The world famous automakers have used the Geneva Motor Show to show the latest electric and hybrid cars. We present the most interesting five appearances.

The new “green wave” has reached the automakers present at Geneva Auto Show. Normally, the latest technological solutions were presented both on the models that already exists, but also on the new concepts. I chose five of the most important electric and hybrid models from Geneva Motor Show 2011.

1. OPEL Ampera

New Opel Ampera came at Geneva Motor Show 2011, in world premiere in series version. Last year, the Opel engineers had come to Switzerland Auto Show with an Ampera from Rüsselsheim and were very satisfied with the results. New Ampera is a hybrid in series configuration (The guys from Opel it named electric model with an extend autonomy system) that receiving an electric motor and a gasoline engine which, when the battery is empty, acts as a generator. The Ampera battery is charged from a normal outlet in four hours and the 25-50 miles electric autonomy power is extended to over 250 miles after the gasoline engine enter in action.

Opel Ampera

2. VOLVO V60 PLUG-IN HYBRID

New series hybrid model launched by the guys from Volvo at Geneva Auto Show 2011 has a technology that can not be found in any other automaker in the world. We are talking about the diesel-electric hybrid system and the V60 Plug-in- Hybrid battery can be loaded, if necessary, from a normal outlet. The Swedish model can run exclusive in electric mode for 31 miles and the hybrid mode enabling the 2.4-liter diesel engine and 215 HP, which works in parallel with the electric motor, which have 70 HP. If is used in the most eco mode as possible, the V60 special version consumption falls below 78 mi/gal.

Volvo V60 Hybrid

3. PORSCHE Panamera S Hybrid

I could skip the second model from Porsche history with a hybrid powertrain. It is Porsche Panamera S Hybrid, a version that receives the same drive train that I saw at Cayenne and also on Touareg Hybrid (380 HP and 428 lb-ft), this allowing to the German model to reach a good consumption for a model in this range. We’re talking about 34.5 mi/gal, a consumption that reaches half by the announced gasoline version of Porsche Panamera S version.

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

4. BMW ActiveE

BMW shown at Geneva Motor Show 2011 the series prototype version of the compact 1 Series electric version. The first road models will be launched later this year. Based on the 1 Series Coupe version , the electric version can not be bought, but can be rented, BMW will produce a series of 1000 copies. The 170 HP and 184 lb-ft provide by the electric motor propels the new ActiveE from 0-60 mph in 9 seconds, guaranteeing a top speed of 90 mph, electronically limited to not discharge the battery resources. The announced autonomy by the guys from BMW is up to 100 miles.

BMW ActiveE

5. ROLLS ROYCE 102 EX Concept

What would you say if Rolls Royce would be released an electric Phantom? If ten years ago this idea would have aroused laughter, now the idea could be real. The reason: 102 EX Concept presented at Geneva Motor Show 2011, predict such a model that could be launched in future in the British brand range. It is not known if this concept will be produced in series, the only thing known is that after the Geneva Auto Show, Rolls Royce 102 EX Concept will make the world tour. If they will show interest, the electric Phantom will be produced in limited series.

Rolls Royce 102 EX Concept

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Opel has released the first official picture with the series version of Ampera. The electric / hybrid model with extended autonomy will be presented in world premiere at Geneva Motor Show 2011.

The series version of the Opel Ampera model, the European brother of Chevrolet Volt model, will be presented in world premiere by the German automaker in its own stand at Geneva Motor Show. The model with electric propulsion that can be a hybrid in series configuration when the battery is low will be presented for the first time in the final configuration, the previous two editions from Geneva Motor Show was dedicated to the pre-production versions of the German model.

Because the model is classified as an electric / hybrid vehicle, Ampera don’t pay pollution tax, despite the fact that it is equipped with a gasoline engine that supports the propulsion system. The model battery can be loaded in just four hours and the 100% running in electric mode may take place over a distance of between 25 and 50 miles, which is more than the average distance traveled by the commuters from Europe.

The Opel Ampera battery can be charged from a standard 230V AC outlet in just four hours, say the officials from Opel. Therefore, the vehicle could be charged even if you are at work. In the next years, is probably that the commercial places will provide charging facilities for the electric vehicles.

According to the official press release that accompanying the first official picture of the German model, Ampera can reach a top speed of 100 mph, while the acceleration from 0-60 mph is achieved in 9 seconds.

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The eighth generation of VW Golf will have a version that will consume only 100 mi/gal. The model will be available on the market in 2020.

Volkswagen has announced that they will build a super economic version of Golf in 2020. This model belongs to the eighth generation of Golf and will be called blue-e-motion. The most economical Golf in the history will have an average consumption of 100 mi/gal and CO2 emissions of only 120 grams per mile. The future Golf MK VIII will benefit from many technological elements taken from the new XL1 concept and will receive an evolved hybrid drive train from the concept which has debuted this year at the Auto Show in Qatar.

The super economic Golf version will not be so cheap, the model will have a lot of plastic components reinforced with fiber carbon. Following this measure, the antiphonary of this model will decrease, but the Germans preparing an unpleasant sound damping system through the audio system. Also, the aerodynamics will be improved significantly.

Both Volkswagen, and also its rivals will be forced to launch more economical models. By 2020, the range of each automaker should have an average of just 152 grams CO2 per mile. In addition to the ecological version of Up!, Volkswagen will benefit from a few electric versions of its models, along with the super economic version of Golf. Together, all these models will help the Germans to reduce the CO2 emissions. At this time, Fiat is the volume brand with the lowest CO2 emissions from Europe.

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A new version of the Toyota FT-86 concept will be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show 2011. The Japanese have released a teaser photo of the new model.

Toyota is set to unveil a new version of the FT-86 concept at Geneva Motor Show. No official details of the Toyota FT-86 have been revealed yet, but what we know for sure that it’s still a concept. The Japanese said they will launch this model in 2011, but it’s production version is rumored to debut at Tokyo Motor Show 2011, in November. The car that will be displayed at Geneva is a version close to the production version of the Toyota rear-wheel drive coupe.

In terms of design, the model will be a lot more realistic, with shapes extremely close to the production version. The first teaser of the new Toyota FT-86 Concept has a lot more clear and realistic shapes, and the looks of the model seems to have been grown up, but who stole the Toyota logo from the front grille?

The debut of Toyota FT-86 was delayed several times. The model features a four-cylinder boxer engine and rear wheel drive. As a result of the Toyobaru partnership, Subaru also developed their own version of the model, but the launch date is yet unknown. While Toyota wants to sell this model to older customers that can afford a premium product, Subaru wants their FT-86 to be a performance model and even offer a version featuring their famous four wheel drive system.

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The wagon version of Saab 9-5 will debut this year at the Geneva Motor Show. The debut of this body version takes place after a year by the launch of the 9-5 sedan version.

The Swedish from Saab announced that they will launch Saab 9-5 SportWagon at Geneva Auto Show 2011. The model promises to be a premium wagon, which will offer many practical features for families who appreciate the Swedish style and the advanced technology. Among them we can include the 60/40 split rear seat that leaves behind a nearly flat cargo space when is folded, without remove the headrests or to modify the seats.

Regarding the engines, the guys from Saab still have in blood what they call “turbo gene”, so we expect to supercharged engines that will provide a higher power than the rivals promise, with a plus of torque and fuel economy. Among the technological facilities, the model receiving bi-xenon lamp units in standard version, adaptive cruise control, keyless access and starting, air conditioning on three areas and aeronautical display on the windshield. The Swedish automaker will offer a four-wheel drive version on the new Saab 9-5 SportWagon, which may be accompanied by the most powerful gasoline engine in the range.

Saab has published the official picture with the new Saab 9-5 SportWagon and they said that the deliveries starts in September 2011.

According to Jan Ake Jonsson, Saab 9-5 SportWagon is a much expected model in the automaker range from Trollhattan. And the new model has the task of bringing the brand to D segment(Wagon) customers, where Saab had a strong presence in many auto markets. The guys from Saab see the new Saab 9-5 SportWagon as a necessary step to increase the sales and the brand development.

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Caterham unveiled today at Birmingham the SP/300.R model. The extreme creation of the British automaker manage to reach 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, despite having only 305 HP.

Autosport International Show, held in Birmingham these days, noted the beginning of an important niche model. It is about the long-awaited Catheram creation, an entirely new model, named SP/300.R, which will join the existing range, composed by the Roadsport and Superlight models and from the Super Seven model.

The new SP/300.R will take the traditional features of the range: quality, lower maintenance costs and ease of use. Moreover, the model will create a new single brand championship and will be available to all those passionates about the experiences on the track.

To give birth to the aluminum monocoque structure, Caterham has used the help of the guys from Lola, while the aerodynamics and the Hewland sequential transmission with steering wheel paddles were borrowed from Formula 3. The body, composed by seven parts, was constructed from plastic materials, and the 13 inch wheels were shod with Cooper tires.

The newest Caterham member has a length of 165 inches, a wheelbase of 102 inches and a width of 67 inches. The model surprise with a very low height of only 40 inches and the total mass, extremely reduced, only 1202 pounds.

Under the hood is a Duratec engine, Ford provenance, with a capacity of 2.0-liter, supercharged, which has a Rotrex compressor and a new ECU. The engine manage to develop a total of 305 HP at 7,500 rpm, but the special system “push-to-pass “, manage another 30 extra HP.

The British model provides an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. It should be noted that at 155 mph, the Catheram SP/300.R has a down force of 992 pounds.

New Caterham SP/300.R comes with a limited slip differential, with a signed AP Racing brake system, with an adjustable aerodynamic, also with an adjustable suspension and with roll cage approved by FIA. As an aesthetic special element, must to mention that the new Catheram model has LED lights on front side and also on rear side.

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Toyota reveled at Detroit Auto Show 2011 a concept named Prius C, anticipating a future model of their hybrid family: a city car, focusing on low fuel consumptions.

The Japanese automaker brought at Detroit Motor Show 2011, besides the Prius V minivan, the family model already anticipated by everyone, a surprise-concept, developed on the same hybrid drive train. It’s the Toyota Prius C Hybrid Concept, a prototype that prepares the public for a new member of the Toyota eco-friendly family.

The Prius C Hybrid Concept borrows a lot of the futuristic lines of the next generation Prius, expected to make its market debut next year. According to Toyota official press release, Prius C is wanted to be the small alternative of the line-up, meant to win the public with its low fuel consumption. More precisely, Toyota Prius C is a model focusing on the young customers of the Japanese brand, caring for both a nice-looking and fun car.

The Japanese officials say that the “C” indicative comes from the English word of “City”, clarifying that the model is made for the urban jungle. But the Toyota officials say that the fuel consumption numbers will be the smallest in the range, even without a plug-in system.

Unfortunately, Toyota haven’t revealed more informations about the driving train of the Prius C Concept.

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Toyota displayed at Detroit Auto Show 2011 the first derived of their Prius hybrid mode, a minivan with generous interior, keeping the same drive train.

Just like they promised, Toyota unveiled at Detroit Motor Show 2011 the first member of their Prius hybrid family. We are talking about a minivan, named Toyota Prius V, which is based on the same eco-friendly recipe, but offering more room inside.

The Japanes hybrid minivan is 182 inches long, 70 inches wide, 62 inches high and has a wheelbase of 109 inches. Its generous dimensions help the new Prius V to offer 50% more room when compared with the current generation of Prius and, of course, an a lot more roomy trunk.

The HSD platform hosts the same Atkinson petrol engine, with a displacement of 1.8-liter and 98 horsepower, assisted by an electric motor of 80 HP. The total power sums up 134 HP, enough for a model with these dimensions.

The small drag coefficient (0.29) makes the fuel mileage something to dream about. Toyota Prius V has a fuel mileage of 42 mpg in the urban jungle, 38 mpg on the highway and an average of 39.8 mpg.

Inside, the customers of Prius V will get a new multimedia system, named Entune, which allows the usage of mobile phone applications and even Bing for getting traffic information, gas prices, weather conditions or the latest sport news.

Coming with 16 inch rims and 205/60 tires as stock or 17 inch rims and 215/50 as optional, the new Toyota Prius V is expected to hit the showrooms this year.

Once they unveiled the new minivan, Toyota officials also confirmed that the new arrivals of the hybrid line-up will borrow the name of Prius pioneer, just like it was anticipated.

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The design of the 2012 Honda Civic was revealed by two concepts brought by the Japanese automaker at Detroit Auto Show 2011. Although the model presented in the gallery is the one designed for the US market and it’s a concept, rumor has it that the European version will keep some of the design lines of the concepts presented at the NAIAS 2011.

The Japanese of Honda have presented two Civic concepts at Detroit Motor Show 2011. Both of them are a preview to the 2012 Civic. One was called Honda Civic Si Coupe Concept and the other one is the sedan version of 2012 Honda Civic, named Civic Sedan. The design of the two models is obviously focusing on the Americans’ tastes, meaning  that the European Honda Civic 2012 might not look the same, especially that Honda haven’t mentioned  that the new 2012 Civic will be a global model.

For now, there are no infos about the engines inside the new model, but there’s some information saying that the 2012 Honda Civic will feature hybrid, petrol and diesel engines. The hybrid version of 2012 Civic will benefit from the IMA system, equipped with a Lithium-Ion battery pack, a premiere for Honda. The diesel compact cars market is not developed in US, a fact that might contradict the rumor saying that the new model is designed only for the North American market. Anyway, the Japanese might display a slightly revised version of this Civic Concept at Geneva, a version designed for Europe.

Both Honda Civic concepts have a futuristic look, going in a somewhat differed direction of what we’d except from Honda. While the the concept of the current Civic generation had an aggressive and sporty look, which was kept for the production version, the two concepts displayed by Honda at Detroit Auto Show 2011 have no special aesthetic elements, except for the windshield which is a bit more splay than on other cars and the 19 inch alloy wheels. The production version of 2012 Honda Civic will hit the American dealerships in the second half of 2011.

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Ford brings at Detroit Auto Show two green versions of the C-Max model: Energi and Hybrid. The first can be recharge at an outlet and the second is like to be a more economical hybrid than Fusion Hybrid.

After the electric Focus revealed yesterday, Ford continues to surprise at Detroit Motor Show by two other ecological models, both developed on the new series version of the C-Max model and also on the C segment platform, scheduled to host 10 different cars in 2014.

The surprises prepared by Ford are called C-Max Energi, the first vehicle can be recharged to an outlet from the Ford range and C-Max Hybrid, a derivative with hybrid drive train. Although the guys from Ford have not published enough informations about the two new models yet, Ford wanted to clarify that the both versions will receive a set of lithium-ion batteries developed in Ford laboratories from Michigan.

The new C-Max Energi promises a total autonomy of 500 miles, but ensures more miles in electric mode, after an outlet, rather than the newest hybrid from Detroit, Chevrolet Volt.

On the other hand, the new C-Max Hybrid wants to be a more economical alternative than the current Ford Fusion Hybrid, which currently guarantees an average consumption of 41 mi/gal and is officially designated the most economical sedan in United States.

The new models will reach on the market until 2012, but Europe will get them somewhere in 2013.

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