Honda has shown off its Urban EV Concept car, which not only previews the Tokyo-based firm's future technologies… it's heading for production.
The Honda Urban EV Concept is assembled on an all-new platform and in terms of design, looks like a really cool retro mobile. What's really exciting is that Honda will be making a production version! Honda Motor Co. President and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, during his press conference speech. "This is not some vision of the distant future; a production version of this car will be here in Europe in 2019," he added, confirming that the concept is set to be launched within 2 years. Honda's Urban EV is a little smaller than the current Jazz, but sits lower and wider which gives it a sporty driving stance. In the cabin, there is room for four seated on two benches. The front of the cabin is dominated by a large wide dashboard display.
The big tech here is Honda's Automated Network Assistant, which is your personal concierge. It has advanced learning and can detect emotions, which it'll then apply to make new decisions. The car is also a zero-emission electric vehicle which can release its energy back into the national grid or used to power your home. The Urban EV forms part of Honda's Electric Vision strategy for the future.
Forget about garages: Renault is working with architects on its new Symbioz concept with the idea that the vehicle can actually be driven into a home.
The thinking is that the vehicle can be driven into the house to become an additional, modular room in the form of a useful, mobile and connected space, parking inside or outside of the physical structure.
Introduced at the Frankfurt motor show, the Symbioz project spans dynamic scenarios where the car is put to use in different places within and around the home and while travelling.
Cars are becoming interactive and personalised spaces that connect passengers to other cars, people and objects around them, and the Symbioz is a major part of Renault’s effort to be a part of a motoring evolution in which efficient energy use, smart connectivity and autonomous driving is changing the way we live and travel.
The Symbioz concept is powered by all-electric motors, and allows for house and car to share energy, similar to what Nissan and Honda are exploring with Leaf and Urban respectively. Kilowatt-hours are distributed through a smart grid shared by the car and the home in an artificial intelligence environment that anticipates people's needs.
For example, it's possible to programme the system to use the power stored in the car batteries temporarily for the lights, screens and home appliances during peak times. If there is a blackout, this happens automatically and power sharing can be monitored and adjusted.
An electric, autonomous and connected demo vehicle that makes real many of the elements of Symbioz will be available for testing later this year. This demo vehicle will preview technology Renault customers may find in its production car range in the near future.
The Symbioz project involves technology and creative industry leaders in an Open Innovation approach:
LG is involved in the development of the human-machine interfaces.
Ubisoft is providing on board virtual reality experience for autonomous driving mode.
Devialet is developing a new user experience through advanced sound system.
Sanef is working on the way the car communicates with road network infrastructure.
TomTom is contributing its geo-positioning expertise.
IAV is providing autonomous driving engineering expertise
BMW is furthering its energetic foray into electric motoring with its unveiling of the i Vision Dynamics, a four-door grand coupe that is positioned between the i3 electric city car and the i8 electric sports car.
A year on from the presentation of its future-focused NEXT 100 vision vehicles, BMW is introducing electric mobility of the much more immediate future at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The i Vision Dynamics will go far and it will go fast: it has a range of 600 km, a top speed of over 200 kph and an acceleration time of 0-100 kph in 4 seconds.
The vehicle is BMW’s way of reminding the motoring world they take electric mobility very seriously. “We have more electrified vehicles on the road than any established competitor and are committed to expanding our activities in the field of electric mobility,” says Harald Krüger of BMW AG.
BMW hopes to be offering 25 models with an electrified drive system by 2025, 12 of which will be purely electric.
The BMW i Vision Dynamics represents an evolution of the classical BMW proportions: a long wheelbase, flowing roofline and short overhangs.
The tension between large surfaces and finely worked details points to the innovative technology at the heart of the car in an understated manner rather than advertising it in grandiose fashion, which BMW says is in keeping with the identity of BMW i: “I do more with less”.
Smooth curves guide the car’s horizontal profile, contributing to a poised look, while the tapering of the passenger cell creates broad shoulders and a powerful presence. The slim-cut L-shaped lights at the rear are eye-catching.
Inside, BMW has concentrated on enhancing passengers’ shared driving experiences, suggesting that this is something that will gain further importance in the future, in particular with regards to (semi-)autonomous and connected driving.
The BMW i Vision Dynamics is intended to be a trailblazer for the BMW brand, showcasing the group’s future vision for emotionally engaging electrified mobility.
Subaru's new product rollout shows significant momentum; the Japanese brand unveiled an all-new Impreza hatchback at the Frankfurt Show.
In the last few years, we've seen a resurgence in Subaru products as the brand tries to grow its product offering. The latest generation of Subaru products, such as the XV, Impreza sedan and new Levorg all feature updated safety tech and modern connectivity and entertainment systems, something previous generations lacked.
The new Impreza hatch features symmetrical all-wheel-drive, updated engines with CVT gearboxes and Eyesight safety technology.
Engines
Two new engines will be introduced, still using Subaru's Boxer – flat-four – technology. The engines are naturally aspirated with the 1.6-litre developing 84 kW and 150 Nm and the 2.0-litre pushing out 115 kW and 196 Nm of torque. The CVT transmission has been lightened by 7.8 kg for the Impreza hatch and Subaru says this improves both acceleration and fuel efficiency.
Chassis
The new Impreza hatch runs on Subaru's global platform that was first introduced on the new XV. All future AWD and boxer engined Subaru's will also make use of this platform. The Impreza hatch also features Eyesight technology that comes with a raft of radar-based safety tech including:
Pre-Collision Braking
Pre-Collision Throttle Management
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Departure & Sway Warning
Lane Keep Assist
Lead Vehicle Start Alert
The Subaru hatch is expected to go on sale in Europe before year end. Subaru SA has decided against the Hatch and to concentrate on sedan sales for the moment.
The Toyota C-HR Hy-Power Concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show features some possible new styling upgrades, specific to hybrid models.
Toyota appears to be particularly pleased with the sales of its C-HR model, particularly in Europe. Interestingly, more than 75% of C-HRs sold in Europe are hybrids, mostly down to incentives on hybrid vehicles across Europe. Still, Toyota is exploring the idea of a higher powered hybrid C-HR in the future and this is what they think it should look like.
The team entrusted with designing a stylish new C-HR found inspiration in the natural forces that turn carbon into diamonds and the way in which solid rock can conceal a fiery, molten core.
This thinking led to the use of a new Dark Carbon silver paint with a matt finish to accentuate the interplay between the vehicle's sharp lines and deeply sculpted surfaces. The effect is heightened by the use of gloss black elements, including the lower front lip spoiler, the area above the Toyota emblem on the front of the car and the wheel arch trims. Dark chrome sustains this effect, witnessed in the headlamp ornamentation, window frames and in the 20-inch alloy wheels.
Burnt orange and black feature throughout the interior, continuing the theme from the exterior.
Despite Toyota dubbing this a high-powered hybrid C-HR, there is no talk of the powertrain or possible figures on it. This C-HR Hy-Power is merely a showcase for the technology the brand intends to introduce in the future as it expands its hybrid offerings.
Frankfurt Show: Kia Proceed Concept & Picanto X-Line
Kia revealed its latest Proceed concept as well as a rugged looking Picanto at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show.
The Proceed is the prelude to the Cee'd, a European hatchback that Kia doesn't bring to SA. It's quite similar to the Cerato in shape and size so sort of makes sense that both models don't overlap in our local market. This concept sees Kia taking the Cee'd into new territory with what it calls an extended hot hatchback.
It's difficult to see how much different it is to a regular coupe, but Kia is convinced that the Proceed concept provides an alternative to customers looking for a sporty 3-door hatchback. Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe for Kia Motors, commented: "the Proceed Concept represents a bold new vision of how the vibrant soul of the pro_cee’d could be reincarnated and revitalised for a new generation of performance-oriented drivers.”
No other details have been provided about the Proceed other than the Sharkblade bodywork panel at the rear that helps reinforce the roof as there are no B-pillars in the car.
Picanto X-Line
Rugged looking Picanto X-Line is the most powerful Picanto ever.
Taking inspiration from its SUVs, Kia has thrown together a rather rugged looking Picanto for the Frankfurt show. The Picanto X-Line features 15 mm of extra ground clearance and plans to mix it with the likes of the Renault Sandero Stepway and Volkswagen Cross up! The Picanto X-Line also uses Kia's 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine it puts out 74 kW and Kia claims the X-Line is the most powerful Picanto ever. Kia also mentioned that the turbopetrol engine could be used in other variants of the Picanto soon. We'll have to wait and see if this technology filters through to local models in the future.
Audi's Aicon concept shows a 2+2 seater future where there's no need for a steering wheel or pedals.
The Audi Aicon was shown the night before the official kick-off to the Frankfurt Motor Show. Audi says the Aicon is a design study that focusses on future initiatives surrounding drivetrain, suspension, digitalization and sustainability in a 'visionary manner'.
Without the need for a steering wheel or pedals, much of the connecting ancillaries can be removed as well. This means Audi has created a car that's considered to be a means of first class autonomous travel.
The autonomous Aicon provides a possible glimpse of what future travel will look like.
As a fully autonomous vehicle, it uses lasers and radar to see where it's going and therefore doesn't have long distance headlights. The vehicle itself is lit up in multiple ways in order for pedestrians to see it as well as to communicate with other vehicles via lighting motions.
The interior is as much of a tech-fest as the Audi innovators can think of. Haptic screens within the cabin allow passengers to communicate with the car, set a destination as well as browse the web or social media. There's also voice recognition and eye tracking. The Aicon comes with a digital personal assistant that recognises the passenger by their phone and then activates all their favourite settings. The personal assistant is obviously ordered around via voice recognition too.
Electric quattro
The Aicon has no need for traditional driving apparatus and the interior rather serves as a comfortable entertainment cocoon.
Audi has fitted the Aicon with 4 electric motors powered by solid batteries, much more powerful than current lithium-ion batteries. Total power is 260 kW and 550 Nm with each battery powering one wheel. With lightweight material design and improved energy recuperation, Audi sees the Aicon doing around 700 km per charge. The batteries can be charged from zero to 80% in around 30 minutes and can automatically plug itself in without passenger assistance.
Without a steering wheel or need for one, the Aicon is equipped with a complete all-wheel steering system without compromising the available space. Despite its long wheelbase of nearly 3.47 metres, the car is extremely agile due to its two steerable axles – the turning radius of only 8.50 metres is below that of a small car thus making the Audi Aicon suitable for city centre driving.
Luxury BMW models such as the 7 Series, forthcoming 8 Series and X7, i8 and i8 Roadster will wear a new black and white BMW roundel with the company name “Bayerische Motoren Werke” written in full to both recognise BMW's rich history as well as to create a distinct luxury product category.
The new presence for BMW's luxury models will be unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show this week. For BMW, its flagship models embody a new understanding of luxury, "one which brings together an emotionality defined by inspirational aesthetics and the joy of driving with the experience of freedom and self-determined individuality."
Apart from these luxury models wearing a bespoke badge that distinguishes them from the rest of the BMW range, BMW will also focus its attention on nurturing its relationships with customers and their experiences and emotions by offering a special mobility experience through new and unique services. For instance, when your BMW needs a service, BMW will pick up your car and return it to you wherever you are. More than this, BMW will also offer customers the choice to use its other luxury models when they need them. Can't fit all your camping gear into your 7 Series, no problem, use the X7! Thank you, BMW. Want to go for a sporty weekend drive? Sure, take this 8 Series for the weekend. You get the idea…
BMW i8 owners will also be treated to other experiences as part of the BMW i Pure Impulse Experience and these include exclusive sightseeing tours and gala dinners.
"For these people, life is all about making the best possible use of the time available to them. Their motto is ‘to own the moment’ – i.e. to max out every snap-shot of time with meaningful and beautiful things” says Hildegard Wortmann, Senior Vice President Brand BMW.
All R8s are quattros, right? Not anymore, Audi's introduced its supercar with rear-wheel drive. What's special about it?
It's called the Audi R8 V10 RWS and it's limited to just 999 units. Both coupe and spyder convertible derivatives will be made available. Visually, it's different to the standard Audi R8 with the addition of matte black detailing, but the real difference lies in the rear-wheel drive setup.
It's a radical departure from the strict "we are quattro" ethos which Audi has adhered to with its sportscars and ex-Lambo boss Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport said, "a limited-edition special model for customers with an appreciation for driving enjoyment, the R8 V10 RWS is an absolutely exclusive offer. With its mid-mounted V10 engine and rear-wheel drive, it brings the driving concept of our R8 LMS racing car to the streets."
Power comes from a 397 kW and 540 Nm naturally-aspirated V10 engine. It'll sprint to 100 kph in a claimed 3.7 seconds for the coupe, while the spyder is 0.1 seconds slower. Both derivatives can achieve top speeds in excess of 300 kph.
For the driving purists, the rear-wheel drive setup now means that some drifting action is now possible. If the driver selects Dynamic mode, controlled drifts are possible with the electronic stability control (ESC) only stepping in at the limit. Deliveries of the R8 RWS will commence at the beginning of 2018. At this stage, it's unknown if the Audi R8 RWS is confirmed for South African introduction, however.
On the eve of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Mercedes-AMG has revealed its hugely-hyped Project One hypercar. Featuring hybrid and Formula One technology, this beast is capable of outrageous performance. Let's see what it's all about. This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details emerge.
After a few teasers, the Mercedes-AMG Project One has finally been revealed. It looks like a road-going Le Mans prototype racecar and it certainly has the performance to match. This car, when it goes into production, will be a rival to the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 and Ferrari LaFerrari. Also bear in mind that Aston Martin is developing a hyper car.
Powertrain and Performance
The Mercedes-AMG Project One is powered by a hybrid powertrain comprising an F1-sourced, turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 engine from the championship-winning WO7 Hybrid, coupled with a “purely electric and wheel-selective front axle drive concept”. The engine will idle at 4 000 rpm and will redline at an eye-watering 13 500 rpm. According to reports, the engine will be good for at least 50 000 km before needing a rebuild, which is probably alright, seeing as most hypercars do so little mileage.
The engine will work in conjunction with 2 electric motors. The first 80 kW electric motor is tasked with keeping the turbocharger on the boil at all times while the second 120 kW motor is linked directly to the crankshaft. An additional 2 electric motors at the front axle will allow for pure electric driving with a range up to 24 km on electric power alone. Essentially, we're looking at a vehicle powered by five engines!
In terms of performance, we're looking at outputs of around 760 kW (1000 hp). With power going to all four wheels, acceleration off the line promises to be brisk with a claim of 2.5 seconds to complete the 0-100 kph run. Perhaps more impressive is the 0-200 kph time of just under 6 seconds.Top speed? 350 kph. While it's no Bugatti Veyron/Chiron top-end slayer, we predict that the instant torque offered by the electric motors means it'll leave pretty much everything behind when it comes to in-gear acceleration.
Mercedes-AMG Project One: Note the copious amounts of aerodynamics wings and fins.
The Cabin
When you step into the cabin of the Mercedes-AMG Project One, there is a distinct air of minimalism. It's a strict two seater. The ergonomics and features are purely driver-focused and the majority of the controls have been placed on an F1-style steering wheel. There's extensive use of carbon fibre and the rectangular steering wheel looks radical.
Can you get one?
No, we're afraid not. All 275 units were sold before this announcement and customers are reportedly paying up to 2.2 million Euros for a Mercedes-AMG Project One. The first deliveries will be in 2020.
