China's BYD Debuts Lexus RX-Inspired S6DM Dual-Mode Hybrid at Detroit Motor Show

Chinese automaker BYD marked its fourth consecutive appearance at the North American International Auto Show with the world premiere of the S6DM hybrid, with the DM in the name standing for "Dual-Mode".

The gasoline-electric hybrid is based on the Chinese firm's S6, a mid-size SUV model first introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2009. And no, you're not the only one to find the overall styling of the S6 reminiscent of the previous generation Lexus RX.

The Warren Buffett-backed battery and car maker claims the S6DM is "the world’s first independent 4WD dual-mode electric SUV". Under the hood, the Chinese model is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors. Two 10-kilowatt electric motors drive the front wheels while a more potent 75 kilowatt motor powers the rear wheels. A six six-speed dual clutch transmission handles power transfer.

Despite the "Dual-Mode" moniker, BYD says the system offers three driving modes including electric only, hybrid gasoline-electric and gasoline engine only. In detail, here's how the Chinese automaker describes each mode:

THREE DRIVING MODES

Fully electric (BEV) mode: At normal speeds, the vehicle can operate in its all-electric mode, with the electric motor (M2) propelling the rear wheels.

Hybrid gasoline-electric (HEV):

1. 2WD: The gasoline engine not only directly powers the vehicle, but also drives the electric motor (M1) at the front wheels to charge the battery pack.

2. 4WD: When more power is needed, the gas engine and the electric motor (M2) power the vehicle together. If the combined power is enough, the gasoline engine will also drive the electric motor (M1) to charge the battery pack. As speed increases, the gasoline engine can take over seamlessly with support from the 6-speed DCT; when braking, the gas engine automatically shuts down and the electric motor (M2) takes over.

3. 2WD: When battery power is low and not much driving power is required, the gasoline engine drives the electric motor (M1) to charge the battery pack and the electric motor (M2) powers the vehicle by itself.

Gasoline powered: When driving on the highway or in case the battery pack is depleted, the gasoline engine can power the vehicle on its own very efficiently.

According to BYD, the S6DM can travel over 38 miles (60km) purely on electric power (BEV) and over 500km (310 miles) combined when engaging the gasoline engine.

BYD said that the S6DM is amongst the models being considering for the U.S market. At the Detroit show, the company's Chairman, Wang Chuanfu, pushed back the brand's U.S. launch to the first quarter of 2012.

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Daimler and BYD Join Forces, Create a New Brand with Electric Cars for China

Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) and Mercedes-Benz's parent company Daimler AG have set up a new joint venture called "Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd," to develop electric vehicles for China.

The two companies said that they are planning to invest a total of 600 million yuan (US$87.9 million) in the 50-50 partnership in China.

According to a statement made by Daimler, the German automaker will bring its "know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety" to the venture, while BYD will contribute "it's excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems".

The new electric vehicle(s) will be marketed under a new brand jointly created and owned by Daimler and BYD.

BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu and Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche signed the joint venture contract today in Beijing, however, like everything else in China, the business license for the new joint venture is still subject to relevant government approval.

Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited: "Together with Daimler we are making excellent progress identifying opportunities to utilize the strengths of both companies to create a new brand of electric cars for China. This is a unique and exciting initiative and together we are pushing hard to bring this new electric vehicle to market as soon as possible."

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: "Our new joint venture is well positioned to make the most of the vast potential of electric mobility in China. We are fortunate to have excellent joint venture partners in China and the establishment of this research and technology center with BYD adds another dimension to our growing presence in this important market."

*BYD Model Featured in These Photos is the F8 Coupe-Convertible and Not the Dedicated Electric Car Being Prepared by Daimler and the Chinese Automaker

BYD Auto F3DM EV: China's Volt Makes it to Detroit, will be Launched in the States by 2011

Along with the E6 fully-electric crossover, China's BYD Auto (which stands for Build Your Dreams) also showcased the F3DM plug-in hybrid sedan at its Detroit Show stand. This is not the first time we've seen the F3DM in the U.S. as the Chinese automaker displayed the car at last year's NAIAS.

Looking a lot like a previous generation Toyota Corolla, the 4,533mm (178.4 inches) long FD3M makes use of a small 1.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 168hp (125kw).

Even though some sites have reported now and in the past that the F3DM's hybrid drivetrain works in the same that the Chevy Volt's does, meaning that the gasoline engine doesn't drive the wheels but charges the battery, BYD Auto's press release clearly points towards a system similar to the one found in the Prius.

"When the vehicle needs more power to accelerate, a gasoline engine and an electric motor drive the wheels together to provide greater output and torque," BYD Auto states in the F3DM's press release.

BYD claims that the plug-in hybrid sedan can drive up to 100km or 62 miles on electricity and 580km or 360 miles on a single battery charge and a full tank of gasoline.

The Chinese maker says that the F3DM's battery pack can be charged to 50% power via quick charge in 10 minutes, and 100% power via household charge in seven hours.

The vehicle also features a solar panel sunroof, which can be used to channel power to the battery pack.

According to BYD, the F3DM can sprint from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 10.5 seconds and go on to reach a top speed of 150 km/h or 93mph.

The plug-in hybrid sedan recently went on sale in China for the U.S. equivalent of around $22,000. The company said that it plans to sell the F3DM in the States by 2011.

China's BYD Auto Displays E6 All-Electric Crossover at Detroit Show, Says U.S. Sales Start this Year

In its third consecutive appearance at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chinese car manufacturer BYD Auto exhibited the all-electric E6 crossover that is planned to go on sale in the United States later this year - or so the company claims.

The E6 measures 4,554mm (179.3 inches ) long, 1,882mm (71.7 inches) wide and 1,630mm (64.2 inches) tall, and can seat up to five-passengers.

It is powered by an electric motor that produces 75kW or 101HP and 450Nm or 332 lb-ft of torque, and drives the front wheels.

BYD Auto says that the E6's FE battery pack offers a driving range of around 330km or 205 miles and can be recharged via any household outlet.

According to the company, the crossover is capable of accelerating from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in less than 14 seconds and has a top speed of 140km/h or 87mph.

BYD Auto e6 Specifications

Length - 4554mm (179.3in )

Width - 1822mm (71.7in )

Height - 1630mm (64.2in )

Wheelbase - 2830mm (111.4in )

Track - 1556mm/1558mm (61in/61in )

Curb weight - 2295kg (5060lbs)

Capacity - 5 seats

Gradeability - ≥30%

Maximum speed - 140km/h (87mph )

0-60mph - Less than 14 seconds

Front motor power/torque - 75kw/450Nm (101hp/332lb-ft)

Rear motor power/torque - N/A

Combined power/torque - N/A

Type - Permanent-magnet type synchronous motor

Power management system - Intelligent central management system

Power outlet - DC380/100A

Range(Cruising mode) - 330km (205 miles )

Actual EV range might vary due to different driving behaviors.

All parameters are for reference only and maybe vary during commercial launch.