10 concept electric vehicles designed for Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz is a class apart and has been ruling hearts from the past many years. It is a technologically advanced auto brand and comes injected with a lot of luxury. The brand provides a comfort coated ride that is perfectly blended with modern technology. In this Eco-conscious world, even Mercedes has got stung by all-electric ride fever. Below is a list of ten concept electric vehicles designed for Mercedes Benz that will replace the gas-guzzling beasts in style.

1. Mercedes-Benz LeMans Electric Race Car Concept

Ozgun Culam is a designer from Turkey but based in Italy. He has come up with an electric car named Mercedes-Benz LeMans Electric Race Car Concept that will set onlookers in a drooling mode. The lightweight concept is a streamlined creation that has been wedged with four engines that have been fitted in each wheel. It has been crafted in an attention-grabbing way and comes draped in a lot style. The glass wrapped cabin has been styled like that of a fighter jet and giving extra stability to the design are the large spoilers.

2. Mercedes-Benz Aria Concept

Green Wheels: Kobot foldable electric scooter

The green machine

How would you feel if you have a robot scooter that could be controlled completely with the help of a smart phone? Definitely, you would want to own one such scooter. Then you may think about where and how to store it securely? Well, what if the robot scooter does not take too much space as it is foldable and can be stored easily when not in use. This type of scooter will be a boon for urban dwellers. Kobot is one such scooter.

Kobot foldable electric scooter

Kobot is capable of going at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour. It can prove to be a perfect vehicle to travel near by places. Kobot was created by Kowa Tmsuk with the aim of making a vehicle that can crack the problem of urban populated dwelling without harming the environment. Yes, Kobot does not cause air pollution as it runs on electricity rather than fossil fuel.

Green factor

Kobot, as per Yoichi Takamoto, president of Tmsuk is a robot which we can ride. The vehicle has a green factor which makes it stand out of the crowd. As Kobot is an electrically powered vehicle so it uses only electricity to run which not only reduces the carbon emission but also reduces expenditure on fuel.

The powertrain

Kobot is a three wheel scooter with one seat. The scooter is designed in such a way that the user can use a smart phone to remotely tell Kobot to fold its read wheel and seat with the main body so it occupies minimum space when not in use. It uses about one square meter of space when folded (not in use).

There is also some information that the vehicle is made up of carbon fiber which is used to build fuel efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Research shows that this will not only make the vehicle lighter in weight but also stronger which will add to the safety of the driver while driving on the roads.

The highs

Kobot can reach a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour, which makes it a perfect vehicle to drive to nearby places. With this speed, the vehicle can also be used for traversing in an urban populated environment. On top of this, the vehicle does not cause any air pollution as it totally runs on electricity rather than fossil fuels. This not only makes you a good citizen but also saves you much of your hard earned money. Kobot can be told remotely to fold itself if it not in use using the smart phone which comes with the vehicle.

This three wheel scooter folds itself and occupies only one square meter of space which also prevents the storage problem of the vehicle if you do not have a garage. Also, this is an ideal vehicle to park vehicle in urban environment where parking space is very less.

The lows

As Kobot can only run at a 30 kilometers (or 18 miles) per hour of speed so it can not be considered as a vehicle to travel long distances. The three wheel scooter also has only one seat which means no one can accompany you when you are on the road. Another drawback of the scooter is that you are not protected from the wind and bad weather as the vehicle is completely open.

Cost and availability

Though the manufacturer company has not revealed any figures that may be used to estimate the cost of this innovative three wheel scooter but the president of Yoshito Serita, Kowa Tmsuk said that the company has plans to make the Kobot vehicles available in the market for public by the end of 2012.

Word around the web:

After Kobot, the three wheel electrically powered fold able robot scooter was first showcased at Tokyo Motor Show it has been the topic of discussion around the web. As the design and the features of the vehicle are innovative and matches the needs of every urban dweller who want a vehicle to go to near by places without any hassle.

The vehicle is said to be unique and designed to be super-small to be easy to drive in the highly populated area with low parking space availability.

The vehicle and its features are being discussed all over the automobile websites to understand the need of urban dwellers and design and manufactures those vehicles that can meet their requirements.

Green Wheels: Honda EV-STER Concept

After huge expectations, the Japanese Automaker "Honda" has finally unveiled its sports concept titled "EV-STER", in the Tokyo Motor Show. However, some of the rendered images of the concept were released earlier, much before the formal debut at the Motor Show. The concept features a new look, stylish design, prudent dynamics and sophisticated interiors.The concept drives on 100 percent electric charge. The oddity of this car is its steering system which will be totally different from the conventional steering methods. Honda has also unveiled two other concepts along with EV-STER. The Tokyo Motor Show is open from December 3 through December 11, 2011.

The Green Machine

Honda EV-STER is designed to utilize 100 percent electric energy by means of batteries. The vehicle provides a seating capacity for two passengers including the driver. The relatively light weight design of the body has helped the vehicle to balance the dynamics well. The front fascia is captivating, yet adds elegance to this powerful machine. The low profile design creates a perfect aerodynamic shape to the concept at the front. However, significant features are found at the rear of body. In fact, every single feature, right from the taillights to the air vents are very well designed at the rear.

Green factor

As this concept is completely electricity based, considerable space is occupied by the batteries and electric motor itself. The electric energy is extracted from a tiny 10 kW Lithium-Ion battery pack. The manufacturer claims that EV-STER is capable of covering a mileage range of about 100 miles on a single charge. Their batteries could be recharged in just three hours from a 200V power outlet. However, with the 100V power outlets, the time taken to recharge their batteries gets doubled. This limits the vehicle's versatility for short distance traveling and to every day commuters within the city.

The powertrain

Honda EV-STER possess an electric drive-train that delivers a stunning mileage of 100 miles on full charge. EV-STER's rear wheels are the driving wheels, while the front wheels are driven. The Lithium ion batteries has the capacity to power the vehicle's wheels up to a speed of 100 miles per hour. This car could cruise from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds which is quite impressive for an electricity based concept. No word on the suspension system of this car has been revealed yet.

The highs

The muscular design of the vehicle not only attracts the car enthusiasts, but also increases the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. The introduction of lever and handle type steering system is very unique, and it is destined to excite the drivers on their journeys. The interiors are well designed and customized to keep the driver informed by means of various functions and indicators. In fact, the driver's seat is colored in bright neon and white, which might make the driver feel his responsibilities and sets him with the right mood. The taillights are sleek and creatively designed. The overall blue tone from the vehicle's headlights, sidelights and taillights creates a good impression and makes it admirable.

The lows

With just the concept released, it is too early to discuss about the disadvantages and limitations of this car. However, the lack of sunroof is unimpressive. The proposed mileage range is very limited and so it will also be a major disadvantage of this car. Some of the common problems prevailing with the fully electric vehicles are not eliminated in this concept, which means that this car will also be regarded as just one among the other electric models. Except the steering feature, most of the options available in this concept are already popular in the other models.

Cost and availability

Only the concept has been unveiled as of now. The manufacturer has not uttered any word on the pricing of this concept. It is also unknown that whether this car would be available as a convertible with sunroof, or not. However, the concept is very well designed and possess an extra-ordinary steering feature. The production version of this model will change the people's views on taking the driver's seat.

Word around the web

Takanobu Ito, Honda president and CEO, said:

"We will sequentially introduce multiple new models, including a high-performance sports model which is currently under development toward market introduction in the near future."

Inside Line says:

"Could Honda be shaking off its design doldrums?"

Whatever it is, Honda EV-STER will create a new driving experience with the release of their production versions. However, the expected reach and success of this model completely depends on the vehicle's price and availability to people around the world.

Canadian Car Industry: Dead And Alive

Canada likes rare classical cars very much. And photographers like this place in Canada. The graveyard of old rare cars near Belleville city in a small town Picton. But soon this place will be closed and all old wrecked cars will be sold out...

10 Most Amazing Concept Green Rides

Quite obviously quietness and “green” are two objectives that seem to be driving the auto scene at the moment. We often see electric vehicles and concepts powered by renewable energy being displayed at various auto shows. Moreover the rise in the cost of fuel has made auto makers think about possibilities that are fuel efficient as well. When reducing fuel or energy consumption is the need, the best possible solution is to let go one wheel and make the vehicle run on three wheels. This approach better mileage and doesn’t make the user sacrifice with performance and safety.

So here I have compiled some of the most amazing concept vehicles that run on three-wheels for better streets of tomorrow.

Peugeot +

Peugeot+ is supposed to be a fusion of a scooter and car. Designed to run on a smaller electric motor, it aims to leave lesser or rather no carbon prints behind. It has two front wheels for extra stability.

VentureOne

Designed by Los Angeles-based automobile company Venture Vehicles, this vroom-ing Y shaped 3-wheeler will come in two versions, which will have a wide range of accessories. With a fuel economy of 100 mpg and a top speed of over 100 mph, this vehicle is unquestionably groundbreaking.

The Moby

The Moby by WooJin Chung is one such strike that can take you to the future on zero-emission electric engines. The concept vehicle can displace its rear and alter it in differentfashion to suit the traffic.

TransforMiss

The TransforMiss concept is inspired by “a woman” who according to the designer is never the same. The car seats two passengers and can be driven from either seat by simply changing the position of the steering wheel and can be driven with two, three or four wheels, depending on the street traffic and user preference.

Bio Top

The Bio Top is a futuristic electric car featuring three wheels, one of which generates electricity as well. The Bio Top car utilizes wireless electricity technology to transfer electricity, which is generated by the car’s rear spherical wheel, to recharge the vehicle’s on-boardbattery as it moves.

Brontes

The Brontes aims to curb pollution with an electric drive. The concept vehicle can seat two individuals and runs on a lithium-ion battery pack. The car’s expected top speed and range is set to show some decent figures, as the car runs on three wheels.

Peugeot RD

Designed for a future metropolis, the Peugeot RD Concept, will have a single seat and will run on three wheels. This concept car combines the sensations of a 3-wheeled scooter with the driving pleasure of a saloon car.

GM Car Hero

Designed by General Motors, the Car Hero Concept aims to features easy controls. All the rider need to do is entering the destination into the navigation app on his/her Smartphone and let the vehicle do the rest. The Rider can unlock controls so he/she could take the charge of the autonomous system.

Peugeot Q

The Peugeot Q is a three-wheeled vehicle providing space for 2 passengers. With a free spherical rear wheel, the car can literally spin 360 degrees, which ease parking and driving in congested city lanes. The two wheels on the front are incorporated with lithium-ion engine, which gives the car the ability to change direction based on the transmitted velocity.

SV1

The SV1 actually looks like something out of the comic books. It has a shiny body and three wheels. The vehicle is meant to seat two and is driven by rear wheels, while steering is delegated to the two front wheels.

Inner Workings Of A Cruise Liner

New-Amsterdam cruise vessel is the 4th cruise liner of Dutch-American Line Company built in Venice. Following every 25-30 years of construction the liner is doomed to consider old-fashioned. It is then sold to a poorer cruise company and replaced by a newly constructed ship.

10 Most Luxurious Yachts in the World

Yachting is a celebrated luxury enjoyed by many around the world. There are yachts that are so spectacular that they are considered vehicles of style more than a means of water transportation.  These yachts are owned by the richest people in the world and certainly reflect their wealth.

These yachts are some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. The astounding size and designs will amaze those who have the opportunity to see them up-close. Below is a list of the world’s most luxurious yachts.

Lady Moura

The fabulous Lady Moura is 354-feet long and was built in 1991for Saudi Prince Nasser al-Rashid. This mega-yacht has a crew of 60, a pool with a retractable roof, and an artificial beachfront with sand. 

Octopus

The astonishing Octopus is 416ft in length and was created by Paul Allen. It has a crew of 40 and contains seven smaller boats, two helicopters, and a 10-person submarine.

Alysia

The 5 deck striking Alysia is 280-ft in length and is the sister ship of the Annaliess. Its 1,300 square-foot master stateroom has a private deck, Jacuzzi, marble decked bathroom and California king-size bed. The yacht contains elevators, sundeck with barbecue, a bar, an 8-person hot tub, spa, gym, salon and a 500-bottle wine cellar.

Rising Sun

The remarkable Rising Sun is 453 ft in length and is co-owned by Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and producer David Geffen. The five-story boat has 82 rooms and highlights include onyx countertops, 9,900 square-feet of decking, a movie theater and a basketball court/helipad.

Trimaran

This wonderful yacht is 148-meter-long and can hold 28 guests. It was designed by Craig Loomes. The Trimaran has a swimming pool, several rooms for sunbathing, grand piano and a bar, hot tub, a grand hall, a helicopter pad and even its own internal harbor. It can reach a top speed of up to 50 knots

Leander

This eye catching 75-meter in length yacht was developed by Peene shipyard in 1994. It contains 3 deck levels, large dining room, bar, sauna, gym, pool with Jacuzzi, barbeque, panoramic windows, observation lounge, and private VIP apartments.

Atmosphere

The magnificent Atmosphere was developed by Perini Navi in 2000. The length is 174ft and can house 14 people. It features a dining room, saloon, sauna, separate Turkish bath, satellite TV/DVD/video/stereo as well as a Jacuzzi dip pool. The interior consists of cherry wood.

Virginian

This stunning yacht is 200-ft in length and can house 12 people. It was created by Van Lent in 1990.  It contains six cabins, a sundeck, a library, built-in bookcases, a bar, dining room, and a large bathroom.

Annaliesse

This unbelievable mega-yacht is 280-ft long and contains15 staterooms, spa, salon, library, children’s play area and movie theater with a 100-inch screen. The master stateroom has a king-size bed and remote-controlled panoramic windows. It can accommodate 36 guests.

Ecstasea

The incredible Ecstasea is 250-ft long and is owned by Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich. It contains bamboo furniture, marble flooring, a disco, sauna, Turkish bath, and retractable helipad.