Autoblog

Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Noblesse-tuned Honda CR-Z on-track - Click above to watch video after the jump

A couple of days ago, we wrote about the specs for the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and most commenters weren't all that impressed. Spoon then let a little bit slip about what it was doing to make the hybrid coupe a little more engaging, but those were merely words. Now we have what is said to be track footage of Japanese tuner Noblesse in one of their tuned CR-Zs at Suzuka, and it might put people in a mind to at least reserve judgment.

It's all in-car video, and yes, Noblesse is primarily known for their bodykit work, not for actual performance parts. All which makes this footage a little tough to gauge, but there were moments when we did find ourselves thinking, "Hey, this could be something." And yes, we will only accept fully blacked-out CR-Zs from now on. Follow the jump for some Suzuka lapping, and have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below. Thanks for the tip and images, Chris!

Gallery: Honda CR-Z tuned by Noblesse at Suzuka

[Source: Six Sylinder]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video]

Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Porsche really, really wants to build 918 Spyder. Really.

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:38:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche

Porsche 918 Spyder Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We still haven't stopped drooling over the Porsche 918 Spyder concept, a car that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show. It's a sexy infusion of both Boxster and Carrera GT influences, with a dash of hybrid power thrown in for good measure. What's not to love about a 500-horsepower, V8-powered roadster that can hit 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds? Oh, and did we mention that, because of its additional electric motors, Porsche claims that the 918 can also achieve up to 78 miles per gallon? We highly approve.

According to Autocar, we aren't the only ones swooning over the 918. In fact, Porsche is apparently fully committed to building a serial version of the Spyder. No official confirmation has been made, but in speaking to Autocar, Porsche boss Michael Macht says, "There is no one inside Porsche who doesn't want to build the 918," later adding, "The 918 Spyder proves the answer to whether there can be high-performance cars in the future." If this concept does get the green light for production, we could likely see it hit the streets within the next five years. We'll do our best to remain patient.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Porsche 918 Spyder Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Porsche really, really wants to build 918 Spyder. Really. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Another Prius accelerates unintentionally in New York and crashes

John Neff — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Recalls, Hatchback, Toyota

Not one day after a high-profile incident involving a Prius taking off on its owner in Southern California, we're hearing reports that another one of Toyota's popular hybrids has suffered unintended acceleration in New York. This time, instead of the car eventually succumbing to the will of its braking system, it crashed into a stone wall. Fortunately the owner was reportedly just pulling out of her driveway in Harrison, NY and the car only accelerated across the street, though the collision allegedly sent "some pretty big boulders" flying, said one police chief.

The 56-year-old driver reportedly suffered non-life threatening injuries, and like the incident in Southern California a day earlier, a floor mat trapping the accelerator pedal has been ruled out as a cause. The 2005 model year Prius' driver side floor mat was reportedly tied to the seat base with plastic ties.

The 2004-2009 Prius is included in an earlier Toyota recall for floor mats that may entrap the accelerator pedal, but the Japanese automaker does not have a fix ready for the cars, which may include reshaping their pedals, replacing floor mats and altering the shape of the floor. These cars are not, however, included in Toyota's other major recall involving drive-by-wire accelerator pedal assemblies that could stick due to wear and other environmental conditions. That leaves no obvious explanation as to why these two Prius models took off on their owners. Toyota has stated it will join California and the U.S. government in investigating the first vehicle, though hasn't commented on whether it will investigate the vehicle in New York yet.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Report: Another Prius accelerates unintentionally in New York and crashes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury, Off-Road

First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but "Good" all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their "Good" score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good" in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

[Source: IIHS]

IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota continues to work on floormat fix for 2004-09 Prius

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

In the wake of yesterday's "runaway Prius" in San Diego, Toyota says it's still working on a fix for the thousands of hybrids included in the 4.36 million vehicles recalled last November. The source of the unintended acceleration on these affected Prius models is the same as the other vehicles involved in the recall: A floor mat that gets jammed up against the throttle. Unfortunately for Toyota, the owner of yesterday's "runaway Prius" claims the floormat wasn't his car's problem.

Regardless, Toyota says that new, smaller pedals and redesigned floor mats are in the works for these vehicles, but modifications haven't begun because the automaker is still working on a more specific solution. Yeah, we're a bit confused as well.

Contrary to a report by the Wall Street Journal, a new recall isn't in the cards for the last-gen Prius and Toyota spokesperson Brian Lyons told The Detroit News that while he can't disclose exactly when this floormat fix will happen for affected Prius models or how the correction will be implemented, the changes will take place "sometime this year." Here's hoping it's sooner rather than later.

Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

[Sources: Detroit News, Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]

Report: Toyota continues to work on floormat fix for 2004-09 Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

Spoon Honda CR-Z - Click above for image gallery

With Honda's in-house parts department in the game and Mugen developing it's own line of kit for the CR-Z, the tuner trifecta is almost complete with the release of Spoon's performance parts for Honda's hybrid hatch.

While we thought bright blue wheels went out of vogue (even in the U.S.) in 2008, Spoon has coated its CR93 rollers in the company's signature hue, along with upgraded calipers clamping onto 15-inch slotted discs. A ride height lowered by 50mm comes courtesy of front coilovers and a spring and shock combo in the rear, while the body has been subtly altered with the addition of a carbon fiber hood, mirrors and front lip spoiler.

More importantly, a new N1 exhaust has been fitted and Spoon is fiddling with the ECU to churn out a few extra (and much-needed) ponies. There's no word on what the rejiggered computer and exhaust is good for power-wise or how Spoon is manipulating the hybrid drive system to boost performance, but considering the company's past endeavors, we're expecting good things.

Gallery: Spoon Honda CR-Z

[Source: Spoon via 7Tune]

Spoon developing parts for Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Hatchback, Honda

Honda execs relate CR-Z to the original CRX - Click above to view the video after the jump

Looking at the 2011 CR-Z, it's hard not to think back to the original Honda CRX. The two-seat configuration, double-paneled glass hatch and sport compact styling are what made the CRX a huge hit for Honda buyers some two decades ago, and the automaker is hoping to recapture that magic with the CR-Z, though with a slightly different approach.

The big difference with the CR-Z is that it uses a hybrid powertrain rather than a standard petrol mill. And while the automaker's decision to give the CR-Z a gas/electric powertrain isn't necessarily sitting well with everyone, Honda reassures us that the fundamental values that made the CRX a success are very much present in the CR-Z. John Mendel, executive vice president of auto sales, says, "We hope consumers look at this car and see all the passion around the original CRX, but [we're] taking that passion and moving it into a whole new generation." See what other Honda execs and enthusiasts have to say about the CR-Z by watching the video after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX

Video: Honda execs talk up historical link between CR-Z and CRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Technology, Videos, Lotus

The manufactured sounds of the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above to watch video after the jump

Two years ago, we wrote about Lotus' Safe and Sound hybrid technology which added a V8 soundtrack over the quietude of a hybrid's electric motor. That demonstrator was a Toyota Prius, but at the Geneva Motor Show Lotus had an Evora 414E Hybrid equipped with several versions of aural enjoyment: a V6, a V12 and a non-ICE audio stab at what an electric car could maybe possibly sound like. Think Buck Rogers. Car and Driver magazine's technical editor Michael Austin sat with a Lotus engineer and tried it out. Follow the jump for the first strains of the future.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid

[Source: Car and Driver]

Continue reading Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin

Video: C/D takes the Lotus Evora Hybrid for a virtual spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: San Diego 'runaway Prius' has media buzzing

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Toyota

Runaway Prius in San Diego - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Both the second- and third-generation Prius are part of Toyota's massive recall - the former for floormat problems, the latter for braking issues - but a new incident from California has the automaker looking into more potential issues with the second-generation car.

As CNN tells it, Jim Sikes was driving his Prius on Interstate 8 in San Diego County when he pushed the gas pedal to pass a slow-moving car, but then, as Sikes says, "[the pedal] did something kind of funny ... it jumped and it just stuck there." Sikes called 911 for assistance, but a California Highway Patrol officer caught up to the car, and the officer used a loudspeaker to give Sikes instructions on how to safely stop the vehicle with the emergency brake. "As it was going, I was trying the brakes... it wasn't stopping," Sikes recounts. The highway patrol officer said that Sikes had reached speeds of over 90 miles per hour.

Neither Sikes or any other drivers were hurt during this alleged unintended acceleration incident. In a statement issued Monday night, Toyota says that it has dispatched a field technical specialist to investigate the case. Click through the jump to watch the CNN video and you can read more about it in Los Angeles Times link below. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: CNN, Los Angeles Times]

Continue reading Video: San Diego 'runaway Prius' has media buzzing

Video: San Diego 'runaway Prius' has media buzzing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z - Click above for high-res image gallery

Norio Tomobe, chief engineer of the Honda CR-Z, said "The CR-Z is supposed to be an intelligent sports car." We can spend a fair bit of time debating the 'intelligence' of a sports coupe that gets from 0-to-60 in 9.7 seconds and has just two seats but gets worse gas mileage than a Toyota Prius. However, we won't really be able to decide on the issue until we drive it, and that is apparently what it takes to feel the love for it.

According to Automotive News, back when the CR-Z was being designed to house a traditional gasoline-only drivetrain, Tomobe said he and his team dug deep to come up with a new idea for the car, which ended up being a hybrid drivetrain and a six-speed transmission. But that wasn't until after they had tried to kill the project. Twice. And that didn't stop the president of American Honda Motor from repeatedly telling Japan the U.S. didn't need or want a sporty hybrid, which he thought would confuse customers. Until he drove it, and then all was go.

The hybrid's compromises remain a subject on everyone's minds. Tomobe wants more horsepower, and rumors began a month ago about a Type-R iteration. Even though Tomobe claims "We are not pursuing absolute maximum speed," we can't help but wonder if this first version of Honda's 122-horsepower future satisfies his own aspiration that "What we aim for is a car that is exhilarating to drive."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]

Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn't want it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Annual Energy Outlook predicts "alternative vehicles" won't top 50% market share in 2035

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Electric, Diesel

Just because it's difficult to predict the future doesn't mean people won't try. See, for example, the CEO of Shell, who said last week that he expects plug-in vehicles to make up 40 percent of the new car market in 2050. The U.S. Energy Information Administration isn't looking that far ahead with its latest prediction - and it isn't trying to convince stockholders of one thing or another - but it sees "alternative vehicles" (which includes flex fuel, hybrids and diesel) making up 49 percent of new vehicle sales by 2035. In 2008, this category only made up 13 percent. Why should we expect the increase? Higher CAFE standards and climbing fuel prices will force the issue.

The breakdown of this "alternative vehicles" category is interesting, too. In 2008, flex fuel vehicles made up around 80 percent of the total, with hybrid electrics making up most of the rest. By the time we get to 2035, the EIA says flex fuel vehicles will make up less than half of the category, with hybrids and diesels all growing to fill the gap. Plug-ins? Well, the EIA thinks they'll reach around five percent of the total market in 25 years. Thanks to Roy B. for the tip!

[Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration]

U.S. Annual Energy Outlook predicts "alternative vehicles" won't top 50% market share in 2035 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati to follow Ferrari down path of hybrid sportscars?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Maserati, Rumormill, Luxury

What's the world coming to when two of Italy's most storied supercar manufacturers - we're talking Ferrari and Lamborghini here, in case you couldn't tell - are planning to launch hybrid automobiles? Well, actually that'd be three of Italy's most storied automakers, now that rumors of just such a Maserati are making the rounds on the Interwebs.

We'd agree with the boys at Inside Line when they suggest that Maserati will likely borrow hybrid technology from fellow Fiat-owned Ferrari, especially since the two business units already share a number of drivetrain components. If that's the case, the three-pointed Trident brand could potentially get a version of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS for short) that Ferrari showed off on its 599 HY-KERS earlier this week at the Geneva Motor Show.

Word has it that Maserati is also joining Ferrari in its quest to shed a few unwanted pounds on its automobiles, which will have dual benefits for both brands - namely, improvements in both performance and fuel efficiency. Now there's a win-win scenario if we've ever heard one.

[Source: Inside Line]

Maserati to follow Ferrari down path of hybrid sportscars? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced

Chris Shunk — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Chevrolet, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ferrari, Diesel

The votes from 59 international journalists have been counted and the finalists for World Car of the Year have been named. The Detroit News is reporting that the Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Polo and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have made the final cut, and the three vehicles will go toe-to-toe on April 1st (no foolin') at the start of the New York Auto Show, which is where the World COTY award is announced.

On the performance vehicle front, the Audi R8 V10, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari California are jockeying for the big prize. We feel sorry for the judges who have to choose from among these three junkers, but we're sure they'll somehow make it fun for themselves.

Design finalists are the Citroen C3 Picasso, Kia Soul and Chevrolet Camaro, and from the green category we have the previously mentioned Prius, the Honda Insight and Volkswagen's BlueMotion diesel offerings. Check back on these pages to see the winners of the individual categories when they are announced in New York on April Fool's Day.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Final three World Car of the Year finalists announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: I.DE.A Institute Sofia concept inspired by the female form

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, MISC

I.DE.A Institute Sofia - Click above for high-res image gallery

What's the one thing that would fix the automotive industry today? Fresh ideas, you say? Well, this isn't quite that. In fact auto shows these days - Geneva particularly - have become packed with legions of swoopy, stylish four-door hybrid concepts. What this is, though, is one of the more attractive ones we've seen to date.

Created by the quizzically-abbreviated I.DE.A. Institute, the Sofia's hourglass shape is (according to the press release after the jump, at least) inspired by the female form. And we don't have much trouble believing that line, curvaceous as it is. The hybrid part, though, is pure fantasy. Because like many design studies, the I.DE.A. Sofia is an empty body shell. It's got no interior, but more to the point, it has no mechanicals inside. Its creators say it could theoretically accommodate a V8 engine, with or without the assistance of an electric motor, driving either the front wheels or the rear.

Like it? Don't get too excited by the prospect of production. The I.DE.A Institute claims to have contributed to designs for numerous major automakers, but in its 30-year history has produced more household appliances and furniture. But for the next upstart looking to join the likes of Fisker and Tesla, the sumptuous shape could be just the ticket. Don't take our word for it; have a closer look for yourself in the galleries below.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: I.DE.A. Institute Sofia

Gallery: I.DE.A Institute Sofia

Continue reading Geneva 2010: I.DE.A Institute Sofia concept inspired by the female form

Geneva 2010: I.DE.A Institute Sofia concept inspired by the female form originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept glides on stage

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:39:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, GM, Opel, Electric

Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The highlight of the Opel stand at the Geneva Motor Show this week is clearly the new Flextreme GT/E concept. This second Flextreme-badged concept is the first midsize car to be powered by General Motors' Voltec powertrain as used in the Chevrolet Volt. The GT/E is just a couple of inches shorter than the Insignia/Regal, but Opel claims it matches the 40 mile electric driving range of the Volt/Ampera.

The same 1.4-liter inline-four gasoline fueled range extender is used along with the 16 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack. However, the designers have taken the lessons learned from the Volt program about how aerodynamics can extend the electric driving range and applied them even more aggressively to the new concept.

The mirror-less GT/E has a drag coefficient of just 0.22 - aided in no small part by a reduced frontal area and vertical fins that can extend out of the body work at speeds over 30 mph to effectively extend the tail and control turbulence behind the car. The Volt has been carefully shaped at rear corners to manage this air-flow, but the new Flextreme adds active aerodynamics to take it to the next level.

The concept also aggressively goes after weight savings with extensive use of carbon fiber, although Opel isn't specifying a mass for this one-off concept. What they are specifying is fuel consumption of 147 miles per gallon (U.S.). How they came to this number remains as mysterious as the magical 230 mpg touted last year for the Volt.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept glides on stage

Geneva 2010: Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept glides on stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid a concept in name only

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Audi

Audi A8 Hybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the Them's Big Words department, Audi is calling its A8 Hybrid "the efficiency standard." And it's not exactly untrue since the top-of-the-peak, 211-horsepower 2.0-liter sedan boosted by a 45-hp electric motor has more power than an A3 TDI and a faster 0-to-60 sprint, yet the gas mileage comparison isn't unfavorable: the A3 gets 34 miles per gallon combined, the A8 Hybrid does 38 mpg. And you get all that A8 size and panache. And 21-inch rims. Responsibly.

All that is certain to cost you come negotiating time: It remains a concept so Audi hasn't released a price, but when you're talking about getting the moon, it's safe to figure it'll cost you a few stars. You can have a look at another glimpse of that expensive future in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid Concept

Gallery: Audi A8 hybrid

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid a concept in name only

Geneva 2010: Audi A8 Hybrid a concept in name only originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Hyundai i-Flow Concept gets its fluidic design on

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:19:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai, Diesel

Hyundai i-Flow Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

This guy, the Hyundai i-Flow Concept, is said to be a preview of a "future D-segment contender" from the Korean automaker.

Showcasing an edgier take on the corporate design language that is currently beginning to infiltrate Hyundai's very brisk dealership lots, the i-Flow goes for a smaller exterior footprint but more interior space with a severely pared-down cockpit. The frugality continues under the hood with a 1.7-liter turbodiesel hybrid powertrain making it all happen through a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission, and recycling - energy harvesting, that is - is taken almost all the way with flexible solar panels on the roof and additional power produced via exhaust heat. You can take a closer look at Hyundai's future in our gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Hyundai i-Flow Concept

Geneva 2010: Hyundai i-Flow Concept gets its fluidic design on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autocar tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota Hybrid X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Autocar, Toyota will launch its next couple of hybrid vehicles under the Prius banner in the spring of 2011. The two new bodystyles will include a Prius-based wagon and an MPV, or minivan. After that, the Japanese automaker will reportedly turn its attention to a sporty coupe model that would theoretically go up against the new Honda CR-Z.

Expect that coupe to have a similar look and feel to the FT-CH concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. Finally, Toyota is said to be developing a hybrid powertrain for its RAV4 compact SUV. None of this news should come as a surprise, considering Toyota's stated goal of hybridizing its entire model line and the revelation in Detroit that future hybrids would likely fall under a Prius sub-family within Toyota.

Gallery: Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Hybrid-X concept

[Source: Autocar]

Autocar tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Porsche casts father Ferdinand in 918 Spyder concept video

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Porsche, Electric

Porsche 918 Spyder - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Porsche just released a video showing the new 918 Spyder concept - setting the stage by taking a look back at the very first car designed by a Porsche way back in 1900. The Porsche 918 was a bit of a surprise leaking out just ahead of this week's Geneva Motor Show launch. Porsche is telling us that we can have our cake and eat it too with the 918. It's a parallel hybrid with both a 500-horsepower V8 and a pair of electric motors adding another 218 hp. That's enough power to launch this Carrera GT-like supercar from 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds as it charges on to a 198 mph top end. The best part about it is that Porsche says it can also return 78 miles per gallon while emitting just 70 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer.

We knew all of that already though. What we didn't know was that Porsche was going old school with their video pitch for the 918. Click through and you'll find a video after the jump. In it you'll see turn-of-the-20th-century citizens gazing in wonderment at the revolutionary Porsche electric vehicle that could go a scandalous 50 kilometers per hour! Imagine that. The video transitions to talk of the newest Porsche, and it's pretty revolutionary in its own way. We have to say that this vid would be way cooler if the 918 Spyder concept were actually a pure EV with wheel hub motors, just like the 1900 original, but it is still pretty cool.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder concept

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Video: Porsche casts father Ferdinand in 918 Spyder concept video

Video: Porsche casts father Ferdinand in 918 Spyder concept video originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Peugeot SR1 Concept excites our inner Francophile

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Peugeot, Diesel

Peugeot SR1 Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

When we first saw the Peugeot SR1 Concept, we were less than impressed. Why? The press photos just didn't do the car any justice. But here in person at the Geneva Motor Show, the SR1 Concept has us drooling. First of all, the proportions are spectacular. Long hood, short deck, wide, low - just a great, potent stance coupled to classic proportions. Also, this here Peugeot is one of the rare convertibles that looks just as good top on or off.

There's a boat load of fancy tech that comes with this concept car (all of which you can read about here). The long story told short is the SR1 Concept is a turbo-diesel hybrid that makes 313 total horsepower and gets 48 miles per gallon. It also has a four-wheel-drive, through-the-road HYbrid4 tech, The plastic roof uses sailboat technology and the instruments are displayed via crystal tubes. But as most of the SR1 Concept's bells and whistles won't ever see production, we'll just go ahead and enjoy this stunning show car for what it is: beautiful.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Peugeot SR1 Concept

Geneva 2010: Peugeot SR1 Concept excites our inner Francophile originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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