Loremo
LS Concept
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".