Magna to unveil concept car in Geneva

Vienna, Austria – Magna International Inc. is set to debut MILA Plus, a two-seat hybrid sports car at Geneva Motor Show 2015. The concept vehicle combines a sophisticated, lightweight construction with an intelligent, alternative-drive solution.

With an all-electric range of 75km (46 miles) and a vehicle weight of 1,520kg (3,350 lb), 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," emphasizes 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. The structure of MILA Plus is based on an extruded aluminum space frame that offers lower weight, modular structural flexibility, and the 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.

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.

Cold mechanical joining, a hybrid process in combination with bonding, is used on the BIW. This 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.

MILA Plus features a three-cylinder gasoline engine, 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.

Vehicle dimensions:

• Length: 4,403mm
• Width: 1,925mm
• Height: 1,250mm
• Wheelbase: 2,575mm
• Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9s

Source: Magna International