Honda Fit EV Concept 2012

Honda has unveiled the all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Alongside the plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Fit EV Concept is integral to the Honda Electric Mobility Network as an advanced environmental approach to reducing CO2 emissions.

Powered by a high-density motor derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, The Fit EV delivers excellent efficiency with a top speed of 90 mph.

The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4* city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA’s adjustment factor). Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid.

Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet. When the Fit EV production model is introduced, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.

The Fit EV Concept displayed at the LA Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior color and five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. Inside, an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces is outfitted.

Infiniti M35h 2011

The Infiniti M35h, will introduce world-first steering and braking technologies when it goes on sale in the USA and Europe in 2011. Like the drivetrain, which marries a charismatic V6 petrol engine with 50 kW (68 PS) electric motor built in to the 7-speed automatic transmission, simplicity was a key tenet in the development of the steering and brakes of the high performance luxury sedan.

Yet when the driver demands it the Infiniti M35h responds like a true high performance machine, offering the linear acceleration and unsullied rear-drive handling of a true Infiniti – complete with all the charisma of one of the great V6 petrol engines. Like the 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) automatic transmission that blips the throttle on downchanges, the new braking and steering technologies are integral to the Infiniti M35h’s positioning as the hybrid to please the most demanding of drivers.

Honda CR-Z 2011 Review

A sporty hybrid? At first glance, the 2011 Honda CR-Z might seem a bit oxymoronic. After all, Americans expect their hybrid cars to be purely about fuel economy, with flowers, rainbows and unicorns coming out of the tailpipe. But Honda is hoping that people are ready for a car that not only gets very good fuel economy but also happens to be fun to drive -- a hybrid without the drive-induced narcolepsy, if you will.

Hard-core enthusiasts will likely be disappointed, but somebody just looking for a sporty two-door with good fuel economy will likely be pleased with the 2011 Honda CR-Z.

Pros, Nimble size and handling, quick steering, good fuel economy, sporty looks. Cons, Poor rearward visibility, most competitors have backseats, missing a few upscale features.

Audi e-Tron concept breaks cover for Frankfurt

One of the highlights of Audi’s Frankfurt auto show display is the e-Tron, an electronic high-performance sports car.

The car looks like Audi’s mighty R8, while the packaging allows for the specific realities of an electric vehicle.

Why is Audi doing an electric car when fewer than 1,500 electric vehicles are currently registered in Germany, corresponding to only 0.035 percent of all registered vehicles?

Because it says its sees numerous advantages: Electric cars reduce the dependence of transportation and the economy on oil. They produce no direct exhaust emissions and thus ease the local burden on the environment. Audi says electric drive systems also are more efficient than combustion engines, making them easier on the wallet. Audi says other strengths include sportiness and the fun they bring to driving with all of the torque available the moment you punch the throttle.