Mercedes-Benz Ener-G-Force concept; G-Class for the future

From autoblog;
“Looking to create an entrant for this year’s LA Design Challenge, Mercedes-Benz came up with the Ener-G-Force to fit the theme of Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025. Mercedes-Benz says that the styling of the Ener-G-Force builds on many cues from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and like the original G-Wagen introduced in 1979 as a civilian version of a military vehicle, it didn’t take much imagination to envision a civilian version of the Ener-G-Force. Of course, it wouldn’t be a futuristic concept vehicle without some sort of advanced powertrain, and the concept unveiled today delivers on this front as well.

From a design standpoint, the Ener-G-Force infuses many elements seen on the G-Class but with a much more modern interpretation giving it a new, yet recognizable appearance. These cues include the sunk-in headlights, turn signals/running lights mounted atop the front fenders, the long, flat roofline and the low, rectangular taillights, but the Ener-G-Force ditches the G-Class’ boxy lines in favor of a more rounded shape.

One of the interesting elements of the concept is the roof rack. While it looks like a cargo rack that could be used for a safari, it is actually a way for the vehicle to collect water to store in tanks to then be transferred to a converter that creates hydrogen to power the fuel cells. The batteries for this system are built into the rocker panels, and the hypothetical range for this conceptual system is 500 miles of zero-emission driving. For off-roading purposes, the system uses four independent motors at each wheel and a roof-mounted scanner that adjusts the suspension to best fit the road conditions and terrain.

The Ener-G-Force was one of six entrants for the 2012 LA Design Challenge, and the winning design will be announced on November 29 as a part of the LA Auto Show.

Read more about the Ener-G-Force in a press release from Mercedes-Benz;
Ener-G-Force – off-road for tomorrow

MONTVALE, NJ – Is it possible that the Mercedes-Benz G-Class will still be around in 2025? A cool design study from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates how the genes of the classic off-roader from 1979 may still assert themselves far into the future. It is based on the concept of a future police car developed for the Los Angeles Design Challenge.

The Los Angeles Design Challenge 2012 looks far ahead with a quest for the “Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025”. Law enforcement will have to prepare for even more crowded roads with electronically monitored and guided traffic, a much larger population and changes in human behavior. People will still feel young and active even later in life. Outdoor activities will dominate leisure, as will the desire for freedom and adventure. The new times will also call for new police vehicles. They must be able to reach any place conceivable quickly and reliably – even far away from any pavement. And they must do so in an exceptionally environmentally friendly way using alternative energy sources. Enhanced green-car characteristics and off-road capabilities will be among the fundamental virtues of a police car in 2025.

As an environmentally friendly SUV, the Ener-G-Force, which Mercedes-Benz is presenting in Los Angeles as a design study, meets these requirements and would be fully capable of supporting police and emergency services in every corner of the world. Gorden Wagener, Director of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The Ener-G-Force is the vision of an off-roader that, while reflecting tomorrow’s adventures, also invokes the genes of the Mercedes-Benz off-road icon, the G-Class. Modern and cool, it could also be a clue about a new beginning for the off-road design idiom of Mercedes-Benz”.

The small glass areas make the police vehicle a safe cocoon for law enforcement officers who are faced with many dangers. Emergency lights integrated into the roof are impossible to ignore; the striking front leaves no doubt as to the commanding presence of the police, and the gigantic wheels guarantee the right-of-way even where no way exists.

Back from the future – clean concept for beyond tomorrow
Of course the concept of the Ener-G-Force for the Los Angeles Design Challenge is pure, rendered science fiction. However, the notion of designing tomorrow’s off-roader intrigued the designers at the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio in Carlsbad, California to such an extent that they evolved the vision of a police version into a civilian version and even built a 1:1-scale model. Like the “Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025”, the shape of the civilian Ener-G-Force is modeled after the G-Class, the off-road icon whose continuous history goes all the way back to the 1970s and that to this very day still tackles the future as a stylistically and technologically advanced SUV.

Like the police version, the model of the civilian Ener-G-Force is unmistakably inspired by the G-Class, which has long been considered an automotive icon.However, it presents a radical reinterpretation of this classic that looks far into the future. Important genes such as proportions and design elements were completely redesigned and updated in a clean concept for beyond tomorrow.Ener-G-Force Designer Hubert Lee: “Of course we wanted to take a clear step forward, but we also wanted the G’s characteristic features”. The Ener-G-Forcehas a similar profile, however with a high shoulder line and scaled-down glass areas.

While the clear design idiom of the G-Class has remained, all surfaces are designed to express intensity and tension. The meticulously executed details are also a clear indication that the Ener-G-Force is the product of modern times. Like the G-Class, the Ener-G-Force sports a front with an expressive radiator grille that incorporates the headlamps. The LEDs in the headlamps form the shape of the letter ‘G’, which gives the Ener-G-Force a bold, dominating appearance. The front turn signals and running lights are mounted on top of the fenders, a trademark G-Class element.

The distinctive roof and the 3-panel greenhouse also echo fundamental genes of the classic G-Class from Mercedes-Benz, but represent a clear step forward.This is also evident in the large wheels, whose 20-inch rims give the Ener-G-Force a powerful, towering stance. The Ener-G-Force also plays on the utility factor in an entirely new way. For instance, the distinctive feature in the rear is a slightly off-center pull-out compartment whose cover occupies the traditional location of the spare wheel cover of the classic G-Class. This pull-out tool box can hold a wide variety of equipment that are quickly within reach without having to open the entire tailgate.

Bursting with energy
The Ener-G-Force stores recycled water in tanks on the roof, and transfers it to the “hydro-tech converter,” where natural and renewable resources are converted into hydrogen for operating the fuel cells. The storage units for the electricity generated in this process are housed easily accessible in the striking side skirts. The Ener-G-Force emits nothing but water, has an operating range of about 500 miles and as a result truly is a green car. Four wheel-hub motors, whose output for each individual wheel is adapted precisely to the respective terrain by high-performance electronics, provide the pulling power. A “Terra-Scan” 360-degree topography scanner on the roof permanently scans the surroundings and uses the results to adjust the spring and damping rates as well as other suspension parameters for maximum traction on the respective surface, regardless of whether it is on- or off-road.

The strikingly styled side skirts house either the energy storage units or hot-swappable battery packs. Changes in the color of the illumination of the side skirts indicate the operating and charge status of the energy packs. A roof rack and additional lamps are integrated into the roof. The entire design appears to have been carved from a single piece. The overall presentation of the Ener-G-Force is clean – stylistically and functionally.”

More pics here; http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/mercedes-benz-ener-g-force-concept-is-a-g-class-for-the-future/

2014 Volkswagen XL1 Spy Shots

From motorauthority;
“Back in 2007, on the eve of his 70th birthday, Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piëch made the bold promise his company would launch within the next few years a vehicle capable of achieving a fuel economy of greater than 200 mpg. The technology was already available, and was in fact previewed five years earlier with VW’s 1-Liter concept, named so because of its fuel economy rating of 1.0 liter of fuel burned per 100 kilometers driven, which is roughly equivalent to 235 mpg.

However, bringing a vehicle like the 1-Liter to market, especially at a time when few were complaining about the price of fuel, seemed next to impossible, though it appears Volkswagen has persevered and now looks to be just a year out from launching such a vehicle.

Our latest spy shots reveal a prototype for a new super-efficient vehicle that has clearly been influenced by the latest VW XL1 concept car unveiled at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show.

Remarkably, the production version looks identical to the concept, right down to its streamlined shape, scissor doors, angular LED headlights and inset rear wheels. This latter element has been added so that a cover can be attached over the rear wheels to further aid aerodynamics. The vehicle also features rear-looking cameras instead of conventional mirrors. For the concept, the coefficient of drag was a super-slippery 0.186 Cd, and this looks set for the production version too.

Also like the XL1 concept, we suspect this production version is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain combining a 0.8-liter twin-cylinder diesel engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 73 horsepower. Though that may seem low, the vehicle is tipped to weigh only 1,700 pounds thanks to its aluminum and carbon fiber construction.

Top speed is estimated to be an electronically-limited 99 mph and the 0-60 mph sprint should be achievable in a Smart ForTwo-rivaling 12 seconds. Using battery power alone, the XL1 should be able to manage almost 22 miles before its diesel motor kicks in. With a full tank of diesel on board, the range could potentially be thousands of miles.

Inside, there will be seating for two plus most of the usual mod cons found in a modern car. Nevertheless, the XL1 isn’t intended to be a mass-produced vehicle but rather a specialty vehicle to showcase the engineering talents of the Volkswagen Group. Take this to mean it’s not coming to the U.S., at least, in any serious volume.

So what kind of fuel economy can we expect for the production XL1? Well, the concept promised around 261 mpg, likely under ideal conditions, so it looks like Piëch’s more realistic promise of a ‘1 liter’ car will hold true.

Look out for a debut late next year, most likely at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show.”

More pics here; http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1078806_2014-volkswagen-xl1-spy-shots

Lamborghini Urus Concept in Pebble Beach

From autoblog;
“We crawled all over the Lamborghini Urus Concept, and even took the time to open the doors and sit behind the wheel of the utility vehicle at “The Quail: A Motorsport Gathering” during the festivities at Pebble Beach this past weekend. While there has still been no official announcement of whether or not the concept has received a thumbs-up for production, all indications are that the program is moving forward for a launch around 2015.

As we have mentioned previously, this Lamborghini is expected to be built on modified PL73 architecture (underpinning the next-gen Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and Bentley EXP 9 F Concept). Our bet is that it will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, an engine shared with the new Bentley Continental GT V8, making in excess of 600 horsepower (possibly with the help of hybrid technology). With a targeted curb weight of 4,400 pounds, it will not only be the most powerful SUV on the market but one of the lightest and quickest, too (the BMW X6 M has 555 horsepower and weighs 5,324 pounds).

Rub elbows with the well-to-do on the Monterey Peninsula, and their excitement seems to indicate the market is ready for 3,000-plus copies of a $180,000-plus sport-ute from the Italian exotic sports car maker. The fiery Urus Concept seems to have everything going in its favor. Now, all it needs is a green light.”

More pics and video here; http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/lamborghini-urus-concept-is-warmly-welcomed-at-pebble-beach/

BMW Reveals V-12 Powered Z3 Prototype

From motorauthority;
“BMW’s Z3 roadster, built from 1996 – 2002, wasn’t exactly the Bavarian automaker’s finest effort. Essentially a parts-bin car, it’s primary claim to fame was affordability, and it was relatively successful in bringing the BMW roundel into a new batch of buyers’ garages.

Early Z3s were underpowered, equipped with a 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine that produced a modest 138 horsepower. By the second year of production, a more powerful 2.8-liter in-line six debuted, offering a semi-impressive 189 horsepower.

Later M versions of the car delivered as much as 240 horsepower, raising its entertainment value considerably. As photos released by BMW M on Facebook show, however, the Munich automaker may have once considered a V-12 option for its two-seat roadster.

Three images show a BMW M-built Z3, powered by what’s likely a 5.4-liter M73 V-12. Used in the E38 7-Series, the E31 8-Series and even the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, the aluminum-block engine would have produced in the neighborhood of 326 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque.

Despite its aluminum block construction, it also would have put a significant amount of weight over the front wheels, which isn’t exactly a good thing in a short-wheelbase, rear-drive roadster. BMW isn’t providing details on the car, so we suspect it was built simply as a proof of concept, to show that a production V-12 could be shoehorned into the Z3.

If production was ever considered (and that’s a big if, given the cost of the V-12 engine), we’re pretty sure that handling issues killed the project in its infancy. Still, we’d be willing to give it a go on a dry racetrack with lots of runoff room.”

More pics here; http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1078303_bmw-reveals-v-12-powered-z3-prototype

918 Spyder prototypes begin testing

From Porsche NA;
“Atlanta. The Porsche 918 Spyder is on the road: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has taken the driving trials of the super sports car of the future a step further with completion of the initial prototypes. The 918 Spyder is planned for production at the end of September 2013, with the first customer deliveries currently scheduled for the United States late in 2013. “What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.

The prototypes, their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the interplay between the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. “They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation,” said Wolfgang Hatz. These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of Porsche’s core competences. Both of them have a major influence on the extreme driving fun to be had with the 918 Spyder and they make possible a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.

The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 kilometres. Moreover, Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.”

New Lambo SUV??

From jalopnik; “These pictures, published in the appropriately-titled Italian magazine Quattroruote, claim to reveal the new Lamborghini SUV concept. Aventador styling on a tall Audi platform? Maybe. One thing’s for certain, this ain’t no rough-and-ready LM002.

The skinny in the translated article is that Lambo is bringing this as-yet-unnamed concept to the Beijing Motor Show in April, teasing a possible production model that’ll drop in one or two years’ time.

There appears to be much speculation about the powertrain, with few or no real facts. Speculation runs to the Aventador’s V12, the Gallardo’s V10 or even a new, more-efficient, Audi-based V8 or even [insert Italian for gasp] gasoline/electric hybrid that’ll make the kiddie hauler all the rage amongst well-heeled hypocrites.

Lamborghini was actually the first dedicated maker of supercars to dip its toe into muddy waters. Released in 1986, the Lamborghini LM002 was much less about ferrying spoiled brats to soccer practice and more about arab sheikhs tearing up dunes out by the oil fields. It was powered by the same V12 used by the Countach and required its drivers to shift gears themselves using a [insert Arabic for gasp] clutch pedal and five-speed. This soft-roader won’t ask so much of its drivers, instead shifting for them through some form of automatic transmission, possibly Audi’s new 8-speed. You know, because more technological complication people don’t understand and less involvement are what the 21st century supercar customer wants. Think of this as the “Blando Lambo.”

More pics here; http://jalopnik.com/5880606/lamborghini-suv-gallery/gallery/5

Porsche Cajun prototype caught wearing Audi duds in Sweden

From autoblog.com; “‘Tis the season, or so they say. But we’re not talking about the holidays. We’re talking about the season for cold-weather testing of new prototypes up in northern Sweden. After our intrepid shutter-bugs snapped an updated Mercedes-Benz GLK taking its licks in the snow way up there near the arctic circle, now they’ve caught this Audi Q5 test mule.

Only appearances can be deceiving. Because while this may look like a Q5 – or even a high-performance Q5-RS – what we’re actually looking at is a prototype for the upcoming Porsche Cajun.

The highly anticipated baby brother to the Cayenne will benefit from the synergies of belonging to the Volkswagen Group, hence the Q5 platform and – until we see otherwise – the Q5’s sheetmetal. The major difference is in the wheel wells: bigger alloys, bigger brakes, and a wider track than the existing Audi.

The running gear (read: powertrain) is expected to be fine-tuned by Porsche engineers for a sportier attitude. We’re expecting hybrid and even three-door versions (the latter to target the Range Rover Evoque), but for now we’ll just have to gaze upon a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Check it out in the high-res image gallery from the frozen tundra – you won’t even have to put on your parka.”

More pics here; http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/porsche-cajun-prototype-caught-wearing-audi-duds-in-sweden/

2012 BMW 550dx(tri-turbo!) to be AWD torquemonster with 516 lb-ft

From autoblog.com; “A BMW dealer in the Netherlands has leaked what it says is a tasty bit of information on the upcoming diesel 5 Series. According to 5post.com, the vehicle will boast a tri-turbo inline six-cylinder oil burner good for around 381 horsepower. That number is a far cry from the 500-pony speculation that had been making the rounds until recently, but that doesn’t mean that the big 5 Series will be any slouch on the road. The dealer also let slip that the vehicle will arrive packing 516 pound-feet of torque, which should be more than enough for the big sedan’s all-wheel drive system to rip up massive handfuls of asphalt to throw at lesser machinery.

Speaking of all-wheel drive, word has it that the 550d will only be available with all four corners turning, at least initially. Production is set to kick off in March of next year, and true to form, there’s no telling whether or not the big, powerful diesel will be available to U.S. buyers. There’s also some indication that this potent engine will show up in hardware like the next-generation BMW X5 and X6, though there are no fuel economy estimates to be had at this time. Presumably, a Touring variant like the one shown above will be on offer overseas, as well, making it this Bimmer a covet-worthy alternative to a premium crossover.”

New Beetle R concept

Tasty!!

From motortrend.com; “Volkswagen can say the 2012 Beetle is more masculine until its blue in the face, but the Beetle will always have that stigma of being driven by those who actually used the standard flower vase found in the last-generation New Beetle. That’s where VW’s R division came in at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where it showed off the decidedly-masculine Beetle R Concept. Built by the same people responsible for the Scirocco R and Golf R, this is the first time the Beetle R has been shown off in North America.

You know you’re looking at one tough bug the second you see the Beetle R. Shown in “Serious Grey” (yes that’s the official name of the V-dub’s paint scheme); the Beetle R is all flares, arches, and intakes. The visual steroid injection is backed up by the Golf R and Scirocco R’s 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 under the hood. While VW is mum on power output, the all-wheel drive Golf R makes due with 256-hp so if the front-drive Beetle R were to reach production, it would have to slot in below VW’s new halo car.

One thing that should help the Beetle R’s case for production is that there’s a hole in Volkswagen’s lineup between the GTI and Golf R where the Scirocco R would go if it were offered in the United States. While VW was mum when we asked about the Beetle R reaching production, we think a 225-or-so-hp Bug would fit nicely into the U.S. lineup, and do much to increase the Beetle’s appeal to those with a taste for a more red-blooded driving experience.”

More pics here;
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/los_angeles/2011/1111_volkswagen_beetle_r_concept/

2015 Porsche 550…and Audi and VW derivatives

From CAR magazine; “Project Mimo is the working title for Porsche’s new junior sports car, a sub-Boxster coupe plopping Porsche right into Elise territory.

Loosely dubbed Porsche 550, the new entry-level Porsche would be twinned with Audi’s proposed R5 and Volkswagen’s BlueSport. The projects are still at an engineering feasibility stage and none has yet been greenlighted. Officially, at least.

Our artist’s impression gives a flavour of what the new Porsche 550 could look like. Frankly, we hope any production version would suffer less from the Boxster-is-a-911-is-a-classic-Porsche Russian doll syndrome that afflicts so many of the current range.

Porsche 550: the engineering story
The whole of Project Mimo – standing for Mittelmotor, or mid-engined – has only recently been transferred from Wolfsburg to Weissach. Creating a common DNA for all three models (and others not yet mentioned) is a huge challenge for the Porsche engineers under their new R&D chief Wolfgang Hatz, who used to be the number one engine guy at VW.

The VW Group architecture destined for these models is expected to be MSS, and product planners are investigating Porsche, Audi and VW editions, most likely in roadster and coupé form. But sources tell CAR that further additions like Speedster/Spyder/Shooting Brake are all being considered.

Four- and five-cylinder engines will be the staple powerplants, and it’ll offer rear- and – for Audi – all-wheel drive.

Manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions are being factored in, while the power steering will be electric and optional brake upgrades ceramic. Magnaride adaptive dampers are also on the to-do list at Weissach.

Porsche 550 gets a 1.9-litre flat four
While the Audi version will sport a five-cylinder engine from the TTS/R, Porsche is developing a new trademark horizontally opposed four-cylinder for the 550.

Engineers say that turbocharged versions of the new 1.9-litre are capable of developing 210bhp and 215lb ft of torque. Relatively modest power outputs for Porsche, but weight should be kept low and don’t forget Porsche’s obsession with product distinction. While the mid-engined Audi is likely to sport around 340bhp, it doesn’t have a Cayman/Boxster to protect.

If Porsche does decide to do a go-faster version (and since when did they not?), the new 550 will accept the larger flat fours being developed for future Caymen/Boxster models by 2014. Whereas today’s models use six-pots, CAR has seen plans for a new 2.5-litre flat four turbo, codenamed B4 and listed at 360bhp and 350lb ft.”