BENTLEY INTRODUCES PLUG-IN HYBRID TECHNOLOGY

Adding eco appeal to the Mulsanne—with more weight.

The Bentley Hybrid Concept was just unveiled at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, but its maker was short on details regarding the car’s unprecedented-for-Bentley plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Now, Bentley CEO Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber has revealed a little more. In an interview with Car and Driver, he said the system has lot in common with those used in other Volkswagen Group hybrids, and that it could eventually be offered in 90 percent of Bentley models.

BENTLEY HYBRID CONCEPT TO BE SHOWN AT BEIJING MOTOR SHOW 2014

Bentley Motors has announced the launch of the Bentley Hybrid Concept, a technology showcase that previews a new powerful and efficient powertrain, which will be introduced in the Bentley SUV in 2017. The debut of this engine concept will be at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on Sunday 20th April.
Being showcased alongside the Bentley Hybrid Concept at Beijing Motor Show 2014 will be: the new Flying Spur V8 in its Chinese debut, the new and enhanced 206 mph (331 km/h) Continental GT Speed along with the new Continental GT V8 S.

As the first luxury brand to present a plug-in hybrid, Bentley leads the way in bringing new powertrain choices to the luxury automotive sector. The plug-in hybrid system will offer a power increase of up to 25% together with a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions, both without any compromise to the exquisite luxury and powerful performance for which Bentley has become renowned.
The Bentley Hybrid Conceptis based on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne luxury sedan, with the exterior and interior both enhanced by copper styling features, which highlight the car’s electrical story. This includes copper details to the headlamps, brake calipers and badges, and interior copper accents including inserts to the cabin’s hand-crafted veneers, copper cross-stitching and instrument inserts.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments:
“There is no doubt that plug-in hybrid technology is true to Bentley’s values of outstanding luxury and effortless performance. Combining our renowned engines with electric power reinforces and enhances both principles, and so we will gradually introduce this powertrain across our model range. By the end of the decade, at least 90% of our production will be available as a plug-in hybrid. We are proud to be pioneering these developments in the luxury sector.”

More can find here 

2015 BMW i8: First Drive

The BMW i8, first introduced as the BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, is a plug-in hybrid developed by BMW. The 2015 model year BMW i8 has a 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers an all-electric range of 37 km (23 mi) under the New European Driving Cycle(NEDC). The production version has a fuel efficiency of 2.1 L/100 km (134.5 mpg-imp; 112.0 mpg-US) under the NEDC test with carbon emissions of 49 g/km

The initial turbodiesel concept car was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. The production version of the BMW i8 was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Deliveries in Europe are scheduled to begin in June 2014, and about one month later in the U.S

The 2015 BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports coupe is a striking design that draws attention wherever it goes.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is a plug-in hybrid with a three cylinder turbodiesel engine.[8] Additionally, there are two electric motors with 139 horsepower. It allows an acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (160 mph).

According to BMW, the average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle (KV01) is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, (75.1 mpg imp), and has a carbon dioxide emission rating of 99 grams per kilometer (1,3 l/100 km and 33g CO2/km ; EU-PHEV ECE-R101). The estimated all-electric range is 50 km (31 mi), and the 24-liter petrol tank extends the total vehicle range to up to 700 km (430 mi). The lightweight chassis is made mainly from aluminum. The windshield, top, doors and fenders are made from polycarbonate glass, with the body having a drag coefficient of 0.26.
The designers in charge of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept were Mario Majdandzic, Exterior Design and Jochen Paesen, Interior Design

The production BMW i8 was designed by Benoit Jacob. The production version was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, followed by 2013Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez. Series production of customer vehicles is scheduled to start in April 2014.

The production i8 has a 7.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of 5,2 kWh and intelligent energy management that delivers an all-electric range of 37 km (23 mi) under the NEDC cycle. The i8 has a low vehicle weight of 1,485 kg (3,274 lb) (DIN kerb weight) and a low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26. In all-electric mode the BMW i8 has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph). In Sport mode the i8 delivers a mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in 2.6 seconds. The electronically controlled top speed is 250 km/h (160 mph). The production version has a fuel efficiency of 2.1 L/100 km (134.5 mpg-imp; 112.0 mpg-US) under the NEDC test with carbon emissions of 49 g/km.

As an alternative to the transmission setting ‘D’ for automatic driving, the driver can also use the gear lever to change to the SPORT mode. This mode also includes manual gear selection – via the gearshift or paddles on the steering wheel. The SPORT mode also activates vehicle settings that are especially suited to sporty driving. The combustion engine and the electric motor unleash their driving torque with maximum dynamics, the accelerator’s characteristic line is programmed to react spontaneously, and the driver enjoys the full impact of the electric motor’s boost function. To ensure there is always enough energy available, the SPORT setting also affords maximum energy regeneration in the thrust and brake phases.

Range Rover Hybrid Long Wheelbase Debuts in Beijing

Range Rover Hybrid brings advanced powertrain to Chinese market

The Land Rover hybrid models are growing both in terms of offerings and in size. At the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, the brand unveiled the Range Rover Long Wheelbase Hybrid to join the standard version and Range Rover Sport Hybrid.

As with the standard hybrid, the long-wheelbase version features the 258 PS, 600 Nm 3.0 litre turbodiesel SDV6 engine as well as a 35 kW (48 PS), 170 Nm electric motor integrated into the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Total output stands at 340 PS at 4,000 rpm and 700 Nm from 1,500-3,000 rpm.

Fuel consumption is rated at 6.1 litres per 100 km, while carbon dioxide emissions are 169 grams per kilometre, 26% less than the base long-wheelbase TDV8. The hybrid can travel on electric power alone for 1.6 km at speeds under 48 km/h.

The Range Rover Hybrid powertrain combines Land Rover's 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor, integrated with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The system allows the driver to select from three different drive modes to maximise performance or efficiency, and is capable of delivering 26 per cent lower CO2 emissions (169g/km) and 6.4 l/100 km (44.1mpg).
Installing the hybrid diesel-electric powertrain in the Range Rover Long Wheelbase has not compromised space, or the driving experience. The long wheelbase offers the benefits of an additional 186mm of legroom for rear seat passengers and, with the option of the executive seating package, an impressive increase in the rear seat angle of recline to 17 degrees.
The hybrid system uses the same proven Terrain Response® system and all-wheel drive technology deployed in the petrol and diesel-powered models. Wading depth capability is undiminished at a class-leading 900mm.
The complete system, including a lithium ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor, weighs less than 120kg. The electric motor produces 170Nm torque and operates to boost acceleration when required, and to drive the vehicle in EV (electric vehicle) Mode. The motor also acts as a generator, harvesting kinetic energy through regenerative braking, charging the battery when the vehicle is slowing. In EV mode the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 30mph (48km/h) for a range of up to one mile (1.6km) before the diesel engine seamlessly restarts.
Together, output of the diesel engine and electric motor is 340PS at 4,000rpm and a class-leading 700Nm torque between 1,500-3,000rpm, delivering performance on a par with the SDV8 engine. The version to be marketed in China is technically identical to that sold elsewhere, except for a change to the exhaust system to take into account the different local emissions standards

Toyota @ new TE-Spyder 800 Plug-In Hybrid concept [VIDEO]

A skunkworks engineering team at Toyota unveiled its intriguing TE-Spyder 800 plug-in hybrid sports car concept at the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon.

What do Toyota’s greatest engineering minds get up to when the working day concludes?
Members of the Toyota Engineering Society, a skunkworks team of engineers dedicated to the adoption of new technologies, laboured after hours to create this exciting sports car concept. Unveiled at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon, its expressed aim is to change people’s perception of hybrid cars by applying current technology in new, innovative ways.

The Toyota Sports 800 was essentially a new sports car born out of economy car ingredients. Similarly, this TE-Spyder 800 concept was created by reworking economy-focused hybrid components from the Prius to deliver sports car performance.
Beneath the concept car panels is actually a third-generation MR2 Roadster, though its original mid-mounted 1.8-litre engine has been exchanged for a 1.5-litre NZ family unit. Interestingly, instead of running the simulated Atkinson cycle engine found in the second-generation Prius, the team fitted the closely related and more performance-oriented 1NZ-FE Otto cycle version to increase peak torque and top end power. Breathing modifications such as a free-flowing intake and four-branch exhaust manifold have increased engine power to 116PS at 6400rpm.

The transaxle and 102PS electric motor comes from the third-generation Prius and is linked to the familiar E-CVT transmission. Meanwhile, the battery has been located longitudinally within the confines of the floor tunnel, contributing to the car’s low centre of gravity and favourable weight distribution. And just to complete the arsenal of adapted technology, the TE-Spyder 800 also makes use of the external charging facility from the Prius Plug-in.
Despite all this technology, weight has been kept below one tonne, which means the TE-Spyder 800 offers authentic sports car performance that can dispatch the 0-62mph dash in just 5.8 seconds.

There are no plans to bring the TE-Spyder 800 into production but if this is what Toyota’s engineers can accomplish in their unpaid spare time, imagine what they can accomplish with funded development.

The Toyota Sports 800 was essentially a new sports car born out of economy car ingredients. Similarly, this TE-Spyder 800 concept was created by reworking economy-focused hybrid components from the Prius to deliver sports car performance.

2014 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD

When the first Honda Insight beat the first Toyota Prius to market a decade and a half ago, Big H created a new vehicle segment in the U.S. and catapulted gas-electric vehicles into the mainstream. We probably don’t need to tell you that sales of such fuel sippers subsequently exploded or that the Prius became the darling of the segment, likely because it offered buyers the double bonus of having a back seat and not looking like a bionic tadpole

At the 2013 LA Auto Show, Acura have shown the 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, which the company say is the most powerful and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever made.

The RLX Sport Hybrid combines a 3.5-liter SOHC direct-injected i-VTEC V6 engine with three high-output electric motors. Combined, the Sport Hybrid produces 377 hp and Acura rates its fuel efficiency at 30 miles per gallon combined (12.75 km/l). A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is offered as standard.
As a result, Acura says that the RLX combines V8-like performance with the efficiency of a four-cylinder engine. To continue the sporty theme, the RLX also gets a torque-vectoring system with Acura’s Super-Handling all wheel drive system (SH-AWD).
The Sport Hybrid would be positioned as the range-topping variant in the RLX lineup. Currently, the RLX range starts at USD 48,450 (INR 30.57 lakhs) and extends to USD 60,450 (INR 38 lakhs).
And it’s in the around-town driving where SH-AWD, like every AWD system, has its drawbacks. Its extra weight and drag means slower acceleration and more fuel consumption.
Until now. Honda has just solved those two dilemmas by taking the SH-AWD torque-vectoring philosophy and adding electricity. The system debuts on Acura’s new flagship, the RLX, and it’s called Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.
Up front, things change around a little. The front-drive RLX’s new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 stays but earns revised cam profiles for smoother start/stop. The base car’s six-speed automatic is ditched in favor of Acura’s first dual-clutch auto. The unit, which is the same size as the automatic, also contains a 47 hp motor/generator that replaces both the starter and the alternator. And, of course, works to assist the V6’s output.
Energy is stored in a 66-lb, 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery stored over the rear wheels (and reducing trunk space considerably.) The battery is also connected to the TMU at the rear, the Twin Motor Unit, which is the most important piece in the new RLX.
Weighing only around 130 lbs, the device contains two 36 hp electric motors, each connected to a rear wheel. The system can operate the two motors independently, which means they can both accelerate the car or slow it down and regenerate electricity in the process. But they can do one thing no other hybrid-electric system can: continually vary the power of the wheels independently from one another.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-In Hybrid Debuts in Frankfurt

At one point during its development, Mercedes-Benz had contemplated offering the new S-class solely with hybrid powertrains. That didn’t happen, but it doesn’t mean that Benz isn’t pushing forward with that technology. At September’s Frankfurt auto show, Mercedes will launch the S500 plug-in hybrid, the third hybrid version of Benz's dearest sedan.

We finally got a clear look at the Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-in Hybrid at the Frankfurt Motor Show last fall, but it took until this week to learn what the vision (see what we did there) is that Mercedes-Benz has for the PHEV. Despite it's generous size, Mercedes thinks this is a vehicle that will work well in urban areas.

Speaking to members of the media during the Detroit Auto Show, Thomas Weber, Daimler AG management board member and research and development chief for Mercedes-Benz cars, said that the S500 PHEV, "will play a major role in congested areas" and that it will offer "a lot of driving pleasure."

2015 Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-In Hybrid — Standard Exterior Features
-6.1 KWH Lithium Ion Battery
-Bumper-mounted charging socket
-Intelligent HYBRID technology: anticipatory energy management
-Recuperative braking
-COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST
-MAGIC VISION CONTROL
-Soft-close doors

Part of that pleasure will come from a 0-62 mile-per-hour time of around 5.5 seconds thanks to a turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 and an 80-kilowatt electric motor. The PHEV also has a 19-mile EV range, which will put it at the bottom end of the Three-Pointed star plug-in lineup. The upcoming C-Class plug-in, for example, will likely go, "closer to 50 km [31 miles]," Weber said, according to Green Car Reports.
The S500 PHEV will go on sale in Europe later this year and will come to the US in early 2015 but there is no timeline, yet, for the C-Class plug-in (and the standard gas-electric hybrid version) or the even-more-future E-Class hybrids.

Announced last summer, the S500 Plug-in Hybrid features a 328hp 3.0-liter turbocharged gasoline inline-six and and a 80kW electric motor, which combine to get the car from 0 to 60mph in 5.5 seconds. Electricity comes from a lithium-ion battery pack, which provides 19 miles of range on the European cycle. Expect US-cycle efficiency numbers to be a little lower.
The big news, however, is that Mercedes will follow up the S500 Plug-in Hybrid with a C-Class Plug-in Hybrid, with an electric-only range closer to 31 miles. Mercedes will offer a plug-in and a normal hybrid, both of which will be based on the redesigned 2015 C-Class unveiled last week in Detroit.
The C-Class Plug-in Hybrid may use the same powertrain as the bigger S500 Plug-in Hybrid, as Mercedes attempts to modularize components used in its rear-wheel drive sedans.

The new S500 Plug-In Hybrid combines a new 3.0-liter, turbocharged V-6 engine that delivers a total of 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque with an electric motor that adds 107 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor takes its power from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery that allows an all-electric driving range of 18 miles.
In hybrid mode, the S500 Plug-In Hybrid will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph.

Abu Dhabi University Students Made First hybrid electric car

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - TAQA, the international energy company based in Abu Dhabi, today unveiled the 2014 TAQA Hybrid-Electric Challenge teams and cars at a media event held at The Galleria mall in Abu Dhabi.
TAQA is bringing the region’s first hybrid-electric car race to Abu Dhabi, for engineering students from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in coordination with its strategic partner, The Petroleum Institute (PI), a University & Research Centre. The event is founded by US-based Global EEE, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes education, energy efficiency and environmental consciousness.

The event is founded by US-based Global EEE, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes education, energy efficiency and environmental consciousness.
A total 120 men and women in 11 teams have been drawn from The Petroleum Institute; Abu Dhabi University; UAE University; Khalifa University and the Masdar Institute, all in Abu Dhabi, and the Nizwa College of Technology in Oman; the College of Technological Studies, Kuwait, and Qatar University.

The Challenge will be held at Abu Dhabi’s Al Forsan racetrack on 29 - 31 January and will be hosted by The Petroleum Institute University and Research Center, supported by the Emirates Foundation.
Dr Saif Al Sayari, TAQA’s Executive Officer and Head of Energy Solutions, said: “The next generation of engineers will play a critical role in developing a sustainable economy for the UAE and the region.
"This event gives engineering students the opportunity to try out what they have learned in the classroom in a competitive environment. TAQA is committed to supporting young engineers from the GCC and encouraging the development of alternative energy technologies.”

Dr Nabih Bedewi, the managing director of Global EEE, believes events such as the TAQA Challenge only help to boost the students' chances of breaking into the industry once they've completed their studies.
“Students tend to work in labs. They’ve never seen anything like this; an industrial process, working live. Being involved in this gives them crucial practical experience, under pressure," Dr Nabih said. "Companies love to hire people with this kind of experience; experience of working together in teams, against a deadline, where they have to project manage and delegate; where they have to make sure all the processes happen in the right sequence at the right time, and to budget.
“If you demonstrate that you have taken part in one of these competitions, any employer who ranks energy efficiency high on their agenda, is going to want to talk to you. One of the biggest recruiters of our past competitors is NASA.”

One of the competitors in the race, Ruqaya Al Noammani, a student of Mechanical Engineering, at PI said: “Obviously, bringing this competition to Abu Dhabi reinforces the UAE’s image as a developed country and highlights its efforts to diversify energy resources.
“But more importantly for us on the team, the competition gives us the chance to try out what we have learned in the classroom, and put it to work, as a team.
“It is also an opportunity to prove that the Emirati woman is capable of achieving excellence in all fields, and to play a vital role in the development of our country."
The teams, consisting of drivers and technicians, will race single-person, lightweight, hybrid motor cars built to stringent race design and safety rules.
The teams have received car kits and are currently working in teams to engineer, build and fine-tune the vehicles for the event with the aim of developing faster and more energy efficient vehicles.

Aptly named “ADU’s Green Gears” (ADU G2), the student team will compete against 11 other teams from Universities throughout the region in the 3-day challenge that will run from Jan. 29-31.
It will be held on Al Forsan International Sports Resort Race Track, racing hybrid petro and battery powered electrical cars to record the longest distance and fastest average speed wins.
ADU’s G2 Team Leader and 4th year Mechanical Engineering student at Abu Dhabi University, Abdullah Abdul Jalil said: “Hybrid electric cars are quickly becoming an essential part of the world’s future and in the long run they will be the norm. Hopefully this challenge is a step in the right direction towards spreading awareness on the impact hybrid electric cars will have on the environment”.

Fisker Karma Hybrid Review

The Fisker Karma is a plug-in hybrid luxury sports sedan that was produced by Fisker Automotive between 2011 and 2012. The cars were manufactured at Valmet Automotive in Finland. TheUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the Karma's combined city/highway fuel economy at 52 mpg-US(4.5 L/100 km; 62 mpg-imp) equivalent (MPG-e) in all-electric mode, and at 20 mpg-US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp) in gasoline-only mode. EPA's official all-electric range is 32 mi (51 km).Due to the very small cabin interior volume, the EPA rated the Fisker Karma as a subcompact.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Hybrid Technology, led by Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li, has bid $55 million for Fisker Automotive's assets, just days after a bankruptcy judge in Delaware rejected Hybrid's plan to take over the failed electric-vehicle maker in a private sale.

Hybrid said in court papers Monday that it's offering $30 million in cash and would cancel $25 million in debt that Fisker owes Hybrid as its senior secured lender. Hybrid also promised that at least $5.5 million of the cash portion will go to Fisker's unsecured creditors if they switch to backing Hybrid instead of rival suitor Wanxiang Group as the so-called "stalking horse bidder" in the auction.

Production was suspended in November 2012 due to financial difficulties, with about 2,450 Karmas built since 2011. After furloughing its US workers in late March 2013, Fisker Automotive filed for bankruptcy in November 2013, after the U.S. Department of Energy auctioned its debt and sold it to Hybrid Technology LLC for US$25 million.

The Karma is a pure series hybrid, driven by a pair of 120 kW (161 hp) electric motors that receive power from a 20.1 kWh lithium ion battery supplied by A123 Systems and/or an engine powered generator. The battery pack runs down the center of the car, between the pairs of left-hand and right-hand seats, preventing a rear bench and seating four rather than five passengers. Once the battery is depleted, or when the driver presses the "Sport" mode button, the front-mounted 260-hp, 2.0-liter Ecotec four-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engine powers a generator that sends electricity directly to the drive motors. The engine is sourced from General Motors

The Karma's engine is mated with a generator to provide an electrical connection to the motors and also recharge the batteries, and as such the electric motors are the only mechanical driving force connected to the wheels. However, in all-electric mode, the Karma is around half as efficient as the Volt. The proprietary Q-Drive hybrid drive train is supplied by Quantum Technologies, which operates in a joint venture with Fisker Coachbuild known as Fisker Automotive. The Karma's curb weight is 5,300 lb (2,400 kg).
The Karma includes as standard a solar paneled roof manufactured by Asola Advanced and Automotive Solar Systems GmbH, a Quantum Technologies affiliate, to aid the cabin climate control system. The solar roof is capable of generating a half kilowatt-hour a day and was estimated to provide up to 4 to 5 miles (6.4–8.0 km) of additional range a week assuming continuously sunny days; however, the solar panels as delivered only recharge the 12-volt lead-acid accessory battery.  Additionally, Fisker will offer a set of solar panels for the garage/house which may charge the Karma without the benefit of conventional electrical sources (e.g. 'off the grid').
The base model features an 'eco-friendly interior', including salvaged/reclaimed lumber. The interior space is rated as subcompact by the EPA. Optional leather seating is available, but it will use much more of the cow hide than would customarily be found on luxury models; hides with scratches and other marks (which should not affect functionality) will be used.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official all-electric range for the Fisker Karma is 32 mi (51 km) under the agency's five-cycle tests using varying driving conditions and climate controls. EPA's estimated energy consumption is 65 kWh per 100 miles (1462 kJ/km). The total range with a full tank of gasoline and a fully charged battery is 230 miles (370 km). EPA's official rating for combined city/highway fuel economy in all-electric mode is 52 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPG-e) (4.5 L gasoline equivalent/100 km; 62 mpg-imp gasoline equivalent). The EPA rating in gasoline-only mode is 20 mpg-US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp). Regarding EPA's rating Henrik Fisker, CEO and co-founder of Fisker Automotive commented that "...as with all electric vehicles, range varies greatly on the conditions of the road and how you drive the car. We firmly believe that most owners will get up to 50 miles of driving range on a single charge."
The German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV) found through independent tests that the Fisker Karma has an all-electric range of 83 km (52 mi) in stealth mode. TÜV found that in charge-sustaining sport mode the Karma achieves a fuel economy of 26 mpg (9.2 l/100 km). The combined fuel economy was rated at 112 MPG-e (2.1 l/100 km equivalent) and the emissions level is 51 g/km CO2

Porsche uses four-cylinder hybrid powertrain in new Le Mans car

Porsche 919 LMP1 Le Mans car details
Porsche returns to the top class of Le Mans - LMP1 - in 2014 with the 919, aiming for overall victory.

Porsche has released another batch of images of its LMP1 competitor preparing for its debut season in 2014. This isn't the first we've seen of the new car, as June saw four images of the new racer undergoing testing. Where those images looked merely like someone taking pics during the test, the 11 new images seen above have all the hallmarks of highly polished PR shots

Porsche's LMP1 effort will be focused on the FIA World Endurance Championship, which will see the revered brand return to the top flights of the 24 Hours Of Le Mans with F1 ace Mark Webber behind the wheel. As we've mentioned before, the German brand has set up a dedicated microsite that will cover its newest racer's progress.

Next year, the Porsche LMP1 racing car is set to take to the starting line in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. "The current test drives are enabling us to collect huge amounts of vital data; every single kilometer driven is important. However, in order to develop the highly complex LMP1 racing car so that it is fit to compete by the start of next year's season, many more kilometers of testing are required," highlights Fritz Enzinger, vice president LMP1. "We are pleased with the progress being made with each test."

The WEC regulations stipulate that manufacturers run hybrid vehicles in the highest class for Le Mans Prototypes (LMP1). Porsche says their hybrid system consists of a four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection and two energy recuperation systems. The recovered energy is stored in a battery until retrieved by the driver. A powerful electric motor then provides additional drive to the front axle. However, the WEC rules limit the amount of fuel as well as the electrical energy, or so-called boost, available to the driver per lap. The development of such a highly-efficient drive will have positive influences on production development at Porsche.

“My first day in this fascinating project was an intense experience for me,” Webber said after the test. “We have a long way to go and it involves a lot of hard work--I have no misconceptions about this.”
The new LMP1, which will compete in the 2014 World Endurance Championship and the series’ highlight, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will continue testing until the season-opener at Silverstone in mid-April. Porsche plans to field two cars, with Webber to be joined by Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Neel Jani.

So what do we know about the new Porsche? Not much, though a little nugget has come out of this Webber test: like the 918, the Le Mans car is a petrol-electric hybrid, but unlike the V8-powered 918, the racer features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection and two energy recuperation systems. The energy recovered will then be stored in a battery, hooked up to an electric motor on the front axle.
As Porsche is only now returning to top-level endurance racing after a 16-year hiatus, its engineers have been working long and hard in developing the car and its new hybrid drivetrain. That drivetrain consists of a four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection and two energy recovery systems.
The recovered energy is stored in a battery until retrieved by the driver, whereby the energy is directed to a powerful electric motor that provides additional drive to the front axle. This creates a through-the-road all-wheel-drive system similar to what’s featured in Porsche’s road-going 918 Spyder.
In a statement, Porsche made mention that its highly-efficient drivetrain will have positive influences on production development at Porsche. While we’ve already seen the German automaker add hybrid systems to its cars, next year we will see a four-cylinder engine added to Macan and possibly to the Boxster and Cayman sports cars.

About Porsche Motorsport North America
Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA), located in Santa Ana, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Porsche AG and the sole sales and service provider for the German sports car maker’s North American customer sports programs. Porsche is the largest manufacturer of race cars with a wide range of products from the 911 GT3 Cup car to the ultimate 911 GT3 RSR. PMNA sells these models to customer teams in North America and provides them with parts, service and expertise in between races and at the track. The PMNA service truck is a fixture at most race tracks in the U.S. and Canada, staffed by factory engineers to service all of Porsche's customer teams.
About Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 189 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.
At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

Wanxiang of China increases bid for Fisker, heats up fight for failed electric-vehicle maker

FILE - This Nov. 18, 2010 file photo shows the Fisker Automotive's Fisker Karma, a sports luxury plug-in hybrid car at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles. Chinese auto parts conglomerate Wanxiang Group Corp. has increased its offer for Fisker, heating up the fight for the failed electric-vehicle maker by sweetening its bid with an additional $10 million in cash. But Fisker wants a Delaware bankruptcy judge to approve a private sale to Hybrid Technology LLC, which is owned by Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li.

WILMINGTON, Del. - Chinese auto parts conglomerate Wanxiang Group Corp. has increased its offer for Fisker Automotive, heating up the fight for the failed electric-vehicle maker.
Wanxiang sweetened its bid with an additional $10 million in cash.
An attorney for Fisker's official committee of unsecured creditors told a Delaware bankruptcy judge on Wednesday that Wanxiang may increase its offer even more if the judge approves a competitive auction for Fisker. "They have told us they have considerable room to go," said William Baldiga, the attorney.But Fisker wants the judge to approve a private sale to Hybrid Technology LLC, which is owned by Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li. Hybrid became Fisker's senior secured lender by buying a failed Department of Energy loan for $25 million. 

That resulted in a loss to U.S. taxpayers of $139 million.
Hybrid is seeking to buy Fisker's remaining assets in bankruptcy. The proposed sale will be considered at a hearing Friday.

California-based Fisker, which had planned to build high-priced cars at a former General Motors plant in Delaware, filed for bankruptcy protection in November, ending a long, downward spiral that began after it received a $529 million loan commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy. Fisker drew $192 million on the Obama administration's green-energy loan before DOE officials suspended funding in 2011 after the automaker failed to meet several sales milestones for its problem-plagued Karma luxury vehicle.
Wanxiang made a previous attempt to acquire control of Fisker and, in a separate bankruptcy case, recently bought the company that served as Fisker's primary battery supplier, A123 Systems.

Via Motors VTRUX Truck, Van, & SUV

The Worlds First Extended-Range Electric Truck
VIA Motors, makers of the VTRUX brand of extended-range plug-in trucks, just launched its first high-volume electric vehicle assembly plant this week, located in a new facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

The eREV power train by VIA enables larger vehicles, including SUVs and light trucks, to drive the first 40 miles in all-electric mode with near zero emissions, and a full range of 300 miles on a single fill-up. For most drivers, this means over 100 mpg in typical local daily driving. It’s exciting to drive — with more low-end torque. The electric truck performs as well as or better than the comparable gas version.

World’s First Extended Range Electric Luxury SUV

The facility which is strategically placed in a free-trade zone, and also near a number of important automakers and suppliers — will now serve as the site where new vehicles sent from the General Motors production facility in Silao are transformed into electric vehicles, a transformation that is accomplished via the integration of VIA’s proprietary extended range electric power train.

Say good-bye to range anxiety, this an electric vehicle with unlimited range. VIA’s new eREV SUVs drive up to 40 miles on batteries then continue up to 400 miles or more on longer trips. It generates its own electricity using a fuel-efficient onboard generator or “range extender.”

The Worlds First Extended-Range Electric Vans

In related news — among the many useful qualities/features of the VTRUX is its recently unveiled capacity to serve as an emergency power generator. The VTRUX is apparently able to utilize its 150-kilowatt generator to potentially power whole work sites or disaster relief camps
Prices (“in volume”) for truck = $79,000

An old invention raise the standard of electric car

The EP-Tender was designed by the French Jean-Baptiste Segard combining a combustion engine and a generator on a small trailer 1 20 m long and 200 kg.
The "range-extender" therefore sufficient to cover paths 600 km traveling at 130 km / h. Thus, it would use an electric car for longer trips, such as going on holiday.
The EP-Tender has been labeled by the cluster Mov'eo and Renault and EDF have already expressed their interest in this project.Importantly, the trailer has been designed to be very easy to attach to a car and stay in line when driving in reverse.

But Jean-Baptiste Segard believes he has a solution, which he has discussed with Renault and plans on pitching to BMW, Volkswagon, and Ford Europe. “I will drive from Paris to Munich,” he says, “and I'll say: ‘If you want to see an electric vehicle costing 15,000 euro which can drive a thousand kilometers, here it is!’'

After being nominated, WAITING winner on January 22, 201

Green Car Journal has revealed its finalists for the 2014 Green Car Technology Award™, a high-profile recognition of ‘green’ technology presented at The Washington Auto Show® in the nation’s capital. Finalists include a wide array of technologies from U.S., European, and Asian auto manufacturers.

“Advanced technology plays an increasingly important role in the development of cars and trucks capable of achieving significantly greater levels of efficiency and improved environmental impact,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “While new and advanced vehicle models get the limelight, it’s these underlying technologies that make their amazing achievements possible. Their crucial role is acknowledged through the Green Car Technology Award™ at the Washington Auto Show.”

2014 Green Car Technology Award™ nominees include:

-Acura Sport Hybrid SH-AWD Powertrain
-Audi 3.0-liter TDI Diesel Engine
-BMW i3 CFRP Passenger Cell
-Cadillac ELR Regen on Demand
-Ford 1.0-liter EcoBoost Engine
-Honda Accord Plug-In Powertrain
-Hyundai Fuel Cell
-Mazda i-ELOOP Brake Energy Regeneration System
-Porsche Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
-Ram Truck 3.0-Liter EcoDiesel Engine

The days are winding down until Green Car Journal’s announcement of the winner of the 2014 Green Car Technology of the Year Award, which will take place January 22nd, on the second day of the 2014 Washington Auto Show

World premiere at 2014 in Las Vegas : Audi Sport quattro laserlight pug-in hybrid concept car

Dynamic coupe has powerful plug-in hybrid drive
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of AUDI AG, Technical Development: "This show car embodies our engineering competence and shows cutting-edge electronic features such as high-performance laser-light headlights."

Most modern concept cars are lightly glitzed-up versions of the cars we'll see on the streets in subsequent years, but every so often an automaker develops a concept simply to show off its future technology.
That's certainly the case with the Audi Sport Quattro Laserlight plug-in hybrid concept going on display at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The new Audi Sport Quattro Laserlight Concept is coming as a plug-in hybrid, with a 4.0 liter V8 twin turbo engine under its hood, backed up by an electric motor. The total output produced by this assembly stands at 700 HP (515 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. This is enough to allow the model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds and to reach a top speed of 305 km/h (189 mph). The average fuel consumption stands at 2.5L / 100km (113 mpg UK / 94.1 mpg US).

The combustion engine is a four-liter V8 with biturbo charging; it produces 412 kW (560 hp) of power 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 engine very efficient. Located between the 4.0 TFSI and the transmission is a disc-shaped electric motor that produces 110 kW and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft). It draws its drive energy from a lithium-ion battery at the rear, which stores 14.1 kWh of energy - enough for up to 50 km (31.07 miles) of all-electric driving. An Audi wallbox that is used for charging provides for optimal energy transfer.

San Diego International Auto Show start

SAN DIEGO — More than 400 new models will be on display when the San Diego International Auto Show opens Wednesday for a five-day run at the convention center.

The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof, featuring over 400 vehicles from 36 global manufacturers. The 2014 model-year vehicles showcase the newest levels of technology that enhance the driving experience, packaged in luxurious interiors and wrapped in cutting edge designs.
When not captivated by the cars, show visitors can participate in exciting, fun new features, family entertainment, and interactive activities. This year’s show will have 15,000 square feet dedicated to the Exotics Vault with vehicles from manufacturers like Bentley, Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus and more.

Ferrari. Maserati. Lotus. Aston Martin. All legendary names that are revered by auto enthusiasts. For those who have aspired to own one of these beauties, the Exotics Vault is for you. This year’s Exotics Vault features new, late model vehicles and allows show attendees to get up close and personal. These finely crafted automobiles are provided by Ferrari–Maserati of San Diego, and San Diego European Motors.
Once again, Sunday, January 5th, 2014 is Ford Family Day! Children 12 and under get in free with a paying adult and there will be fun activities for kids of all ages.

Experience the car, truck or SUV of your dreams through Ride & Drive events from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, GMC, Kia, BMWi, Lincoln, Mazda, Nissan, RAM, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen. Once again, Camp Jeep is returning to provide rides on its indoor test track and Camp Jeep for kids also returns.
Make sure to join us for Electric Vehicle Day presented by SDG&E on Friday, January 3rd from 10am to 4pm. Manufacturer representatives, SDG&E specialists and a team from California Center for Sustainable Energy will be there to answer all of your questions.

AutoTrader.com will demonstrate interactive in-booth technologies to help consumers understand how both brands can help in the vehicle buying process. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to test their skills on the New Car Challenge Game and possibly win a $500 VISA gift card grand prize!
The auto show will be as “green” as ever with the return of the Think Blue Eco-Center, featuring the latest in fuel saving and environmentally-friendly technologies.

San Diego International Auto Show serves up a record 14 Ride & Drives

Ans about :
About 15,000 square feet will be dedicated to exotic cars from makers such as Lotus, Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini and others.
Friday will be Electric Vehicle Day, with representatives from San Diego Gas & Electric on hand to provide information on rates available to drivers of battery-powered cars. Numerous EV models will be on display.
Informational booths will include details about state and federal tax credits for electric vehicles, rules for carpool lanes and use of charging stations.
Sunday will be Ford Family Day. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Also, four free tickets are available at participating Ford dealers around San Diego County.
Free tickets are also available to active-duty and retired military members and their families at area Toyota outlets.
Otherwise, prices are $12 for adults 13 years old and up, $9 for seniors 62 and up and military with identification, and $8 for children ages 7-12. Kids up to age 6 are free.
The show is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.More you can find on the official website here