This video explains how the Ferrari hybrid technology works on the 599 Vettura Laboratorio Hy-Kers. The base model Ferrari is the 599 GTB Fiorano, which now houses both a traditional fuel engine and an electric motor system. The 599 GTB Hybrid will form the basis of all future Ferrari hybrid models.

The Hy-Kers system includes a number of elements which are succinctly displayed in this video. As we already know, the electric motor is placed in the rear of the vehicle and produces 100 hp on its own. Regenerative braking recharges the lithium ion batteries, which are placed in the floor to lower the centre of gravity of the car.

This shows that Ferrari is very conscious about focussing on keeping the weight-power ratio as much to Ferrari performance standards as possible. Another interesting feature is the use of dual-clutch transmission, which means that this Ferrari hybrid technology should easily accommdate a V8 engine option (rather than the current V12), without too much difficulty.

Ferrari says that the hybrid system has been achieved leaving handling and cabin space unaffected; which if proves true, will be essential to winning over traditional Ferrari fans dismayed by the movement away from the excitement of fuel to what is perceived as more tame environmental solutions.

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The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid get their own video in this “Two concepts, one idea: Efficiency” video from Porsche. Both models’ hybrid systems have been developed through the Porsche Intelligent Performance program. At the 2010 Geneva motor show we also saw the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept which also combines traditional fuel technology with an electric motor. See more of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and Cayenne S Hybrid models in the video.

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Audi has created an ecological flagship in the new A8 hybrid, which still has the classic, smooth sedan lines of the A8. The A8 hybrid present at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show is a not-quite-final prototype of a car which will have its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October. The only changes likely to occur on the final Paris version are aesthetic, as the technical aspects of the car have already been decided.

The Audi A8 hybrid is equipped with a 2.0-litre TFSI engine with 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque, and an electric motor with another 34 hp and 211 Nm. Fuel consumption is down to 6.2-litres per 100 km, although the car weighs 1,885 kg. CO2 emissions measure 144 g/km, and acceleration to 100 km/hr takes 7.6 seconds. Top speed in hybrid function is 235 km/hr, and in full electric mode, top speed is 65 km/hr.

Audi A8 hybrid new pics

Continue reading: Audi A8 hybrid new pics: preparing for Paris motor show

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At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show BMW presented the new 5 Series, the 5 Series ActiveHybrid concept, and the ActiveE electric concept based on the 1 Series coupe. The BMW catch cry for this year is “Efficient Dynamics“, a project which was first launched at Geneva three years ago. For a better idea of why BMW is so focussed on what may seem a boring concept, check out the BMW physics lesson video after the jump, which takes a jab at Audi via an upstart youngster who knows how to draw the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car.

BMW is more than serious, though, about the technology from that concept car that it intends to adopt across the range. The entire range of BMW vehicles has a calculated average of fuel consumption for each vehicle of just 5.9 l/100 km. The ActiveE will soon start road tests, while the Megacity concept development will get underway.

In addition to the environmental focus, on display at the show is the X5 restyling, the 3 Series coupe and cabriolet restyling, the 2010 X6 range and the Z4 SDrive 35is. There was also the 135i with Valvetronic Twinpower Turbo N55 with dual-clutch technology, which is a technical novelty for the BMW M5 now available with Start-Stop, a Competition Package and rear LED lights. We’ll be bringing you more details and pics of the new BMW 5 Series, X5 and the other models from the show, but see these live pics from Geneva to see if BMW is staying exciting while focussing on its technology.

BMW 5 Series live pics from Geneva motor show

Continue reading: BMW live pics from Geneva and Efficient Dynamics physics lesson video

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Here are the live pics of the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, debuting as a homage edition to the model. It’s equipped with 20-inch “Multi Trident” alloy wheels and the exclusive “Quarzo fuso” tint. It has dual-cast braking technolog and luxury Frau and Alcantara leather finishing on the interior. Present at the Maserati stand at Geneva was also the GranCabrio in Mediterranean Blue colour.

In the meantime, InsideLine reports that Maserati will develop its own hybrid powertrains, most likely making use of the Ferrari hybrid technology that appeared on the Ferrari 599 Hy-kers model at the Geneva show. Hybrid technology combined with research into reducing the weight of Maserati’s vehicles should allow for more competitive CO2 emissions and fuel consumption as environmental laws make it ever more difficult for luxury car brands.

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We saw the Ferrari 599 Hy-kers hybrid concept in live pics from Geneva, and now we can get a look at it in this video from the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. While any dedicated Ferrari fan will baulk at the idea of a hybrid Ferrari, it is quite fetching in its green livery. In case you’re in denial, there’s always the lovely Ferrari 458 Italia to turn to. See the 458 Italia Geneva presentation from Montezemolo in the video above.

Source | Autoblog.it

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These live pics show the Ferrari 599 Vettura Laboratorio (laboratory vehicle) and the Ferrari California with new Stop&Start technology, both presented at the Geneva motor show. It’s all about Ferrari in green this year, with the 599 Vettura Laboratorio Hy-Kers the first of Ferrari’s hybrid projects.

It is a 12-cylinder model with electric motor (of more than 100 hp) that will contribute to Ferrari’s future need to reduce CO2 emissions and become more environmental. While we’re only in the initial phase, Ferrari president Montezemolo has said that the first Ferrari hybrid production vehicle will appear in the next three to four years.

The 599 Hy-Kers reduces CO2 emissions by 35 percent compared to the model it’s based on, and in the future its hybrid system could be transferred, as is, to V8 Ferrari models. The Ferrari California Stop&Start is another experiment with environmentally friendly technology, that has reduced CO2 emissions by six percent, to a total of 280 g/km.

Ferrari 599 Vettura Laboratorio live pics from Geneva

Continue reading: Ferrari 599 Vettura Laboratorio live at Geneva

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The 2010 Opel Corsa, Flextreme GT/E electric concept, final version Opel Ampera and the new Opel Meriva all appeared at the Opel stand at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. While the Opel Ampera with its range extending technology is now ready for its 2011 roll-out, the Flextreme GT/E represents another new electric-based model for Opel. It also uses the EREV architecture with range extending principles, using an electric motor with 163 hp, 16 Kw lithium batteries and a 1.4-litre engine with 72 hp. It has a total range of 500 km and an average fuel consumption of 1.6 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 40 g/km.

The new Opel Meriva with its Flexdoors is also on show at Geneva, displaying a vehicle that is taking on more ‘people mover’ features on a model that while larger, is still classed as a compact MPV. Also on display is the new 2010 Opel Corsa which, with its new makeover, should only continue the success of one of Europe’s most popular cars.

Opel stand live pics Geneva

Continue reading: Live at Geneva: new Opel Meriva, Corsa, Opel Ampera and Flextreme GT/E concept

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Here’s the official promo video of the Porsche 918 Spyder: the plug-in hybrid concept presented at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. It is equipped with a 3.4-litre V8 engine with 500 hp, matched to electric motors which produce another 218 hp in total. It has a seven-speed PDK transmission and can accelerate to 100 km/hr in 3.2 seconds. Top speed is 317 km/hr. Four driving modes are included: E-Drive (full electric for a 25 km range), Hybrid, Sport Hybrid and Race Hybrid. Live pics of the Porsche 918 Spyder are below.

Continue reading: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept video and live pics from Geneva

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The Citroen DS3 Racing appeared alongside the concept models Citroen DS High Rider and Citroen Survolt at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The Survolt concept is a compact, ecological coupé that almost puts us in mind of a mini-Veyron, especially in the rear. It’s another take on the Citroen Revolte (with a wonderful change in name), which was first presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

For hot hatch fans, the nasty Citroen DS3-R will initially have a production run of 1,000 units, and you can get a closer look at the lairy model in these live pics from Geneva (more official pics to come). The DS High Rider is a crossover-coupé model with diesel-hybrid power train. It’s the same system that next year’s Citroen DS5 will run off.

Citroen Survolt, DS High Rider and Citroen DS3-R live at Geneva

Continue reading: Citroen DS3 Racing live at Geneva with Citroen Survolt and DS High Rider

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