BMW plans 3- and 5-series full hybrids

BMW AG plans to take its 5-series ActiveHybrid concept into production as early as next year and expects to introduce the dual-powertrain technology into its smaller 3 series.

"As early as next year, the new BMW 5 series will also be available as a full hybrid. And we are anticipating the hybridization of further models series, such as the 3 series," CEO Norbert Reithofer told shareholders at the carmaker's annual meeting in Munich.

As emission standards become ever stricter, BMW needs to lower the carbon footprint of its fleet in coming years as Brussels targets an overall level of around 95 grams of carbon dioxide by 2020 for new cars sold in Europe.

"We want to reduce our global fleet's carbon emissions by at least another 25 percent between 2008 and 2020," Reithofer said.

At the end of last year, BMW's European fleet emissions equated to 150 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, down from 156g at the end of 2008.

First shown at the Geneva auto show in March, the 5-series hybrid can be driven entirely in electric mode -- like the Toyota Prius -- after the sedan's brakes recuperate enough kinetic energy initially generated by its petrol engine.

This would be BMW's second full hybrid on offer after the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 launched at the end of last year.

By comparison, the larger BMW ActiveHybrid 7 luxury sedan that went on sale this spring is a mild hybrid, meaning it cannot run on zero-emission electric propulsion alone.

Reithofer pointed to government incentives for hybrids as a key driver of demand, particularly in Japan. "Sales of hybrid vehicles (there) have skyrocketed. If you don't have a hybrid in your portfolio, soon you might not be selling any cars in Japan at all," he said.

Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid

Porsche to unveil hybrid 911 GT3 racing supercar at the Geneva motor show

Porsche is taking a hybrid version of its 911 supercar to the 2010 Geneva motor show. It’s no ordinary 911, either – it’s the GT3 R racing car, perhaps the last place you’d expect to find a green-pleasing powertrain.

Not that this one’s particularly green, of course. A 473bhp 4-litre flat-six engine powers the rear wheels, while two electric motors (each developing around 80bhp) power the front axle, effectively making this a four-wheel-drive GT3.

Those motors are powered by an electric flywheel generator, which is charged up by regenerative braking each time the driver slows. And rather than cutting in automatically during the drive (or indeed race) cycle, the electric power is made available KERS-style, as the racing driver requires it for a six to eight second boost.

The 911’s hybrid system is also intended to increase fuel efficiency. Ideal, really, as the car’s first big race with be May’s Nurburgring 24-hour race. And for Porsche, it really is about the taking part rather than the winning: racing the hybrid GT3 R will be ‘a ‘racing laboratory’ that will provide invaluable knowledge and insight on the subsequent use of hybrid technology in road-going Porsche sports car’.

A road-going hybrid version of the next 911, then? Certainly sounds like it…

Citroen DS High Rider concept (2010): first news

Here's the big Citroën news at the 2010 Geneva motor show: the new DS High Rider concept car, a thinly veiled version of the forthcoming DS4 due in early 2011.

It will be the second addition to the fledgling DS sub-brand of near-premium cars, following in the footsteps of the DS3. A three-door coupé, it's our first look at what is likely to replace the C4 hatchback range next year.

Citroën DS High Rider concept car: more details

This is a four-seater coupé that looks distinctly achievable for production. Even its panoramic windscreen is do-able – it's little different from the huge glasshouse on the latest C3 supermini.

The High Rider sits on appropriately chunky alloy wheels of 19in in diameter and stretches to 4260mm long. That golden paintwork contrasts with the unusual coated textile roof covering; don't expect any woolly threads on the production version due in 2011, however.

What drives the High Rider?

Surprise, surprise: the new Citroën concept car is yet another look at the PSA full diesel hybrid system. It mixes an HDI derv engine up front with an electrically powered rear axle – and means the High Rider can drive on full electric mode for short distances around town.

It also means that the PSA hybrids will be four-wheel drive. The first road cars will launch with this system in 2011.