Filed under: Hybrid, BMW, Motorcycle, Luxury

If you’re still trying to work your mind around how the new BMW i brand fits with the company’s ultimate driving machine mantra, Autocar may have the piece of the puzzle that you’re missing. According to reports, the German automaker is currently planning to flesh out the fledgling marque with a host of alternative fuel vehicles.

Not everything under the i banner won’t be sailing on all-electric power all the time. The news came courtesy of BMW marketing head honcho Ian Robertson, though he chose not to delve deeper into what other types of alternative fuel we could see from the green arm of BMW.

Autocar also stole some time with BMW R&D boss Klaus Draeger, who said the upcoming i8 won’t boast the same fuel-savvy diesel engine as the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept. Instead, the production version of the vehicle will carry a small gasoline engine on board to make it more appealing in various markets (including the States, we’d imagine) all over the world.

While there aren’t any specifics on exactly which engine will find its way into the new green supercar, we’d think that the new BMW turbocharged four-cylinder wouldn’t be a bad guess. Also interesting are reports that BMW may extend its new i sub-brand to its motorcycle division, possibly with a range of hybrid and/or electric two- and three-wheeled scooters, motorcycles and trikes.

[Source: Autocar, Visordown]

Report: BMW i won’t be limited to EVs; diesels, hybrids, motorcycles all possible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz, Electric

By 2015, we think a fuel cell car will not cost more than a four-cylinder diesel hybrid that meets the Euro 6 emissions standard. By 2013-2014, we want to bring a four-digit-number of fuel cell vehicles to market.

Kohler added that he expects fuel cell vehicles to be less expensive than comparable battery-powered cars within the next five years. Currently, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell is available for lease in the U.S. at a price of $849 a month (plus tax). However, Kohler points out that the F-Cell employs expensive technology that will be replaced with less pricey hardware when the second-generation model launches in 2013-2014.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is toying with the notion of developing fuel cell versions of the A-, C- and E-Class models within the next five years. If the company can sucessfully incorporate its fuel cell technology into multiple platforms and reach mass production levels, costs could plunge by mid-decade.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Daimler: Fuel cell vehicles to cost no more than diesel hybrids by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Mini, Peugeot, Citroën, Electric

BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen have officially hopped into bed together to collaborate on all of the systems and hardware that goes into crafting a hybrid drivetrain, and the two have been so kind as to let us all in on what they’re planning. It’s no shock that the two companies will partner up on everything from battery packs and generators to software and chargers, but BMW has revealed that the main goal of the corporate tie up is to build an open European hybrid platform to help give all Euro automakers a little bit of structure and an edge in the looming electrified fray.

The joint venture is expected to get under way in the second quarter of 2011 barring no hiccups from legislators, and BMW says that the first products to make use of the technology developed by the partnership are likely to hit the road in 2014 at the earliest. According to Motoring File, the very first vehicles to carry the new-age hybrid gear under its hood will likely be the Mini Countryman or a Countryman-based model. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Sources: BMW, Motoring File]

Continue reading BMW, PSA make hooking up on hybrids official

BMW, PSA make hooking up on hybrids official originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Technology, Crossover, Hatchback, Mini, Rumormill

From the whispers we’re hearing, BMW plans on mixing its DNA with Mini even further. The Bavarian-obsessed minds at BimmerFile are reporting that the German automaker is currently hard at work on a partnership with Getrag to produce a new hybrid powertrain to be shared between both BMW and Mini. Details are skimpy at the moment, but BimmerFile has ventured a few guesses as to what we can expect from the platform when it debuts. Word is that the system will likely boast a plug-in capacity that it will probably show up on larger Mini models like the Countryman and its rumored BMW counterpart.

There’s also some indication that the hybridized drivetrain will keep the current 120 horsepower four-cylinder at the heart of the system. The move is only part of the BMW master plan to keep Mini as efficient as possible. BimmerFile also hints that Mini may see a small turbocharged three-cylinder engine debut in a few short years with more horsepower, less weight and greater efficiency than the current four-cylinder line up. Join those thoughts with the rumored arrival of a diesel Cooper on American soil, and it begins to look like Mini will be in a good position as fuel prices continue to edge upwards.

[Source: BimmerFile]

Report: BMW and Mini to share plug-in hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Along with reports that Mercedes-Benz is stepping up its U.S. diesel presence in a big way comes news that the company is also expanding its hybrid fleet. According to Automotive News, the Silver Arrow is looking to introduce hybridized versions of the company’s C-, E- and S-Class vehicles in just three years. The move is an effort to prepare for ever tightening fuel-economy legislation in both the U.S. and Europe. The report says that European buyers can expect to see the battery-operated C- and E-Class vehicles show up in Europe in 2013 and that a plug-in S-Class hybrid will debut shortly thereafter.

American buyers, meanwhile, will likely see the tech arrive in showrooms six months after their European cousins. According to Herbert Kohler, the company’s head of E-Drive and future mobility, Mercedes-Benz is currently spending half of its $5.6 billion research and development budget on investigating alternative powertrains.

Combined with a heavier diesel mix, the hybrids will go a long way toward upping the Mercedes-Benz corporate average fuel economy.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / AOL.

[Source: Automotive News]

Report: Mercedes fast-tracks C-, E- and S-Class hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Luxury

The era of the green(-ish) sports car is fast approaching. Porsche unveiled its 918RSR at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show while Audi enjoys showing off one of its many e-Tron concepts at nearly every expo. Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to pairing up powerful vehicles with electric propulsion, trotting out the SLS AMG E-Cell at the NAIAS and searing our retinas in the process. Now there’s word that AMG is ready to cut fuel consumption across its lineup by partnering its torquey gasoline engines with some kind of hybrid electric powertrains.

According to Daimler’s head of future mobility and advanced engineering Herbert Kohler, it’s a “given” that AMG vehicles in the coming years will be available as hybrids. The AMG family will still be about performance, but – like every other automaker under the sun – fuel consumption is a constant part of engineering discussions going forward.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Michael Harley / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz ready to bring hybrids to AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Lexus, Luxury

In the two decades plus since Toyota launched Lexus as its premium marque, the brand has spread from its original market in North America to new markets around the world. Karl Schlicht has been with the company even longer: he’s now head of global marketing and product planning for Lexus, and he’s got a big job on his hands.

The trouble is that while North American buyers may want one thing from their luxury automobiles – values which Lexus was built on from the get-go – customers in Europe or Asia may want something else. Satisfying everyone’s taste is no mean feat, but Schlicht’s working on remaking Lexus to that end.

According to Automotive News, the idea is called “progressive luxury”, and it’s already taken hold with the new CT 200h. That’s the direction Lexus is heading, with more sport models and more hybrids. The future that Schlicht and company have in store for the marque involves more “expressive, daring designs” than the largely derivative and bland styling statements on many current and past models, more hybrids, more advanced telematics (navigation and communications) systems, more performance-oriented F and F Sports packages, as well as reaching into new segments.

Along the way, Schlicht says Lexus will need a new coupe to replace the discontinued SC430 as well, and while new crossovers or SUVs could be in the works (in addition to the LX, GX and RX lines), going even smaller than the CT to tackle Mini territory isn’t in the cards.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Lexus to skew “progressive luxury” with edgier, sportier designs and… more hybrids? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Lexus

Lexus is descending on Las Vegas with a host of custom-built show cars just for SEMA. A total of six models will be on hand for the aftermarket shindig, including an F Sport version of the all-new CT200h. The hybrid rolls on 18×8-inch wheels and sports a high-performance big-brake kit straight from the company’s go-fast catalog.

But the CT200h isn’t the only hybrid Lexus will be bringing to the party. In fact, all of the customized rides that the company plans to display rock a battery pack and an electric motor. VIP Auto Salon worked up an HS250h with custom wheel, exhaust and interior work as well as a trick LS600h L, and 0-60 Magazine spun a few wrenches on a GS450h. That particular sedan rocks one of the wildest carbon-fiber body kits we’ve ever laid eyes on, as you can see above.

Meanwhile, Lexus set Fox Marketing loose on another LS600h L, resulting in a slightly more subdued vehicle with custom paint and a unique bumper. Finally, Paul Tolson of EST will be bringing along an RX450h with a full wide-body treatment. Hit the jump for the full press release and check out all the vehicles in high-res glory below.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Lexus bombards SEMA with six custom hybrids, one giant wing

Lexus bombards SEMA with six custom hybrids, one giant wing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Honda, Canada

Remember the report from Quebec that suggested Honda Canada would be discontinuing the Insight and Civic hybrid for the 2011 model year due to poor sales? According to company spokesman Richard Jacobs, the two hybrids have not in fact been discontinued. Instead, Jacobs tells us that Canadian dealers currently have a six month supply of the Insight and Civic so it hasn’t ordered any new cars from the factories in Japan.

“Honda Canada will listen to the voice of our customers and will bring the products they want,” says Jacobs. Both hybrids will remain available and Honda will be monitoring inventories and customer demand to determine when to order more units. Perhaps the launch of the CR-Z will get customers to reconsider its siblings as well.

[Source: Honda Canada]

Update: Honda Canada not canceling Insight, Civic hybrids, will order as needed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, China, Technology, GM

Let’s try this again, shall we? General Motors has announced that it will jump back into the mild hybrid game by the third quarter of 2011. Larry Nitz, the company’s director of hybrid and electric powertrain engineering, made the announcement at a seminar in Traverse City, Michigan, though he declined to comment on exactly which models would get the fuel-saving tech next year. Nitz did say that at least one American model and one Chinese model would be a mild hybrid by the end of 2011, which leads us to believe that the tech will work its way into the Buick lineup.

GM walked away from mild hybrids after Saturn was sent to the company’s scrap heap. At the time, both the Chevrolet Malibu and the Saturn Vue wore the tech, but with the Vue out of the picture, the company couldn’t justify the cost of investing in the drivetrains. Unlike a full hybrid, mild-hybrid vehicles can’t cruise along on just electric power. Instead, the system allows the gasoline engine to shut off when the vehicle is stopped. The electric motor then starts the engine again when the accelerator pedal is depressed.

If we were guessing, we’d say that GM will debut the rebirth of the tech on the Buick LaCrosse – a model that has enjoyed equal success in China and has the potential to revitalize the brand in the U.S.

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: General Motors bringing back mild hybrids next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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