Now, the BMW Vision concept car clearly demonstrates that the EfficientDynamics objectives are fully compatible when applied to a sports car. Conceived as a 2+2-seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this unique car combines the performance of a BMW M vehicle with a standard of fuel efficiency and emission management that exceeds even the current levels achieved by the latest small cars. This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities.

BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is the result of a ‘clean-sheet’ development process to ensure that the correct achievements were made in the areas of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design. BMW EfficientDynamics Concept is the most comprehensive implementation of the EfficientDynamics philosophy seen so far. The powertrain provides a top speed limited electronically to 155 mph, with acceleration to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.76 liters/100 kilometers, equal to 62.6 mpg, and the CO2 emission rating is 99 grams per kilometer. CO2 emission management is even more outstanding when driving in the all-electric mode after charging the battery from a plug-in source: Taking all emissions in the generation of electricity into account, as prescribed by the EU formula, the car’s emission rating is just 50 grams per kilometer.

Through this unique balance of driving pleasure and fuel efficiency, the BMW EfficientDynamics Concept car clearly demonstrates the potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, which makes its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid and BMW 7 ActiveHybrid production models.

The power and performance are made possible by combining a fuel-efficient 3-cylinder turbodiesel with one electric motor on each axle. The intelligent combination of these units, together with precisely controlled energy management, simultaneously enhances the dynamic performance and the efficiency of the car. Overall system output is 356 horsepower, and peak torque is 590 lb-ft. The special arrangement of the two motors and diesel engine allows all-wheel drive when driving in all-electric mode. The result is minimum power loss and a harmonious transmission of the power available under all conditions.

In its design, BMW EfficientDynamics Concept for the first time conveys the dynamic look of a BMW sports car to a hybrid vehicle. Developed with decades of experience in Motorsport, the body of this unique sports car is a result of intelligent lightweight technology and aerodynamic efficiency. In the design of the interior, the focus was likewise on both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight.

Inside, owners will be greeted to swathes of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch all hand stitched by the craftspeople at Gaydon – Aston Martin’s global headquarters in England.

Lightweight seats formed from Carbon Fibre and Kevlar saving 17 kg over the standard seat also feature together with Piano black facia trim, centre stack and centre console, anodised black tread plates and unique sill plaques build on the carbon theme. The Aston Martin 700w Premium Audio System is delivered as standard in the V12 Vantage while the DBS boasts the Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system as standard.

Customers who order a Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage will have the opportunity to experience Aston Martin’s renowned Performance Driving Course (UK and Europe only) free of charge which offers a memorable day helping customers to equip themselves with the skill sets to enhance the enjoyment of their Aston Martin on the track.

The Carbon Black Editions are available to order from the official Aston Martin dealership network with final pricing (expected to be approximately 5% over current base prices) to be confirmed in the New Year.

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP. Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 18, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V489000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 59031

Summary:
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, “WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING AND DEFOGGING SYSTEMS AND WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS”. THE SOFTWARE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL CAN CAUSE THE HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, DEFROST, AND RADIO CONTROLS, AS WELL AS THE PANEL ILLUMINATION TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence:
DRIVING WITHOUT A FUNCTIONING DEFROST SYSTEM CAN DECREASE YOUR VISIBILITY UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING
.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COMPUTER MODULE IN THE CENTER INSTRUMENT PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Notes:
GM SAFETY RECALL NO. 090298. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

One of the concepts is, according to Automotive News, “A Lancia Delta mid-size hatchback with a Chrysler grille.” It’s the other one that’s generating a lot of chatter. And some voltage.

According to reports, Chrysler is intending to show an electric Fiat 500. The 500 is a popular car in the European market, and Chrysler and Fiat hope it can take on the Mini Cooper here. Autoblog says, ” We’ve heard that the automaker’s erstwhile ENVI group was disbanded and assimilated into the rest of the company’s product development workforce, so we’re curious to see the integration of a battery-powered drivetrain into the little urban runabout. Will it be a fully-functional vehicle or just a mock-up of what could potentially be possible?”

Bloomberg reports, “Chrysler’s decision on whether to put the car into production is unknown, said the people, who declined to be identified because the details aren’t public. Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne said last month the company plans to produce about 56,000 electric vehicles annually by 2014, and Chrysler may base its initial model on the Fiat Doblo van.”

With the electric Fiat 500, Chrysler and Fiat may have more than just the gas-powered Mini in their sights. Bloomberg says, “An electric Fiat 500 gives Chrysler a competitor to Bayerische Motoren Werke AG’s Mini-E electric car. BMW began leasing a limited run of Mini Cooper plug-in electric cars this year.”

With its small size and light weight, an electric subcompact like the Fiat 500 or Mini-E could make sense for a lot of urban dwellers. However, with Chrysler keeping quiet on when or if the electric 500 could be produced, and most areas lacking the infrastructure required to charge the cars, most consumers will likely have to wait a little longer before taking advantage of the technology.

Vincerò ‘I will win’; Nessun Dorma, probably the most famous tenor aria from Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot, gave its name to the overall concept of the current individualisation project from Mansory.

The story is descended from the Persian novella 1001 days. This on the one hand refers to the standard PS – motorisation / the standard PS figures of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, on the other hand it should remind of the origin of Kourosh Mansory, CEO and founder of the Mansory Cooperation. At last the 3 acts of the opera gave the idea for the strictly limited edition of the Linea Vincerò.

Source: ConceptCarz

The Opel Siderium was the winner in the Best Conceptual Interior category at the Interior Motives Design Awards 2008. It was designed by Vinicius Barbosa Crepaldi and Tiago Aiello Tomé De Souza from UNESP – the Universidad Estadual Paulista, Brazil.

Opel Siderium Concept has its eyes fixed on luxury interiors that may be available in the future, and it does a commendable job in that department. The exterior is full of textures and accessories and is marked by soft curves, pleasing to the eye, and a perfect introduction to what lies in the interior.

Source: Car Body Design

“People buy environmentally friendly cars because they feel it’s the right thing to do, not necessarily because of their looks or to make a fashion statement. But the Volt is different. It’s something one would buy because it is so compelling to look at, and the fact that it has the potential to never burn any gasoline – that’s just a bonus.” GM

Challenging through its outstanding design the idea that an environmentally conscious vehicle cannot match beauty to its driving characteristics, the Volt Concept is based on GM’s E-Flex System and has as equipment an electrical motor coupled with a compact 1-liter gasoline engine that can re-charge the battery, increasing range and fuel economy.

The electric car can be charged from a wall socket which makes it a a plug-in hybrid with enough battery power to go 40 miles without a recharge.

The E-flex System – an engine that can produce electricity from gasoline, ethanol, bio-diesel or hydrogen, depending on the specific market and local infrastructure.

Exterior Design – using unique materials and newest technologies, GM designers in collaboration with GE Plastics achieved Volt’s special appearance: “It was important that the design capture the face of Chevrolet as it’s recognized around the world.”

Interior Design – combines ambient light with modern materials giving birth to an interior space that’s light, airy and more conscious: “On the interior of the Volt, you’ll find technologies, materials and an environment that enable the car to help make life simpler for a person who’s environmentally conscious and leads a city-centered lifestyle.”

Seen as an urban-centric car, with overall dimensions relatively small, Chevrolet Volt is an advanced technology vehicle, adapted for a normal, but more thoughtful lifestyle; “designed to appeal to an urban dweller who desires a smart, daily-use vehicle.”