RPMGO Car Blog |
- BMW 4-Series In The Works
- Leasing Batteries Reduces Life Costs Of EVs
- Renault Clio Expression Eco Launched In UK
| Posted: 15 May 2011 05:00 AM PDT  BMW 4-Series It seems that the German automaker BMW is working on a new 5-door hatchback, filling the gap between the 3-Series and the 5-Series. According to AutoExpress.co.uk, the new 4-Series will be based on the next-gen 3-Series, which will be out next year in sedan and touring variants. These illustrations are based on the spy shots taken by AutoExpress and show us how the production model will look like. Originally, it was rumored that the car will be named the 3-Series GT but BMW has decided to create a distinct model, which frankly I think that it is a good idea. Most likely it will follow the same recipe as its bigger brother, the 5-Series GT, offering a more premium feel in comparison to the car on which it is based. The seating position will be raised for the passengers in the back seat and buyers will be able to choose from two or three seats in the back. In addition, the 4-Series will be available with a two-stage tailgate that can be hinged at the bootlid or opened just like a hatchback. The car will be powered by the engines in the upcoming 3-Series and will be available as a sedan, estate, coupe and cabriolet. The front will look quite similar to the 5-Series, with that wide kidney grille and the slim headlights. Thanks to its swooping roofline, the new 4-Series will offer a lot of headroom. Just like the 3-Series Touring, the new model is based on BMW's stretched rear-wheel platform in order to offer a generous interior cabin. For the front axle, the 4-Series will get a MacPherson suspension while at the back it will feature a multi-link layout. In addition, the car will benefit from the latest generation of the company's electric power steering system.  BMW 4-Series Most likely, the 4-Series will also be available in AWD xDrive versions, and customers will be able to choose from the newest 4- and 6-cylinder engines, both gasoline and diesel, including BMW's new 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that produces 245 hp, a power unit that we have already seen on the X1. The German manufacturer is also developing a smaller 3-cylinder engine that will do 75 mpg (UK) and emit less than 100 g/km of CO2. However, we don't know for sure whether this engine will power the 3-Series or the 4-Series. AutoExpress.co.uk says that the BMW will launch the 4-Series after the introduction of the new generation of its 3-Series model, which means that we should expect to see it on the roads sometime in 2014. Source: AutoExpress.co.uk Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Leasing Batteries Reduces Life Costs Of EVs Posted: 15 May 2011 02:44 AM PDT
You probably know that it is a very crucial time for the electric vehicles market and probably one of the most important factors that a customer has to take into consideration is the cost. The battery is the most expensive component of an EV and at the same time it is a part of the car that we can't be sure of its reliability, durability and residual value. This situation makes things considerably more difficult for electric car manufacturers as they don't know whether they should sell these cars with the batteries included or they should lease them. The study shows that for the Nissan Leaf, the purchase cost (including the battery), retains 35% of its value after 36 months and 36,000 miles, compared to a similar EV in size for which the owner has to lease the batteries, and should retain 54% of its value over the exact same period. As far as a range-extender car that drives using only electric power and in which the battery is charged by a gasoline power unit, it will hold 43% of its value. For a diesel, the Glass's study shows that after 36 months and 36,000 miles, the car will retain 44% of its value. The depreciation costs of these EVs are calculated to be 16,765 pounds for the Nissan Leaf; 16,570 pounds for the range-extender and 8,275 pounds for an electric vehicle with a leased battery; while a diesel model will lose 9,750 pounds of its value over three years. The costs per mile are: 0.49 pounds for the Nissan Leaf; 0.52 pounds for the range-extender and 0.39 pounds for the diesel. The winner here is the EV with a leased battery – 0.33 pounds per mile. Source: Glass's via NextGreenCar Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Renault Clio Expression Eco Launched In UK Posted: 14 May 2011 05:00 AM PDT  Renault Clio Expression Eco If you live in the United Kingdom and you are looking for a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly supermini, Renault has recently launched the 1.5-liter dCi Clio Expression Eco, claiming that it is the most affordable sub 100 g/km CO2 car in the UK in its class. The entry-level 3-door version costs from 12,450 pounds, making it cheaper than the Ford Fiesta Econetic (13,895 pounds) and the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion (14,860 pounds). In other words, this Clio is 1,445 pounds more affordable than the Fiesta and 2,410 pounds cheaper than the Polo. For 600 pounds more, you can get the 5-door model. This nature-friendly diesel engine emits only 94 g/km CO2 and returns 78 mpg (UK), according to the French automaker. This is 4 g/km CO2 and more than 2 mpg better than its predecessor, enabling the car to have a range of "949 miles". The Renault Clio Expression Eco gets 15-inch Aero rims, a body-colored Aero rear spoiler, low-resistance tires, electric front windows and door mirrors plus front fog lights. Source: Renault via AutoCar.co.uk Post published on Rpmgo.com |
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