IFP's demonstrator vehicles

Version française

Home > Industrial development > Engines > Engine and vehicle calibration > Demonstrator vehicles

Demonstrator vehicles

IFP draws on its expertise in engine and vehicle calibration acquired while developing demonstrators in collaboration with car manufacturers.

The development or adaptation of conventional or hybrid engines represents an important part of IFP’s work and is aimed at reducing pollutant emissions and fuel consumption.

Examples of vehicles developed by IFP

Clever – a new ecological vehicle concept for the urban environment

This prototype has been realised within European project, with the participation of BMW.

Natural gas-powered Smart – A standard small urban vehicle that runs on natural gas

In partnership with GDF Suez and ADEME (Agence de l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Énergie), IFP has developed a standard Smart vehicle that runs on natural gas.

Reliable and comfortable to drive, the Smart GNV meets the requirements of urban consumers while simultaneously protecting the environment.

Toyota Prius natural gas hybrid

IFP and GDF Suez have developed a standard Toyota Prius adapted to natural gas. This demonstrator won a prize at the 2006 Bibendum Challenge, thanks to the CO₂ emission levels of 75 g/km. This extremely low level for a vehicle of this size represents a saving of almost 50% compared to a gasoline vehicle in the same category.

Renault VelSatis – Turbocharged gasoline vehicle

IFP’s work has focused on downsizing and approaches related to the combustion mode and cylinder management. This demonstrator offers a 20% saving in CO₂ emissions over a standardized cycle in comparison with a conventional gasoline powertrain.
The project was conducted in partnership with Faurecia Système d'Echappement and Honeywell Turbo Technologies and with the contribution of Renault.

Smart VEHGAN – Small hybrid urban vehicle

This project, partially funded by the ADEME and conducted in collaboration with GDF Suez, Valeo and INRETS, is based on optimized “mild hybridization” using the Stop & Start system and brake energy recovery.

For almost 10 years, IFP has been applying the concept of downsizing to controlled ignition engines, especially those running on gasoline. Downsizing consists in reducing the displacement of the engine, combining adapted turbocharging to maintain a level of performance comparable to that of the original engine. In particular, the Vehgan vehicle has been optimized for Natural gas stoechiometric operation, at the mobile coupling system, the turbocharger and the after-treatment system adapted to this fuel.