Looking to create an entrant for this year's LA Design Challenge, Mercedes-Benz came up with the Ener-G-Force to fit the theme of Highway Patrol Vehicle 2025. Mercedes-Benz says that the styling of the Ener-G-Force builds on many cues from the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and like the original G-Wagen introduced in 1979 as a civilian version of a military vehicle, it didn't take much imagination to envi

sion a civilian version of the Ener-G-Force. Of course, it wouldn't be a futuristic concept vehicle without some sort of advanced powertrain, and the concept unveiled today delivers on this front as well.

From a design standpoint, the Ener-G-Force infuses many elements seen on the G-Class but with a much more modern interpretation giving it a new, yet recognizable appearance. These cues include the sunk-in headlights, turn signals/running lights mounted atop the front fenders, the long, flat roofline and the low, rectangular taillights, but the Ener-G-Force ditches the G-Class' boxy lines in favor of a more rounded shape.

One of the interesting elements of the concept is the roof rack. While it looks like a cargo rack that could be used for a safari, it is actually a way for the vehicle to collect water to store in tanks to then be transferred to a converter that creates hydrogen to power the fuel cells. The batteries for this system are built into the rocker panels, and the hypothetical range for this conceptual system is 500 miles of zero-emission driving. For off-roading purposes, the system uses four independent motors at each wheel and a roof-mounted scanner that adjusts the suspension to best fit the road conditions and terrain.

The Ener-G-Force was one of six entrants for the 2012 LA Design Challenge, and the winning design will be announced on November 29 as a part of the LA Auto Show.

If yesterday's announcement of Fiat's big plans for the coming years wasn't enough, we’ve come to learn from reliable sources that Fiat is all set to launch the all-new 500 L MPV next year as well. Though it looks like a bigger version of the cute 500 hatchback, the MPV is actually based on an extended Punto platform.

Fiat bosses have decided to launch it in the middle of 2013, just around the st

art of the new financial year and after the financial budget. The most likely engine for the car will be a 1.3-litre diesel Multi-jet unit with 90bhp (the same one that powers the diesel Ertiga and Fiat’s own Linea saloon). Fiat is currently working on this engine to improve its fuel efficiency, low-rev response as well as refinement. The other engine could well be a 1.4-litre, 94bhp petrol.

It is still not clear whether the MPV will be sold in its Euro-spec five seat version to take on the Renault Duster, or will the wheelbase be extended to add two extra seats and make it a seven-seater Ertiga-rival. Chances are strong of it being the latter though. At 4,140mm length, 1780mm width and 1660mm height, it is wider than the Ertiga but marginally shorter.

Since it will be based on the Punto platform, it will share a lot of components with the hatchback, which should help keep the price down. Just like the Ertiga, the 500L should appeal to city commuters with its light controls and high set seats that give a commanding view of the road ahead.

The car offers practicality too. The rear seats all slide back and forth, and split-fold 60:40, too. Owners will also be able to fold down the front passenger seat and there are 22 different storage spaces around the car’s cabin. There’s up to 400 litres of storage in the boot with the rear seats pushed forward.

If Fiat can price it right, then the 500 L should retail at around Rs 10 lakh for the diesel versions base model.

Remember the innocent days of late 2006? Those naive times before the R8's launch when we wondered if Audi could really pull off a mid-engined supercoupe to rival the Porsche 911 and, heaven forbid, even the Gallardo?

How daft we were. So rapidly has the R8 been assimilated into the sports-supercar elite that when Audi recently announced a new range-topping version capable of 0-100kph in 3.5secs and a top speed of 318kph, our first question wasn't if it'd be any good, but exactly how excellent it'd be.

Pretty damn excellent, that's the answer. The V10 Plus (sadly, no relation to the Golf Plus) is the flagship of the facelifted R8 range, a facelift comprising sparkly new LED lights, an extensive weight-loss programme and, most significantly, a shiny new S tronic double-clutch gearbox to replace the R8's clunking old automated manual. Power output on the standard V8 and V10 models remain unchanged, but the Plus's V10, while remaining naturally aspirated, gets a 25bhp hike to a Ferrari-troubling 550bhp, putting its vital stats within a gnat's wing of the 458. What odds would you have got on an Audi causing sweaty palms in Maranello a decade ago?

The new 'box is a cracker. The R8 has lost sales to the 911 by not offering a credible alternative to PDK, but the S tronic is spot-on, melting into the background when you're pottering around, but serving up thumping, split-second shifts when you click the R8 into Sport. And the Plus's extra power doesn't undermine the R8's trump card - its easy, everyday usability. Even on dodgy roads, you can be a bit silly without bothering the traction control, the Plus's steering is easy and true, its standard ceramic brakes far less recalcitrant than many we've tried. It sounds magnificent, and it goes like the remapped clappers, but - much as it pains TG to say so - it's not our R8 of choice.

We'd stick with the non-Plus, slightly-less-powerful R8 V10 (coupe or convertible). Why? Because the stock R8 V10 is a fraction softer than the Plus, which has received a suspension beef-up fit for the schportiest model in the range. Though this hasn't transformed it into a gastric-band-dislodging Nürburgring special, the Plus is more of a handful to drive on obliterated roads. But that's a minor blemish on a thoroughly convincing refresh, and, hey, if you just want the newest and the fastest, we won't blame you for going Plus. The R8 is no snotty upstart nowadays, but a card-carrying member of the supercar royalty. Arise, Sir Durch Technik...

The numbers
5204cc, V10, AWD, 550bhp, 540Nm, 7.7kpl, 299g/km CO2, 0-100 in 3.5secs, 318kph, 1595kg

The verdict
Audi's fastest-accelerating road car ever is ruinously rapid with a lovely new DCT gearbox, but a mite hard-riding for our conditions. Standard R8 V10 will do us fine, ta.

Nissan Extrem concept is based on the Micra and is a crossover between a SUV and a small sports car

Size-wise, the Volkswagen Gol is positioned between the Polo and Golf

Volkswagen Taigun

The latest information on the four door cousin of Bugatti Veyron, Galibier is that its launch has been delayed due to slow progress. Wolfgang Durheimer, Chairman of Bentley and Bugatti has moved on toAudi and his place is taken by Wolfgang Schreiber – former Bugatti technical chief and managing director. Schreiber has now announced that the Galibier super saloon will not be making its entry into markets anytime soon as progress is slow and needs of the customer are still being evaluated.

Galibier was seen in a concept form in 2009 following which the company announced that the vehicle was due to be launched in 2013 or 2014 while prices were expected to be in the $1.4 million range. However development is still underway and the four door will take its time to be launched though it will definitely make its way into markets in the future. The Galibier is said to be a W16 engined vehicle with two stage superchargers offering 1000 bhp power while it will be capable of acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.5 seconds.

In an interview with Autocar, Schreiber stated that, "The Veyron and its derivatives are very focused on the needs of the customers", he said. "If you switch to a different type of car, it is very necessary to evaluate the needs of the customer. The launch date is still not decided yet. We are still working on the Galibier project. but I would say it is more difficult to fulfill all the requirements for Bugatti customers than Bentley customers. The four-door is absolutely necessary. The hero car, the Veyron, is alone. I think customers would be very pleased if we had a second car, so I support it very much

Virtual Realities

Sophisticated computer-generated imagery has companies turning to virtual vehicles instead of physical prototypes for sales and marketing

A “virtual parking lot” of computer-generated wireframe models by Evox Images enables the creation of interactive imagery of any car sold in the United States.

 When Volvo developed a video of its Concept You car introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show, the company didn't need to wait until the car was built.

Instead, it produced a movie with technology from Autodesk using a virtual car. The use of computer-generated images by the automotive sector is not new. But the technologies are becoming so sophisticated that car companies are relying more on virtual cars to substitute for physical prototypes in marketing, allowing them to cut significantly the time it takes to begin publicizing a vehicle. The technologies give potential customers a chance to touch and interact virtually with numerous versions of a vehicle before it's built.

It used to be that the virtual models weren't convincing, but "recent advances in CGI make it more photorealistic" so it's often impossible to tell the difference between a model and the real thing, said Joanne Stansberry, who has managed computer-generated imagery at Chevrolet.

Alexander Edwards, president of the automotive division of Strategic Vision, a consulting and research company in San Diego, said: "Every car company is looking at these types of technologies" and how they'll be used in the future.

"It really is going to be an inexpensive way to better understand consumer choices and start preliminary ad campaigns," he said.

 

BYD are staffed by a clever bunch of people, despite their set backs in the past few months which were largely out of their control they are still on track in producing tomorrows cars. One day when the rest of the world are fighting over the left overs of hydro-carbon deposits, BYD owners will be wafting along silently in their dual mode and pure electric models, of which BYD has so far developed the F3DM, the E6 pure electric and the forth coming S6 DM SUV.

To further wet America’s appetite for sensibly priced electric vehicles, BYD will be showing off their S6 SUV in dual mode form, i.e. it can be powered by battery power or regular gasoline engine.BYD are saying that this is the world’s first AWD dual mode SUV (perhaps Lexus might argue that point). The S6DM actually has two motors, both 14bhp which power the front wheels and a 102bhp traditional gasoline engine to power the rear, both the electric motors and the gasoline engine can be utilized at the same time to get AWD traction. The S6DM will be able to travel 60km on a single charge and with a mixture of a full gas tank and full battery the S6 should be good for around 500km.

Look out for the S6DM at the Detroit Auto Show, we recently caught up with at the Guangzhou Auto Show and believe it to be one of BYD’s next big hits, assuming the pricing is kept sweet enough to tempt people over to the BYD brand.

E6 INTRODUCTION

The BYD e6 is a 5-seat, crossover all-electric vehicle with an extended wheelbase of 111.4 inches. It is the generous size and comfort of the BYD e6 that sets it apart from other electric vehicles in any current classification. In contrast to the competitors' electric vehicles, the e6 features a spacious interior cabin with substantial legroom and headroom for passengers, as well as ample luggage space in the rear. Meanwhile, the e6 boasts a powerful drive-train, adopting BYD's revolutionary new EV battery – the Iron-Phosphate or"Fe" battery.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE

The e6 will be equipped with a 75kW motor and the BYD-developed Fe battery, powering the e6 to a range of 186.4 miles on a single charge in urban conditions. This makes it one of the longest-range, pure EVs in the world. The projected top speed is 87mph. These characteristics make the e6 ideal for daily commutes, city driving and even long distance travel. In addition, during braking, deceleration and downhill coasting, the vehicle's kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in battery packs through regenerative-braking functions, further improving energy utilization to increase the e6's range.

DEFINITE SAFETY

Resistant to high temperatures, high pressures and severe impacts, BYD's internally developed Fe battery boasts excellent reliability and a 10-year warranty. The system can automatically detect leakage currents in the high voltage power supply system and damage to the battery housings. An emergency maintenance switch disconnects the high-voltage battery pack to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers in case of system failures or when the car needs to be repaired. The parking gear motor controller receives the lock/ unlock order sent by the driving motor and performs the relevant operations to ensure maximum safety while parking or starting.

CONVENIENT CHARGING

Charging the e6 is convenient and fast. It only takes 40 minutes to fully charge the e6 using the 100kW fast charging cabinet; it takes 6 hours with a standard 10kW standard charging pole (like a residential garage over-charging scenario).

ECO-FRIENDLY

The environmentally friendly e6 is a zero-direct-emission electric vehicle, which means that it emits no harmful toxic emissions, criteria pollutants or harmful greenhouse gases. BYD's new Fe battery takes the green philosophy a step further by using the only completely recyclable/disposable chemical formulations in a battery.

Very recently, we wondered what was what I was trying Audi? From that initial doubt this confirmation: it is the Audi Urban Concept, an electric vehicle is the epitome of the future of the brand.

This car, which recently saw camouflaged by the streets of Germany to the astonishment of friends and strangers, has a feature that somehow resembles the Hyundai Veloster: its asymmetry so special.

Another of its main features is that it is not a two-seater model, but setup is a 1 + 1 (seen in one of the images in this note) with the driver’s seat a little later than the passenger and slightly off to one side. The role of companion is that … that of being a mere passenger conductor without having access to almost anything. While handling the car in front of a board very brief and almost minimalist, without the least harshness.

The secret (if I may say so) of this car that Audi is developing based on two fundamental points: first we have sought absolute simplicity and … go if they have succeeded. And secondly, has sought to give the car as light as possible, demonstrating once again what the brand (as well inclined to make cars lighter) can be achieved. And if one of the objectives, one of the premises is to achieve a weight just unbelievable, then it becomes necessary to use appropriate materials for that, so Audi uses elements such as polymers reinforced with carbon fiber, to search for such desired weight reduction, but without giving up anything at all to security.

Another important thing: the Urban Concept Audi is not based on any other model of the brand, is a copy of living for himself and for the moment we do not know either if it is indeed the anticipation of a future model home. Many unknowns and only a few confirmations. In this connection, is known to have a pair of electric motors (of which no one knows your disposal) and carries lithium ion batteries. From the brand so far have not provided many details, not even said anything about their autonomy, limiting the explanation that the car will be ideal for touring city.

Another thing that is rumored is that electric motors could well be located inside the wheels, which in this car are “loose” body or rather, uncovered. The idea is not bad and does not sound outlandish.

Finally: the rebirth of an old idea, updated to the best car … simple, lightweight, simple, with wheels in the air and the driver and its absolute protagonist. That’s what Urban Concept Audi, the car you are testing the brand of the Rings.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CHASSIS AND BODY

Frame:

Carbon fiber monocoque with Aluminium front and rear frames

Body:

Carbon fiber engine bonnet; movale spoiler and side air inlets; Aluminium front bonnet, front fenders and doors; SMC rear fender and rocker cover

Mirrors:

External mirror electrically foldable

Rear spoiler:

Moveable -3 positions depending on speed and drive select mode

SUSPENSION

Suspension:

Front and rear horizontal monotube damper with push-rod system

TYRES AND WHEELS

ESP:

ESP/ ABS with different ESP characteristics managed by drive select mode

Steering:

Steering Gear with 3 different servortonic characteristics managed by drive select mode

Front tyres:

Pirelli 255/35 ZR19

Rear tyres:

Pirelli 335/30 ZR20

Front wheels:

19’’ x 9J

Rear wheels:

20’’ x 12J

Kerb-to-kerb turning circle:

12,5 m (41,0 ft)

AIRBAGS

Airbags:

Front dual stage driver airbag and front adaptive passenger airbag; seats with side “head-thorax” airbags; passenger and driver knee airbags

BRAKES

Brakes:

Dual hydraulic circuit brake system with vacuum brake booster; front and rear CCB, 6-cylnder brake callipers, 4-cylinder brake callipers Ø 400x 38 mm – Ø 380 x 38 mm

ENGINE

Type:

V12, 60°, MPI

Displacement:

6.498 cm³ (396,5 cu.in.)

Bore and stroke:

Ø 95 mm x 76,4 mm

Valve gear:

Variable valve timing electronically controlled

Compression ratio:

11,8  (± 0,2) : 1

Maximum power:

700 HP (515 kW) @ 8.250 RPM

Maximum torque:

690 Nm (507 lbft) @ 5.500 RPM

Emission class:

EURO 5 – LEV 2

Emission control system:

Catalytic converters with lambdasensors

Cooling system:

Water and oil cooling system in the rear with variable air inlets

Engine management system:

Lamborghini Iniezione Eletronica (LIE) with Ion current analysis

Lubrification system:

Dry sump

DRIVETRAIN

Type of transmission:

4WD with Haldex generation IV

Gearbox:

7 speed ISR, shifting characteristic depending on drive select mode

Clutch:

Dry Double plate clutch, Ø 235 mm

Standard:

AMT

PERFORMANCE

Top speed:

350 km/h (217 mph)

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph):

2,9 s

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase:

2.700 mm (106,30 in)

Overall length:

4.780 mm (188,19 in)

Overall width (excluding mirrors):

2.030 mm (79,92 in)

Overall width (including mirrors):

2.265 mm (89,17 in)

Overall height:

1.136 mm (44,72 in)

Front track:

1.720 mm (67,72 in)

Rear track:

1.700 mm (66,93 in)

Dry weight:

1.575 kg (3.472 lb)

Weight/Power:

2,25 kg/HP (4,96 lb/HP)

Weight distribution (front - rear):

43 % - 57 %

CAPACITIES

Fuel tank capacity:

90 l (23,8 gal.)

Engine oil capacity:

13 l (3,4 gal.)

Engine coolant capacity:

25 l (6,6 gal.)

FUEL CONSUMPTION *

Urban cycle consumption:

27,3 l/100 km

Extra urban consumption:

11,3 l/100 km

Combined consumption:

17,2 l/100 km

CO₂ emission:

398 g/km