Lexus Teases the New GS F-Sport and GS 450h

We only just got our first taste of the next generation of Lexus's executive sedan with thepresentation of the 2013 GS 350 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show in Monterey last week, but the Japanese automaker has already moved along and is now getting ready for the world premieres of the GS F-Sport and GS 450h.

Teased in these cropped images are the new additions to the GS range. First up is the GS 450h, which as the name implies, will feature a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 gasoline unit with an electric motor.

The hybrid version of Lexus' Audi A6 challenger will receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt auto show in September with sales to follow early next year.

The GS F-Sport, which we get a sneak peek through a single photo, is a sportier version of the GS 350 featuring an aero package that includes among other parts, a redesigned front bumper and honeycomb-style grille, plus larger alloy wheels and according to Lexus, a suspension kit to improve handling.

Though we could see the GS F-Sport in Germany, there's a strong possibility that Lexus may hold back and show it at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in November in Las Vegas.

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Citroën Tubik Van Concept

Figures...just as we hit the post button on our previous article regarding Citroën's Frankfurt Motor Show surprise, the French carmaker dropped off the first official photos of its new concept model named Tubik.As previously noted, the Tubik pays homage to the 1939 Tub van and its replacement, the 1948 Type H that was produced up until the beginning of the 1980s.
The Tubik serves as both a commercial van and a people carrier with the 4.8 meter long, 2.08m wide and 2.05m tall model providing comfortable space for nine passengers in three lounge-style seats, with the driver cocooned in a separated compartment.
Citroën says passengers can arrange the three rows of seats as they wish, since each seat is independent for maximum comfort. The first row of seats allows two people to sit facing either the road or the other passengers.
The middle row can seat up to three people or, alternatively, can be converted into a small table, be folded onto the last row to free up an area close to 2 square meters, or be folded out completely to create a meridienne-style seat. 
Motivation is provided from the PSA Peugeot-Citroën group's new Hybrid4 full-hybrid diesel drivetrain.
We'll have more on the Tubik soon, but for now, scroll down to check out the official photos.

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Russian Yo-Auto wants to Rock the Frankfurt Motor Show

One of the lesser known automakers from Russia, Yo-Auto, will participate at this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show with a new study, the (not so imaginatively named) Yo-Concept.
It is one of three hybrid models the Russian company is developing and has been designed in order to introduce the brand to the public and to preview its future products.
The highlights of the Yo-Concept include the rear-and-upwards sliding doors with minimal glass area and a full-length glass roof that merges with the windshield. The interior can accommodate four adults thanks to the slim front seats that maximize rear space.
The imaginatively-styled concept, which is not intended for production, is powered by a hybrid system that works in a similar fashion to the Volt, in that it pairs a battery pack and an electric motor with a range-extending conventional petrol engine. 

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Audi A8 hybrid to start series production in 2012

The power of a six-cylinder model, the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder version: Audi will be starting series production of the A8 hybrid in 2012. Its gasoline engine – a 2.0 TFSI – and an electric motor develop peak output of 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque. Average fuel consumption is below 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg). The sedan can travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone, and cover around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph).

The Audi flagship model is designed as a highly efficient parallel hybrid. The 2.0 TFSI, which has been modified in some areas, generates an output of 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, which is available between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. The combustion engine works together with a disc-shaped electric motor which develops 40 kW (54 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft).

The permanent magnet synchronous motor is mounted in the space usually occupied by the torque converter in front of the modified eight-speed tiptronic. A multi-plate clutch that operates in an oil bath connects or disconnects the electric motor and the TFSI engine. The clutch operates ultra-precisely and gently in all situations. The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid transmission guides the torque to the front wheels; with its wide gear spread it contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A8 hybrid.

The short-term system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and the system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) ensure highly agile performance. The Audi A8 hybrid reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.7 seconds from a standing start and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). Its fuel consumption in the EU cycle is less than 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg), and CO2 emissions are below 148 grams per km (238.18 g/mile). Please note that all figures are provisional.

The Audi A8 hybrid can drive at up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) purely on electric power and has a range of up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) at a constant 60 km/h (37.28 mph). This gives the driver the choice of three modes: The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan has five operating states: with the TFSI engine alone, with electric drive only or in hybrid mode; recuperation and boosting are also possible. Two displays show the driver all operating modes in detail.

The lithium-ion battery, which weighs 36.7 kilograms (80.91 lb), is located in a crash-proof area in the trunk. It provides 1.3 kWh of nominal energy and up to 40 kW of power. Two different methods are used to air-cool the battery, depending on need: with air blown from the passenger compartment by a fan and via a separate cooling circuit coupled to the automatic air conditioning system. The battery is thus kept within the temperature window required for it to perform to its full potential over a wide range. The electric motor and the compact power electronics which serve as a controller between the electric motor and the battery are water-cooled.

In visual terms, the Audi A8 hybrid is distinguished by subtle details. The ten spokes of its alloy wheels – which have a diameter of 18 inches as standard and 19 inches as an option – are reminiscent of turbine blades. The body features hybrid badges, and Arctic Silver is available as an exclusive paint finish. The metallic paint finish, three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and the BOSE sound system come standard.

Thanks to the brand’s ultra-lightweight construction expertise, the Audi A8 hybrid will be one of the lightest sedans in its category. Its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made entirely of aluminum, while the B-pillars are of hot-shaped, ultra-high-strength steel. Weighing just 231 kilograms (509.27 lb), it is roughly 40 percent lighter than a comparable steel construction.

Audi Reveals New A8 Hybrid At 2012

A little over a year after the presentation of its A8 Hybrid Concept at the 2010 edition of the Geneva Salon, Audi is introducing the final production version of its frugal four-cylinder limousine, which goes on sale in 2012.Confirming our suspicions that the concept label was misleading, Audi made very few changes to the production model such as the smaller (18" instead of 21") but same design alloy wheels and the more conventional looking engine cover.
There are no changes under the hood with the car featuring a parallel hybrid powertrain that combines a modified 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI gasoline engine delivering 211HP and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, with a disc-shaped electric motor that develops 40 kW (54HP) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft).
Audi says the short-term system output is rated at 245-horsepower and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque.
The electric motor is mounted in the space usually occupied by the torque converter in front of the modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission, which guides power to the front wheels. Electric energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery, which weighs 36.7 kilograms (80.9 lb) and is located in a crash-proof area in the trunk.
In terms of performance, the A8 Hybrid goes from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).
Its fuel consumption in the EU cycle is said to be under 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.8mpg US or 44.1mpg UK), and CO2 emissions below 148 grams per km (238.2 g/mile).
In addition, the A8 Hybrid can travel on electric power alone at speeds of up to 100km/h (62mph) and for a distance of up to three kilometers or 1.86 miles at a constant 60km/h (37 mph).
The driver can choose from three different modes including "EV", in which priority is given to the electric drive, "D" where the system controls both the engine and the electric motor, and finally the "S" mode for a sportier driving style.
Visually, the A8 Hybrid sports some subtle differences over the standard model including the turbine rotor-style alloy wheels (18-inch standard, 19-inch optional), special badges on the outside, an available, exclusive Arctic Silver finish and a bespoke instrument panel.
Pricing and availability are expected to be announced at next month's 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Cadillac ELR【Video】

Cadillac just announced the ELR Coupe. It’s the company’s second extended-range electric car and the third extended-range car unveiled in the past 30 days.



The new Cadillac ELR will apparently adopt a similar Voltec powertrain to the one in the Chevrolet Volt. It will consist of a small four-cylinder engine which will be used to recharge a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack.



The car will have a 2+2 seating configuration. More details, including powertrain and timing of the launch, will be revealed later.















Press Release



Electric Concept Car Comes to Life as Cadillac ELR



Luxury touring coupe gets extended-range electric vehicle technology



DETROIT - The innovative Cadillac Converj Concept, a dramatic luxury coupe with extended-range electric vehicle technology, is moving forward as a production car that will be called the Cadillac ELR.



Development of the ELR is just underway, so details on performance, price and timing will be announced later.



The Cadillac ELR will feature an electric propulsion system made up of a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator. It uses electricity as its primary source to drive the car without using gasoline or producing tailpipe emissions. When the battery's energy is low, the ELR seamlessly switches to extended-range mode to enable driving for hundreds of additional miles.



"The concept generated instant enthusiasm," said Don Butler, vice president-Cadillac Marketing. "Like other milestone Cadillac models of the past, the ELR will offer something not otherwise present - the combination of electric propulsion with striking design and the fun of luxury coupe driving."



Cadillac selected the name ELR to indicate the car's electric propulsion technology, in keeping with the brand's 3-letter international model naming convention.



The Converj Concept sparked the idea of combining the desirability of a grand touring coupe with electrification, said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design.



"There's no mistaking it for anything but a Cadillac, an aggressive, forward-leaning profile and proportion showcases a uniquely shaped, modern vision of a personal luxury 2+2," Welburn said.



Cadillac will reveal another new concept car on Thursday, Aug. 18, at a special event prior to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Cadillac also recently announced it will add two new vehicles to its product lineup in 2012, the XTS large luxury sedan and an all-new luxury compact sedan codenamed ATS.