Greenformance

Detroit 2009: Fisker Uncovers Karma S Concept

John Beltz Snyder — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:40:56 -0600

This afternoon, Fisker, the maker of the Karma plug-in hybrid, dropped
the veil, then dropped the top, on its new concept hardtop convertible,
the Karma S, also known as the Sunset. The Sunset features a
Fisker-exclusive lithium-ion battery, two electric motors, a sleek body
style, and a plush interior.

Although the Karma-S concept greatly resembles the production model
Karma, the crowd seemed pleased at the unveiling, but the champagne and
chocolate-covered strawberries may have had a hand in that.

View the gallery above for live photos of the Karma S, or read the press release below.

FISKER UNVEILS KARMA S PLUG-IN HYBRID HARDTOP

CONVERTIBLE CONCEPT AT 2009 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

DETROIT, MI Jan 12, 2009: Fisker Automotive, the new American
manufacturer of premium green automobiles, unveiled the Fisker Karma S
concept at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
today. The four-seat, plug-in hybrid hardtop convertible furthers the
company's belief that driving style and performance need not be
compromised for environmental friendliness.

The open-air Fisker Karma S concept shares its aluminum spaceframe
architecture and clean Q-DRIVE® powertrain with the Fisker Karma sedan.
Designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker
Automotive, Q-DRIVE® provides 50 emission-free miles on a single charge
to its lithium-ion battery pack, and up to 403hp from two electric
motors. The power retractable hard top, a first for Fisker, glides
neatly into the trunk and a unique design language sets the Karma S
concept apart.

"Our objective is to create a singular design language and heritage
around our state-of-the-art Q-DRIVE® powertrain," said Fisker
Automotive, Inc. CEO Henrik Fisker." The Karma S is an extension of the
Fisker Automotive product range of eco-conscious automobiles and sets
the tone for our future."

Detroit 2009: 2010 Lexus HS250h Hybrid Introduced

John Beltz Snyder — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:47:25 -0600

Today, on the manufacturer’s twentieth anniversary, Lexus introduced its 2010 HS250h, a hybrid sedan that will go on sale late this summer. With a body style somewhere between the IS and the ES, the HS is Lexus’ first dedicated hybrid vehicle.

Besides being better for the environment, Lexus continues to provide a vehicle meant for comfort and ease of use. Along with the HS’s hybrid technology, use of ecoplastics and recyclable materials, and exhaust heat recovery system, Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, highlighted some of the vehicle’s bells and whistles. The HS250h features a 190-degree front monitor, a Pre-Collision alert system, XM navigation, and an ultra-bright heads-up display. Templin also emphasized the Lexus Enfom technology, which allows users to send information to the car’s navigation system via the Internet.

Also in attendance at the unveiling was Chief Engineer Hiroyuki Koba.

Click through the gallery above to view photos of the Lexus HS250h press event, or scroll down to read the official press release.

Lexus Stages World Debut of the 2010 HS 250h - the World's First Dedicated Luxury Hybrid - at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

DETROIT (Jan. 11, 2009) – Lexus today revealed the 2010 HS 250h, the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show. The HS 250h will be Lexus' fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup. It also will be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a new futuristic cockpit and interior design.

A welcomed addition to Lexus' entry-luxury sedan lineup, the HS 250h fits nicely between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan. Research has shown that more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available, and the HS will provide these consumers with a viable purchase option.

Equipped with Lexus' first four-cylinder gas engine, the 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle powerplant is part of the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive System, which generates 187 total system horsepower. The highly efficient Atkinson-cycle engine, made possible by the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, allows the expansion/power stroke to be longer than the compression stroke so that combustion energy can be more effectively used for production of engine power. The HS 250h sedan's expected fuel efficiency will be more than 30-percent better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup, while earning a SULEV emissions rating utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline. Among the technologies adopted in the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine are cooling piston oil jets; an optimized balance shaft rate for improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) characteristics; and a hot-air venting system mounted behind the radiator.

Like the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid utility vehicle that made its debut in November, the HS 250h will include a new system designed to improve efficiency. The exhaust heat recovery system reduces engine warm-up time, thus allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. A windshield with infrared-ray (IR) reduction properties, which helps keep the interior more cool, has been adopted in order to decrease the amount of air conditioning needed to lower the cabin temperature. In addition to the exhaust heat recovery system and the IR windshield, available power-saving LED headlamps also contribute to improved fuel efficiency and emissions.

The all-new HS 250h sedan's 0.27 drag coefficient (Cd) makes it among the most aerodynamic in its class. Airflow management over the exterior, below the under floor and through the air passages was extensively examined. A unique gull-wing-shaped roof-panel design reduces mass and overall vehicle height, thus reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. The front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear under spoiler, and diffuser fins all reduce turbulence. Smooth A-pillar shape and the optimized angle and curvature of the bumper side panels also reduce wake turbulence, as does the increased taper of the fender side panels. The under-floor covers have been optimally positioned for reduced drag, while airflow restriction in the engine compartment has been lowered by optimizing the air-duct profiles around the radiator.

Aerodynamic design has also contributed to decreased wind noise. A smoother transition between windshield (complete with a sound-insulating inner layer) and roof line has improved air flow and reduced turbulence.

As is appropriate for the first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, the HS 250h includes proactive adoption of plant-based, carbon-neutral "Ecological Plastics" or bio-plastics in specific interior areas. Ecological Plastic emits less carbon dioxide during a product's lifecycle than plastic made solely from petroleum. Among the areas of utilization will be an industry-first use in luggage-trim upholstery. Other areas are the cowl-side trim, door scuff plate, tool box area, floor-finish plate, seat cushions, and the package tray behind the rear seats. Overall, approximately 30-percent of the interior and luggage area is covered with Ecological Plastic. Over the estimated lifecycle of the vehicle, the HS 250h will have approximately 20-percent fewer carbon-dioxide emissions as a result of utilizing the Ecological Plastic trim pieces.

Like all Lexus hybrid models, significant time was spent in developing the HS 250h with optimized NVH characteristics. Dynamic dampers at each engine-mounting point reduce noise and vibration, resonators improve intake air noise, and optimized exhaust flow reduces exhaust sound. Special coatings dampen both engine and road noise, while improved seals around doors, hood and fenders reduce wind-noise penetration into the cabin. Vibration has been reduced by improving the shape and thickness of the suspension-mounting points. In addition, power-window speed controllers have been adopted from the LS luxury sedan, which insure a slower, soft closing rate.

The HS 250h chassis design provides an outstanding ride and comfort with the decreased NVH required by a Lexus hybrid. The MacPherson strut front suspension is designed to achieve both straight-line and braking control, and a positive steering feel. A double-wishbone rear suspension provides excellent maneuverability, control and comfort with a low spring mount that contributes to better packaging and superior cargo space. Coil springs, anti-roll bars and shock-absorber rebound springs are utilized front and rear. The HS 250h will have uniquely designed standard 17- and optional 18-inch wheels.

The rack-and-pinion steering system utilizes a brushless Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor on the steering column, which provides improved steering feel, a reduction in harsh feedback, and better emissions by not draining engine power like conventional hydraulic systems.

The EPS is an integral part of an available lane keep assist system, a new driver assist that adds smooth steering torque to help the vehicle stay in the center of the lane. The amount of assisted torque is dependant on a lane-marker detection camera. It includes a lane departure warning feature that is designed to detect possible lane departure; it then gives the driver an audible warning and provides feedback via the steering wheel to encourage corrective action.
The HS is slightly longer than the IS and is taller than both the IS and ES. It also has a greater couple distance (distance hip to hip between front and rear passengers) than any other vehicle in its class other than the ES. The contoured front-seat backs also add to increased rear-seat legroom.

The HS features a unique advanced cockpit and an interior design that emphasizes innovation and craftsmanship. The uniquely stylish cabin has standard leather-trim seats, a moonroof, Lexus premium audio systems, and a new standard multi-media package. The media features include Bluetooth® technology, integrated satellite radio (subscription required), voice recognition, and USB iPod connectivity controlled via steering-wheel controls or a display screen. A high-contrast multi-information display, located in the instrument panel's hybrid system indicator gauge, is controlled via steering-wheel-mounted controls, allowing the driver to easily control various functions and information.

Another key element of the modern interior is Lexus' new available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System, which features a retractable navigation screen that is positioned well back and up front in the dash. The positioning helps improve visibility and reduce driver eye movement. Similar to the new RX, the HS system features the all-new "Remote Touch" controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic and allows for easy use of the Navigation System. The controller is positioned on the center console and is as natural to the driver's hand as a computer mouse. It can also be customized to the desired level of haptic feedback.

The Navigation System also includes a new casual-speech voice recognition feature. This allows drivers to give more flexible, conversational commands for easier access and control of the audio, climate and navigation functions. Also included are XM® NavTraffic® and NavWeatherTM, along with XM Sports and Stock information.

Also helping to reduce driver eye movement is an optional Heads-up Display (HUD). The HUD uses high-intensity LEDs to make the display bright enough to be read even in direct sunlight.

A class-leading 10 airbags will be standard on the all-new HS 250h as well as active front head rests, which help passengers in case of certain types of rear-end accidents. The HS also will feature Lexus' Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system and optional Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

An available wide-view front monitor helps the driver to check hard-to-see areas. Using a camera mounted in the front grille, the monitor provides a 190-degree front view on the Navigation screen with the push of a button on the steering wheel.

The HS 250h will also offer Lexus' next generation telematics systems, Lexus Enform and Safety Connect. Safety Connect will provide automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, 24/7 emergency and roadside assistance.

Lexus Enform's Destination Assist features operators who will help drivers look up points of interest such as shopping centers or other business locations like Zagat-rated restaurants, and then wirelessly send directions directly to the vehicle's navigation system.

Lexus Enform's eDestination service will allow customers to pull up multiple points of interest on any computer and send them directly to the car's navigation system. This innovative new feature will allow drivers to send a total of 200 destinations at a time to their vehicles.

The all-new 2010 HS 250h will reach dealerships nationwide in late summer.

‘08 NAIAS - We Stumble Upon Mazda5 Hydrogen Rotary Hybrid

Evan McCausland — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 09:14:31 -0600

With every automaker attempting to out-green each other with hybrid vehicles at the Detroit auto show, we're unsure how this one flew underneath the radar. As we attempted to squeeze our way out of the Mitsubishi press conference, we stumbled upon this Mazda5 Hydrogen Rotary Engine (HRE) Hybrid tucked in a hidden corner of Mazda's stand.

It's not the first time a 5-based hydrogen hybrid has been shown in Detroit; the original concept was on display - in a similar locale - nearly two years back. Although at that time, the system was merely a concept, Mazda tells us they're now ready to lease limited numbers of the alt-fuel hybrid van to select customers.

(Click through for a gallery of live shots, more on the hybrid and a release from Mazda)

We're not sure if Mazda can fit any other buzzwords into the van's title - or, for that matter, any more technology, save for a fuel cell stack. At the heart of the beast lies a hydrogen-burning 1.3-liter RENESIS two-rotor motor, essentially the same mill that's found in the experimental RX-8 Hydrogen RE. Mazda claims the HRE's motor, which is capable of running on both gasoline or hydrogen, delivers close to 40 percent more power and torque compared to the hydrogen RX-8. Interestingly, no fuel economy or emissions data have been released to the press.

Coupled to that bi-fuel bi-rotor motor is some form of a series-parallel hybrid system, allowing the Mazda5 HRE Hybrid to run on any mixture of the combustion engine and 110-kW electric motor. As can be expected, the system runs on pure electricity during light launches and acceleration; the system fires the rotary up for what Mazda describes as "regular, steady running." Adding the hybrid system may help the HRE Hybrid's range considerably; Mazda says the vehicle can travel up to 200 km on a tankful of hydrogen, nearly twice that of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. Lithium-ion batteries are stored under the second row of seats; the diminutive third-row seating is replaced with a large hydrogen tank.

Mazda's also moved to use a fair amount of recycled materials both inside and out. When we first opened up the Mazda5 HRE, we immediately noticed the wavy cloth used for seating and door inserts - the texture is attractive, and the material is rather plush. This fabric, part of Mazda's Biotechmaterial project, is reportedly made of polyactate fibers and is 100% sourced from plants. Likewise, Biotechmaterial plastics are used on dash panels, interior trim pieces and the hydrogen tank cover. These too stem from plant-sourced polylactic fibers, but the addition of a chemical to improve durability means these materials are 80% plant based.

Likewise, many of the exterior plastics - including bumpers, trim pieces and other panels - are recycled from wrecked vehicles. Mazda grinds the panels down to small particles, and is able to remove close to 99% of the original paint, allowing the material to be painted anew with the vehicle. Particles rejected aren't disposed of; these are then used for plastic panels in hidden locations.

Interested in one? If you're in North America, you're out of luck - Mazda's lease of a limited number of Mazda5 HRE Hybrids is limited only to customers in Japan, and those with plenty of cash, at that. We hear monthly lease prices of the quasi-experimental vehicles hover somewhere near the equivalent of $3500 a month - steep even for the techno-laden hybrid it is.

MAZDA RELEASE

NEW MAZDA5 HYDROGEN RE HYBRID A FRESH APPROACH TO
THE FUTURE OF ZOOM-ZOOM
Thanks to its combination of Mazda’s trademark Zoom-Zoom performance and excellent environmental efficiency, the hydrogen rotary engine (Hydrogen RE) is one of the leading lights in Mazda's efforts to develop the power plant of the future.
To demonstrate the exceptional environmental performance of this engine that burns hydrogen to generate motive power and emits zero CO2, Mazda has been leasing the Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE to corporations and local government bodies since 2006. In particular, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE not only offers clean performance, it also maintains a driving feel characteristic of a vehicle powered by a conventional gasoline internal combustion engine. With its dual-fuel system, the RX-8 Hydrogen RE can be switched between hydrogen and gasoline fuel at the touch of a button, and although it is an alternative fuel vehicle, it offers all the other acclaimed attributes of the base model RX-8, including its seating capacity for four adults.
The new MAZDA5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid that Mazda is exhibiting at this year's North American International Auto Show is currently under development, and scheduled to commence leasing in 2008. Incorporating the dual-fuel system of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, it is a further evolution in terms of practical use and driving performance thanks to improvements in the Hydrogen RE and the use of a new hybrid system.
• Extended range between refuelings
• Powerful fun-to-drive feeling
• Increased seating capacity for five adults and greater luggage space
The MAZDA5 HRE Hybrid also features Mazda Biotechmaterial derived from plants, which contribute to further reductions in CO2 emissions. These materials exhibit excellent resistance to heat, shock and wear, as well as weather and fire damage. They also offer outstanding versatility and can be employed for interior plastic parts, seat covers and in a variety of other areas.
Mazda is actively engaged in developing unique technologies, including the hydrogen rotary engine, as part of its efforts to achieve the early realization of a sustainable society. In particular, Mazda clean energy vehicles running not only on hydrogen but also on gasoline and diesel are expected to play a major role during the process of developing a hydrogen infrastructure.
The evolved hydrogen rotary engine delivers Zoom-Zoom power
Output of the evolved power unit is increased by 40% compared with the RX-8 Hydrogen RE resulting in much better acceleration performance. The hydrogen rotary engine, the core unit of the model, is changed from a longitudinal to a transverse layout and its intake/exhaust resistance and combustion efficiency are improved to yield high output across a wide range of engine speeds.
In addition, a new concept hybrid system to match the new hydrogen rotary engine has been developed. The conventional hydrogen rotary engine has problems of low torque and poor combustion efficiency in the low rev range. The new system overcomes both of these problems and, combined with increased hydrogen capacity, extends the hydrogen-fueled range to about 200km or twice that of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE. The vehicle is also equipped with the highly acclaimed dual-fuel system of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE, further enhancing its practical use.
The hybrid system efficiently converts energy from hydrogen combustion into electricity that powers the electric motor. Thanks to progress in electric drive technology, the system realizes high energy-efficiency and a quick response for powerful driving performance allied with low fuel consumption. Acceleration kicks in the instant you hit the accelerator, creating a dynamic feeling from the synchronized engine and motor power.
Energy flow pattern according to driving conditions
The main components of hybrid system-the hydrogen rotary engine and generator, inverter, motor, and battery-are optimally controlled to generate electricity, recharge and discharge the battery in accordance with driving conditions.
• Running on battery power (when pulling away from a stop)
• Running on hydrogen rotary engine and generator power (during regular, steady running)
• Running on hydrogen rotary engine/generator power + battery power (during acceleration)
• Regenerated by motor during braking and engine braking (during deceleration)
• The hydrogen rotary engine stops idling unless the battery needs recharging (when stationary).
Mazda Biotechmaterial*1 for a resource-recycling society
The new MAZDA5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid is a showcase of other original Mazda environmental technologies. Mazda is deeply involved in collaborative developments with companies, universities, and the government in Hiroshima prefecture as part of the New Regional Consortium Research Development Programme supported by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This enabled us to become the first automaker to develop a plant-sourced bioplastic with a high-quality appearance as well as shock and wear resistance suitable for extrusion-molded automobile interior parts.
In a joint venture with Teijin Ltd, a company with research labs in Chugoku and Shikoku, and Teijin Fibers Ltd, we succeeded in becoming the first in the auto industry to develop a 100% plant-sourced biofabric made of polylactate fibers that exhibits excellent wear, fire and weather resistance for use in automobile seat covers. The new MAZDA5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid uses these Mazda Biotechmaterial, which is the general term for Mazda-developed plant-sourced materials including bioplastic and biofabric, for its interior trim and seat covers.
Shock-resistance, heat-resistance and a quality appearance
Mazda has developed a unique bioplastic suitable for interior parts. To promote crystallization of polylactic acid, researchers developed a seed crystal composed of polylactate with a modified molecular structure that raises the melting point. They also developed a new compatibilizer to efficiently disperse flexible constituents to improve shock absorption, resulting in a material with enhanced capability to evenly disperse shock energy.
The developed bioplastic, which is over 80% plant-sourced, exhibits greatly improved shock absorption and heat resistance. And unlike conventional bioplastics whose properties are suitable for press-forming only, Mazda’s bioplastic can be extrusion-molded. Consequently, this bioplastic achieves the qualities and appearance required for use in car interior parts.
Mazda’s biofabric was developed using a crystallizing agent for polylactic acid with a high melting point polylactate molecular structure (stereo-complex structure) that allows application throughout the entire bio-fiber. The resulting biofabric is one hundred percent plant-sourced and exhibits exceptional wear-resistance, flame-resistance and weather-resistance.
Introduction of bumper-to-bumper recycling
Mazda is the first automaker to introduce bumper-to-bumper recycling-a system that collects damaged bumpers from cars on the road, almost completely removes the paint and reuses the material in new bumpers. Since its use in the RX-8 in March 2005, the recycled material has been introduced in new models and taken on more applications. Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid will also incorporate material recycled in this way.
Optical sorting technology separates presence/absence of paint
The key to bumper-to-bumper recycling is a unique optical sorting technology. In the recycling process, collected damaged bumpers are pulverized and formed into pellets with up to 98.5% of the paint removed. The optical sorting technology can accurately distinguish between pellets on the basis of paint content. As shown in the illustration, pellets flow down from the shooter past two CCD cameras. By blasting the pellets that still contain paint with compressed air, it is possible to achieve a paint removal rate of about 99.9%.
The paint-free pellets are mixed in with fresh material to form new bumpers. Pellets that are rejected in the sorting process can be used in material for undercovers, splash guards and similar components.
MAZDA5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid Main Specifications (target values)
Name 　 MAZDA5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid
Overall length 　 4565mm
Overall width 　 1745mm
Vehicle Overall height 　 1615 mm
Wheelbase 2750 mm
Seating capacity 　 5 persons
Engine Type 　 RENESIS hydrogen rotary engine (dual-fuel system)
Fuel 　 Hydrogen and gasoline
Motor Maximum power 　 110 kW
Type 　 Synchronous motor
Generator Type 　 Synchronous motor
Battery Type 　 Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
Tires Front/rear 　 195/65R15 DUNLOP ENASAVE(non-petroleum tire)
COLUMN
Progress in development of Mazda's hydrogen vehicles
Mazda developed the first HR-X equipped with a hydrogen rotary engine in 1991. A hydrogen rotary Roadster experimental vehicle was developed in 1993, and in 1995 we tested a hydrogen rotary engined version of the Capella Cargo for the first time on Japan’s public roads. On obtaining permission from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, we made the world’s first public road test of the prototype RX-8 Hydrogen RE in October 2004. More recently, in February 2006, Mazda began leasing the RX-8 Hydrogen RE mainly to government agencies and corporations.
1991 First HR-X with hydrogen rotary engine unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show.
1993 Second HRX-II with hydrogen rotary engine unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show.
Mazda develops Roadster experimental vehicle with hydrogen rotary engine.
1995 Hydrogen rotary powered Capella Cargo becomes first car of its kind to be tested on public roads in Japan.
2003 Development version of RX-8 Hydrogen RE unveiled at Tokyo Motor Show.
2004 RX-8 Hydrogen RE development model enters public road test.
2005 MAZDA5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid concept announced.
2006 Mazda begins commercial leasing of RX-8 Hydrogen RE, world’s first for a hydrogen RE.