Unguzzle

Revealed: Honda Surprises L.A. with FC Sport Design Concept

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:03:43 -0600

Automakers find it difficult to keep details of even the most mundane of their auto show fodder under wraps before the curtains go up. It was pleasantly stunning then that Honda was able to pull off the feat with something as significant as its FC Sport design concept.

Built to emphasize the design and packaging flexibility that can be found with Honda’s “V Flow” fuel cell technology—as seen in the FCX Clarity sedan—the FC applies the next generation powertrain to the needs of an environmentally conscious supercar. The concept would in theory (it’s not a runner right now) utilize a powerful electric motor in concert with the advanced, wind-cheating body work, and a super low center of gravity, to create a vehicle capable of stunning overall performance.

Honda is especially pleased with the modular nature of its fuel cell powertrain, which is relatively easy to package for the optimum balance all sports cars strive for. In the case of the FC—configured with a delta-shaped, three seat layout—the fuel cell stack nestles between the rear seats and the battery pack is placed low in the middle of the car, so most of the mass would live between the two axles.

The blocky silhouette is rendered in glacier white with a dramatically contrasting black glasshouse, completed with a huge set of dark copper, seven-spoke alloy wheels. The complex form is impressive to say the least—we’re reminded of some of Bertone’s better efforts—though it would be wrong to label it as pretty, leastwise until we can wrap out heads around the oblong protrusion that forms the rear of the car.

Have a look at Honda’s full press release down below and be sure to tell us how you like the FC Sport concept, in comments.

Honda FC Sport Design Study Suggests Hydrogen Sports Car Future

Innovative fuel cell packaging demonstrates green performance potential

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Honda today revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda's V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.
"The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future."

The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle's performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport's low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.

The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.

The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver's left and right side.

The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle's racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a "naked bike" motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.

The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport's clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle's unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.

The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, in Pasadena, California, developed the FC Sport design study with the primary objective of using existing fuel cell technology as the basis for an ultimate Honda sports car. Designer Jason Wilbur led the design efforts.

Honda R&D Americas, Inc. began its operations in California in 1975 with local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 33 years to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development. Recent development efforts include trend-setting products such as the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si.

In 2008, the company opened two new design centers in Southern California: the Acura Design Studio (Torrance), for the research and design of new Acura products; and the Advanced Design Studio (Pasadena), for the exploration and development of advanced design themes for both Honda and Acura.

The company operates 11 major R&D facilities in North America, including a full vehicle development center in Raymond, Ohio, and three design studios in Southern California. Honda R&D designers, engineers and support personnel are engaged in the development of Honda and Acura automobiles, powersports products, and power equipment for North America and global markets. The company's main centers of operation include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance, California), responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, Ohio), responsible for complete product development, testing, and support of North American supplier and manufacturing operations; and a dynamic test facility in Cantil, California.

Gallery: Citroen GT Revealed in Paris

Chris Paukert — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:36:19 -0500

It only takes a single concept car from Citroën to encapsulate why we continue to love French automakers beyond all reason. At a time when most companies are curtailing the futuristic joneses of their designers in the interest of more production-friendly show cars, our Francophile friends are offering up visions like this car, the GTbyCITROËN. And this time, they had a bit of help—from Polyphony, the makers of Gran Turismo 5.

According to Citroen, the GT is a fuel cell vehicle, although whether it is actually fully functional or merely designer intent is unclear. What is clear, however, is that Citroen continues to go gleefully far afield in their vision of the future, and for this automaker, the future isn’t only spacecraft-like styling, it’s heads-up displays, blue LED headlamps, butterfly doors, and an interior complete with copper structural elements.

(Full press release below)

GTbyCITROËN

CROSS OVER TO THE VIRTUAL WORLD…

With GTbyCITROËN, a show-car presented at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Citroën becomes the first vehicle manufacturer to cross over to the virtual worlds: An original take on a road car, GTbyCITROËN is a style replica of a vehicle from the digital world. The car is the result of a partnership between Citroën and Polyphony, designer of the driving simulation game Gran Turismo 5 on Playstation 3. Already shipped in more than 50 million units worldwide, Gran Turismo is renowned for its quality, design and realism.

In the game, GTbyCITROËN features an electric drive train powered by a fuel cell with no pollutant emissions. It is a car designed to square up to the strongest competition.

“GTbyCITROËN shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership. We were delighted that Citroen approached us and gave us the opportunity to combine our creative strengths to build this very special concept car. To see the car take shape in game and then for real has been a truly unique experience as our work normally stays in the digital world. I just hope I can get behind the wheel of GTbyCITROËN and drive it on a real race track!”

- Kazanori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc and creator of Gran Turismo

Performance first and foremost

GTbyCITROËN is geared to the world of motor racing, with its dynamic styling, sculpted lines and sharp graphics. The rear end is oversized, made exaggeratedly long in order to create an effect of retinal persistence. The idea is to make the concept car even faster visually. The white-to-grey gradation on the body side further underlines this impression of continuous movement.

Top-level driving

The cabin of GTbyCITROËN, designed to seat two adults, expresses the grand touring vision behind this show-car. The on-board ambience allies premium, extensively worked materials with a more high-tech effect for the driving position.
The layout of the low driving position was dictated by driving pleasure. The aim is for the driver to be able to concentrate on the road, assisted by a head-up display clearly displaying driving information.

RACING SPIRIT BY CITROËN

- Power and flowing lines

The design of GTbyCITROËN reflects a quest for optimal aerodynamic design. The show-car is a vehicle of flowing, taut lines, stretched to the extreme. The cleanly drawn sides, ribbed at the top, and the pearlescent shade of the bodywork enhance the vehicle's sleekly muscled looks.

The determined look of the front end is enhanced by wide air intakes and clear-cut horizontal headlamps. The headlamps feature penetrating blue LEDs in order to light the road effectively and keep rivals at a respectful distance! The chrome chevrons on the smooth bonnet express the Marque's identity.
The carbon rearview mirrors on their finely profiled supports appear to be suspended as if to cleave the air, giving GTbyCITROËN an excellent on-road stance.
The large wraparound windscreen flows seamlessly into the roof and on into the rear mobile airfoil with its exaggeratedly long shape. The fast-flowing lines create the impression of a car in perpetual movement. The whole body expresses performance and continuous movement.

GTbyCITROËN also expresses strength and power through generous volumes, (length: 4.960m, 2.080m and height: 1.090m) underlined by strongly marked wheel arches. The diamond-effect 21-inch aluminium wheels enhance the car's sporty personality.

- Exceptional handling

The interior design confirms the vehicle's dynamic and powerful style. The interior of GTbyCITROËN, designed to seat a driver and co-driver, expresses the racing spirit of this concept. The on-board ambience allies rich, premium, extensively worked materials with a more high-tech effect for the driving position, inspired by the world of motorsports.

Looking beyond the spectacular visual effect, the gullwing opening of the two doors gives GTbyCITROËN a level of accessibility rarely seen on this type of vehicle. The driver and co-driver can therefore slip into their seats and get out on the track as quickly as possible.

The dark interior of this show-car is a surprise, compared with the light bodywork. Upholstered in black leather with subtle touches of rare materials such as copper and steel, the cabin of GTbyCITROËN is distinctly sporty.

Two padded racing seats upholstered in dark leather, each fitted with a four-point harness, enfold the driver and passenger for exceptional driving sensations. Placed low down to highlight the impression of speed, the elegant seats are a perfect fit with the rest of the interior.
The top-stitched leather of the door panels and floor adds to the opulence of the interior.

The driving position expresses the spirit of competition. The design was objectively guided by the motivation to win.
The dashboard, with its clean uncluttered design, flows into the receding lines of an imposing copper sculpture. The thrusting modern lines of the sculpture become the central tunnel of the vehicle, illustrating the power of GTbyCITROËN and appearing to catalyse its strength.
Created in a twist of this same copper sculpture, the leather-and-steel steering wheel also reflects the sporting spirit of the cabin.

To promote maximum concentration, the driver of GTbyCITROËN has a head-up display for driving information. Using red LEDs, this system projects key driving information – such as speed and navigation data – onto the windscreen in the driver's direct line of vision.
The head-up display makes a significant contribution to safety with its direct read-out. Drivers assimilate data more quickly and do not have to look away from the road.

- Aerodynamics optimised to combine performance and driving sensations

Special emphasis was placed on the aerodynamics and flowing design of GTbyCITROËN, these being key Citroën values. The objective was to enhance the vehicle's dynamics and to create exceptional driving sensations.

Looking beyond its taut, dynamic lines, this racing car features innovative equipment such as enlarged air intakes at the front, a flat underside, and a mobile spoiler and air diffuser at the rear. All these features play an active role in reducing lift and – above all – drag, to pin the car to the ground.

With its flowing lines, original architecture and its use – in the game – of what is potentially the best environmental technology, GTbyCITROËN embodies the sporting spirit as seen by Citroën and underlines the Marque's ambitions to meet new challenges.

FCV Headed Your Way: Hydrogen Road Tour Kicks Off

Seyth Miersma — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:30:28 -0500

The great state of Maine is playing host to a tour of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles being organized by the U.S. Transportation and Energy departments. Starting yesterday in Portland, the tour is supposed to feature cars from nine manufacturers from the U.S. and abroad, and hopes to highlight the progress being made in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Co-sponsored as well by the National Hydrogen Association and the California Fuel Cell Partnership, the green entourage is said to be making 31 stops in 18 states over the course of only two weeks.

Those interested in seeing what the Hydrogen Road Tour has to offer can click through the link below for a full schedule of events and more information. Check out our gallery above for some of the fuel cell vehicles that will be on offer.

+ Hydrogen Road Tour

MIT Breakthrough Could Provide Near Limitless Renewable Power for Electric Vehicles

Seyth Miersma — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:18:11 -0500

Professor Daniel Nocera and other researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have worked out a process which simulates photosynthesis in its ability to store energy collected from the sun. Using a catalyst consisting of cobalt metal, phosphate, and an electrode placed in water, the MIT team is able to produce oxygen and hydrogen gas under normal temperatures and conditions. The catalyst works with any source of electricity, including that made from abundant solar energy, and could create hydrogen and oxygen to be stored in a fuel cell and used when needed for power.

This rather revolutionary process could potentially turn any home into a sort of mini power station, providing carbon-free energy for, among other things, electric vehicles. Watch the video above to hear Nocera explain the process and then be sure to give us your take, in comments.

+ MIT News

Frown Face: Fuel Cells Still 15 Years Away At Best, Reports Study

Reilly Brennan — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:57:39 -0500

First Ride: Mercedes-Benz F700 Fuel Cell Concept

Matt Davis — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:13:12 -0500

—Seville, Spain

The F700 was the crown jewel in Mercedes’ “Road to Tomorrow” fashion show of cars at last September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Following on the wheels of the F600 Hygenius research car at the 2005 Tokyo show, the F700 carries on the F tradition of shedding light on future technologies that could be readily adopted by all companies within a few years. It also continues a sea life theme.

The F600 styling was influenced by the glorious boxfish found mainly in mid-latitude warm waters, and the F700 exterior design by the Mercedes advanced design studio in Irvine, California, takes its cues from the brainy dolphin. And there’s a lot of brain behind this polarizing science-mobile.
Mercedes had twenty-one different vehicles for us to drive, or, in the case of the F600 and F700, be driven in, plus seven models that we’ll be writing about soon but were barred from driving for the moment. Sifting through all of the assembled treats, however, left us with three big stars for our current focus: the F700 research car, an S-class fitted with Pre-Scan suspension, and another S-class powered by the 1.8-liter DiesOtto engine. We drove the latter two cars on a closed circuit, and that allowed us to better understand the two chief technological highlights of the F700.

First, we know it’s a tall order, but don’t focus on the F700’s “Aqua Dynamic” design too much. If any of this wild styling makes it onto future cars, it will just be isolated parts of the design. This is not the 2012 S-class, okay?

For our ride experience at the circuit outside of Seville, the Mercedes team had already set up the Reverse Seat at the right rear to have us facing backwards, which put our right ear pleasantly close to the voice of chief engineer for the F700, Jürgen Hirsch. No sooner had we entered the circuit from the pit lane for our three ride-lecture laps than engineer Hirsch divulged to us, “In the rear-facing position we find that around 60 percent of passengers are okay, but the other 40 percent can get a little ill.” We did not get ill, but those percentages—plus the fact that the right front seat is rendered unusable by this flourish—make it safe to say that this particular seat solution will not be offered on a Mercedes mass-production car soon. Watching the Reverse Seat do its movements was nonetheless extremely cool stuff, and it was comfy gazing rearward with our feet up and watching the twenty-inch 3D display that rises out of the back shelf.

Sitting on the stretched S-class chassis, the F700 is 204 inches long, or just one inch less than the current long-wheelbase S-class. At the same time, however, the F700 wheelbase of 135.8 inches is 11.2 inches longer than that of said S-class, explaining the palatial interior feeling. Besides the pretty comfortable seats for four grownups, sound in the interior is wonderfully muffled by the one-millimeter-thick cork veneer that bathes several surfaces. Director of group research and advanced engineering for vehicle concepts and human factors (and owner of the longest job title in the Daimler group) Gunther Ellenrieder explained, “Cork is lighter than leather, and we wanted a very natural-feeling surface treatment that meshed with the more efficient technologies of the car.”

The DiesOtto 1.8-liter engine with two-stage turbocharging does what gas engines do best: it runs naturally cleaner and quieter than diesel, costs less to build and buy, and provides good horsepower, while also doing what a diesel does best—namely running efficiently and creating a lot of torque. Initially we were skeptical of any four-cylinder engine driving a stretched S-class, thinking that it would be suitable only for freelance chauffeurs. Riding with the DiesOtto in the 3750-pound F700 and then driving it in a roughly 4300-pound S-class revealed to us that this is a downsizing trend that will take hold in this upper segment sooner or later. The current powertrain creates 235 horsepower with the engine and 20 horsepower more from the electric motor (255 horsepower total) with its starter-generator integrated within the housing for the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. Cumulative torque is rated at 295 pound-feet and is all available from very low in the rev count, which helps explain the respectable acceleration to 62 miles per hour of just 7.5 seconds. This is a package that, in the end, roughly equates to either the Daimler 3.5-liter gas V-6 or 3.0-liter CDI turbo-diesel experience.

Anytime the F700 comes to a halt, the engine stops and the subsequent re-launch happens via the electric motor, so there is also the popular hybrid aspect to all this. At no time while guiding the system around the track did we feel brusque transitions between either the electric and internal combustion modes or between the conventional combustion cycle using spark plugs during heavier throttle input and the “controlled auto-ignition” (i.e. the diesel-style combustion part) phases under light loads and while cruising.

The compression ratio ranges between 7.0:1 and 14.0:1, and the direct injection allows for a much cleaner burn in all conditions. Basically, the DiesOtto attempts to combine all of the strengths of current leading technologies while doing away with the need for the complex and heavy after-treatment systems of Bluetec diesel. Overall operating temperatures are kept low by removing the hot peaks associated with normal spark-plug initiated combustion, and this in turn does away with most all of the nitrogen oxides. Hence a relatively low-tech three-way catalytic converter is all that is needed to clean up the exhaust fumes. Total average CO2 emissions per mile are extremely low at 204 grams, while average mileage of the system hits at least 44.3 miles per gallon.

Underneath us at all four corners, meanwhile, the interesting new Pre-Scan suspension was working overtime, sucking up the bumps ahead. This is a laser-based system (created by a company with the unfortunate acronym S.U.C.K.) with two of the infrared units in each headlight assembly. The beams start reading things in detail at about fifty feet in front of the car, and the bounced-back image grows clearer right up to ten feet in front. Needless to say, these beams work ridiculously fast, and the special dampers do a remarkable job.

Leaving the chassis in default Active Body Control in our other S-class tester, we felt the capabilities of this currently available setup in comfort mode. Right after that, we approached the same bumps with Pre-Scan activated, and the level of the car never changed while we rode over them. Then we did the same on alternating bumps side to side, and the effect was the same. Imagine a bird of prey on the hunt for dinner, sitting on a branch while the wind blows, but the bird’s head stays frozen still. It’s the same deal here, and it feels a bit odd.

There’s no doubt that both DiesOtto and Pre-Scan will work their way into production, most likely on the next-generation S-class to begin with. Think 2011 or 2012.

‘08 Geneva: Pininfarina’s Slinky Sintesi Concept

Evan McCausland — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:30:15 -0600

Ever build a jigsaw puzzle, only to be disappointed with the result? Thankfully, that didn't happen when we saw Pininfarina's Sintesi concept sedan this morning at the Geneva Motor Show. Having been fed small pieces of photography over the past month, we're glad to say that in its entirety, it's a neat looking car.

Demonstrating what Pininfarina deems as "Liquid Packaging," the Sintesi was designed to envelop its occupants, but also make room for advanced powertrain technologies. Powering the car is a hydrogen fuel cell system supplied by Nuvera, delivering up to 80 kW of total power. The clamshell doors (reminiscent of Lamborghini's forgotten Portofino concept) give way to an airy interior, sporting individual bucket seating clad in bright white leather.

Although there are certainly features we'd like to see reach production (we're all for luxury sport sedans), many features of the Sintesi - including the solar cells on the cowl, LED lighting and translucent instrument panel - are certainly show car touches. That said, Pininfarina has - and still - is about the style, and this concept certainly has that.

Ride Double on One Wheel With Bombardier Embrio Concept

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:30:21 -0600

This powered unicycle called the Embrio Advanced Concept, was designed by Canadian recreational vehicle company Bombardier, and is said to represent a vision of commuting fun from 2025.

With a riding position similar to that of a traditional two-wheeled motorcycle, the Embrio concept uses a system of gyroscopes and sensors to balance up to two passengers while on the move. The strange bike is also able to keep stable at low speeds, and while motionless, thanks to a pair of two small wheels that deploy when the pace drops below 12.5 mph. There are triggers on the left and right handlebars that accelerate and brake the vehicle, and riders turn by leaning to the left or right.

The Embrio is also aimed at a greener future for commuters, and is motivated by an electric motor running on hydrogen power. Take a closer look at the Embrio with our gallery below, and then tell us what you think of the bike in comments.

+ The Contaminated: EMBRIO - One-Wheeled Motorcycle

If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com

Government Funding Dwindling on Hydrogen Research & Development

Dustin P. Walsh — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:00:52 -0600

Despite President Bush pushing hydrogen as the automotive technology of the future five years ago, his latest would trim the budget for the federal program funding hydrogen research.

Automotive execs say that the constant changing of technology sources is what’s hindering its progress. They call it “technology du jour

Morgan to Bring LifeCar Fuel Cell Sports Concept to Geneva Motor Show

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:30:05 -0600

Small British automaker Morgan will be bringing an innovative, and rather beautiful concept car to its stand at the Geneva Motor Show, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle based on the Aero 8 called the LifeCar Concept.

LifeCar is a project that was started all the way back in 2005, with the goal of designing a zero emissions vehicle that is still exhilarating to drive. The car’s architecture is designed around the needs of a fuel cell, with a great emphasis put on reducing vehicle weight. The resultant design is one that is said to minimize fuel cell cost while providing a range of around 200 miles.

The fuel cell itself uses not only hydrogen, but also oxygen from the air around it, converting both into electricity. This energy is then stored in “ultra capacitors