Another automobile spectacular is under way as the Los Angeles Auto Show will run until November 28 and seems set to leave a lasting impression on the industry.
Once more the spotlight of another major motoring event has fallen on green cars with a host of new and updated models unveiled with a distinctly environmental theme. Here we look at some of the highlights.
Fiat 500
Already familiar to European drivers, the Fiat 500 (see article) made its US debut at the show. The vehicle features the 1.4l MultiAir engine in its first mass production for the North American market. There are also a number of adaptations made for the US including a redesigned body structure for increased strength; more than 20 hardware modifications for improved noise, vibration and harshness; a suspension tailored for the US market; and a larger 10.5gallon fuel tank to extend its driving range.
Honda Jazz/Fit Electric Vehicle
With a top speed of 90mph and an estimated driving range of 100miles, the Honda Jazz/Fit electric vehicle (see article) was one of the undoubted highlights of the event. The vehicle has been designed to be easy to recharge – it can be fully recharged in just six hours when using a 240V outlet.
Also at the event, Honda unveiled its plug-in hybrid platform, which includes its next generation two motor hybrid system and is designed to be featured in a midsize saloon car.
Hyundai Elantra
Not truly befitting of the “green car” tag but certainly a notable improvement on previous editions of the model. The new Hyundai Elantra (see article) records fuel economy improvements of around 18 per cent; and weighs around 74lbs less than the previous model. It is boosted by a two-stage variable intake system and an aluminium block which is a lighter alternative for the new engine.
Infiniti M35h Hybrid
Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti showcased its M35h Hybrid (see article) model at the LA Auto Show. It has estimated fuel economy of 30mpg highway and 27mpg city with a hybrid electric power steering system and electric regenerative braking. It can reach top speeds of 62mph and can travel for 1.2miles on electric power alone.
Jaguar C-X75 Concept
Originally debuting in Paris, the Jaguar C-X75 super car is a diesel range extender using a pair of micro turbines to keep emissions at an incredibly low 28g/km of CO2. Each of the four electric motors, weighing 50kg, nestles in the wheel hub and helps to produce performance figures of 780bhp and startling torque figures of 1,578lb-ft. Of course this is far from a production ready concept and is considered an ideas model that will influence future designs.
Kia Optima Hybrid
Built with the US market in mind, the new Kia Optima Hybrid (see article) boasts fuel economy of 38mpg – that’s a 40 per cent improvement over the conventional model. Despite these impressive figures, it still races from 0-62mph in just 9.2seconds with a top speed of 121mph.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL
One of the most exciting models to debut at the event was the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL, which is scheduled to go into limited production in the US. The vehicle has an operating range of around 240miles and compared to the A-Class F-CELL model consumes 30 per cent less fuel despite generating 30 per cent more power. The vehicle accelerates from 0-60mph in 11.4seconds, reaches a top speed of 106mph and features three tanks which each hold 4kg of hydrogen fuel.
Porsche 911 GT3 Hybrid
With a flywheel energy recovery system supplied by F1’s Williams, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid has already scooped two awards (see article) for its development and engine design. Proof that green doesn’t have to sluggish, the vehicle is powered by a 480bhp, 4.0litre flat-six petrol engine and uses a kinetic energy recovery system between the front wheels to gather energy that would otherwise be lost during braking.
Toyota RAV4 Electric Vehicle
The second generation of the Toyota RAV4 electric vehicle demonstrator was unveiled at the LA Auto Show (see article) with Toyota expected to build around 35 of these vehicles for a testing programme that will run through 2011.
According to initial reports the vehicle is consistently achieving a 100mile range although its final range will depend on the batteries used and the overall design. It is expected that while the current vehicles are essentially converted RAV4s, the cars that hit the market in 2012 will be thoroughly re-engineered.
Wheego LiFe
There have been plenty of small electric car start-ups that have emerged over the years and failed to get off the ground but Wheego certainly has the pedigree to succeed. The company is the brainchild of Mike McQuarry who has challenged the dominance of AOL and others with his internet service provider MindSpring and now looks set to do the same in the motoring world.
The vehicle bears an obvious resemblance to the Smart ForTwo but is actually two feet longer; and as an electric car with a 100mile range it could yet grab some attention away from the Nissan LEAF.
