Rolls Royce unveiled their new project last week; a fully electric version of the Phantom, the EX102.

The luxury car, unveiled at the Geneva Motor show, boasts a fuel economy of as little as 2p a mile to run and unlike some other electric cars, doesn’t require plugging in every day. As a secondary option an ingenious wireless system allows it to charge wirelessly through a panel in the floor of both the car and the garage. The standard Spirit of Ecstasy has also been replaced by a translucent counterpart which apparently glows an electric blue.

Fancy.

In terms of speed the EX102 can do 0 – 60mph in 8 seconds, not bad on an electric engine, although the top speed has been limited to 100mph. Despite the lack of speed the car’s green statistics stack up impressively; being completely electric there are, of course, zero emissions and it has a range of 125 miles on full charge. The charging itself takes roughly 8 hours if you can afford an industrial booster, however for the average Joe on ordinary mains it takes about 20 hours.

So, are you tempted? Enthusiastically counting your savings? Well, unfortunately they aren’t yet available to buy. Rolls Royce have created a prototype to demonstrate to potential customers the attributes of their electrical luxury much in the same way as previous models, and are currently touring it around in order to drum up interest and take orders for production. Hopefully they should start rolling off production lines in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Of course, despite the lack of purchasable models currently available, another stumbling block could be the estimated £1million price tag being quoted, not the kind of money you find down the back of the sofa. The ‘standard’ Phantom will set you back around £300,000 but only does around 15 miles to the gallon and, lets face it, being green’s all the range right now. If you’re going to do things properly, a million pound Rolls Royce sure beats a Prius.

By Mr.Clarkson’s own admission, 2010 was a poor year for motoring, debuts of fire-breathing supercars were scarce, instead international motor-shows were dominated by small, ultra-frugal city cars and members of the next generation of motoring, electric cars.

Indeed 2010 was the year of electric, manufacturing of the Nissan Leaf, the first mass-produced electric car, began and numerous other manufacturers announced details of their first tentative steps into this brave new world (see previous post).

Even the curly-haired messiah of motoring had something to get excited about in 2010, a year dominated by austerity and tentativeness. Jaguar made speed demons sigh with relief as they revealed their CX-75 concept, an electric powered beast that hinted at what was to come from sports car manufacturers in a world where vehicles will be propelled by volts instead of unleaded.

So what of the coming year? 2011 looks to be a bumper year for petrol (and electric) heads with some exciting new model launches on the cards. Let’s take a look at what’s in store;

Ford Focus Coupe

Some are optimistically calling this confirmed model the ‘new Capri’, but whether or not Ford rekindles this iconic name, the Focus Coupe is set be a real classic. Refining the Focus’ lines, the Coupe looks sleek and smooth and is set to rival the VW Scirocco, Renault Megane and Vauxhall Astra.

Aston Martin Cygnet

No, you haven’t had one too many festive Sherries, Aston Martin really is releasing a super-mini! The Cygnet is motivated by new emissions laws which mean that manufacturers must hit a target average emissions figure for their entire range, this city runaround will significantly bring the figure down for the prestige British marquee. Some will be delighted by the prospect of getting their hands on the sought after badge for £30,000, but at such a high price point for it’s size, it is bound to attract criticism

BMW 1-Series M Coupe

 

BMW recently announced its ‘baby’ M car, this will build on the success of the 1-Seies coupe, dropping in 3 lire turbo engine and beefing up the body work. The car is an understudy to the M3 and M5, but at just under £40,000, it certainly doesn’t have a baby price tag!

Range Rover Evqoue

This British 4×4 manufacturer has been going through a gradual image change for some time now. In days gone by the brand was associated with ruggedness and agriculture, but the shift towards people seeing 4x4s as luxury vehicles and fashion accessories has meant Land Rover capitalising on the trend. The Evoque is low, sleek, stylish and almost certainly won’t make it up a muddy hill!

Nissan Leaf

Ok, ok so you might not be bubbling over with anticipation for Nissan’s new flagship electric model, but it deserves a mention for being the first of its kind and a true innovation. The Leaf does not come cheap, but the government is offering a grant to entice punters, and it will eventually pay for itself, considering the amount you’ll save on petrol.

This is just a small sample of what motoring-enthusiasts have to look forward to in the New Year, there is more quality automotive action on the horizon and like 2010, there will no doubt be a few surprises! You can rest assured that Nationwide Vehicle Contracts will strive to stock the best new releases in 2011, all available on attractive contract hire deals.

In response to a number of queries, BMW UK has released further details on the new BMW X3.

The update comes after numerous publications speculated on the introduction of a new petrol and M Sport model to the line-up of the compact crossover SUV.    

Petrol Engines:

BMW has confirmed that there are currently no plans to offer a petrol engine for the BMW X3 in the UK. Despite the powertrain being available in other markets, BMW say this strategy is based on the historic sales of the X3 and also follows the diesel-only range offered in the smaller BMW X1.

M Sport:

From 2011, BMW will be introducing a new X3 M Sport model. Full specification details and release date are yet to be confirmed but BMW anticipate that the model will be available from April and further details are expected on the new model in early 2011.

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Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some fantastic leasing deals available on the new BMW X3 with prices starting from £329.95 + VAT.

BMW has announced a number of model changes to the popular 3 Series, 5 Series, X1 and Z4.

From September, changes to the range include a new M Sport package for the 5 Series, new 535d Saloon and new engine, gearbox & equipment options.

M Sport Package for BMW 5 Series:

The popular M Sport specification will be available on both BMW 5 Series Saloon and Touring models from September.

The high spec M Sport Package adds specifically adapted M Sports suspension, M aerodynamics and 18’’ M light alloys to BMW 5 Series, enhancing the style and driving dynamics.

The M Sport Package also adds specially developed sport seats, M leather-clad steering wheel, M gear lever knob, anthracite roof lining and M aluminium interior trim. Further options include 19’’ M light alloys as well as M rear spoiler for the Saloon.

New 299hp BMW 535d Saloon:

A new BMW 535d Saloon will join the BMW 5 Series line-up, boasting a 3.0-litre 299hp straight-six cylinder engine with BMW twin turbocharger and common rail direct injection technology.

The fourth and most powerful diesel version of the BMW 5 Series also produces impressive figures including 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds and an average combined fuel consumption of 46.3mpg.

New Engines for 5 Series Touring:

Three new engines, including two diesels and a six-cylinder petrol engine will be added to the BMW 5 Series Touring range.

As with the Saloon, the Touring model will get a 299bhp 535d straight-six diesel engine with single turbocharger and common rail direct injection technology. The new engine sprints from 0-62mph in only 5.7 seconds and has an average fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg.

Joining the 535d Touring model is the new BMW 525d with a 3.0-litre diesel engine producing 204hp at 4,000rpm. The BMW 525d Touring accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and has an average fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg.

Finally, completing the new engine line-up in the BMW 5 Series Touring is 528i model with 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine, boasting 258hp and 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds.

New Gearbox for BMW X1 xDrive23d:

From September, the range-topping BMW X1 xDrive23d will be available with six-speed manual transmission, boosting performance whilst lowering CO2 emissions to 158g/km.

Improvements have also been made to the six-speed automatic transmission which now produces CO2 emissions of 167 g/km.

Design Pure Impulse Equipment Package for BMW Z4:

Designed exclusively for the BMW Z4, a new Design Pure Impulse equipment package is now available with a range of exclusive colours and materials to emphasis the charismatic and sporty roadster.

Black Alcantara/Nappa leather sport seats with yellow colour accents, black Alcantara surface décor with yellow stitching and high-grade BMW Individual interior trims will be available as part of the Design Pure Impulse package. Atacama Yellow paint will also be exclusively available. 

Exclusive Edition & Sport Plus Edition models for BMW 3 Series:

Two new Edition models – the Exclusive Edition & Sport Plus Edition – will be available on the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring models.

The Exclusive Edition comprises of exterior updates including Chromeline exterior trim, chrome slatted kidney grilles, matt silver front bumper valance, satin aluminum roof rails and metallic paint. Interior upgrades include Dakota leather upholstery, Anthracite Bamboo interior trim, ‘Edition’ door sill finishers and sports leather steering wheel. Completing the Exclusive Edition package are Bluetooth telephone preparation and 17’’ light alloy Star-spoke wheels.

The Sport Plus Edition offers black Dakota leather upholstery with Royal Blue stitching, floor mats and a choice of Le Mans Blue, Black Sapphire or Alpine White metallic paint. The Sport Plus Edition also includes Bluetooth telephone preparation, dark chrome exhaust pipes, sun protection glass and 18’’ light-alloy M Star-spoke wheels.

New Equipment Options for BMW models:

Completing the September updates, a range of enhanced equipment and communication functions will be added as options across the BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, X1 and Z4. This includes the comfort access function which will now be available with illuminated entry system, lighted exterior door handles and DAB as standard.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some great car leasing rates available across the whole BMW range including the BMW 5 Series, BMW 3 Series, X1 and Z4.

Fantastic deals now on the latest BMW 5 Series with the latest Professional Media Pack edition cars addedto the website. Leasing rates start from an incredible £359.95 plus vat. The brlliant specification on these cars includes full Dakota leather, alloy wheels, dual zone climate control and bluetooth as standard, with higher spec cars coming with cruise control and professional media pack which includes SatNav and iDrive. For more information please follow the link below:

BMW 5 Series Saloon

Huge reductions across the BMW range with some of their most powerful and desirable cars now available at incredibly low prices. The largest reductions have come on the 2 year rates with the BMW M3 Coupe having hundreds of pounds taken off the leasing rate. Listed below are links to a selection of our stand out deals:

BMW 320i SE Coupe from £329.95
BMW M3 Coupe from £569.95
BMW 320i M Sport Convertible from £394.95
BMW M3 Convertible £609.95
BMW 530d Grand Turismo from £599.95

BMW has been active in the development of hydrogen as an automotive fuel for many years but they have taken a distinctly different path from virtually every other automaker. Instead of fuel cells, BMW has stuck to internal combustion engines and, rather than compressed gas, it has used liquified hydrogen. The problem with the former is that gasoline and hydrogen have very different combustion characteristics and engines designed primarily for gasoline operation lose a lot of power and efficiency when running on hydrogen.

Researchers from BMW have collaborated with colleagues from HOERBIGER, the Graz University of Technology, and HyCentA to develop an engine optimized for hydrogen operation. The cylinder head is based on one from a diesel engine using similar geometry. The injection system has been replaced with a high pressure direct injection setup. The engine uses a combination of spark ignition and compression ignition to match the 42 percent efficiency of the best current turbodiesel engines. BMW plans to further improve the overall efficiency of future iterations, by utilizing the waste heat from the exhaust.

Engines based on this technology will likely appear in future hydrogen-fueled vehicles from BMW.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW cranks up the efficiency of hydrogen internal combustion engines

Filed under: Hydrogen, BMW

BMW cranks up the efficiency of hydrogen internal combustion engines originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW cranks up the efficiency of hydrogen internal combustion engines – Green Cars

Of course, we’ve heard similar claims from automaker officials many times over the years and then waited fruitlessly as nothing happened. If MINI does indeed produce a JCW diesel it would likely bump power from the current 110 hp to something in the region of 150-160 hp. Even at that level, real world mileage would likely remain somewhere in the mid-40 to 50 mpg (U.S.) range.

All Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Filed under: Diesel, MINI

Will MINI build a John Cooper Works diesel? “Good Idea” originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will MINI build a John Cooper Works diesel? "Good Idea" – Green Cars