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…

Volkswagen’s e-Up

Automotive media sources in Germany are reporting that Audi is planning to create a competitor to Volkswagen’s e-Up and hopes to have the new vehicle on the market by 2015. Audi is also hoping to outdo the e-Up in terms of range and power, intending to offer 125 miles of range and 114 horsepower on its prospective premium EV. Other reported specs include a 0-62 mph time of 9.3 seconds and a maximum speed of 93 mph. Volkswagen’s e-Up has a 93-mile range and an 81-horsepower rating. Pricing estimates put the VW e-Up around the $23,000 mark and the Audi EV at approximately $39,000, though both figures are unconfirmed.

Audi vs VW: Video

For a quick photomontage of Volkswagen’s e-Up, see the video clip above. The electric variation on VW’s popular Up will land in UK showrooms in 2014. Though the car is set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen revealed it ahead of the official unveiling. The e-Up’s lithium-ion battery pack is situated under the floor and offers 155-pound-feet of torque. With the ability to replenish the pack up to 80 percent of capacity in just 30 minutes, the car delivers an impressive 93 miles per charge. Other than minor insignia and badging, the electric version of Up is almost visually identical to the combustion model. One change is the front bumper on the e-Up, which is aerodynamically contoured and features LED running lights.

Audi vs VW e-Up

While the proposed Audi EV and the Volkswagen e-Up appear to be potential competitors, their distant price points will likely place them in non-competing demographics, with the VW model going head-to-head with Nissan’s Leaf and other moderately priced electric vehicles. Audi’s electric sedan, if indeed it lands in the $39,000 sticker range, will have an entirely different set of rivals for consumer affection.

For more information about Audi and Volkswagen, see the carmakers’ official websites:
http://www.audiusa.com
http://www.vw.com

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…

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

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…

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

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…

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

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…

Toyota Me.We concept car

Toyota Motor Co. has released the first official photos of its Me.We (pronounced “mee-wee”) concept car, an electronic oddity that employs 100 percent recyclable body components. The crossover, multi-purpose Me.We features an aluminum chassis, a polypropylene exterior, and a feather-light total weight of just 1,650 pounds. The bamboo floor is low-tech and low maintenance too. The Me.We can be transformed from city car to convertible to off-road vehicle with a bit of elbow grease on the owner’s part.

Toyota: Video

Watch the Me.We concept from idea to creation in the fascinating video clip above. Toyota’s European design group worked with a renowned architect to conceptualize the car on paper long before any construction began. Unlike most other concept vehicles, the Me.We is based upon a unique marriage of philosophy and utility. The five-minute mini-documentary walks through the story behind the car, the design team’s functional goals, and the effort to create a vehicle that answers basic human needs. Several decades ago, Volkswagen flirted with these ideas when it marketed the Thing, which featured removable body panels. The Me.We, however, goes many steps beyond, as the designer’s say, offering a product that is, “recycled, and recyclable.” Four in-wheel electric motors allow for seamless, and simple, switching between four- and two-wheel drive. The video is in both English and French, with bilingual transcript subtitles throughout.

Toyota Me.We

Wheel-mounted electric motors, all four of them, get power from an under-floor battery pack. To save energy, the Me.We’s A/C unit is powered by a low-energy air pump, while seat heaters warm up chilly winter days. Concept cars come and go, and most have at least a modicum of futuristic panache. The Toyota Me.We goes all the way, delivering an authentic look at the next era in transportation.

For more about Japanese automaker Toyota, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com

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…

The Twizy Renault Sport F1

An official Renault announcement early this week said the French automaker was working on a Formula One-inspired electric concept vehicle. In addition to the press release, Renault provided a not-so-clear photographic image that may or may not depict the prospective concept. The release did, however, state that the, “… prototype vehicle, which features muscular styling and impressive performance credentials, provides a bridge between the world of Formula One and that of electric vehicles. It’s a concept car that will make a lot of noise… but, in total silence.”

Renault: Video

Considering Renault’s recent dalliance with the idea of an F1-inspired electric car, the above video clip is instructive. It shows several of the company’s engineers testing an F1 engine. Historically, Renault has used racing and motorsport as a way to test various automotive components. After a bit of downsizing and reworking, numerous electronic systems have migrated from the racetrack to the consumer showroom. The French carmaker has built a global reputation as a pioneer in the use of F1 technology. The company’s sporting division is called Renault Sport F1. Under that name, the automaker competes in the FIA Formula One World Championship series. Now considered a leader in the world of Formula One, Renault has collected more than 150 victories, 11 Constructors’ World Titles, and 10 Drivers’ World Titles over the past 36 years.

Revealed! Renault F1 EV Concept is a Twizy

After all the buildup, Renault unveiled the new concept late this week at its Twizy plant in Spain. The official name of the hot-looking new EV is the Twizy Renault Sport F1. The little EV has a respectable top speed of 68 mph, and can reach 62 mph in just 6 seconds. A Tesla Roadster it is not, but the new concept has indeed borrowed key technology from the F1 family.

For more about the Renault international family of vehicles, see the company’s official corporate website:
http://www.renault.com/en/pages/home.aspx

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…

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

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…

Buick Riviera wireless plug-in concept

GM unveiled its Buick wireless plug-in concept at a special showing in Detroit, just hours before the vehicle’s official debut at the Shanghai Auto Show. Not destined for production, the concept’s shocking color, gull-wing doors, and wireless charging system are considered hints of Buick’s future design language. GM Shanghai president Ye Yongming said of the concept, “By seamlessly integrating advanced technologies, flexible functions and contemporary aesthetics, the new Riviera heralds the start of a new chapter for the 110-year-old Buick brand.”

Buick Riviera Concept: Video

Buick used the Shanghai Auto Show to officially debut the car that marks what its makers call, “the start of a new chapter” for Buick. That, according to Shanghai GM President Ye Yongming, is what the newest plug-in version of Riviera is all about. The stunning vehicle, shown in the video clip above, features a package of high-tech components including wireless plug-in capability, intelligent four-wheel steering, and electro-magnetic suspension. The automaker refers to these functions collectively as BIP, or Buick Intelligent Performance. The Buick Riviera Concept electric car is the fourth concept vehicle from the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) and GM Shanghai. The car’s charging unit is positioned inside the Buick porthole design.

Buick Riviera

According to GM, the new Riviera’s design was inspired by the well-known Chinese adage, “The greatest good is like water.” One of the vehicle’s features is a green “eco mode,” that allows for sports car-like performance even while functioning in hybrid drive. GM and its joint venture partners look to show more than 50 new vehicles at the Shanghai show, several of which are the product of joint venture efforts. Buick sold just over 700,000 cars in China last year and was part of the overall GM strategy to increase sales in what is becoming the most important auto market in the world.

For more information, see the official Buick corporate website:
http://www.buick.com

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…

Lotus Evora 414e hybrid

The Lotus Evora 414E hybrid car has captured the prestigious SAE World Congress Tech Award for 2013. The award was handed out at the World Congress event, which runs through April 18 at Detroit’s Cobo Center. The automaker’s range-extender hybrid was lauded by Automotive Engineering International Magazine editors (an SAE publication) for its practicality, contribution to the industry as a whole, design innovation and engineering achievements. In a statement from the magazine’s editorial director, Kevin Post, the Evora 414E drew high praise for its, “…unique combination of a multimode virtual seven-speed shift, torque-vectoring stability control, and energy and power management optimization schemes.”

Lotus Evora 414e: Video

For a few sneak peeks of the new Lotus Evora hybrid, the above video clip will take you on a very short photographic tour of the fresh-faced car.

Lotus Evora Hybrid

The new Lotus Evora 414E hybrid concept utilizes what the company calls VVA, versatile vehicle architecture. In addition, the hot hybrid uses the latest plug-in and range-extended propulsion along with cutting-edge electronic technology that is focused on driver involvement. The interior of the concept car is a work of art in itself, featuring a unique roof system and sleek seat design. The concept vehicle reaches 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, offers a total driving range of more than 300 miles, and uses torque vectoring for the utmost in stability. The seven-speed paddle shift and a choice of Eco or Sports driving modes make the Lotus Evora 414E concept hybrid one of the more futuristic creations in recent memory. A truly unique feature of the car is its HALOsonic sound synthesis. For a clear view of the car’s rear seat design, see the video clip above. The vehicle’s architecture is also used on the Lotus Evora non-hybrid model.

For more about Lotus cars see the automaker’s official website:
http:www.lotuscars.com

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…

The Edison2 VLC ‘Very Light Car’

This week, Edison2 CEO and founder, Oliver Kuttner, announced that the company’s award-winning VLC (Very Light Car) has been refined to offer more range, a higher top speed and lower overall weight. The changes are the result of a fresh, lighter suspension system that resembles the architecture seen in Formula 1 racing vehicles. In fact, the company’s highly skilled team counts several race car designers among its members. Edison2 attributes much of its success to a unique approach. Rather than spend time trying to squeeze more miles per gallon from a standard engine, the team works on altering the basic design of vehicle bodies and suspension systems. The entire process is centered on design efficiency and lighter cars.

Edison2 VLC: Video

Very few have had a chance to test drive the VLC, but thanks to the magic of video (above) anyone can take a ride in the Very Light Car, a creation of Edison2. Having already won a rafter of awards for design and engineering, the VLC is reminiscent of various green concept cars that tour the international auto show circuit. But this model is quite different, having a workable business and engineering concept that should bode well for its economic success.

Edison2 VLC

Edison2 shot to worldwide fame when the company won the prestigious $5 million Automotive X Prize (Mainstream class category). The VLC boasts a 110-mpg-e engine, while the electric model of the car reached 245 mpg-e in the EPA five-cycle test. Science buffs are amazed by the fact that the VLC showed the lowest drag ever seen on a passenger car at GM’s Aero Lab, notching a mind-boggling 0.160 Cd.

For more about the Edison2 Very Light Car, and all the other interesting projects the company works on, see the official Edison2 corporate website:
http://www.edison2.com/

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…

Maserati’s Ghibli will have a diesel version

Maserati and Ford will have new vehicles on display at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show. In Maserati’s booth, the company’s first diesel variant, the 2014 Ghibli, will make its show debut. Ford, on the other hand, has surrounded its latest concept model with equal measures of mystery and promotion. The U.S. automaker is not providing any information except to say the model is an “exciting concept vehicle,” which will show its face for the first time in Shanghai. One of the largest exhibitors at the Asian event, Ford’s 21,000-square-foot space will feature the Mondeo, CTCC race car, the Fiesta ST, plus a variety of safety displays and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Concept Cars: Video

In addition to Ford and Maserati, Japanese automaker Acura will host a huge display area at the Shanghai event. Earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, Acura showed off its crown jewel of the moment, the NSX Hybrid concept car. The brief video clip above offers a 360-degree walk-around of the stunning 2015 hybrid, which will be produced in Marysville, Ohio.

The scientific wonder of a ride has no official price as yet, though Honda spokespersons have hinted that the sticker will almost certainly be in the low six-digit category. When the NSX reaches showrooms in time for the 2015 model year, it will mark the first specialty sports vehicle that Honda has manufactured outside Japan. The all-wheel drive beauty will feature a mid-engine design and a hybrid powertrain.

Shanghai Auto Show

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli will be the brand’s first-ever diesel vehicle. Even though the company has already unveiled the new Ghibli, Shanghai will mark its official auto show debut. Ghibli will be offered with a choice of all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, but Maserati spokespersons are mum on pricing info for now. Total driving range and mileage ratings are also expected to be announced during or shortly after the Shanghai Auto Show.

For more information about Ford and Maserati, see the carmakers’ official corporate websites:
http://www.ford.com
http://www.maserati.com

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…