2010 Protoscar Lampo2 Prototype

LAMPO2 is an even more energy efficient successor to the LAMPO demonstration vehicle presented in 2009. Weight, aerodynamics and the efficiency of individual components of the BRUSA drive train have been further optimized in order to reach a world-class energy consumption of less than 100Wh/km-ton under real conditions.

More than enough energy for driving the LAMPO2 is produced by a remote solar plant which is installed on the roof of a farm in Tuscany, allowing a real zero-emission drive on a “Well-to-Wheel” basis. (Visualize the statistical production data of the photovoltaic plant).

LAMPO2 is equipped with 4 different charging modes: a standard single-phase with an on board charger for typical overnight home-charge, a “control-pilot” equipped single-phase on board charger typical for public charging, a standard three-phase on board charger typical for charging at industrial plugs (fleet-owners) and an interface for DC fast charging, where up to 100 km of additional range can be charged within just 10 minutes, by an off-board system. Protoscar will compare these different systems in terms of usability and efficiency by demonstrations in real conditions.

LAMPO2 has two electric motors (allowing it to operate as a four-wheel drive with variable torque between front and rear axle for optimal handling, safety and efficiency) with a total output of 300 kW (equivalent to 408 HP), 640 Nm (50% more than its predecessor!) and over 30 kWh of Lithium-Ion battery capacity. LAMPO2 features real sports-car performances: 5 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, 200 km/h of max. speed and a range over 200 km.

(Source: Protoscar Press Release)

2010 Peugeot SR1 Concept Car

Through the Peugeot SR1, the Marque reveals the stylistic design trends for its future models. The concept car embodies the new world of Peugeot, reflected by the new Lion badge which adorns its body.  Dynamic, balanced, sensual, with an exclusive high-tech interior, this “dream car” explores and reinterprets the theme of the “Grand Touring Car”.

The use of HYbrid4 technology allows the Peugeot SR1 to offer an engineering specification in keeping with its styling: 230 kW (313 bhp) with emissions of only 119 g/km of CO2 (0 in electric mode), 4 wheel drive and steering…. for an ideal blend of excitement and efficiency.

Styling that predicts the future

Elegance, purity, dynamism, allure, controlled power. these ideas find their fullest expression with the Peugeot SR1, the dream car par excellence.  More than ever, the aesthetic traits of this concept show the general design trends of the Marque’s future products, renewing Peugeot’s strong stylistic
identity.

In short, this concept car creates a new design language.

The Peugeot SR1 is a vehicle with timeless, ideal proportions, revisiting the great traditions of grand touring cars of the past: a large bonnet, flowing wings and a very low centre of gravity.  The design of the body gives the car a new balance: a sculpted bonnet, sweeping sides and a chiselled rear design. At the side the styling lines merge into the side windows and the front windscreen, emphasizing the
design of the bonnet.

This overall effect blends easily with the design detailing: the design of the lights and the air intakes, the shape of the door mirrors. these elements merge seamlessly with the vehicle’s carbon “skin”. In parallel, some features (“full LED” internal headlamp functions, radiator grille contour); stand out, as if suspended.

The hard top echoes the feel of this intense, high-tech assembly: It uses preformed profile technology derived from the world of sailing. It blends with the body, creating the illusion of a Coupé. The SR1, however, radiates the same visual strength, with or without the hard top.

Finally, the SR1 displays the new Peugeot Lion badge. Redesigned, finely worked and sculpted, it mirrors perfectly the perception of the vehicle as a whole.

Overall the Peugeot SR1 concept car gives the impression it has been carved from a solid block of material, monolithic, protective, sculptural and dynamic. At every moment it makes a great play on contrasts: purity and technological sophistication, authenticity and advanced technologies,
expressiveness and understatement. making it a car that is quite simply desirable!

A modern and exclusive “2+1” interior

The interior, too, promotes the idea of contrast. While the driver’s seat and all controls are dedicated to out-and-out enjoyment for the driver, the passenger compartment is designed to provide optimum versatility and new sensations for all its occupants.

There is room in the vehicle for three people as the third rear seat nestles in the middle, behind the two front seats. Entry to this seat is facilitated by the centre console, which can slide forward to improve access.

The interior ambience blends colours and materials, with strong references to “a past motoring era” combined with “the latest advanced technology”.  Inside the vehicle, patinated leather and different grained wood are examples of the use of authentic and natural materials, warm, sensual and
charged with history, that blend seamlessly with, “high tech” materials such as nickel and satin-finished chrome.

The construction of the fascia panel, optimised to perfection, gives a visual prominence to certain mechanical components such as the steering column and a number of peripheral controls. Similarly, the instrumentation combines analogue and digital read-outs, giving clear emphasis to every
item of information conveyed to the driver. This is the case for instantaneous fuel consumption and vehicle range, displayed on two glass crystal gauges directly in front of the driver.

Another technological innovation is the creation of an exclusive wristwatch, designed in partnership with Bell&Ross®. This timepiece, with milled inserts of solid aluminium, slots perfectly into a dedicated housing on the fascia panel.

Every component and every detail has, therefore, benefited from meticulous attention, both in terms of design and manufacture, to guarantee perfection and an unrivalled refinement of perceived quality.

Technologies at the service of movement

The SR1 concept also blends styles in terms of its technical characteristics. For example, it incorporates HYbrid4 technology, which will be launched in the Peugeot 3008 in 2011. In the SR1, at the front, a 1.6 litre THP petrol engine with a power of 160 kW (218 bhp), is combined with a rear electric motor developing 70 kW (95 bhp). In electric only mode, the car becomes a ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle), while its combined cycle fuel consumption is only 4.9 litres/100 km or 119 g/km of CO2.

When the two power trains operate simultaneously, the SR1 develops a potential maximum power of 230 kW (313 bhp) and also benefits from 4-wheel drive.

Using HYbrid4 technology, which will eventually become available on different models in the Peugeot range, the SR1 concept offers convincing proof that driving pleasure can be combined with environmental friendliness.

The vehicle’s dynamic efficiency is further enhanced by the use of a rigid, lightweight structure comprising of a one-piece body and a tubular chassis onto which are mounted the mechanical components and suspension.  Exploiting the best of existing technology to offer road holding worthy of this exceptional concept, the suspension consists of double wishbones with drop links both at the front and the rear. For even greater driving precision, the SR1 benefits from the adoption of 4-wheel steering. The turning angle of the rear wheels is controlled as a function of the vehicle speed, via
motorised links on the rear wishbones, giving the vehicle superb agility under all circumstances.

The Peugeot SR1 concept car will be unveiled to the general public at the next Geneva Motor Show, in March.

(Source: Peugeot Press Release)

VIDEO: Buggatti Galibier 16C Concept Car




I know we have had quite a bit coverage for a car Bugatti has yet to decide if they will build, but this video was so impressive we couldn’t ressist passing it along. With this type of marketing, I can’t imagine that Bugatti hasn’t created enough buzz to get the Galiber into production.

Thanks to our partners at www.automotiveaddicts.com for the heads up.

BARRETT-JACKSON & SHELBY AUTOS TO AUCTION THE 800 HP PRUDHOMME EDITION GT500 SUPER SNAKE CONCEPT CAR

Two American racing legends, Carroll Shelby and Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, will be on stage when Barrett-Jackson Auction Company and Shelby Automobiles, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI.PK), sell the original concept car for the Prudhomme Edition Super Snake Shelby GT500 Mustang on Oct. 9, 2009. The rare Shelby concept car will be sold at No Reserve during Barrett-Jackson’s second annual Las Vegas Collector Car Auction, taking place Oct. 7-10, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. 

 “Concept cars and prototypes are sought by collectors because they represent a historical milestone and so few are offered to the public,” said Barrett-Jackson Chairman/CEO Craig Jackson. “Barrett-Jackson has become the premier venue for these types of vehicles. This is the first time that Shelby Autos has sold one of its concept cars at auction and we’re pleased that Carroll and Don plan to be on stage for such an important occasion.”

 Racing legends Carroll Shelby and Don Prudhomme joined forces to build the ultimate street legal dragster. Shelby is the only man to ever win the 24 hours of Le Mans as a driver, team owner and manufacturer and was twice named “Sports Car Illustrated’s” Driver of the Year. Prudhomme’s successful racing career included winning the NHRA funny car championship four times and he was the first funny car driver to exceed 250 mph. 

 “Don Prudhomme is one fast son of a gun who knows how to burn up the quarter mile,” stated Carroll Shelby. “In 1968, he drove a Shelby Super Snake dragster in NHRA for me. Last year, we decided to build a car together for grassroots racers who want a Shelby for the drags.  This is the concept for that program and it’s a very fast car.”

 Shelby Automobiles announced its limited edition Prudhomme Edition Super Snake package for the GT500 Mustang at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, Calif., earlier this year. 

 “In the 1960s, Shelbys ruled the road courses and terrorized the drag strip,” noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “This car was built in the same spirit as the Cobra ‘Dragon Snake’ that made Shelby a feared name on the quarter mile. The Prudhomme Edition concept is a real piece of history and a very exclusive car.”

 The Prudhomme Edition Super Snake is powered by a 5.4-liter, supercharged engine that produces 800 hp on race fuel or 750 hp on 93 octane pump gas. Only 100 total Prudhomme Super Snake post-title packages are being offered by Shelby Autos to current GT500 owners. The package features:

·         A Kenne Belle supercharger and modified air intake sticking out of the hood in the tilt front end

·         Five-point impact safety harness and roll bar

·         Borla side exhaust system

·         A front and rear adjustable BMR racing suspension and drag tires

·         Lower side rockers

 “I’ve really enjoyed working with Carroll and the Shelby Autos team on this program,” added Prudhomme. “When I was a kid, we’d drive our cars to the drag strip, race them and drive back home.  We designed this car to do the same thing, and do it very, very well.”

 According to Shelby Autos president Amy Boylan, “This Shelby is truly special. While most concept cars can’t be driven, this one is street legal and can be enjoyed on the road. That makes it a rare Shelby and concept vehicle.”

 In addition to the live auction, attendees can review the impressive vehicles for sale, enjoy exhibitors offering an array of merchandise and play the Barrett-Jackson slot machines for a chance to win a new car. For those who can’t attend, SPEED will provide live, high-definition TV coverage of all auction days.