VW BlueSport Mid-Engined Roadster Concept with 180HP Diesel Achieves 55MPG

Sporty, good looking and extremely frugal; what else could one ask from a two-seater roadster? VW's long-awaited Concept BlueSport made its debut at the 2009 Detroit Show. Even though the German automaker makes no word of a production version, we're all crossing our fingers that the roadster study will get the green light. Behind the two bucket seats of the 3.99 meter long Concept BlueSport, there's 180HP strong 2.0-liter turbocharged Clean Diesel (TDI) engine that transfers power to the rear-wheels via 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.

With this unit that produces 350Nm of torque, the Concept BlueSport can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds (0-100 km/h: 6,6 seconds) while its top speed is 140 mph (226 km/h). Even more impressive is the car's excellent fuel economy rating of 55 mpg U.S. (4,3 l/100 km) that is combined with an ultralow CO2 level of 113 g/km CO2. Two features that help the mid-engined, soft-top roadster achieve these figures is the automatic start-stop system and the brake energy regeneration system.

Technical data of the Volkswagen concept car Concept BlueSport

Volkswagen Concept BlueSport
Body / Chassis
Length	3,990 mm
Width	1,745 mm
Height	1,260 mm
Track, front	1,490 mm
Track, rear	1,520 mm
Front suspension	McPherson suspension
Rear suspension	Multi-link system
Engine
Configuration	4 cylinder TDI, 2.0 liter displacement
Max. power at engine speed	132 kW / 180 PS at 4,200 rpm
Max. torque at engine speed	350 Nm at 1,750 rpm
Drivetrain / Wheels
Transmission	6-speed direct shift
Final drive	Rear-wheel drive
Tires, front	235/35 ZR19
Tires, rear	245/35 ZR19
Performance / Economy
0-100 km/h	6.6 seconds
0-60 mph	6.2 seconds
V/max	140 mph / 226 km/h
Fuel consumption (Euro 6)	4.3 liter/100 km / 55 mpg
CO2 emissions*	113 g/km
* in Eco mode: Start-stop & regeneration
Colors
Exterior paint	Flex silver
Convertible top	Orange

2010 Lexus HS 250h: Dedicated Hybrid Sedan with 187HP 4-Cylinder Engine

Revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new HS 250h is Lexus' first dedicated hybrid model as well as the first to future a four-cylinder gas engine. Seeing the first photos of the HS 250h we couldn't avoid making a comparison - in terms of design- with the European market 2009 Toyota Avensis. The two front-wheel drive saloons share many design cues like the small, triangular shaped extension of the front window as well as the overall shape of the car.

Furthermore, they share the same wheelbase length (106.3-in.) and have similar exterior dimensions. And oh, they also get the same steering wheel. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not... Overall, the HS 250h isn't going to win any beauty pageants, which is a pity as Lexus had the chance to create a unique hybrid vehicle that would stand out from the crowd.

Slightly longer than the IS and taller than both the IS and ES, the Audi-A4 sized HS 250h fits between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan. Power comes from Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system mated to Lexus' first four-cylinder gas engine, a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle unit, for a total output of 187 HP. As you may have already guessed, power is driven to the front wheels through an electronically controlled continiouslt variable transmission (CVT).

The Japanese automaker said that 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.

Sales of the all-new 2010 HS 250h will begin in the States in late summer.

2010 HS 250h PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

2010 HS 250h
Total Hybrid System Horsepower	187 hp
Engine	2.4-liter 4-cylinder
Transmission	Transmission Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
Seating Capacity	5
Width (inches)	70.3
Height (inches)	59.3
Overall Length (inches)	184.8
Wheelbase (inches)	106.3
Driven Wheels	FWD
Wheels	17x7.0 w/ P215/55R17 or 18x7.5 w/ P225/45R18 (Optional)
Emissions Rating	SULEV

Cadillac Converj Concept: Electric-Hybrid Coupe Breaks Cover at Detroit Show

Combining a sexy fastback-coupe design with GM's Voltec electric propulsion system that is similar to the one found in the Chevy Volt, the Cadillac Converj concept made its debut today in Detroit. The four-passenger Converj concept is equipped with 16-kWh, T-shaped battery pack with more than 220 lithium-ion cells, an electric drive unit, and a four-cylinder engine-generator, using electricity as its primary power source. Cadillac supports that the Converj can be driven electrically up to 40 miles without using fuel or producing tailpipe emissions.

It takes less than three hours to recharge the 2+2 coupe's battery at 240V, or about eight hours from a 120V outlet. Just like the Volt, when the battery's energy is low, electricity needed to power the vehicle is created on-board by a flex-fuel-powered engine that operates much like a home generator to create electricity.

The electric engine powers the front-wheels delivering 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of instant torque, for a quick launch, and 120 kW of power. The Converj's top speed is 100 mph.

Bob Lutz, GM's vice chairman of Global Product Development, said the Converj concept has production substance. "It's a logical extension of our plan to reinvent the automobile," he said. "It clearly shows what a Cadillac electric vehicle could look like, and clearly indicates that global luxury customers can have a car that has both strong design and electric propulsion with a total range of hundreds of anxiety-free miles."