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Future Hybrid Concept converts EVs into hybrids

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Horse Powertrain, a company that produces ICE and hybrid systems, has unveiled an equipment kit that converts electric motors into hybrids. It is a Future Hybrid Concept that is the inverse of the one offered for the electrification of cars with internal combustion engines.

The Future Hybrid Concept can be installed on current BEV platforms, and the system works as a unit with extended range for the existing battery and provides all-wheel drive. The size of the powertrain is designed to replace the front electric drive and requires only minimal modifications and is fixed directly to the vehicle subframe. It should also be noted that this system is also compatible with combustion engine platforms.

The new powertrain represents a significant shift in manufacturing processes because by placing the complex components of the hybrid system in a single unit, a large part of unnecessary work is eliminated, which ultimately means lower costs.

The Future Hybrid Concept is equipped with a controller, inverter, DC/DC converter and on-board charger, and includes the ability to charge ultra-fast at 800 V. It can also be used for all types of fuel, from gasoline to synthetic fuels.

This powertrain is not yet in use, and the first cars equipped with the Future Hybrid Concept will reach the market in three years.

Source: Horse Powertrain

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Audi offers the R18 LMP1 and RS 5 DTM to an exclusive clientele

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Due to the difficult situation on the car market, many manufacturers are trying to find different solutions in order to keep the existing ones and get closer to new customers. Audi recently decided to offer racing cars to a certain number of customers and provide them with technical support. The first to be offered are the R18 LMP1 and the RS 5 DTM.

“We are rebuilding these chassis together with reconditioned parts from that time into racing cars according to strict standards and with a high level of expertise. In some cases, even the developers from that era are involved in the current projects. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro and the RS 5 DTM are two of the fastest racing cars we have ever built. Customers can look forward not only to extremely sought-after racing cars, but also to a firework display of driving emotions. Our customers become part of a select circle, benefit from our motorsport expertise and receive comprehensive support,” says Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH.

Both models have an impressive racing history, and although they are more than a decade older, only the F1 cars are more technologically advanced. The R18 LMP1 (chassis #207) achieved good results in the 2012 season. It won the 6 Hours of Spa, finished 5th at Le Mans, and managed to climb the podium in the remaining races of the season. It is currently unknown how many cars Audi will offer.

The RS5 DTM is not a typical sports car. It is a prototype with an RS5 body and is powered by a 2.0-L inline-4 turbocharged engine with around 600 hp. This chassis #107, which won the DTM final in Hockenheim in 2015, is equipped with numerous aerodynamic components.

Audi has announced that all deliveries will be made this summer, so hurry up if you are interested.

Source: Audi

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Audi offers the R18 LMP1 and RS 5 DTM to an exclusive clientele
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Mini’s electric strategy failed

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Mini is one of the manufacturers that advocated a rapid transition to fully electric cars, but the reduced demand for electric cars has brought them back to reality. Now the company is thinking more about combustion engines.

“We are not giving up on full electrification, but we will have to postpone it, because it is evident that the demand for cars powered by internal combustion engines is still high, much higher than the demand for electric cars,” the company said.

Along with the development of electric models, Mini will continue to offer hybrid models and there is already a lot of talk about a new model that will be positioned above the Countryman. This model should have significantly higher ground clearance, reinforced suspension and wheels for different surfaces.

It is still not known when the BMW Group will stop producing cars with combustion engines, but the latest information suggests that the end of the decade may be too ambitious. Last year, only 17.4 percent of the BMW Group’s offer was electric cars, which is still far from what they planned.

Source: Mini

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