| Bavaria
is well-known for its innovative car-makers and Loremo AG is the
newest of this breed. The company was founded in 2000 by Gerhard
Heilmaier, Stefan Ruetz and Uli Sommer and is planning to introduce
a small series of the first 1,5 liter (157 mpg) 2 + 2 seater onto
the roads. The Loremo is a lightweight vehicle whose development
has taken a radical new direction: less is more and the most efficient
use of energy is not to use it at all. From this motive new ideas
sprang which gradually made it into the design. Even the name
Loremo - Low Resistance Mobile - speaks of its streamlining and
economy.
The Loremo's construction handbook
would make an excellent diet recipe. Slim lines and no unnecessary
ballast distinguishes the Loremo from all other cars. Its superior
safety concept, excellent aerodynamic characteristics, revolutionary
bodywork, the linear cell structure, and a radically new rear-axle
keep it in form. It combines the economy of a compact car with
the handling and feelings of a sports car. The Loremo LS - light
and simple is a car which awakens emotions and yearns for sinuous
roads.
Bodywork and chassis concept
The 95kg (209 lb) lightweight
steel chassis - a patented linear cell structure - is one of
Loremo's key elements. It performs well-above average in crash
simulations and provides excellent handling characteristics
with its low center of gravity and torsional stiffness. Longitudinal
supports, extend at fender height along the length of the entire
vehicle, increase stability and ensure that the linear cell
structure remains practically undamaged in offset and side crash-tests.
The centrally mounted cross-support, on which the roll bars
are mounted, stiffens the longitudinal beams and houses the
engine.
The
non-load-bearing, self-supporting, thermoplastic body panels
mould to the linear cell structure and help the Loremo to achieve
its aerodynamic shape. This material has a number of advantages:
it is light weight, weatherproof, scratch-resistant and it is
economical. It substitutes the classical paint by a thin film,
in the color of the car, during the manufacturing process. In
this way the Loremo receives a high-quality, paint-like surface
without environmental- damaging paints.
The
intelligent, chassis air-guiding system is perfected with the
help of lower tire fins and by the air stream optimized chassis
design. The Loremo achieves its optimum driving characteristics
with its minimized wind resistance and reduced buoyancy.
Design
Not
only is the energy efficiency reflected in the dynamic, elegant
lines of the Loremo but also in its sporting nature. The distinctive,
powerful front stretches softly into the extended rear. There
is no B-pillar as the panorama roof has no load-bearing function
and is simply bolted to the roll-bar. The nose close to the
street does away with a monstrous radiator grill and instead
an opening provides access to the aerodynamic underside. The
LED headlamps give the vehicle both a distinctive look as well
as exhibiting tomorrow's display technology.
Unusually
the car is entered from the front for which the entire hood
of the car including the windshield is tipped forwards, allowing
for upright boarding to the interior. The opened front shows
the trunk, which also provides additional 600 mm (24 in) of
crumple zone. The vertically- opening tailgate provides the
entry to the back seats.
Interior
The
Janusseater - two seats are in front of the pyramidal cross-support
and two rear-facing behind it - is equipped with super-light
ergonomic seats. The seats, embedded in the linear cell structure,
create a feeling of sporty security and comfort. There is plenty
of room for sporting equipment or for additional suitcases,
if the rear-facing seats are not with passengers.
The
spartan, sporty interior design does away with unnecessary fittings
and its two-ply plastic construction doesn't need any additional
finishing. High-quality interior furnishing in alcantara and
high-tech fabrics provides spacious luxury and comfort.
If
required the Loremo LS can be equipped with a simple air-conditioning
system, an on-board PC with navigation system, an mp3 player,
and a driver information system.
Technology
Of
particular note is the rear differential-link axle, specially-developed
for the Loremo, which combines the advantages of longitudinal-
and semi-trailing link axles. With maximum load, the axle is
indifferent to toe and camber at full suspension compression.
In curves, however, the wheel leans inwards to achieve better
lateral traction. An optimal load distribution of 50:50 is achieved
by placing the motor centrally and 105/70 R14 low-profile tires
give good road holding and perfect straight-line driving.
The
20 PS (15 kw) two-cylinder turbo-diesel motor powers the 450
kg (204 lb) light Loremo LS to up to 160 km/h (100 mph). It
accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (63 mph) in 20 s and its aerodynamic
form achieves a Cw value of 0.20. Fuel consumption: tiny 1.5
liters for 100 km (157 mpg)! Thus the Loremo can travel from
Munich to Rome (over 800 miles) on only one 20 liter (5 gallon)
tank of fuel.
At
only 384 cm (151 in) long, 136 cm (62 in) wide, Loremo AG has
developed a true small car. In driving fun the 110 cm (43 in)
flat, economical sports car easily runs against the large competitors
and all for a purchase price under 11.000.- €
Those
who want more should look forward to the Loremo GT. With 50
PS (37 kw) and a 3-cylinder turbo-diesel motor it reaches a
top speed of 220 km/hr (138 mph). And with 2.7 liter for 100
km (88 mpg) it is still very fuel-efficient. The price will
be under 15.000.- €
"At
the moment", points out Gerhard Heilmaier, president of
Loremo AG, "the Loremo LS is primarily an energy-saving,
minimalistic body concept. It is an innovation which leaves
room for continual development and many variations in both,
its design and engine. It will certainly influence the automobile
future". |
