One new player is not actually new at all. Magna Steyr is one of the leading OEM suppliers and manufacturing partners for Mercedes, Aston, BMW and more. The company is a huge vault of IP on how to build cars lightly, strongly and indestructibly. Evidence? The Austrian division of Magna just re-upped their contract to build the Mercedes-Benz G-Class through 2022.
This new PHEV concept is a design, construction and drivetrain exercise. Powered by a three-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a giant battery — the MILA Plus makes 270-horsepower and almost 600 pound-feet of torque. About the size of the Porsche Cayman, this design is remarkably fresh and enticing. The nose has bits of inspiration from McLaren, while the overall roofline and scale recalls the Lotus Evora.
Unique detailing throughout is fantastic to see from the Magna Design team. Although this exact model is not likely for sale any time soon, you can bet that its chassis and powertrain innovations are already on the CAD-CAM screens of leading performance brands worldwide.
2015 Magna Steyr MILA Plus
News Release – Magna to Present Innovative Plug-In Hybrid Sports Car Concept at Geneva Motor Show 2015
Concept offers solutions to industry challenges
VIENNA, Austria, Feb. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ – Magna International Inc. is set to debut MILA Plus, an innovative two-seat hybrid sports car at Geneva Motor Show 2015. The concept vehicle, which will be displayed at Magna’s booth #6261 in Hall 6, combines a sophisticated, lightweight construction with an intelligent, alternative-drive solution to produce maximum performance as well as eco-friendliness. With an all-electric range of 75km and a vehicle weight of 1,520kg, MILA Plus achieves reduced CO2 emissions of 32g/km.
“Magna’s broad range of services – from engineering to diverse product capabilities to full-vehicle contract manufacturing – helps support our customers as they continue to be challenged with the changing dynamics of the automotive industry. The MILA Plus vehicle concept illustrates our value proposition and advantage within the global supply base,” emphasized Günther Apfalter, President Magna Europe and Magna Steyr.
As the latest vehicle concept in the MILA innovation family, MILA Plus features advanced technologies and flexible manufacturing processes with a focus on eco-friendliness.
Lightweight Construction
The structure of MILA Plus is based on an extruded aluminum space frame which has a number of advantages over a steel structure, including: lower weight; modular structural flexibility; and ability to accommodate different driveline configurations. The modular body-in-white (BIW) concept also allows the use of components and systems from large series production, thus enabling improved manufacturing efficiency and flexibility for global automakers.
MILA Plus offers additional benefits aimed at structural rigidity and weight reduction. For example, the concept integrates a high-voltage battery into the space frame, which increases structural rigidity. Lightweight plastic body panels are used due to their corrosion resistance and styling flexibility. A combination of manufacturing methods, sophisticated joining technologies and a multi-material external skin further contribute to a lightweight vehicle architecture that meets global safety standards.
Sophisticated Joining Technologies
Cold mechanical joining, a hybrid process in combination with bonding is used on the BIW. This reliable technology is more cost effective versus traditional welding solutions and is a joining process Magna has used on other vehicles including the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Aston Martin Rapide.
Alternative Drive Solutions
MILA Plus plug-in hybrid system achieves a reduced emission of 32g/km CO2. The performance of the three-cylinder gasoline engine is enhanced by the addition of two electric motors – one between the internal combustion engine and transmission to drive the rear axle, and one on the electric front axle. This arrangement results in an electric all-wheel-drive system which transmits more torque to the road and results in improvement of vehicle maneuverability and dynamics.
Emotional Design
The striking shape of MILA Plus underscores the vehicle’s sportiness. The vehicle’s compact appearance and flowing lines create a dynamic and captivating appearance. Aesthetics and innovative technology are elegantly combined in the design concept of MILA Plus.
Two cameras replacing the exterior mirrors not only improve the car’s aerodynamics but provide wide-angle, high-resolution live images shown on two display screens inside the vehicle concept – helping minimize side blind spots.
Sustainability
The alternative drive system with an all-electric range of 75km, together with electrification of the accessories, yields a highly efficient drive concept with CO2 emissions of 32g/km. The completely recyclable aluminum body-in-white makes a significant contribution to sustainability. The interior uses renewable materials such as paneling components made of bioplastics and natural fibers.
| Vehicle Dimensions: | |
| Length: | 4403 mm |
| Width: | 1925 mm |
| Height: | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2575 mm |
| Baggage compartment: | 360l (145l front; golf bag possible rear) |
| Acceleration: | 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9s |
| Electric acceleration: | 0 to 80 km/h in 3.6s |
| Power output (kW/PS): | 200 / 272 |
| Torque (Nm): | 580 peak |
About Magna International
We are a leading global automotive supplier with 313 manufacturing operations and 84 product development, engineering and sales centres in 28 countries. We have over 131,000 employees focused on delivering superior value to our customers through innovative processes and World Class Manufacturing. Our product capabilities include producing body, chassis, interior, exterior, seating, powertrain, electronic, vision, closure and roof systems and modules, as well as complete vehicle engineering and contract manufacturing. Our common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MG) and the New York Stock Exchange (MGA). For further information about Magna, visit our website at www.magna.com.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.