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

No related posts.

Rolls-Royce demonstrates once again that is a highly valued brand in the Arab world wide. British luxury brand unveiled two limited edition based on the Phantom model for the UAE market.

Baynunah Rolls-Royce Phantom is a limited edition dedicated to an archaeological site for about  eight million years old.  Baynunah  is available in two special body colors: Milano  Beige and Marrakesh  Brown.  Externally, the limited edition Rolls-Royce is also distinguished by seven-spoke 21 inches wheels .  Inside,  the Rolls-Royce comes with wool carpets, leather with double stitching, RR logo on the headrests, a high quality walnut wood  who play a mosaic inspired by camel harness.

The second limited edition which is based on Phantom is   called Shaheen, and its inspired by  a highly respected animal in the Middle East: falcon. Rolls-Royce Phantom Shaheen exterior can be distinguished by the   body color called Orchid Pearl, red tudorian accents  and 21-inches  polished wheels. The interior is distinguished by red Mugello upholstery,  Seashell leather, and  red carbon fiber inserts. Furthermore, on the headrests you will find  printed  a falcon head .

No related posts.

Geely will present the GE face lift, the Chinese copy of Rolls Royce Phantom. This time, the Chinese were removed from British brand design and created a model with a design at least debatable.

The Chinese from Geely showed the modified version of the copy of the Rolls Royce Phantom, the model unveiled last year. Not yet know the reasons why Geely has made this change, but the Ge designs have suffered. From a copy of “front” of Rolls Royce Phantom, he returned to the multitude of Chinese cars with a questionable design and with an odious aspect.

In front the model is slightly “inflated”, while the behind it was redesigned. Regarding the interior, Geely has made many changes are most visible in the back seat can accommodate two people. Also, the length of the Chinese model has changed, now reaching measure 208.2 inches. In the first phase, the Geely copy of Rolls Royce Phantom was equipped with one seat in the back, translated into an armchair centrally located, completely isolated from the two front seats.

The firs GE version was identical to the line of Phantom, optical rectangular blocks, and was not missing the winged statue on the hood of the Chinese model. Because of this, the British from Rolls Royce started a process against to Chinese from Geely, a process which they won. The revised sedan of Geely will be unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show this year. This time, the Chinese should also not encounter legal problems with this model, whose design is more than questionable.

No related posts.

The British automaker intends to make the Phantom one of the longest running models in the range. Launched in 2003, the limousine is scheduled for a new generation only in 2016.

Although they launched the new Ghost last year, based on the BMW 7 Series limousine, Rolls Royce announced that, at this moment, does not intend to throw on the market a replacement for the Phantom admiral ship.

The BMW group subsidiary say that a successor is scheduled only in 2016, which means that the current model luxury could set a record for longevity, being launched on the market back in 2003.

In the present context, in which the life cycle of a car usually lasts for six years, and with the automakers constantly seeking to renew their offer, the idea of a limousine able to remain unchanged for 13 years is a true act of courage.

Even though it doesn’t launch a new generation of Phantom, Rolls Royce will try to attract new customers with the Ghost cadet, which will be available in coming years in a variety of bodyworks. The only novelty in the Phantom range might be a hybrid or electric version, based on the brother of concern BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Last year, Rolls Royce has not escaped the economic crisis. Its products haven’t been so popular, the number of sales totaling only 850 copies, far below the 1212 units delivered in 2008.

No related posts.