Bosch demos old, new power train tech at RAC Challenge

Bosch has demonstrated some of its oldest and newest automotive technology at the RAC Future Car Challenge and London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. On Saturday 5 November, Bosch showcased its latest split-axle hybrid technology in the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4, which took part in the 60-mile RAC Future Car Challenge, driven by Rory Reid from CNET; on the next day Peter Fouquet, president of Robert Bosch UK, took part in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in a 1904 Mercedes-Simplex touring car, which uses a Bosch magneto and spark plug.

The  Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 uses hybrid technology developed in conjunction with PSA Peugeot Citroën. Bosch, which has celebrated its 125th anniversary this year, was responsible for the 20kW (37bhp) electric motor, many of the electronic controls and a specially-designed ESP® system utilising regenerative electric braking, which in turn helps to recharge the battery. The 5.3-litre engine produces 32hp (24kW) at 1,200rpm. The vehicle weighs 1,250kg and can reach a top speed of around 60km/h.

The 107-year old Mercedes-Simplex was driven by Bernd Ostmann, editor-in-chief of Auto Motor und Sport and Doug Nye, motoring journalist and member of the Advisory Council of the British National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run celebrated 125 years of motoring this year. It was co-sponsored by Bosch as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations.

The event is described as important by Bosch, explaining that it pioneered the first low-voltage magneto for stationary petrol engines. Bosch’s magneto was developed for a vehicle engine in 1897 and the company developed the first commercially viable high-voltage spark plug in its magneto-based ignition system in 1902.