PSA Peugeot Citroën has launched a new diesel-electric hybrid system, the 'HYmotion4' all-wheel drivetrain, which is destined for "mid-sized and executive" Peugeot and Citroën models scheduled for launch in 2011.
Unveiled at the Paris show in the Peugeot Prologue and Citroën Hypnos concepts, HYmotion4 is claimed to deliver an "unrivalled" combination of driving performance and fuel efficiency. The 200hp powertrain in the Prologue family car achieves up to 68mpg and emits 109g/km of CO2.
The system uses a rear-mounted electric motor to drive the rear wheels while the diesel engine powers the front pair, providing a new type of all-wheel drive.
Citroen said the new technology gives drivers the advantages of all wheel drive, such as increased safety under conditions of reduced grip, without any of the usual drawbacks of increased weight and higher fuel consumption.
HYmotion4 technology is based on a parallel full hybrid design using existing powertrain sub-assemblies. In the engine bay, it combines a two-litre HDi diesel engine with FAP particulate filter, high-power stop-start system, six-speed compact automated manual gearbox plus the high-torque, high-power electric motor mounted at the back.
By 2011, PSA expects to have over a million Peugeot and Citroën vehicles on the road with start-stop systems.
PARIS SHOW: PSA shows diesel-electric hybrids
PARIS SHOW: Mitsubishi launches redesigned Colt
Mitsubishi launched its next generation Colt for Europe today at the Paris show ahead of market launches starting later this month.
As with the outgoing model, all cars will be built at the automakers' NedCar plant in Born, Netherlands, with production starting this month.
After 267,000 sales and a conquest rate of 80%, "Mitsubishi Motors has wished to capitalise on this success and follow up with a grown-up - but still distinctive - product," the automaker said at the show.
Styling is more in line with the brand's latest identity (sharper new design and signature 'jet fighter' grille), market positioning (new Ralliart sporty models), latest market trends (low-emission 1.1 and 1.3 Clear Tec variants due on sale early next year), more consistent (less distinction between three- and five-door variants than before), and "more mature" (perceived quality, cargo flexibility, comfort features, NVH, driving dynamics), Mitsubishi said.
The new Colt is in a highly competitive sector here in Europe where a roster of new or updated competitors "tends to crowd a stable volume of 4,000,000+ units a year".
The Colt accounts for about 65,000 of Mitsubishi Europe sales of around 250,000 units a year and will be offered with 1.1- 1.3- and 1.5-litre engines as before.
The new Clear Tec versions will have a new low-CO2 package which includes automatic stop & go (AS&G) and regenerative braking, reducing CO2 emissions by about 10%. A dedicated flexfuel (FFV) variant will also be included in the Clear Tec line.
Mitsubishi said Colt Clear Tec models will be the B-segment low emission equivalents of its new C/D-segment Euro 5 diesel Lancer, with the automaker's new in-house-designed engine, set for launch next spring.
At the other end of the range, new Ralliart 150ps 1.5-litre turbo models have been added in both three- and five-door forms.
These build on the redesigned model's stronger structure with Ralliart suspension updated for sharper driving dynamics, including reduced body roll thanks to a thicker front stabiliser bar.
The Ralliart replaces the previous three-door-only CZT model and adds a five-door version expected to account for 40% of the sporty models' volume. This has slightly more compliant suspension than the three-door.
While European, Japanese and Korean rivals offer diesel engines in the B segment, MME reckons its 1.1-litre 75ps, 1.3-litre 95ps and 1.5-litre 109ps petrol engines plus the upcoming low-emission variants will be sufficient.
"The combination of the feasibility to upgrade the previous 1.5 engine to clear Euro 5 [emissions compliance], the rather low volume of diesel Colts sold since 2004 (only 13% of the mix) and the ever increasing retail price of diesel fuel eating away most of the cost benefits to the customer, all led Mitsubishi Motors to the decision to drop diesel power altogether from the next generation Colt range," the automaker said.
The low-CO2 Clear Tec engines will go on sale in spring 2009.
PARIS SHOW: GM shows low-CO2 Insignia
After recently announcing a Corsa ecoFLEX with 75hp, 1.3-litre CDTI engine, emitting 109 g/km of CO2 and a 110hp, 1.7-litre Astra model with a 119g/km rating, General Motors Europe is showing a prototype Opel/Vauxhall Insignia ecoFLEX model in Paris.
GME said that, unlike its many competitors, the new Insignia variant is not a low-end model, but "a car that combines powerful propulsion and driving fun with ultimate efficiency".
The standard model already has a drag coefficient of only 0.27 but the ecoFLEX model has modifications to reduce road and wind resistance giving a cleaner .26 coefficient and a quieter cabin, said to be the quietest Opel ever. The new model has fuel-efficient Michelin Primacy HP tyres developed specifically for the car.
A two-litre, 160hp, single turbo diesel with innovative 'clean tech process' to maintain the lowest possible emissions over its life span is fitted. The zero to 100km/h (62mph) acceleration time is 9.5sec and top speed is 218km/h.
Maximum torque of 350Nm is available from 1,750 rpm, and can be increased for 15sec to 380Nm via an 'overboost' function.
GM said today it was still developing the latest Insignia but was confident of a CO2 emissions rating "well below 140g/km" when sales start.
Like other Insignia models, the latest ecoFLEX variant meets Euro 5 emissions rules. Sales with hatchback or sedan body styles start "during the course of 2009", GM said.
PARIS SHOW: Citroen concept is a Playstation star
Citroen claims its 'GTbyCitroen' concept unveiled in Paris today "is the first ever car to be specifically designed to bring the virtual and real worlds together".
Show visitors can 'drive' the car in a 'true to life simulator' on the automaker's stand.
The car, a joint venture between Citroën and the makers of Gran Turismo, was created for the fifth game in the multi-million selling Playstation series.
The concept is almost five metres long and uses race car technology including 21-inch, diamond-effect aluminium wheels, gullwing doors, over-sized rear end with mobile spoiler, gaping air intakes and flat underside. Blue LED headlamps and slim-line carbon fibre rear view mirrors are fitted.
The cabin is finished in dark colours with two padded black leather racing seats with four point harnesses. There are copper and steel trim inserts and the instruments include a red LED head-up display, allowing drivers to focus on the race track.
In the game, the car has a fuel cell-powered electric drive train and is emission-free.
Kazanori Yamauchi, president of Polyphony Digital and the concept's creator, said: "GTbyCitroen shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership. To see the [concept] take shape in our game studios and then for real has been a truly unique experience - as our work normally stays in the digital world."
IRELAND/GERMANY: VW takes over distribution
Responsibility for importing, distributing, retailing and servicing Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen commercial vehicles in Ireland changed hands today (1 October).
The transfer from O´Flaherty Holdings to Volkswagen AG followed an agreement reached between the two firms in January 2007.
Former Kia UK and Ssangyong UK executive Paul Willis took up his new post as managing director of Volkswagen Group Ireland today as the new importer named its board of management: Paul Burke, director of Volkswagen commercial vehicles; Fintan Knight, director of Audi; Colin Sheridan, director of Skoda; Philip Sheridan, director of Volkswagen passenger cars; Andreas Duebler, director of group service; and Wolfgang Weisse, chief financial officer. John Hayes was named deputy director of Audi and Tom O'Connor deputy director of VW cars.
"Our vision for the group in Ireland is straightforward; first class levels of customer service and satisfaction, development of our individual brand values and expansion of the market shares of our brands. We have a first class team in place at all levels to build on the solid foundations which have been laid over many years" Willis said.
Ireland is an increasingly important market for the group with year to date sales of 31,567 vehicles and a market share of 17.9%.
"For Volkswagen AG the transfer of the import business demonstrates a clear commitment to the Irish market," the automaker said.
