Electric Van - Opel Vivaro E Concept

Opel Vivaro E Concept

Opel has announced full details images and Video of Opel Vivaro E Concept, Opel imagines that environmentally friendly e-mobility could also be intriguing for commercial vehicle operators. Opel Vivaro E Concept is an Electric Van powered by a 111 kW motor that outputs 370Nm of torque and is able to run the van for 100 km on a single charge. The electric Opel Vivaro E Concept is also fitted with range extender engine that can take it for up to more than 400 kilometers.

The Opel Vivaro E Concept has 5.0 cubic meter storage capacity and a 750 kilograms load capacity. The van is equipped with battery packs of lithium ion battery that can be recharged from a standard electrical outlet of 230 volts.

Opel Vivaro E Concept Photos:

Opel Vivaro E Concept Video:

Opel Press Release:

Opel is sending new impulses to electric mobility: At the IAA Commercial Vehicles Fair in Hannover (September 23 to 30, 2010) the brand debuts a research project on a Vivaro e-Concept, an electric van with up to 400 kilometers extended range. With this concept, Opel imagines that environmentally friendly e-mobility could also be intriguing for commercial vehicle operators.

“We would like to test the acceptance of our advanced propulsion technology by showing the Vivaro e-Concept to the commercial vehicle specialists attending the show,” says Chris Lacey, Executive Director, International Operations Opel/Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles. “We are convinced that we will get a fantastic reaction from the people who use such vehicles on a daily basis: Electric mobility will allow them to travel in city areas which are now off-limits to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and the range-extender technology makes it possible to use an electric van for normal routine business.”

The Vivaro e-Concept aims to prove that operators do not have to make great concessions to practicality when they choose intelligent propulsion. The e-Concept is conceived to have 5.0 cubic meter storage capacity able to carry 750 kilograms of load, making it an excellent value for urban delivery drivers.

The e-Concept is envisioned to be capable of meeting the typical daily needs of inner city delivery transport fully electrically and therefore completely emission-free. The vehicle would be extremely quiet and clean – with respect to the environment and reduced traffic zones in the inner city.

The 111 kW electric motor in the Vivaro e-Concept propulsion system delivers 370Nm of torque and would offer 100 kilometers pure electric driving  range. On longer, regional hauls or shuttle services, range-extender switches on, extending the total driving range to more than 400 kilometers. Thanks to Opel’s extended range propulsion concept, engineers foresee the Vivaro e-Concept as capable of driving permanently with engine and electric motor propulsion, enabling drivers to reach distant destinations with the confidence and peace of mind that a depleted battery will not strand them.

Intelligently stowed energy

Opel engineers have mounted the batteries, which can be re-charged on a standard household 230-volt outlet under the floor of the Vivaro e-Concept. There, the lithium ion battery modules are protected from the weather. At the same time the modules provide a low center of gravity for good handling characteristics, protecting especially from crosswind influence.

Peugeot EX1 Concept Car

Peugeot EX1 Concept

French carmaker has the Peugeot EX1 Concept Car, which will debut at the Paris Autoshow. Peugeot EX1 Concept Car is a visually striking two-seater roadster with a futuristic styling and an original architecture, designed to offer intense driving sensations as a celebration of the Marque’s 200th anniversary.

Peugeot EX1 Concept features an ultra-light structure and measuring 0.90 m in height and 1.77 m wide, the Peugeot EX1 Concept is powered by two electric motors providing 125 kW each, for a combined output of 340 bhp (250 kW) and 240 Nm of peak torque.

The Peugeot EX1 Concept is fitted with two sport bucket seats, a carbon fiber passenger cell and a harness. The safety cell of the Peugeot EX1 has been designed to also offer roll-over protection.


Peugeot EX1 Photos:

Peugeot Press Release:
The Peugeot EX1


100% electric Peugeot’s latest concept car is a visually striking two-seater roadster with a futuristic styling and an original architecture, designed to offer intense driving sensations as a celebration of the Marque’s 200th anniversary.


100% real The Peugeot EX1 has already broken several world records for acceleration from a standing start. It owes its stunning performance to its streamlined aerodynamics, its ultra-light structure and its two electric motors, which give the car a cumulative maximum power of 250 kW (340 bhp) and four-wheel drive. As the preparations for the commercial launch of the iOn near completion, Peugeot demonstrates with the Peugeot EX1 the exciting possibilities for electric power.


200 years of adventure


The powerful spirit of inventiveness is always present in Peugeot’s design offices and helps create an unceasing flow of ideas. The most daring, interesting and exciting of these ideas sometimes come
together, to give the body and soul to an extreme dream car.


With the desire to unveil a stunning creation to celebrate Peugeot’s 200th anniversary, some of these exciting ideas quickly became associated with another ambition: that of highlighting the enormous possibilities offered by the use of electric power in the realm of creating new driving sensations. To this end, engineers and stylists explored the Marque’s history to find the most radical technical solutions to use as a basis to produce a futuristic performance car dedicated entirely to creating new driving sensations yet at the same time presenting responsible environmental credentials. The original architecture is reminiscent of previous
charismatic concept cars like the Asphalte and 20Cup, while also benefiting from all of the Marque’s historical expertise in the field of electric vehicles.


At a time when the electric motor once again becomes 100% real for Peugeot, with the i0n about to go on sale, the Peugeot EX1 propels us into a new dimension of raw emotion.


Efficient styling


The pure styling of this two-seater roadster is in keeping with its mechanical design, like a kind of “exoskeleton” highlighting the light-weight nature that guided the vehicle’s creation.


The design of the body incorporates Peugeot’s new stylistic design codes, first seen on the SR1 concept car earlier this year, with its “floating” front grille and flowing contours. Polished aluminium components adorn the door surrounds in a reference to the RCZ and BB1.


Architecture, structure and suspension. at the service of maximum efficiency


Far from being a “classic” roadster, the Peugeot EX1 concept car is based on an architecture shaped like a “water droplet”, with a rear section built around two closely set rear wheels.


Based on the experience gained from creating the 1996 Asphalte concept car and the two 20Cup models from 2005. The chosen architecture of the Peugeot EX1 has enabled the size of the passenger compartment to be reduced for optimal weight distribution and ensure that there is no extra weight at all in the overhangs.


The suspension employs a number of technical solutions that ensure road holding of a very high level. The front suspension consists of a drop link double wishbone arrangement. The rear suspension comprises of a single “swinging arm” linked to a centrally mounted shock absorber which is connected via a rocker arm to provide a variable damping rate.


The monocoque body structure is manufactured from a carbon/honeycomb composite to optimise weight and rigidity. It also incorporates all of the mounting points for the car’s mechanical components.


Finally, the dimensions of the car (0.90 m high with a width of 1.77 m) contribute to overall efficiency, a lowering of the centre of gravity and improved aerodynamics.


Engines: PEUGEOT expertise in the field of electric power


The electric motor is a potential source of new driving sensations thanks to its exceptional acceleration capabilities, but also because it is silent in operation and makes the car very easy to drive (no need for a gearbox).


On the Peugeot EX1 concept car, two electric motors are used, one on each axle, each with a peak output of 125 kW (250 kW / 340 bhp in total), and an immediately available constant maximum torque of 240 Nm at the front and rear.


This mechanical architecture allows not only the optimisation of weight distribution, but also four wheel drive. This reflects the positional benefits of HYbrid4 technology, available as standard on the 3008 from 2011, featuring an HDi FAP diesel engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear.


A futuristic and sophisticated passenger compartment


The driver and passenger climb into the passenger compartment through a reverse-opening door, giving access to the two sports bucket seats. This unusual arrangement instantly immerses the occupants in a futuristic and sophisticated environment, as does the on-board instrumentation (instrument panel screens for each occupant showing in particular the vehicle’s instantaneous performance) and the chosen materials (e.g. “pure” metals and embossed leather).


The driver, seated at floor level in a driving position that helps enhances the sense of excitement (legs outstretched), drives the vehicle with two control handles, providing an experience similar to that of an aircraft pilot or. video game.


As well as the presence of harnesses inside the car, the occupants are also protected by the height of the carbon passenger cell, which has sufficient overhead clearance to include a roll-over protection bar. Similarly, the wind deflector, perfectly integrated in terms of style, allows the car to be driven on a daily basis without a helmet.


An electric dream car designed to be a record beater


The Peugeot EX1 concept car benefits from characteristics that give it a high enough level of performance not only to leave behind the city centre, the preferred territory of electric vehicles, but also to challenge acceleration records. Its lightness, weight distribution and aerodynamics, the torque and power of its two electric motors and its high-output lithium-ion battery are just some of the characteristics that make this a car capable of lightning acceleration: the latter can exceed 1 G of gravitational force.


Indeed the Peugeot EX1 concept car has already broken the following international records (approved by the International Automobile Federation) for an electric-powered terrestrial vehicle.


This series of records was established, by Nicolas Vanier, the famous French explorer and film-maker (“The Last Trapper”, “Wolf”) who drove the Peugeot EX1 concept car.


Between now and the end of the year, China, the world’s largest car market, will be the setting for the Peugeot EX1 to pursues other world records.

2011 Jeep Patriot

Chrysler released first images of the new 2011 Jeep Patriot, the affordable compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that offers consumers segment-leading capability and unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, along with classic, rugged Jeep styling.

The 2011 Jeep Patriot features a new front and rear grille design of the body color. The new model also has a 4x4 ride height, steering and retuned suspension systems, and various internal extensions. The 2011 Jeep Patriot sits on 17 inch wheels and an additional inch of land compared to the previous version.

The 2011 Jeep Patriot offers a low range mode with a 19:01 ratio tracking, brake traction control, hill descent control, and a 4x4 Caps Lock-on-the-fly, that 50% of torque sent to front and the rear wheels. The 2011 Jeep Patriot has higher Spring and damping elements quotas, rebound springs, and thicker rear stabilizer.

Some of the "hip" team in the 2011 Jeep Patriot is Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth technology for hands-free SIRIUS satellite radio to control. The 2011 Jeep Patriot Pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.[via]

2011 Jeep Patriot Photos:

Jeep Press Release:

Chrysler Group LLC released images today of the new 2011 Jeep Patriot, the affordable compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) that offers consumers segment-leading capability and unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, along with classic, rugged Jeep styling.


Jeep Patriot’s classic exterior styling and capability are enhanced for 2011 with new front and rear fascias, a body-color grille, and an increased 4x4 ride height. Ride-and-handling is refined courtesy of retuned steering and suspension systems. Interior enhancements round out the new-for-2011 features, and include significantly upgraded touch points.


“Patriot boasts class-leading 4x4 capability and unsurpassed fuel economy, and a host of safety features in a fun and affordable package – a combination that only Jeep can offer,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “For 2011, Jeep Patriot is even more appealing to consumers, thanks to rugged new exterior styling, interior enhancements and
refinements to the suspension and steering systems.”


New-for-2011 Jeep Patriot exterior highlights include an aggressive new front fascia with standard fog lamps positioned inside the headlamps; a new rear fascia that extends lower than on previous models; a body-color grille; new available 17-inch wheels; four new colors and 4x4 ride height that has been increased by 1 inch.


Interior upgrades for the 2011 Jeep Patriot include new soft touch front-door trim panels with a padded upper surface; new center armrest; a new Jeep steering wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel; new cloth interior, with premium cloth bucket seats in the front; standard speed control on all models; new backlighting of door switches, door locks, windows and power mirror controls and standard automatic temperature control on the Latitude X model.


Available as a stand-alone option on all models for 2011 is the Uconnect® Voice Command with Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music/radio/SIRIUS satellite radio control.


The 2011 Jeep Patriot offers customers more capability than any other vehicle in the compact SUV class. Capability features include low-range mode which generates a best-in-class 19:1 crawl ratio, brake traction control, 19-inch water fording capability, Hill Descent Control, 4x4 Lock shift-on-the-fly which sends 50 percent of torque to front and rear wheels, and a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lbs. The Jeep Patriot also boasts a retuned suspension for 2011, with higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs, and an increased diameter of the rear sway bar. Despite these numerous capability features, the 2011 Jeep Patriot boasts unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy in its segment.


A 2010 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick, the Jeep Patriot for 2011 is loaded with more than 30 standard safety and security features, thoughtful functionality and best-in-class off-road capability with Freedom Drive II, offering tremendous value for consumers that desire an SUV to accommodate their active lifestyle at an affordable price.


Offered with front-wheel- or four-wheel-drive, Jeep Patriot is available in three configurations – Sport, Latitude and Latitude X. Built at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill., the new 2011 Jeep Patriot models arrive in Jeep showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Fiat 500 Sport

Fiat 500 Sport

Fiat has been unveiled the first image of Fiat 500 Sport, The Fiat 500 Sport features a new suspension, harder, installed new front and rear with a larger grille and aerodynamic burn treatment. The Fiat 500 Sport sitting painted aluminum wheels with 16-inch gray mineral pockets. The Fiat 500 Sport, new side frames, where they offer a sportier appearance.

The Fiat 500 Sport comes with the performance of Red painted brake calipers, a chrome exhaust tip and a black window. To get more sunlight, the Fiat 500 Sport is equipped with Skydome electric sunroof. The power of the Fiat 500 Sport comes with the 1.4-liter engine MultiAir technology that reduces emissions and improves fuel efficiency.

Fiat 500 Sport The price list has been announced yet, but says the manufacturer, which goes on sale later this year.

Fiat 500 Sport Photos:

Fiat Press Release:

The reborn and reimagined Fiat 500 is arriving soon to America. Born in Italy, perfectly tailored for America, the Cinquecento is as vibrant and engaging as it is fit and nimble. The Sport model, featured in these images, illustrates Fiat’s smart and stylish design aesthetic. Like the original Fiat 500 a half-century ago, the new Cinquecento continues its timeless value while embracing individual expression and opportunity – all infused with world-class craftsmanship.


The Cinquecento offers unique adaptations for the North American market and is designed for individuals who demand that style and fashion can coexist with practicality and functionality. Matching its sport-tuned suspension, the Fiat 500 Sport features athletically styled front and rear fascias with a larger grille and flared aerodynamic treatment. Between its unique 16-inch aluminum wheels with Mineral Gray painted pockets, the Cinquecento incorporates new body-side sill cladding for an enhanced sport appearance.


Completing this athletic vehicle's appearance are Performance Red painted brake calipers, a chromed
exhaust tip and gloss black shadow-line window trim. The Fiat 500 Sport also features an available SkyDome power sun roof for an ultra-open view of the world. The Fiat 500 will be also available in the Pop and Lounge models with unique exterior cues and different equipment options.


The world-class 1.4-liter engine with Fiat’s state-of-the-art MultiAir™ technology powers the Fiat 500 Sport. MultiAir significantly reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power delivery by up to 10 percent when compared to similar engines.


The Fiat 500’s technology, driving dynamics and interior features have been intelligently adapted
for the North American market, and it will offer small-car buyers a stylish, high-value alternative. The all-new Fiat 500 will be available for ordering later this year in the Sport, Pop and Lounge models, followed by the all-new Fiat 500C (cabrio) in the spring of 2011.