My Perfect Automobile » Auto Show

Tokyo Motor Show Set for Nov. 22 Opening

Larry Bell — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:39:43 +0000

Smart Electric Drive will be at the Tokyo Motor Show

The 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, one of Asia’s most important industry events, will run from Nov. 22 until Dec. 1. The first day for public attendance will be Nov. 23. The event will occupy every hall in the city’s enormous exhibition center, nicknamed Tokyo Big Sight. In addition to 18 non-Japanese car brands, the host nation will be represented by all 14 Japanese manufacturers. The 2011 show drew upwards of 850,000 attendees and media representatives from more than 70 countries. The Tokyo Motor Show is held every two years.

Tokyo Motor Show: Video

The short video clip above features some sights and sounds from a recent Tokyo Motor Show, when Toyota unveiled its unique Fun Vii concept car. The world’s only Smartphone on wheels, the Fun Vii’s body panels are computer screens that can display whatever the driver wishes. The show has always billed itself as offering “weird and wonderful” cars to the public, and the debut of the Fun Vii certainly lived up to that promise.

Tokyo Motor Show

The 2013 event has already booked a VIP list of exhibitors, all of whom will display their wares in Japan’s largest convention hall, a venue known commonly as Tokyo Big Sight, and formally as the Tokyo International Exhibition Center. The massive, and stunning, center is one of Asia’s most recognized structures. It opened in 1996.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) sponsors the event, which has gained a reputation for concept car debuts and is considered one of the world’s “Big Five” automotive exhibitions along with Frankfurt, Geneva, Detroit, and Paris shows. The first Tokyo Motor Show was called the All Japan Motor Show, and was held in 1954. That year, the event centered on commercial vehicles rather than passenger cars.

For all the details about Asia’s premier automotive event, the Tokyo Motor Show, see the official TMS English language website:
http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en/

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Barcelona Motor Show Set for May 9

Larry Bell — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:50:25 +0000

Barcelona Motor Show: Twizy Sport F1 will debut

In the same week as the Extreme X Games and the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Barcelona Motor Show will open its doors to the public. Set to run from May 9 to May 19, the event will feature at least a pair of electric cars, namely the Volkswagen e-Up! and the Renault Twizy F1 Sport Concept. Other than those two, there will be 22 different carmakers’ goods on display, including about a half-dozen regional debuts. In order to keep expenses within a reasonable range, the event’s organizers decided to downsize a bit this year. Even at that, the Barcelona Motor Show always draws plenty of international media attention for its exclusive lineup of vehicles from elite manufacturers like Ferrari, Bentley, Aston Martin and Maserati.

Barcelona Motor Show: Video

The Twizy Renault Sport F1 is a strange mixture between electric scooter and car, according to those who have logged miles on the French carmaker’s oddity. The short video clip above is a walk-around of the tiny EV. Don’t miss the spoiler, mounted high on the rear. Of course, as Renault designers say, the car merely borrows ideas and styling flourishes from F1 racers, but is more suited to city driving and weekend errand-running.

The F1 Twizy concept uses two motors. One is a 13 kWh unit that is used on the standard Twizy EV. In addition, the F1 model contains a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) electric motor, just like the ones on Renault F1 race cars. Because of the huge power burst provided by the KERS motor, the Twizy F1 concept is able to reach 68 mph. The car’s 0-60 mph time is a mere six seconds.

Barcelona Motor Show

Among this year’s brands at the event will be Dacia, Honda, Jeep, Kia, Lancia, Renault, Peugeot, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, and many others. For all the latest details about the Barcelona Motor Show, visit the event’s official English language website:
http://www.firabcn.es/en/home

Larry Bell

Frankfurt Motor Show Set for Sept.10 Opening

Larry Bell — Wed, 08 May 2013 23:30:33 +0000

Opel RAK e electric concept car debuted at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

One of the world’s largest and most prestigious automobile exhibitions, the Frankfurt Motor Show, will open on Sept. 10 and run until Sept. 22. The cities of Frankfurt and Hanover alternate hosting duties for the event, with Frankfurt taking the odd-numbered years. In 2011, the show was the site of almost 1,000 exhibits from all over the world. Organizers for the 2013 show are expecting approximately 1,000,000 attendees.

Frankfurt Motor Show: Video

Audi’s A2 electric car concept was the talk of Frankfurt’s 2011 show, as detailed in the short video clip above. The concept drew heavy media attention, as did several other debut vehicles at the show that year. The A2 was a unique vehicle for Audi, with a superstructure composed primarily of aluminum and carbon fiber. The car was specially designed to be very light and carried a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery pack in its floor. A one-speed transmission and front-mounted electric motor combined with front-wheel-drive to make for a clever concept vehicle. Though development of the A2 has been put on hiatus, the car on display in 2011 utilized brake-, steer-, and shift-by-wire technology. The official word from Audi about the A2 is that the car will not see production but was a way for the company to try out various component concepts.

Frankfurt Motor Show

The Frankfurt show runs from Sept. 10 through Sept. 22 this year, with Press Days on Sept. 10 and 11. The show will open to the public on Sept. 14. There is a special two-day Trade Days event on Sept. 12 and 13. In addition to passenger cars, the show will feature motorcycles, parts, accessories and motor caravans. Displays will be spread through 12 buildings around the main exhibition center in Frankfurt.

For all the details about the sixty-fifth Frankfurt International Motor Show, see the event’s official website:
http://www.iaa.de/en/

Larry Bell

Range Rover Hybrid Ready for Frankfurt

Larry Bell — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:50:25 +0000

Range Rover Sport Hybrid

The upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show will feature the debut of a diesel hybrid Range Rover as well as the Range Rover Sport Hybrid. In order to maintain the vehicles’ spacious interiors, both will carry under-floor battery packs. All indications from company spokespersons point to generator placement being midway between the combustion engine and transmission. So far, there has been no official decision about selling the new vehicles in the U.S. market.

Range Rover: Video

See the above clip from the Shanghai Auto Show to get a glimpse of the enthusiasm on the Range Rover team. Though the RR Sport Hybrid will not be unveiled until the Frankfurt Auto Show, Shanghai’s event featured its share of surprises from the RR team. The company is preparing a four-cylinder version of the car as well as the diesel hybrid for Frankfurt. According to Land Rover officials, the hybrid will boast a fuel efficiency rating in the 44 mpg range. Most of RR’s newer engines carry an eight-speed box, regen braking, and stop-start technology. All the new features contribute to a smaller carbon footprint.

Range Rover Hybrid

The pedigree of the Range Rover can get a bit complicated. The vehicle is produced by the British company Land Rover, which itself is part of the Jaguar Land Rover grouping under overall corporate ownership of global auto giant Tata Motors. Because Land Rover has invested so heavily in Range Rover’s name and technology, many consumers mistakenly use the names interchangeably.

Diesel hybrid vehicles have become very popular in Europe and Asia during the past decade, though only now are beginning to gain sales traction in the U.S. Some industry analysts believe that the Range Rover Sport Hybrid could make its way to American showrooms if sales in Europe prove to be strong.

For more information about the Range Rover, see Land Rover’s official corporate website:
http://www.landrover.com/us/en/rr/

Larry Bell

Qoros Wins China’s “Most Beautiful Automobile” Award

Larry Bell — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:11:03 +0000

The Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept car

Qoros Auto Co. took home the top prize from Car and Driver China magazine in the “Most Beautiful Car” category. The company’s Qoros 3 was the recipient of the trophy, as chief designer Gert Volker Hildebrand graciously stated, “I promise we will do our best to come back on stage here pretty soon in order to thank you for future awards.” The model is the first production car Qoros has offered.

Qoros Hybrid: Video

For a fascinating look at a car company that is little known in the U.S., but is currently making a big name for itself in Asia and Europe, see the video clip above. It features the Qoros press conference from last week’s Shanghai Auto Show, where the automaker took home the “Most Beautiful Car” trophy for its latest model design.

Qoros

Qoros has one of the more unusual, and clever, names of any carmaker in the world. The Chinese name for the company is Guan Zhi ,which is a combination of the words for “adaptation, learning, or observation,” and “perfection, or striving to be the best.” In English, the name Qoros was chosen for an equally thoughtful reason. Q stands for quality, namely the organization’s desire to be held to the highest international standards. In addition, the word is a sound-alike for the Greek word, “khoros,” which means “a chorus of voices.” As the company’s literature explains, “Qoros the company is therefore an expression of many voices and talents from all over the world, working together as one team to create quality products.”

The Qoros headquarters office is in Shanghai. The company develops high quality, innovative vehicles for young drivers who live in metro areas. Since 2007, the year of its founding, Qoros Auto Co. has employed an international team of specialists from inside and outside the auto industry. Qoros was formed as the result of an equal partnership between China’s largest carmaker, Chery Automobile, and the Israel Corporation, an international holding company. For more about Qoros, see the company’s official corporate website below:
http://www.qorosauto.com/en

Larry Bell

Hottest Concepts at Shanghai Show

Larry Bell — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:35:43 +0000

Shanghai auto show (pictured: Venucia ViWa electric concept car)

The Shanghai Auto Show is in full swing and already has made headlines with its vast array of concept vehicles inside the gigantic, 17-auditorium facility. Besides the show-stealing Buick Riviera wireless plug-in concept car (see this site’s main page for a full article on the new Buick), at least a half-dozen other sleek, hot concept vehicles are getting the attention of international media outlets. Nissan’s Friend-Me concept car is perhaps the most unusual looking of the bunch, while the Acura SUV-X marks the first time Acura has debuted a car outside the U.S.

Shanghai Cars: Video

For a fascinating look at the Shanghai show direct from the floor of the event, see the newscast coverage in the video clip above. Several industry experts agree that the Shanghai show could easily become the largest such expo in the world. As the Chinese auto market continues to grow rapidly, so does the nation’s appetite for exhibitions, trade meetings, and car shows. Already, according to a Japanese official who offers his opinion, the Chinese show is at least twice as large as its Tokyo counterpart, one of Asia’s premier vehicle showcases. This is the first year that Shanghai will fill all 17 halls of the exhibition center. The city alternates with Beijing as host, which means that 2014’s extravaganza will be heading to one of the world’s largest cities for more surprise unveilings, concept car revelations, and everything car-related.

Shanghai Auto Show

Honda’s Concept M minivan is made for the Chinese market only, much like the amazingly sporty Ford Escort concept car that looks nothing like the old U.S. version of that car. The Shanghai Auto Show runs through April 29 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

For further information about Nissan Motor Co., see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.nissanusa.com
For more about Dongfeng Motor Corp., see the company’s official English language website:
http://www.dfmc.com.cn/dfmczg/main_en.aspx
For the official website of the Shanghai Auto Show, see the event’s site at:
http://www.autoshanghai.org/En/Index.aspx

Larry Bell

Shanghai Auto Show Preview: Unveilings Abound

Larry Bell — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:42:49 +0000

Shanghai Auto Show: Panamera S E-Hybrid will be on display

When the Shanghai Auto Show opens this weekend, the event will play host to the debut of dozens of new cars from a variety of global automakers. Besides the much-anticipated Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid, Porsche’s first-ever plug-in, Shanghai will witness the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA crossover, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 (fiftieth anniversary edition), and two versions of the 2015 Audi A3.

Shanghai Auto Show: Video

See the video clip above for a thorough review of the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid. The plug-in version of this car will be in Shanghai, though interior styling is nearly the same, and much of the hybrid drivetrain is similar except for the plug-in capability of course. Porsche billed the S Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient vehicle the company has ever created when it was introduced. It boasts 41.5 mpg and an extremely low carbon emission level. As the reviewer notes, Panamera S Hybrid runs cleaner and more economically than the Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI. Able to reach 62 mph in just six seconds, the Panamera S Hybrid knocks out a blazing top speed of 167 mph.

Shanghai Auto Show

Adding to the barrage of unveilings, BMW will take the cover off its newest concept model, the X4, a coupe crossover. One of the concepts that is getting a lot of media attention ahead of the show is the Icona Vulcano Concept, created by an Italian design company that is based in China. The Vulcano is a supercar that burns pavement at an astonishing 217 mph and packs a whopping 900 horsepower and a V-12 engine under its hood.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid is expected to be one of the biggest crowd magnets at the Shanghai event. The car carries a sticker base price of $99,975. Shanghai is the debut for the plug-in version, Porsche’s first car of this type. The Shanghai Auto Show has become one of Asia’s premier events for the industry.

For all the latest official updates about the Shanghai Auto Show, visit the event’s English language website:
http://autoshanghai.auto-fairs.com/en/leftnavigation/information

Larry Bell

Nissan Concept ‘Friend-ME’ to Debut at Shanghai

Larry Bell — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:07:32 +0000

Nissan concept ‘Friend-ME’ ready for Shanghai show

Nissan’s Friend-ME concept car will debut at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show. It features advanced information-sharing capability, high-tech design, and body styling that is said to be unique. The Shanghai event has grown to become one of the largest auto expositions in Asia. The show alternates between Beijing and Shanghai each year, and has already carved out a reputation as a must-attend event for transportation professionals. So far, Nissan has released only partial images of the car’s exterior. The vehicle’s name is a nod to social media jargon popular among China’s young generation of drivers.

Nissan Concept: Video

The Nissan Leaf commercials made Aggie the polar bear famous. In fact, the commercial spawned a fad for using the chic animals to advertise everything from cars to cola. Now, have a look behind the scenes of the groundbreaking commercial that started it all, the Leaf ad that featured Aggie the bear. Surprisingly, most of the shots were one-takes because Aggie is an old pro at TV production, having acted in numerous film projects. The narrator discusses the few scenes that used digitized images for the sake of the animal’s safety and well-being. In the end, Nissan created one of the most memorable advertisements of the decade.

For more about Nissan, see the Japanese carmaker’s official U.S. website:

http://www.nissanusa.com

The following link is also part of the Nissan site, but focuses on the company’s concept and future vehicles, like the NV200 “Taxi of Tomorrow,” as well as the TeRRA SUV concept. Many of the concept models are only seen at auto shows and in special media presentations. A short list of the intriguing lineup of Nissan concept vehicles you can see at their website includes the URGE, Azeal, the Bevel, the Forum minivan, an electric Cube called Denki Cube, Ellure, Hi-Cross, and a high-performance version of the Leaf, called ESFLOW.
http://www.nissanusa.com/future-and-concept-vehicles/?next=header.exp.future_concept.link

Larry Bell

Porsche Panamera Hybrid Will Debut in Shanghai

Larry Bell — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 23:06:49 +0000

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

The latest version of the Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid will debut at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show in late April. The 2014 model carries a sticker price of just under $100,000, boasts 416 horsepower and offers 20 miles of all-electric driving. This is the company’s first plug-in hybrid. Those interested in purchasing the Panamera S will have to wait until November to buy one. Porsche has not stated the vehicle’s mileage data, though that information will likely precede the launch by several months. The 2013 model, which is not a hybrid, earned an EPA fuel economy rating of 22/30 mpg.

Porsche: Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTzYooSTRek

On the international racing circuit, Porsche is known for another hybrid car, the 911 GT3 R, which can be seen in the above video clip prepping for a major race. Like many automakers, Nissan and Audi to name but two, Porsche uses its racing vehicles to test individual components for conventional hybrid offerings. The footage shows renowned driver Nico Hulkenberg taking the GT3 R for a competitive spin on the world famous Nurburgring Nordschleife. Porsche is the world’s largest manufacturer of race cars and continues to dominate motorsports. The company has notched more than 28,000 wins in international competitions, notably an unmatched 16 victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most prestigious auto events in existence.

Porsche Panamera Hybrid at Shanghai

Porsche has chosen to reveal its new hybrid at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, also known as Auto Shanghai 2013. The event is one of the largest auto shows in Asia, annually trading venues with the Beijing Auto Show. This year’s gala will fill 17 gigantic indoor exhibition halls at Shanghai’s Expo Center. The event runs from Apr. 21-29 and will feature a one-day press preview on Apr. 20.

For more about Porsche, see the carmaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.porsche.com/usa/

Larry Bell

Infiniti QX60 Hybrid’s NY Debut

Larry Bell — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 23:28:19 +0000

Infiniti QX60 hybrid crossover

Infiniti’s QX60 crossover hybrid was unveiled at the New York Auto Show this week. The seven-passenger vehicle features a 15 kW electric motor, a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a lithium battery pack. The hybrid crossover is designed in such a way that it offers the same amount of interior and storage space as its non-hybrid cousin. Torque and horsepower differences between the hybrid and combustion models are negligible, with the gasoline vehicle coming out on top by just five pound-feet and 15 horses overall. The hybrid’s specs stand at 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft or torque.

Infiniti QX60 Hybrid: Video

For a thorough vetting of the QX60 hybrid, see the video clip above. A continuously variable transmission plus a choice of all-wheel or front-wheel drive will be offered on the QX60. Infiniti has not announced specific pricing data but did say that the new hybrid would likely carry a sticker of approximately $45,000, which is $3,000 more than the combustion model. Infiniti is a subsidiary of Nissan, and has produced high-end automobiles since 1989.

Infiniti

Infiniti’s Emerg-e hybrid concept car is another product of the Japanese automaker, having wowed crowds at auto shows and special events since its creation. The hybrid plug-in has a 30-mile electric range before the combustion engine begins to recharge the battery pack. With the ability to reach 60 mph in just four seconds, the sporty hybrid was first shown to the world at the Geneva Motor Show last year. Breaking from the traditional mold of hybrid design, the Emerg-e features a pair of electric motors, one for each rear wheel. Infiniti officials say the car might never land in showrooms but as a prototype is bound to influence various other models that roll off the Japanese carmaker’s line.

For more about Infiniti vehicles, see the company’s official U.S. website:
http://www.infinitiusa.com/

Larry Bell

World Car of the Year: The Winners Are…

Larry Bell — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:25:11 +0000

World Green Car of the Year: Tesla Model S

A jury of 66 experts announced the World Car of the Year winners for 2013 at the New York International Auto Show this week. Volkswagen’s Golf took the overall prize as WCOTY. The green category was won by Tesla Motors’ Model S electric sedan, while the performance trophy went to the Porsche Boxster/Cayman, and World Car Design of the Year honors were picked up by the ultra chic Jaguar F-Type. In a rare double play of sorts, the Golf has now captured two of the biggest international car prizes, winning here in New York for World Car of the Year, and only weeks ago snagging the coveted European Car of the Year trophy. For Tesla Motors, the victory as World Green Car of the Year is a sweet addition to a rafter of prestigious awards of every variety.

World Car of the Year: Video

See the clip above for a scintillating two minutes of coverage from the New York Auto Show’s unveiling of the VW Golf. The new, super fuel-efficient Golf is the seventh generation for the model. It is not only larger and roomier, but boasts much better mileage and is the lightest in the series. Nearly every major carmaker at this year’s NY event offers hybrid, electric, or ultra fuel-efficient models. While some purists do not consider high-mileage cars like the Golf to be “green,” the definition is certainly open to interpretation.

World Car of the Year

An obviously elated Walter da Silva, VW’s global design director, noted the high level of competition for the WCOTY award and pointed out the difficulty in creating a car like the Golf, which is able to rise above some of the best efforts by extremely talented designers and engineers the world over.

For more information about Tesla Motors, Volkswagen, and Jaguar, see the official corporate websites, below. Each of the companies came away from the World Car of the Year Awards with a major win.
http://www.teslamotors.com
http://www.vw.com
http://www.jaguar.com

Larry Bell

World Green Car of the Year: The Nominees

Larry Bell — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:28:09 +0000

World Green Car of the Year (Pictured: The 2012 winner, Mercedes-Benz S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY)

By the time you read this, you may already know who the winner is. In any case, it never hurts to know who made the finals, and why. The nominees for 2013 World Green Car of the Year are:

The Tesla Model S
Renault Zoe
The Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid

The winner will be announced on Thursday at the New York Auto Show amid a series of other Car of the Year winners in various categories. In order to make the finals, a car must be for sale on at least two continents and be a production model, not a concept vehicle. Though the Zoe is not familiar to U.S. consumers, the other two entrants are. The judging panel is well aware of each car’s pros and cons, and has extensive experience in making comparisons among engine types, performance parameters and reliability.

World Green Car of the Year: Video

For a closer look at one of this year’s award nominees, take a video test drive (above) in the Renault Zoe. Judging everything from looks and handling to performance and acceleration, the narrator puts the Zoe to the test, and just happened to face a very rainy day. The 2013 finalists consist of a pair of battery-electric cars and one plug-in hybrid, so it should be revealing to see how the judges compare these rather different models. One of the highlights of the New York Auto Show each year is the announcement of the World Car of the Year awards.

World Green Car of the Year

Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz faced off in last year’s green award competition, with the German carmaker’s S 250 CDI coming out on top. Second and third place trophies went to the Focus Electric and Peugeot’s 3008.

For more about the World Car of the Year awards, and to see how the system works, visit the official website for the WCOTY organization:
http://www.wcoty.com/web/

Larry Bell