Hybrid – Fuel Efficient – Electric Vehicles
Porsche teases 918 Spyder with 1:3 scale model
Does the clay model pictured above look familiar? You guessed it right! It is actually a 1:3 scale model of the 918 Spyder which was shown as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Compared to the concept, this clay model which points to the already-confirmed-for-production model shows us a single side exhaust, instead of two. You can also notice that there is no gap between the door and the rear fender. However the overall design has been retained.
As mentioned earlier, the concept 918 Spyder received very good response and past reports suggested that at least 900 bookings have been made. The production 918 Spyder is likely to be made in limited numbers and is expected to retain its hybrid powertrain. The powertrain is made up by a 500 PS 3.4 liter V8 and two electric motors. Total power, at least in the concept is 718 PS. Some also said that total power for the production could be increased with the use of a third electric motor.
Previous rumors also suggest that the production model will carry a 500,476 Euro price tag, estimated. The above teaser was released as part of a press release that centers around Porsche’s €150 million investment in its research and development centre in Weissach, Germany. The investment will be mostly used for upgrading purposes and the addition of a high-tech wind tunnel and a new design centre.
Continue reading to view a high-res version of the image above and to view two other images released along with the press release. Read the rest of this entry.
LA 2010 – 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV shown
Toyota has officially lifted the veil on the all-electric RAV4 at this year’s Los Angeles Motor Show. The green SUV was co-created with Tesla Motors and is part of an US$50 million collaboration between the two. The vehicle which is still in its demonstration phase uses a lithium metal oxide battery with useable output rated in the mid-30 kwh range. Unfortunately that is as technical as we can get at the moment as Toyota has yet to finalize other details.
However Toyota has stated its aim of achieving a 161-kilometer range. The RAV4 EV which weighs about 100 kilograms heavier than the RAV4 V6 features a different suspension, steering system and is modified to optimize weight distribution. Despite it being an electric vehicle, trunk space is maintained at 2,067 liters. Toyota announced that the production model will be launched in 2012 along with a smaller electric vehicle and the Prius plug-in hybrid.
Check out an image gallery and a video after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
Toyota releases 2nd teaser of Prius MPV’s interior
Toyota has released yet another teaser image that depicts a portion of Prius MPV’s interior. The portion in question is the centre dash area which houses various controls including the in-car entertainment system, climate control as well as the familiar push start button, gear lever and more.
This larger Prius is set to be officially unveiled at the 2011 Detroit Motor Show happening in January. It is unknown up to this point if the new Prius variant is simply a larger version of the Prius that we are used or a 7-seater MPV. More details will be revealed soon!
Toyota Prius MPV teased yet again
As we all know, an MPV version of the Prius hybrid is in the pipeline and that Toyota will unveil the larger Prius at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show, happening in January. The company has released a new teaser image that is actually a puzzle of the centre dashboard.
Lexus CT 200h F Sport shown down-under
Lexus has unveiled the CT 200h F Sport at the Australian Motor Show. The CT 200h F Sport is basically a sportier version of the CT 200h hybrid hatchback. The modifications over the conventional model are not limited to just aesthetic upgrades but they don’t cover the engine department either. This means that power remain the same from its 1.8 litre VVT-i engine and a rear-mounted electric-drive motor/generator system.
Apart from the visual changes including badging, aggressive bumpers, different alloys and a unique Flame Blue body colour, the CT 200h F Sport is treated to an uprated suspension with new body performance dampers to help improve ride and handling. The dampers are said to offer increased torsional rigidity. The hybrid is also given carefully-gauged welding, an attempt to improve overall driving dynamics.
The interior also offers a slightly different flavor as well. There is an F-Sport steering wheel, sports pedals, scuff plates as well as a different instrument panel and privacy glass. There is also a unique interior trim. Continue reading to check out an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
Toyota teases the upcoming Prius MPV via video
As previously reported, Toyota has placed a billboard that teases the upcoming Prius MPV somewhere in California, although we are not sure if its still there. The Japanese company has also released a teaser video of the larger Prius which is set to make its debut at next year’s Detroit Motor Show. The vehicle which is rumored to be called the Alpha should be able to seat up to seven and its hybrid drivetrain is expected to produce up to 134hp, collectively. This new model is expected to go on sale by 2013.
Continue reading to watch the teaser video. Read the rest of this entry.
Smart plans new 5-door model for US, releases sketches
Daimler-owned Smart has announced that it plans to launch a 5-door hatchback specifically for the US market, sometime in the fourth quarter of next year. The B-Segment vehicle will be based on a Nissan model since Daimler and Renault-Nissan have formed an alliance recently.
“We are faced with continuing customer demand for a smart car with more seating capacity. Sales and service of the five seater will be carried out exclusively by our approximately 75 smart dealerships in the United States,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Penske Automotive Group. Penske is the official dealer of Smart in the US.
“Together with Nissan, we will bring to market a fully equipped small car for our customers and dealers in the USA. It will fit in well with the smart brand,” he added. Along with the announcement Smart also released two design sketches of the new 5-door fuel-efficient model. Something tells us that the new Smart model will be a remodeled Nissan Micra or March.
Continue reading to view high-res versions of the images above. Read the rest of this entry.
