A closer look at Audi’s new R8 e-tron EV and battery

The model line-up of the second generation of Audi’s high-performance R8 sports car, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, includes the new R8 e-tron battery-electric vehicle. The new R8 e-tron delivers 340 kW (456 hp) of power; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds; and a driving range of up to 450 km (279.6 mi). Range for the first generation R8 e-tron was was 215 km (133.6 mi).

Available for order this year upon customer request, the new R8 e-tron uses a newly developed high energy density Li-ion technology optimized for a purely electric vehicle drive. Li-ion cell energy density was increased from 84 to 152 Wh/kg; in comparison to the first technology platform, the battery capacity has grown from 48.6 kWh to 90.2 kWh—without changing the package.

R8 Overview. Visually, the 4.40 meter (14.4 ft) long Audi R8 e-tron is recognizable by its unique lighting solutions on the air inlets, front apron and sideblades. Its exterior skin, painted in Magnetic Blue, combines body parts made of aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), such as the front and rear lids.

The R8 e-tron Audi Space Frame (ASF) is based on the multimaterial design of the V10 version, which is extended by a rear body module made of CFRP. Despite its low weight, the corrugated bulkheads that conceal the luggage compartment can absorb a lot of energy in a rear-end collision.

With aerodynamic modifications to its cooling air inlet, rear spoiler, diffuser, underbody and sideblades, the drag coefficient (Cd) of the R8 e-tron is just 0.28.

The T-shaped Li-ion battery is structurally integrated in the middle tunnel and is mounted behind the occupant cell—this location offers a low center of gravity and an axle load distribution of 40:60 (front/rear). The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack consists of 52 modules. Compared to the first e-tron technology platform, the energy capacity of the new 595 kg (1,311.8 lb) battery system was boosted from around 48.6 kWh to 90.3 kWh without requiring any package modifications.

The two electric motors on the rear axle each output 170 kW and 460 N·m (339.3 lb-ft) of torque—i.e., combined torque is a massive 920 N·m (678.6 lb-ft). The R8 e-tron, which weighs just 1,841 kg (4058.7 lb) empty (without driver) has an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). Targeted Torque Vectoring—a need-based distribution of drive power between the rear wheels—gives the car maximum stability and dynamism.

Intelligent energy management and an electromechanical brake system at the rear axle ensure high rates of energy recuperation. The suspension springs consist of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), and the anti-roll bar is made of CFRP.

The R8 e-tron rides on aerodynamically optimized, high-gloss 19-inch aero wheels that were specially developed for this car. At the front axle, size 225/40R19 tires enable precise steering response. Size 275/40R19 tires transfer the torque of the electric motors to the road. The tires were specially developed for the requirements of an electric supercar, and they combine sporty driving properties with efficient rolling resistance values. Extremely sporty 20-inch wheels of the production R8 are available via the Audi Genuine Accessories program.

The R8 e-tron offers illuminated door sill trims, folding bucket seats and a specially configured Audi virtual cockpit. A heat pump removes waste heat from electrical components for thermal management and for interior climate control—an important efficiency module of the overall concept.

Audi also uses the latest development stage of the R8 e-tron as a high-tech laboratory—it also continues to play an important role in developing electric mobility of the future.

The R8 e-tron will be produced in the small-scale production facility of quattro GmbH at the Audi Neckarsulm site in the Böllinger Höfe.

The battery. The new battery cells are primarily responsible for the new performance and driving range of the Audi R8 e-tron. Audi has systematically adapted its high-voltage battery system to the specific needs of electric cars; the primary focus was on achieving an optimal ratio between power and energy.

In developing the high-voltage battery, Audi followed the principle of maximum flexibility without losing sight of synergies in electrification. The flexible cell module concept allows Audi to be situated for future market developments, while the modular concept also enables Volkswagen Group-wide use across different car models.

The battery operates with 385 volts of nominal voltage. The T-shaped battery system measures 235 cm (92.5 in) long, 136 cm (53.5 in) wide and 70 cm (27.6 in) high, including the junction box on the cross-bar of the “T”. This junction box is responsible for monitoring, switching and transmitting an electrical current of more than 1,200 amperes. The highly complex battery system consists of more than 10,000 individual parts.

The 7,488 cells are packed in 52 modules of 144 cells each. Each module weighs 7.8 kg (17.2 lb). They are arranged on two and five levels (“floors”) in the tunnel battery and in the rear battery. Aluminum plates separate the “floors” from one another while creating the supporting structure for the battery.

Coolant circulates in a cooling system of aluminum shells. In a crash, high-strength floor plates and impact plates redirect the crash forces into the multimaterial ASF (Audi Space Frame) of the R8 e-tron in a defined way.

The 595 kg (1311.8 lb) battery system is joined to the ASF with bolts in the middle tunnel and behind the occupant cell, making it an integral part of the vehicle structure. Its mounting position results in a low center of gravity and an axle load distribution of 40:60 (front/rear), which is ideal for a mid-engine sports car.

The Combo 2 charging interface of the Combined Charging System in the Audi R8 e-tron enables charging with AC or DC electricity. When charging with AC from an industrial electrical outlet with 7.2 kW of charging power, a full charge is reached in just around 12 hours.

Charging with DC electricity shortens the time to 95 minutes at a charging power of 50 kW. Audi is demonstrating charging equipment that can charge this battery system with up to 150 kW of charging power.

For the driver of the R8 e-tron, this means that a driving range of around 150 km (93.2 mi) can be attained after just 15 minutes of charging time. The customer can manage charging remotely as well, using a smartphone on which the customer has installed the relevant Audi connect app.

Pariss Electric Roadster Shown at Geneva

Though largely overlooked by the English-speaking press, the Pariss electric roadster was first shown at the 2013 Frankfurt show. I’d never heard of it, so when it appeared at this week’s Geneva show I was pleasantly surprised by this compact, Pontiac Solstice-looking EV. Here’s some of the basics.

First, while it may look an awful lot like the now-defunct Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky twins from GM, the Pariss rides on its own carbon monocoque chassis. Fitted with efficient, lightweight driveline components and two electric motors, the all-electric roadster can go from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 3.7 seconds.

That ultra-rigid carbon monocoque chassis, by the way, is pretty similar to the ones used in the prototype classes common in IMSA and LeMans racers. Combining the low weight and rigidity of the chassis with the Pariss’ very low center of gravity and (what the company calls) “optimized mass distribution” should allow the little two-seater to offer exceptional thrills on the track- especially with that big horsepower output.

Inside, the Pariss is trimmed with whatever leather and metal the customer wants- including a few synthetic options for people who want to try to go “vegan” with their bespoke electric sportscars. Range is a selling point, as well, with more than 120 miles available from a single charge of the forward-looking convertible’s batteries.

No word, yet, on whether the iPad-looking, Tesla Model S-aping center panel is compatible with Apple CarPlay- but if you have the kind of scratch required to buy a bespoke roadster, I’m sure you can afford to have an iPad worked into the dash. Take a look at more interior photos from the show flow, and a rendering of the Pariss with the top up in red, below. Enjoy!

Pariss Electric Concept | Interior

Pariss Electric Concept | Exterior

Source | Photos: Pariss, via Motorpasion.

2015 Jeep Renegade Breaks Cover Ahead of Geneva

Set to debut at next week’s Geneva International Motor Show, the 2015 Jeep Renegade was outed earlier today by Jalopnik when they posted the photo shown, above. Based on an all-wheel-drive version of the Fiat 500L and Fiat Panda 4×4 sold overseas, the tiny Jeeplet is expected to carry Fiat’s 160 hp, 1.4 L MultiAir enginewhen it debuts in the US as a 2015 model, possibly alongside the also expected-to-debut Fiat 500X.

We don’t have much more information on the new 2015 Jeep Panda Renegade quite yet, but Jalopnik is reporting that the vehicle, as shown in this particular photo, is wearing the same exterior cladding as the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. That’s being interpreted as an indication that this little Jeep is still designed to be trail-rated. Jalopnik also indicates that the 2015 Jeep may be available with a removable roof which, if true, would make it highly desirable to people who like the idea of an open Wrangler, but want something a little closer in size to the original Willys Jeep.

What do you think? Would the sub-Wrangler priced, open-topped, trail-rated, 33 MPG 2015 Jeep Renegade be something you’d want to drive? What if it was white and they called it a Jeep Panda? Better? Worse? Let us know what you think of the new Renegade in the comments, below.

Source | Photos: Jeep, via Jalopnik.

More than 700 people have pre-ordered the single-seat Colibri EV

By Danny KingRSS feed

Posted Dec 9th 2013 3:58PM

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The "Hummingbird" has created quite a buzz. Since unveiling the single-seat Colibri electric vehicle,Innovative Mobility Automobile GmbH (IMA) has collected more than 700 pre-orders, according to the company. If those prospective customers make good, Colibri will sell out of the vehicle in 2015, the model's first year of production. That's quite a start, but no where near the end. The company said earlier this year that it could see ramping production up to as many as 17,000 units a year. The little car starts at less than 10,000 euros (about $13,700 US).

IMA first showed off the vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show this past March. The company said at the time that the Colibri's 6.5-kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery provides a single-charge range of 68 miles and a top speed of 75 miles per hour, not to mention a 0-60 mph time of under 10 seconds.

The company also said the battery would last long enough to provide almost 140,000 miles, or about eight years, of driving. IMA says about half of the orders are private users and the other half are from business customers looking to shave refueling costs by adding the electric vehicles to their fleets. Colibri means "hummingbird" in a number of languages. Check out IMA's news brief below.

Show full PR text

News Source: Innovative Mobility Automobile GmbH via Green Car Congress

Image Credit: Copyright 2013 Sebastian Blanco / AOL

Subaru DIZIV PHEV Debuts At Geneva

Subaru revealed the VIZIV concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show. It is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) comprising a propulsion system powered by a 2.0 liter Subaru Boxer diesel engine equipped with a high-torque-compatible Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor that both turns the wheels, and is used to generate electricity during braking. This vehicle has two electric motors in the back which are for driving the vehicle only.

The quantity of electric motors in a vehicle tells you nothing about its performance, the use of multiple motors may just fit into a manufacturer’s particular design more appropriately than one large one. Manufacturers all have their preferred designs. They may use 4 40 kW motors (just a fictitious example), with one at each wheel, two 80 kW (one in the front and the other in the back), or only one 160 kW motor in either the front or back.

The two rear motors control power the rear left and rear right wheels of the vehicles independently and one may be supplied with more power than the other to provide more torque to the outside rear wheel and less to the inside rear wheel when cornering to generate inner-directed yaw momentum on the vehicle and achieve extremely quick and smooth on-the-rail cornering.

The “Hybrid SI-DRIVE” system has an Eco-Cruise mode that provides control in conjunction with the EyeSight driving assistance system. This is in addition to “Intelligent” and “Sports” modes. Engine and motor power are regulatedl according to the travel conditions detected by the EyeSight’s stereo camera.

Source: Green Car Congress

Geneva 2013: Gorgeous New Honda Civic Diesel Wagon

What you see here is the new Honda Civic Tourer – a thinly-veiled “concept” version of the company’s upcoming Civic diesel wagon, which is set to bow as a production model in 2014. Because of the car’s ultra-efficient, high-mpg, 1.6 L diesel engine – which is good for 118 hp and a solid 221 lb-ft of torque, by the way – we’ll probably never see this sexy, Rodimus Prime stand-in on this side of the pond.

Why not? Honda will keep this diesel wagon in its European markets for the same reason Ford won’t give us the new diesel Ranger pick-up: it will eat into the profits from their hot-selling, low-tech offerings in the US ‘muricans don’t want diesels.

Jalopnik thinks the Honda Civic Tourer diesel wagon concept is pretty much “there”, but posits that the full-width taillight probably won’t make it, not will the heavily-styled, center-exit exhaust. I just hope it makes it to the US. In red. With flames. And maybe 400 more lb-ft of torque.

VW to introduce electric transporter concept at Geneva show

At next week’s Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be showing an electric transporter concept vehicle: the e-Co-Motion. The concept offers large cargo capacity and 800 kg (1,764 lbs) of payload.

Electric mobility—especially in light commercial vehicles—could play a crucial role in meeting the growing transport needs of the world’s megacities. Freight trains and conventional or hybrid-powered high capacity lorries would deliver goods up to the city limits. Then, at transfer stations, smaller electric delivery vans would take over. Their predictable travel routes and fixed depots would simplify battery charging and equipment maintenance.

—Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Speaker of the Brand Board of Management

Exclusively conceptualized with an electric drive, the e-Co-Motion offers high maneuverability with a small vehicle footprint, good visibility and seating ergonomics with easy entry, exit and walk-through. A low cargo floor height and large cargo capacity make loading easier.

Toyota to introduce zero emissions i-ROAD urban mobility concept at Geneva Motor Show

At the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Toyota will introduce the i-ROAD concept, a new personal mobility concept capable of swiftly and efficiently transporting two people in an urban environment with zero emissions.

i-ROAD concept teaser. Click to enlarge.

Toyota will also introduce the the Toyota FT-86 Open concept—a preview of a possible future variant of the GT86.

On the production side, the Auris Touring Sports hybrid will make its world premiere at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, where full specifications, dimensions and performance data will be revealed.

Hyundai to introduce extended range electric concept at Geneva

Hyundai will introduce the i-oniq concept at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The i-oniq is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending gasoline engine.

The i-oniq concept has an innovative powertrain that demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to clean technology. A 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine is mated, via a generator, to an 80 kW electric motor. In electric-only mode, i-oniq has a range of 120 km (75 miles), while with assistance from the gasoline engine it can travel up to 700 km (435 miles), producing 45 g/km of CO₂ in the process.

At 4.4 meters long, i-oniq has space for four occupants in its driver-oriented cabin.

Toyota to introduce Yaris hybrid concept, Prius+ at Geneva Motor Show

Toyota Yaris

Making its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Yaris HSD hybrid concept anticipates Toyota’s intention to bring full hybrid technology to the B segment, the biggest volume segment in Europe. This represents the next step in Toyota’s full hybrid roll-out strategy in Europe.

The Prius+, also debuting at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, is a further expansion of the Prius family. The Prius+ is the first car to offer European customers the versatility of 7 seats combined with a full hybrid powertrain.

Reinforcing its conviction that full hybrid technology is the key to sustainable mobility in the future, Toyota’s 2011 Geneva Motor Show stand will be dedicated to the company’s range of sophisticated Hybrid Synergy Drive® technologies. These include full Hybrid Vehicles (HV), Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV), Electric Vehicles (EV), and Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHV) on display.