automobile – Page 12 – DesignApplause

Audi A1. 3-door.

Apr 21, 2009

Expect the minicar segment is to explode, with new models planned from most major carmakers including, for the first time, premium labels such as Audi. While most will be budget versions Audi will be launching an upmarket model aimed at the Mini Cooper and a possible BMW version.
Audi’s new model will be based on the A1 Metroproject and subsequent A1 Sportback concept vehicles, and will be available in several variants including three and five-door hatchbacks, a sleek sportback and possibly a cabrio.

This latest rendering gives us an accurate look at what to expect for the entry-level three-door hatch, revealing designers will be sticking to the lines of the concept car. Some of the elements from the show cars that are unlikely to make production include the exposed aluminum arches, 18in alloys and LED headlights.

The A1 will share its platform with the new 2010 Volkswagen Polo and will be available as standard with FWD, though there will be performance models with quattro AWD. The new platform also means the A1 will be available with VW Group’s new low-cost DSG with seven gears in total.

Engine options will range from a series of low capacity TSI and TDI units ranging from 1.4 to 2.0L, and a new mild hybrid model may also be offered. The design will use a small electric motor integrated into the drivetrain, which kicks in during high-load situations. The full hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries as previewed by the Metroproject Concept is unlikely to enter production.

The five-door model should debut around the middle of next year and will be followed by the three-door shortly after.

Porsche chooses China.

Apr 20, 2009

Porsche unveiled its entry into the luxury sedan market Sunday night, the eve of the Shanghai auto show. [PR}

Spotted. Free electric parking.

Mar 30, 2009

Jason Calacanis parks his Tesla in free electric parking at LAX. [PR]

Tesla S unveiled.

Mar 26, 2009

Tesla has LeftlaneNews streaming the unveiling of the new
Tesla S.
above and two photos below: leaked images not officially streamed

below: live – streamed images at the unveiling

below: unsure where these were taken. grill a study?

below: via treehugger

below: tesla product line

below: leaked. we really don’t know anything about this photo

Following an earlier photo leak, Tesla has officially taken the wraps off its Model S. The Model S follows in the footsteps of the Fisker Karma, offering a sleek four-door sedan with eco-friendly operation. The Model S will be Tesla’s second model, joining the Roadster sports car.

LeftlaneNews adds “Although the Model S’ styling is show-stopping, its interior is just as awe-inspiring. You can clearly see the Model S’ center stack is made up of what looks to be a touch screen interface. Presumably the screen will house all radio, navigation and HVAC controls, which would make for a highly customizable car.”

Elon Musk’s newsletter written 3/27, to Jason Calacanis—
Just moments ago, we took the wraps off the Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge. We also launched a web site and began taking orders for this historic vehicle, which will likely be world’s first mass-produced, highway-capable EV.

The Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

The floor-mounted powertrain also results in unparalleled cargo room and versatility, as the volume under the front hood becomes a second trunk. Combining that with a four-bar linkage hatchback rear trunk and flat folding rear seats, the Model S can accommodate a 50-inch television, mountain bike *and* surfboard simultaneously. This packaging efficiency gives the Model S more trunk space than any other sedan on the market and more than most SUVs.

“Model S doesn’t compromise on performance, efficiency or utility — it’s truly the only car you need,” said Tesla CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “Tesla is relentlessly driving down the cost of electric vehicle technology, and this is just the first of many mainstream cars we’re developing.”

Tesla expects to start Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy’s Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

Building on Proven Technology

Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the waitlist.

Teslas do not require routine oil changes, and they have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks. Model S costs roughly $5 to drive 230 miles – a bargain even if gasoline were $1 per gallon.

The anticipated base price of the Model S is $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. The company has not released options pricing. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.

But the anticipated sticker price doesn’t tell the full story. Model S costs half as much as a Roadster, and it’s a better value than much cheaper cars. The ownership cost of Model S, if you were to lease and then account for the much lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline at a likely future cost of $4 per gallon, is similar to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $35,000. That’s why we’re positive this car will be the preferred choice of savvy consumers.

The standard Model S does 0-60 mph in under six seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, with sport versions expected to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration well below five seconds. A single-speed gearbox delivers effortless acceleration and responsive handling. A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity allows passengers to listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, or check their state of charge remotely from their iPhone or laptop.

Tesla is taking reservations online and at showrooms in California. Tesla will open a store in Chicago this spring and plans to open stores in London, New York, Miami, Seattle, Washington DC and Munich later this year.

We’re certain you’ll be hearing a lot more about Tesla in the weeks and months ahead, and we look forward to seeing you at the stores we’re opening soon! [link]

below: jason calacanis parks his tesla at free electric parking at LAX ( more )

[tesla motors] [leftlanenews] [link] [link]

Aptera. 2e.

Mar 25, 2009

Aptera’s first product, a three-wheeled two-seater named the Aptera 2 Series, is currently under development, though they are accepting pre-orders from California residents.

bottom four photos from wired

The fuel efficiency makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world. The name Aptera is Greek for “wingless,” a nod to their light-aircraft-inspired design and construction techniques.

The Aptera 2 Series will be a two seat, three wheeled passenger vehicle. It is planned to be available in both all-electric (2e) and series hybrid (2h) configurations, at prices ranging from mid-twenty to mid-forty thousand dollars. Aerodynamic optimization using simulations and light-weight composite construction yields a vehicle which consumes only 80 Wh/mi at 55 mph (89 km/h), about half the energy needed to propel the EV1. On the battery electric model, this means a 120-mile (190 km) range on 10 kWh of electricity, or around 340 mpg price equivalent. On the hybrid vehicle, it leads to projections of 130 mpg on gasoline alone, or 300 mpg if plugged in every 120 miles (190 km).

Some 4,000 people have put down a refundable $500 deposit to get one. Delivery first all-electric units to customers in October 2009, and the first hybrids in 2010.

Class: Subcompact
Body style(s): 2-door three wheeled car
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive layout
Engine(s): 2e: Electric motor 2h: Gasoline generator[11] Transmission(s): 2e: Gear box 10:1 ratio 2h: Series hybrid layout
Wheelbase: 111″
Length: 173″
Width: 91″
Height: 53″
Curb weight: 1,500 lb (680 kg)
Fuel capacity: 10-13 KWh Lithium-ion battery
Electric range: 2e: 100 mi (160 km) 2h: 60 mi (100 km)

Producer: aptera

Obama grants $2.3 billion for electric cars.

Mar 25, 2009

U.S. electric vehicles get big boost. Spain is shooting for a million electric vehicles by 2012. via huffington post [PR]

Tesla model S.

Mar 24, 2009

At the moment the Tesla Model S is still a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a white cloth.

Tesla has revealed the EV will list for $57,400, which after the $7,500 federal tax credit puts the final price at just under $50,000. Almost $40,000 less than the Fisher Karma and $10,000 more than the estimated price of Chevy Volt. No one that we know has seen it but a grand unveiling is set for this Thursday at Tesla’s design studio.

[NPR]

What can tata nano teach detroit?

Mar 20, 2009

The Tata Nano cost $2,000USD. What can nano teach Detroit?

mini and airstream surf to milan 2009

Mar 17, 2009

The following words from the Minispace…She loves the ocean, is great at entertaining guests, and likes to hang out in style outdoors.

You already know the Airstream trailer from supporting roles in Hollywood films, and as a favored mode of transport for nomadic hipsters. Now, the iconic “silver bullet” is hitting the party circuit.

above: the swan and egg chair by arne jacobsen inspires the bullet’s interior.

Who’s playing chauffeur, you ask? Why, a brand new MINI Cooper S Clubman, of course! The trailer, which showcases an über-chic custom-made interior by Copenhagen’s Republic of Fritz Hansen, will be making cameos at events, exhibitions, and design fairs around the world. The first spotting will be at the Salone del Mobile show and the INTERNI DESIGN ENERGIES exhibition in Milan, Italy (April 21-30 2009).

A bit of an odd market ? Well, image is everything and this hasn’t been tried before. Upon reading the copy before seeing the images one expected the Clubman “woodie” with “bullet” in tow.

Solar powered cars.

Mar 16, 2009

Quite a few new concept cars as environment and economic issues force development.
Check these out.

above: Citroen C-cactus concept

above: Mitsubishi, the iMiev Sport

above: Koenigsegg Quant

above: Peugeot Shoo (photo: webecoist )

above: mercedes-benz formula zero

above: Antro Solo ( photo: ecoist )

above: SEAT Brisa ( photo: ecoist )

above: Minset Six50

above: Lotus Eco Elise

above: the Enigma

above: Eve

Some of these concept cars may never see the light of day. But they are inspiring. And they shout “green” wherever they show up.