Honda Accord gets Midlife Makeover

You may disagree, but somehow the latest generation Honda Accord never seemed as crisp in its overall appearance as its sporty predecessor.


Honda seems to have addressed that to an extent with the Accord sedan and estate's midlife makeover, the new model set to be revealed at the Geneva show in March and in addition to subtle styling enhancements, the Accord benefits from numerous improvements beneath the skin.
On the styling front, the headlights now boast a cleaner appearance with clear indicators and there's a bolder grille in place. What's more, flagship models now have bi-xenon headlights with an active cornering function. These 'Active Cornering Lights' provide enhanced illumination when the vehicle is turning.
Another new lighting technology for Honda is the High Beam Support system (on bi-xenon models). This system is controlled by a CMOS camera fitted to the windscreen in the area of the driver rear view mirror. The camera detects oncoming headlights or the taillights of a vehicle in front and automatically dips the headlights onto their normal setting if they are on high-beam.
At the rear, subtle colour changes to the lights join a light chrome number plate garnish on the sedan (dark chrome on the Type S).
Inside, most models get new seat materials and door linings, while the Type S version gets additional sporty touches.
Headlights now boast a cleaner appearance and a bolder grille is not in place.
Beneath the bonnet, the 110kW 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine has had internal frictional losses reduced to improve efficiency and emissions, the result being a 9 g/km drop in CO2 emissions for the manual sedan and an 11 g/km reduction for the automatic.
These internal changes have been combined with a host of underbody aerodynamic aids, including a larger front air dam and covers for the underfloor and rear subframe. Honda's engineers have also put effort into reducing the frictional losses in the wheels and tyres with low friction wheel bearings and reduced rolling resistance tyres.
Accords equipped with automatic transmission have also benefitted from minimised frictional losses in the gearbox and optimised ratios to improve economy and emissions.
As a result of all these changes all engines in the range now boast better efficiency and lower emissions but, of course, it's the diesel model that rules the roost in this respect with its 138 g/km CO2 emissions rating.
Noise, harshness and vibration levels have been further reduced with the adoption of higher density foam in the under bonnet and dashboard areas and improved underfloor insulation.
Engineers have also fine-tuned the dampers to better suit vast range of road conditions found in Europe. Says Honda, detailed refinement of the dual mode dampers has given improvement in both high speed stability for highway driving and a significant improvement in ride quality, even over poor road surfaces.
Are they trying to be smarter? Rear end now gets chrome strip.
The revised Accord range is set to go on sale across Europe from April this year and while we are still awaiting confirmation of its South African launch, early in the second half of the year should be a good bet.

Read More

The Hyundai Curb concept.

The Hyundai Curb Crossover Concept made its world debut at the 2011 Detroit International Auto Show. The company expects the Curb Crossover to be a compact Urban Activity Vehicle for the next generation of Hyundai buyers. The Korean automaker noted that the inspiration for Curb came from the need to evolve its fluidic sculpture design language for the younger buyers.

“We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink’s truck. City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting,” said, Hyundai designer, Jason Brown.
When it comes to the exteriors of the Curb, the design starts with the glass that spills into the hood and wraps around the cowl, covering the A pillars. Beneath the glass you can find structural trusses with the glass panels applied like a shield. The whole profile of the vehicle is dominated by a boomerang trajectory bodyside line.
Inside the vehicle, you can find saffron accents that match the ones on the tires. The saffron accents appear as a gradient pattern on the seats, which are made of super-stretch, fast-drying board short material. The interiors of Curb also features rear head rests mounted to its robust frame.
Under the hood, the Hyundai Curb Crossover Concept is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection four-cylinder engine that is mated to Direct Shift Gearbox. This engine can generate a power of 175 hp and a torque of 169 lb. ft. It is expected that the vehicle will deliver around 30 mpg in cities and around 40 mpg in the highways

Read More

KIA Releases first sketches of 2012 Rio

Kia has just released the first sketches for its next-generation 2012 Kia Rio that is expected to make its global debut during the Geneva Motor Show in March. Replacing the under-performing predecessor, the new Kia Rio comes with a remarkably stylish design that borrows the headlight and grille styling from its counterparts, the Kia Optima and Kia Sportage. Running through the length of the sides are strong character lines that are complemented by the subtle wheel arches and futuristic wheels. Meanwhile, the interior sketch splashes ample amount of ‘red’ across the dash board and door sides, while also aiding to the more stylish look of the car.

Read More

2012 Mercedes Benz slk

Mercedes-Benz clearly wants to revive in style those beautiful rising doors that made history in the 50s. That's why a little brother for the yet-to-be-unveiled SLC supercar is on the way.

The future mini supercar could use the underpinnings of the 3rd generation of the SLK-Klasse, which should hit the streets in 2011. The rumoured SLK Gullwing will feature a hybrid powertrain:a 3,5 litres V6 internal combustion engine(probably, the current one, which boasts a 305 BHP output/360 Nm max. torque and an electronically-limited max. speed of 250 km/h) and an electric unit coupled to Li-Ion batteries.

Specifically, those state-of-the-art technology batteries are the reason for planning such a dramatic SLK version. Mercedes-Benz intends to install them in the side sills, so there would be no room for the conventional doors.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Gullwing will try, as best as it can, to protect the environment:regenerative brakes and START/STOP function to be fitted, a 150 g CO2/km gas emission, an average 5,9 l/100 km fuel consumption, 193 km of all-electric autonomy. However, the car won't forget its main objective as a sports car, so it will ensure a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 5 seconds.

Read More

There’s only a handful of countries known for building cars. Most of them are in Europe or the Far East. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi wants to add Libya to that list, and this is what he’s cooked up to do it. Called the Libyan Rocket, the car was designed to solve the problem of high instance of road deaths in the north African country. Gaddafi’s people say it’s the safest car ever made, but don’t go into any details to back up the claim. Still, the Colonel’s revolutionary government is building a plant in Tripoli to put it together.

Gaddafi’s car seats five, has a 230-hp V6 and the nose and tail of a rocket. The Libyan Rocket does come with airbags, an electronic defense system and collapsible bumpers that supposedly help out in a crash. So what is the “electronic defense system”? Apparently, nobody knows what it is or how it works. So even the secret is safe with this car!

You may want to add some diamond studded rims complete with their own bodyguard if you want to make this car even safer.

Read More

Ford introduces Ecomode in new ford focus

Ford Motors has introduced a new software named ‘EcoMode‘ for the drivers of its new Ford Focus. With the help of this intriguing new piece of software, owners of the Ford Focus can now learn of ways to improve their driving skills – mainly their ‘eco-driving’ techniques (specific on-road behaviors that can improve fuel economy, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions), through which they can improve their miles per gallon statistics.

The new software addition to the Ford Focus, EcoMode, generates a personalized driver operation scorecard. This is generated by monitoring engine rpm, vehicle speed, accelerator position, clutch position, selected gear and engine temperature related, gear shifting, anticipation and speed. Along with the final score, the software also generates advice for the driver to improve his eco-driving rating. The company noted that while trying to reach the maximum score while in EcoMode will lead to a driving style that is optimized for fuel economy.

“The foot of the driver has one of the biggest impacts on real-world fuel economy of a vehicle and was the starting point for the development of EcoMode,” said Thomas Schick, engineer with the Ford of Germany Core Vehicle Integration team. “This is a useful tool that creates awareness between personal behavior and fuel consumption and offers up hints on how to improve. Applying those hints and recommendations is all up to the driver.”

Apart from the ‘EcoMode‘, the new Ford Focus also offers an optional map-based navigation application called ‘Eco-Route‘ available with the MyFord Touch. This gives drivers the ability to choose the most fuel-efficient route, added Ford Motors.

Read More

Jaguar E Type celebrates 50 years.

Launched in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type will be celebrating its 50th birthday at this year’s Silverstone Classic (July 22-24) with a host of special races and displays. Jaguar owners clubs in the UK are forecasting the greatest showing of Jaguar E-Types ever assembled, with a large number of examples to be brought from all over the world.

The on-track schedule includes two races dedicated solely to competition versions of the Jaguar E-Type, while a record grid of more than 50 race-prepared E-Types is predicted. In total, more than a thousand racing and road-going E-Types are expected to join the event.

“With so many E-Types on and off the track, it’s going to be a fantastic occasion – the world’s biggest and best celebration for one of the truly great sports cars,” said Nick Wigley, Event Director. “What’s more, the Silverstone Classic offers the perfect place and timing for the world to celebrate such an important milestone in automotive history. After all Jaguar designed and produced the E-Types just up the road at Browns Lane in Coventry and the very first UK sales commenced in July 1961. It’s going to be an absolutely amazing occasion – a party no classic car fan will want to miss.”

Highlighting the legendary Jaguar’s central role at this year’s Silverstone Classic, one of the very first Jaguar E-Types produced was featured on the event’s exhibition stand earlier this month at the Autosport Show International.

The historic car on display was the eleventh Jaguar E-Type car made, one of the many contesting the two HSCC Jaguar E-Type Challenge races at the Silverstone Classic in July. These early pre-production cars were sold to selected customers who would race them.

Read More

KIA Picanto 2012 Revealed.

Following the release of the first official pictures and a 'skeleton' information pack on its all-new Picanto earlier this month, Kia has spilled the beans on its engine line-up and has released a picture of its interior.

Kia South Africa has also confirmed that the new baby will reach local showrooms around the middle of the year and although the company cannot yet announce the local engine line-up, the spokesperson revealed that they are looking at both the new 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engines.

The 1.0-litre engine produces 51kW and 94Nm while the 1.2-litre is good for 63kW and 121Nm - Kia SA will surely capitalize on the latter engine to allow it to properly rival the new Chevrolet Spark.

The new engines promise greatly reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy, with the 1-litre version even set to be available in flex fuel and bi-fuel guises in certain European markets. However, even the standard petrol engines are impressively clean, with CO2 emissions ranging between 95g/km and 105g/km.
The engines will be mated to a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the model.

Set to make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Picanto is longer than the previous model, and boasts an extended wheelbase. Designers also addressed the current Picanto's excuse for a boot but increasing boot space by 27%.

The new Picanto's cabin offers more space for occupants too, and also promises to be a lot more sophisticated than the current model's, with available features including button-start with smart key and six or seven airbags, depending on model.

In certain markets, the Picanto will also be offered with a three-door bodystyle for the first time, in addition to the familiar five-door hatchback format.

Read More

2011 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

Base Price: $22,060
Price as Tested: $23,735
This week, we're behind the wheel of Nissan's 2011 Altima 2.5 S, a 4-cylinder powered mid-size sedan that is high on amenities and consumer popularity. With an extremely attractive base price, customers can shop Nissan showrooms with full confidence that they are test driving one of Nissan's most reliable vehicles to date. Now in its fourth generation, Altima received a complete re-design in 2007 and remains stylish thanks to several facelifts along the way.
Notable is Nissan's take on inflation or lack thereof, as a base 2011 Altima starts at just $19,910...the exact same price as when we tested a 2009 model several years ago. More important is the fact that in 2009, the $19,910 model came with a manual transmission and no traction control, while the new 2011 Altima comes with an automatic transmission and traction control. Thus, while inflation is currently eating away at our fuel and food bills, Nissan is bucking the trend to keep consumers in a quality car that offers more for the money and rates high in "Consumer Reports" reliability ratings.
Built in Smyrna, Tennessee, Altima's "S" model adds $2,150 to the base price and features Intelligent Key, AM/FM/CD/auxiliary input audio system, driver and front-passenger seatback pockets, passenger visor vanity mirror and carpeted trunk lid trim. Personally, I don't see $2,150 here, but the choice is yours.
Under Altima's hood sits a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 180 lb. ft. of torque in 49 of the 50 states. However, just as the last time we tested an Altima, our tester came with California licensing, a state's where stricter emission rules result in lower ratings of 170 horses and 175 torque. The CVT transmission and engine combination work well, providing good acceleration band and torque. As for fuel mileage, Altima 2.5 is high on the chart, with 23 city and 32 highway EPA numbers.
Customers who demand more "go" for their money can check the Altima 3.5-series, which is powered by a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. However, I still recommend Altima's 4-cylinder version over the V6 for two reasons; cost and fuel economy. Specifically, the V6 model 3.5 series starts at $24,750 and delivers 20 city and 27 highway with the CVT automatic.
Altima's interior is impressive, with a load of standard amenities. Included are all the powers, air conditioning, tilt and telescopic wheel, numerous cup holders, cruise with steering wheel controls, great sounding 6-speaker stereo CD, push button start, two 12-volt outlets and much more. The spacious rear seat is a 60/40 split design that folds down for trunk access.
Underneath, Altima features a fully independent four-wheel suspension with a multi-link rear design and front and rear stabilizer bars. Aiding in the stopping procedure are 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and vehicle dynamic control.
A Special Edition package for $750 more is recommended, as 16 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, fog lamps, auto headlamps, special edition badges and leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls spruce up the Altima package.
Altima's safety offerings are excellent, as previous 5-Star government ratings in frontal and side crash and 4-Star in rollover are expected for the 2011 model. All the airbags, including advanced driver and passenger airbags with dual stage deployment, seat mounted front side airbags and front and rear side head curtain airbags located in the roof, come standard on all Altimas.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 109.3-inches, 15.3 cu. ft. of luggage space, 20 gallon fuel tank, and a 3,193-pound curb weight.
Altima's core design and low price results in a car that is a good match for college students, business people, a growing family and baby boomers alike. Additionally, buyers can take solace knowing their 4-cylinder powered Altima comes well equipped regardless of options.
Nissan's Altima is a road worthy car that handles well, looks good and delivers excellent fuel economy. And with Nissan's "hold the price and give the consumer more" ideology, I expect this model to be a big winner in 2011.
Likes: Price, performance, fuel economy, room, design, reliability.
Dislikes: Options can push price too high, lots of plastic inside.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist).

Read More

Mercedes Benz getting ready for AMG Hybrids.

Here is what they had to say at a press release " Next-generation models from Mercedes’ high performance wing will gain hybrid technology including stop-start and energy recuperation devices.

AMG’s former CEO Volker Mornhinweg said in 2008 that it was experimenting with batteries, ultracapacitors and flywheels for its future hybrids with the possibility of boosting power but instead the firm is focusing on improving fuel economy and lowering CO2 emissions of its flagship performance models.
Daimler’s head of future mobility and advanced engineering, Herbert Kohler, told Autocar it was “a given” that future AMGs would be offered with hybrid technology.
“In the future AMG will still offer high performance models but there will be hybrids there,” he said. “AMG needs to reduce fuel consumption.” I guess from this moment we should expect nothing but the best from the Silver star.

Read More

2011 Honda Civic

A sweeping roofline and a sleek windshield angle convey an advanced, one-motion profile with a low and wide stance. The interior focuses on sophisticated styling with a two-tier instrument panel, comfortable seating and accommodating storage areas with room for mobile phones, MP3 players and more. Built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise, sharp and fun-to-drive handling performance with its fully independent suspension.

Four engine and four transmission choices range from a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic DX, DX-VP, LX, EX and EX-L), with either a 5-speed manual or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, to a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (Civic Si) with a 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance, and is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
The entire line-up maintains a standard array of safety technologies including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s airbags (SRS). Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment. The Civic EX-L, Civic Si and Civic Hybrid include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), commonly referred to as electronic stability control, as standard safety content.
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System1, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player. The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. The system includes Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, a wireless telephone interface that works with compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via §teering wheel-mounted controls.
Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on Civic DX-VP and above trim levels, allowing for portable music device playback through the audio system. The Civic LX Coupe has a six-speaker 160-watt audio system with a CD player (four speakers for the DX-VP and LX sedan). All audio systems are capable of playing MP3- and WMA-formatted CDs. A ÚSB Audio Interface is standard on the Civic EX, EX-L, Hybrid and Si models, providing integration for a compatible MP3 player or a ÚSB flash drive loaded with compatible music files.
Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. The audio display provides CD/MP3 text readout, and all coupes (except for the DX) plus the Civic Si Sedan provide a customizable welcome screen (exclusively on models without the available navigation system).
Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe with 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine
The Civic lineup for both the Sedan and Coupe start with the value-rich Civic DX model equipped with a standard 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter, SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed automatic available), power windows, 15-inch steel wheels with covers and P195/65R15 tires, and a folding rear seat. The Civic DX-VP Sedan adds air conditioning, a four-speaker 160-watt AM/FM Audio System with CD player (MP3/WMA enabled), and an auxiliary audio input jack.
The Civic LX adds or upgrades: cruise control, power door locks, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, P205/55R16 tires, keyless entry, center console with sliding armrest, progressive blue illumination instrument panel meters, auto up/down driver’s power window, and a folding rear seat.

Read More

2012 Volkswagen Passat

Bigger, less expensive and tailored to American tastes, VW's new Passat aims to take on mainstream family sedans like the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord.
About an inch longer than the Fusion -- and around 4 inches longer than the current Passat, the new model will roll out of a Chattanooga, Tenn., plant VW built to serve American customers.
The conservatively styled Passat borrows from the design of the new Jetta compact sedan. It will offer a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder, a 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel or a 280-horsepower V6 engine.
VW says the diesel may get 43 m.p.g. on the highway. A five-speed manual, six-speed automatic and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will be available.

Read More

Mercedes Benz C111 in Pic.

Read More

Ford’s Vertrek Concept Is The Future Of Compact SUVs

          Ford isn’t calling their Vertrek concept a replacement for the aging Escape just yet, but the writing is on the wall. Ford’s published comparison charts showing the Vertrek against both the Escape and the E.U. market Kuga; if I were a betting man, I’d be comfortable putting money down on the Vertrek as a global platform replacement for both existing compact SUVs. It’s based on their C-Segment architecture, and it’s no secret that Ford has ambitious plans for the platform in the coming years. It’s an ideal fit for both the 1.6 and 2.0 liter EcoBoost engines (on this side of the pond), and Ford has stated that the 2.0 liter Duratorq diesel will fit under the hood in the EU (where 96% of Kugas are sold with diesel motors). I’m pretty sure it’s a matter of “when” we see it in dealer showrooms, not “if” like most concept vehicles.

               Dimensionally, the Vertrek is longer, lower and wider than the Escape, and that’s a good thing for both handling and appearance. Like the redesigned Explorer, the Vertrek will offer a more car-like ride, more passenger legroom and improved cargo capacity. Better ride quality is something that the Escape replacement definitely needs, since the current Escape isn’t up to standards set by others in the class (including Toyota’s RAV4 or Honda’s CR-V). Fit and finish of the current Escape isn’t up to standards set by other Ford products, either.

Expect to see some of the Vertrek’s exterior styling toned back for production, but I hope they keep more than just the feel of the concept car’s lines. Compact SUVs, even the latest generation, tend to suffer from utterly bland styling, designed not to offend the masses. Ford deserves credit for adding some flair to an otherwise uninspired market segment, but don’t expect production vehicles to come with the Vertrek’s woven leather floor mats or lederhosen inspired velour leather upholstery. If we’re lucky, it won’t come to market with that name, either.

Read More

KIA KV7 preview.

          Kia is flexing its muscles with a new people carrier concept which will take centre stage on the firm’s stand at the Detroit Motor Show. Called the KV7, the large MPV blends the chunky looks of an off-roader with people carrier versatility like Ford’s US market Flex.
Kia concepts usually have a codename using alphabetical characters to denote the origin of the design – KCD: Kia California Design, KED: Kia Europe Design and KND: Kia Namyang (Korea) Design – followed by a dash and a number that denoted the chronological order of that concept design to come out of each studio.
The KV7 breaks from this mould as the name stands for Kia Van 7. It's designed more as a crossover, but 'Van' is US-speak for MPV, which gives you a hint as to where the car will end up on sale first.
The '7' refers to a high-end vehicle - such as the top-of-the-range Kia K7 saloon which isn’t sold in the UK.
The KV7 concept was designed by Joey Mo at Kia’s American design studio in Irvine, California, under the watchful eye of the firm’s design boss, Peter Schreyer. It features a bold, slab-sided look, LED lights and a minimalist interior.
But while features like the gullwing doors are pure fantasy, Kia is keen to point out that the Soul, Sportage and Sorento all bore a “very close resemblance to the original concept designs that preceded them.”
Although the KV7 is a large MPV, Kia is aware that the segment is in decline, with sales of cars like the Ford Galaxy, Renault Espace and VW Sharan falling as buyers opt for crossover 4x4s instead, particularly in the US market.
While Kia’s newcomer is still a large MPV, the firm hopes its unique looks and car-like efficiency will be enough to win back buyers. The KV7 is sized between Kia’s Carens and Sedona MPVs, and could replace both cars if it comes to the UK.

Read More

Top 10 electric cars

      The electric-vehicle hype continues, but very soon, there will be no more smoke and mirrors, performance promises and untested infrastructure challenges (Where do apartment dwellers plug in again?). That's right, EVs you can drive-and buy-are coming. The following is a compilation of EVs that are now or will soon be available for sale or lease in the United States and Europe. According to manufacturer claims, each is capable of attaining highway speeds of at least 65 mph and can travel a minimum of 75 miles between recharges. Please note that many of the prices listed are still early estimates (some won't go on sale until 2012), although it is important to keep in mind that in most cases, the batteries are included.
Aptera 2e
At 55 mph, half of the energy a car expends is spent to simply to push air out of its way. Traveling at the same speed, the Aptera 2e exerts significantly less energy parting the atmosphere. Ergo, the 2e is not your average car. But that much is obvious with one glance at this three-wheeled, gullwinged, peapod-shaped vehicle. Boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.15, 40 percent slicker than a Toyota Prius's 0.25 Cd, Aptera's website claims that the 2e "realizes less drag than Lance Armstrong on a ten-speed." They also estimate that the 2e would achieve more than 200 mpg if it ran on gas. Instead, it runs on batteries, attains a 100-mile range and will do 90 mph, given enough room on the freeway (it scoots to 60 mph in an unhurried 10 seconds). There's enough space inside for two passengers and, as Aptera claims, 11 bags of groceries. Prices range from $25,000 to $45,000, depending on whether you want one when it goes on sale sometime this year or are willing to wait until after all the celebrities receive theirs. It's on sale now, and 4000 people have already submitted deposits. Based on appearances, the owner's club should be an interesting bunch.
Bottom Line
If Aptera could make the 2e look a little less like a spaceship and more like a 1954 Fiat Turbina-which attained an efficient 0.14 Cd while still resembling a car-this would be an instant classic.
Audi e-Tron
The Audi e-Tron is what you get when you cross an R8 with a light socket: the all-electric two-seater is basically a heavily reworked-and rewired-version of Audi's midengine sports car. Except instead of an engine, there's a rear-view-obstructing battery pack consisting of 100 individual cells. The juice-all 313 hp-gets pumped into four motors, which each turn a wheel. Yes, it's a Quattro, and it goes up to 125 mph. It will also do 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, but high performance is not really the point. The point is that you can finally drive rings around Prius owners and watch the smug fall off their faces. Pricing has yet to be determined (a production version won't be ready until late 2012 at the earliest) but Audi has hinted that the battery-operated R8 would cost about $200,000.
Bottom Line
The e-Tron is for the jet-setters: A four-pack of motors and 100 lithium batteries will set you back about $50,000 more than the cost of an R8 V10 5.2 FSI.
BMW ActiveE
At one point, there were 500 electrified Mini Coopers whirring around, which made the Mini E the world's most popular electric car. But unlike the Tesla Roadster, which has since overtaken the electric production crown, the Mini E was never intended for sale. Instead, it could be leased for $800 per month, or about half the cost to lease a Tesla Roadster. Not exactly a bargain for a two-seat car with no cargo space, but not bad, either, considering that the Mini E is relatively useful as a two-passenger commuter car (relative to a low-slung sports car, that is). Still, it lacked a rear seat. Enter BMW's foray into electrics-the BMW ActiveE-which is a battery-operated 1 Series coupe with room for four. Like the Mini E, the BMW ActiveE will only be available to lease, starting in 2011. The car uses water-cooled lithium batteries to power a motor located at the rear axle, which develops 125 kilowatts (170 hp) and 184 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to get the 3900-pound vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Like the Mini E, maximum range is 100 miles on a single charge, which takes about 4.5 hours.
Bottom Line
This vehicle is likely to convert Mini customers into BMW drivers.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV may sound like the latest in plasma-screen technology, but it's actually a joint venture between GS Yuasa, a leader in lithium-battery technology, and Mitsubishi Motors. The i-MiEV is a very tiny, very maneuverable four-door that seats four adults. It's based on the i, a K-class car that debuted a couple of years ago in Japan. However, unlike the i, the MiEV's propulsion system is no longer contained within the wheels, which tend to bend and flex and make generally inhospitable containers for motors. Instead, the engine-a 47-kw electric motor attached to a 330-volt battery pack-is located beneath the second-row seats. That's good enough for a 0-to-60 mph time of 11.4 seconds and a range of 75 miles. The car will recharge from a 110-volt outlet in 12 or 13 hours, or half that time plugged into a 220-volt outlet. The price is expected to be under $30,000, and sales will begin in late 2011.
Bottom Line
The i-MiEV will be one of the first electric vehicles accessible to the daily commuter: It is small, but still has is enough room for four adults and a couple of overnight bags-for under $30,000.
Nissan Leaf
Eco is chic. How else to explain that 56,000 people have placed a deposit on the Nissan Leaf? The Leaf is an electric five-door Prius-shaped vehicle that promises a 100-mile range-which is farther than 90 percent of commuters drive in a day. Its front-mounted electric motor emits zero emissions, yet provides 107 hp and 208 lb-ft of torque, which should translate to quick starts and a top speed of nearly 90 mph. Charging takes less than 8 hours on a 220-volt outlet, and the extra-powerful 50-kw charger option will provide an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Nissan marketing types claim its name is an acronym for "Leading Environmentally Friendly Affordable Family Car," which we can't help but notice spells LEFAFC. Note to Nissan: Why not revise that to the simpler, more direct: "Look-Electric And Functional!" But Nissan wanted to highlight the car's affordability. Thanks to an estimated price of $32,780 and a healthy $7500 federal tax rebate to consumers, the Leaf could be the first electric vehicle to costs less than the average car.
Bottom LineWith the $32,000 base price and hefty marketing campaign, it's safe to say that Leafs (or is it Leaves?) will begin covering America's roads rather quickly when deliveries begin in December.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is a rather handsome electric sedan under development by Tesla Motors. The price is expected to be under $50,000, with a base price of $57,400, minus a federal tax credit of $7500. The battery pack consists of 5000 lithium cells, which give the car a range of about 160 miles when fully charged. Larger 8000-cell packs would extend that range to around 300 miles. As for dynamic performance, Tesla estimates that its sedan will accelerate to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Recharging will take 3 to 5 hours, but a 480-volt QuickCharge system will do the job in about 45 minutes. Do-it-yourselfers will have no trouble swapping out the entire battery pack in less than 5 minutes, claims Tesla. The factory, which is rumored to be located in Southern California, has yet to be built, so unfortunately there is really no telling when the first production car will arrive. But deliveries are expected to commence by early 2012.
Bottom line
The Model S is made for those not making millions who have a healthy case of Roadster envy.
Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster was the first electric car to show the world that electric cars don't have to suck. Essentially, it's an electrified Lotus Elise, only quicker. The chassis is constructed at the Lotus factory in Hethel, England, before being shipped to Silicon Valley, Calif., for final assembly. Thanks to an electric motor and 6831 cellphone batteries that are wired together, the Tesla generates nearly 300 lb-ft of torque the instant you press the go pedal. The new Roadster Sport will do 0 to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds and, because it has only one gear ratio, tops out at 125 mph. This car single-handedly redefines what it means to be green. It may not exactly be the most affordable definition, but that's because lithium batteries are still quite expensive. To date, Tesla has delivered more than 900 Roadsters at a base price of $109,000. The 2010 Roadster Sport model-which features performance tires and adjustable dampers and roll bars-will set you back a whopping $128,500.
Bottom line
It will be tough to shake the reputation of the Roadster as the sexiest electric sports car on the block.
Think City
From late May until late July, the sun doesn't set above the Arctic Circle. Hence, Norway is known as the Land of the Midnight Sun. And when the sun is up all the time, people apparently spend a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the environment. Hence, the Think City. Available as a two-seater or as a 2+2, the Think City is a pioneer in the field of electric cars, having been around since the early 1990s, when Ford Motor Company helped engineer the first Thinks. These days, the Norwegians have completely taken over operations, and seem to be doing well-despite its somewhat fragile appearance, the Think City has been crash tested and approved for use on U.S. highways. Think CEO Jan-Olaf Willums has indicated that in 2011, the City will sell in the U.S. for $15,000 to $17,000, plus $100 to $200 per month to lease the batteries, which are available as either sodium-nickel or lithium-based. The top speed is 65 mph, and the range on a full charge is 130 miles.
Bottom line
Despite its Dr. Seuss-derived design, the Think City is a serious option for city commuters, with a most attainable price.
Volvo C30
An electric motor uses about a quarter as much energy as an internal-combustion engine that runs on fossil fuels, according to the electrical engineers at Volvo Cars. Playing the role of Pied Piper, Paul Gustavsson, Volvo's director of electrification, said: "We hope that the authorities and the rest of the society will follow Volvo Cars in our 'Drive Towards Zero,'" which is Volvo's goal of building cars that emit zero carbon dioxide, except in the production of the electricity it requires to charge them. To that end, starting next year, the Swedes will build an all-electric version of the Volvo C30, for sale only in the European Union. The batteries weigh 617 pounds, but provide the motors with enough output-87 kw (111 bhp) to get the C30 up to 60 mph in 10.5 seconds. The plan is to build a fleet of 30 vehicles, none of which will make it to North America, each with a 94-mile range. That alone won't save the world but, of course, the longest journey begins with a single step.
Bottom line
The Volvo might not be as quick as a BMW ActiveE, but it is more spacious inside.
Ford Transit Connect
Ford will produce five electric vehicles in the next few years, starting with the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric, a zero-emission lithium-battery-powered commercial vehicle that goes on sale this fall. The diminutive van-which has an 80-mile range and can be recharged on standard 120-volt or 240-volt outlets-uses few moving parts, promising fewer maintenance issues for fleets that run short, scheduled routes. Next year, Ford will follow up with a consumer-friendly 2012 Ford Focus Electric, which will use Microsoft's Hohm energy-management system to recharge batteries in off-peak hours. Ford also has three other as-yet-unannounced plug-in electric vehicles in the works, but company spokespeople remain mum on the details. At least until the next major auto show.
Bottom line
The electric Transit Connect is likely to be a go-to for small businesses that are looking to save some money on gasoline but can't afford a custom EV fleet.

Read More

Jaguar XJ named as the best luxury car for 2010

The British motoring magazine Top Gear has named the Jaguar XJ as the best luxury car for 2010 ahead of its main rivals BMW and Audi.
Writing in the most recent Awards Issue of Top Gear Magazine, Editor at Large Jason Barlow described the XJ as a 'blast from the future', adding 'rarely has a new car slackened so many jaws'.
The Top Gear team lauded the lightweight aluminum architecture and described the XJ as the most efficient luxury car in its class. It has attained a 29-percent segment share during its first six months on sale, establishing itself as the British car of choice, especially among CEOs.
Since its launch the XJ has received more than 20 international honours, including 'Best Luxury Car' from China's Auto News, 'Annual Limousine King' from Quattroroute (Italy), Automobile Magazine's '2011 Design of the Year' and 'Best Executive Sedan' at the Bloomberg Awards (US).

Read More

Renault Execs fired.

PARIS — The French government said on Thursday that it would seek to bolster industrial secrecy rules after the automaker Renault suspended three executives, including a member of its management committee, who are suspected of compromising the electric car technology on which the company is betting its future.

“There’s a broad danger for French industry,” the industry minister, Éric Besson, said during an interview with RTL radio. The phrase “economic war” is appropriate in this case, he added.

Mr. Besson said the affair appeared to be “serious, and again highlights the risks that our companies face from industrial spying.”
While few details about the case have been made public, the investigation appeared to focus on possible efforts to obtain Renault’s electric car technology.
Mr. Besson declined to elaborate, except to say that the government would be working with French companies to help protect their industrial secrets.
A spokeswoman for Renault, Frédérique Le Grèves, said she could not comment in detail because an internal review was under way. She did, however, confirm that three employees were suspended Monday after an internal investigation that began in August turned up apparent violations of Renault’s ethics policy.
“What they did was very severe,” Ms. Le Grèves said, adding: “It wasn’t just a case of them giving pictures to the media, for instance.”
Christian Husson, Renault’s general counsel and compliance officer, said all of the suspended employees had “extremely strategic positions” at the company.
Mr. Husson also said in a statement that the company had found a “body of converging evidence demonstrating that three group employees have committed misconduct that infringes Renault’s ethics, consciously and deliberately endangering the company’s assets.”
He said the case would “inevitably result in legal action.”
The company said it could not identify the employees while an investigation was under way. But a person with knowledge of the situation, who was not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed that one employee involved was Michel Balthazard, senior vice president for advanced engineering and a member of the management committee, which is run by Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive.
The company declined to make Mr. Balthazard available. Mr. Balthazard, who has also been widely identified in the news media, could not be reached for comment via his work e-mail or through a phone directory search in the Paris region.
Neither Renault nor the office of Mr. Besson, the industry minister, would say whether the executives were caught actually passing information or whether an industrial rival or foreign country was suspected. But one country likely to receive scrutiny is China.
The United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which is appointed by Congress, said in a report in 2009 that Beijing had been “a major beneficiary of technology acquired through industrial espionage.” China has denied in the past that its intelligence agencies were engaged in stealing commercial secrets.
Renault is the second-largest automaker in France, after PSA Peugeot Citroën. Renault and its Japanese partner, Nissan Motor, are betting heavily on electric car technology for growth. The technology is made more attractive by the tax incentives many countries offer for purchases of electric vehicles.

Read More

Mercedes Benz C class 2011 Revealed.

AFTER seeing images of the new C-Class leaked on the web, Mercedes-Benz has released official pictures.

Mercedes calls the "new" C-Class, due here mid-year, a "comprehensive modernisation", with redesigned front and rear, upgraded dash and interior materials.
More strikingly, the company claims a 31 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, thanks to an enhanced seven-speed auto transmission and an eco start/stop function.
It also has 10 new driver aids, ranging from Attention Assist and drowsiness detection to Distronic Plus proximity control.
"With numerous high-grade features in the interior that remind one of the new CLS, the C-Class sets completely new standards in its segment with respect to perceived value and quality," Mercedes sales and marketing director Dr Joachim Schmidt says.
More than 2000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the C-Class from its predecessor, he says.

Visibly, the changes are hardly dramatic, although the four- and five-door have a new aluminium bonnet, which contributes to weight reduction and lower fuel consumption.
The 2011 version of Mercedes' mainstay has a new fascia, with LED daytime running lights, LED indicators, a new front grille and a slightly redesigned rear section.
It's a case of visual evolution, not revolution because the main changes are mechanical, especially in the iconic C 63 AMG.
The 6.2-litre V8 is likely to be superseded by Mercedes' 5.5-litre bi-turbo unit . Its possible power of 380kW exceeds even the one-off Jaffa special made for the Sydney Motor Show.
Petrol and diesel V6s are also up for power increases, to 225kW and 195kW respectively.
Elsewhere, the need to lower the fleet consumption and emission average will see new BluTec diesel powertrains and engine stop-start systems, as well as more direct-injection models and the possible end of the five-speed auto in those models that retain it for seven-speed transmissions.
Rumours persist of the first C-Class hybrid.
The 2011 C-Class is expected to have its global premiere this month and go on sale later in the year.
Though it starts just south of $60,000 here, the C-Class was one of Australia's best-selling midsized imports last year.
In November it was second outright only to the locally produced fleet favourite Toyota Camry.
The four-door Mercedes has left behind not only obvious prestige rivals such as BMW's 3 Series and Audi's A4 but also high-quality offerings from Japan and other parts of Europe that start as much as 50 per cent under the tristar car.

Read More

Honda user database hacked.

If you own a Honda or an Acura, you may want to check your email. Hackers have breeched the American Honda owners database.
Autoblog explains that “names, e-mail addresses and VINs are among the data that was compromised. In addition to the 2.2 million Honda owners affected by this information, 2.7 million Acura owners were also subject to this hack, though Honda reports that only e-mail addresses were stolen from owners of the automaker's luxury brand.”
For its part, Honda says they have “contacted all affected customers directly. If you did not receive an email directly, you are not affected,” and “No financial information was compromised.”
“Company officials say the list didn't include Social Security numbers, birthdates, bank information or other data that would leave people vulnerable to identity theft,” reports Inside Line. This hack could have been a lot worse for Honda owners.

Read More