Volvo Range Extenders

Volvo is set to explore range extender technology early next year using three new concepts.



Recognising that the appeal of purely electric cars remains hampered by current battery capacities, the vehicles will all feature a three-cylinder petrol / ethanol engine in combination with an electric motor.



The first is a series-connected C30 Range Extender, which features a 59 bhp (45 kW / 60 PS) engine that’s mounted under the boot floor. Ordinarily, it’s used to drive a 109 bhp (82 kW / 111 PS) electric motor via a 40 kW generator, although the generator can also be used to recharge the battery. Running in pure electric mode, the C30’s range is around 70 miles (110 km).

Next up is another C30, although parallel connection means it functions more like a traditional hybrid. Thanks to a turbocharger, the combustion engine’s output is increased to 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS), and it directly drives the rear wheels via a six-speed auto transmission.



Power can also be sent to the on-board generator, which in turn charges the battery. Electric range is up to 45 miles (75 km), but the benefit of parallel connection means that the engine and motor can be used together. In this configuration, combined power is over 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS), and it’s reckoned that that should result in a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of under six seconds.

Finally, there’s the parallel-connected V60 Range Extender. This uses the same powertrain as its C30 counterpart, but the larger body means that everything can fit under the bonnet. A difference is that when travelling at up to 31 mph (50 km/h), the V60 is driven solely by the electric motor, with the battery being good enough for a range of about 30 miles (50 km). At higher speeds, the petrol engine automatically kicks in to drive the front wheels.

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Audi A1 clubsport quattro

Audi has revealed the A1 clubsport quattro, a one-off show car that will debut at the upcoming Wörtherseetour 2011.

Under the bonnet is the familiar 2.5 litre, five cylinder turbocharged motor from the TT RS and RS 3 Sportback, but output has been boosted by nearly 50% to 496 bhp (370 kW / 503 PS). Maximum torque is a substantial 660 Nm (486 lb/ft).



As expected, loads of power plus a small lightweight hatchback equals very rapid acceleration. The 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint is completed in 3.7 seconds, while the 50 - 75 mph (80 - 120 km/h) increment takes just 2.4 seconds in fourth gear. However, Audi wasn’t brave enough to ditch the speed limiter, so the A1 clubsport quattro won’t go beyond 155 mph (250 km/h).



It should be able to stop okay though, thanks to carbon fibre ceramic discs with six-piston calipers up front, paired with steel discs at the rear. Those brakes sit behind bespoke 19” alloy wheels that are shod with 255/30 section tyres.



Visually, there’s no mistaking the clubsport quattro. The front and rear wings have been widened by six centimetres, and the roof panel is made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer. A revised front valance incorporates larger air intakes, while the prominent double rear spoiler is there to ensure sufficient down force is generated.



On the inside, there’s a pair of leather-trimmed bucket seats borrowed from the R8 GT that come complete with four-point racing harnesses. In keeping with the stripped out racer look, the rear seats have been ditched altogether, as has the audio system. Even the door handles have disappeared, replaced by red fabric loops.

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Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Fifty years after the DB4GT Zagato, and following in the wheel tracks of several subsequent collaborations with the Italian design house, Aston Martin has unveiled the new V12 Zagato concept.

Its debut will be at the Villa D'Este Concours on 21st May 2011, which takes place near Lake Como in Italy. Aston Martin is going to use the occasion to ‘gauge customer interest’, despite already confirming that a strictly limited run of cars will be built.



But the V12 Zagato isn’t just going to be a road car. In the tradition of previous Aston Martin Zagatos a race programme is planned, starting off with the four hour VLN Nürburgring race on 28th May 2011, and then followed by a 24 hour event at the same venue on 25th and 26th June 2011.

Unsurprisingly for a Zagato creation, the looks are arguably more challenging than those of a series production Aston Martin.



Even Marek Reichman, Director of Design at Aston Martin, described it as ‘an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style. The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car's racing credentials.’



Regardless of whether the styling divides opinion, there’s no disputing the craftsmanship that has gone into building the car. Sitting atop the bonded aluminium structure (borrowed from the V12 Vantage) is a handmade aluminium body, assembled using traditional techniques. The front wings, for example, are each made from seven separate pieces of metal, while the roof panel alone uses five pieces.



No word on prices yet, but that probably won’t be of much concern to prospective owners.

Aston Martin V12 Zagato (Endurance Race Specification)
Body
Type	Two door, two seat coupe
Chassis	Bonded aluminium structure
Body	Hand crafted aluminium
Roll cage	FIA compliant; steel
Fuel system	120 litre endurance racing fuel tank
Suspension	All-round independent double wishbone with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV dampers
Front brakes	Ventilated floating grooved discs with 6 piston callipers
Rear brakes	Ventilated floating grooved discs with 4 piston callipers
Engine
Type	All alloy, quad overhead cam 48-valve 5,935 cc V12
Location	Front mid-mounted
Power	510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS)
Torque	570 Nm (420 lb/ft)
Compression ratio	10.9:1
Transmission
Drive	Rear-wheel drive; limited slip differential; magnesium alloy torque tube with carbon fibre propeller shaft
Gearbox	Six-speed automated manual gearbox with auto shift manual / select shift manual (ASM / SSM) electric hydraulic control system; rear-mid mounted
Clutch	Twin plate competition

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