04:09PM - 26.02.'15
|
News Source: Magna Steyr autoblog.com
|
Magna Steyr may be a major player in the automotive industry, but it doesn't make cars under its own name. That doesn't stop the Canadian/Austrian supplier from bringing a new concept to the Geneva Motor Show (just about) every year, though, to showcase what it can do. And this year's is the MILA Plus concept previewed here. Built around an aluminum frame and cloaked in composite body panels, the MILA Plus concept packs a hybrid powertrain coupling a three-cylinder gasoline engine with a pair of electric motors for through-the-road all-wheel drive, producing 270 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. The combined efforts net a 0-62 time of 4.9 seconds and a range of 310 miles – 43 on electric power alone – while the battery's integration into the spaceframe itself increases structural rigidity. Considering their identical wheelbase and similar overall dimensions, to say nothing of the roofline, we suspect the concept may be based on the Lotus Evora. However Magna would not confirm the concept's underpinnings when reached for comment. The MILA Plus is just the latest in a long line of concepts under the Magna Innovative Lightweight Vehicle (MILA) banner, following the original 2005 MILA concept in 2005, the 2007 MILA Future, 2008 MILA Alpin, 2009 MILA EV, 2011 MILA Aerolight, 2012 MILA Coupic and 2014 MILA Blue. |
