First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but “Good” all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their “Good” score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good” in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.

[Source:Autoblog]

What’s the one thing that would fix the automotive industry today? Fresh ideas, you say? Well, this isn’t quite that. In fact auto shows these days – Geneva particularly – have become packed with legions of swoopy, stylish four-door hybrid concepts. What this is, though, is one of the more attractive ones we’ve seen to date.

Created by the quizzically-abbreviated I.DE.A. Institute, the Sofia’s hourglass shape is (according to the press release after the jump, at least) inspired by the female form. And we don’t have much trouble believing that line, curvaceous as it is. The hybrid part, though, is pure fantasy. Because like many design studies, the I.DE.A. Sofia is an empty body shell. It’s got no interior, but more to the point, it has no mechanicals inside. Its creators say it could theoretically accommodate a V8 engine, with or without the assistance of an electric motor, driving either the front wheels or the rear.

Like it? Don’t get too excited by the prospect of production. The I.DE.A Institute claims to have contributed to designs for numerous major automakers, but in its 30-year history has produced more household appliances and furniture. But for the next upstart looking to join the likes of Fisker and Tesla, the sumptuous shape could be just the ticket. Don’t take our word for it; have a closer look for yourself in the galleries below.

I.DE.A. INSTITUTE PRESENTS A NEW SEDAN

I.DE.A Institute presents the all-Italian SOFIA sedan at the Geneva International Motor Show 2010

Following last year’s success, I.DE.A Institute returns to Geneva for the 80th International Motor Show to present a 4-seater sedan designed to be powered by a hybrid engine.

This concept car is symbolic of I.DE.A Institute’s continued drive to renew the company, which began in 2007. The styling by the new Design Center and the workmanship of the model makers and show car builders have together created this new “all-Italian” model, aptly named “SOFIA” The sedan’s lines and shape reflect how the car is related to its forerunner, ERA, presented in Geneva last year. SOFIA is also inspired by the female form: its flanks, glance and elegance are emphasised by a glamorous red dress.

SOFIA is a concentration of sportiness and elegance. The curves are graceful, the lines smooth and supple, the shape and profile are as enchanting and alluring as a female figure. The front and rear light clusters convey a captivating and inviting look.

Sculpted lines emphasise the front and rear wings with the bird’s eye view showing off the car’s hourglass figure.

This latest concept car is Italian to the core: its shape, its look, its elegance and name are instantly recognised as being synonymous with Italian styling and beauty.

The mechanical layout is designed for an 8-cylinder engine with front or rear-wheel drive.

A hybrid configuration with an endothermic engine combined with an electrical alternator/actuator is also possible.

I.DE.A Institute and its history

Founded in 1978 by the entrepreneur Franco Mantegazza, I.DE.A Institute rapidly grew into a company which could supply a whole range of services to the automotive as well as to other industries. With its modern headquarters in Turin, the company has expanded onto global markets to respond to the needs of its customers and now has branches in Europe, Asia and South America.

Since 2000, I.DE.A Institute has been part of the Swiss multinational Rieter Group with a 2009 sales figure of 1.95 billion Swiss Francs.

I.DE.A Institute was created with the aim of providing a technological partnership to car manufacturers and never to impose its own signature on the cars it designed. I.DE.A Institute’s true trademark is the innovative spirit that it has embodied in its approach to design and engineering for over thirty years. It is this spirit that, at some point in their professional careers, attracted figures of the calibre of Renzo Piano, Walter de’ Silva and Ercole Spada.

Over the years, I.DE.A Institute has contributed to the design of many cars for the world’s major carmakers as well as working with manufacturers in other fields such as motorcycles, household appliances and furniture.

The process of renewal and international expansion launched by the company’s Chairman, Pietro Lardini, means that I.DE.A Institute now offers its clients a complete range of services. Its optimised working methods fully respond to the market demand for a flexible, integrated workflow. I.DE.A Institute’s services cover the entire product development process: from the initial concept, through design, engineering, the construction of 1:1 scale models and running prototypes, right up to start of production.

An important characteristic of I.DE.A Institute is its systematic application of a Cost Engineering methodology to every phase in product development. This achieves the best possible balance between technical aspects and cost in order to fully meet project targets.

During its history, I.DE.A Institute has worked with the world’s major carmakers supplying design, engineering and prototyping services as well as complete turnkey projects.

The Fiat VSS (sub-system vehicle), Fiat Tipo, Nissan Terrano II and Daihatsu Move are just a few of the many vehicles that have been designed by I.DE.A Institute. In more recent years, in addition to its major European clients, the company has also worked with rapidly growing carmakers from China, such as Changan and Hainan. I.DE.A Institute has also been a key partner in the development of the most important low cost cars on the world market today.

The company has also worked with well-known names in other fields of activity such as Ducati, Hoover/Candy, Bialetti, Ariston, Indesit, B&B and Nordica, to name but a few.

With the expansion of I.DE.A Institute onto new markets and the opening of a new branch in Brazil, the company is currently engineering cars for important manufacturers in South America.

The development of the Design Centre in Turin has seen more young designers joining the company and investments being made in Computer Aided Styling technologies. This means that the company can now respond more dynamically to the requirements of the market by further shortening development times. The team of designers is also working on concept and show cars which will soon make their debut at major Car Shows around the world.

360° Design

The new organisation at I.DE.A Institute is centred on a new management team of young, highly motivated people. The ideas of the young designers, modern technologies, the competence and technical skills of the company’s expert “historical” modellers are the strengths of the new I.DE.A Institute. Activities begin with the concept ideas, drawings and computerised renderings through to surface drafts, engineering and feasibility studies, right down to prototype construction.

The expansion of the Design Centre and investments in state of the art Computer Aided Styling mean that the team now focuses not only on Design and Styling but also on benchmarking, trend analysis and advanced design. The company’s focus is on providing its clients with a comprehensive package, not just styling or a model but a complete service. In addition to
vehicle design, I.DE.A Institute is also working on projects for other industrial products and on interior design.

Industrial design and interior design

I.DE.A Institute’s experience extends also to other fields of industry. The company’s design services and skills are available to manufacturers of a wide variety of everyday objects. The
Design team reinterprets function and takes a new look at shape while paying close attention to ergonomics and recyclability.

In the home furnishings sector, I.DE.A Institute is working on projects with world-renowned names such as B&B Busnelli, Alcantara, Bialetti, Ariston and Indesit.

I.DE.A Institute also takes part in international competitions in interior design and architecture.

[Source:Autoblog]

Earlier this week, we got a sneak peek at the new Lexus CT 200h from a brochure that somehow leaked out onto the Interwebs. Now, Lexus has seen fit to pull the curtain back all the way on its new premium hybrid hatchback ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week. A worldwide launch is promised later this year, but we can’t confirm whether that includes the United States.

From what we can tell, the car retains some of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy as seen on the LF-Ch concept that debuted in Frankfurt last year, except in a somewhat more production-ready (read: toned-down) state. Inside, Lexus employs an asymmetrical dash design that’s split into what Lexus refers to as an upper Display Zone that includes an eight-inch LCD multi-display screen and a lower Operation Zone, which includes the shift lever and other controls such as Lexus’s Remote Touch multi-function controller.

As expected, the baby Lexus is equipped with a 1.8-liter VVT-i gasoline-fed engine that’s mated up with an electric motor using Toyota’s proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive technology and a continuously variable transmission. Sadly, we have no official power figure, but we imagine it should be somewhat close to the 134 combined ponies of the latest Toyota Prius.

According to Lexus, its hybrid hatchback can run in EV mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 28 miles per hour. In addition to pure EV mode, the driver can also select from Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Setting the CT 200h apart from other Toyota offerings is its dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system. Want more? Find all the details in the official press release after the break, and be sure to check out our high-res image gallery below.

INTRODUCING THE LEXUS CT 200h

KEY POINTS

* Lexus’s first premium compact model
* Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain with 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and powerful but compact electric motor
* Full hybrid system with selectable EV mode for emissions-free electric running
* Further selectable ECO, NORMAL and SPORT driving modes
* ECVT intelligent electronic continuously variable transmission
* Expected to deliver class-leading CO2 emissions
* Significantly lower NOx emissions than equivalent diesel engines and almost no particulates
* Long, 2,600mm wheelbase ensures excellent accommodation for everyone on board
* Debut at Geneva motor show prior to worldwide sales launch in late 2010

The new Lexus CT 200h is the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment. Entering production in late 2010 and set for sale worldwide, the full hybrid model will provide a new gateway to the Lexus range and attract new, younger customers to the brand.

The CT 200h was designed and developed with the European market in mind. Lexus’s first five-door compact car, its size, packaging, full hybrid technology and low emissions fully address the requirements of discerning, environment-conscious customers in a key market sector. At the same time, it does not compromise the quality, refinement and driving pleasure that are the hallmarks of every Lexus.

Exterior and interior design

The production-ready CT 200h retains strong visual links to the LF-Ch concept Lexus unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Its styling marks a powerful evolution of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy with a distinctive, sharp-edged look that sets it apart from its premium compact rivals.

The exterior is styled for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and minimum wind noise. The strong front grille, directly referencing the LF-Ch concept sits over a full-width bumper and air dam. The headlamp units, positioned higher than the grille (a signature feature of L-finesse design), incorporate LED daytime running lights.

In profile, the steeply raked windscreen, long, flowing roofline and Lexus slingshot window graphic combine to create an elegant and distinctive silhouette. The front and rear corners have been pulled in tight and the wings are styled to improve airflow down the sides of the vehicle.

At the rear, the trailing edge of the roof overhangs a wide, wraparound rear window to create a seamless, integrated spoiler. A pronounced step in the tailgate section flows from the shoulders of the rear wheelarches and is anchored by a tail lamp design that displays the L-shaped motif that Lexus first introduced on the current LS model.

The interior combines superior ergonomics with extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft-touch surfaces.

Lexus has retained the asymmetrical dashboard design seen in the LF-Ch show car. Based on the Future Lexus Interior concept, the dashboard is split into an upper Display Zone, with an eight-inch LCD multi-display screen; and a lower Operation Zone, with the shift lever and other controls such as Lexus’s Remote Touch multi-function controller.

In keeping with the car’s performance, the driving position is set low, with a highly supportive driver’s seat. The instrument binnacle houses large, twin dials; in SPORT mode, the hybrid indicator in the binnacle functions as a tachometer and the ambient lighting turns from blue to red. The two-mode switch ring and a spotlight in the centre cluster also light up in red, changing the whole atmosphere of the cabin.

In spite of its compact, efficient design, the CT 200h offers a roomy interior. The 2,600mm wheelbase allows for front and rear passenger accommodation that is among the most spacious in the segment. Luggage capacity is 345 litres, increasing to 700 litres with the rear seats lowered.

Lexus Hybrid Drive

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the CT 200h combines a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine with a powerful electric motor. Drivers have the choice of four selectable drive modes: ECO and NORMAL place the emphasis on efficiency and comfort, while SPORT focuses on dynamic performance.

Unlike mild hybrid systems used by other manufacturers, the CT 200h also has an EV (electric vehicle) mode that allows for ultra-quiet running on the electric motor alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and CO2, NOx and particulate emissions. The car is capable of running in EV mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 28mph.

Chassis and suspension

The CT 200h is built on a new platform with a dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system. It has been developed specifically to combine the ride comfort expected of a Lexus with superior driving involvement and handling agility.

Several elements in the MacPherson strut design have been exclusively developed for the mode, including the coil springs and shock absorbers, and a new front anti-roll bar has been designed to deliver improved roll rigidity.

The double wishbone rear suspension is exclusive to the CT 200h and incorporates a lightweight trailing arm. The springs and shocks are positioned separately to minimise intrusion into the loadspace floor.

[Source:Autoblog]

]If you’ve never heard of Hispano Suiza, you’re not alone. The Spanish automaker hasn’t been producing its own vehicles since World War II and later returned to its aerospace roots in the 1950s, merged with another firm in 2005 and had a few prototypes running around a few years back (the oft forgotten Mazels). But that’s the past and this is apparently the automaker’s future: A rebodied Audi R8 V10 packing a supercharger and the possibility of a hybrid system.

According to AutoBild, the Hispano Suiza’s return will take place at next week’s Geneva Motor Show, with the introduction of this €700,000 coupe. As you’d expect from a hastily resurrected marque, the details are as shady as the renderings in the gallery below, with Hispano Suiza claiming that the 750-horsepower R8-based show car is good for a run to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds (grip is obviously an issue) and a top speed of 205 mph. There’s also a talk of an additional 150 hp from a hybrid drive system, with the ability to travel on electricity along for an unspecified range. Skeptical? Of course, but we’re looking forward to seeing it in person in less than a week.

[Source:Autoblog]

Hyundai’s home office in Korea has dropped the first frontal image of a new concept that will be shown next week at the Geneva Motor Show along with some technical details. The i-Flow is a D-segment sedan meant to go up against cars like the Ford Mondeo in Europe. Under the hood, the i-Flow has Hyundai’s first diesel hybrid powertrain including a new 1.7-liter inline-four. The diesel has dual stage turbocharging and is paired up with Hyundai’s Blue-drive system using a new six-speed dual clutch gearbox. Like the upcoming Sonata hybrid, the i-Flow uses a lithium polymer battery pack. With its drag coefficient of 0.25, the i-Flow is claimed to achieve 78.4 miles per gallon (U.S.) and CO2 emissions of just 85 grams/kilometer.

Joining the i-Flow onstage will be a refreshed version of the i30 (badged as the Elantra Touring in North America) and low emissions “blue” versions of the i10, i20, i30 and ix35 (Tucson). These models receive automatic start-stop, low rolling resistance tires and aero tweaks. The four cars all achieve CO2 ratings under 100 g/km while the crossover ix35 gets 135 g/km. Finally, Hyundai will also show a fuel cell version of the new ix35/Tucson for the first time. Hyundai still plans to produce fuel cell vehicles in the thousands annually by 2012.
PRESS RELEASE

HYUNDAI TO PRESENT EIGHT WORLD DEBUTS AT GENEVA

Hyundai has today revealed the first photo of the all-new concept car i-flow (HED-7), ahead of its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The i-flow, which advances the ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language of Hyundai, will be joined on stage by other newcomers, including the facelifted i30 ? to be launched as i30U ? and a number of new, production-ready derivatives with CO2 emissions below 100g/km.

Previewing a future D-segment contender from Hyundai, i-flow boasts sleek, elegant lines which not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics. The drag coefficient of 0.25Cd helps to reduce the car’s CO2 output to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.

Hyundai’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain is a key factor in delivering such an environmentally-conscious return. The exciting new U2 1,7-liter engine is augmented by two-stage turbocharging and Hyundai’s Lithium Ion-Polymer battery, to give a very efficient and advanced combination, partnered with a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

The interior of i-flow redefines the perception of space in a sedan bodystyle, and sees the application of next-generation materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical company BASF. Fundamental elements, such as the seats and center console, have been crafted in collaboration with BASF for minimal weight and volume. The cockpit’s main interface centers around an expansive, contoured screen, which recognizes not only touch but also gestural inputs along its fascia-wide display.

The glossy ‘Liquid Metal’ finish ? developed by BASF Coatings ? adds to the visual impact of i-flow’s exterior. Special-effect pigments in this eco-friendly waterborne coating give the surface a polished metal appearance, and highlight the sculptural character of the car.

Entering mass production in March this year, the i30U takes over from the well-established i30, and incorporates a wide range of improvements in design, specification and competitiveness, as well as even cleaner powertrains. To complete the upgrade, i30U comes with the Hyundai ‘Triple5′ package, consisting of an enhanced five-year, bumper-to-bumper unlimited warranty, five years’ roadside assistance, and an annual vehicle seasonal health check for five years. The package reflects the quality and reliability of the Europe-built i30 family and gives added peace of mind to consumers.

At the Show Hyundai will also reveal the latest additions to its growing collection of eco-focused Blue DriveTM innovations. Five new production vehicles have resulted from the company’s leading-edge program: the i10 blue, i20 blue, i30 blue, i30cw blue, and ix35 blue. The new arrivals will drive the company towards its goal of global leadership in environmentally-sensitive automotive technologies.

Through innovations such as a stop-start system, low-rolling-resistance tyres and modified aerodynamics, the first four of these cars have CO2 emissions below 100g/km. The ix35 blue, meanwhile, boasts an impressive 135g/km ?a benchmark figure for a C-segment SUV. These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction, making all Blue DriveTM models a realistic solution for motorists.

Looking one step beyond the blue-badged models, the ix35 FCEV moves Hyundai closer to the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Debuting at Geneva, it features several important innovations over the previous-generation Tucson FCEV, and will lead to production volume of Hyundai FCEVs in the thousands by 2012. Among the developments implemented on ix35 FCEV are steps to reduce the cost and complexity of fuel-cell manufacturing and new approaches which simplify final assembly.

More information about Hyundai’s star cars and the latest corporate news will be made available on the stand, where media can request press kits. The company’s press conference will take place in Hall 1 at 14:15 (CET) on Tuesday 2nd March.

[Source:Autoblog]

With Acura’s decision to nix V8 power and rear-wheel drive in favor of new hybrid drivetrains, dealers are worried that the brand’s relentless pursuit of Tier 1 status – on par with Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz – may be threatened. But that’s not the real news.

Buried at the end of an Automotive News piece about a recent Acura dealer meeting was this gem:

“[Jeff Conrad, vice president of the Acura division] confirmed that Acura is considering a small car below the TSX sedan. The vehicle not only would compete against the BMW 1 series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 but also would help meet looming CAFE regulations.”

With the TSX’s growth spurt, a smaller offering from the automaker could be in order, and judging by the competition, that could mean the rebirth of the RSX. Then again, Acura could pull a CSX (an upgraded Civic for the Canadian market) or maybe even a CR-Z-based offering. Judging by the choice wording, we somehow doubt the former is in the cards, but with Acura’s recent hybrid push, something with a gas-electric drivetrain seems likely.

[Source:Autoblog]

In a decision driven by upcoming EU regulations, Volvo has announced that it will not bring its C30 electric car to the U.S. market. Instead, the lithium ion-powered vehicle will only be sold in the European Union. Drafted EU regulations require automakers to cut carbon dioxide (C02) emissions by 25 percent within the next two years – and the rules tighten even further down the road. Volvo plans to meet the pending regulations with both electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The automaker plans to roll out 50 electric cars in Sweden over a two-year period, and then deliver 1,000 cars a year once production ramps up.

Volvo’s move is interesting in that it is not a consumer-driven initiative (like wider tires or upgraded infotainment systems). Instead, the automaker is solely trying to satisfy future C02 emission-related mandates. Reiterating this position, consumers have been receptive to gasoline-electric hybrids, yet Volvo – unwilling to waver from its focus on carbon dioxide mandates – says that particular type of hybrid powertrain adds technology and weight, but it doesn’t reduce C02 by much. With that, the automaker has no plans to make a gasoline-electric hybrid.

[Source:Autoblog]

Could the apparent braking problems reported on the Toyota Prius – which Toyota admits was an issue on the current model prior to being resolved earlier this year – extend past the recently released 2010 model? According to TheDetroitBureau.com, the answer is a resounding… maybe.

The third generation of the popular hybrid hatchback hit the market in 2009 as a 2010 model, and some 300,000 vehicles are thought to have a software glitch that could cause the car to lose braking power for up to one full second under certain circumstances. But that’s not all. Apparently, reports of braking issues have been pouring in since 2005 or even earlier. If true, over a million second-generation Prius hybrids could potentially be affected.

Perhaps it’s worth mentioning that previous electronic issues have also been reported, such as headlights that burn out too quickly and malfunctioning traction control system. As pointed out by TheDetroitBureau.com, “ABS, traction control, electronic stability control and various other technologies all rely, at least in part, on braking to improve the stopping, handling and stability of today’s cars, including Prius.”

[Source:Autoblog]

Up until now, General Motors has remained deliberately vague in public about the scheduled Job 1 date for Chevrolet Volt production. Given the complexity and new technology involved in the program, the automaker’s reluctance is understandable. After all when you don’t know what the future holds or what problems will crop up, you don’t want to put a misleading date out there, years in advance.

Internal schedules, on the other hand, are something else altogether. Every program needs to have deadlines so that people know how much time and resources to allot for a given task. Those internal gantt charts have undoubtedly had the magic Volt Job 1 date on them for several years. Among the stakeholders that need to when a vehicle will launch are the dealers that have to schedule orders for inventory. Around about this time of year, automakers usually brief dealers on when the current model year vehicles will end production and new ones will start.

With less than ten months to go, GM has set November 1, 2010 as the Chevrolet Volt Job 1 date on the production start list for dealers. By September, dealerships will need to start giving GM an indication of how many Volts they want to order so that the head office can determine allocations. Interestingly, the GM chart indicates that dealers won’t know their allocations until two weeks after production starts, and won’t be able to start placing orders until then. Typically, those last two items happen about two months before production starts. The timing for the Volt production kickoff is still far enough out that those dates may yet change in the months to come.

A final item of interest is that the Cruze, which was originally slated to launch in April and subsequently pushed back to September, is listed as TBD.

[Source:Autoblog]

According to Autocar in the UK, Jaguar Land Rover is still hard at work on series hybrid vehicles. Similar to the stance General Motors has taken with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, Jaguar believes that the only real way electric vehicles can be made compatible with everyday life is to add a small range-extending gasoline-powered engine that’s capable of keeping the batteries charged on the go.

Unlike GM, though, Jaguar has seen fit to contract its small engine work out to Lotus, which makes sense given the two British company’s differing product specialties. Lotus has reportedly delivered a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that generates 35kW of power, which is carried – with a little help from a UK government grant or two – inside a new 2011 XJ sedan with a lithium ion battery pack.

Motive force comes courtesy of what Autocar believes is a 145kW (194 horsepower) electric motor with 295 pound-feet of torque. Performance specifications sound pretty good – though not quite as impressive as we might have imagined – assuming all of this is accurate, with a range of 600 miles, combined fuel economy of 47 miles per gallon (57 mpg UK) and carbon emissions of under 120 g/km. Top speed would reportedly come in at 112 miles per hour.

An unnamed source at Jaguar tells Autocar that the electric XJ handles quite well “because of the bulk that’s removed from car when you strip out the conventional drivetrain.” Future Range Rover models are also rumored to get a similar drivetrain.

[Source:Autoblog]