TS 1X, New Super Hybrid Car from Honda

A few months ago in Los Angeles Auto Show, Honda has introduced its first flying car. Without waiting too long, Honda with its motto the Power of Dream, is making another revolution in its concept car design. One of the most popular vehicles at Honda’s booth at Tokyo Auto Salon is the TS-1X, a hybrid sports car. Hybrid cars have an undeserved reputation of under-performance but the TS-1X looks nothing like a slouch.

Based on the CR-Z, the TS-1X sports a matted black finish, fighter-jet style aero kit and yellow highlights throughout, including a set of yellow-colored Nissin blakes inside its oversized wheels. Super cool for hybrid car eh?

TS-1X gets a fighter-jet inspired aero kit that actually seems to work with the CR-Z’s futuristic styling. Optimized by controlling the flow of air around 50:50 that achieves an ideal balance of aerodynamics.

Via : watchonepiecepoint.com

Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge Hybrid Concept

Suzuki Kizashi EcoCharge is a greener version of the popular Kizashi mid-size sedan, the EcoCharge gasoline-electric hybrid concept. Possibly previewing a future production Kizashi hybrid, for now Suzuki is also stating that its EcoCharge concept will be used to study the virtues of green technology in its Kizashi platform.

In developing the concept, the key goal of Suzuki’s engineers was to build a sedan with substantially improved mileage but without any detriment in performance. The proof of their efforts is that the Kizashi EcoCharge has the capability to deliver a claimed 25 percent fuel economy while still retaining the production Kizashi’s dynamic handling and braking abilities.

The key is the EcoCharge’s gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain, which consists of a 144 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine matched to a 15 kW (20 horsepower) electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries. The lightweight motor is too small to power the car exclusively; instead it acts as a booster to aid the vehicle during high load situations.

To help maximize efficiency, the Kizashi EcoCharge concept also features numerous fuel-saving technologies, including regenerative braking, automatic engine shut-off when the car comes to a stop, fuel cut-off during deceleration and low-rolling resistance tires.

Drive is sent to the front wheels via six-speed automatic transmission.

Ensuring the EcoCharge concept stands out is a white satin paint job with a subtle blue undercoat. To further set the concept apart from its production Kizashi sibling, it has also been given a specialized headlight treatment, as well as LED fog-lights.

Via : funver.com

Lexus LF-Gh hybrid concept

The Lexus LF-Gh hybrid concept will make its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The concept, which sets out to redefine the premium grand touring sedan, will be featured on at the Lexus stand until May 1. "For this concept, Lexus designers studied characteristics that are often considered contradictory and difficult to execute together," said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division.

"The captivating design of the LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality."

Working with a clean sheet of paper, Lexus Design Division designers aimed to perfectly blend style, performance, efficiency, and environmental compatibility in a premium, grand touring sedan whilst trying to leverage advanced, new technologies. The team explored how a future grand touring sedan would look standing still and on the road, and what design approaches might work to convey an extraordinary combination of attributes.

They came up with a design that unites hard and soft; and energetic and soothing elements. Through this exercise, the definition of L-Finesse, the marque's design philosophy since 2001, has been refined and evolved to include a bolder, more distinct projection of what a premium car could become. The result is the LF-Gh concept, which conveys original thoughts and ideas that may migrate to future Lexus vehicles.

In The Grand Touring Tradition With the LF-Gh, Lexus takes the idea of the grand touring sedan one step further. The LF-Gh was designed to be high-performance concept capable of providing a moving driving experience, and comfortably transporting multiple occupants at higher speeds on long-distance drives. It combines a strong sense of presence and emotional appeal with functional attributes, supplying enhanced creature comforts plus the practical ability to transport personal supplies and luggage necessary for extended travel.

Even whilst maintaining serene passenger comfort, it is a car designed to inspire and captivate the driver as time behind the wheel accumulates. The bold, wide stance is consistent with the goal of inspiring dynamic excellence on the road. Fundamentally, these are the proportions of an agile, responsive sedan built on an advanced rear-wheel-drive platform.

The distinctive long greenhouse design does not compromise the potential for functional passenger benefits, such as generous interior room for all four passengers, ample cargo area, and excellent forward visibility. LED lighting hints at the range and scope of new materials, electronics and dynamic systems that endow this concept vehicle with state-of-the-art performance, driving control, and safety features. Overall, the LF-Gh concept's styling embodies the definition of what an authentic grand touring sedan from Lexus could be.

Taken from http://funver.com/