Early Reveal for New All-Electric Volkswagen Golf-e Mk7

Volkswagen is expanding its range of Golf Mk7 models with a new pure electric version named the Golf-e, seen in these pictures for the first time ahead of a world premiere at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show on March 5.

The German brand hasn't officially released details yet, but Spanish newspaper El Mundo has more than enough information to cure your curiosity.

On the outside, the only telltale signs that this Golf VII is battery-powered are the covered upper and the reshaped lower grilles, along with the mildly modified head- and tail-lamps, while inside, VW replaced the tachometer and the two smaller gauges in the instrument panel with new meters providing relevant information. The LCD screen of the infotainment system was also updated accordingly.

The newspaper says the Golf-e is fitted with an electric motor producing an output of 115hp and an instant torque figure of 270Nm (199 lb-ft), good enough to accelerate the front-wheel drive model to 100km/h (62mph) in 11.8 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 135km/h (84mph), in order to conserve energy.

Electric juice comes from a 26.5 kWh lithium ion battery positioned under the rear seats. The report says it does not eat away any boot space, which remains the same as the regular Golf hatchback. What it does do along with the electric motor is add 205kg or 452 pounds over the equivalent internal combustion engine model.

The battery can be charged in 20 minutes using the quick charging system with a three-phase current, or in five hours using a household wall socket, in which case, it offers a driving range of up to 175 kilometers or 109 miles, depending on the driving style and road conditions.

Articles Source : Carscoop

2013 Qoros 3 Estate Concept

At its global debut at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, new automotive brand, Qoros, presents the world premiere of its first series production vehicle, an elegant compact (C-segment) car with the official international model designation, the Qoros 3 Sedan.

In addition, two concept studies provide a clear indication of the new manufacturer’s future model family expansion plans.

2013 Qoros 3 Estate Concept

2013 Qoros 3 Estate Concept

2013 Qoros 3 Estate Concept

With the brand starting from a clean-sheet, Qoros vehicles are elegantly styled and focus on quality and value, and on meeting the lifestyle needs and expectations of modern, metropolitan, ‘always-connected’ target customers in China and Europe.

The Qoros 3 Sedan, which is entering a pre-production development phase after two summers and two winters of extensive testing at key locations around the world, is due to be launched in China in the second half of 2013, with first European sales following later in the year.  The launch of further Qoros models is then planned at intervals of approximately six months.

To be produced in a new assembly plant in Changshu, China, the new range of Qoros models is being designed and engineered by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent, and has been developed with the support of internationally-renowned suppliers such as Magna Steyr, TRW, Continental, Bosch, Getrag, Benteler, Lear, Microsoft, Harman, Neusoft-Alpine and Iconmobile.

Rapid expansion of the model range will be achieved thanks to an innovative modular vehicle architecture developed in-house at Qoros.  The clean, elegant styling direction – drawing heavily on contemporary European themes – has been developed to give all Qoros models an unmistakable brand identity.

Designed to offer generous space and a high-quality interior finish, Qoros models will also feature an infotainment system which is unique in the automotive field.  Featuring an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen, the system was developed in-house by Qoros with displays designed for minimal driver distraction, replacing the array of switches and buttons that blight many modern car interiors.  The system features an advanced navigation system, extensive social networking connectivity and the ability for drivers to monitor their car’s health and, for example, to book dealer service appointments.

Qoros aims to achieve top scores on both European and Chinese crash tests for all its models.

Founded in 2007, Qoros is an equal joint venture partnership between Chery Automobile, China’s biggest independent automotive manufacturer, and Israel Corporation, a global industrial holding company.

Qoros is headquartered in Changshu, a region of great importance to China’s rapidly expanding automotive industry, where construction of its all-new, highly-efficient and environmentally-sustainable production facility is nearing completion.  “The factory has an initial annual production capacity of 150,000 units, with potential for expansion to 450,000 units,” explains Alexander Wortberg, Qoros’ Director of Production (formerly of BMW).

Qoros operates an engineering centre in Shanghai, which is also the base for many commercial and purchasing functions, with further operations in Munich (Germany) and Graz (Austria).

The Qoros 3 Estate Concept showcases a vision of a future variant with a bodystyle that is especially popular among European motorists and is geared towards the travel needs of modern families, providing generous and highly versatile interior space.

Using the same platform and distinctive clean, elegant styling of the Qoros 3 Sedan, it features a sympathetically elongated roofline and a large tailgate.  The signature horizontal styling themes emphasise the long body profile and the large side windows give the five-door estate body an athletically-pleasing, stretched look.

The Qoros 3 Estate Concept features an intelligently designed interior that provides an incredibly versatile and adaptable space that allows luggage capacity to be adapted to meet the needs and lifestyles of European consumers.  The rear seats fold to leave a flat load floor, and also incorporate a ski hatch.

A great deal of thought has been given to the development of a wide range of storage compartments and attachment fittings that optimise the functionality of the cabin for both everyday trips and long-distance travel.