Peugeot give 908 HYbrid 4 first track test at Estoril

Following its unveiling at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, the Peugeot 908 HYbrid4 underwent its first track test at Estoril on October 11.

A positive maiden test
One month after its convincing shakedown run at a private PSA Peugeot Citroën venue on September 16, the 908 HYbrid4 underwent its first genuine track test at Estoril, Portugal, in October. The car completed a little more than 300km in the hands of Nicolas Minassian, Stéphane Sarrazin and Alexander Wurz. "Our aim wasn't to put a lot of kilometres on the clock, but to verify that all the chief functions performed," reports Peugeot Sport's Technical Director Bruno Famin. "It was important to analyse the data of each run to be sure we understood the results before moving on to the next step. The system functioned well and responded as predicted, which was very satisfying. At the same time, we started to make a few adjustments to the car's basic set-up. It worked well, so that's very positive."

What the drivers said...
Nicolas Minassian: "I had the good fortune to drive the original demonstration hybrid car in 2008 and I am proud to have been the first person to drive the 908 HYbrid4. It's extremely interesting to work on a project of this scale which no doubt paves the way for the future of motor racing. As a driver, it's very rewarding to be in a position where you can learn and play a part in the development of new technologies."

Stéphane Sarrazin: "We were able to work through the complete test programme, so that was fantastic. It was interesting to work with the engineers to identify the ideal compromises and, of course, get acquainted with the system, since the project is only in its early days. You can feel the extra power and it will be up to us to harness or adapt it in the most competitive way possible. We will need to strike the right balance. We're looking at a lot of things and exploring several avenues."

The origins
It was at Silverstone in 2008 that Peugeot Sport took the wraps off its hybrid demonstration car based on the 908 HDi FAP. The intention of that initial project was to get a grasp of the different challenges associated with this new technology in order to carry it over to the new car which would make its debut in 2011 within the framework of the technical regulations announced at the end of 2009.

"We spent 2010 designing the system ahead an initial bench-test at the beginning of 2011," explains Bruno Famin. "At Peugeot Sport, we have a dyno that allows us to test the complete engine, gearbox and transmission assembly. This is particularly practical since it functions just as it does when fitted to the car. The hybrid system forms an integral part of the powertrain. This test work continued through 2011 up to the car's first shakedown run in September and its first real track test a few days ago."

Test programme launched
This track debut was more than encouraging and the 908 HYbrid4's test programme is poised to continue with a second run soon at another circuit, as well as further bench testing.

"It will be interesting to see how the system performs at a different track," notes Bruno Famin. "A new phase will also begin when we start to fine tune not only the system but also the handling of the car. We have no intention of rushing things, however. We are still on a learning curve and the endurance testing will come later."

Close collaboration between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Peugeot Sport
After the introduction of diesel hybrid power on the 3008 HYbrid4, Peugeot profited from the recent Frankfurt Show to take the wraps off the 508 RXH which combines radical styling and environmental excellence. At the same time, Peugeot Sport has been working closely with engineers from the Group on the design and development of a hybrid system that can be carried over to motorsport.

The 3008 HYbrid4, 508 RXH and 908HYbrid4 are all illustrations of the determined, pioneering approach Peugeot has been taking with regard to diesel/electric hybrids.

In the same way as it collaborated actively with the Group's engineering specialists when choosing and developing the diesel engine for the team's endurance racing programme, Peugeot Sport benefited from the Group's research and development expertise to identify the most effective technologies, the best suppliers and the pitfalls to avoid in the area of hybrids. "We received advice and guidance in a high number of areas. As far as the electric motor is concerned, we have also learned a great deal ourselves, and that has led to a genuine two-way exchange. We are consequently making mutual progress thanks to our respective experience of what is similar technology," concludes Bruno Famin.

Catch up after bad luck at start World Solar Challenge [video]

Solar Team Twente has driven 633 kilometres on the first racing day and is now on sixth position in the World Solar Challenge. The great qualification session of yesterday lead to a pole position. Today at the start however, a blown motor controller lead to a delay. The controller could be replaced in 20 minutes. But every minute counts and the unpredictable traffic in Darwin made that the team ended up in a traffic jam. The team is recovering quickly, overtook 18 solar cars and reached a top speed of 105 kilometres an hour. The car functions perfectly and shows great stability.

During the first media stop at 317 kilometres from Darwin the team had already overtaken 15 cars and was in ninth position. Racing driver Barry Vree: “Now I know how a F1 driver feels when his car halts just after the start. Bad luck. But it’s a race and things can change. The car felt good and we had an average speed of 80-85 kilometres an hour. Overtaking so many competitors was great fun. Only in Adelaide, we’ll now the consequences of this mornings casualty.” The goal for today was to drive as far as possible in order to reach the leading cars.

At this moment, the team is in Dunmarra at 633 kilometres from Darwin. Team captain Siebe Brinkhof reflects on the first day of the challenge: “After a fantastic qualification yesterday, we had never expected what happened this morning. It was quickly shown though that excellence comes with practice: the team remained calm and the problem was fixed routinely. Now we’re awaiting the next challenge: surviving the Outback without our truck that carries the tents and our food. The truck is still at about 300 kilometres from Dunmarra due to a punctured tyre. But we’re close to a filling station and we have a camper, cars and sleeping bags. It’ll be alright. It’s a race and the challenge is fantastic and adventurous.”

2011 Veolia World Solar Challenge - Provisional Results

Day 1 - Sunday 16th October 2011

Top 5 Teams

1. Tokai University

2. Nuon Solar Car Team

3. University of Michigan

4. Aurora

5. Apollo Solar Car Team

Live Race Tracking

World Solar Challenge begins in Australia

Thirty-seven teams from 20 nations have started racing in the Veolia World Solar Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide.

There were last-minute fears that three teams slated to begin the race - one each from India, Germany and Korea - would miss the start after they struck trouble.

Ultimately all vehicles got away from Darwin's State Square on Sunday, with Korea's "Green Maniac" car starting about an hour after the race favourite, Solar Team Twente from the Netherlands.

The teams are aiming to travel to Adelaide - more than 3000 kilometres away - using vehicles powered only by energy from the sun.

Event director Chris Selwood told AAP he was delighted by the start, even though he predicted some teams would probably not make it all the way to Adelaide without a little help.

"There have been a few tears at the end," Mr Selwood said.

"The Indians made it across the starting line, and that is magnificent.

"They managed to pass the safety standards, but in reality I am sure our officials will be not far behind them and at some stage asking them to put their car in their trailer and move forward to the next checkpoint."

Unlike at typical car races, vehicles in the World Solar Challenge set off one after another, with about a minute separating each entrant's start.

Some cars in the race can cruise above 100 kilometres an hour and get short bursts of speed above 150km/h, although for safety reasons officials brought in rules in 2007 to limit their power.

The competitors will travel down the Stuart Highway and it is expected the top teams could reach Adelaide as early as Wednesday afternoon, as long as the sunny weather continues during the trek.

The 2009 winner, Team Tokai from Japan, started fifth on the grid and soon took an early lead.

The first Solar Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide was in 1987 although it is not an annual event, and this year marked the 11th time the race has been held.

The Electric Car Revolution Documentary [video]

Renault have released an hour long documentary that charts the up and down 110 year history of the electric car. Narrated by Kenneth Cranham, the film features vintage electric car collectors, EV designers and EV evangelists as well as dyed-in-the-wool petrol heads.

The film examines the failings of early EVs, the false dawn resulting from the energy crisis of the 70s and the controversial crushing of the GM EV1. Lastly, as mainstream manufacturers such as Renault invest billions in new EVs and governments invest in charging infrastructure, the film examines why it will be different this time.

Nissan Announces New Wireless Charging System [video]

Owners of the all-electric Nissan Leaf will soon be able to wave goodbye to the process of plugging their car into a charging socket each night, thanks to a new wireless charging system in development at Nissan.

Utilising an induction pad fixed to the ground of the Leaf's parking space (in your garage, for example), the system also features a receiving unit installed in the underside of the Leaf EV.

Nissan says that charging via the electromagnetic induction system is about 80 to 90 percent energy efficient, compared to the direct line of the current wired system.

Toyota announces 2012 Le Mans return with hybrid LMP1 car

Toyota has confirmed that it will make a fully-fledged return to the Le Mans 24 Hours next year with a petrol hybrid LMP1 car, as predicted by EV News in 2009.

The programme will mark Toyota's first full-scale Le Mans bid since its GT-One car of 1998 and '99. Toyota had already rejoined the LMP1 ranks as engine supplier to Rebellion Racing this year.

The new car will enter several other World Endurance Championship rounds alongside Le Mans. Its chassis will be constructed by Toyota Motorsport GmbH - formerly the firm's Formula 1 operation - with the engine coming from the Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan.

Tadashi Yamashina, Toyota Motor Corporation Senior Managing Officer and TMG chairman, said the hybrid technology element was key to Toyota's return to sportscar racing's top flight.

"Toyota Motor Corporation has entered Le Mans before but by using our hybrid technology this time will be a completely new challenge," he said.

"We want to write a new page in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, as well as in the FIA World Endurance Championship, through our use of hybrid technology.

"In addition, we aim to learn from the experience of competing in such a challenging motorsport environment to enhance our production car technology.

"Le Mans is a legendary race and I would like to thank the ACO and the FIA for their constructive and positive cooperation over the last few months."

A Toyota statement said the new car "is planned to take part in a roll-out around the turn of the year prior to an extensive test schedule in early 2012."

Toyota's previous Le Mans programme saw it take pole position and finish second in the 1999 race, before it switched its attention to its forthcoming F1 operation.

Toyota

A123 shares soar after GM reveals all-electric car

Shares of A123 Systems, which makes rechargeable lithium ion batteries for electric cars, jumped Wednesday after General Motors said that the company would be supplying the power for the automaker's first all-electric car.

General Motors Co. announced Wednesday that the Spark EV will be available in 2013 for certain markets in the U.S. and internationally.

The Spark EV will be a limited release but for A123, which had a huge initial public offering two years ago, it's a big deal. Company shares that rose 50 percent and closed at $20.29 on their first day of trading in September 2009, have since tumbled below $5 each.

In August, GM announced that it awarded A123 Systems a production contract to produce batteries for future vehicles. A123 Systems spokesman Dan Borgasano points out that the Spark EV will be the first GM car to go to market with the company's battery.

Besides General Motors, A123 Systems also has production contracts with German automaker BMW and with Chinese automaker SAIC Motor Corp. The company also provides the battery for the Fisker Karma, a luxury plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, Borgasano said.

Shares of A123 Systems Inc. shares jumped 22 percent, or 73 cents, to $4.04 Wednesday afternoon. That's still less than half of what shares cost earlier this year at $10.99.

Shares of GM also rose Wednesday. They were up $1.09, or 4.8 percent, to $23.59 in afternoon trading.