Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

Chrysler's concept for 2008 - the ecoVoyager - marries an elegant American design with fuel cell Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology.

Featuring crisscrossing forms defined by hard lines with fluid intersections, the style vocabulary of the ecoVoyager embodies Chrysler's harmonisation of functional technology with beautifully-styled exteriors and interiors.
The Chrysler ecoVoyager concept was developed for customers wanting a travel experience on par with a private jet, but without a lot of fancy gadgetry. These customers seek three critical attributes: elegance, simplicity and serenity.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Technology
The all-new Chrysler ecoVoyager's wheels are driven by an electric motor, with power primarily supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack capable of satisfying a consumer's typical daily commute of less than 40 miles.
The electric motor develops 200 kilowatts (268 horsepower), enabling acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. A regenerative braking system captures energy that would normally be lost and returns it to the battery, making the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept a very efficient and spacious vehicle.

The ecoVoyager takes advantage of a range extender - in this case, a small, advanced hydrogen fuel cell -- to extend the vehicle range for occasional long trips. With this advanced technology, the Chrysler ecoVoyager's total range is greater than 300 miles, while no emissions - besides water vapour -- come from the tailpipe along the way.
With the entire propulsion system located below the ecoVoyager's floor, space is maximized for utility of passenger and cargo.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Exterior
Expressive details of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept include panoramic roof glass bisected by a centre spine, tight body overhangs and a dramatic boat-tail back end. The sinuous shapes of the window graphics, headlamps, tail lamps and grille openings are inspired by Chrysler's storied winged badge.
The curving trapezoidal shape of the ecoVoyager's grille is echoed by the clear lens-covered shadow box that houses the rear license plate. The sloping backlight features a similar shape, emphasizing the repeating harmony of the ecoVoyager's design elements.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Interior
By placing the front wheels of the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept farther forward than usual, designers were able to create greater interior roominess and increased legroom, especially in the rear seats.
In the ecoVoyager's spacious interior, the size, design and location of all controls have been rethought to provide its four pampered passengers the luxury of having every feature within effortless reach.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager's unconventional instrument panel features a broad, leather-covered angled surface, slightly V-shaped in plan view and fronted by a full-width display screen set just below the windshield. The left and right outer ends of this non-glare screen contain the side-view mirror image, while a third camera image in front of the driver serves as the rear-view mirror.


Unlike most instrument clusters, only currently-needed information is displayed, designed to be viewed above the steering wheel rim rather than through it (and requiring less up-down eye movement and refocusing). The front-seat passenger can view a movie without its moving images disturbing the driver. A slick, slide-out/retractable centre console - fitted with hot-key buttons and a mouse pad - replaces the functions contained in a conventional vertical centre stack.

The ecoVoyager's four individual chairs are contoured for personalised comfort. The seat framing is exposed, with under-seat storage drawers. Front seats have individual cantilevered, adjustable armrests containing the window controls and heat/massage switches, while individual rear-seat armrests fold into the cabin back panel. With the ability to store six 20-ounce bottles, the floor console dividing the rear seats accommodates hot or cold beverages.

Sleek, refined, efficient and superbly comfortable, the Chrysler ecoVoyager concept vehicle offers a new experience in stress-free travel.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Specifications
Vehicle Type: Range-extended Electric Vehicle (40-mile all-electric range with hydrogen fuel cell range extender), Two-row seating, four-passenger

Weight and Dimensions
* Weight/GVWR: 2750 lbs./3500 lbs.
* Length: 191.2 inches/4856mm
* Width at H-point: 75.4 inches/1915mm
* Height: 63.0 inches/1600mm
* Wheelbase: 116.0 inches/2946mm
* Couple 1-2: 45.4 inches/1154mm
* Front overhang: 34.0 inches/864mm
* Rear overhang: 41.2 inhces/1046mm
* Track front/rear: 65.6 inches/1666mm
* Approach angle: 15.0 degrees
* Departure angle: 20.9 degrees
* Turn circle: 40 feet/12.2m
* Maximum width: 75.4 inches/1915mm

Powertrain and Suspension
* Layout : Front wheel drive
* Motor: Single electric
* Power: 200 kW (268 hp)
* Regenerative braking
* Battery: 16 kWh Li-ion battery pack
* Range extender: Hydrogen fuel cell, PEM 45kW, 700bar (10,000psi) high pressure tanks
* Suspension
o Front - MacPherson Strut
o Rear - MacPherson Strut
Wheels and Tyres
* Tyre size front/rear: P235/45R22x8 30.3 inches/770mm
* Tyre manufacturer: Goodyear

Colour Scheme
* Exterior: Polar Ice Blue
* Interior: Dove Gray

Key Performance Attributes
* 0-60 mph: 8.8 seconds
* Standing ¼ mile: 12.9 seconds
* Top speed: 115 mph
* All-electric range: 40 miles
* Total range: 300 miles

Citroen C4 Picasso

Citroen C4 Picasso

First details have been announced of the exciting new five seat C4 Picasso, which will be launched internationally in the first quarter of 2007, making Citroën the only manufacturer to offer a choice of three compact MPVs.

With its distinctively different styling, the five seat C4 Picasso slips naturally into Citroën's compact MPV range between the established, best-selling Xsara Picasso and the award-winning seven seat version, which will now be known as the Grand C4 Picasso. With three compact MPVs and the full-size C8 people carrier, Citroën now boasts the broadest MPV range in its history.

The new five seat C4 Picasso benefits from the same forward thinking that shaped the design of the recently launched Grand C4 Picasso, with outstanding all-round visibility, a light and airy interior, leading cabin and boot space, incorporating a new version of Citroën's Modubox folding trolley, and the use of high quality materials. The easy-to-use and flexible interior lay-out combines with the uncluttered interior space and the highest levels of comfort to ensure that travelling is a pleasurable experience.

The Citroën's newest model sports a fresh, dynamic look, with a body style that is at once compact, flowing and eye-catching. The assertive-looking front end features a new-style bumper with oversized air intakes covered in black mesh, while the unique wave of the waistline, highlighted in chrome, creates an attractive side profile.

However, it is at the back where the five seat C4 Picasso's distinctive personality and styling really shines through. The rear pillars are masked by the quarter-lights and, combined with the rest of the huge glazed area, give the impression that the upper half of the vehicle is completely surrounded by glass. The saloon-style rear end features lights with a unique horizontal design.

The interior of Citroën's newcomer is refreshingly light, with outstanding visibility provided by the huge windscreen, slim pillars and optional panoramic sunroof. Artificial lighting also plays a major role with the availability of various useful features, such as automatic welcome lights under the door mirrors, a portable torch in the boot and reading lights on the back of the front seats, all designed to make journeys easier.

The exterior dimensions (4.47m long, 1.83m wide and 1.66m tall) give the C4 Picasso an extremely spacious interior. This feeling of space is enjoyed by all passengers, with those in the front benefiting from the simple, uncluttered design of the dash, and those in the back from three individual, full-size seats and a flat floor. The innovative seating design, first seen in the Grand C4 Picasso, allows the rear seats to be quickly and easily folded flat into the floor.
When all 5 seats are in use, the new model leads the class with 500 litres of boot space underneath the luggage cover, extending to a maximum 1,734 litres once the rear seats are folded down. Helping to keep the boot tidy, the five seat C4 Picasso can also be equipped with a new version of Citroën's renowned Modubox. This innovative, removable trolley makes it easy to divide boot space and to transport objects outside of the vehicle.

The new five seat C4 Picasso provides a relaxing journey for all occupants. Suspension comfort can be further enhanced by the optional pneumatic rear suspension, while laminated acoustic side windows can be specified to make it even quieter inside. An automatic electronic parking brake and Hill Start Assist are fitted as standard and make everyday driving easier.

Thoughtful extras such as individual air flow controls for back seat passengers, an air quality sensor and a scented air freshener can all add to the pleasant onboard atmosphere. A high quality stereo system and folding video screens in the back of the front seats are also available to keep passengers entertained.

Developed on the same platform as the Grand C4 Picasso, which scored five stars in Euro NCAP tests, the new C4 Picasso meets the most stringent criteria for occupant protection, offering the likes of four Isofix seats, audible seatbelt warnings for all seats and seven airbags as standard.

The 5 seat C4 Picasso with a choice of four fuel efficient engines: 127hp 1.8i 16V and 143hp 2.0i 16V petrol units, and 110hp 1.6HDi and 138hp 2.0HDi diesel powerplants, both fitted with Diesel Particulate Filter Systems. Dependent on engine there is a choice of gearboxes: manual, automatic or a 6-speed electronic gearbox system with paddleshift gearchange.