Bentley plug-in hybrid to make use of Volkswagen components

Wolfgang Durheimer, Bentley CEO, recently shared that the much awaited plug-in hybrid vehicle of the brand will be using technologies being implemented by the other brands of the Volkswagen Group.

During a recent interview while in Detroit, he explained that Bentley does not need its own system of hybrid technology just for purposes of differentiation. He said Bentley will handle differentiation thru luxury, craftsmanship, prestige, appearance, and styling while other brands like Porsche and Audi take the lead for the development of they hybrid technology.

The move of Bentley makes sense when you look at it, as the other brands of VW group have more funds for research and development and they have also poured a lot of investments for their hybrid technology.

The CEO of Bentley also confirmed that the hybrid vehicle will be using the new Audi 4.0L twin-turbo V8 for its combustion engine component with the electric components right in between it and the gearbox. This engine is already under the hood of the Continental GT. He also said that the older W12 might be short for the six liter lump and it might be feasible to install the motor behind it.

The Bentley topman also clarified that he wants an electric motor that is not a mild hybrid just like the one used by BMW but something which can have an all electric range of around 25 kilometers.

This hybrid setup though might not be used for the current line up and will possible debut for the next generation of Bentley vehicles which includes the Bentley SUV that still awaits confirmation. VW still has to give the project the go signal.

The design process for the Bentley SUV is already moving forward but he is still looking on the viability of the vehicle as the brand looks at markets like China, Russia, and the United States. Durheimer said it will not be a small crossover, not a Hummer but on the bigger side of the lineup. It will be a good comfy ride but also nice to drive with a good amount of space, comfort zone, and all provisions to be comfortable in the back.

We will update you as soon as the VW Group gives a green light for the V8 hybrid.

Top 10 Most efficient cars in the market today in terms of highest MPG

If you are looking to buy a new vehicle and looking for a green car, you now have a lot of options when you compare fuel efficiency. If the MPG will be your top priority, here are the 10 best cars in terms of MPG or their equivalent for electric Evs:

2012 Mitsubishi i

This car returns 112 miles per gallon. This small electric car from Mitsubishi may not be the best in the looks department but it sure is in fuel efficiency.

2011 Leaf by Nissan

According to many, buying this car which returns 99 mpg is a wiser choice compared to a Mitsubishi I. It is bigger and easier to drive or in short it is a lot more usable compared to the rival EV from Mitsubishi.

2012 Volt by Chevrolet

The volt has two ratings for its two different modes of driving. Operate it all electric and you will get an MPGe of 94, but turn on the gas powerplant and the mpg lowers down to 37.

2011 Smart ForTwo

This one is the electric drive ForTwo with a range of 62 miles. Of course everyone is awaiting the unveiling of the 2012 model which promises to have a better range and speed.

2012 Prius by Toyota

This list will not be complete without the Prius. The combined rating of 50 MPG still makes it as among the most efficient cars today.

2012 Civic Hybrid by Honda

Honda also has a good track record when it comes to giving us hybrid vehicles. The Hybrid Civic returns 44 MPG.

2012 Prius V by Toyota

This 7-seat Prius is perfect for the family with fuel efficiency rating of 42 MPG.

2012 CT 200h by Lexus

This car might be called a Prius in some fancy clothes. The fuel rating though is still excellent at 42 MPG.

2011 Insight by Honda

A new version will be released by next year but the 2011 has mad a mark for having a 41 MPG rating and its sticker price is also impressive at only $18,200.

2012 Fusion Hybrid by Ford

The last on our fuel sipper list is the hybrid Ford fusion with 39 MPG.

University in Tokyo comes up with non-rare earth metal electric motor [w/video]

While electric cars save the environment, they cost a lot because their motors make use of rare metals. Recently, a research team led by Nobukazu Hoshi of a university in Tokyo specializing in the sciences created an electric motor that doesn’t depend on any rare metals for it to run. Instead of using rare Earth elements, the Japanese team has found a way to power electric motors with cheaper and easier-to-find materials.

During the Techno-Frontier 2011, Nobukazu’s team showcased their motor invention also with the electric car they also built.

According to Nobukazu’s statement, the university is currently building an electric vehicle that can run without the using rare Earth elements. He said that the electric car they’re building is as big as the 2nd gen Prius and runs on with a motor that is called the Switched Reluctance type The electric car has 50kW of output power of over95% efficiency.

The so-called Switched Reluctance makes use of the difference that exist in the magnetic fields to power the vehicle mechanically. Nobukazu’s team said that the electric car is resistant to heat and mechanical shocks as well. While that sounds might potential, the downside here is that it doesn’t have much torque power compared to the traditional electric vehicles. But hey, this one is definitely cheaper because it makes use of cheaper materials.

This is just the first unveiling. Further modifications and test runs have to be made to improve and asses this electric motor’s performance and practicality.