Peugeot RC HYmotion4 Concept Racing Car

With Citroen, Peugeot RC HYmotion4 is a field that is increasingly cluttered with hybrid concepts using a new system that can take the road to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Fortunately for Peugeot, they have managed not just recycle or rebadge an existing model, but have incorporated this technology into an boldly attractive four door GT coupe.

Peugeot has joined sister-brand Citroen by releasing a concept vehicle based on the new HYmotion4 AWD hybrid system. The new concept is according to Peugeot, a ‘Touring Car Coupe’ that features a number of engineering and technological ideas expected to make their way, if only gradually, into both of the carmaker’s future production models. Unlike the hybrid systems used by current production vehicles, this concept has no direct mechanical connection between the electric and internal combustion drive systems. This way, the RC can operate in either rear, front, or all-wheel-drive modes. That means it can also operate using internal combustion, electric only or blended mode combining both. Propelling this concept is a rear mounted turbocharged 1.6 liter engine driving the rear wheels and producing 218 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. Up front, an electric motor provides up to another 132 lb-ft of torque and provides a governed combined production of 313 horsepower. This sort of power pays of with acceleration to 62 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds. The electrons are stored in a lithium-ion battery pack of an as unreleased size, but having the electric motor at the front instead of the rear axle means that more kinetic energy can be recaptured through the regenerative braking process. According to Peugeot, the RC can get 52.3 mpg with a minimum output of just 109 g/km of CO2 emissions.

Other Hymotion4 concepts in the mix for the future include Peugeot’s Prologue, which previews an upcoming 3008 crossover, as well as the Citroen Hypnos and C4 WRC rally car. These concepts, according to the manufacturer, are a synthesis of ideas that demonstrate a commitment to both respecting the environment and driving pleasure. If all of the technology that is used within this concept lives up to the manufacturer claims, the French may have the inside track in future hybrid production.

2010 Paris Auto Show: Peugeot HR1 Concept

Peugeot has unveiled new HR1 urban concept car which will debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show opens on 2 Oct 2010. It's a small crossover, mixing the best bits of coupe, city runaround and SUV. Sound familiar? Yep, it's sort of like a shrunken Range Rover Evoque.

The car isn't as attractive as the EX1 -- it's tall, chunky and ever so slightly odd-looking. But it does have some interesting tech additions. The most notable of these is an Archos 9 PC Tablet mounted in a tray on the passenger side of the vehicle.

The three-cylinder 1.2-liter gasoline engine is a version of Peugeot's future family of efficient three-cylinder engines that is now in development, the automaker says. It's teamed with a rear-positioned electric motor with all-wheel drive and a combined 147 horsepower. The 19-inch wheels are fitted with Michelin tires.

The car’s instrumentation suggests total command of the vehicle by the driver, with ergonomically placed controls, a small steering wheel, and a Head-Up display allowing information to be seen without the driver taking their eyes off the road.
The ingenuity of the HR1 resides also in its modularity. Its load area is practical and accommodating thanks to its flat floor and sides, offers a load space of 25.9 sq ft.

Total output for the hybrid powertrain on the Peugeot HR1 is 147 bhp, and power is sent to the wheels through an electronically-controlled 6-speed manual gearbox. The driver can also choose between two modes of operation, sequential or automatic. In a combined cycle the Peugeot HR1 can return 81 mpg (2.90 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are of 80 g/km.




Press Release

PEUGEOT HR1 – TOTALLY URBAN AND CONNECTED
29/09/10

• New three-cylinder THP 110 petrol engine
• 81 mpg and just 80 g/km
• Uses Peugeot's HYbrid4 technology
• Innovative rear "stowaway seat" system
• Clever "hands-free" onboard system control
• Provides enjoyable urban motoring and genuine environmental efficiency

The HR1 is an exclusive and innovative urban concept car that blends together a number of genres (city run-around, coupé and SUV). It is targeted at active young city dwellers smitten with design and innovation who are in search of a vehicle that matches their profile.

Peugeot is always exploring new motoring ideas and this inventiveness has already given rise to many production vehicles and concept cars, including a number of genuine commercial and design successes (Coupé/Cabriolet, the 3008... and more recently the BB1 concept vehicle).

The HR1 is based on several different body designs: city run-around, coupé, SUV... and, in doing so, is creating its own identity and new and original benefits.

The HR1 has been created to appeal to young city dwellers; individuals and couples, who lead an active outgoing life and who seek out new lifestyle experiences in relation to their leisure activities and their mobility.

It is designed to make urban travel easy and pleasurable even in the busiest or most confined urban areas. It is helped by its particularly compact dimensions (a length of 3.67 m and very short front and rear overhangs) but also an original system for getting into and out of the vehicle. Based on the Marque's experience in this field, the HR1 has two electric "scissor" doors to facilitate access under all circumstances (restricted parking, small garage, etc...). To improve visibility and manoeuvrability and provide a dominant driving position, the ride height of the vehicle has been raised, also improving ground clearance.

The HR1 contains all the genes of the Peugeot Marque, whose new stylistic design codes were first unveiled on the SR1 Concept car. The HR1 shares the same expressive headlamps with their finely chiselled design and the single "floating" front grille which seems to be detached from the rest of the body, as the SR1.

The overall styling is athletic, powerful and dynamic and is strengthened further by the flowing wheel arches, large wheels and the raised sections above the rear windscreen, reminiscent of the "double bubble" roof design of the RCZ Coupé. The finesse of the superstructure, the two-tone interplay of polished and chrome materials, every component expresses the high level of build quality, a sign of the meticulous attention paid to every detail. This is true also of the headlamps and "full LED" rear lights, finished in the style of hi-tech jewels which give the car a unique signature by day and by night.

Innovation is a strong feature of all Peugeot models and especially the HR1. At the rear, the roof bars serve as an ingenious hinge for the opening one-piece, dark tinted glass tailgate.

In keeping with the recent design trends of the Marque's latest vehicles, the interior of the HR1 has a structured design, with a "High-Tech Coupé" driving position, providing a special ambiance through the combination of style, quality of finish, equipment and ergonomics.

The driver and passenger are both provided with a "privileged area" within the vehicle, separated by a centre console which adds to the futuristic design and helps increase light levels due to the use of electroluminescent diodes. The fitment of the two glazed roof sections, dedicated to the right and left occupants, with an electro-chrome finish, also help to diffuse more light on request.

The car's instrumentation suggests total command of the vehicle by the driver, with ergonomically placed controls, a small steering wheel, and a "Head-Up" display allowing information to be seen without the driver taking their eyes off the road.

The passenger compartment of the HR1 has a very "authentic" feel, dynamic, technological and protective, able to shield its occupants from the stress of the outside world.

The HR1 is equipped with particularly innovative controls which operate what is known as the "man-machine interface". The concept car thus has a "movement recognition" system. Simple and intuitive, this allows the driver to scroll through functions and select available settings with a simple movement of the hand. For example, by rotating the hand the user can scroll menus, displayed in the manner of a carousel. The driver can also choose to switch control of the menus to the front passenger, with a sweep of the hand from left to right.

The technology controlled by this method includes the audio, satellite navigation and air conditioning systems. The driver can also select, at his discretion, the preferred type of information to be displayed in the instrument panel: rev counter, water and oil temperature during "dynamic driving", or tourist information when "cruising". The front passenger, meanwhile, benefits from a mobile PC tablet which allows data to be shared and exchanged with the driver's display.

The ingenuity of the HR1 resides also in its modularity. It has been designed primarily for young city dwellers without children, in search of a fun vehicle that is fashionable and roomy enough to carry their leisure equipment (bicycle, diving equipment, etc...) or be loaded up with shopping. Its load area, practical and accommodating thanks to its flat floor and sides, offers a load space of 734 litres.

The passenger compartment can be very quickly configured to accommodate either three or four full size seats, thanks to the clever "stowaway seat" system. With this system the rear seats fold down flat and then fit snugly behind the front seats creating a flat load area floor. As on the RCZ, the special shape of the rear tailgate glass with its raised "double bubble" sections, allows the rear headroom to be optimised. When both rear seats are raised, the boot capacity is reduced, but it still offers a substantial 180 litres of space.

One of Peugeot's key priorities is to retain its environmental leadership over the coming years. In this respect, the HR1 Concept, which is most at home in the city, needed to meet this brief by being particularly efficient and innovative.

The HR1, therefore, incorporates Peugeot's innovative HYbrid4 technology with all its associated benefits. With an internal combustion engine at the front and an electric motor at the rear it can be driven as often as possible in "zero emissions" mode in town at low speed, or with both "engines" together, providing four-wheel drive capability where challenging surfaces warrant it.

Under the bonnet, the internal combustion engine which drives the front wheels is a new three cylinder petrol unit. It has a capacity of 1.2 litres and, using Peugeot's THP technology, produces 110 bhp. It is one of the members of the future family of three cylinder engines currently under development. As part of Peugeot's downsizing strategy, the engine has been developed using the most advanced technologies, combining both a high level of performance with environmental efficiency.

It is linked to a 37 bhp electric motor and, therefore, has a maximum potential power output of 147 bhp, with a combined fuel consumption of 81 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 80 g/km.

The electronically-controlled 6-speed manual gearbox (with control paddles on the steering wheel and a centrally mounted gear lever) coupled with this power train is designed to offer maximum control. The driver can also opt between two modes of operation, sequential or automatic.

The HR1 has a pseudo McPherson front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. Steering is provided by an electric power steering system which offers excellent handling characteristics at low speed, astonishing agility during manoeuvres and maximum accuracy at higher speeds, for good all-round performance.

With its high-performance suspension, efficient steering and new power train, the HR1 provides a unique driving experience, combining the emotion of real driving enjoyment with the rigour of genuine environmental efficiency.

Technical Data – Peugeot HR1 Concept Car

Petrol Engine	Capacity	1,197 cc
	Maximum power	110 bhp
	Maximum torque	195 Nm
Rear Electric Motor	Type	Synchronous with permanent magnets
	Continuous / peak power	27 bhp / 37 bhp
	Continuous / peak torque	100 Nm / 200 Nm
Total	Maximum potential power	147 bhp
Tyres	Type	Michelin
	Size	225 45 R19
Transmission	Type	Electronically-controlled six-speed manual gearbox
Fuel tank	Capacity	41 litres
Fuel Consumption	Combined cycle	81 mpg
	CO2 (g/km)	80 g
ZEV	Combined cycle	0
Zero Emission Vehicle	CO2 (g/km)	0
	Maximum range at constant speed	1.55 miles
Dimensions	Overall length	3694 mm
	Overall body width	1755 mm
	Overall height – with full tanks	1492 mm
	Wheelbase	2311 mm
	Front / rear overhang	703 mm / 680 mm
	Front / rear track	1534 mm / 1512 mm
Interior	Load area volume in 2 seat configuration	734 litres
	Load area volume in 3 seat configuration	457 litres
	Load area volume in 4 seat configuration	180 litres
Weight	Kerb weight with full tanks	1130 kg

2011 Toyota Highlander Pricing

Japanese carmaker has releases today the 2011 Toyota Highlander price list for the USA market. The 2011 Toyota Highlander will be sold in U.S. both as a gasoline crossover and as a hybrid.

The 2011 Toyota Highlander facelift comes with a slightly modified exterior design, which includes new head lamps and taillights, a redesigned grille, new fog lamps and bumpers, new chrome accents and various other discrete changes.

The base Highlander still sports its 187-horsepower, 2.7-liter four-cylinder, but the same engine is now offered in the SE version as well. Limited editions come standard with a 273-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. All-wheel drive is available; it's standard on the Limited.

The second choices is a 3.5-litre V6 producing 270 HP and 248 lb-ft of torque that links to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, which enables the 2011 Toyota Highlander to return 28 mpg (both city and highway).

Highlander prices start at $27,390 for the base four-cylinder two-wheel drive model. The SE V6 two-wheel drive will be $33,150, while the Limited V6 four wheel-drive model will be $36,345. The Highlander Hybrid will range from $37,290 for the base model to $42,945 for the Limited model.




Press Release

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced the introduction of the new 2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid mid-size SUV, along with a change on the suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the Prius mid-size hatchback, Venza mid-size crossover, and FJ Cruiser mid-size SUV. The 2011 Highlander models will begin arriving at dealers September 24. The 2011 Venza will arrive at dealers in early October, followed by the Prius and FJ Cruiser in late November.

For 2011, standard equipment levels have been improved across all Highlander grades to meet customer demand. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid receive styling changes to the interior and exterior, including an all-new front fascia, hood and fenders. All models will now include a standard 50/50-split third-row with rear climate control, improving both cargo flexibility and passenger comfort. A new Tech Audio package includes a USB port, integrated satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming audio. In addition to featuring the Star Safety System, which is standard on all Toyota models, the 2011 Highlander will receive standard Smart Stop Technology, Toyota's brake override system. The MSRP for Highlander will begin at $27,390 for the base four-cylinder two-wheel drive model; the SE V6 two-wheel drive will be $33,150, while the Limited V6 four wheel-drive model will be $36,345. The MSRP for Highlander Hybrid will range from $37,290 for the base model to $42,945 for the Limited model.

The Prius, celebrating ten years of sales in the U.S., will have a MSRP range of $23,050 for the Prius Two model to $28,320 for the Prius Five model, an increase of $250, or 0.9 to 1.1 percent.

The Venza mid-size crossover will continue to be equipped with Smart Stop Technology in 2011. The MSRP will range from $26,475 for the four-cylinder FWD model, to $29,750 for the V6 AWD, an increase of $200, or 0.7 to 0.8 percent.

The 2011 FJ Cruiser mid-size SUV features technology and equipment upgrades, along with interior refinements that include better passenger ingress/egress and more advanced audio systems. The enhanced standard audio system, includes steering wheel audio and Bluetooth® controls, XM Radio (includes 90-day trial), USB port with iPod® connectivity, and hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology. The 2011 FJ Cruiser also receives Smart Stop Technology. The MSRP for the 2011 FJ Cruiser will range from $25,090 for the 2WD model to $26,680 for the 4WD model with automatic transmission, an increase of $1,110, or 4.3 to 4.6 percent.

Public Web site: http://www.toyota.com

Vehicle/Model Number	Grade	Doors	Body Style	Trans	NEWMSRP	MY
HIGHLANDER
6942	Base L4 2WD	5	SUV	6AT	$ 27,390	11MY
6943	SE L4 2WD	5	SUV	6AT	$ 31,995	11MY
6946	Base V6 2WD	5	SUV	5AT	$ 28,545	11MY
6951	SE V6 2WD	5	SUV	5AT	$ 33,150	11MY
6954	Limited V6 2WD	5	SUV	5AT	$ 34,895	11MY
6948	Base V6 4WD	5	SUV	5AT	$ 29,995	11MY
6953	SE V6 4WD	5	SUV	5AT	$ 34,600	11MY
6956	Limited V6 4WD	5	SUV	5AT	$ 36,345	11MY
HIGHLANDER HYBRID
6964	Base 4WD-i	5	SUV	CVT	$ 37,290	11MY
6966	Limited 4WD-i	5	SUV	CVT	$ 42,945	11MY

Vehicle/Model Number	Grade	Doors	Body Style	Trans	MSRP Increase	NEWMSRP	MSRP % Increase	MY
PRIUS
1223	Two	5	Hatchback	CVT	$ 250	$ 23,050	1.1%	11MY
1225	Three	5	Hatchback	CVT	$ 250	$ 24,050	1.1%	11MY
1227	Four	5	Hatchback	CVT	$ 250	$ 26,850	0.9%	11MY
1229	Five	5	Hatchback	CVT	$ 250	$ 28,320	0.9%	11MY
VENZA
2810	L4 FWD	5	Liftback	6AT	$ 200	$ 26,475	0.8%	11MY
2812	V6 FWD	5	Liftback	6AT	$ 200	$ 28,300	0.7%	11MY
2820	L4 AWD	5	Liftback	6AT	$ 200	$ 27,925	0.7%	11MY
2822	V6 AWD	5	Liftback	6AT	$ 200	$ 29,750	0.7%	11MY

Vehicle/Model Number	Grade	Doors	Body Style	Trans	MSRP Increase	NEWMSRP	MSRP % Increase	MY
FJ CRUISER
4702	2WD	5	SUV	5AT	$ 1,110	$ 25,090	4.6%	11MY
4703	4WD	5	SUV	6MT	$ 1,110	$ 26,270	4.4%	11MY
4704	4WD	5	SUV	5AT	$ 1,110	$ 26,680	4.3%	11MY

Porsche Cayenne S speedHYBRID 450 by speedART

German tuner speedART has a new tuning kit for the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.

SpeedArt now offers a power enhancement package that adds an additional 70 HP, so that the total output (gas engine with electric motor) rises up to 450 HP. The performance of the speedHYBRID 450 is much better than the one of the Cayenne S and the 0-60 time is improved to 6.0 Sec. and the maximum speed rises up to 156mph. This means a plus of 6mph compared to the original Cayenne S Hybrid and a plus of 13mph compared to the usual V6.

This power boost allows the speedART Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid to hit 62 mph (100 Km/h) from a standstill in 6.0 seconds instead of 6.5 seconds, while the maximum speed increased with 6 mph (10 km/h) more than the standard version, now being rated at 156 mph (252 km/h).

The looks of the car apart from those blue graphics, is most affected by the new wheels. They are type LSC-FORGED 22-inch, and you can choose the color for them. They come in size 9,5×22“ and 275/30 ZR22“ tyres for front and for the rear axle with 11×22“ and 315/30 ZR22“. speedHYBRID also features electronic lowering module for its air suspension.

Interior upgrades are limited to a new turbo pressure gauge mounted on the dashboard and a grey finish for the rev counter on the instrument panel.




Press Release

speedART speedHYBRID 450

The latest innovation of the Porsche Tuner speedART from Rutesheim near Stuttgart is called speedHYBRID 450 which is based on the new Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid. Please find attached an overview on the Tuning activities done by speedART:

Performance:

speedART offers for the V6 compressor engine a power enhancement with additional 70 HP, so that the system effort (petrol engine with electric motor) rises up to 450 HP and 570 NM. Regarding the performance, the effort of the speedHYBRID 450 is much better than the one of the Cayenne S. The speed-up decreases from 6.5 Sec. down to 6.0 Sec. and the maximum speed rises up to 252 Km/h. This means a plus of 10 Km/h compared to the original Cayenne S Hybrid and a plus of 22 Km/h compared to the usual V6.

The electric mode stays unaffected by the power enhancement. The speedHYBRID can be driven in the Zero-Emission-Mode as economical and as efficient as the original Cayenne Hybrid. Of course the function of the Sport- and the E-Power-Button stays the same, only that, when needed 70 hp more power for a sporty drive are available.

Sound:

speedART offers for the Hybrid a sport exhaust with sound switch and 2x100 mm tail pipes. This highlights the sportive sound of the V6-compressor and the power enhancement gets also acoustically underlined. The sport exhaust system with sound switch can be ordered for all Cayenne models with petrol engine. A sport exhaust system for the Diesel is also availiable.

Wheels:

In combination with the sporty driving performance 22“wheels, type LSC-FORGED will be mounted. This forged and weight optimized modular 3-piece wheel set is available for the front axle with 9,5x22“ and 275/30 ZR22“ tyres and for the rear axle with 11x22“ and 315/30 ZR22“. The painting of the centre star can be individually chosen by the customer. Due to the special forging technology the weight of the LSC-wheels is on the same level as the weight of a cast 21“ wheel, so that there is no higher consumption caused by the bigger wheels.

Aerodynamic:

The innovative speedHYBRID?-concept is underlined by the sporty blue foliation, which causes together with the white base colour a sporty, modern and environment friendly image.

Two different body kits for the new Cayenne models are in preparation and will be presented contemporary, so that individual customer choices can be satisfied.

Suspension:

For cars with air-ride system an electronic lowering kit module will be offered and for cars with conventional suspension lowering springs can be ordered.

Interieur:

For the compressor motor a special turbo pressure gauge will be mounted on the car dashboard, so that turbo pressure can be observed all the time. Of course this is used in combination with a blue instrumental dial, which replaces also the grey instrumental dial of the centre rev counter from the original tachometer.