Away from the buzz of the usual green car announcements at the recent Paris Motor Show, one Segula Technologies was quietly showcasing a hybrid car concept that seems somewhat different.
Indeed, the vehicle is perhaps a bit more unique than the other environmentally friendly cars unveiled at the show.
The Hagora is described by Segula as a concept “cross-over , compact, intelligent, communicating and recyclable vehicle.” Offering a sporty and urban look, according to the designers behind it, the vehicle does something rather unique under the hood – combine a two-stroke, 120 hp engine with a 100 hp electric motor. As Torque News notes, this is unusual given that “two-stroke engines are not your run-of-the-mill choice for powering cars.”
This engine/motor mating, and its associated driven continuously variable transmission, makes for a lighter powertrain overall. The three-seater Hagora is further lightweight in that it makes “use of composite materials for many elements, such as the chassis or the suspension,” in a way that allows for ” grouping in a same part (e.g.: the floor) some structural functions, the interior trim and the soundproofing.”
And, as an added bonus for the true green lovers out there, the concept’s structural design comes mostly from recyclable or recovered materials. Also, the Hagora lacks what Gizmag describes as “some common electrical equipment and wiring from the cabin,” opting instead to make use of a driver’s smart phone or tablet for wirelessly receiving information from the car on items such as car condition and maintenance reminders, GPS or audio system, adjusting the driving position, and control of the air conditioning.
Another interesting item of note here also is that In trying to make the Hagora energy efficient, the combination of an auto-obscuring panoramic roof and a special heating/air conditioning unit that “amplifies the hot and cold effects” lets the car use a smaller AC compressor to save energy.
As this is a concept, you’ll likely never see it actually on the roads. Ideas from it though may make their way though into future green vehicles developed by auto manufacturers.
