Infiniti Concept Vision displayed at Gran Turismo® GT Sport Launch.

Displayed alongside seven other full-size concept cars, the largest ever gathering of GT concept vision cars in one place, the vehicle provides a visualisation of what a high performance Infiniti could look like in the future.

The car was developed through close collaboration with the creators of Gran Turismo®, the racing game franchise developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. that has sold more than 72 million copies worldwide. The Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo will be featured in the new GT-Sport game when it is released in November.

The Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo is a project that started as an ambitious global Infiniti Design competition to "design a pure Infiniti GT car". The winning model was born from the theme put forward by Infiniti's Design team in Beijing. Part beauty, part beast, its shape is powerful, sensual and audacious – a mix of a track machine and the dream of our Chinese design team to create an ambitious racing language for Infiniti.

The process of developing the design of the Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo started with hand sketching, then refined digitally, refined again by hand sculpting, and then returned to digital for final refinement.

This project went much further than being a mere design exercise. It included thorough examinations and calculations of technical features such as aerodynamics and engine performance. The front mid-ship/trans-axle powertrain enables the finely distributed 45:55 front/rear weight balance that fills users with the joy of driving by actively drifting the rear.

As for aerodynamics, the under-floor airflow control, front and back diffusers, and uniquely shaped rear spoiler enable this car to demonstrate high performance without compromising the impact of the body design.

China's first Supercar looks for a European production base for its new Micro Turbine tech filled car.

• Techrules is investigating locations for its European production base
• Company plans to launch China’s first supercar – featuring Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) technology – within three years
• Geneva world premiere of new Chinese R&D business and its proprietary TREV technology generates international media interest

Techrules, the new automotive research and development company based in Beijing, has started the process of identifying potential locations to establish its European production base. It plans to have a shortlist established within the next couple of months and a final decision will be made by the end of the year.

Techrules made a highly successful international debut at the 86^th Geneva International Motor Show last month. The world premiere of its revolutionary turbine-recharging electric vehicle (TREV) technology made a significant impact with media and public guests alike. The brand presented the innovative system in China’s first supercar concept.

Development of TREV for production

Techrules has appointed a small team to identify specific locations in Europe where it can establish a production facility for its supercar. The team is looking at existing sites that are currently or will soon become vacant, and also at possible sites where it could develop an all-new site from the ground up.

The company’s strong in-house engineering team is focused on finalising the development and manufacturing processes of the production version of its TREV micro turbine hybrid range extender technology. Meanwhile, it will continue to progress vehicle engineering and styling programmes for the AT96 and GT96 variants of its supercar with specialist partners in the UK and Italy.

Techrules plans to launch China’s first supercar – featuring its TREV technology – into the global market in the next two-to-three years. It then plans to begin production of higher volume city cars a few years later. It is currently exploring options for production facilities in Europe, as well as continuing negotiations with new development partners.

The most interesting exhibit at Geneva

Media reaction was overwhelmingly positive with coverage appearing around the world. While the stunning supercar – and the design of the turbine-inspired show stand – drew many show-visitors to the brand, equally intriguing to a wide range of industry executives from established volume car makers was the TREV technology itself.

William Jin, Chairman of Techrules, said: “We chose to showcase our innovative TREV technology at Geneva because it is one of the most important annual auto shows in the world. The level of interest in our technology and our next generation electric cars proves that we have a formula that can make a major impact on the industry.

“We will return to Geneva next year to show the progress we have made with the technology, including an update on the performance testing we will undertake in the coming year at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. In the meantime, we have deployed a small team to begin evaluating where we should set up our European production base.”

Some media guests commented that it was the most interesting news at the show.

“We’re very humbled by the reaction over the past few weeks to our Geneva global debut,” commented Matthew Jin, President of Techrules. “We are a young company but we have a bold vision. To see that so many highly respected industry analysts, experienced executives and influential media understood our vision and believe in its potential is incredibly inspiring.”

Techrules and its Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) technology

Techrules is dedicated to the innovation of new energy technologies to advance the environmental and dynamic performance of EVs as well as the convenience to the user.

Its Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) system is an all-new patent-protected series hybrid powertrain technology comprising a turbine-generator. TREV combines extensive experience of aviation and electric vehicle technologies with several proprietary technical innovations to deliver unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance, and ultra-low environmental impact.

TREV is a range extender system that uses a micro-turbine to generate electricity that charges a battery pack. The battery powers the motors that drive the wheels. Newly developed battery management technologies enable superior charging efficiency. The high efficiency of the TREV range extender results in a requirement for fewer batteries, saving weight and space.

Techrules showcased its ground breaking technology at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show in a plug-in hybrid range extender TREV concept that represents the first step towards production of China’s first supercar. A development prototype started testing in February 2016 at the world-famous Silverstone race circuit in the UK.

Producing peak power of 768 kW (1,030 bhp / 1,044 PS), initial projections indicate blistering performance (0 - 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds; 350 km/h restricted top speed) and a huge range (over 2,000 km). Under plug-in operation, it achieves fuel consumption of just 0.18 l/100 km (1,569 mpg).

USA - Lincoln debuts a new MKX Concept at Los Angeles.

• The Lincoln MKX Concept, unveiled at Auto China 2014 and making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, previews an elegant update to Lincoln’s midsize premium utility vehicle
• Well-balanced proportions highlighted by wide shoulders, a sloping roofline and 21-inch wheels create a gracefully athletic presence
• Full LED headlamps with strips of dynamic LED signature lighting – which light sequentially as part of Lincoln’s updated approach detection – float within a reimagined Lincoln split-wing grille
• Projections call for continued growth of the premium midsize utility segment worldwide through 2018

The Lincoln Motor Company today unveiled the MKX Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show, its first appearance in North America since its reveal at Auto China 2014 in Beijing this April. 

The Lincoln MKX Concept hints at a global SUV that will become the third of four all-new Lincoln vehicles due by 2016. It is designed to capture the attention of consumers worldwide.

Drawing design inspiration from airplanes and motorbikes, the Lincoln MKX Concept evokes feelings of power and agility, offering a glimpse of the American luxury brand’s future as it enters the rapidly growing Chinese market.

Several customer research clinics were held in China and the United States to gather feedback on the design to ensure the final execution would satisfy and delight luxury customers around the world.

“Great emphasis was put on the proportions of this concept vehicle,” said Andrea Di Buduo, exterior design manager of the Lincoln MKX Concept. “It’s a very emotional, athletic design. Its horizontal lines and defined undercuts are gracefully integrated and very sophisticated, yet convey a powerful and dynamic presence.”

Intensive study of the Chinese luxury customer over the past few years revealed that a medium premium utility vehicle should express off-road capability and sportiness.

Based on that, the Lincoln MKX Concept includes elements such as a separated front skid plate, heightened ground clearance and reinforced wheel arches. The floating aluminum body-side rocker molding is engraved with the Lincoln logo.

This execution communicates adaptability to different road conditions, combined with crafted execution and attention to detail.

Defined by an aerodynamic, sloping teardrop roofline, the Lincoln MKX Concept’s modern silhouette lends to its sporty personality, which is highlighted by wide shoulders flanking its recessed rear windows to heighten the design. Dynamic side undercuts, a high beltline and 21-inch machined aluminum wheels further enhance the well-proportioned design.

The roof over the rear was lowered to give the vehicle a sleeker shape. Highlighted by a panoramic glass surface that lets natural light fill the cabin and integrated roof racks, the floating rear spoiler houses the center high-mounted stop light and hides the antenna.

The Lincoln MKX Concept offers a new interpretation of Lincoln’s signature full-width taillamps.

“Concept vehicles are defined by every design detail,” said David Woodhouse, Lincoln design director, “and this MKX Concept shows how Lincoln’s thoughtful design philosophy continues to evolve. The Lincoln brand was built on vehicles with stunning design, and the MKX Concept is the latest example.”

Lincoln’s aggressive signature split-wing grille accentuates the front end. The artistic interpretation of the grille features horizontal lines that continue as strips of LED accent lights below each headlamp. These strips of light glow sequentially as part of Lincoln’s updated approach detection feature – one element of the Lincoln Experiences package.

Lincoln Experiences, a technology-driven suite of features introduced on the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small utility vehicle, is designed to create a warmer, more personal luxury car-owning experience. Anticipating and responding to a driver’s needs and preferences, Lincoln Experiences offers a warm embrace that begins as a driver approaches the vehicle and continues upon entry and vehicle start-up.

“With the Lincoln MKX Concept, we’re delighted to share a glimpse of the continually evolving future of Lincoln,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “The transformation of The Lincoln Motor Company is under way, with sales up 15 percent in the United States year over year, due largely to the first all-new products we introduced: The MKZ sedan and MKC utility.

“The MKX Concept demonstrates the design direction for the third all-new vehicle from Lincoln, one that will capture the true essence of the brand – warm and inviting, beautifully styled, and with the promise of engaging technologies that appeal to a younger luxury consumer in a global market.”

A Lincoln MKX production model would compete in the growing, global midsize premium utility segment, a segment that represents 36 percent of the global luxury utility market and is set to rise to 44 percent by 2018.*

*Sales and segmentation data provided by IHS

CHINA - Lincoln celebrates opening first new stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou today

• Lincoln opens its first three stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, officially unveiling The Lincoln Way, a unique new luxury automotive ownership experience in China
• Eight Lincoln stores will open in China by year’s end. By 2016, 60 Lincoln stores will be open in 50 cities across the country
• The Lincoln MKZ midsize premium sedan and Lincoln MKC small premium utility are the first two of five new vehicles Lincoln will bring to China by 2016

Lincoln opened its first three stores in Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou today, officially unveiling The Lincoln Way, a unique new automotive ownership experience for Chinese luxury customers.

“The launch of The Lincoln Way and our first Lincoln stores in China marks an important milestone for Lincoln’s reinvention as a global luxury automotive brand,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln.

“The Lincoln Way demonstrates how a storied brand with a nearly 100-year history is innovating for our Chinese customers while staying true to our roots of personal service. Our Lincoln customers will not only get the very best when it comes to product, but also when it comes to the entire ownership experience.”

In addition to these first three locations, Lincoln will open five more Lincoln stores in China by year’s end, and a total of 60 stores in 50 cities in China by 2016. The Lincoln Way will be embedded in all Lincoln stores in China.

The Lincoln Way will serve today’s younger and more discerning luxury customers who value individuality. Through Lincoln’s specially trained staff, customers will experience a warmer, more engaging purchasing and ownership experience personally crafted to their individual needs and desires.

The Lincoln Way was developed over three years and is based on research across luxury retailing experiences from different sectors, including hospitality. Key elements of The Lincoln Way include a dedicated Lincoln Team; a distinct, welcoming, home-like environment featuring a relaxing tea room; intuitive personalized technology, with an exclusive Personalization Studio; and complete sales and service transparency.

The Lincoln stores in China will first offer the all-new MKC small premium utility vehicle and the MKZ midsize premium sedan. The Lincoln MKZ and MKC will be followed by the Lincoln MKX, the Lincoln Navigator and an all-new full-size luxury sedan, fulfilling the brand’s promise to bring five new vehicles to China by 2016.

“The launch of the Lincoln Way in China is the result of our global team researching a wide array of luxury brands,” said Robert Parker, president of Lincoln China. “After extensive concept testing with luxury consumers, a comprehensive customer experience was developed defining the ‘Lincoln Way.’ We believe the resulting customer experience will reshape luxury automotive ownership in China today.

“We are humbled by the efforts our first three partners are putting forth sharing our vision of The Lincoln Way. Their experience in the luxury automotive industry and excellence in customer service represent the winning combination we believe customers will appreciate.”

The Lincoln Way meets the needs of today’s new luxury customer in China

The Lincoln team spent the last three years establishing a deep understanding of the new luxury automotive customer in China. This included extensive quantitative and qualitative deep-dives into luxury customer segmentations as well as behavior models and expectations.

“Our extensive study of the new luxury customer in China revealed a unique opportunity for Lincoln in the luxury auto market,” said Parker. “As a new brand entering the market in China, Lincoln has a great opportunity to differentiate itself by combining great products with a new way of purchasing and owning a luxury vehicle.”

The research showed that today’s Chinese luxury customers are quickly evolving. They are no longer satisfied with luxury as an overt statement of their personal net worth. Instead, they are increasingly seeking luxury as a way to express their unique individuality.

Based on these insights, the Lincoln team took the unprecedented step of building a fully functioning prototype dealer facility in Shanghai a year ago to research, test and refine every aspect of the Lincoln customer journey throughout the purchase and ownership process.

Redefining luxury automotive ownership in China

The Lincoln Way is how Lincoln sells and services its vehicles and how Lincoln customers experience the brand. It completely shifts luxury automotive ownership from a sales-and-service transaction model to an experience model.

A Lincoln dealership is built around the customer, using clean elegant designs, harmonious colors and quality materials. The overall effect is a warm, inviting environment that customers associate with the living room of a home or a five-star boutique hotel lobby. There are different zones and pavilions with seating clusters where customers can relax with their family and friends.

In line with this customer-centric dealership environment is a transparent sales and service experience that aims to surprise and delight. Different from a traditional transaction-model dealership where the purchase experience is all about making the sale, the purchase experience at the Lincoln dealership is designed around building a relationship with the customer and understanding his or her needs. Attentive and intuitive staff gauge when to allow for self-exploration and when to provide assistance.

At Lincoln dealerships, each customer has a dedicated team to ensure personalized service tailored to the customer’s individual needs is consistently delivered throughout the ownership experience.

At the core of The Lincoln Way is the Lincoln Team, led by the Host, the Master and the Craftsman, team members specially chosen and rigorously trained by The Lincoln Institute.

The Host tailors the customer’s experience and maintains the customer relationship throughout the ownership process. If more detailed information is desired, the Host introduces the customer to the Master.

The Master serves as the customer’s trusted resource during the sales process, providing information, advice and recommendations based on the customer’s needs. The sequence of information and level of detail is tailored to the guest’s needs and interests.

The Craftsman serves as the customer’s personal contact for service and maintenance. He maintains a full record of the vehicle and thoroughly explains any maintenance process. If requested, used parts are returned, packaged in a Lincoln box and tagged with a label, extraction date and the name of a service technician.

Personalization Studio: In every Lincoln store, the high-tech Personalization Studio features a 46-inch interactive LCD touch screen that projects a near life-size image of the vehicle. This allows customers, through controls on a nearby table, to visually explore the entire array of models, colors and features and configure the desired vehicle both inside and out before making a selection.

Personalized test-drive routes: Lincoln guests are able to make test-drive appointments of a specific model and available powertrain online or at any Lincoln dealership. Test-drive routes also are tailored to each guest’s personal needs.

Transparent maintenance and repair process: The Lincoln Way subverts the traditional vehicle-maintenance model, which customers in China distrust Lincoln customers have complete transparency throughout the process, including write-up, diagnosis and parts change. Customers also can watch their vehicles serviced real time, from the comfort of the Lincoln dealership Star Lounge, through the E-Console linked to cameras positioned in the service bays. In addition, every Lincoln store in China offers extended service hours and provides Lincoln loaner vehicles for repairs taking more than two hours.

Lincoln Automotive Financial Services

Financing also is an important part of the Lincoln luxury experience in China. Lincoln Automotive Financial Services, a financing organization dedicated to serving Lincoln customers and dealers in China, launched on Oct. 23 and supports Lincoln dealers and customers by providing competitive financing products and exceptional service.

Mercedes shapes the future with new concept - G-Code.

Shape of the future

For today's opening of the new Product Engineering Centre in Beijing, Mercedes-Benz is putting the focus squarely on the G‑Code vehicle study. The innovative and versatile Sports Utility Coupé (SUC) for town and country shows how emotionally appealing a future compact SUC can be, and what evolutionary possibilities the Mercedes‑Benz design philosophy offers. 

The new Product Engineering Centre of the brand bearing the three-pointed star also features a complete design studio. Under the leadership of the main studio in Sindelfingen, the studio in Beijing creates design models and mobility concepts that incorporate and focus on local cultures and trends. 

Consequently, this new Advanced Design Studio within the Daimler Product Engineering Centre in Beijing also pursues an already established strategy of Daimler. Worldwide a total of five such centres serve as "seismographs" for market-specific developments. The knowledge gained there is then incorporated into the technical concept and design of future models.

The G-Code concept vehicle is a prime example of this strategy: it interprets the current design idiom of sensual purity from the perspective of the Mercedes-Benz advanced designers in Beijing and Sindelfingen. The combination of emotion and intelligence conveys modern luxury in a compact form. 

As a result, the G-Code is also a perfect fit for today's understanding of design in China. "The G-Code is both beautiful and intelligent, and interprets our typical Mercedes Coupé design idiom," says Gorden Wagener, Head of Design of Daimler AG. 

A coupé-like side line, a dynamically flowing greenhouse and extremely sporty proportions immediately catch the eye. Furthermore, compact dimensions, extensive assistance and camera systems as well as the variable plug-in hybrid drive system with long electric operating range make the SUC ideal for traffic in Asia's mega-cities. At the same time, the electronic all-wheel drive technology with "digital prop shaft" ensures a particularly sporty and energy-efficient set-up both on and off the road.

G-Code: inspired by the urban lifestyle of Asia's metropolises

With the G-Code the employees of the Advanced Design Centres in Beijing and Sindelfingen not only implement technical innovations, but also provide a look ahead to the evolutionary possibilities of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity. 

The 2+2-seater SUC measures about 4.10 metres in length and has counter-opening doors. It captivates with a coupé-like profile, muscular wheel arches and a continuous greenhouse without visible A-pillars. This continuous glass area - similar to the cockpit glazing of a powerboat - lends the G-Code, which is about 1.90 metres wide and only about 1.50 metres tall, a coherent horizontal arrangement and a resounding forward thrust even while at a standstill. 

This solution seems to literally levitate the roof with its retractable roof rails and tension-charged surfaces above the vehicle body, and signals the lightness of automotive being.

In addition to the striking "muscles" that span from the headlamps to the rear and lend the side a purist and flowing line, the 21-inch aluminium wheels with delicate carbon-fibre spokes catch the eye in the side view. They provide an interesting contrast to the harmonious side line of the G-Code.

The short front and rear overhangs, the enlarged ground clearance and the front and rear aluminium underride guard hint at the SUV talents of the G-Code. The aforementioned wheels give the compact SUV a solid stance on the road and leave no doubt about its passion: even at first glance the vehicle study signals its sporty ambitions both on and off the road.

A digital world in the radiator grille: regards from the "warp drive"

Who hasn’t heard of the legendary Starship Enterprise from the Star Trek TV series and the numerous feature films? One feature which has always been the centre of attention is the warp main drive in the lower drive pod with holographic, most often blue-illuminated pulsating opening. 

The designers have created a similarly spacey front for the G-Code. In place of a conventional louvred grille, the central trademark star and the two chrome louvres in the radiator are surrounded by a continuous display. 

The engine is cooled by means of innovative air deflection via apertures in the side and at the bottom of the front. The inspired display visualises the current operating mode of the G‑Code with a complex and multi-layered star matrix:

• When the G-Code is parked, it signals the current rest mode with a softly pulsating blue light.
• In all-electric HYBRID eDrive mode, the digital miniature stars in the radiator grille light up in blue and seem to move from the edge of the display towards the centre. It creates the visual impression of an imaginary permanently opening tunnel in the vehicle front.
• In the mixed HYBRID eco mode, the direction of movement of the miniature stars remains the same, but the colour changes to a purple hue.
• In HYBRID sport mode on the other hand, the colour changes to a vivid red and the direction of movement of the miniature stars is reversed. Now it creates the impression of the G-Code permanently transporting imaginary energy to the outside.

Attractive exterior details demonstrate high tech

The two full-LED headlamps are further eye-catchers at the front in addition to the innovative radiator grille. When they are switched on, they extend from the depth of the headlamp like the lens of a digital camera and focus the light in line with the driving and traffic situation. 

In addition, the daytime running lamps in the shape of a stylised "G" attract attention. The two cameras in the small flics at the top of upper A-pillar are retractable too. They replace the classic rear-view mirrors and retract flush into the A-pillars after the G-Code is parked. An LED light strip across the entire rear provides a stage for the G‑Code with various illuminations for turn indicators, tail lights, and brake lights.

Interior: the digital world meets hallmark Mercedes feel-good atmosphere

Despite its compact dimensions the G-Code is a 2+2-seater with great variability. The interior visualises the designers' idea of combining the practical talents of an SUV with the emotional appeal of a sports car. 

The interior specialists deliberately let digital and analogue worlds collide. This combination of classic elements and state-of-the-art high tech stimulates the senses and provides the occupants of the G-Code with an even more authentic experience.

The act of getting into the G-Code is an experience in itself. Thanks to counter-opening doors and the elimination of a B-pillar, the G-Code offers unrestricted access to the interior for driver, front passenger and passengers in the rear. The process of taking a seat at the wheel could not be more impressive. 

After the driver has taken a seat in the most comfortable of fashions and has activated the vehicle by means of a smartphone, the instrument panel and pedals automatically extend from their rest positions and move into the most ergonomic position for the driver that also offers the best tactile experience. Then the steering wheel, which rests in the instrument panel, unfolds like a butterfly and together with the integral head-up display also moves into a perfect position. The finale of the getting-in ceremony is provided by the air vents and the multi-information display that extend from the instrument panel. 

The wide-screen display spans almost the entire width of the instrument panel and provides a clear overview of the various vehicle and multimedia functions, all of which feature intuitive control. 

The images from the rear-view cameras are superimposed at the edges of the wide-screen display. When the G-Code is switched off with the smartphone, the moving elements in the interior revert to their original positions to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic exit.

Of course the G-Code is equipped with the most innovative driver assistance systems with 360-degree monitoring of the surroundings via 3D cameras, radar, infra-red scanner, GPS data and an exchange of large volumes of data with the traffic infrastructure and other vehicles in the vicinity. 

Potentially critical driving and traffic situations are already detected as they develop and defused automatically.

The interior: anything but painting in black and white

In the interior of the G-Code a striking contrast between dark and light areas signals clarity. In addition to the stylistic appeal it exudes, there is also a technical reason behind this colour scheme. 

While black components such as the dirt-resistant floor covering or the carbon-fibre seat structure are supposed to visualise stability, durability or utility, the white interior components such as the soft leather upholstery on seats and armrests embody comfort and wellness. The high-contrast interior exudes modern luxury and at the same time provides the perfect stage for orchestrating the individual modes of the hybrid drive system. Similar to the visualisations of the display in the radiator grille, the interior lighting also varies, with the large wide-screen display adopting both the star matrix and the colour schemes.

The centre console creates the harmonious link between digital and analogue world. The docking station in particular stands out, which networks the personal smartphone with the G-Code for switching it on and off and for communication purposes. Depending on the personal configuration, the central display shows a wide variety of functions of the mobile device. 

Controls with a high-quality finish and classic design such as the switches, buttons and rotary controller as well as the aluminium grab handles hint at the analogue world.

The high-quality seats with a shell-like design and a mix of carbon fibre and leather resemble sculptures. In addition, they are equipped with 3D body scanners that monitor important physical parameters and can optionally show the degree of wellness of all occupants on the central display. Depending on the measured values, massage, heating or cooling functions are automatically activated in the seats, which help prevent fatigue or eliminate muscle tension already at a very early stage. This ensures relaxed travelling even on longer journeys.

The air conditioning system boasts the wellness programme by cleaning the incoming air naturally before ionising it to ensure an interior atmosphere free of allergens and particulate matter. The oxygen produced during the hydrogen synthesis as part of the drive management system is routed to the interior as needed, and provides an additional refreshing effect for the occupants. As a result, even urban stop-and-go traffic in congested Asian metropolitan areas sheds its unpleasant aspect.

Intelligent packaging of all chassis components and the effective and variable use of the interior are of particular importance in the case of compact vehicles such as the G-Code. The G-Code not only offers sufficient room for up to four people, it also provides adequate stowage space. For example, of note are the two mini stand-up scooters below the double luggage compartment floor, which are recharged while driving and offer additional mobility in the city after parking.

Everything in flow: visionary drive technology

The technical visions in the G-Code pave the way for specific future technologies to enter into mass production. As such, the compact SUC, like the previously introduced Ener-G-Force and GT 6 vehicle studies, makes absolutely no claim to be implemented within foreseeable periods.

The power of two individually controlled drive cores acts in the G-Code. The engine at the front is a compact, state-of-the-art turbocharged combustion engine that runs on hydrogen and solely drives the front wheels. An electric motor drives the rear axle and transmits its power selectively to the two wheels via a dual multi-disc clutch.

The G-Code also impresses with the decentralised generation of electricity. In addition to the classic energy intake – by means of regeneration or plug-in technology - the high-tech "multi-voltaic silver" paint finish also ensures the power supply in the SUC of the future. On the one hand, it acts like a giant solar cell with excellent efficiency. On the other, "multi-voltaic silver" is also charged electrostatically by the relative wind or by the natural wind when the vehicle is stationary. 

These electrical charges are tapped and likewise used for the methane and hydrogen synthesis. Finally, the special "power on the move" suspension aids in the generation of electricity. Springs and dampers are hydraulic and networked via a central control unit. The rebound of the springs and dampers and thus the flow of hydraulic fluid drives a compact current generator.

Innovative all-wheel drive with "digital prop shaft"

Depending on the selected mode, the G-Code can operate as a front-wheel drive vehicle powered solely by the combustion engine, as an all-electric rear-wheel drive vehicle or fully variable in all-wheel drive mode. A completely newly configured system controls this innovative all-wheel drive system. It combines the two power sources as demanded by the current driving situation.

The powertrain control acts as a "digital prop shaft" between front and rear axle. Which drive mode is the most sensible in any given situation is not only determined by aspects of economy. Driving dynamics parameters are also incorporated to enhance active safety or boost longitudinal and lateral dynamics in HYBRID sport mode, for example. 

At the same time, the control logic always ensures steady and, for the driver, predictable handling characteristics independent of the respective front-wheel, rear-wheel or all wheel drive mode.

HYBRID select: a variety of modes for all conditions

The HYBRID select driving dynamics system offers three specific modes:

• In HYBRID eDrive mode the G-Code is set up for maximum all-electric operation. The control strategies of this mode focus on maximum energy efficiency and maximum drive system comfort.
• When the driver activates HYBRID eco mode, the focus is on maximum drive system comfort in addition to maximum hybrid efficiency. The digital sound modulation compensates acoustically for the alternating or simultaneous use of the electric motor and the combustion engine, and generates a subdued, pleasant soundscape in the interior.
• In HYBRID sport mode, the occupants experience the G-Code as a driving machine on the level of a compact sports car. For maximum longitudinal and lateral dynamics the electric motor is used as a booster during acceleration. For spirited driving on twisty roads, torque vectoring on the electrically driven rear axle significantly increases agility. The digital sound modulation also lets the occupants experience the soundscape of a powerful sports car equipped with a flap exhaust system.