$50K Smart Electric Vehicle set for Limited Production Run - powered by Tesla

In a recent statement, Daimler AG announced, "The next generation prototype of the smart fortwo electric drive is being presented in the US for the first time during the NAIAS Autoshow. At the End of 2009, smart will start the production of the smart fortwo electric drive with a lithium-ion battery. The company is exploring opportunities for the United States market."


These Smart cars should cost US$49,900 when they go on sale this year according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk who confirmed the existence of this business relationship between his company and Daimler AG.


Tesla had been struggling to meet its financial obligations until late 2008 when it announced it had received business financing to the tune of $40 million from investors. The Smart car order should help its balance sheet pick up even more.

Tesla Motors is going to be supplying Mercedes-Benz with 1,000 EV battery packs and chargers. The power packs are to be installed in Smart electric cars as part of a cooperation between the electric car maker and Daimler AG, the parent company of Smart and the Mercedes-Benz Group.
More Photos



LATEST STORIES
BYD release F3DM hybrid and E6 electric vehicles for U.S. market in 2011
Detroit auto show highlights energy saving amid economic downturn
Detroit Auto Show: Fisker to Show New Concept & Unveil Karma ...

Ethanol-powered Mustang reaches 252 mph

Want to prove that ponies like ethanol? Give Oklahoma corn farmer Brent Hajek a call. He helped get a FR500C Ford Mustang running on E85 up to 252.78 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats is Utah back in September. The record-setting drive (well, almost. It still needs to be duplicated to make the books) handily beat the previous record of 246 mph. The Mustang used a 5.4L Ford GT block, heads and various performance parts from Ford Racing, but that sort of support was not a given.

NewsOK reports that there was little enthusiasm for the Mustang record attempt until Hajek suggested using the corn-based fuel. Once the biofuel was part of the plan, they [Ford] were hooked."
more detail. ...






Other article:
2010 Ford Mustang by Hot Wheels up close and personal
More 2010 Ford Mustang Teasers Released
Ford Mustang FR500S Unveiled at SEMA
First Ford Mustang FR500S Race Cars Delivered
2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt
Ford Mustang Bullit Officially Revealed
First Ever Mustang Convertible for Sale
Spy Photos: 2010 Ford Mustang at street market

Clarkson fires back over Top Gear/Tesla controversy

Extending the controversy between Tesla Motors and Top Gear even further, Jeremy Clarkson has offered his own opinion regarding the issues of the Roadster's battery capacity and brake failure while being run 'round the Top Gear test track. Remember that the BBC already admitted that neither of its test cars actually ran out of juice, suggesting that the scene was filmed to show what would happen if it actually had. Clarkson's comments don't quite jive with that assessment, though, as he says, "We never said once that the car had run out of power.

The car had to be pushed into the warehouse because you are not allowed to drive cars into a building. We calculated that it would have run out of power after 53 miles but they can't argue with that because that is a fact."
Read More

Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO Concept Video & Photos

Today we're bringing you an animated video of the Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO concept car. Slated for introduction in Detroit next month, the concept comes in three different flavors.



All three versions are based on the B Class model, including the all electric BlueZERO E-Cell. The EV includes lithium-ion batteries, a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor and 320 Nm of torque. Mercedes is exploring the idea that people are more interested in a short-charge short-distance vehicle with this concept. Charge time is two-hours, but the range is a scant 100 km (62 miles).


In case you want an electric vehicle, but not as concerned with being zero emission, the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus includes the same battery and motor as its brother, but also comes with a small combustion engine which works as an electricity-producing generator. The turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine comes from Smart, and will extend driving range to 600 km (373 mi).


The video shows a fairly standard shaped five-door hatch, with some fine detailing lines and bends accentuated in the side paneling. This animated version has five-spoke wheels, a glass top, and a snub-nose at the front that -from above- makes the front of the car look like a hammerhead shark.


Each model serves its own purpose, with different ranges, fuels, and technology supports. As most automakers are competing for longest-range EVs despite battery charge time, MB is going a slightly different -and perhaps more innovative- route. No doubt, the Mercedes-Benz BlueZERO concept trio is an experiment meant to gather public opinion to see what people want most: a greener car, shorter charge time, longer range, or more power.


Finally, MB will show us the BlueZERO F-Cell, an electric vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell. The last engine is comparable to a 2.0 liter diesel engine also with 100 kW (136 hp) and 320 Nm of torque, but only emits droplets of water.
via:World Car Fans



Other article:
Detroit Debut: Mercedes BlueZero
Paris Motor Show:Mercedes S400 BlueHYBRID Headed
Mercedes Vision GLK BlueTec Hybrid Concept

Car News: Solar car completes 1st ever round-the-world trip

Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Yvo de Boer, greets journalists as he arrives in a solar taxi to the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland, Thursday,

Dec 4, 2008. The solar vehicle, built by Louis Palmer from Switzerland with the help of Swiss scientists and driven by Palmer has traveled around the world setting a world record of 52,000 km, or 32,300 miles through 38 countries using only solar energy. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)


Swiss adventurer Louis Palmer arrives with his solartaxi in Hamburg November 21, 2008. Palmer arrived in Hamburg for a stopover from his journey around the world which he started in Lucerne, Switzerland, in July 2007. The solartaxi, which can travel at a maximum speed of 90 km/h (55 mph) on its three wheels, is powered 100 percent by solar energy obtained through the vehicle, which includes a trailer on the back with solar cells. REUTERS/Christian Charisius (GERMANY)
more detail. ...




Other article:
New Volkswagen Golf BiFuel
All New Electric Mini E in Detail
Detroit: Fisker previews production Karma plug-in hybrid ahead

New Volkswagen Golf BiFuel

The Volkswagen Golf BiFuel was also premiered today in Italy by the German manufacturer. The Volkswagen Golf BiFuel is based on the latest generation (VI) of the popular German model and features a factory-installed auto gas drive. The Volkswagen Golf BiFuel is powered by the 1.6 liter four-cylinder that offers 72 kW / 98 PS when run on LPG. The LPG consumption of the Volkswagen Golf BiFuel is 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers which translates in Germany in 6.38 Euros for 100 km. In LPG mode the Volkswagen Golf BiFuel emits 149 g/km of CO2 and has a range of 420 kilometers.
Read All Article









Other article:
Official Details:New VW Golf GTI Concept
Paris Debut _ First Images of Volkswagen Golf GTI MkVI Leak Online
Volkwagen Golf VI unveiled a bit early
The VW golf twin Drive Plug-in type hybrid prototype revealed
Abt Sportsline Announce Reworked Golf R32
New Volkswagen Golf R32
Volkswagen Golf TDI Hybrid Concept for Geneva

Detroit: Fisker previews production Karma plug-in hybrid ahead

California’s Fisker Automotive has confirmed today that its upcoming Karma plug-in hybrid will be shown for the first time in full production trim at next month’s Detroit Auto Show. With only minor design enhancements made to the exterior of the original concept, the production Karma, seen here for the first time, retains the extreme proportions and sculptured look of the show car.
Read All Article



Other article:
GM to Supply Engine to Fisker Karma hybrid
Fisker Karma Will be Made in Finland
Fisker Karma Confirmed for Europe
Fisker Karma Makes Euro Debut at Geneva
Fisker Karma Revealed in Detroit

All New Electric Mini E in Detail

Another unique feature of the Mini E is that the electric motor can act like a generator when the driver lifts off the accelerator. This acts as a brake and the resulting kinetic energy is used to recharge the battery. The company says that when driven in city traffic this feature reduces the need for traditional braking by 75% and results in a 20% increase in the vehicle's range.


The Mini E will initially only be offered as a two-seater as the batteries take up the space where the rear passenger seats are normally located. Using the same basic battery technology as cell phones and laptop batteries, the Mini E will be able to be charged from a special wallbox unit that will be installed in owner's garages. Charge times will vary, but the company estimates that the wallbox will be able to fully recharge the batteries in two-and-a-half hours.


The exterior is all Mini, but this special model will only be offered with Dark Silver body paint and a Pure Silver roof. Special yellow E badges are applied to the exterior and are echoed by yellow touches on the roof edges, mirror housings, and inside the interior. The standard Mini gauge cluster is replaced by a new version which features displays for the battery level, power consumption, and power recuperation.


In order to keep Mini's trademark agility and handling, the Mini E features a specifically tuned suspension in order to evenly distribute the added weight from the battery pack. All Mini E's will come equipped with a retuned version of Dynamic Stability Control which has been setup to handle the car's 3,230 lbs weight.


Under the hood is a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor which receives power from a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Thanks to the high-tech battery pack the Mini E can travel up to 156 miles per charge. 0-62 mph takes 8.5 seconds and the Mini's top speed is limited to 95 mph.


Mini will use the Los Angeles Auto Show to debut the new Mini E. They will begin offering one-year leases of 500 Mini E's to select private and corporate customers. More Photos





Other article:
2009 MINI Cooper Convertible
Paris Motor Show:Mini Crossover Concept Unveiling at Next Month
Hamann promotes MINI Cooper Performance Upgrades
2008 Mini Ball- Agent Provocateur Pimped Mini Clubman Unveiled
AC Schnitzer MINI Clubman
2008 Mini and Agent Provocateur revealed an initial rendering
MINI Clubman: In Depth

Car News: Dodge EV takes to the streets

The Dodge EV is essentially a Lotus Europa, but uses lithium batteries and a 268 hp electric motor in place of the standard 2.0L four cylinder engine and transmission. It promises a range of 150-200 miles and a 0-60 time of under 5 seconds. It's a full-blown, plug-in EV, just like the Tesla Roadster, and should require a 4-hour recharge from a 220V outlet or 8 hours on a 110. To help launch Chrysler's new ENVI electric car division, the Dodge EV has been traveling the show circuit, but today we spotted it at one of our favorite local cruise-ins.


While a lot of the legwork was done for them by Lotus, we still have to give Chrysler a little credit for getting an electric vehicle prototype on the road so quickly. When we first saw the Dodge EV a couple of months ago, it looked like it was ready to roll, with a Tesla-like blend of Lotus platform and electric powerpack.


Soon after we heard that the car was likely to make it to production, with a delivery date that would challenge the Chevrolet Volt. While it had appeared that Chrysler was way behind its domestic rivals in developing an electric car, we know that through their GEM subsidiary, Chrysler has actually accumulated a lot of EV expertise and become the nation's leading electric car seller in the process.


It attracted quite a crowd. Not surprisingly, many folks at the show mistook it for a Lotus until they saw the Dodge badges. Even then a lot of people figured it was some type of joint venture between the two firms. Most were amazed to learn the car might be in Dodge showrooms by 2010.


Try as we might we couldn't wrestle the keys from the Chrysler reps. Hopefully the car and the company make it through our current economic crisis so we can sample one when they hit the streets. More Photos



Other article:
Classic Design Concepts Group 2 Widebody Challenger for SEMA
SEMA Debut:Dodge Challenger SRT10 Concept
2006 Dodge Challenger Concept Flexes Some Muscle
First Production Dodge Challenger up for Bid
Dodge Challenger SRT8 Sneak Peek Pics Released
Supercharger Coming for 2009 Dodge Challenger
EXCLUSIVE: Challenger Drag Pack
2010 Dodge Charger Concept
2006 Dodge Charger
2006-2009 Dodge Charger
2009 Dodge Challenger R/T

Tesla Model S Sedan teased by Chief Designer

Elon Musk wants his company to be the Apple of electric cars. Musk is even doing the whole jobs this returning to Tesla as CEO. Recently, while the company runs low on cash and as it starts laying off workers, Musk sat down with BusinessWeek for an interview and teased the electric automakers next project.

Musk, a software entrepreneur who made million with PayPal, had dreams of taking Tesla Motors public next year with $100 million in verbal commitments and federal loan guarantees for producing alternative fuel-source vehicles. But that was all put on hold when Goldman Sachs called up and said that investors were demanding tougher terms. Read All



Other article:
Tesla Roadster Goes Into Production
Tesla Roadster

Action Mobil:New Globecruiser model—first picture

The new Globecruiser model—first picture below—fits the bill nicely. Due for a shakedown trip to Africa in April 2009, it’s based on the MAN TGA 6×6 platform—as occasionally used by Unicat, that other purveyor of expedition excess.



The two fuel tanks hold 219 gallons. A refill costs enough to put an Icelandic bank out of business, but if you can afford the Globecruiser’s €490,000 ($670,000) sticker price, you can afford $800 at the pump.


Motive power comes from a giant 783ci turbodiesel, which pumps out a very healthy 388 kW. (Actually, make that a fairly healthy 388 kW—this mill doesn’t meet the latest EURO 5 regulations, but EURO 3 isn’t too bad considering.)


The water capacity is equally awe-inspiring at 154 gallons, which no doubt contributes to the Globecruiser’s 21-ton weight. So don’t ask what the mileage is. But if that makes you feel guilty, check out the 4 x 240W solar system, which supplements the batteries and LPG tanks. Drivers are well looked after too, with heated air-suspension seats, and satellite systems to provide pinpoint navigation to the nearest водка bar.


See also
Action Mobil’s main competitor is Unicat, which builds most of its expedition vehicles on the Unimog platform. Check out our Unicat profile for more details and pict


You probably won’t bump into Al Gore driving an Action Mobil. But if you’re a well-heeled survivalist, a Mad Max re-enactor or a Robb Report reader, get your PA to call +43 6582 72712-0. And get Stephan on the line.


Action Mobil’s website is rather dodgy, but whatever. These guys are engineers, not online marketing specialists. Around 250 expedition vehicles have rolled out of the Saalfelden werks since 1979, and the company recently delivered the world’s largest all-wheel-drive motorhome to a client in the Middle East. (Where gas prices are presumably of little concern.)



Source: Squob

Benzs.blogspot_All-Electric MINI E Officially Revealed

Charging an empty battery will take about 2.5 hours at the average home or other designated recharge facility, depending on area voltage. Thereafter a range of 240km (150 miles) can be anticipated under a combined driving route. Highly-qualified personnel will be looking after the cars while they are in the care of their new leasing ‘owners’ and at the end of the testing period the cars return to BMW for deep analysis. You’ll be able to see the MINI E next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2008.


The MINI E is a very special vehicle in that it uses electric power 100 percent of the time, meaning it is not a hybrid like a Toyota Prius or the upcoming Chevrolet Volt with their combinations of electric and internal-combustion engine power sources. To accommodate its 5,088 individual high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion cells that make up the air-cooled battery, MINI stripped the back seats, just like you would when ‘tuning’ a car for racing-like readiness. Yet the car keeps its 50:50 weight distribution. The 260kg battery powers the electric motor which is conventionally found upfront.


MINI may have pulled the coup of the year in the eyes of ‘green’ lobbyists by announcing its all-electric MINI E is soon off to 500 customers in California, New York and New Jersey as part of a testing programme. There have been loud questions as to MINI’s electric strategy and these have now been answered officially. Following our most recent spy shots of the car in testing, our expectations were of a later reveal yes, but not this soon.


The motor pulls out a seriously impressive 150kW (200hp) of power and 220Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque which, as one expects from such a motor, is available from idle. Incidentally the car can rev up to a maximum of 12,500rpm! MINI says it will dash from 0 – 100km/h (62mph) in 8.5 seconds with an electronically-limited top speed of 152km/h (95mph). Not bad considering the battery’s weight, but also the car’s total curb weight of 1465kg (3230 lbs). It goes without saying that the MINI E produces zero emissions.


Source:World Car Fans



Other article:
Paris Motor Show:Mini Crossover Concept Unveiling at Next Month
Hamann promotes MINI Cooper Performance Upgrades
2008 Mini Ball- Agent Provocateur Pimped Mini Clubman Unveiled
AC Schnitzer MINI Clubman
2008 Mini and Agent Provocateur revealed an initial rendering
MINI Clubman: In Depth

Video:Final Toyota iQ Specs & Pricing Released

Toyota has released UK pricing and specifications for the iQ, its response to the congestion-friendly smart fortwo. The funky iQ is on sale now, with deliveries starting in January.Read All Article

Other article:
Larger Toyota IQ on the way?
Geneva:Toyota iQ
Toyota iQ Concept
New Toyota Avensis Spy Photos & Rendering
First New Toyota Avensis Wagon Spy Photos
Toyota Avensis Sedan Spied
Toyota issues the more Avensis images: Front end demonstration, open truck & Internal

RUF:Electric Porsche 911

Ruf Electric Porsche 911(997)Few weeks ago we said that RUF, the German tuner specialized in Porsche vehicles is currently developing a new electric Porsche (we talked about a Cayman but it seems things are changed! ). Well, the waiting is over and today the manufacturer unveiled its masterpiece.


The new battery pack of the vehicle weighs almost 550 kg (the car features 96 battery cells and each of them weighs 5.6 kg) and is provided by Axeon, a supplier of lithium-ion battery solutions.


If we listen to the manufacturer, each cell should provide 160 amps for an hour, providing a top speed for the 1.900 kg vehicle of 224 km/h (139 mph). Driven normally, the car should have a range of 250-300 km (155-180 miles).


Although is still a concept, the new electric Porsche 911 (997) features a 204 hp (150kW) electric engine which is capable to provide an astonishing 650 Nm of torque and a sprint from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 7 seconds.


via 4wheelsnews




Other article:
New Spy Porsche 911 GT3 Facelift in Spain
2008 HAMANN Stallion Porsche 911 Turbo With 630HP
2009 Porsche 911 Facelift
2009 Porsche 911 latest model year facelift
Porsche 911 Turbo Details
Porsche 911 Turbo Aerodynamic Kit
New Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
Cargraphic Porsche 911 Turbo