News & Press

Imperia Automobiles increases its capital (06/11/2010)

Imperia Automobiles raises sufficient financial means to complete prototyping works

The last Monday, 7 of june 2010, Imperia Automobiles company saw its equity increased. These new funds from private and public investors will allow the Belgian company to complete the development works under the best conditions. The first drive of Beauty comes nearer!

Imperia GP : extension of available version range (04/21/2010)

The orders for the refined version of Imperia GP roadster are now opened!

Pleasure of driving. Maximum energy efficiency. Imperia Automobiles is booking orders for the refined version of its Imperia GP roadster. Official sales price: € 78,091 excl. VAT*

You can therefore now reserve your chassis through the “order” page.

* For Belgian customers, € 89,950 incl. VAT, environmental subsidy of € 4,540 deducted.

Record on the horizon… (03/30/2010)

A real boost for the environment and performance!

Two technical innovations were recently introduced into the Imperia’s motorisation. The news of 12 January updated you on the arrival of the 1600cm³ direct-injection turbo engine and the news of 10 March told you about a new transmission.

The performance calculation has been updated which means we can expect 0 to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds in electric mode and 4.0 seconds in hybrid, with 1000m SS covered in 22.5 seconds!

What’s more, there’s also something new in European norms for trials for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Regulation R101 finally provides a definition for a weighting method between the two extreme drives with batteries fully charged or completely drained.

Under strict application of this norm, record CO2 emissions calculated for the Imperia fall to below 50 g/km. Numbers we’ve never seen before! All advantages for professional Belgian customers who can deduct 100% of their purchase and for private customers who can receive a premium for the purchase of € 4,540. For Walloon customers, an extra € 1.200 Eco Bonus will be granted by the Region.

Speaking strictly scientifically, European ‘well to wheel’ emissions – from primary energy to wheel – amount only to 112 g/km. The same methodology applied to a Smart cdi results in 101 g/km. Mission accomplished!

A transmission full of mystery... (03/10/2010)

Keep this to yourself

Green Propulsion, the Liège company that’s developing the Imperia, is past master in the design of forms of hybridisation appropriate for each application. Its books full of orders from the most reputable European car manufacturers bear witness to this.
Wiser for this experience, and, more especially, for the lessons learned from the Escort mk1, Green Propulsion recently conceived of a very innovative transmission for the Imperia. Compared to the previous version, the electric battery mode benefits here from improvements along the lines of increased efficiency (10% more range) and reduced unwanted noise.
But we won’t say anything more about it right now because...there's a patent application for the innovation!

Orders opening ! (03/01/2010)

Imperia Automobiles officially opens the orders for its Imperia GP first edition. 50 units of this first limited series are now on sale. More info on page “Order”

What’s new under the bonnet? (01/12/2010)

Yves Toussaint, executive director at Imperia Automobiles sa, answers some questions

What’s new under the bonnet?

“Because of the credit crunch, the order books of car-part manufacturers have unfortunately been practically empty. And our petrol engine supplier has not escaped: because it has so few customers, it has had to delay to beyond our schedule the production of its exceptionally charismatic V4. After long reflection, our alternative choice fell to the 1600cm³ turbo direct injection that is used in, in particular, the Peugeot RCZ, the Mini John Cooper Works and the future Citroën DS3.

Why this motor?

“First, because this class of supercharged capacity was selected by the FIA to drive the WRC and WTCC championships. There will therefore be very competitive developments available. Also, in this class, it is the 2009 Engine of the Year.”

How will the performance of the Imperia be affected?

“Thanks to an even greater downsizing, the supercharging and direct injection that allows for an increased compression ratio of 10:1, the output will take a leap upwards. These will all benefit consumption and CO2 emissions. In terms of performance, the torque increases by 30% and power by 19%. So just wait for an announcement to be made in the next few days that is even more sensational in terms of the calculation of official CO2 emissions and of acceleration! The standards have been set for the succession of the V4 on the grounds that it has an entrancing sound..."

Our best wishes for the year 2010! (01/02/2010)

Cold start tests

During these cold winter nights the Hybrid Escort was covered by a white coat. The ideal opportunity to test its cold start...
At -10°C, the increase of the internal resistance of the batteries reduces by only 20% the available power for the first acceleration. Further than the first 3 kilometers, the whole performance capability is back.
No other problem occurred.

Construction of the Imperia chassis (11/25/2009)

Finalization of the first Imperia chassis

A few time ago we announced you the beginning of the manufacturing works on the first Imperia chassis. This one, made of tubular steel is now fully built!
The attached picture shows its design sturdiness, conceived accordingly to severe FIA regulations.
Next step will be to integrate powertrains, suspension, steering and braking.

New motor for Imperia (11/06/2009)

For the last few weeks engineers from Imperia Automobiles have tested on a bench a new motor – inverter system

For the last few weeks engineers from Imperia Automobiles have tested on a bench a new motor – inverter system. The Results exceeded the expectations:

• 350 Nm from 0 to 3000 rpm
• 120 KW from 3000 to 6000 rpm
• Efficiency up to 92%

These new components have been installed on the mule Ford Escort mk1 which is now therefore transfigured by the transplant. The tests allow us to confirm serenely the performances advertised for the Imperia as the latter is still lighter than the mule.

Construction of body and frame prototype (06/30/2009)

Thanks to the works done by partners and in line with the final technical drafts of the Imperia GP frame, the Imperia Automobiles staff has now started the construction of the steel tubular frame on a welding table. In parallel with the body works under way and following the results of the Escort mk1 prototype, here are then the first tangible elements prefiguring the Imperia GP.

Imperia Automobiles concludes strategic technical partnerships (06/04/2009)

Imperia Automobiles has concluded these last month’s several important technical partnership agreements with renowned companies. These strategic agreements cover fields such as body, opening parts and technical frame design and development. These partnerships will offer the Imperia GP some mechanical and aesthetical finishes as well as driving behavior equal to the embarked plug-in hybrid technology.

The Imperia GP in Liege Science Park (05/20/2009)

Advanced studies defined the Liege Science Park in Sart-Tilman as the most privileged location for the Imperia GP production. Besides logistics aspects highly favorable for the project, the site offers a great proximity with the R&D center. This will facilitate the transition from the prototyping phase to the production one.

EcoMax option: a Plug-In Diesel Hybrid Imperia! (01/21/2009)

The Imperia Team announces the development of an option pack EcoMax offering an Imperia GP with more batteries and a Diesel engine.

The technical developments on the Escort MK1, the first Imperia Prototype keep moving forward.

Indeed, the vehicle has been on tests for several days on a chassis dynamometer to validate performances. These tests matched our forecasts so we were able to start the hybrid mode yesterday. This step was celebrated as a huge milestone in the development path.

Moreover, in collaboration with the future potential owners of the Imperia GP we carried on a survey regarding options preferences. The results showed a strong interest for the option pack EcoMax meaning to push still further the ecological performances of the Imperia GP.

So the point of that news is to announce officially that following this survey, the Imperia team decided to accelerate, in parallel with the Petrol V4 version, the development of this EcoMax pack. It will propose in option an Imperia GP with more batteries and a Diesel engine. Imperia becomes then the first ever Diesel Plug-in Hybrid sport car of the world! The expected range in full electric for the EcoMax version would then rise to reach more than 70km without exhaust emissions…

We wish you a fantastic new year!

The Imperia Team.

Ready for hybrid mode (11/03/2008)

After several convincing road trials in pure electric mode, our engineers were able to start the engine of the Imperia prototype, last step before the full hybrid mode! Besides the configuration of this engine, Green Propulsion also achieved the throttle motorization and the clutch automation. The testing allowed as well the validation of the cooling circuit of both engine and motor. The staff will start this week a complete test campaign on a chassis dynamometer.

Imperia GP options list (09/12/2008)

Before the official start of the preorders within a few weeks, the Imperia Automobiles staff unveiled the options list that will equip the upcoming Imperia GP...

The last few weeks witnessed important progress on the technical and commercial points of view. So the future happy owners of the Imperia GP will be shortly allowed to confirm the acquisition of this jewel through the official start of the preorders.

In view of this event, the Imperia Automobiles staff unveiled last week the options list that will equip the hybrid roadster.

These options are grouped in 4 packs that can be cumulated for your greatest delight:

• Pack 1 « Race-Ready »: vehicle optimization for track driving with the following main components: reinforced brakes and suspensions, fire protection system, racing seats, FIA approved seatbelts and roll cage, data logging system.

• Pack 2 « Safety »: complements to the chassis safety with ABS, airbags, BAS, ESP.

• Pack 3 « Comfort and Multimedia »: Superior quality leather for interior trim, air conditioning, powersteering, navigation system, full Hi-Fi system and other interior accessories.

• Pack 4 « EcoMax »: Hybrid Diesel version and bigger battery pack for more autonomy in pure electric mode, reduction of fuel consumption to the profit of electricity and record CO2 emissions.

Commercial success for Imperia (08/05/2008)

Imperia registers more than 160 order intentions!

After the unveiling of its design and performances and a few months presence on Internet, the commercial successes of the Imperia GP PowerHybrid is well beyond expectancies. Indeed, more than 160 order intentions have been registered! That reinforces the company from Liège in its strategic choices and augurs the best for the future...

New series of tests (05/26/2008)

Electrical rear-wheel drive validated on May, 26

The henceforth famous Mk1 from Liège showed up as a finely assembled, well-balanced and efficiently “electriwired” car all along the first kilometres of cruise tests last April.
On the end of May, the crew hit the road again in order to finalize electromechanical tunings, on-board equipment and inside dressing. Our electric “maxi kart” is now ready to begin its mutation into a hybrid sports car.

First tests successful (04/11/2008)

Electric car with tremendously good handling

As planned, the car faced its first drive tests in sole electric mode last Friday, Apr 11. The “mutant” Ford Escort Mk1 successfully passed some severe test: steering, brakes, suspension let the motor deliver its performances, which augurs the best handling for the Imperia. A test that leads to confidence and confirms solutions elaborated since long within Green Propulsion’s walls. Be it on the electrical or mechanical hand, the Imperia is born.

Tests in pure electric mode (04/06/2008)

An Escort Mk1 to try the Imperia’s ecological engine

Early April : the car from Liège undergoes its first driving tests in pure electric mode !
The beauty’s future induction engine has already settled in a legendary Ford Escort Mk1 : a light rear-wheel drive, capable of hitting the road and cruising under any weather condition.

Besides assessing reliability, the goals of these tests were : to confirm the announced performances, to precisely gauge range and to check the cooling system, among other measurements.

Meet up in late April to discover the first results !

Der Spiegel (03/25/2008)

News published in the German paper Der Spiegel

IMPERIA GP ROADSTER

Grüner rasen

Von Jürgen Pander

Ein CO2-Ausstoß von 87 Gramm je Kilometer, ein Hybridantrieb mit zusammen gut 300 PS und ein Design, das Retro-Fans in Verzückung geraten lassen wird – das sind die Merkmale des belgischen Öko-Sportwagens Imperia GP Roadster, der noch 2008 debütieren soll.
"Diese Kombination", schwärmen die Macher, "gab es so bislang noch nicht." Gemeint ist ein Öko-Sportwagen im neo-klassischen Design namens Imperia GP Roadster, der künftig unter umweltbewussten Vollgasfreunden für Furore sorgen soll. Denn das technische Konzept stammt von der Firma Green Propulsion aus Lüttich, die vor sieben Jahren gegründet wurde und seither allerlei auffällig saubere Fahrzeugkonzepte auf die Räder gestellt hat. Darunter ein Elektromotorrad, einen Renault Kangoo mit Hybridantrieb, ein Elektro-Kart, einen Hybrid-Stadtbus und einen VW Lupo mit Hybridantrieb, dessen CO2-Ausstoß bei 60 Gramm je Kilometer liegt.

Mit anderen Worten: Die belgischen Techniker und Konstrukteure wissen, wovon sie reden, wenn sie nun einen überaus sparsamen Sportwagen ankündigen, der ihr Unternehmen bekannt machen und die Hybrid-Idee mit Rasanz verbreiten soll. "Die soziale und ökologische Verantwortung soll nicht die Lebensfreude schmälern", lautet das Credo der drei Firmengründer Yves Toussaint, Nicolas Naniot und Bernard Loly. Den Beweis für diese These kleidete der Designer Denis Stevens in eine Kunststoffkarosserie im coolen Hot-Rod-Oldie-Look – eben den Imperia GP.
Für die Vermarktung des Wagens reaktivierte Green Propulsion die belgische Automobilmarke Imperia, die zwischen 1906 und 1957 zunächst eigene Fahrzeuge fertigte, später frontgetriebene Adler-Chassis mit Karosserien bestückte und ganz am Ende Adler- und Standard-Vanguard-Fahrzeuge in Lizenz herstellte. Nennenswert in der Geschichte von Imperia sind unter anderem ein sogenanntes "Auto-Mixte" mit Petro-Elektro-Antrieb aus dem Jahre 1907, ein weiteres frühes Modell mit 9,9-Liter-Motor sowie eines der ersten Autos mit Schiebedach aus dem Jahr 1921.

Satte Leistung und erfrischende Fahrleistungen
Nun also soll die Renaissance des alten Namens stattfinden – mit gänzlich neuer Technik. Angetrieben wird der puristische Zweisitzer von einem 2-Liter-V4-Benzinmotor mit einer Leistung von 175 PS sowie von einem Elektromotor, der 130 PS leistet. Die Kraft wird über ein Fünfgang-Getriebe an die Hinterräder geschickt. Bei rein elektrischer Fahrt beschleunigt das Auto nach Angaben der Entwickler in 7,1 Sekunden von 0 auf Tempo 100. Wer es eilig hat und nicht unbedingt abgasfrei fahren möchte, kann den Ottomotor dazuschalten und schafft es dann in nur 4,8 Sekunden aus dem Stand auf 100 km/h.
Ohne Zweifel sind das Sportwagenwerte. Und parallel dazu versprechen die Konstrukteure "Verbrauchswerte und Emissionen, die mit dem Smart Fortwo vergleichbar seien". Inwieweit das tatsächlich zu halten ist, müssen echte Fahrtests mit dem Prototypen erst noch beweisen. In ein paar Wochen soll die Antriebstechnik in einem alten Ford Escort ausprobiert und abgestimmt werden, erklärte Yves Toussaint SPIEGEL ONLINE.
Vier Stunden Ladezeit, dann geht es wieder los
Die Energie für den Elektromotor stammt aus einer Lithium-Polymer-Batterie, die binnen vier Stunden an einer herkömmlichen Steckdose voll aufgeladen werden kann. Dann könnte es komplett emissionsfrei losgehen mit der grünen Raserei. Der Antriebsmodus soll vom Fahrer frei wählbar sein. Er muss lediglich per Knopfdruck einstellen, ob er die Batterie komplett leeren möchte und erst danach mit Benzin weiterfährt, oder ob eine Rest-Spannung im Akku verbleiben soll – für die letzten Kilometer durch eine Umweltzone zum Beispiel.
Wenn alles so funktioniert, wie es sich die Leute von Green Propulsion vorstellen, könnte wohl wenig später die Kleinserienfertigung des Imperia GP beginnen. Das Auto soll unter anderem einen Spaceframe aus Stahl sowie 17-Zoll-Räder aus Leichtmetall erhalten – weitere Spezifikationen sind noch nicht endgültig festgelegt. Daher ist auch der Preis noch kein Thema. Toussaint: "Der wird auch davon abhängen, wie viele Bestellungen für den Imperia in nächster Zeit bei uns eintreffen."

Beauty unveiled (02/23/2008)

The presentation of the Imperia took place on Feb 22

Within its new premises, Green Propulsion used the occasion of the official inauguration to reveal its luxury hybrid car to the world. Were present ministers Simonet, Antoine and Marcourt, Pr Rentier (Headmaster of the University of Liège), local and national press journalists and numerous important people involved in the economic life of Liège. A real success given the number of guests that were present and the complimentary feedbacks picked up in the print and broadcast media on the following day.

Imperia revives (02/02/2008)

Green Propulsion is the new owner of Imperia, a make from Liège

Enthusiasts kept on dreaming of it, Green Propulsion did it ! After years of patience and three months of administrative steps, the young company from Liège eventually obtained from the OBPI the right to exploit the old make and its logo. Neglected since the middle of last century, the quality label from Liège is making its come-back through the ambitious project of a new hybrid roadster with astonishing performances.

Crash-test passed successfully (08/13/2007)

The tubular frame of the Imperia complies with resistance tests

Designed in 3D with modern computer techniques, the canvas-shaped frame of the future Imperia was tested for twisting and crushing. Results : it fully meets European latest norms and gets approval from the FIA, meaning a frame matching up to the extremely high requirements of racing, thus making of this race car an example in the field of security, without having to carry the burden of usual security measures.

A V4 engine for the Imperia (01/30/2007)

Ideal architectural design, soothing sound

In order to produce a hybrid vehicle worth the name, the size of the thermal engine has to be reduced to its smallest. Unfortunately, small engine is often associated with lack of character and charisma, which Imperia cannot afford. In the course of its search, Green Propulsion eventually found a one-of-a-kind engine near a young promising German company: a V4 that purrs beyond expectation!