RUF Developing Electric Test Vehicles Based on the Porsche 911 Carrera

Porsche tuner RUF Automobile is developing ten electric vehicles with three different powertrains based on the 911 Carrera (997), which will be put to the test in “real life situations”. The prototypes are being manufactured in cooperation with German electronics giant Siemens AG and are going to be presented in the first half of 2011. The three eRUF variants feature a single motor concept, twin motor concept with 2-speed gearbox and twin motor concept with torque vectoring.

The first powertrain comprises a 180 kW (241HP) electric motor, 29 kWh lithium-ion battery and standard Porsche gearbox used for speed reduction. The setup offers an estimated driving range of 150 km (93 miles) and decent performance: 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

The prototypes using the twin motor concept are even faster, reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 5 seconds, while also maxing out at 220 km/h or 137 mph. Two synchronous electric motors deliver 250 kW (335HP) and are coupled to a 2-speed automatic transmission. The more potent battery pack (36,6 kWh) extends the driving range to 200 km (124 mph).

Last but not least, the third variant uses the same twin motor setup, while adding torque vectoring into the mix as well. Engineers mounted two separate gearboxes into the car, each powering a rear wheel. Acceleration and driving range are the same, however estimated top speed decreases to about 180 km/h (112 mph).

The field test are expected to provide important data on the different battery and powertrain setups, which will be handed over to the German Federal Ministry of the Environment, also involved in the project.

eRUF variants [Press Release]

1. Single Motor Concept
- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Electric motor (180 kW) and inverter from Siemens AG
- Porsche production gearbox used for speed reduction
- Lithium-ion batteries with an energy capacity of 29 kWh
- Integrated charger, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for analysis and documentation of the charging/ discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 150 km, maximum speed about 220 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds
2. Twin Motor Concept with 2-speed Gearbox
- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors (250 kW) with double inverters
- Automatic 2 speed gearbox, limited slip differential
- Liquid cooled and heated lithium ion battery with an energy capacity of 36,6 kWh
- Integrated charger, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for ananlysis and documentation of the charging/ discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 200 km, maximum speed about 220 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds
3. Twin Motor concept with Torque Vectoring
- Base vehicle, Porsche 997 Carrera
- Two transversely mounted Siemens synchronous electric motors (250 kW) with double inverters
- Two seperate angular bevel gearboxes for independent rear wheel drive
- Liquid cooled and heated lithium ion battery with an energy capacity of 36,6 kWh
- Charging via inverter, DCDC-converter, plug, socket and charging cable
- interior heating
- Data recording unit for analysis and documentation of the charging/discharging, journey and component data
- Driving range approximately 200 km, maximum speed about 180 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about 5 seconds

Tesla Losses Soar to $154.3 million in 2010, Despite Gains in Revenue

Tesla Motors has just released a preliminary, unaudited financial report concerning the year than ended on Dec. 31, 2010. The company reported losses of US$51.4 million in Q4 2010 and US$154.3 million for 2010, which was almost triple the US$55.74 million loss for the year ending Dec. 31, 2009.

The EV automaker's revenue, however, rose approximately 5 percent in 2010 to $116.7 million. Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2010 were US$36.3 million, a 16% increase from the US$31.2 million reported in the prior quarter. Tesla added that gross margin improved to 26% for the full year 2010, up from 9% for 2009.

The company 's future plans include the launch of the Model S, which is scheduled to go on sale in the middle of next year. Scroll down to read Tesla CEO Elon Musk's statement.

“We are very pleased to report continued revenue growth, improving margins and a steady progression in our Roadster and powertrain activities,” said Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors. “Our powertrain team delivered solid results, with an increase in orders and record deliveries of battery packs and chargers for the Daimler Smart fortwo electric drive, the completion of our development program for the Daimler A-Class, and the commencement of the phase 1 development program for the Toyota RAV4 EV.”

“The highlight of the quarter was our on-time completion of the first drivable Model S alpha,” continued Musk. “The quality and level of refinement of the alpha demonstrates the superb job of our design, vehicle engineering and powertrain teams. They have embraced the opportunity to build an EV from the ground up and have produced a vehicle which shows great potential to deliver superior aerodynamics, stability and handling, crash safety, performance and range. We believe the Model S is well on its way toward becoming the vehicle of choice for 2012.”

Porsche Quietly Rolls Out Pure-Electric Boxster E Prototypes

In a German-language only press release and without much fanfare, Porsche announced the introduction of a trio of electric-powered Boxster E prototypes. Over the next few months, these pure-electric test vehicles will be trialed in and around the city of Stuttgart to provide feedback on the feasibility and usability of the concept in everyday use.

Porsche is keeping mum on most of the details surrounding the three prototype Boxster roadsters simply stating that the cars are equipped with two-electric motors that deliver up to 180kW or 241-horsepower, and are fed through a 29-kWh battery package.

Rinspeed gets Real with its BamBoo EV Study, Could Enter Production

Rinspeed, the Swiss design house that dares to be different, has released real-life photos and additional information on its 2011 Geneva Salon-bound BamBoo, a concept study for a pure-electric beach cart. The latest creation from Rinspeed was jointly developed and built with Swiss engineering firms 4erC and Esoro, and features several innovations.

These include the canopy-like inflatable roof tent, which is covered on the outside with a water-resistant coating while the inner side is made from bamboo threads, and can be used as a beach mattress. In addition, both rear seats are inflatable and stored in two aluminum cases on the open cargo bed, and – they too can be taken to the beach.

Another notable feature is the dashboard that is said to open "in breadbox fashion" revealing the control elements and the futuristic VDO display on the driver side, and a glove box that houses a seven-inch HTC tablet PC “Flyer” with docking station on the passenger side.

The funky four-seater with the composite body made out of polymer plastic materials is powered by an electric motor from the German Fräger Group (German e-Cars) that delivers 54 kW / 72HP and accelerates the 1,090-kilogram (2,403 lbs) vehicle to a top speed of 120 km/h or 75 mph. The battery’s capacity is good enough for a maximum driving range of 105 km or 65 miles. The BamBoo rides on 17-inch AEZ three-spoke billet aluminum wheels wrapped around Goodyear “EfficientGrip” energy-saving tires.

Rinspeed's boss Frank M. Rinderknecht claims that the BamBoo is more than a simple concept study as the company is already thinking about series production."Yes, there have been constructive talks for some time with a number of potential manufacturers,” Rinderknecht stated adding that Düsseldorf consulting firm A.T. Kearney already has manufacturing and company concepts for a series production in the drawer.

The Biggest Threat to the Chevy Volt are...Rats?!

Okay, readers: hands up if you like rats. No, not the cute white ones you see in science labs or can buy at pet shops. I’m talking about the sewer-dwelling, disease-carrying ones that invade your house to eat, poop and scare your misses.

What if I told you those same feral rats are not only a danger to your home but also to your brand-spanking-new plug-in hybrid extended range electric vehicle? How’s that grab you, hmm?

So a month ago , the automotive mavens at Kicking Tires were handed the keys to a new Chevrolet Volt. What’s that got to do with rats, you ask? Well, in a move that some at the office have labeled, “karmic justice” and others have labeled, “bloomin’ rats”, a member of the repressed rodent classes has attacked Kicking Tires’ futuristic loaner and rendered it befuddled. *Gasp!*

So here’s the skinny: with a blizzard blowing in Chicago, Kicking Tires’ Senior Editor David Thomas dropped the blog’s Volt off at a multistorey garage and plugged it in at a public charging station. Last week, site blogger Joe Wiesenfelder received a text message alert from ChargePoint reporting a, “ground fault” and that the, “session [was] terminated”.

On Thursday night, Wiesenfelder received an email from Todd Dore, the treasurer for the Fox Valley Electric Auto Association. Mr. Dore parks his converted VW Beetle next to the blog’s Volt, and reported that a rat had scurried underneath, probably looking to escape the subzero temperatures of the Chicago winter.

On Friday morning, Mr. Wiesenfelder unplugged the Volt and plugged it back in without any troubles. Sensing nothing unusual, he left the garage. He picked up the car Friday evening and drove it home. On the way, the Volt produced several strange warnings including, “ABS”, “Service Brake Assist” and “Service Stabilitrak”.

The next day, Wiesenfelder noted that the secondary rear window (the smaller, vertical pane that’s not at all like the one on the Toyota Prius or Honda Insight) wasn’t demisting though the primary one was.

Concerned, he took the troublesome Volt into Grossinger City Chevy of Chicago the following Tuesday. The dealer confirmed that the rat had gnawed through a wiring harness in the engine compartment causing, at very least, those troubles.

It won’t be covered under warranty, of course – acts of rats are classed the same as acts of God – though the Volt has been trouble free for over a month and 3,000 miles. In colder countries, apparently, rats are known to climb into the engine compartments of recently parked cars to warm up. The Volt’s battery is known to stay warm when charging and even when fully charged, making the perfect overnight home for a frostbitten rodent.

Wiesenfelder doesn’t think that this is the last time this will happen, or that it’ll be limited solely just the Volt. He’s asking for input from readers and Chevrolet on how to address the problem, and Carscoop would like to do the same. How do you keep a rat from crawling into your parked car at night?

Opel Ampera EV Police Cruiser: Volt's European Cousin Getting Ready for Patrol

If there's one way to kick-start sales of specialty vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and its European counterpart, the Opel Ampera, that's by enlisting the government as one of your clients. And with a starting price of €42,900 (about US$58,000 at the current exchange rates) in Europe, GM's Opel division will need all the help it can get to sell the Ampera.

Well before the Ampera hits European showrooms at the end of the year, Opel is already exploring the possibility of a police package for its range-extended electric vehicle. According to the company, the Ampera could be the perfect police car for urban use.

Like the Volt, Opel's version of the car can be driven in pure electric mode for 40-80 km before the petrol engine kicks in to produce electricity and / or motivate the front driving wheels pushing the total driving range to over 500 km [311 miles]. The Ampera completes the standard sprint in 9 seconds while reaching a top speed of 160 km/h [100 mph].

The final production version of the Ampera will receive its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Ford to Unveil a "Groundbreaking New Vehicle" Along with European Premieres at Geneva Show

As we're nearing closer to the 2011 Geneva Salon, automakers are providing us with more details about their plans. Today, Ford announced that it will display a number of new production and concept cars including what the company simply described as a "groundbreaking new vehicle" without getting into any specifics.

“Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO Stephen T. Odell will unveil a groundbreaking new vehicle during a Ford news conference at 14:30 on March 1 at the Ford stand,” the company said in a statement.

What Ford did reveal is that it plans to showcase an all-new version of the 2011 Ranger pickup-truck called Wildtrak, the Vertrek SUV concept that hints at the next-generation Kuga, the Fiesta RS WRC, the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid that will be joined by a C-MAX HEV when they both go on sale in Europe in 2013, and a conceptual all-electric version of the Transit Connect.

Furthermore, the company will display its latest powertrain enhancements including a new 114g/km CO2 Mondeo ECOnetic that combines 115HP 1.6-liter turbo diesel with start-stop technology, as well as the new Ka Metal created through Ford’s Individual programme.

“Today Ford has its strongest product line-up ever and we’ve got an aggressive plan to keep our vehicle portfolio the freshest in the industry," said Odell. “We have at least 20 new models and derivatives coming across our entire European range – from small cars to commercial vehicles – and at Geneva we will be introducing some of these.