* Kangoo Z.E. Concept is based on Renault Kangoo and brings zero-emission mobility to the professional road-user.
* Kangoo Z.E. Concept is powered by a 70kW electric motor which delivers 226Nm of torque, in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery. Energy consumption is minimized thanks not only to the careful attention that has been paid to its overall design, but also to the energy optimization solutions it features, without the necessary high standard of comfort suffering in any way.
* Kangoo Z.E. Concept's many information functions make it a particularly user-friendly, efficient and interactive vehicle.

AN URBAN AND SUBURBAN CALLING

Kangoo Z.E. Concept's dimensions (length 3.95m, height: 1.85m) ensure that it is perfectly nimble and manoeuvrable in and about town. Its high torque (226Nm) is instantly available to ensure responsive acceleration performance in built-up areas.

ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY, TOO, FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ROAD-USER

The Kangoo Z.E. Concept provides a foretaste of what mobility promises to resemble in the future for urban-based transporter and delivery companies, while at the same time carrying over the same acclaimed strengths as Kangoo when it comes to travelling comfort, space and safety performance. To facilitate loading, the hatch-type rear door and wide, folding sill ensures that parcels and other types of loads are easy to slide into the boot.

DESIGNED TO OPTIMIZE ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The design of Kangoo Z.E. Concept has been thought through in keeping with its mission as an electric vehicle which needs to minimize energy consumption, yet without losing sight of the need for modern comfort-related refinements.

The use of heat-reflective paint and bodywork featuring large surface areas reduces temperature fluctuations. Indeed, the bodywork functions along the same lines as a Thermos flask and comprises two insulating panels with a sandwich of air in between. This air, which is still the most effective insulant known today, serves to moderate temperature extremes between the exterior and the interior of the car. Thermal insulation is further optimized thanks to special treatment of the glazed surfaces, meaning that less call is made of the climate control and heating systems which are big consumers of energy.

Solar panels positioned on the roof are employed to power a temperature regulation system inside the car. Keeping the cabin cool uses a significant amount of energy, but this system also permits a pleasant temperature to be maintained inside the cabin, even at a standstill or when parking, and avoids having to put the climate control system on boost when first getting in the car on a hot day.

The entire layout of the heating and climate control systems has been developed to achieve a particularly efficient trade-off between performance and energy consumption. For example, the impression of heat is especially felt by the face and hands. Accordingly, if the cabin temperature is, say, 15 C, warmth is channelled as close as possible to these more sensitive zones (in the form of a heated steeringwheel, for example) in order to ensure that the driver feels comfortable, while using less electrical energy.

The conventional drag-producing exterior mirrors have been replaced by streamlined, low-energy cameras which are powered by the roof-mounted solar panels. These cameras provide improved allround visibility, which is especially practical when manoeuvring. The full-disc aluminium alloy wheels produce less drag, too, while the headlights use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which are not only longlasting but also low consumers of energy.

INTERACTIVE AND USER-FRIENDLY

The Kangoo Z.E. Concept enables the driver to communicate with the vehicle with a view to profiting fully from its technology. For example, logos light up to signal that the vehicle recognizes occupants as they approach.

As a socially responsible car, it is also equipped with polyurethane gel bumpers which deform easily to soak up minor knocks, while customers and pedestrians are reassured by their absorbent aspect.

A linear display on the outside of the door provides an indication of how much range remains even before the driver gets inside the vehicle. This lit display can be likened to the charge indicator of a cell phone. Innovative navigation system interfaces also contribute to intelligent management of the vehicle's energy requirements.

The idea is to simplify journeys with a view to using as little energy as possible. The Man Machine Interfaces (MMI) inside the car have been designed to provide information concerning the location of the nearest car park or charge station as a function of how much range remains. The car not only warns and calculates, but it also thinks ahead. Information is communicated to the driver via a cell phone which slots into the dashboard.

Using this cell-phone for the navigation function avoids having to run an energy-consuming in-car computer.

The dashboard itself is divided into distinct functional units which incorporate:

* a new-format minimalist display providing data specifically relating to the electric motor.
* a remotely-positioned control between the seats incorporating a touchpad to facilitate the keying in of data.

Kangoo Z.E. Concept provides a foretaste of the user-friendly, practical and efficient Renault electric utility vehicle of the future.

TWO BATTERY-CHARGING TECHNIQUES

The driver has two options when it comes to 'filling up' on energy: A standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle, A quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at bespoke charge stations.

TECHNICAL DATA

Motor Electric

Maximum power EEC (kW/hp) 70/95

Maximum revs (rpm) 12,000

Maximum torque EEC (Nm) 226

Drive train Electric

Batteries Lithium-ion

Tyres 245/35 R21

DIMENSIONS

Length (mm) 3,945

Width (mm) 1,856

Unladen height (mm) 1,748

Height with hatch open (mm) 1,902

Wheelbase (mm) 2,406

Front/rear track (mm) 1,572/1,572

Front/rear overhang (mm) 794/745

Weight (kg) 1,520

PERFORMANCE

Range (km) 160

Top speed (kph) capped electronically 130

PARTNERS

Bodywork D 3

Pilot Sport PS2 tyres Michelin

Samsung F480 cell phone for

communicating with the vehicle

Samsung

World Premiere of the L1
Drivetrain
The Future Needs the TDI:
• Small TDI leverages minimal fuel consumption and maximum range
• Downsizing - 0.8 TDI is smallest diesel engine intended for production applications ever built by Volkswagen
• Electrifying idea - E-motor plus TDI pushes CO2 emissions down to 36 g/km
The TDI, E-motor and 7-speed DSG are located at the rear, and they combine to create the most fuel efficient road-legal car hybrid drive in the world. Proof of this are its 1.38 litre per 100 kilometres fuel consumption and 36 g/km CO2 emissions. Serving as the primary drive source is a completely redeveloped two-cylinder turbo-diesel with common rail direct injection (TDI). It is operated in two different modes depending on the load conditions. In the standard "ECO" mode, the 800 cm3 TDI develops a power of 20 kW / 27 PS (at 4,000 rpm); in "Sport" mode - used to reach top speed, for example - the car's power rises to 29 kW / 39 PS (at 4,000 rpm). The TDI's maximum torque is 100 Newton-meter (at 1,900 rpm). Naturally, the L1 also has a Stop-Start system that automatically shuts down the engine when vehicle has stopped and restarts when the accelerator or E-pedal is pressed.
The hybrid module has been integrated into the housing of the 7-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox). It is located between the TDI engine and the DSG gearbox and consists of a 10 kW / 14 PS electric motor and a clutch. The E-motor is supplied with energy from a lithium-ion battery located at the front of the car. An electronic power control module, operating at around. 130 Volts manages the flow of high voltage energy the battery and to the E-motor. In parallel, the vehicle's low voltage electrical system is supplied with the necessary 12 Volts through a DC/DC converter.
Electric motor - details of the E-motor
In normal operation the electric motor can support the TDI engine in conditions such as by electronic load point shifting and in acceleration. If necessary - generally during acceleration - the E-motor can supply 40 percent additional torque over the entire speed engine speed range. Moreover, the E-motor can propel the L1 over short distances by itself. In this case, an auxiliary clutch decouples the TDI from the drivetrain. Restarting the TDI is a very easy process. In so-called "pulse starting" of the TDI, the electric motor is sped up and is then coupled to the TDI unit to provide almost instant starting. The entire process takes place automatically and without jolts, so the driver hardly notices the restarting of the TDI engine.
In braking phases, the E-motor operates as a generator to charge the lithium-ion battery by recovering braking energy. The gears of the automatically shifting DSG are always selected with the aim of achieving the best possible fuel economy. The engine controller regulates all energy flow and drive management tasks taking into account the moment by moment demands for power made by the driver. Some of the parameters used to calculate the optimum propulsion mode for the given conditions are: accelerator pedal position, engine load, momentary fuel demand, energy supply and the mix of kinetic and electrical energy at any given time.
Diesel engine - details of the 0.8 TDI
The TDI engine in the L1 is a new development. Yet, even here Volkswagen has been able to exploit synergies to design an engine that is both innovative and cost-effective. Hence, this 0.8 litre TDI unit has been derived from the 1.6 TDI just introduced a few months ago. The 1.6 TDI is making its debut at the IAA in cars such as the new version of the Golf BlueMotion (3.8 l/100 km) and the Passat BlueMotion (4.4 l/100 km) - which are currently the world's most fuel-efficient production cars in their respective classes.
Based on their common origins, the 0.8 TDI and 1.6 TDI have identical cylinder spacing (88 millimetres), bore (79.5 millimetres) and stroke (80.5 millimetres). These high-tech TDI engines also share key internal engine features for reducing emissions. They include special piston crowns, multi-injection and individual orientations of the specific injection jets. On both drivetrains there is exhaust gas recirculation, an oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter. Equipped this way, the TDIs in each Volkswagen fulfil the limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard with ease.
The 1.6 TDI, thanks to its common rail injection, is also an exceptionally quiet and low-vibration diesel engine. These positive properties have been successfully transferred to the two-cylinder unit. The TDI's aluminium crankcase was also constructed with high precision to achieve very low friction losses. The oil pump, designed to operate at a maximum oil pressure of 4.0 bar, also contributes to engine efficiency.
Another example of how the entire drive system is configured for high efficiency is the L1's cooling system. Its external water pump is controlled by engine management so that cooling is only activated while engine operating conditions require it. This thermal management also contributes to reduced fuel consumption. A second electric water pump, also activated only when needed, provides cooling required for the starter generator and the power electronics in a separate water circulation loop operating at a lower temperature level.
Automatic transmission - details of the 7-speed DSG
Gear shifting work aboard the L1 is handled by the 7-speed DSG, which is one of the most innovative automatic transmissions in production. Compared to the version equipping the new Polo, for example, the design of the Direct Shift Gearbox has been developed to include clutch control for the hybrid module. Furthermore, individual gear ratios have been optimised to attain responsive driving performance despite the car's extremely low fuel consumption. The hybrid module is integrated into the DSG housing as previously mentioned. It is located where the flywheel is usually to be found.
Driving performance - economical and yet responsive
The L1, equipped with ABS and ESP, has a top speed of up to 160 km/h - this is remarkable considering its fuel efficiency. With maximum acceleration from a standstill, the two-seater reaches 100 km/h after just 14.3 seconds. The fuel tank holds just ten litres yet, this is sufficient for a theoretical driving range of about 670 kilometres, given the car's 1.38 litre average fuel consumption.

REVOLTE: Luxury, ecology and a touch of cheek!

Citroën is once more proving its credentials as a bold forward-looking brand with the concept car REVOLTE, an ultra-chic city car combining luxury with a touch of cheek.

A compact city car, REVOLTE sidesteps the difficulties of dense urban traffic with a totally new approach to small car design. This bold, chic car opts for luxury with a touch of cheek, technology and glamour, power and verve.
With its iridescent, glossy colours, silky smooth textiles, and subtle, sophisticated materials, REVOLTE places passengers in a feminine, cosmetic setting, of bold and elegant design.
Spirited and lively, REVOLTE also has an eye on the future with its rechargeable hybrid drivetrain. This ecologically sound technology makes maximum use of electric mode and also contributes to the concept car's agility.
Gloom, conformism and dullness are just not in REVOLTE's vocabulary. Its personality and qualities lend colour to the city and to the world of luxury.

More broadly, REVOLTE reflects a concern with topical issues. Increasing urbanisation, new means of communication and the growing variety of mobility solutions show that we can expect the use of small cars to develop considerably. Mirroring changing social trends and lifestyles, small cars are taking on a new status and expanding their scope of action. Whether as economical cars, second cars, liaison vehicles or fashion accessories, small cars are attention-pullers that dare to be different. They offer particularly fertile ground for progress in automotive technology.
Citroën has long been a key player in the segment of small cars and has made them a preferred medium of expression. The latest events at the Marque are once more turning the spotlight on the small-car segment, with the launches of the new C3 and DS3.

REVOLTE, superbly transgressive, clearly distinctive

With its forceful lines and compact dimensions, REVOLTE could simply content itself with being a conventional small urban vehicle. Living up to its name, however, REVOLTE has set its sights higher. This concept car takes a highly contemporary approach. It shares some of the characteristics of executive vehicles but, at the same time, it transgresses the codes of the luxury world as we know them to include references that are far removed from those usually associated with cars.

Far more than just a small, functional vehicle, REVOLTE is a high-spirited performer. Its character is illustrated by its size (3.68 m long, 1.73 m wide and 1.35 m tall), and also by its bodywork which shuns the strict, austere codes of conventional luxury to drape itself in an intense and radiant shade of violent.
A low-set vehicle sitting squarely on its four wheels, REVOLTE makes light work of urban driving. An impression confirmed by its proportions.
With its strongly marked wheel arches, curving bonnet, and sculpted sides matching the line of the roof, REVOLTE is sleekly muscled and ready to pounce.

The rear-hinged doors provide easy access to the cabin, revealing a multicoloured interior that resembles a box of make-up. This unusual idea of associating bright colours with luxury styling reflects Citroën's bold creativity. Like the Hypnos concept car before it, REVOLTE reflects efforts to modernise the traditional notions of luxury.
The main materials featured in the cabin are: woven black leather, thick crimson velvet and gleaming aluminium. Out go conventional materials such as wood, and conventional colours. The onboard ambience of REVOLTE aims for a bold but luxurious feel.

REVOLTE also dares a three-seater cabin design, designed to resemble a lounge with seats similar to those found in home furnishings.
The passenger area includes a meridian sofa of contemporary design whose flowing lines cover the entire rear area of REVOLTE as well as the space usually reserved for the front passenger. The passenger sitting in this last space can stretch out his or her legs and enjoy the sensations offered by the cosy, luxurious ambience.
It is also possible to install a rearward-facing childseat.
REVOLTE thus boasts an architecture never before seen on this type of vehicle, with original and distinctive forms.
REVOLTE: intelligent technology in action

REVOLTE's approach to innovation reflects its standpoint on luxury. The two are clearly indissociable. It is difficult to see whether the luxury of the vehicle inspired its high-tech content or if the technology is a medium for the luxurious design. REVOLTE immediately subjugates onlookers. Inside, technology and luxury form an ideal match, as illustrated by the following:

- the tactile screen of REVOLTE is encased in a crystal beam. The superbly crafted deep red crystals literally project the tactile screen into the cabin for an eloquent and original effect. This is not their only function, since they also serve to recycle air on board REVOLTE, like a respiratory system;

- chic and elegant, the rear bench of REVOLTE is not only a brilliant demonstration of style. It also houses the concept car's electric batteries. This clever stowage solution improves the look of the cabin as a whole;

- on the outside, the bonnet of the car is covered in photovoltaic cells carrying out the electric functions linked to onboard comfort, including when the vehicle is stationary. This makes it unnecessary to use the resources of the electric batteries;

- at the front of REVOLTE, the observer's eye is drawn to a curved glass shape underlining the generous lines of the grille. The backlit translucent bottom of the glass brings out the chevrons to original effect, subtly identifying the concept car as a Citroën vehicle.

The powertrain of REVOLTE also shares the concept car philosophy, in terms of technology, sophistication and ecology.

REVOLTE, a modern activist

The powertrain of REVOLTE shatters the view traditionally associating "small" with "basic". The contemporary, sophisticated character of REVOLTE is also reflected in its powertrain, which has the future clearly in its sights.
Striking a distinctive note in the automotive industry's ongoing quest for "all-electric" solutions, REVOLTE features a solution that is both exciting and credible: a rechargeable hybrid drivetrain.

The characteristics and features of the drivetrain are as follows:
- a small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor, both able to drive the wheels;
- the ability to run in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode, i.e. without emissions;
- a battery recharging function that supplies the electric motor.

This rechargeable hybrid drivetrain places the emphasis on "all-electric" running. As well as producing no CO2 emissions, this mode delivers a quiet ride with a high level of driving comfort.

Even with this drive system, REVOLTE is not about to give in to boredom and indolence. Although we need not go into detail about its high top speed, this concept car is a lively performer with strong acceleration. REVOLTE respects the ecological constraints of urban driving in every way while also delivering an agile and spirited ride.

REVOLTE turns conventions on their head!

Citroën decided to take a bold approach to revolutionising the conventional image of small cars. The modern character of REVOLTE is therefore expressed through provocative styling inspired by one of its most illustrious ancestors: the 2CV. What car better embodies the small vehicle concept than that motoring icon, the 2CV?
Adopting a heretic stance, REVOLTE reviews all the codes of the 2CV, systematically transforming all the values that made the 2CV the myth it remains today.

the 2CV was plain and neutral, REVOLTE is luxurious and colourful;
the 2CV was basic and simple, REVOLTE is intelligent and high-tech;
the 2CV was slow and bouncy, REVOLTE is lively and spirited.

In this way, REVOLTE expresses the creativity and dynamic vitality of Citroën, a brand in touch with its past but continuously in search of progress.
Citroën is currently celebrating 90 years of automotive success, technology and innovation that will serve as sources of study and inspiration for the decades to come.

PRESS RELEASE:

Update on the Future

New Small Family with E-Motor: E-Up! Concept – Outlook for the Beetle of the 21st Century

World premiere: Volkswagen is presenting city specialist with electric motor

Winterkorn: We will launch a zero emissions Up! on the market in 2013
Wolfsburg / Frankfurt, 14 September 2009 - Volkswagen is presenting a pioneering fleet of new sustainable automobiles at the 63rd International Motor Show (IAA) – an update on the future. The range of IAA premieres extends from the world's most fuel-efficient production passenger car (BlueMotion) to hybrid technology and an electric car developed from the ground up – the E-Up! that is being presented in a world premiere in Frankfurt.

Plain text – E-Motor plus TDI and TSI shape the future

Altogether, these Volkswagens are revising milestones on the timeline between present and future. "One of the basic milestones on this timeline," says Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group, "is the mass produced electric car. Yet, to be a genuine success such an electric car must be affordable to a broad customer base and must be uncompromisingly practical in everyday driving. Only then, in high volumes, and ideally on all continents, can one truly speak of the beginning of the electric age in automobiles and a perceptible reduction of their environmental impact." The Group chief continues: "Nonetheless, until the production numbers of a purely electric car approach the success curve of a Polo, its schedule will indicate the year 2020 at the earliest. That is why our highly efficient TDI and TSI engines are the most important waypoints of the present. They will continue to be a dominant force for decades. And they are what allow us to make the step-by-step transition to the future. Cars with pure petrol and diesel engines – which in the foreseeable future will continue be unbeatable for mid- to long-range distances – will be supplemented by cars like the E-Up! in upcoming years, especially in the city. And that will happen starting in 2013. The concept car now being presented in Frankfurt very realistically shows how we envision such a Volkswagen with pure electric drive – technically, visually and with regard to a practical size."

The zero-emissions concept car designed under the leadership of Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Brand, and Head of the Development business area, is based on modules of the New Small Family anticipated in the year 2011, but at a length of 3.19 meters it is even more compact. It also offers an innovative 3+1 seating concept. In its styling, the powerful and clearly drawn lines of the E-Up! body follow the new Volkswagen "design DNA" par excellence and show cult potential. That is because never before has an ultra-compact vehicle – which does not aim to be retro but forges new paths instead – brought such appealing, timeless, class-independent and dynamic qualities to light. Inside, the smallest Volkswagen ever also astonishes with its impressive space utilisation.

Drive unit – battery and integral drive

The 135 km/h fast 3+1 seater is driven by an electric motor with a peak power output of 60 kW (continuous power: 40 kW). The motor of the front-wheel drive car, which is mounted in front, develops a maximum torque of 210 Newton-meters right from rest. The driver activates forward or reverse gear via a rotary knob in the centre console. The fact that the E-Up! will also quite clearly offer driving enjoyment is demonstrated by a look at the car's classic 0 to 100-km/h sprint time: 11.3 seconds. The E-Up! develops even greater responsiveness in the intermediate sprint from 0 to 50 km/h in city driving: 3.5 seconds. This dynamic performance is based first on the electric motor's excellent torque characteristic and second on the low kerb weight of the E-Up!, which is just 1,085 kilograms.

Lithium-ion battery: The car's low weight is quite astounding, given the fact that 240 kilograms are taken up by the lithium-ion battery. The implemented battery's energy capacity of 18 kilowatt-hours (kWh) enables driving distances of up to 130 kilometres, depending on driving style – enough for the city and the drives of most commuters. The E-Up! will be "refueled" in the garage at home, in a parking structure or on the road at one of the future municipal recharging stations that will be enabled by chip card. Depending on the available charging infrastructure and the battery's momentary charge state, the storage battery could be charged to up to 80 percent of its total capacity within an hour.

If the batteries are recharged in a home garage, for example, by plugging it into a 230-Volt household outlet, this would take a maximum of five hours. Generally, off-peak night-time electric rates are very inexpensive. So refueled at night the E-Up! could be driven 100 kilometres for just two Euros in electricity costs (about 14 Euro cents / kWh).

The batteries themselves are housed in the underbody of the E-Up! To optimally distribute the weight of the battery system, it is housed in a special, crash-protected tray in the underbody frame. Air cooling ensures a constant heat balance within the batteries. The fans and heat exchangers needed for this are housed in the front section of the underbody.

Integral drive: The teams of Concept Development (headed by Ralf-Gerhard Willner) and Engine Development (headed by Dr. Jens Hadler) integrated all important drive assemblies and auxiliary assemblies in the engine compartment at the front end. The design of an integrated form of the electric drive made a key contribution toward reducing weight and space requirements for the drive unit. Background: All components important to the powertrain are unified in compact form in the so-called integral drive. In this unit, the electric motor, together with the transmission and differential, form the centrepiece of this drive. Energy is supplied via a high-power pulse-control inverter, which is combined with the 12-Volt electrical system DC/DC converter and the charger to form the compact integral drive. At 140 kilograms, the integral drive is also very lightweight. To summarise its advantages: low space requirement, ideal acoustic comfort, high torque and power development and strong driving performance in the city. So the system fulfils the requirements of an innovative electric drive in a nearly ideal way.

Styling – the Beetle of the 21st Century

The E-Up! emphatically demonstrates that emission-free Volkswagens will be anything but lacking in emotion. Responsible for this, once again, is the team led by Group Chief Designer Walter de Silva. Together with Klaus Bischoff (Chief Designer, Volkswagen Brand) and Flavio Manzoni (Head of Creative Design, Volkswagen Group), he developed a layout for the E-Up! that reflects the visual bandwidth of the future New Small Family. The E-Up! bears a resemblance to previously presented concept vehicles of this new model series – the Up! (city specialist), Space-Up! (microvan) and Space-Up Blue! (fuel cell powered van) – it represents a design stage that reflects the future production car even more closely.

"The E-Up!", says Klaus Bischoff, "is characterised by a reduced, very clear and yet highly emotional design." And that is certainly no coincidence. The car's lines consistently follow Volkswagen's new era "design DNA" that was developed by de Silva, Bischoff and Manzoni. Its key stylistic traits: Simplicity, purity, durability and perfection of its technologies and quality. Bischoff: "The new concept is therefore very much in harmony with its stylistic 'siblings' of the New Small Family, the Roadster BlueSport and the new Polo." Dimensions of the E-Up! are 3.19 meters (length) x 1.64 meters (width) x 1.47 meters (height). Its wheelbase is 2.19 meters.

Front end: Although E-Up! styling was developed from the Up!, the electric car differs from conventionally powered models in the new model series. Consider the front end: It fits in perfectly with the brand's new family face, yet at the same time it refers back to one of the greatest icons in automotive history in the area of the engine bonnet: the Beetle. Nonetheless, the E-Up! does not reveal the slightest hint of retro styling; instead, designers created new and unmistakable styling tools that would carry the small Volkswagen far into the future.

Fitting in with this image are the headlights with their facet-like lenses – cut like diamonds – that extend over the entire width of the lens cover. Another interesting detail: the fog lights. At first glance they can hardly be recognised as such. The designers have configured them as C-shaped, chrome-trimmed elements in the headlight housings. Also style-defining is the black line running in a circular pattern in the bumper – a typical characteristic of the New Small Family. "In the interplay of all elements, the bumper, headlights and engine bonnet," explains Klaus Bischoff, "the E-Up! really appears to smile. And that is how it should be." Conspicuous: There are hardly any openings at the front end, since there is no need for separate cooling of the drive unit.

The VW logo on the V-shaped engine bonnet of the E-Up! is more than just an homage to the Beetle. Hidden behind the folding logo is the integrated port for charging the batteries. The advantage of positioning the plug port here is that it makes it easier to recharge the E-Up! from stations on either the left or right sides of the street or directly in front of the car.

Side profile: "In keeping with Volkswagen's "design DNA" the side sections also exhibit a high level of stylistic purity, following the Bauhaus principle created in the 1920s in Germany that 'less is more'," says Flavio Manzoni. This car's visual identity is very intentionally created by just a few graphic elements that blend together to form a new unit in the classic Bauhaus approach to creative art and innovative technology. These defining elements of the E-Up! side profile include its side glass and shoulder styling line above the door handles known as the tornado line. The side profile styling is further defined by the car's short body overhangs, the confident outward shaping of the wheel housings and unique C-pillar. Flavio Manzoni explains the special presence of the C-pillar: "Visually, the vertically aligned C-pillar is positioned above the rear wheel, which conveys a feeling of balance and solidity. These properties are indispensable for a Volkswagen. Last but not least, the prominent and powerful wheel styling gives the car a perfect 'demeanour'".

Rear end: The basic graphic forms of the tailgate and rear bumper follow those of the very first Up! However, the once again completely glazed tailgate now exhibits significantly larger taillights in dark smoked glass look. Running through the taillights is a line trimmed in chrome that extends across the tailgate. The circular chrome line unites the two taillights in a vertical direction. These accents are also reflected in the matching graphic element of the front and rear bumpers.

Solar roof: The roof of the E-Up! is equipped with solar cells over an area measuring 1.4 square meters. This area – between the rear part of the roof edge spoiler and the front windscreen – can be enlarged to 1.7 square meters in total by folding down the sun visors that are also equipped with solar cells. The solar cells continuously supply energy to the car's electrical system, and while the vehicle is parked they help to cool the interior by supplying energy to the car's ventilation system.

Interior I – Instruments and controls

Flavio Manzoni: "The interior was designed in complete harmony with the car's exterior styling, and it exhibits a similar aesthetic with a technical-purist influence." To improve the electric car's energy economy by avoiding unnecessary loads, actuators such as mirror adjustment and window lifts were designed to be manually operated. Nonetheless, the highly innovative E-Up! makes its appearance with an impressive array of future generation high-tech displays and controls. They are all quite self-explanatory, and the car's controls are intuitive, making driving and life with this Volkswagen as simple and stress-free as possible.

HMI: The concept car has a touch-screen based HMI (Human Machine Interface) with intelligent E-Up! specific indicators and assistance functions. During navigation, the system continually monitors the momentary load state of the batteries, for example, as well as activated energy consumers such as lights and air conditioner, momentary traffic data, elevation profiles of potential routes and the locations of available charging stations. The driver can display these "filling stations" at any time; available charging stations may be reserved within a defined reservation time period.

The charging process can also be precisely planned to the minute via the HMI. This lets users charge the E-Up! during a specific time period in which electricity is available at special low rates. The charging process can be activated at any time via an intuitively operated application installed on an iPhone or similar mobile device, even from outside of the vehicle. Even more: From the application users can query the momentary charge status and vehicle location (the latter via map display) or simply check whether the car is locked. Moreover, to preserve vehicle battery power the program lets users pre-condition the E-Up! interior. This involves cooling or heating the car's interior as long as the car is still connected to the charging station and is drawing its electrical power from the electrical grid.

Interior II – 3+1 seating concept

The generous space implemented over a total vehicle area of just 5.1 square meters is absolutely astounding. Several factors are responsible for this clever packaging. First, there is the reduced size of the instrument panel, which was shifted further forward than usual toward the engine compartment. This was enabled, among other things, by optimising the components within the instrument panel. Second, the small Volkswagen is a 3+1 seater. This means that the front passenger seat is located 50 millimetres forward, thanks to the instruments being shifted further forward. This layout increases leg room in the rear behind the front passenger tremendously. As a result, two adults can sit comfortably on the passenger's side. Stepping into the vehicle is also simplified by an Easy-Entry feature, which allows the front passenger's seat to be pushed up to 270 millimetres away from the rear bench. There is less leg room behind the "normally" positioned driver's seat; the space here was designed as a spare seat.

Additional freedom of movement is provided to rear passengers by lowering the centre tunnel in front of the rear bench seat; it serves as an additional footrest. This enables use of an electric handbrake in the style of the Passat, so that no lever mechanism obstructs the footwell.

Cargo area: The clever packaging solutions do not end there: To optimise comfort in the rear, the rear seat backrest is split 40/60. When the backrest on the driver's seat is folded down (40 percent section), stowage capacity is increased from 85 to 180 litres (with loading to the upper edge of the front seat backrest). This stowage space can be enclosed by a load barrier that folds down out from the folded backrest. When the entire rear seating backrest is folded down, a stowage capacity of 320 litres is created. It is even 520 litres when loaded to the roofliner. To transport long objects, the front passenger's backrest can also be folded to a pass-through position. In this configuration, the E-Up! can handle objects up to two metres in length.

This high degree of variability will also certainly characterise the affordable production version of an Up! powered by an electric motor. That is because electric cars, as Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn insists and therefore wrote into the specification for this future Volkswagen, must be truly affordable and offer uncompromising everyday practicality.

Micro-mobility in the city – made by Volkswagen

Volkswagen is comprehensively addressing implementation of this everyday practicality. These efforts not only encompass the vehicle itself, but the entire environment around the car driver. In the city, for example, this includes the realisation that after parking the E-Up! people will want to cover shorter distances without a car – from the job to lunch, to the fitness studio, another meeting, whatever is on the day's schedule. For these shorter trips, the Volkswagen "Micro-mobility in the city" concept team has invented clever zero-emission micro-vehicles. The Kickstep, for example, which is an ultra-compact folding scooter. And the electrically powered Microbully, a scooter that also fits easily in the E-Up! load space. There is also the ped-tric, a folding bike with electric motors built into the wheel hubs that could also make the trip to the city aboard the E-Up! And even the VW_1M, a large electric moped – the size of a carry-on case when not in use – that could be stowed in the E-Up! without even needing to fold down the rear bench seat. Such micro-mobility solutions were created at the Volkswagen Design Center in Potsdam. So the E-Up! will be putting many things into motion. In 2013 this will become a reality for the first time.

Renault Press Release:

· Renault Fluence ZE Concept is a statement of Renault's intention to produce a range of zero emission vehicles that meet the needs of all types of customer. Renault Fluence ZE Concept is a genuine family car which demonstrates that attractive styling, comfort and space can go hand in hand with respect for the environment.
· Renault Fluence ZE Concept is an all-electric car with a range of 160km. The battery can be charged using one of three methods: a standard charge (between four and eight hours), a quick charge (20 minutes) or an immediate solution (three minutes) in the form of the exclusive 'Quickdrop' rapid battery exchange system.

· Renault Fluence ZE Concept previews the forthcoming electric version of Fluence, and represents a solution to zero-emission motoring in the world of tomorrow.

A FAMILY FATHER LOOKING FOR AN ECOLOGICAL FAMILY CAR

You don't have to be young, rich, single, trendy and living in the city to drive an electric car. Renault has proved as much with Renault Fluence ZE Concept, a car aimed squarely at the single-car family father who would use the car every day to go to the office, but who would also want to take his wife and children to the country at the weekend. Therefore, the car needs to serve to an extent as a status symbol, but it must also provide enough interior space to function as a comfortable
family car. The owner is environmentally aware, but wants to maintain his or her lifestyle and habits, too, without feeling guilty for it.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept meets this need. This status-enhancing, ecological family car claims a range of 160km, while its battery can be charged on one of three ways, including the ultra-fast battery exchange option which takes less than three minutes. Renault Fluence ZE Concept also allows the driver to make urban, country and motorway journeys with total peace of mind.

ELECTRIC MOBILITY WITH A PASSION

The styling cues of Renault Fluence ZE Concept combine the design language of motoring pleasure with the visual signature of Renault's range of electric vehicles.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept possesses dynamic lines, highlighted by a fluid character line which sweeps from the headlights to the rear shoulders. It is 4,820mm long, has a wide track of 1,672 mm, is wellproportioned and exudes status-enhancing, elegant looks. Its identity as an electric vehicle is expressed through the graphic treatment of the cooling ducts, the fins of which are reminiscent of heat transfer surfaces, and this theme is echoed in different ways in the design of the headlights and motor cover. The photovoltaic cells located on the panoramic roof, dashboard and rear parcel shelf form a geometric grid pattern which has been carried over to the grille and seat upholstery.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept also clearly belongs to Renault's 'family' of electric vehicles thanks to:

- its Atmosphere Blue body colour,
- the specific luminous blue signature which features in the curved lower part of the body sides,
- the use of LEDs at the front and rear,
- the design of its headlights,
- the recess behind the logo on the bonnet.

The headlights convey the same impression of softness suggested by the vehicle's overall lines and colour. They are a high-tech feature, too: beneath the 'eyelids' formed by the indicators, the beams of the main headlights are precise and piercing, with the light focused into a single beam by means of a system of prisms.

The vehicle's status-enhancing credentials are further emphasised by the employment of chrome trimming for the belt-line and grille, as well as by its impressive 21-inch wheels. Blue polycarbonate hubcaps seem to slot into the aluminium wheels to create a spiral form which channels the airflow and improves aerodynamic performance.

LUXURY, HARMONY AND… ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Renault Fluence ZE Concept's warmly welcoming and refined interior is based on a combination of flowing forms, the use of soft, supple materials and a mottled ambience. Passengers are comfortably seated in four enveloping seats robed in light leather upholstery. The feet rest on a light blue translucent gel mat, while the brake and accelerator pedals, too, are covered in gel for a greater sense of comfort. When the doors open, the courtesy lighting recalls the luminous blue signature of Renault's electric vehicle range.

The technology used for the dashboard is sophisticated and intuitive. A TFT (Thin Film Transistor) touchscreen displays multimedia information and essential journey-related information such as the navigation function and the location of the nearest 'Quickdrop' station. The display also provides data specific to electric vehicles, such as range optimization information, for example.

The centre console incorporates two floating armrests and forms a fluid, rearward-flowing arc. At the front, the integrated central front armrest includes the stop/start button, the air-conditioning and volume controls, as well as the new touchscreen Samsung Jet phone. This phone comes with a hands-free function, and also enables occupants to listen to music or enjoy a film on the screens which have been built into the front seatbacks. The central rear armrest incorporates the climate control and volume controls, plus another Samsung Jet telephone and two remote controls for the two screens.

Significant care has also gone into the design of the door panels: the door handles echo the rounded form of the centre console and the electric window controls are flush with the surface, while the viewing screen for the rear-view cameras is integrated discreetly yet effectively.

Renault Fluence ZE Concept is not respectful of the environment simply because it runs on electricity. Indeed, the entire car has been thought through to optimize energy use:

- the photovoltaic cells meet part of the car's energy requirements with a view to complementing the power supplied by the battery,
- the headlights use high-performance electroluminescent diodes which deliver an excellent trade-off between efficiency and energy consumption,
- the triple-zone climate control system allows occupants to achieve just the right settings for the two seats at the front and at the rear. The air vents also feature a dynamic lighting code, with blue representing the passage of cold air and red representing warm air,
- the car's aerodynamics have been meticulously honed to minimize drag, including streamlined rear-view mirrors with integrated rearward facing cameras, a completely enclosed underside incorporating a diffuser at the rear, and spiral-form wheel rims,
- Renault Fluence ZE Concept runs on low rolling resistance Michelin tyres.

Fluence ZE Concept is powered exclusively by an electric motor located near the front axle, in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery positioned between the rear seats and the boot. Renault's designers and engineers worked closely together to develop a safe, practical vehicle capable of accommodating a large enough battery to ensure good range (160km), while also providing sufficient carrying capacity to cater for the requirements of an active family (327dm3).

THREE BATTERY-CHARGING TECHNIQUES

The driver has three options when it comes to 'filling up' on energy:

· A standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle.
· A quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at specific charging points.
· The exclusive 'Quickdrop' system: three minutes at a rapid battery exchange station.

NEW C-MAX RANGE DEBUT KICKSTARTS LAUNCH OF FORD'S NEXT GENERATION OF GLOBAL C-CARS

Dearborn, Mich., Sept. 15, 2009 – Ford Motor Company's reveal of the all-new C-MAX range at the Frankfurt Motor Show today marks the launch of a new generation of global C-cars, including the next-generation Ford Focus set to debut at the North American International Auto Show in January.

Ford's new C-vehicle family is the result of an unprecedented global development program that will deliver for customers an array of available advanced technologies aimed at enhancing their convenience, comfort, safety and overall driving experience.

"Under our One Ford philosophy, we have been able to harness the talents of our Global Product Development team in designing and developing vehicles for all markets," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development.

"With the efficiency and time-to-market speed of our Global Product Development system, Ford's global team is bringing to our customers a worldwide family of vehicles that are truly exciting in design and packed with an unexpected level of features and technologies," he added.

Currently, Ford Motor Company uses three distinct vehicle platforms for its global C-car lineup. In 2008, combined sales of the three platforms were approximately 1 million vehicles in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

Moving forward, models built from Ford's new global C-car platform will be sold in all regions, and total sales are expected to exceed 2 million units annually by 2012, with a variety of body styles fulfilling the demands of C-car customers worldwide. The new platform is expected to ultimately underpin up to 10 unique models.

"Ford's new C-sized family will be the strongest demonstration yet of how we're harnessing the company's global resources to deliver real customer benefits," Kuzak said.

New C-MAX is first
The first members of the family to break cover are the 5-seat and 7-seat versions of the new
C-MAX. With a bold and dynamic redesign aligned with Ford's acclaimed "kinetic design" language, C-MAX will bring new levels of style and desirability to the compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV) market.

Both versions of C-MAX – which will be built for Europe at Ford's plant in Valencia, Spain – will be available in major European markets by late 2010. The 7-seat model is scheduled to launch in North America in late 2011 and is the promised "whitespace" entry.

The 5-seat C-MAX departs from usual MAV thinking in Europe by adopting a sportier feel with a stylish passenger-car look, while the larger 7-seat C-MAX features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility.

Most of the new technologies and features introduced with the C-MAX, plus further innovations, will cascade into future members of the new C-car family, including the all-new Ford Focus that debuts in Europe and North America in late 2010 and soon after in the Asia Pacific region.

"The Focus is very special to Ford. When it was revealed in 1998, it represented a huge step forward for us in terms of style and desirability over its predecessor," said Kuzak. "It truly changed the perception of Ford for many people, and we're hoping to win even more new customers when the new Focus is introduced next year."

Ford EcoBoost advanced powertrains
In many markets, the new C-car family will be offered with versions of Ford's new EcoBoost engines. EcoBoost combines direct petrol injection, turbocharging and dual variable valve timing to maximize efficiency, resulting in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by up to 20 percent compared with conventional gasoline engines with a similar power output.

The initial Ford EcoBoost four-cylinder lineup will comprise 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines. The engines will be available globally, with versions launching in Europe and North America in 2010, and the first rear-wheel-drive application in the Ford Falcon in Australia in 2011. By 2013, nearly 80 percent of Ford global nameplates will have an available EcoBoost option.

"The fundamental shift in our business model already has been demonstrated by the global reach of the Ford Fiesta and Transit Connect. The next generation of C-cars and the EcoBoost engine range are further evidence of our determination to make One Ford a reality," said Kuzak. "We recognize that the quality, innovation and desirability of our products are what matter most, and we intend to use our worldwide strength to deliver real benefits to our customers."

* Twizy Z.E. Concept is an innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility. With its fourwheel chassis, Twizy Z.E. Concept offers the driver and passenger – seated one behind the other – an all-electric means of transport which produces no CO2 emissions.
* Twizy Z.E. Concept is compact, nimble and practical – everything you need in city traffic.
* The wraparound bodywork creates a safe, reassuring cocoon which offers first class protection for both the driver and the passenger.
* Power comes from a 15kW electric motor which develops 70Nm of torque, making it versatile and easy to drive. The acceleration performance of Twizy Z.E. Concept in urban and suburban traffic is comparable to that of a 125cc motorbike.

A VEHICLE FOR BUSY CITY-DWELLERS…

Twizy Z.E. Concept is an all-electric vehicle aimed primarily at busy city dwellers who need to pick their way through the urban jungle. Every day, they juggle work commitments with a busy social life, so efficiency, speed and simplicity are key.

The ultra-compact dimensions of Twizy Z.E. Concept (2.30m in length, and just 1.13m wide) ensure that it is nimble enough for urban use. The four-wheel arrangement, open bodywork and a seat format which puts the driver and passenger behind one another express Twizy Z.E. Concept's distinctive character.

...LOOKING FOR A PRACTICAL AND SAFE MEANS OF TRANSPORT

For its occupants, Twizy Z.E. Concept represents a highly practical solution to the problem of urban mobility. With a turning circle of just three metres and a footprint barely larger than that of a scooter, Twizy Z.E. Concept is easy to park in town. At the wheel, easy, agile handling ensures that it rarely gets stuck in traffic, while the four wheels and low centre of gravity provide excellent stability.

Inside, the priority has been to make Twizy Z.E. Concept easy to drive. Data is easy for the driver to take in, with displays located at eye level at the base of the windscreen, and grouped in honeycomb shape clusters which are easy to differentiate. For the passenger, getting into the rear seat is simple: the seatback is attached to the roof of the vehicle, allowing the lower part of the seat to pivot. The rear seat can even be adjusted to suit the passenger's height: the seat cushion can be turned over to become a booster cushion and afford a child better visibility. When the cushion is used as a booster in this way, it frees up a load volume of 10 litres, as a complement to the initial 50 litres, and in complement to the 3 litres provided by the cubbies on either side of the steering wheel.

Twizy Z.E. Concept provides optimum levels of safety. The bodywork doesn't just protect the occupants from poor weather; it is also far more visible in traffic to other road users and effectively constitutes a safety cell. A deformable structure protects occupants in the event of a frontal impact while lateral reinforcement bars provide protection in the case of an impact from the side. The retention systems include a four-point harness for the front seat and a three-point seatbelt at the rear, plus a driver airbag and two lateral airbags.

A NEW ERA OF ALL-ELECTRIC MOBILITY

With its futuristic, pearlescent white bodywork, Twizy Z.E. Concept clearly belongs to a new era of urban mobility. As opposed to a conventional car, the body colour wheel fairings are not spherical but octagonal, and cover the tyres entirely. Along with the pearlescent white and blue hub caps, they form a pleasing, harmonious design in which the wheels can no longer be seen rotating. Instead, the only visible movement is that of the hub caps, so Twizy Z.E. Concept appears to glide gracefully and silently, along the road.

In keeping with this fresh approach to mobility, Twizy Z.E. Concept offers its occupants a new, simple and reassuring environment. The front and rear ends of Twizy Z.E. Concept are equipped with a luminous matrix display, the honeycomb-shaped diodes of which allow the driver to interrelate with his or her immediate surroundings. In addition to serving as headlights and rear lights, these diodes can also produce 'smileys' which change expression as a function of the message the driver wishes to communicate.

Inside, the cabin is brightly lit thanks to the bodywork's extensive glazed surface. The blue and white colour scheme creates a soothing atmosphere which isolates the passengers from the stress of urban activity. Optimizing the vehicle's range is simple and worry-free, with a poetic touch: remaining range is depicted by a lotus flower on the dashboard, with petals that close progressively as the range decreases.

Twizy Z.E. Concept is powered by a 15kW (20hp) electric motor. This develops 70Nm of torque, and combines comfort with responsive performance at all engine speeds. Twizy Z.E. Concept can accelerate at a similar rate to a 125cc bike, and pulls away briskly from standstill. With a top speed of 75kph, Twizy Z.E. Concept will also be in its element in suburban traffic. The energy available onboard Twizy Z.E. Concept serves just one purpose – mobility. The open chassis calls for neither heating nor climate control, both of which consume a significant amount of energy. This, coupled with the vehicle's low weight (it tips the scales at just 420kg, complete with batteries), contributes directly to Twizy Z.E. Concept's range which can reach 100km.

The lithium-ion batteries for Twizy Z.E. Concept are located beneath the two seats. They are charged by means of an extendible cable located behind the Renault logo at the front. This cable can be plugged into a 220V 10A or 16A domestic socket, and will fully charge the batteries in just three and a half hours.

Twizy Z.E. Concept is the forerunner of one of the all-electric mobility solutions that Renault will introduce from 2011.

TECHNICAL DATA

Type Electric

Transmission type

Direct drive with reducer and

forward/reverse inverter

Maximum power EEC (kW / hp) 15 / 20

Maximum torque EEC (Nm) 70

BATTERY

Type Lithium-ion

Range 100km

DIMENSIONS

Rims (inches) 13

Length (mm) 2,303

Width (mm) 1,132

Height (mm) 1,476

Wheelbase (mm) 1,695

Front / rear track (mm) 944 / 944

Front / rear overhang (mm) 304 / 304

Unladen weight (kg) 420

Tyres 135/80 R13

PERFORMANCE

Aerodynamic performance (CdA) 0.63

Top speed (kph) 75

AN ECONOMICAL AND ECOLOGICAL SOLUTION

Zoe Z.E. Concept targets motorists who own more than one car and who are looking for a compact,versatile vehicle capable of meeting their varied day-to-day needs, such as the school or work run, or shopping trips. Zoe Z.E. Concept is an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle which reconciles motoring with the environmental aspirations of customers looking for a vehicle with the best possible ecological footprint.

SLEEK STYLING

Zoe Z.E. Concept invites its occupants to enjoy familiar pleasures. Using cutting-edge electric-vehicle technology, Zoe Z.E. Concept is proof that a zero-emission vehicle can also possess a dynamic, edgy, attractive design which immediately points to driving enjoyment. Aerodynamics have a significant influence on the performance of a zero-emission vehicle and, in the case of the Zoe Z.E. Concept project, the overriding concerns regarding design were elegance and efficiency. Zoe Z.E. Concept is just 4.10m long and is powered by a 70kW electric motor which develops 226Nm of torque. It is easy to imagine the vehicle making its way silently through traffic in built-up areas. The large 21-inch wheels and large body panels are reassuring touches that give the four occupants complete peace of mind when travelling out of town. At the rear, a retractable spoiler deploys at speeds in excess of 90kph to make a further contribution to Zoe Z.E. Concept's aerodynamic efficiency. This LED-equipped spoiler also serves as a brake light, as does the integrated light in the shark's fin-type aerial on the roof.

The exterior design of Zoe Z.E. Concept incorporates technologies aimed at reasserting its 'zero-emission' credentials:

* The roof has been designed as an intelligent protective membrane that insulates the occupants from heat and cold, as well as optimizing climate control performance by recovering energy via its honeycomb photovoltaic cells.
* At front and rear, a shield of polyurethane gel protects the lights which feature energy-efficient electroluminescent diodes that emit a blue-tinted light. This second skin protects vulnerable components from small knocks in town, while underlining this electric concept car's hi-tech feel.
* The air intakes situated either side of the car channel airflow to cool the batteries. The air is extracted through two large rear channels through which it is possible to glimpse the streamlined suspension arms.
* Rearward vision is handled by two small, profiled, energy-efficient cameras which transmit images to the interior rear view mirror, giving the driver perfect visibility without blind spots.
* The front features scissor doors, while rear access is through butterfly-style doors. The clever and original design of the rear doors means they also double up as openings for the boot, allowing carrying space to be accessed from the side, from the pavement, for example.

AN INTERIOR DESIGNED TO PROFIT FULLY FROM THE SILENT RIDE

The form of the front seat cushions resembles that of an asymmetric pebble, while the seatbacks are attached to the roof. At the rear, the seats can be folded flat with a view to obtaining additional carrying capacity. The dashboard contributes to the interior's uncluttered feel. It is covered with an intelligent, minerallike membrane and the lightest of touches calls up a range of touchscreen controls. The wide TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen is housed in a glass bubble. This is the central information point for Zoe Z.E. Concept and serves to display navigation data, the charge indicator and remaining range, as well as a pallet of coloured mood lighting options which enable the interior ambiance to be customized.

This mood lighting can also be selected automatically via a sensor in the seat which will tone the lighting to match the colours of the driver's clothes. Information is presented by an avatar that appears on the TFT screen, creating a link between the driver and the technology thanks to short messages. The avatar can be personalized (male, female, downloadable from the internet), and provides information about traffic conditions, the route and remaining range. It can also indicate the nearest charging points. This way of humanizing the technology makes it more accessible and creates a relationship with the driver to ensure that journeys are as pleasant as possible.

The hands-free keycard can be personalized, too, by fixing a chip to an object of the customer's choosing to enable automatic door locking and ignition. Finally, the climate control system does much more than simply adjusts the temperature. It also enhances the travelling experience thanks to an innovative triple-function system:

* · Hydrating function. In contrast to conventional climate control systems, which can tend to dry out the air, small dashboard-mounted vaporizers spray an exclusive active substance to rehydrate the skin and exude a sensation of wellbeing.
* 'Detox' function. A toxicity sensor monitors air quality and shuts off the airvents if required. Then, in addition to extracting harmful substances, the cabin filters deliver others which benefit the skin.
* Active scent function. An electric system exhales essential oils suited to the mood of the moment: something mellow for a relaxing drive home, perhaps, or the need to stimulate concentration when driving at night.

This triple-function system has been developed in association with Biotherm®, the skin biology brand of L'Oréal's Luxury Products Division. After a journey in Zoe Z.E. Concept, occupants will feel more relaxed, just like after a spa treatment.

THREE BATTERY-CHARGING TECHNIQUES

The driver has three options when it comes to 'filling up' on energy:

* A standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle.
* A quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at specific charging points.
* The exclusive 'Quickdrop' system: three minutes at a rapid battery exchange station.

TECHNICAL DATA

Type Electric

Transmission type

Direct drive with forward/reverse inverters

Maximum power EEC (kW/hp) 70/95

Maximum torque EEC (Nm) 225

BATTERY

Type Lithium-ion

Range 160km

STEERING AND BRAKES

Power steering

Electric variable rate power steering

Parking brake Electric

DIMENSIONS

Rims (inches) 21

Length (mm) 4,100

Width (mm) 1,840

Height (mm) 1,516

Wheelbase (mm) 2,605

Front/rear track (mm) 1,626/1,626

Front/rear overhang (mm) 747/719

Unladen weight (kg) 1,400

Tyres 185/55 R21

Boot volume (dm3 VDA)… Between 150 and 500…

…with 4/3/2 occupants …150/325/500

PERFORMANCE

Aerodynamic performance (CdA) 0.25

Top speed (kph) 140

THE PEUGEOT RCZ - A DYNAMIC NEW CHAPTER
• On sale in Spring 2010
• Four power-train options including 200bhp petrol turbo
• Great driving and road holding qualities
• A range of options available to personalize the RCZ
• Stunning looks combine with practicality
The launch of the Peugeot RCZ will mark the start of a dynamic new chapter in the history of Peugeot. This stunning coupé has been designed to be a special vehicle within the Peugeot range, aimed directly at customers who see their cars as a source of driving enjoyment as well as daily transport.
The name, RCZ, symbolises this special positioning as it will be the first Peugeot passenger car not to use the traditional numbering system with a central ‘zero' or ‘double zero'.
Designed to enhance the sheer enjoyment of driving, the RCZ is both dynamic (the top of the range model features an all new 1.6 litre THP 200 bhp engine) and responsible, offering an innovative blend of performance and environmental-friendliness. With its reduced weight, fine-tuned aerodynamics and modern engine technology, the entry level model has CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km.
Due to the special nature of the vehicle, it will be built by Magna Steyr in Austria in a production centre that specialises in exclusive vehicles built in small volumes.
Styling
The RCZ is a compact 2+ 2 Coupé with a number of key styling features. The "double bubble" of the roof, which was a major talking point of the original concept car, is retained in the production car.
The aluminium "roof arches", another feature of the concept car, are also retained and help highlight the front windscreen, black roof panel and dark-tinted rear windscreen. At the front the RCZ retains the marque's characteristic feline look.
The vehicle stands 1.36 m high and, with the optimised airflow due to the double bubble roof, has superb aerodynamics. At the rear, an active rear boot spoiler also contributes to the car's aerodynamic efficiency; it can be deployed in two positions according to the speed of the vehicle to ensure an ideal balance between road holding and fuel consumption.
Interior
The passenger compartment of the RCZ instantly immerses the driver in a subtly elitist ambience echoing the world of motor sport.
"Getting into" the vehicle, the driver discovers an ergonomic driving position, ideal for enjoying the RCZ's high levels of road-holding. The wrap-around seats with their integral head restraints fit like a glove around the front occupants, and all the controls are easily within the reach of the driver.
The use of high quality materials throughout the interior combines with the elegant design to enhance the overall premium feeling of the interior.
The instrument panel dials are contained in metal cases, with photo-etched, back-lit markings, a feature which is also continued in the stylish centrally mounted clock.
The fascia panel is covered entirely with an innovative soft feel material, hi-tech in appearance and very elegant in style. Customers will also be able to choose from several different colours. Nappa integral leather trim, a luxurious thick leather with a particularly fine, smooth grain is also available.
The overall ambience of the interior can also be enhanced by a range of hi-tech in-car-entertainment systems - Peugeot Connect 3D multimedia system, JBLTM Hi-fi system, Peugeot Connect USB box ....
The interior is also very versatile, allowing users to adapt to many situations. For example, for a long weekend, the boot offers a capacity of 384 litres (321 dm3 according to the VDA standard) added to which are storage spaces under the boot floor. There is also the potential to increase this capacity further by folding the rear seat backs down.
Finally, it offers two occasional seats, fully sculpted and perfectly usable, especially since the design of the roof with its double bubble offers extra headroom to these occasional rear passengers.
In the RCZ, good looks combine with practicality...
Power-train options
At launch in 2010, three engines will find their place under the large aluminium bonnet of the RCZ. All high-performance engines in every sense of the word with high torque and power outputs, low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and all meeting the Euro 5 emission standard. The reduction of the environmental impact of the vehicle was one of the project's key priorities.
1.6 litre THP 200 bhp six speed manual gearbox - This all new engine allows the car's chassis to fulfil its true potential. With its maximum torque of 188 lb ft at 1700rpm (or 203 lb ft with overboost) and a maximum power of 200bhp at 5800rpm, it enables the RCZ to accelerate from 50 to 75mph in 6.5 seconds in fifth gear and 0 to 62mph in 7.6 seconds. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 39.8mpg with CO2 emission of less than 165g/km.
The 4-cylinder engine has a capacity of 1598 cm3 combined with a range of innovative technologies like the twin-scroll turbocharger for performance and instant response at very low engine speeds, direct petrol injection, and variable valve lift coupled with variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts (VTi technology), for reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The "sound of the engine" during acceleration has also been optimised through the use of Sound System technology. A different sound is created according to the engine speed, just like a musical instrument.
1.6 litre THP 156 bhp six speed manual gearbox or six speed automatic gearbox - This turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine achieves a remarkable balance between performance (177 lb ft at 1400 rpm and 156 bhp at 5800 rpm) and fuel consumption (40.9 mpg and 159 g/km of CO2 with a manual gearbox). It will also be available from the summer of 2010, with an all new 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox.
2.0 litre HDi FAP 163 bhp six speed manual gearbox - With a capacity of 1997 cm3, this engine develops a maximum power of 163 bhp at 3750 rpm and a generous maximum torque of 251 lb ft at 2000 rpm. To obtain this level of performance it has a new generation ECCS (Extreme Conventional Combustion System) combustion chamber design, a variable-geometry low-inertia turbocharger, a high-pressure diesel injection pump with a maximum pressure of 2000 bars and electronic solenoid injectors with eight apertures.
This engine optimises the RCZ's potential in terms of road holding while limiting its fuel consumption to only 52.3 mpg in the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km.
Suspension, Steering, Brakes.....
The RCZ uses the considerable knowledge and expertise of Peugeot with regards to driveability and road holding, to ensure it takes the notion of driving enjoyment to a new level within the Peugeot range.
The RCZ benefits from the already highly efficient suspension set-up found on other platform two vehicles (McPherson typ front suspension and rear torsion beam), but it has been specially revised for the RCZ.
Compared to the standard ‘Platform Two' vehicle, the ride height has been lowered by 20mm, the centre of gravity is also lower by 40mm, the front track has been widened by 54mm and the rear track is wider by 72mm.
The shock absorber calibration has also been revised to ensure the best possible levels of road holding and the RCZ will be available with both 18" and 19" wheels and tyres.
On versions of the RCZ fitted with the petrol turbocharged 200 bhp THP engine, the front suspension benefits from a special lower anti-roll bar to make the car even more responsive and agile.
The hydraulic power steering is designed to offer accuracy of the highest order and excellent responsiveness.
Braking, meanwhile, is powerful and durable and is assured by generously dimensioned ventilated discs with a diameter of 302 mm and a thickness of 26 mm (340x30 mm with the 200 bhp THP engine). All models are equipped with rear brake discs with a diameter of 290x12 mm.
To assist manoeuvring on steep gradients, all versions of the RCZ come with Hill Assist. This function is coupled as standard with ESP which, except on versions with an automatic gearbox, includes an intelligent traction control system (a sophisticated ASR which automatically adapts the traction of both front wheels according to the available grip levels), and of course dynamic stability control (DSC), electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). The DSC, ASR and EBA functions can be disconnected simultaneously (ESP off) so that experienced and demanding drivers can fully exploit the car's capabilities.
Personalisation
So that every customer can make their car unique, the RCZ lays great store on personalisation, to keep within the vehicle's exclusive positioning.
The range options include: a real carbon roof, roof arches in different colours (black chrome, "satin finish"), a range of 18" and 19'' alloy wheels in several finishes (matt black, polished black, dark grey, diamanté), black lacquered body parts at the front, carbon door mirror covers, bodywork detailing, etc.
Customers will be able to order these items at the time of purchase and they will be available individually or grouped together.
Maximum safety
In addition to the high levels of primary safety, a direct result of the excellent road holding. The secondary safety levels are further boosted by the optimised structural design, efficient means of occupant restraint and the fitment of an active bonnet which ‘pops-up' due to a pyrotechnic triggering system and, therefore, limits the degree of injury a pedestrian is likely to suffer in the event of a collision.
The RCZ goes on sale in Spring 2010.