2007 L.A. Show: VW To Debut Fuel-Cell Powered Space-Up! Concept

A source of ours tipped us off today that Volkswagen will introduce a third interpretation of the Up! Concept at the 2007 L.A. Show that opens up to the public on Friday, November 16. According to our insider, the concept will be based on the 5-door Space-Up! (click here) prototype that was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Show in mid-October. The main difference between the LA and Tokyo Show concepts concerns the powertrain as the Californian Space-Up! will use a high-tech hydrogen fuel-cell powered motor. We’ll have more on the new Space-Up! Concept later on. (Picture: Tokyo Show Space-Up!)

Mazda To Provide Hydrogen-Powered RX8s To Norway

Mazda has announced that it has come to an agreement with HyNor (Hydrogen Road of Norway), a joint industry initiative to demonstrate real life implementation of a hydrogen energy infrastructure along a route of 580 km – 350 miles from Oslo to Stavanger in Norway, for the purchase of 30 Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles commencing summer 2008. For Mazda, these will be the first hydrogen vehicles sold outside of Japan. -Details after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

Hiroshima, Japan, 7th November 2007. Mazda Motor Corporation and HyNor (Hydrogen Road of Norway) will collaborate in the development of hydrogen fuel and hydrogen vehicles. This was formally agreed at a signing ceremony held at the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo today. His Excellency Mr. Åge B. Grutle, Norwegian ambassador to Japan, and Mr. Hisakazu Imaki, Mazda’s President and CEO, attended the event, at which Mr. Ulf Hafseld, chairman of HyNor, and Mr. Seita Kanai, a director and senior managing executive officer in charge of Research and Development of Mazda, signed a memorandum of understanding for collaboration and support in the development of a Hydrogen Economy. The memorandum states that HyNor intends to purchase 30 Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicles commencing summer 2008. For Mazda, these will be the first hydrogen vehicles sold outside of Japan.

"I very much welcome the agreement between Mazda Motor Corporation and HyNor. The agreement illustrates that HyNor's efforts to contribute to the development of Hydrogen-based technologies are recognized by Mazda as a major global actor in this field”, said H.E. Mr. Åge Grutle, Norwegian ambassador to Japan. “The partnership between HyNor and Mazda is also very encouraging for Norway's broader efforts to strengthen its cooperation with Japan in promoting research and technologies within the context of climate change mitigation, including a Hydrogen Society. For the Norwegian embassy it is a top priority to support these efforts, working in close collaboration with Innovation Norway and the Research Council of Norway."

“HyNor is very pleased to sign this agreement with Mazda and we think this cooperation will speed up the process of introducing hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel”, said Ulf Hafseld, Chairman of HyNor. “By using the Internal Combustion Engine as a feasible technology to accelerate realization of the real hydrogen world, we can develop a hydrogen infrastructure much faster. HyNor is focusing on a carbon neutral infrastructure, and using hydrogen in the Mazda cars will ensure a complete carbon free line of fuel.”

“This will be the first time a Hydrogen RE vehicle will be sold outside Japan and will be a big step in Mazda’s Hydrogen vehicle development history”, said Mr. Seita Kanai, Mazda’s director and senior managing executive officer. “Perhaps Norway is one of the countries closest to the realization of a Hydrogen energy society. By cooperating with HyNor and jointly supporting the development of a hydrogen economy, we hope that Mazda will be able to contribute to the establishment of a Hydrogen society. "

HyNor is a unique Norwegian joint industry initiative to demonstrate real life implementation of a hydrogen energy infrastructure along a route of 580 kilometers from Oslo to Stavanger in Norway. The project comprises all steps required to develop a Hydrogen society with adaptation to local conditions. The joint project is planning for various means of transport: buses, taxis and private cars and varying types of transport systems: urban, inter-city, regional and even long-distance national transport. In August 2006, Mazda attended a ceremony which commemorated the opening of Norway’s first hydrogen filling station created by HyNor. This is also where the first on-road demonstration of a RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle outside of Japan was held.

2007 L.A. Show: Honda To Unveil Production Version Of The Hydrogen–Powered FCX

Speaking at the 40th Tokyo Show opening yesterday (October 24), Honda’s President and CEO, Takeo Fukui, announced the Japanese carmaker’s plans to unveil a production version of the hydrogen - powered FCX Concept at the LA Show in mid-November.

The FCX utilizes electricity generated by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack, and electricity stored in its lithium-ion battery pack to power the vehicle's electric motor. According to Honda, the production version of the FCX Concept (pictured above) will go on sale to fleet and retail customers in the U.S. and Japan until the end of 2008.

Kumho Epoch: Eco-Friendly Racing Concept

So there’s no misunderstanding, when we say Kumho we do actually mean the Korean tire manufacture. Well, the folks at Kumho seem to have found some time off from making tires to create an environmentally friendly Le Mans racing concept – on paper of course. The Epoch was penned by Kumho’s in-house designer, Rob Dolton who works at Kumho’s European Technical Centre in Birmingham, UK.

According to its Dolton, the single-seater Epoch, features a chassis made from bamboo while its lightweight body panels are formed from recycled tire tread rubber. Power in theory comes from Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) units integral to the four-wheel hubs (an electromagnetic technology used in the railway industry). -Continued after the jump

As you’d expect, the Epoch also features innovative tire technology. Kumho calls it EAP (Electro Active Polymer) and it allows the tread and even the shape of the tires to be altered simply by passing an electric current through the rubber. The latter is achieved by the positioning of magnets on the hubs and within the wheel rims allowing the characteristics of the tire to be altered at will in order to suit different tastes and conditions.

Kia ECO Cee’d Models Coming In 2008: 3.9L/100 Km - 60 MPG!

Kia announced today that it will put the green-performance eco_cee’d concept car, first shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show (click here), into production from December 2008 with sales starting in early 2009. The new ‘eco’ cee’d product line-up will include all three regular cee’d body styles – five-door, three-door and wagon. The Frankfurt show concept car was based on the three door pro_cee’d and it was equipped with a 115 Hp1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel engine. A combination of minor modifications (engine, gearbox and aerodynamics) and equipment additions to the standard vehicle (start & stop system), helped reduced avg. fuel consumption to 3.9 litres/100km or 60 mpg (-17%) and CO2 emissions to 104 g/km (down 8.4%). -Details after the jump

Kia plans to market ‘eco’ versions of cee’d models

Production of ‘eco’ cee’d models planned from December 2008

Significantly reduced fuel consumption and lowered emissions

Will meet Euro5 emissions more than two years before requirement

Retains best-in-class 7-Years Warranty and EuroNCAP 5-Star rating

Aerodynamic enhancements cut drag to Cd 0.29

The impressive performance, fuel economy and emissions figures of the concept car were largely the result of improved aerodynamics which brought the drag coefficient down from Cd 0.33 to just Cd 0.29, representing a significant improvement of 11%.

Following extensive wind-tunnel testing, Kia engineers lowered the concept’s suspension, fitted under-floor coverings to the front, middle and rear of the vehicle, adopted wheel arch linings with ‘spoiler’ lips to smooth airflow around the wheels, plus a low-drag front grille to improve air flow over the vehicle. Finally, ultra-low rolling resistance Michelin tyres were mounted on special 17-inch alloy wheels that generate minimum disturbance to the airflow along the sides of the car.

Euro5 emissions, enhanced electronics and reduced engine friction

Engines for the ‘eco’ cee’d models will already comply with the Euro5 emissions regulations which come into force in January 2011. Engine changes which will transfer to the ‘eco’ cee’d range from the concept car include measures to maximise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, such as reduced turbo boost pressure (diesel models), enhanced fuel injection timing, modified residual gas rates and reductions in internal engine friction.

New ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system

To maximise the value of the aerodynamic and powertrain improvements, the new ‘eco’ cee’d models will be fitted with Kia’s new ISG (Idle Stop&Go) system, including Smart battery Power Management. This system has regenerative braking, which automatically recharges the battery during deceleration, and switches the engine off when the car is stopped and the engine is at idle, dramatically cutting both fuel consumption and emissions during typical stop-start city driving.

More gears, lower revs, lower consumption

All the new ‘eco’ cee’d’ models will be fitted with a new six-speed manual gearbox instead of the five-speed used on standard cars. Higher ratios for fourth, fifth and sixth gears will improve fuel consumption at motorway speeds. First, second and third gears retain the standard ratios to ensure that the dynamic performance of the standard car accelerating from standstill is carried over.

To further guarantee that the ‘eco’ cee’d models’ engines and transmissions are always operating at high efficiency, an ECU-controlled ‘Shift Indicator’ will be fitted in the instrument cluster. This displays the optimum gear choice for the speed at which the car is travelling, and indicates the ideal moment (based on road speed and engine speed) at which to change gear.

Customer choices for a greener future

The new ‘eco’ cee’d product line-up will include all three regular cee’d body styles – five-door, three-door and wagon – to continue Kia’s policy of maximising customer choice. All ‘eco’ cee’d models will retain the standard cee’d electric power steering, fully independent suspension and all-disc braking system, so the ‘eco-friendly’ cars will be just as much fun to drive as the regular models.

Goliath Wins: BMW Prevails In UK Court Battle Concerning Footpath Closure

In what has been described as a David (Ramblers’ Association) vs Goliath (BMW) legal battle, UK district judge, Witney, decided to allow the car-giant and Oxfordshire County Council to close a 2000 year-old-path that stood in the way of development at MINI’s plant in Cowley, Oxfordshire.

The Ramblers’ Association (a group that represents and promotes walking) supports that up to 400 people use the path every day. Although BMW said that they will fund an alternative path, the walkers' advocacy group said it was ‘severely disappointed. -Continued after the jump

Adrian Morris, head of the RA’s footpath team commented: “We are bitterly disappointed that BMW will be allowed to close this community’s historic path, and deny hundreds of local residents per day a safe and quiet means of accessing work and the countryside beyond. The judge’s decision to close this safe and pleasant path flies in the face of the fight against obesity and climate change by encouraging people off their local paths and back into their cars”.

Link: RA

Volvo C30 Flexfuel To Compete In The Swedish Touring Car Championship

Volvo is developing a new Flexfuel version of the C30 hatch in order to compete in the STCC (Swedish Touring Car Championship). The C30 E85 FIA SUPER 2000 will replace Volvo’s current racing car, the S60. "The decision to leave this year's racing car, a Volvo S60, was fairly simple. The Volvo C30 is a somewhat smaller and more agile car with excellent driving characteristics, even in the standard version," says Derek Crabb , head of Powertrain and Engine at Volvo and the man recently appointed to lead Volvo's Racing department.

Development of the new racing car will be done jointly by Volvo Cars and Polestar Racing, who has been handling the Swedish carmaker’s STCC vehicles the past few years. According to initial specs, the C30 E85 FIA SUPER 2000 will be equipped with a 2.0-liter 5-cylinder unit that runs on bioethanol (E85) delivering around 280 Hp. -Continued after the jump

VOLVO C30 E85 FIA SUPER 2000 - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Body:
A standard C30 body reinforced by a safety cage and side impact protection on the driver's side, developed in collaboration with Caran.

Aerodynamics:
Front splitter (the lower section of the bumper) and a rear spoiler wing developed by Polestar in Volvo's wind tunnel.

Engine:
A fully aluminium, transversely mounted, 5-cylinder, inline, four-valve, 1999 cc engine.
Only minor modifications are permitted on the cylinder block and cylinder heads, while valves, cam shafts, pistons, connecting rods, and the crankshaft have been replaced by racing-specific components.
Oil: Castrol 5W-30

Output/torque: 280+ hp at 8,750 rpm/Approx. 230 Nm at 7,300 rpm.

Fuel: E85

Exhaust system:
Stainless steel with catalytic emission controls, specially manufactured by Ferrita.

Driveline:
6-speed sequential gearbox with straight-cut gears, manufactured by Hewland. Front-wheel drive.
Mechanical differential with a torque controlled ramper and friction discs.
SACHS 184mm two-disc carbon fibre clutch.
Oil: Castrol TWS 10W-60.

Weight: Minimum weight 1,134 kg including the driver (58-60 kg).

Front wheel suspension:
Öhlin's McPherson struts developed together with Polestar. Racing-specific support arms and adjustable anti-roll bar.

Rear wheel suspension:
Multilink system with coil springs and Öhlin's dampers. Racing-specific support arms and adjustable anti-roll bar.

Front brakes:
Performance Friction
4-pistion callipers with radially and axially ventilated discs 332x32 mm.

Rear brakes:
Alcon 2-piston callipers with axially ventilated discs 290x10 mm.

Steering:
Servo-assisted rack and pinion.

Wheels:
17x10,0" BBS wheels

Tyres:
Michelin 17", slicks (no tread), or rain tires.

Boston’s AltWheels Alternative Transportation and Energy Festival

Here at Carscoop, we have a green heart for eco-friendly cars. So you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered that the annual AltWheels Festival was being held right in our back yard, Boston!

The interactive and informative event was set up behind Boston’s City Hall and took place yesterday and Friday. The event consisted of inventers and futuristic concept vehicles, alternative transportation options from fuel cell vehicles to taxi rickshaws to human-powered transport systems. It was quite the science experiment! Among those alternative fueling methods exhibited during the event included Hybrids, Plug-in Cars (including hydrogen fuel-cell plug-in’s) Electric Vehicles, Ethanol, Biodiesel, Used Vegetable Oil, and Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Buses. -Continued after the jump

I had an hour to kill in between classes so I headed on over to partake in the festivities and grab some photos. It’s sponsored by various car manufacturers such as Toyota, VW, Chevrolet and Ford. The plaza was divided into exhibits with kiosks of information and representatives from each company available to answer questions about alternative fueling methods they’re working on. Check out some of the photos including the bumper sticker loving Prius that’s lived to see 322,700 miles on the same batteries!

Posted by Daniella

Mazda Creates Plant-Derived Biofabric For Interiors

Since neither science nor chemistry was our forte, we’ll use Mazda’s own words to explain: “The biofabric is made of 100 percent polylactic acid, which is a plastic created by combining large numbers of lactic acid molecules that are made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars”.

Huh? Oh, well, to make it simple, Mazda created a durable plant-derived biofabric for vehicle interiors without using any oil-based materials. See that wasn’t so difficult wasn’t it. The Japanese firm plans to use the biofabric for the first time on the seat covers and door trim in the all-new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid that will be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show this October. -Press release and images after the jump

Mazda Develops World's First Biofabric Made With 100 Percent Plant-Derived Fiber for Vehicle Interiors

HIROSHIMA, Japan - The world’s first biofabric made with completely plant-derived fibers, suitable for use in vehicle interiors, has been developed by Mazda Motor Corporation in collaboration with Teijin Limited and Teijin Fibers Limited. This newly developed biofabric does not contain any oil-based materials, yet it possesses the quality and durability required for use in vehicle seat covers. Resistant to abrasion and damage from sunlight, in addition to being flame retardant, the new biofabric meets the highest quality standards. Based on this biotechnology, Mazda will strengthen its future research and development on non-food-based materials in consideration of the impact such technologies have on food supplies. Mazda plans to use the biofabric for the seat covers and door trim in the all-new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid that will be exhibited in October at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007. The all-new Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid will also feature a bioplastic, which Mazda developed in 2006, in the vehicle’s instrument panel and other interior fittings.

All of Mazda’s biomaterials fall under the “Mazda Biotechmaterial” brand name. Mazda is dedicated to continuing its research and development efforts for these environmentally friendly technologies which will help to realize a sustainable society in the future.

This newly developed biofabric has harnessed the latest technologies to control the entire molecular architecture of raw resins to improve fiber strength until the fabric attained sufficient resistance to abrasion and light damage for practical use in vehicle seat covers. The biofabric is made of 100 percent polylactic acid--a plastic created by combining large numbers of lactic acid molecules that are made from fermented carbohydrates such as plant sugars. Mazda developed this new biofabric in collaboration with Teijin Limited and Teijin Fibers Limited, companies with R&D and manufacturing sites in the region near Mazda’s headquarters in Hiroshima. Other crucial qualities necessary for the highest performing fabrics, such as fire retardant properties, were achieved through Mazda’s accumulated experience in surface technologies built up through years of cooperation with several local companies.

Seita Kanai, Mazda’s director and senior executive officer in charge of R&D, said, “Mazda succeeded in developing this 100 percent plant-derived biofabric for use in vehicle interiors by leveraging the technical expertise we have amassed in the Hiroshima area. We are convinced that our new technology, which enables the manufacture of this material without any oil-based resources, will become a cornerstone for future biotechnologies aimed at reducing the burden on the environment. Mazda, working together with our locally-based partners, will continue its research and development programs aimed at achieving a future car society that is eco-friendly.”

Hartge BMW 1-Series V300+: 550Hp LPG Powered Car To Break Speed Record

In conjunction with the University of Technology and Economics in Saarbruecken, the German environment ministry, state economics department officials and automotive and energy specialists, Hartge has developed a prototype version of the BMW 1-Series fitted with a 550Hp strong engine that runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Dubbed V300+, the project car will attempt to break the world land speed record by achieving a top speed in excess of 300 km/h. Engines fuelled on LPG are not only cheaper to run than a petrol unit –due to the lower cost of LPG, but they’re also much cleaner and in many cases, produce more power and torque than petrol units of a similar capacity.-Continued after the jump

Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: V300+

Lotus plan to create a Wind Park providing up to 100% of its electricity needs

Being “green” isn’t only about reducing car emissions, it’s also about minimizing corporate CO2 emissions. And that’s exactly what Lotus intends to do with its joint proposition with green energy company Ecotricity. The two companies have submitted a request for a Scoping Opinion to South Norfolk District Council for their views on potential plans for a wind park at the Lotus Manufacturing Plant and Test Track, at Hethel. According to Lotus the turbines have the potential to provide up to 100% of Lotus’ electricity needs, with the excess power being fed into the local grid for use by local residents. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

Lotus Press Release: Wind Turbines to Supply Lotus Electricity Needs

Group Lotus plc, the high performance sports car manufacturer and world leading engineering consultancy, has joined forces with green energy company Ecotricity in its drive to minimise its carbon emissions and become genuinely green in its energy supply. Innovative engineering will now be partnered by wind energy to be the power behind the Lotus manufacturing plant in the UK.

Under their Merchant Wind Power (MWP) scheme Ecotricity, the UK’s largest independent green energy supplier, has submitted a request for a Scoping Opinion to South Norfolk District Council for their views on potential plans for a wind park at the Lotus Manufacturing Plant and Test Track, at Hethel near Wymondham.

The turbines could provide up to 100% of Lotus’ electricity needs. Excess power will be fed into the local grid and can be used by local residents. Switching to a green energy supplier is the biggest single contribution an individual or business can make to help reverse the onslaught of climate change. Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity, commented: “This is an exciting project, and I’m delighted that Lotus is taking its responsibility to the environment so seriously. There are many myths about what it takes for a business to become truly green, and the Lotus wind turbine project will be an important example for other organisations. The company won’t be spending any additional money on its energy supply, but will have peace of mind knowing that it’s part of a growing movement to redress climate change.”

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer, of Group Lotus plc said: “Lotus is globally recognised as a pioneer in vehicle technology and is now working worldwide in environmental and green transport research. By sourcing our electricity needs for our Hethel headquarters in Norfolk from these Wind Turbines, we can contribute to reducing our corporate CO2 emissions dramatically and provide a definitive demonstration of our commitment to the environment.”

Lotus has carried out extensive assessment of its premises at Hethel near Wymondham, demonstrating the potential for a wind park – specifically three turbines located in the centre of the test track. The request for a scoping opinion represents the next stage in progressing the development of the site. It will seek the views and advice of all statutory bodies concerned, such as the Environment Agency, the Ministry of Defence and Natural England.

By using wind turbine generated electricity, a number of areas of Lotus will benefit from a 100% renewable energy source, such as the Lotus Cars manufacturing facility, including the assembly halls, paint shop and composite shops, the engine test facility, the computer aided design and analysis tools, project and administration offices.

A Lotus car is substantially more efficient and economical than other sports cars because its low mass gives a high power to weight ratio without the penalty of high fuel consumption. This “performance through light weight” philosophy is key for all Lotus vehicles. Lotus also has an extensive and diverse portfolio of green technologies. They have developed the Bio-Ethanol powered Lotus Exige 265E, and conducted extensive research in to compressed natural gas powered cars and hybrid technology. It is also working with a number of clients worldwide to engineer advanced electric vehicles.

The burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity is this country’s single biggest cause of climate change, responsible for over 30% of our carbon emissions. Dale Vince OBE, founder of Ecotricity, commented: “Wind turbines are essential in the fight against climate change. The biggest thing we can all do is change where our energy comes from.”

Ecotricity supplies homes and business across the UK. Switching where your electricity comes from is the single biggest thing you can do to help fight climate change and it only takes five minutes!

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