Detailed LEGO Peugeot 9X8 supercar celebrates its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship

After a hiatus of several years, Peugeot declared its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2022. It did so with the 9X8, which was designed to take full advantage of the freedoms allowed by the new regulations for the Hypercar category. To celebrate this, LEGO builder Brick-A-Brac decided to pay tribute to the French marque with his own build of the 9X8 supercar. Made from 1320 parts, this 51-centimeter-long (20 inches) car comes with a staggering amount of detail, including every bit of branded graphic on the car’s body. With its sleek design, impressive size, and attention to detail, this Peugeot 9X8 model is a rare gem that will have LEGO enthusiasts and car aficionados buzzing with excitement.

Designer: Brick_A_Brac

The LEGO Ideas Peugeot 9X8 showcases Brick_A_Brac’s skill in capturing the essence of the original car. The model consists of 1,320 LEGO parts that recreate various components of the Peugeot 9X8, such as the unique headlights, the absence of the rear wing, and that oddly satisfying triangular air intake located on the roof. The build reflects the designer’s attention to detail and dedication to accurately portraying the racing car.

The 9X8 is Peugeot’s foray into hybrid hypercars. The original automobile comes equipped with a 680 hp twin-turbo 2.6L V6 mated to a 272 hp electric motor, all assembled in a 7-speed sequential gearbox. Pop open the 9X8’s rear and you’ll actually see the V6 engine right behind the cockpit. The cockpit also features a tiny gullwing door that lets you access the interiors, where you’ll see the driver’s seat and a tiny steering wheel to match!

The whopping half-a-meter-long size of the LEGO build isn’t too common, but it isn’t uncommon either. “I used the same scale as the other Lego endurance race cars (42039 24 Hours Race Car, 42096 Porsche 911 RSR and 42125 Ferrari 488 GTE),” says LEGO builder Brick_A_Brac. The 9X8 also measures 21 centimeters in width (8.2 inches), and 12 centimeters in height (4.7 inches).

It isn’t too often that we see a lot of Peugeot models on the LEGO Ideas forum, but this one stands out as a prime example of a well-made MOC (my own creation), garnering as many as 2,000 votes from the LEGO community. If it reaches 10,000 votes, the LEGO Ideas Peugeot 9X8 has the potential to be turned into an official retail box set, making it a coveted item for collectors and racing fans alike.

The post Detailed LEGO Peugeot 9X8 supercar celebrates its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Lamborghini Navetta Volante concept is what you get when the Italians decide to make their version of the Tesla Model S

With its edgy Urus-meets-Model-S design, the Navetta Volante concept is the perfect blend between Lamborghini’s raging-bull sports cars and a street-friendly high-end sedan. The concept comes from the mind of Jamil Ahmed, an automotive designer who’s love-affair with the Lamborghini brand started when he saw a Diablo for the first time back when he was younger. The Navetta Volante, which translates to Flying Shuttle, comes with a 2+2 design (hence the term Shuttle) and feels like a cross between the Urus, and what Jamil cites as his true inspiration for the car, a lesser-known Lamborghini concept from 2008 – the Estoque.

The Estoque came as quite a surprise in 2008, since it was a clear deviation from what Lamborghini had built its reputation on – 2-door sportscars. The first-ever 4-door modern Lamborghini to be unveiled to the public, the Estoque never made it to production, however the chairman of Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann was spotted saying that they hadn’t ruled out a 4-door Lamborghini in the future. A decade later, the company launched Urus – a 4-door SUV aimed at diversifying Lamborghini’s lineup. Jamil’s Navetta Volante concept sits square between the Estoque and the Urus – borrowing the super-saloon proportions from the former, and the design language from the latter.

Jamil clearly sees the Estoque as Lamborghini’s missed opportunity to build a street-friendly car for the average joe (with the right amounts of money to spend). “I believe at the time of the Estoque, 4 door super saloons were quite interesting and I guess it would have fit very well along with the Rapide, Panamera, and Quattroporte”, Jamil casually mentions. The Navetta Volante, however, represents what the Estoque would evolve into in today’s day and age. The designer imagines it with a Plug-In Hybrid Drivetrain, pitting it against other hybrid cars, and taking aim at Tesla’s own Model S – which holds the coveted spot among today’s super-saloons. “As we merge rapidly into the electric era, we know Lamborghini will have to make the transition at some point, I knew the Navetta Volante platform would be perfect for that transition due to its practical nature.”

Running on a hybrid powertrain, the car comes with the signature large air-intakes underneath Y-shaped headlights (both iconic Lamborghini features). It sports two charging ports, one on each side underneath the rear-view mirrors, making it convenient to charge your car no matter where the power station is located.

The taillights present a unique deviation. Unlike the Estoque or Urus’ Y-shaped taillights, the Navetta Volante uses three hexagonal shapes, staying square within Lamborghini’s language while clearly thinking outside the box.

Clearly built for a variety of scenarios (other than racing), the car comes with a skylight on the top, and the designer’s even visualized what the Navetta Volante would look like with a luggage carrier on the top. One would argue that any sort of consumer-based embellishment corrupts the car’s bad-boy attitude, but then again, the Navetta Volante wasn’t designed for the race track – it was made for streets, roads, and highways. Even for its broad approach, the Navetta Volante looks like it has the spirit of the raging bull in it. Its edgy, racy design would arguably put the Tesla Model S to shame… now if only Lamborghini built the damn thing!

Designer: Jamil Ahmed

This sleek BMW i8 concept hints the revival of hybrid car revolution

Meet The Razorite, an all-electric BMW I8 sports car concept envisioning the iconic i8’s rise as a phoenix from the ashes after going out of production in 2021 and looking for a strong comeback if the German automaker brings it back to life.

BMW i8 plug-in hybrid is a name synonymous with sustainability to date since it kicked off the eco-friendly revolution back in 2014. The innovative hybrid sports car was taken out of production last year, but with a bang in 18 unique colors of the last units. A part of discontinuing the car’s production is to revive the whole hybrid philosophy at BMW and all is not lost as the car might see a comeback in coming years. The next version will be more powerful and ready to take on the dominance of Tesla in a big way.

Waiting for that resurrection I’m, and how the modern version of the iconic sports car will look like, is my deepest curiosity. Design student Harsh Sokal gives my intangible curiosity, able wings, courtesy of this BMW I8 concept. Harsh calls it The Razorite, and this all-electric sports car looks to be the worthy successor of the highly acclaimed hybrid car of the last decade – the BMW i8 in every possible aspect. The focus here is on the touring character of the car hinting at the sustainable future of circuit racing sans any impact on the already deteriorating environment.

Rather than completely revamping the visual dynamics of the i8 into an outrageous concept that defies reason, Harsh has mindfully made those cohesive changes and additions to retain the original’s slick aura. The all-carbon black paint job highlighted by the Alpine, Yokohama, AEM and ADVAN livery makes this sports car concept something that’s destined to be the dream car material – one that you desperately want to take control of of behind the wheel.

The black color schematic flows over to the fat Yokohama ADVAN performance tires – hinting towards the car’s racing DNA. This black draping is subtly matched to the yellow trims on the wheel rims, headlights, and the front grill. This revamped BMW i8 is definitely a masterpiece – raring to come alive on the streets and racing circuits with its charm to bamboozle them all!

Designer: Harsh Sokal

Peugeot to mark a return to the World Endurance Championship with their Le Mans hypercar

The motorsports community is eagerly awaiting the World Endurance Championship to be held in 2022 with the 24 Hours of Le Mans being the season finale. Reason enough for Peugeot to mark a return to the racing fraternity of one of the toughest test of man and machine, after almost a decade. The French automotive manufacturer has revealed the details of the hybrid powertrain that’ll power the Hypercar for the endurance races – sharing the playing field with the likes of Toyota and Glickenhaus.

The powertrain called the HYBRID4 500KW of the Le Mans Hypercar will get the mid-mounted V6 petrol engine weighing 165 kg, that’ll drive the rear wheels via the seven-speed sequential gearbox – churning out 500 kW (670 hp) output. More assistance will come from the 200 kW electric motor mounted on the front axles. This hybrid system is the work of Peugeot Sport and technical partner TOTAL, while the 900-volt battery is developed by TOTAL subsidiary Saft Groupe S.A. According to Peugeot Sport’s WEC program powertrain director Francois Coudrain, “The architecture of the Peugeot HYBRID4 500 kW powertrain is the result of a highly detailed brief shaped by the new WEC regulations.”

Going in line with the regulations for engine development and body dimensions, Peugeot’s battery will be charged before the race to the brim, and then in the race, it will be juiced up via the regenerative braking. To stay within regulations, the V6 engine will control the amount of output to the drivetrain from the motor-generator unit (MGU). So, the car will be a four-wheel-drive when the electric motor is in use and switch back to the rear-wheel-drive when it is deactivated. The powertrain system will undergo testing in early 2021 and finally, the car will debut by the end of next year before joining the championship in 2022.

Designer: Peugeot

Ariel will fully unveil its hybrid supercar this summer

British automaker Ariel revealed concepts of its Hipercar -- short for "high-performance carbon reduction" -- in the summer of 2017. The company mentioned some impressive specs, such as the ability to reach 60 miles per hour in just 2.4 seconds and a...

How to Maintain Your Hybrid Vehicle

Hybrid car 1

Owning a hybrid car means you reap the benefits that come with having an efficient vehicle that uses a combination of fuel and electricity. As with any car, hybrid drivers need to follow their owner’s manual to ensure maximum performance and longevity. The manual should include a schedule for regular maintenance as well as upkeep procedures that are unique to hybrids. Examine this list of seven ways to ensure you’re doing a good job of maintaining your hybrid car and its systems.

Image via Wikimedia

Focus on Tires

First, consider putting tires with low rolling resistance on your hybrid. These special tires don’t grip the pavement with as much strength as other tires. That means there’s less work for the engine to do in getting the vehicle moving. Tires with low rolling resistance also are less demanding on the engine during acceleration and let you maintain your speed for longer periods of time when you’re cruising. The bottom line is that changing to these tires improves your hybrid’s fuel efficiency.

Next, put yourself on a schedule that requires you to check your hybrid’s tire pressure at least once a month. If your tires aren’t inflated to the recommended pressure, give them more air and watch your gas mileage improve right away.

Change the Oil and Filter

Whether you drive a traditional automobile or a hybrid, oil changes and replacing the air filter are important aspects of the car’s routine maintenance. These days it’s not just hybrid vehicles that bank impressive fuel efficiency.

The new Mercedes GLK class SUV is rated for 33 miles per gallon on the highway – a far cry from its bulky ancestors. While the manufacturers of many traditional vehicles, including Mercedes, recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles or so, hybrids usually need an oil change every 5,000 miles. It all depends on your driving habits and the road conditions. Make it a habit to check your oil often and replace it when it begins to get dirty.

If you want to change the oil yourself, remember that many hybrids have different oil weights, so check the specifications of the recommended oil before heading to the store. Another consideration for the do-it-yourself crowd: Because hybrids have a gas engine and electric motor, you need to be careful to avoid touching parts that could shock you. Typically, those wires and parts are encased in bright orange covers to warn you of the potential danger.

Keep Tabs on Your Brakes

Like any vehicle, a hybrid has a brake system that needs routine checks. These vehicles use a type of brake that’s different from other cars on the road. Regenerative braking captures the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost as it turns into heat when you slow down. Not only do the brakes collect the energy, but they use a complex system to convert it into electricity that increases your battery’s charge.

Because there’s less heat produced when a hybrid slows down or stops — the brake pads, rotors, and other elements of this system last much longer than they would on a traditional vehicle that relies exclusively on friction to brake. Hybrids do have traditional braking as a kind of alternative that kicks in when regenerative braking doesn’t give enough stopping power. So, it’s important to have the entire braking system checked on the schedule your owner’s manual recommends.

Monitor the Battery Pack

Image via Wikimedia

Batteries for hybrid cars are far more expensive than batteries found in non-hybrid vehicles. They can cost upwards of $2,000. Because of the key role they play and the expense, batteries for hybrids are made to last for most of your car’s life. Still, the ability of a hybrid to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency relies on optimal performance from the battery. In some cases, hybrids need to have their batteries conditioned or even rebuilt. Through this process, the battery can regain some of its capabilities.

While traditional cars rely on engines to give them maximum power, hybrid systems rely more strongly on power generated from the battery. For this reason, it’s important to think about the impact an aging battery has on your hybrid’s fuel efficiency and decide if it’s time for a rebuild, a conditioning process, or even a new battery.

Fuel Injector Cleaning

Gasoline vapors leave residue in the fuel injector. These deposits can form a hard varnish that may eventually clog the injector and compromise its performance. One way to combat this problem is to clean this part of your car to reduce build up. Though this is a process you can do yourself, it requires some specialized tools such as a fuel catalyst. For this reason, you may find it’s more cost effective to let a professional handle the cleaning process.

Schedule Tune-Ups

Make sure you take your hybrid to a mechanic who has the experience and specialized training for working on hybrids. These vehicles have a complex drive train that brings the transmission, electric motor, and gas engine together. So, a mechanic needs to know how to handle these interconnected elements to avoid creating problems. A tune-up may include changing spark plugs, replacing the transmission fluid, and checking major systems for potential problems. Adhering to the recommended schedule for tune-ups decreases the chances you’ll encounter more serious problems in the future.

Evaluate Cargo for Unnecessary Weight

Image via Wikimedia

From time to time, it’s a good idea to look at how much extra load your hybrid is carrying. The more weight your car carries, the harder it has to work to move. For this reason, avoid leaving heavy items in your car, on your car, or in the trunk.

Common items people keep in their vehicles that add weight and reduce fuel efficiency include tools, donation items, and baby equipment such as strollers. It’s one thing to put these items in your hybrid for a single trip. It’s another thing to carry them around with you all the time. Promptly remove bikes you attach to the top or back of your vehicle once you’re done with them since they add weight. By evaluating your cargo on a regular basis, you’ll ensure you’re getting the best fuel efficiency possible.

By performing the proper maintenance, you extend the life of your hybrid and enhance its ability to provide outstanding fuel efficiency. Failing to follow the recommended maintenance schedule puts your car’s sophisticated systems at risk, creating potential problems that impact gas mileage and overall performance.

 

Sturdy 3D Printed Hybrid Car Gets Close to Mass Production

attachment

As 3D printed moon bases are planned by space architects, the construction of 3D printed cars should not surprise anyone. The sturdiness of such products is only one of numerous advantages.

It is clear as day to me that 3D printing is the future. Maybe we won’t be able to assemble ...
Continue Reading on Walyou

Fisker confirms Q&A outlining Karma woes and fixes, may establish council to talk issues in person

Fisker Karma mountain drive

Fisker has had more than its fair share of teething troubles with the Karma, but it has to be given credit for going out of its way to listen to early adopters. The hybrid car builder has confirmed to Autoblog that a question and answer session making the rounds is the official result of town hall discussions that have both acknowledged problems and promised fixes where they're possible. The answers we've been given are a mix of sober realities and practical remedies. Drivers hoping for outright hardware upgrades to improve performance with existing Karmas will have to keep wishing; thankfully, a host of firmware fixes are on the way to improve at least the sedan's Command Center system and mirrors. PR lead Roger Ormisher even hints that there could be an in-person council that would tackle concerns more directly than the remote pep talks. We're mostly hoping for the day when Fisker stamps out the bugs and doesn't need the Q&A to put Karma owners' minds at ease.

Filed under:

Fisker confirms Q&A outlining Karma woes and fixes, may establish council to talk issues in person originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 06:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAutoblog  | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling

Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling

Most hybrid car drivers will tell you that their world is all about being gentle on the throttle, spending as much time as possible in that electric-only speed range even if it makes a family minivan look speedy. Volkswagen has just claimed a record for doing precisely the opposite: the 2013 Jetta Hybrid is reportedly the fastest production hybrid in the world, having come just shy of a verified 185.4MPH after an all-out assault on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The company did have to modify the sedan to reach the breakneck pace, tweaking the powertrain, wheels and interior to run safely on that atypical surface, but it isn't known to have bumped the 150HP output of the gas engine or the 27HP of the electric motor. We have a hunch that VW's title won't last for long, whether or not we see the claim as valid -- there are a few decidedly more performance-oriented hybrids rolling off assembly lines now and in the future. Still, until there's a more direct challenge, one of the world's more ubiquitous commuter cars is the hybrid speed leader.

Continue reading Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling

Filed under:

Volkswagen 2013 Jetta Hybrid sets speed record, gives new meaning to hypermiling originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 06:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Autoblog  |  sourceVolkswagen (1), (2)  | Email this | Comments

Fisker lands former GM exec and Chevy Volt guru Tony Posawatz as CEO

New Fisker CEO Tony Posawatz

Fisker hasn't had what you'd call the best year so far, but it may have found the ticket to turning its hybrid vehicle business around. Meet Tony Posawatz, Fisker's new CEO -- and, until just weeks ago, GM's Vehicle Line Director. Despite being the second new chief executive at Fisker since Tom LaSorda arrived in February, Posawatz needs little explanation for his sudden rise to power. He's an original member of the Chevy Volt leadership structure and could very well know a thing or two about developing a hybrid car from start to finish. His influence might only be keenly felt when the Atlantic wheels its way towards driveways in 2014, but there's no doubt he's onboard to right the good ship Karma and improve Fisker's reputation in the short term. We wouldn't want to be in GM's shoes as it watches one of its EV-friendly veterans so publicly jump ship, however.

Continue reading Fisker lands former GM exec and Chevy Volt guru Tony Posawatz as CEO

Filed under:

Fisker lands former GM exec and Chevy Volt guru Tony Posawatz as CEO originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceAutoblog  | Email this | Comments