Advertisement

Citroën E-3POD Antistatic: in between bike and car

February 8, 2011 at 2:22 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Citroën, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News


Click to enlarge

This here is Heikki Juvonen’s E-3POD Antistatic, a single-seat concept that bagged the top prize in a Citroën sponsored project in the UK called the Double Challenge.

The project, jointly sponsored by French aerodynamic simulation software company EXA, required Royal College of Art MA second-year students to design a compelling ultra-compact model that could establish a unique Citroën e-vehicle aesthetic for the future.


Click to enlarge

Juvonen’s design was chosen as the best overall design by representatives from Citroën’s Style Centre and Electric Vehicle Development Team, and as his prize receives a six month employment contract to work at the prestigious PSA Design Centre in Paris.

His single-seat creation is a bold and engaging take on an urban three- wheel electric vehicle. The distinctive, aerodynamic styling features two smaller wheels at the front with the driver sitting inside a larger third wheel with an innovative hub-less design.


Click to enlarge

Designed for urban commuting, the ultra-light, micro segment, single-seater is not meant to replace cars, but rather an addition to the family transportation fleet, positioned between bikes and cars.

The short length of the vehicle makes it agile in urban environments; at higher speeds, the E-3POD tilts slightly to provide solid grip and an emphasised stance, giving cornering a more responsive feel.


Click to enlarge

The distinctive look of the electric design language was applied to distinguish the product from being associated to cars and for the avoidance of comparison in terms of operational range or refuelling/recharging time.

The E-3POD has a simplified, lightweight construction, with an emphasis on aerodynamics to minimise the required battery size. The lowered weight is emphasised in design elements such as the rear wheel, which works as a supportive structural element, the shared suspension for both front wheels, and the use of scratch resistant plastic for the canopy. The silent electric engines also make sound insulation redundant, allowing for lighter material selection.

3 Comments      

Infiniti Etherea Concept to be revealed in Geneva

February 8, 2011 at 12:45 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Infiniti, International News

Infiniti has teased its upcoming concept car, likely to be named the Etherea, that it will be launching in Geneva, but it’s just a graphic depicting the profile line. As is the usual, there are no details yet of the vehicle, but the concept looks to strongly suggest that a small production coupe or hatch from the company is inbound.

The company had already intimated the arrival of the car sometime late last year. “Infiniti is currently examining concepts for a luxury performance car that will fit below the current G Line,” said its senior vice president Andy Palmer. “Like every Infiniti, it will be completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.”

The company adds that the design will take the Japanese performance brand down a new road, to a new future. The rumour mill has it that the car might wear a Mercedes 1.8 litre CGI pot, making it the first big outing resulting from the partnership between Nissan-Renault and Daimler.

3 Comments      


Blind man drives car successfully, aided by nonvisual tech

January 31, 2011 at 11:54 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Technology

In the US, a blind individual has driven a street vehicle for the first time in public without the assistance of a sighted person. Over the weekend, Mark Riccobono successfully navigated 2.4 km of the road course section of the Daytona International Speedway in a Ford Escape hybrid equipped with nonvisual technology.

Riccobono, a blind executive who directs technology, research, and education programs for the National Federation of the Blind, not only successfully navigated the several turns of the road course, but also avoided obstacles, some stationary and some thrown into his path at random from a van driving in front of him. He also successfully passed the van.

The Ford Escape was equipped with laser range-finding sensors that conveyed information to a computer inside the vehicle, allowing it to create and constantly update a three-dimensional map of the road environment. The computer sent directions to vibrating gloves on the driver’s hands, indicating which way to steer, and to a vibrating strip on which he was seated, indicating when to speed up, slow down, or stop.

The demonstration is the current culmination of the NFB’s Blind Driver Challenge project, which set out to challenge universities, technology developers, and other interested innovators to establish BDC teams to build nonvisual interface technologies to empower blind people to drive a car independently.

The NFB Blind Driver Challenge was taken on by Dennis Hong and a team from Virginia Tech’s Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa), which successfully demonstrated a prototype blind-drivable dune buggy in May 2009. In June 2010, RoMeLa partnered with Torc Technologies, a leading provider of modular unmanned vehicle technologies, to take the NFB Blind Driver Challenge development further.

New and improved versions of RoMeLa’s nonvisual interfaces were integrated into a ByWire XGV – Torc’s modified Ford Escape Hybrid equipped with ByWire drive-by-wire conversion modules, SafeStop wireless emergency stop system and PowerHub power distribution modules, which was the vehicle driven by Riccobono.

Among the novel interfaces RoMeLa is developing are DriveGrip (a pair of vibrating gloves that relay steering information), SpeedStrip (a vibration-based device that relays speed information) and AirPix, a device that uses compressed airflow patterns to create tactile images.

The goal, of course, is not to develop an autonomous vehicle to drive the blind, but rather a vehicle that enables a blind person to drive. The sensing and perception data normally used to autonomously carry out appropriate driving behaviors are passed to the blind driver through several nonvisual interfaces, who can then reason about the environment, make control decisions, and directly execute these decisions from behind the wheel.

So, perhaps, one day in the not too distant future, the visually-impaired will be able to take to the roads and enjoy the freedom we who are sighted take for granted.

3 Comments      

Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 Qatar – a street-legal concept

January 28, 2011 at 11:37 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Volkswagen

Here’s something that’s bound to get Dakar followers going. Volkswagen has put out a concept study of its Race Touareg 3 – which won the recent 2011 Dakar – at the Qatar Motor Show, alongside the flashy Touareg Gold Edition.

It’s not quite the same car, naturally. The street-legal variant’s two-metre wide body has been slightly modified for road use, and the race car’s 16-inch wheels are replaced with new BBS 18-inch units, finished in a gold shade.

The 305 hp all-wheel drive vehicle does the 0-100 kph sprint in less than six seconds, and features – in case you can’t identify it by its shape – a “Race Touareg” signature pasted along the vehicle’s sides. Like the Gold Edition, the RT 3 Qatar’s exterior is finished in a shade called Magic Morning.

The interior in this one has of course been completely redesigned (all that has remained unmodified is the safety cage) to offer easy controls and good ergonomics. VW’s designers created an interior in so-called ‘Stealth look,’ reminiscent of the aircraft of the same name.

In tribute to the Dakar Rally, the Dakar victories are etched in the anodised aluminium of the centre console, right next to the ‘Race Touareg’ signature. Other interior features include Recaro racing bucket seats – with Nubuk seat side supports and perforated Nappa leather centre seat panels – and trim elements dressed in matt carbon, as well as a Serpentino Grey Metallic finish for the roll cage.

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

11 Comments      

Audi to debut Auto Union Type C prototype at toy fair – and does anyone fancy a sleek Audi foosball table?

January 27, 2011 at 1:14 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Audi, Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Alright, so the Auto Union bit would have been a giveaway, as would have the toy fair debut. The debutant in question is an all-electric, 1:2 scale version of the 1936 Auto Union Type C Grand Prix car, Audi’s latest e-tron concept study.

The electrically-propelled reworking of the ’30s racing classic will make its debut at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg next month. It’s a half-size model, based on the limited edition pedal car.

In partnership with a lithium-ion battery, the electric motor on this one – which drives the rear wheels – develops a staggering 1.5 hp as well as up to 60 Nm of torque for short periods, and the car has a whopping top speed of 30 kph.

Not quite the sprightliest Audi ever made, but it can cover up to 24 km on just two hours of battery charge time from a standard 230V household socket. Oh, and the Type C prototype is also equipped with a reverse gear.

The body is hand-finished, and is made from aluminium and carbon-effect material, and at 2.32 m long and 97 cm wide, it’s just 1.12m shorter than the A1, which makes it suitable for children and adults up to 5 ft 11 in (1.8 m) tall. Unfortunately, the company has no plans for series production with this one.

Elsewhere, if foosball is more your thing, then the Audi Design table football table, which also goes on show in Nuremberg, looks like the perfect spot. Besides the sleek styling, features include a high-quality finish in aluminium and high-strength plastic.

Only 20 tables will be built initially, and this one can be bought, and though you’ll have to part with RM62,600 for one, it’s surely a small price to pay for an Audi …

2 Comments      

Volkswagen XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle debuts in Qatar

January 27, 2011 at 2:39 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has unveiled its XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle (SEV) concept at the Qatar Motor Show. The oddish-looking vehicle, an evolutionary progression of of the 1-Litre car from 2002 and the L1 concept of 2009, pioneers construction techniques, innovative packaging and an advanced plug-in hybrid drivetrain, all of which comes together to offer the XL1 a massive 313 mpg (that’s miles per UK gallon, yes, or if you prefer, 110.9 km per litre) on a combined cycle. Definitely notable numbers.

At the heart of it all is a compact 800 cc TDI two-cylinder common-rail diesel engine developing 47 hp, linked to an electric motor producing 27 hp, resulting in a total of 74 hp – a rather modest output, but more than enough juice to move the light-ish 795 kg kerb weight mass of the XL1.

Weight-wise, the body structure tips in at 230 kg, the drivetrain at 227 kg, the running gear at 153 kg, the interior including a pair of bucket seats at 80 kg and the electrical system at 105 kg. In total, just 23.2% of the car, or 184 kg, is made out of either steel or iron.

To make such weight savings possible, and yet viable for series production, VW developed and patented a new system for the manufacture of the Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) parts on the car, tagged as a Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process. Further weight savings were achieved through the extensive use of lightweight materials including magnesium (wheels), ceramics (brake discs) and aluminium (dampers, steering system, brake calipers).

The hybrid powertrain works with a seven-speed DSG gearbox with an automatic clutch mounted between each unit. The electric motor can either work independently of the TDI engine or in tandem when accelerating – in pure electric mode the XL1 can travel up to 35 km before the diesel engine cuts in.

Other performance specs include a 0-100 kph sprint time of 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 160 kph.

VW says that the styling of the XL1 is borne out of functional requirements – easy access to the interior is granted via a pair of elegant scissor doors that hinge on the A-pillar, while the profile of the car has been honed in the wind tunnel, the result being a remarkable 0.186 Cd figure.

Dimension-wise, the XL1’s overall length of 3.97 m and 1.68 m width are similar to those of a VW Polo, but its 1.18 m height brings it into Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder territory. Of course, it manages to offer far, far better fuel consumption.

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

19 Comments      

Mazda Minagi compact crossover concept previews CX-5?

January 19, 2011 at 1:52 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, International News, Mazda


Click to enlarge

Mazda will be premiering its new Minagi compact crossover SUV concept at the Geneva Motor Show this March, and has released the first sketches of the vehicle.

The company says that the vehicle will showcase its Skyactiv technologies and new Kodo design language, and is effectively a preview to an upcoming next-generation product – an entry-level SUV likely to be the CX-5.


Click to enlarge

No details as yet, but Mazda states that the Minagi will fully introduce the host of Skyactiv technologies available – it’ll feature a Skyactiv body and chassis as well as a Skyactiv engine and transmission.

From a design language point of view, the Kodo design theme on this one is said to “communicate pent-up energy bursting with vitality as the vehicle nimbly navigates a sprawling urban cityscape.” Do you see it in the renditions?

19 Comments      

Johnson Controls ie:3 – showing off tomorrow’s tech today

January 11, 2011 at 10:43 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Detroit isn’t just about new cars – there’s plenty of working-in-the-background technology as well as future ideas and solutions to be found, though many a time they’re presented in such an unglamorous manner they tend to be easily overlooked.

So it’s nice to see something like Johnson Controls’ ie:3 concept vehicle, which was unveiled at the NAIAS. The ie:3 is a mockup of a fully electric vehicle based on a small car segment platform, and the automotive supplier is using it to showcase a host of interior (telematics, storage, fabrics) and battery-based solutions for the coming future. It’s a great way to get noticed, and a great way to show off the tech.

Primarily, the ie:3 is the chosen platform to debut Johnson Controls-Saft’s next-generation, low-profile lithium-ion battery pack, a unique, self-contained system that’s integrated easily into the vehicle in a small space under the floor as a complete system, enabling a target 160 km range per charge. The new prismatic format cell achieves greater packaging efficiency and uses less space in the vehicle.

The improved spaciousness enabled by the packaging of the battery offers designers and engineers a flat floor that provides additional options to enhance overall flexibility in the vehicle.

For example, the ie:3 features stadium seating – deployed in the front row, it offers enough space to stow a suitcase, and the rear seats easily fold flat to the floor, creating even more storage options. A center console is spacious enough to accommodate a large handbag. The seat pads are made from natural fibers that are easier to recycle.

Elsewhere, there’s an innovative and alternative lightweight sound system – this one features a headliner with an integrated six transducer audio system, freeing up storage space on the door panels.

The ‘car’ also showcases unique LED lighting that enhances the overall interior ambience, as well as a comprehensive driver information system featuring a 6.5-inch “transflective” cluster display – which improves visibility even with the glare of sunlight – and a transparent, integrated heads up display.

Also on the ie:3: a wireless charging system called E-Bin located in the centre console, which allows for the recharging of handphones and other electronic gadgets.

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

5 Comments      

Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept is a nice hangout place

January 11, 2011 at 5:45 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Kia, Koreans

Sometimes, it’s easy to dismiss concept cars as flights of fancy that will never make production, at least not like how they look at motor shows. But cars like the Kia Soul and Nissan Juke prove otherwise after surviving the journey from show stand to showroom mostly intact. So while parts of this Kia KV7 Concept look rather impossible (gullwing doors on a van), it’s quite a cool machine to hangout in and shouldn’t be ruled out altogether.

The KV7 was designed by Kia’s California studio to transport a large number of people and their belongings, while also serving as a “connected social hub”. As such, the KV7′s interior has four swivelling seats, including the driver’s, and a rear-corner mini lounge with seating for three. There’s also a drinks table and plenty of natural light. The reclaimed teak wood flooring and bright colours make it a nice place chill out.

The concept is WiFi enabled, providing both the front and rear displays with Internet capabilities and the ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones to the vehicle. Now all we need is a coffee machine!

Looks wise, the KV7, in sharp contrast to the dramatically raked windshields and wedge-shaped noses common in the MPV segment, embraces the box. “From the outset, we felt the category was in need of an honest reassessment due to the fact that everyone seems so desperate to attach the word ‘sporty’ to their MPV even though MPVs, at their very core, are simply a box,” said Tom Kearns, Chief Designer at Kia Motors America. “Rather than reject the box we chose to celebrate it, just like we did with the Soul”.

This is how a modern day VW Kombi should be like. Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

16 Comments      

Detroit 2011: Potholes, nightclubs and the Hyundai Curb

January 11, 2011 at 4:01 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hyundai, Koreans

Along with the new Veloster coupe, Hyundai showed off a concept car at the 2011 Detroit show. It’s a compact crossover concept called Curb, as we already know from the pre-show teasers.

The Curb concept is an Urban Activity Vehicle penned by Hyundai California Design Center. Sounds strange, but “potholes” and “nightclubs” were part of this car’s big idea. Apparently, Hyundai designers wanted to create a vehicle loaded with tech that was “at home in an urban environment with potholes and densely packed nightclubs on the streets”. Do you have a movie set in your mind now?

Anyway, because of the potholes, a rugged car was needed to protect Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity features against impact and shock. This “technology rugged” design direction formed the Curb.

Don’t understand? Neither do we, that’s why we’re not auto designers! “City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting,” said designer Jason Brown.

The wrapraround glasshouse takes after the visor of a sport bike helmet, and the profile is dominated by a boomerang trajectory line. The thin, sleek headlamps and taillamps dive into the vehicle, creating the illusion that they are connected into the engine compartment or interior, Hyundai adds. The ‘technology rugged’ look is completed by 22-inch five spoke wheels and Michelin rubber with saffron colored tread pattern.

Inside, a large acrylic screen with multiple zones allows information to be passed between passengers. The steering wheel itself is an opaque surface with a monitor showing through. There are also monitors in the back of the headrests and Heads Up Display (HUD). Music is selected via a 3D carousel of album cover art.

Wild, yes. But we can imagine a Nissan Juke competitor out of this, minus the sci-fi dashboard of course. Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

17 Comments