Jalopnik: geneva motor show 2008

More Pininfarina Sintesi Details Emerge

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:15:00 EST

Pininfarina has decided to take an interesting and embargo proof route to informing us all about its Sintesi concept. Instead of loading is slimy bloggers with info we have to hang onto till an appointed time, they've taken to publishing a weekly flash pamphlet on their website with more details. So far we're 3 issues into the series and some interesting details are starting to emerge. Pinifarina has taken its signature clean sheet approach to concepts and is making packaging and car to car interaction part the priority list for this car. We first brought you the Pininfarina Sintesi and hoped it would avoid the crossover category, it looks like the car avoids that ill moniker, but will be a fuel cell do-gooder though one of a different flavor.

The shiny webzine shows us how the designers took liberties with the flexibility of the fuel cell concept, and stashed little cells all over the car, allowing a more even weight distribution and freer design of human space. Another interesting feature is a bit more Star Trek. The car would be equipped with something unfortunately called Clancast which acts as a car-to-car communication system. The idea is the system could allow the elimination of standard safety infrastructure stuff like stop lights. The lights would be displayed virtually in a HUD display in the can, and cars would acknowledge each other and avoid accidents automatically. Hello, Jetsons?

Hyundai HED-5 Concept

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:30:00 EST

Even though we still don't like it that Hyundai got rid of its HCD concept series, we are consoled with its replacement series - HED. It seems the Hyundai HED-5 will be bowing at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show with a full accoutrement of gadgets expected on a modern concept vehicle. Within the press release, we see plans to unveil a revised Sonata, the updated Euro only Matrix, and the 6 passenger HED-5 Concept. We're sure it will be sporting some form of eco-conscious materials on the inside, and hybrid this with a long range that and a sustainable something or other. To be honest, all of these ecologically minded concepts have grown tiresome. When someone brings something revolutionary to market, we'll stand up and take notice. Until then, consider us on permanent yawn mode.

Offenbach - Feb. 11, 2008 - At the Geneva International Motor Show, Hyundai Motor Co. will present two new production models, a stunning new concept car and a program to enhance the general environmental compatibility of its vehicles.
On the model front, the Sonata has become the standard bearer for Hyundai across the world in the D segment. As it enters its sixth generation, the car that regularly tops the US polls for customer satisfaction becomes even more European in both performance and style.

Another new model is the 2008 Matrix. Its up-to-date exterior styling is complemented by a full new colour range - while the interior is adapted to bring it into line with other current Hyundai models.

Greenhouse gases are a global issue: As a company, Hyundai has always prided itself on environmental friendliness and innovation and making a positive response was an irresistible challenge. Our new eco-concept package demonstrates how existing technologies can make a significant (up to 29%) reduction in CO2 emissions, without punitive penalties in price, performance or driving enjoyment. It is a "near production" concept, a realistic and achievable advance in reduced CO2 emission and fuel consumption.

Ecological considerations have also played a major role in our new concept car. Under the HED-5 project codename Hyundai has created a 6-seater MPV that brings versatility to a new level. The choice of revolutionary materials and construction techniques was developed in co-operation with innovation partners such as Recaro, Bayer and LG.

In addition, Hyundai is displaying its complete lineup of 2008 models including i10, i30, i30cw, Santa Fe, Tucson, Grandeur, Coupe, Getz, Matrix. The press conference will take place at the Hyundai booth Hall 1, Booth 1031.1 on March 4th, at 15.45 PM.

BRA GmbH to Unveil Cévennes Turbo-CNG Roadster at Geneva

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST

With everybody flipping out about environmentalism in these post-Inconvenient Truth days, companies far and wide are looking to reinvent the wheel, or more specifically, the engine. That's just what BRA GmbH and its partners, PGO Automobiles and Gasmobil will be looking to do at the upcoming Geneva Auto Salon when they introduce their Cévennes Turbo-CNG roadster. Why a German company with an underwear acronym moniker is naming their car after a French mountain range is anybodies guess, but we like the Porsche 356 ripoff body, and the 6.5s dash to 62 mph. Powered with a CNG sucking 4-cylinder, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is attached to a 6-speed manual and the 150 hp lightweight makes max power at 5,600 rpm, with max torque of 155 lb-ft at 2,300 rpm. Those are pretty driveable numbers for a supposedly green car.

Even though tractors and forklifts have been using CNG and propane for clean and OSHA approved power for a long time, the alt-fuel hasn't seen widespread consumer success in the US due to the inconvenience of refueling. Apparently the natural gas stations are far more common in Europe with Italy leading the way with 430,000 filling stations. BRA is now taking orders for the Cévennes Turbo with a starting price of €48,000. [via Green Car Congress