is ensured thanks to Trailer Sway Control system.

    RAV4 will also offer a new Bird’s Eye View Monitor. This Toyota-first technology utilizes four cameras that are mounted on the front, side mirrors and rear of the vehicle to give the driver a panoramic view of their surroundings. The system offers drivers assistance when parallel parking, and when pulling in and out of parking spaces.

    The Bird’s Eye View Monitor system also has an industry-first feature called Perimeter Scan, that gives drivers a live rotating 360-degree view of what is around the vehicle, helping them see objects that could be in the way.

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    BMW doubles i8 production to meet demand

    Although BMW has doubled the production capacity for the plug-in hybrid i8, the order backlog is, according to Production Director Harald Krüger still at 4.5 months.

    "We are really proud to see how this demands develops for a completely new car," Kruger said at the BMW Financial News Conference. Pride partly because of the spectacular E-athletes have been accepted even better than expected in the market, and secondly because the production team at the Leipzig plant has got a handle on the production processes of the vehicle with a high carbon content faster than expected.

    Since launch in summer 2014 a total of 1,741 i8 were delivered. Given the high demand BMW have doubled the production number. Currently 20 cars per day will be built. Nevertheless, demand is still rising.

    Overall, BMW sold 17,793 i models last year including 16,052 i3. Norbert Reithofer acknowledged that BMW are satisfied with the development because of the valuable experience developed through the i-series with Reithofer emphasizing the goal of electrification power trains through all series.

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    Laguna Seca Shoot-Out: McLaren P1 vs. 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder [VIDEO]

    Two 900 hp plug-in hybrids, the McLaren P1 versus the Porsche 918 Spyder.

    Both of these cars have carbon fiber tubs and body panels. Both have small displacement, high revving V-8s packed between their passenger compartments and rear axles. Both use twin-clutch transmissions, carbon ceramic brakes, and active aerodynamics. Both have roughly 900 hp.

    With the help of pro racing driver Randy Pobst, Motor Trend find out which one is fastest around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca!

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    Chris Harris – McLaren P1 Hybrid [VIDEO]

    Chris Harris takes the McLaren P1 hybrid hypercar for a drive around the UK in typical wet British weather.

    The car is obviously a gorgeous piece of automotive engineering but watching this video you could be forgiven for forgetting the P1 is a hybrid. Unfortunately no mention is made of the electric powertrain until the last minute of the film when Harris hits E-mode for a short demo.

    Better late than never, as the saying goes!

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    Audi Launch 2015 R18 E-Tron Quattro WEC

    Audi Motorsport has taken the wraps off the 2015 R18 e-tron quattro scheduled to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

    The new version has some big shoes to fill taking into account last year's model triumphed at Le Mans, but Audi is confident they can repeat the 2014 success thanks to a more aerodynamic body. It features larger air inlets in the redesigned front wheel arches along with reshaped headlights benefiting from matrix LED and Audi Laserlight technologies. Also new are the front wing, hood and engine cover while the monocoque has been carried over.

    Audi has prepared two body configurations suitable for various tracks of the 2015 WEC calendar and they have also optimized the chassis in collaboration with Michelin. The engineers were responsible for doubling the amount of energy from 2 to 4 megajoules per race lap at Le Mans and during braking the energy recovered is then sent back to the front axle during acceleration.

    The electric motor has been upgraded to 272 HP (200 kW), representing a "significant increase" compared to last year's variant while the encapsulated flywheel energy storage system can now store 700 kilojoules which is 17% more than before.

    The LMP1 prototype tips the scales at just 870 kg (1,918 lbs) and now consumes 2.5% percent less diesel per lap than last year in order to meet the more stringent regulations implemented by FIA. Output of the TDI 4.0-liter V6 engine stands at 558 HP (410 kW) and only five engines will be available during the 2015 WEC season.

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    Next BMW i model not due until 2020

    BMW R&D chief Klaus Froehlich says the company will launch a third BMW i car but it won’t arrive until at least 2020.

    “We are still in the strategic research phase where we brainstorm,” BMW Group r&d chief Klaus Froehlich told Automotive News Europe. “Teams that start with a white sheet of paper. They talk with customers, hold workshops, then present their ideas and we decide.”

    Froehlich disputed media reports that claimed the third model after the i3 and i8 would be a variant of the X5 premium large SUV. He said the mission of the i subbrand is to change the perception of how a low-emissions car should look and perform, therefore there are no plans to re-package an existing BMW Group model and call it an i model.

    Also, he said the i subbrand is supposed to be a starting point for cutting-edge innovation that progressively moves down into the rest of the automaker’s lineup. Current examples include carbon fiber, which is a key part of the i3 and i8 and is moving into other BMWs, and the i8’s plug-in hybrid powertrain, which is being added to high-volume models such as X5, 3 series and 4 series.

    BMW will focus on steadily improving the i3 and i8 during the six-plus years until the subbrand’s portfolio grows again.

    “We have a minimum 20 percent battery density improvement every three years, thus over the i3 and i8’s life cycle, we will offer more performance, more range or a combination of the two,” Frohlich said.

    When asked whether current i3 and i8 owners would be able to switch to the more powerful electrical powertrains Froehlich said: “I don’t think a retrofit makes sense. When better batteries are available, we could then offer models with a longer range or with the same range but at a lower price.”

    BMW Ceo Norbert Reithofer, who approved the i project skunkworks that developed the lightweight, low-cost carbon-fiber composites and electric drivetrains for the i3 and i8, will step down in May to be be replaced by Harald Krüger, current head of production. Krüger is known to have a more pragmatic view of electric vehicles than Reithofer.

    Also BMW's R&D Chief, Herbert Diess, who oversaw the launch of the i3 and i8, and was thought to be a potential successor for BMW's CEO role was recently poached by Volkswagen to become chairman of VW's passenger car brand.

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    Plug-in Electric Car Sales Surge in Europe


    Plug-in electric car sales have undergone a huge rise in many key European markets according to figures released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA).
    The biggest gains came in the UK, where a 300 per cent rise in electric cars has taken place compared to this time last year.
    In total 75,331 new electric cars have been registered according to the ACEA, with Norway leading the way with just under 20,000 new registrations.
    In Germany electric car registrations are up by 70 percent, while in France they had climbed by almost 30 per cent compared to the 2013 figures.
    Total Electrically Charged Vehicles = Pure Electric Vehicles + Extended-Range Electric Vehicles + Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
    Q4Q4% ChgQ1-Q4Q1-Q4% Chg
    ’14’1314/13’14’1314/13
    AUSTRIA93983113.0%3,6413,22712.8%
    BELGIUM59531191.3%2,032819148.1%
    BULGARIA20n.a.21100.0%
    CZECH REPUBLIC241109121.1%58347522.7%
    DENMARK676225200.4%1,612650148.0%
    ESTONIA10046117.4%402150168.0%
    FINLAND1309241.3%440218101.8%
    FRANCE4,2482,77353.2%12,4889,62229.8%
    GERMANY3,9692,71546.2%13,1187,70670.2%
    GREECE223633.3%6441500.0%
    HUNGARY146133.3%4316168.8%
    IRELAND197171.4%25650412.0%
    ITALY492497-1.0%1,4731,17425.5%
    LATVIA22045400.0%391132907.7%
    NETHERLANDS3,24116,926-80.9%12,92022,495-42.6%
    POLAND1,578571176.4%3,9681,900108.8%
    PORTUGAL846040.0%28922130.8%
    ROMANIA42100.0%7475.0%
    SLOVAKIA453818.4%16913624.3%
    SPAIN644261146.7%1,40588359.1%
    SWEDEN1,203457163.2%4,6671,547201.7%
    UNITED KINGDOM6,086676800.3%15,3613,833300.8%
    EUROPEAN UNION24,55226,610-7.7%75,33155,14436.6%
    EU1522,34825,834-13.5%69,76652,44933.0%
    EU (New Members)2,204776184.0%5,5652,695106.5%
    NORWAY4,6953,70926.6%19,7678,210140.8%
    SWITZERLAND8187499.2%2,6931,71756.8%
    EFTA5,5134,45823.7%22,4609,927126.3%
    TOTAL EUROPE (EU+EFTA)30,06531,068-3.2%97,79165,07150.3%
    WEST. EUROPE (EU15+EFTA)27,86130,292-8.0%92,22662,37647.9%

    Pure Electric Vehicle
    Q4Q4% ChgQ1-Q4Q1-Q4% Chg
    ’14’1314/13’14’1314/13
    AUSTRIA34524043.8%1,28165495.9%
    BELGIUM32720956.5%1,164500132.8%
    BULGARIA20n.a.21100.0%
    CZECH REPUBLIC10217500.0%19737432.4%
    DENMARK676225200.4%1,612650148.0%
    ESTONIA10046117.4%398149167.1%
    FINLAND6114335.7%18350266.0%
    FRANCE3,6322,46147.6%10,5618,77920.3%
    GERMANY2,4752,18013.5%8,5226,05140.8%
    GREECE00n.a.00n.a.
    HUNGARY8560.0%3210220.0%
    IRELAND2156150.0%22149351.0%
    ITALY32727518.9%1,09886427.1%
    LATVIA137113600.0%17644300.0%
    NETHERLANDS1,2461,863-33.1%2,9822,61913.9%
    POLAND231921.1%8131161.3%
    PORTUGAL544035.0%18916613.9%
    ROMANIA42100.0%7475.0%
    SLOVAKIA195280.0%586866.7%
    SPAIN473234102.1%1,07681132.7%
    SWEDEN28118849.5%1,239432186.8%
    UNITED KINGDOM2,448388530.9%7,4162,719172.7%
    EUROPEAN UNION12,7558,41851.5%38,49524,58656.6%
    EU1512,3608,32348.5%37,54424,34454.2%
    EU (New Members)39595315.8%951242293.0%
    NORWAY4,3433,63219.6%18,0907,882129.5%
    SWITZERLAND501505-0.8%1,6591,15643.5%
    EFTA4,8444,13717.1%19,7499,038118.5%
    TOTAL EUROPE (EU+EFTA)17,59912,55540.2%58,24433,62473.2%
    WEST. EUROPE (EU15+EFTA)17,20412,46038.1%57,29333,38271.6%

    Electrically Charged Vehicles other than Pure Electric Vehicles = Extended-Range Electric Vehicles + Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
    Q4Q4% ChgQ1-Q4Q1-Q4% Chg
    ’14’1314/13’14’1314/13
    AUSTRIA5945910.5%2,3602,573-8.3%
    BELGIUM268102162.7%868319172.1%
    BULGARIA00n.a.00n.a.
    CZECH REPUBLIC1399251.1%386438-11.9%
    DENMARK00n.a.00n.a.
    ESTONIA00n.a.41300.0%
    FINLAND6978-11.5%25716853.0%
    FRANCE61631297.4%1,927843128.6%
    GERMANY1,494535179.3%4,5961,655177.7%
    GREECE223633.3%6441500.0%
    HUNGARY61500.0%11683.3%
    IRELAND41300.0%3513400.0%
    ITALY165222-25.7%37531021.0%
    LATVIA8332666.7%21592288.9%
    NETHERLANDS1,99515,063-86.8%9,93819,876-50.0%
    POLAND1,555552181.7%3,8871,869108.0%
    PORTUGAL302050.0%1005581.8%
    ROMANIA00n.a.00n.a.
    SLOVAKIA2633-21.2%111130-14.6%
    SPAIN17127533.3%32972356.9%
    SWEDEN922269242.8%3,4281,115207.4%
    UNITED KINGDOM3,6382881163.2%7,9451,114613.2%
    EUROPEAN UNION11,79718,192-35.2%36,83630,55820.5%
    EU159,98817,511-43.0%32,22228,10514.6%
    EU (New Members)1,809681165.6%4,6142,45388.1%
    NORWAY35277357.1%1,677328411.3%
    SWITZERLAND31724429.9%1,03456184.3%
    EFTA669321108.4%2,711889204.9%
    TOTAL EUROPE (EU+EFTA)12,46618,513-32.7%39,54731,44725.8%
    WEST. EUROPE (EU15+EFTA)10,65717,832-40.2%34,93328,99420.5%