2012 marks the 15th year since the Toyota Prius began its effort to champion the future of motoring. A unique automotive legend would start in late 1997 as the concept of an electric motor supporting a gasoline engine entered production for the Japanese marketplace. Premiering in a very niche market of gasoline-electric vehicles that did not exist, Toyota brought the Prius to North American in 2001. After long attempting the attract a market, the market came to the Toyota Prius when rising fuel prices and the culture of environmentalism erupted in the United States. With other Toyota and Lexus products incorporating the same powertrain configuration trademarked as Hybrid Synergy Drive, a series of milestones (including the 3-millionth Toyota hybrid vehicle produced last year) has earned unparallel praise for the Prius. At the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Toyota’s spot to expand the Prius to a new family of vehicles represented a moment that firmly sent a message to those who opposed gasoline-electric hybrid motoring.

Debuting in production form at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the subcompact Toyota Prius c is launching this year as a hybrid for the younger, first-time new car buyer. Promising average fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon, the Prius c will be the most efficient vehicle sold in the United States powered primarily by gasoline. Set to provide a generous standard equipment vehicle featuring automatic climate control, vehicle stability control, Smart Stop Technology and Bluetooth hands-free with every 2012 Prius c, Toyota has announced pricing for the new economy car will start just under $19,000.

Arriving to showrooms in four trim levels (One, Two, Three and Four), the 2012 Toyota Prius c One will cost a thrifty $18,950. As the basic model, the Prius One offers remote keyless entry and a tilt-telescoping steering column. For an extra $950, buyers of the Toyota Prius c can upgrade to the Two trim level. A six-speaker stereo, cargo tonneau cover and cruise control are highlight features for the Prius c Two that is priced just below $20,000 less taxes, delivery and other dealership costs. At a $21,635 price point, the 2012 Prius c progresses with a standard stash of electronic goodies under the Three trim level. HD Radio, Sirius XM Satellite Radio and Toyota’s Entune system featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen is key features for the Prius c Three. At the highest end of the trim scale, the Toyota Prius c Four comes with all of the top features from the previous trim level but also adds heated front seats and heated mirror with turn signals. The 2012 Toyota Prius c Four will be well equipped for $23,230 with options such as moonroof and 16-inch wheels.

Since its debut, the Toyota Prius has begun throwing cold water on sceptics of the advanced gasoline-electric vehicles. Disputing many aspects of hybrid vehicles, one of the main critical points regarded the technology’s cost-effectiveness. Since the Toyota Prius was a hybrid-only offering, other cars such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Civic showed hybrid powertrains have resulted in a several thousand-dollar price premium over conventional gasoline-only vehicles. With many analysts doing the math early on hybrid vehicles, it was believed that many owners of electric-assisted cars would never experience enough savings in fuel to warrant spending extra for the hybrid electric hardware. Thanks to Toyota’s environmentally friendly work with hybrid powertrains, the business case for electric assistance in motoring has become an economical choice. While the Toyota Prius c will not be the cheapest hybrid car available (the 2012 Honda Insight retails at $18,350), the 50-mile per gallon economy hatchback will be in position to influence even entry-level car buyers.

When the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf premiered on the auto show circuit, crowds once surrounding these electrified vehicles as marvels of engineering were later repelled by near obscene vehicle prices. The release of the 2012 Toyota Prius c will be a welcomed change in perception for electric-assisted vehicles.

Information and photo source: Toyota Motor Corporation

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As one of the most important auto shows of the year takes place in Detroit, the need for brands to create a meaningful impression on the forward-thinking automotive market is paramount. For at least one company, their work in acquainting customers to once advanced producted started a week earlier. Prior to showcasing this year’s automotive innovations, General Motors brand Chevrolet had issued an important remedy the 2011 North American International Auto Show‘s Car of the Year, the Chevrolet Volt.

Currently the only plug-in hybrid vehicle in the United States marketplace, the Chevrolet Volt was put under investigation last year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in regards to a battery fire risk. Originating from a fire at the vehicle holding area of the NHTSA, the cause was linked to a Chevrolet Volt that was administered a side-impact pole test weeks before. It was assessed that a coolant link caused by a broken line led to the overheating and sparking o lithium-ion battery pack. In November of 2011, the NHTSA announced they had recreated the fire under lab conditions using the identical perimeters that caused the June fire.

Just in time to save General Motors’ corporate assembly in Detroit some headaches of having to answer repeated questions on the Chevrolet Volt’s post-crash fire risk, the company’s engineering team provided a multi-prong fix for the car. The first solution is to construct a more comprehensive structural assembly around the Volt’s battery pack. Second and third modifications strengthening the Volt plug-in hybrid focuses on the battery’s cooling system. A new sensor will be added to the battery cooling supply to monitor fluid levels. Finally, a temper-resistant bracket is added to the battery coolant reservoir of the Chevrolet Volt protecting against the potential of coolant fluid overfill.

Quick to resolve the problem, the new modifications to Volt’s electrical powertrain hardware has already been tested. Four Chevrolet Volts featuring the enhanced crash protection were crash tested through the month of December. With no coolant leak or fires erupting from the collision aftermath, General Motors is confident they have successfully resolved the issue.

Chevrolet Volt owners will be notified individually about the new safety enhancements available for their vehicle in the coming weeks. Since late November, Volt owners were offered use of a ‘loaner’ car if they felt unsafe driving their plug-in hybrid.

In 2007, General Motors shocked automotive journalists and enthusiasts with a perspective of plug-in hybrid driving through debut of the Chevrolet Volt Concept at the North American International Auto Show. Shortly after the conceptual design made headlines in many publications of that time, a production version of the Chevrolet Volt becoming the world’s first plug-in electric/gasoline plug-in hybrid from a major automaker. Spending what seemed to be an eternity on the car show circuit, the Chevrolet Volt’s debut came with the accolades including the 2011 Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show.

Enduring the Chevrolet Volt’s first challenge as the vehicle launches into wide release throughout the United States and Canada this year, the fire concern has much to do about the continuing learning process behind advanced powertrains entering production cars. As new players like the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi and the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid approaches the marketplace in the next 12 months, the Volt will count on its head-start from the showroom as an advantage.

Information source: General Motors

Photo source: Chris Nagy and General Motors

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Debuting the New Beetle concept at the North American International Auto Show back in 1994, Volkswagen either has a special place in its corporate heart for Detroit or realizes the automotive exhibit is the location to show up the leading American automakers. With intrigue building for what automakers had in store for the auto show, Volkswagen entered with a certain degree of stealth. Without drawing too much attention or tempting to auto press with tidbits of information, the German-badged car company presented a product important to compete with the current North American family sedan market. Only Volkswagen’s second production hybrid vehicle, the 2013 Jetta will feature an electric-assisted model.

Drawing down their price for the sixth-generation model, the Volkswagen Jetta sedan succeeded to capture a larger piece of the four-door vehicle segment in 2011. In association with value, space, equipment and safety, a modern sedan sold in the United States appears to require a hybrid variation. The 2012 Toyota Camry and Kia Optima come with hybrid options while the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco will receive the ‘mild hybrid’ equipment categorized as eAssist technology. Unveiled at the very same 2012 North American International Auto Show, the 2013 Ford Fusion elevated the bar in electric-assisted motoring providing both a common hybrid as well as the Energi plug-in hybrid. The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid sedan will give the German auto company a chance to more deeply embed themselves with the American automotive culture.

Though the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is assembled within the same four-door frame as the convention Jetta, the gasoline/electric powertrain running at slow speeds will give the first defining clue to some drastic mechanical technology. Making the Jetta Hybrid coast at slower speeds will be the electric motor power coming from a 60-cell lithium-ion battery holding a total capacity of 300Ah. Gasoline propulsion will come from the smallest such engine to be made available on the new Jetta. Sold in Europe on a convention gasoline version of the Volkswagen sedan, the Jetta Hybrid will receive the award-winning 1.4 liter TSI powerplant. Together, the electric motor and turbocharged motor are handled through a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. Despite the high-tech hardware, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is slated to weigh around 220 pounds more than a traditional Jetta model.

For speeds up to 37 miles per hour, the Volkswagen Jetta launches on electric only power for a distance up to 1.3 miles. Automatically configured for the all-electric travel, a driver can decouple the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid’s gasoline engine for additional zero emission power up to 44 miles per hour by pressing the E-mode button on the vehicle’s dash panel. Capable of 0 to 60 miles per hour acceleration runs in under 9 seconds, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is also engineered to save fuel at highway speeds. For speeds up to 84 miles per hour, the Jetta Hybrid will detect when the accelerator pedal has been disengaged. Once detected, the TSI engine will be disconnected via the decoupling clutch allowing the sedan to truly coast.

Volkswagen has admitted the final fuel economy numbers for the Jetta Hybrid will need to be verified by the EPA. Estimates from the auto manufacturer places the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid fuel miles at 45 miles per gallon through combined city and highway driving.

The occupants inside of the Jetta Hybrid will comfortably accept the same level of comfort and features in this sedan as they would in the gasoline or Jetta TDI model. Along with the planning to generating, storing and releasing the electrical energy, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid incorporates safety built into their advanced powertrain. The climate-controlled lithium-ion battery pack operates on systems that are designed to disconnect the electrical storage in non-use or in case of an accident. Automakers are quickly learning the need to develop safety technology inclined with the needs of electric vehicles.

If awaiting the arrival of the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid in the United States and Canada, the first cars will be delivered to customers by November of 2012. Interesting enough, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid appears only planned for the North American market for the immediate future. With no considerations for the European markets such as the United Kingdom, Volkswagen will continue to rely on that region’s preference to diesel engines the net near identical fuel mileage.

Information and photo source: Volkswagen Group

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In the early part of the 2000s, Lexus was the revered luxury automobile benchmark winning over customers with premium comfort and technology. However, the past several years have seen the Toyota-backed luxury car division fall from good graces. Following the release of 2011 United States sale results, the Lexus brand continues a descent downward in their reputation for modern luxury car prestige. Selling 198,552 vehicles total in 2011, Lexus saw its unit sales drop by roughly 14.5 percent over 2010. An even more troubling for Lexus cars and crossover vehicles is the sale losses compared to the 2007 calendar year. Distressing for their passenger cars, Lexus has seen their product demand plunge almost by one-half to 101,181. Despite the debut of a redesigned GX 460 and two new cars debuting for 2012 model year (the CT 200h and the GS 350), the passion in the Lexus division is still lacking in a competitive luxury car market.

A reputation damaged by the Toyota company’s accelerator issue of 2009, Lexus also lost favour with luxury car buyers with questionable new vehicle styling. Looking for chance to gain enthusiasm for the luxury division, the purebred supercar Lexus LFA vaulted the stylized ‘L’ badge to the front covers of many auto magazines. Produced for a limited run of 500 vehicles at an American list price of over $375,000, the 552-horsepower LFA has little chance to provide a sizable billboard to Lexus’ brand vehicles.

In mid-December, teaser images of an exciting new design concept have given the Lexus loyalists an early Christmas present. Serving a taste of what would be a show car ahead of the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a close shot of the front headlamp housing and air intake was released ahead of a second picture detailing some exquisite interior contours. With a week ahead of the Detroit automotive exhibit, the Lexus LF-LC breaks cover as a hybrid-propelled sport coupe concept.

An aggressive design assertion, this 2012 show car is the Lexus division’s latest exercise with the LF Series design studies that has been intimately attached to look of future production products. Presented in bright red, the Lexus LF-LC radiates a Ferrari-like silhouette. Sporty yet romance, the premium sport coupe LF-LC concept car wears a wide front end that emphasizes Lexus design cues in a most embellished manner. A big, chrome mesh grille features an inward bodywork points. A 2+2 sport coupe design, the LF-LC concept vehicle wears a glass roof that angles down to the fastback rear window.

The LF-LC will be a showcase for a yet to be determined hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain. Being a performance application, the electric propulsion system in the Lexus LF-LC will likely be configured around providing a power boost over the gasoline engine rather than supply fuel saving. For Lexus, their four available production hybrid vehicles in 2012 is one area positively defining the luxury division. Lexus stands at the forefront in the premium category with hybrid or electric vehicle technology use while other competitors like Mercedes-Benz and BMW have only been dipping their toes in the electrified car market.

When the Lexus LF-LC hybrid sports coupe concept debuts physically, there will be a lot of attention on the other innovations brought forward in the design study. In the time that will follow the 2012 North American International Auto Show, it will be interesting to see how Lexus adapts the lessons gained in the LF-LC concept.

Information and photo source: Toyota Motor Corporation

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Saddled with the high upfront costs currently attached to the early electric production cars, the new driving lifestyle will drastically affect the refueling environment for consumers. Whether a full EV (electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid model, charging of a vehicle’s battery pack will see private parking lots or garage become an active hub for the operations of electric cars. For the most part cancelling-out the trip to the gas station, electrified vehicles would ideally be completely ready for a complete zero emissions run over a reasonable, unobtrusive course of time. Owners of electric vehicles will quickly become acquainted that not all charging operations are equal.

Similar to gasoline highway fuel economy estimates that automakers publish to sell their vehicles most effectively, charging times for electric cars varies depending on certain factors. For example with the Nissan Leaf fastest battery charge time is recorded at 7 hours. However, if the Leaf is charged to using a standard 110-volt household outlet, the electric car would take a very long 21 hours. In order to achieve faster charging times, electric car owners will need to opt for a home charging unit. One of several leading units coming to market is from GE (General Electric) and will now have the additional advantage of being sold through major on-line website Amazon.com.

Priced at $1,099.00 with free basic shipping through Amazon, the GE Wattstation is a modern looking wall-mounted charging device. The Design of the GE Wattstation is meant to provide a simple interface for users to understand and operate. By simply inserting the cord into an electric vehicle’s power inlet, charging through the GE Wattstation is indicated by a green charging icon on the terminal. The Wattstation is universal for any current electrified vehicle including full electrics vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Spark EV to plug-in hybrids such as the Chevy Volt or an upcoming Toyota Prius model. When the GE Wattstation is not in use, the power cord can be wrapped around the device just as easily as a garden hose. With a shut-off button on the unit, zero power consumption is achieved when the GE Wattstation is not in use.

Suitable for installation inside a garage or even outside, the GE Wattstation comes with a step-to-step DVD detailing the proper method for mounting the unit. The charging unit is configured to be easily integrated with existing properties. Even outside the house, the sturdy design of the GE Wattstation wall charger withstands harsh weather and is secured against theft.

Expanded distribution of the at-home Wattstation unit is part of GE’s comprehensive power supply hardware needs intended to brand themselves as a potential household name as well as a commercial application for EV charging. Besides being sold through Amazon, the distribution of the GE Wattstation will also involve electric car company CODA Automotive. Through an agreement entered last month, CODA Automotive endorses the GE Wattstation as original equipment. Now across the United States and Canada, 46 published public locations have industrialized GE DuraStation charging units capable of replenishing electric vehicle batteries. GE has also entered a deal in September to buy Chevrolet Volts for use at their Shanghai headquarters cross promoting the technology in China. With electric cars finally earning a chance to shine in the 21st century, the construction of the infrastructure on personal, commercial and public property will need to grow at a pace faster than the EV lifestyle itself. The business opportunity presented to rapid electric charging solutions has not been lost on companies like GE.

As the first crop of mass-produced electric cars open to nationwide marketing, the GE Wattstation will have immediate industry competition. When announcing the Focus Electric vehicle, Ford Motor Company entered a collaboration with electrical hardware producer Leviton to create their own charging unit. The Ford branded 240-volt vehicle unit will be sold for $1,499 with the cooperation of Best Buy and their Geek Squad group. Consumers can expect to see a fast-growing competition from charging unit providers GE, Leviton, and other companies as they seek industry leadership no matter what EV prevails.

Information source: Ford Motor Company, GE
Photo source: GE

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We knew it was only be a matter of time when an automotive safety alarm bell would sound over an electric vehicle. One of the heaviest promoted vehicles unleashed on the North American marketplace in the past few years, the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt represented a new way that automobile producers and customers could view roads in the near future. A high-profile vehicle, the brand-new Chevy Volt is now facing a publicly visible probe into a potentially dangerous defect that appeared during the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program.

Following a standard side impact pole test in May of 2011 where a Chevrolet Volt was awarded a five-star rating (thanks in part to side curtain airbags), the major drama for the American-built plug-in hybrid car did not develop until three weeks after the crash. In June, a fire that engulfed the crashed car as well as three other vehicles was linked to the Volt‘s electrical propulsion system. Revealed in paperwork filed on the 25th of November, the resulting incident was traced to a failure of the Chevrolet Volt’s lithium-ion battery pack. Like most modern battery-powered vehicles sold or about to be sold in North America, the Volt’s electrical storage is temperature-controlled. Through the initial crash test, the NHTSA team discovered the coolant line damaged following the side impact, which is believed to be connected to excessive heat from an injured lithium-ion battery pack causing the vehicle fire.

Since the June fire, an investigation started by the NHTSA has included an attempt to replicate the condition that created the fire. In early November, three Chevrolet Volts were subjected to identical side impact pole crash test intent in recreating the potential cause of the fire five months earlier. Though those tests did not result in fires of the lithium-ion battery, the retest of the vital Chevrolet Volt component was recorded to have spark and smoke accompanied by an elevation in temperatures that reached up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. While attempting to notify the public of their investigation on the Chevy Volt’s primary energy storage pack, the NHTSA cautions that there are no real-world incidents yet to result in a side impact causing the kind of battery damage occurring in the New Car Assessment Program test.

Reacting to this disturbing news made public, General Motors was prompt in reassuring that the auto company is working closely with the NHTSA in detailing this crash test concern. Senior vice president of global product development Mary Barra has commissioned an engineering team to track down and eliminate any further electrical problems. For owners of the plug-in hybrid Volt feeling uneasy about their Volts for the interim, Chevrolet has extended to them use of another General Motors vehicle for no charge (no pun intended). General Motors also asserts the favourable Chevy Volt crash test results that totalled a 5-Star rating as attributes of the vehicle.

With 5,003 examples of the Chevrolet Volts sold this year up to the end of October, the vehicle enters wide sales distribution across the United States and into Canada against a fair share of public praise as well as criticism. Admirable for its innovative production car powertrain that could be the key to the next generation of automobiles, some doubt the nearly $40,000 (offset partially by federal test credits) Chevy Volt is nothing more than an eco-friendly publicity machine. While some will forgive the plug-in hybrid Volt if a fix to the potential risk of battery overheating is fixed quickly, the hatred for the car by others could be compounded with the NHTSA investigation. Remaining in opposition for the Chevy Volt are some people who has acute techno-fright when it comes to electrified vehicles.

A first major challenge relating to a safety defect (and one can expect a last), the resolution for the Chevrolet Volt is important in determining future acceptance of electrified vehicles. Besides the returning exploration for the Chevrolet Volt sedan, General Motors future premium expression of the plug-in hybrid system in the Cadillac ELR wagers heavily on maintaining confidence in the reduced-emissions technology.

Information source: General Motors, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Photo source: Chris Nagy, General Motors

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Environmental consciousness is the new resell red in today’s automotive market. The long-running and proven Toyota Prius is a forerunner to the latest way of thinking for car manufacturers suddenly striding for the most efficient powertrain or the maximizing of advanced materials on everyday cars. As long waiting lists formed for car customers desiring the Toyota Prius when gas prices went ballistic during mid-2008, the Japanese auto brand realized a they have struck marketing gold provoking thoughts of expanding the gasoline/electric car‘s line-up.

Creating the extended payload Prius v that has just recently reached dealers, a promised third unique member to the prophetic Prius hybrid family will be officially revealed at the 2012 Detroit North American International Auto Show. Toyota reveals details of the upcoming 2012 Prius c ahead of its Detroit premiere; the popular United States auto show was the place where the Toyota Prius family saga began a year before presenting a vehicle assortment that also included a plug-in hybrid Prius based on the original vehicle. Targeted as the new entry-level vehicle for the hybrid vehicle line-up, the subcompact Toyota Prius c will achieve fuel mileage of 50 miles per gallon.

Measuring 157.3 inches in total length, the 2012 Toyota Prius c will become one of the smallest alternative powertrain vehicles in the wide North American marketplace. While electric versions of the Smart Fortwo and city vehicles will be smaller than Toyota’s upcoming vehicle, the Prius c will be drastically more compact than the all-electric Nissan Leaf.

The production car design is lot less radical than the concept that only shown alongside the new Toyota Prius family at the 2011 edition of the Detroit automotive exhibition. The clearest difference between the 2011 concept and the production example of the Toyota Prius c is the election for a more convention headlamp placement on the model destined for showrooms. It you remember, the Prius c Concept car employed headlamps located along the cowling just ahead of the windshield.

The Toyota Prius c is likely to garner, at least, some initial confusion with the all-new Toyota Yaris. It’s interesting to note that an electric-assisted gasoline concept car based on the subcompact was shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. While the Toyota Yaris HSD Concept was a mirror for the future replacement of the automaker’s current subcompact, the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology implantation in the small and tidy vehicle was clearly meant for the Toyota Prius c product.

Despite an objective geared towards optimizing fuel economy, the five-door Toyota Prius c achieves youthful design intent. Some distinguishing characteristics to the Prius c is borrowed from its larger hybrid sister vehicles. Smaller grille openings, the triangular side glass at the rear, and the massive taillight pillars appear to be defining features Prius buyers will note in common with the standard Prius or Prius v products.

Toyota has been careful to insure the smaller proportions of the Prius c hybrid does not make the vehicle unattractive for passengers. Toyota’s new Entune system will be available on the small hybrid offering giving occupants incredible electronic entertainment and information service options including Pandora. Bluetooth and 9 airbags will be found as standard interior features inside the 2012 Toyota Prius c cabin as valuable companions to 50-plus mile per gallon motoring.

Presented to the public shortly after the new year, the Toyota Prius c sales will start in spring of 2012. While there has been no announcements related to vehicle pricing, strong indications would have the Prius c competitively priced under the conventional Prius. With the lower $20,000 possible for a well-equipped hybrid, Toyota plans to send a message to the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt that American consumers do not need a stinking government tax incentive to motivate buyers. However, an incentive is usually included for the Prius products just as an additional carrot to draw green or fuel saving consumers.

Information and photo source: Toyota Motor Corporation

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This past week, a most prolific figure of American motoring celebrated their centennial. Founded by Swiss engineer Louis Chevrolet and early American car business mogul William Durant on November 3rd 1911, Chevrolet assembled their first prototype vehicle in an era when the number of auto companies was as diverse as the mobile App world today. Surviving the sizable competition, two world wars, heightened government regulations and the recent bankruptcy of parent company General Motors, Chevrolet is entering 100 years as an industry star. Enjoying sales success with the new Chevrolet Cruze compact, winning back consumer enthusiasm with the Corvette ZR1 and Chevrolet Camaro as well as preparing a new globalized focus to be highlighted with the upcoming Malibu, the motivation for the auto brand is as absolute as their past achievements.

While particular Chevy products will mean something to a variety of world motorists, the following eight vehicles display the evolution of the 100-year old car company.

1912 Chevrolet Series C Classic Six

The car that launched the Chevrolet name, the first prototype was constructed in 1911 with regular production started in 1912. Producing fewer than 9,000 examples of the Series C Classic Six over three years, this earliest Chevrolet was a high society touring vehicle featuring European styling inspiration. In 1914, this vehicle was succeeded by the smaller, less expensive Baby Grand. The first Chevrolets wore an insignia reflecting an adaptation on the Swiss cross that would eventually morph into the iconic “Bowtie“ badge.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro

Launched in 1967, the Chevrolet Camaro was immediately positioned against the Ford Mustang in order to capture the young drivers seeking a nimble but powerful American sports car. The 1969 model year of the Camaro allowed the car to project itself as more than a “me too” entry in the pony car segment. Featuring seven different engines starting with a 140-horsepower inline six-cylinder powerplant, maximum power was acquired through the COPO sourced Camaro ZL1. The last year for the first generation body style, the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro also served as the Indianapolis 500 pace car for the triumph of Mario Andretti at the Brickyard. The pace car wearing white with orange striping has grown to be one of the most recognized designs ever to lead the Indy 500 competitors to green. The colouring scheme was revived for the 2011 500-mile event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as Chevy shares a centennial celebration with the Brickyard.

1960 Chevrolet Corvair

While performance and overall abundance allows most Chevrolets to become major cultural items, a particular car in the auto brand’s history had an indirect and unintentional impact the whole car industry.

A creative attempt at a compact car, the rear-engined Chevrolet Corvair debuted in 1959 as a 1960 model. Attaching some European flair to this economy vehicle in the Chevrolet line-up, the Corvair was definitely am attractive car sold in coupe, sedan, wagon, convertible and even utility-oriented van as well as pick-up in the early 1960s. Selling well at the beginning, the Corvair became the example of public safety activist Ralph Nader. Though the Chevrolet Corvair was targeted as unsafe, the vehicle was roughly no less unstable than many other automobiles on the market. However, the damage done against the Chevrolet Corvair enacted a new level of safety standards that has saved countless lives on the roads.

1957 Chevrolet Belair

Considered by many as on of the most beautiful American cars ever built, the Chevrolet Belair in the 1957 model year combined the best of V-8 power and striking yet simple style. Built in an era where automakers would build almost their entire vehicle line-up off one chassis, the premium-trimmed Chevrolet Belair coupe or convertible model is the most envied model. Rare models of the 1957 Chevrolet Belair featured the brand’s first application of fuel injection allowing a 283 cubic-inch engine to produce 283 horsepower (a major feat for the 1950s). One year after the 1957 model, Chevrolet sailed along the styling path of the late 1950s involving excessive chrome and monster vehicle proportions.

1955 Chevrolet Corvette

While the first year of the Chevrolet Corvette in 1953 was a monumental time for the long-enduring American built sports car, the 1955 model year presented the fiberglass two-seater with its soul.

Selling just over 3,800 vehicles in the first two years of production, the Corvette was almost dismissed by General Motors by the time 1955 rolled forward. Powered by the adequate ‘Blue Flame’ inline-six initially, Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov was able to persuade that the 1955 model should have a V-8 engine. The first of what would be known as the small-block engines, the 265 cubic-inch V-8 was introduced just as Ford began marketing their potent Thunderbird sports car. Thanks to the competition from a long-standing foe and a new devotion to speed, the Chevrolet Corvette speaks American performance driving on the streets and on the track through every incarnation since the 1955 model year.

1977 Chevrolet Caprice

Affectionately called the ‘Flying Brick’ by some, the Chevrolet Caprice built from 1977 to 1990 was a staple of United States cities. The 1977 model year Chevrolet Caprice was one of many larger General Motors to undergo a much-publicized downsizing in the wake of the oil crisis of the earlier 1970s. Seeing its wheelbase reduced by 5.5 inches compared to the previous generation Caprice, the modern-looking downsized car was well received by customers in showrooms but found growing admiration among larger entities. Law Enforcement agencies ordered a bundle of Chevrolet Caprice sedans revering the V-8 power and still beefy steel bodies. Taxi companies were also a steady customer of the Caprice appreciating the rear room and trunk space as good for business. Redesigned in 1991, the Caprice would remain an American fleet duty worker until 1997. Recently, the Caprice name is readying for a return to the United States as Chevrolet’s new law enforcement product.

1998 Chevrolet Silverado

It is amusing to note that the richest history of Chevrolet is found in the work-duty pickup trucks. Dating back to their first truck in around 1918, Chevrolet progression in the pickup truck category involves steady capability and even style. During the 1950s, Chevrolet trucks were defined by employing design cues shared with cars including the 1957 Belair.

Carrying on from the tradition of tough truck endurance of the C/K line, the Silverado pickup truck succeeded the full-sized true utility vehicle in the 1998 model year. Making the Chevrolet Silverado so important was the changing urban automotive landscape that accepted larger trucks. The Silverado was considerably more refined and adaptable for a variety of terrains. At one time, the high volumes of Chevrolet Silverado and other related large utility vehicles were integral for General Motors business model. When fuel costs skyrocketed in 2008, General Motors overdependence on their truck sales (which began to slump considerably) almost led to the auto company’s downfall. However, even as cars have become the new focus with the bowtie brand, the Chevrolet Silverado continues to be a pivotal leader in brand sales accounting for nearly one of every four Chevrolet products sold in 2011 up to the end of October.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

The first plug-in hybrid vehicle introduced for the mass market, the Chevrolet Volt started as a 2007 concept car that Robert Lutz quickly green lit for production frustrated that Japanese auto company Toyota was receiving all the press for their hybrid drive system. Able to travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone, Chevrolet constructed a four-door compact sedan possessing a 0.28 drag coefficient skin around the innovative powertrain. Sold in limited markets since last year, Chevrolet has widened the availability of the Volt for the 2012 model year. Retailing with a suggested manufacturer price tag at nearly $40,000, ownership of the Chevrolet Volt is assisted by government tax credits while the technology remains an experiment.

Potentially reshaping not just Chevrolet but the whole 21st century auto industry, the Chevrolet Volt could be the key to many more anniversaries for the car company.

Information source: General Motors, Corvette-America’s Sports Car, Cars of the Sizzling ‘60s
Photo Source: Chris Nagy, General Motors

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Ford Start Concept

Designed by Ford’s California-based design offices this Ka-sized city car is powered by a 1.0-litre 1.0 litre turbocharged and direct-injected engine. The ‘EcoBoost’ engine offers the same performance as 1.6 litre engine, but produces less than 100g/km of CO2 emissions.

Arcimoto Green Concept Car

The Arcimoto Green Concept car takes its inspiration from the bicycle. Designed with two wheels at the front and just one at the back, the car is extremely light and as such uses much less battery power than other battery cars giving it a longer range of up to 160 miles per charge.

Phoenix Roadster

Made from bamboo and rattan roadster the Phoenix Roadster is the world’s first biodegradable car. Created by product designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Albrecht Birkner the Phoenix’s biodegradable skin is designed to last at least 5 years, the average length of time most people keep a car.

VW Bulli

The Bulli is an all-electric concept inspired by the Classic VW Camper. This zero-emissions vehicle has a driving range of around 184 miles and a 0 to 60 time of 11 seconds. With rear seats that fold flat to make a bed, all you need is then is your sleeping bag and a surfboard.

Peugeot SXC

The SXC (Shanghai Cross Concept) is a hybrid crossover powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine at the front and an 95bhp electric motor at the rear giving a combined 48.7mpg and emitting 143g/km of CO2. Whilst not the most impressive figures, do bare in mind this thing is bigger than a BMW X5.

Neora

The Neora Concept, from Taiwanese electric car maker Luxgen, is powered a 241 hp motor and is capable of travelling 400 km when fully charged. The Neora has a top speed of 250 km/h and features unique LED lights and an infotainment system from smartphone manufacturer HTC.

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is the electric car maker’s second car. Tesla refer to the concept car as a ‘beta car’ meaning is almost ready car for production. The Model S supports DC fast charging, giving the car an extra 300 miles of range with just a 1 hour charge.

KTM E3W

The KTM E3W is an electric two-seater three-wheeled concept car powered by a 15kW electric motor with a range of up to 60 miles. To keep weight to a minimum the car has a plastic body and to make getting in and out easier the E3W has super cool scissor doors.

VELV

The VELV concept from PSA Peugeot Citroen is a 100% electric car with a 27-horsepower electric motor and a top speed of 68 mph. Capable of 62 miles when fully charged the VELV has aerodynamic styling, gull-wing windows and a peculiarly narrow backend.

Hyundai Blue2

The hydrogen-powered Blue2 hybrid from Hyundai produces an impressive 90 kW of power and is capable of 82 mpg. The car also feature automatic opening doors opening system, cameras instead of mirrors and even LED screens instead of number plates.

Opel One Euro

The One Euro concept from Opel is so called because of its ability to travel 100 kilometres for just one euro. This clever little car is a tandem two-seater, meaning that the passenger sits behind the driver, and has a range of just over 60 miles and a top speed of 75 mph.

MUTE

The MUTE is a prototype lightweight electric vehicle from Munich’s University of Technology. The car features a 15kW engine powered by a 10kW Lithium Ion battery and a 4kW Zinc-Air range extender; where zinc reacts with air producing a chemical reaction that results in electricity.

Jaguar C-X16

The Jaguar C-X16, is a super sexy concept from Jaguar. The hybrid coupe features a kinetic energy recovery system like that found in Formula 1 cars, where energy expended during breaking is stored for later use. One press of the C-X16′s push-to-pass button and the car will get a boost of power without using any extra fuel or emitting any harmful gases.

Audi Urban Concept

The Audi Urban Concept is another tandem car, with space for a single passenger behind the driver. Powered by two electric motors, with a combined 20bhp, the Urban Concept weighs less than half an average car and can be charged from a domestic socket in just one hour.

VW NILS EV

The Volkswagen NILS EV is a single seater featuring in-wheel motors powered by a lithium ion battery. This tiny, lightweight concept is made from aluminium and polycarbonate, weighs just 1014 pounds and has a top speed of 81 miles per hour.

This green car concepts post was brought to you by the team at carrentals.co.uk, a car hire comparison site from within the UK.

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Hybrid and record-breaking rarely go in the same sentence together, yet luxury car maker Infiniti have recently forced people to do just that. The M35h model posted a quarter mile time of 13.9 seconds to break the record for hybrid cars. The undeniably impressive performance puts the car at a par with the 1998 BMW M3 and a 1982 Lamborghini – so it may not be at the bleeding edge of modern speed, yet this is still one fast car we are talking about.

This exercise is quite an interesting step in the evolution of hybrid cars. Generally people after hybrids are looking for efficiency not speed, yet Infiniti are clearly trying to show that their new model can do both. The vehicle as has a 3.5 litre V-6 engine which will churn out 302 horsepower and 258 pounds per foot of torque, which is pretty considerable when you consider its green design.

The car itself still maintains pretty good energy efficiency at 27 mpg for city driving and 32 for highways. This is encouraging to see, as one would wonder whether this is a hybrid in name alone, yet this is clearly not the case.

The M35H is also an interesting step for hybrid cars as it is very much a luxury vehicle. The Toyota Prius is a great car yet no one is ever going to confuse it with a luxury model – it will be interesting to see if more car makers start fusing luxury with eco-efficiency. The business model does make sense as many affluent people are concerned about their carbon footprints.

This recent record breaking performance will certainly help raise the profile of hybrid cars. These events are always a chance for the automotive industry to demonstrate what the future is going to look like. Given the superior performance of this car, we might be heading towards a future where performance and energy efficiency go hand in hand.

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Historically, the steam engine is credited for being the main motivator for the industrialized world that has taken human kind to new greatness and understanding. Successful in powering locomotives for until many railway companies adapted to diesel-electric trains through the 1950s, steam power never achieved widespread acceptance among automotive customers. One of the potential powerplant suitors pitched during the infancy of the auto industry in North America along with gasoline and electric batteries, steam engines were vigorously campaigned by the Stanley Motor Carriage Company from 1902 to 1924. Losing trust in the marketplace for the first time during the 1920s, steam power was explored again in the late 1960s by General Motors. Never leaving the experimental stage, steam power as an individual power source for motion has been ruled out for road use.

Almost 50 years since the last serious study of steam power was abandoned, German car maker BMW is revisiting the older technology for application in the 21st century trend of hybrid power motoring. Revealed for the first time as a probable source for electric-assisted power, the BMW Turbosteamer project was initiated in late 2005. Drawing on fundamental steam engine principles and as well as working expertise gained through NASA, improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions is the goal for BMW’s project.

Operation of the BMW Turbosteamer system depends on deriving power from the power plant’s wasted heat. Often a lost by-product in the internal combustion engine, the turbosteamer technology recovers heat through the engine’s cooling system as well as from the high-temperature exhaust gases. The engine-sourced heat is then collected through a heat exchanger that reacts with a special fluid. Subjected to high pressures, the fluid is heated to an extent it turns to steam. The next step in the turbosteamer technology is to direct the steam through a turbine used to generate electrical power. Of course, this electrical power could be used as or alongside a current hybrid vehicle system.

As BMW developed the turbosteamer from the laboratory, the engineer’s main goal was compressing the hardware feasible for integrating into an automobile. Over the course of its development since 2005, BMW is now confident the turbosteamer system can be contained in a system weighing no more than 15 kilograms (33 pounds). According to laboratory studies of the turbosteamer technology, performance improvements from a four-cylinder engine was measured as high as 15 percent. Mating the technology to a BMW 5 Series sedan, BMW engineers predict the turbosteamer could provide up to a 10 percent boost in fuel economy through on longer distance drives.

An automobile company who had been a repeat offender of the CAFE standards placed on vehicles sold in the United States, BMW’s commitment to improve fuel economy has kept the German auto company clear of incompliance fines since 2006. Like all other automakers, BMW will be burdened with meeting all-new fuel economy standards making it necessary for the luxury brand to explore various avenues of performance advancements. Along with the Turbosteamer project, BMW’s attempt to find greater vehicle efficiency also stems into thermoelectric generation.

With BMW’s turbosteamer unit entering field tests, there is no clear indication for when or even whether this technology could be found in future vehicles.

Information and photo source: BMW Group

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In a current automobile marketplace revealing a most robust palette of crossover vehicles, sports cars, trucks and super sedans, the Toyota Camry projects the excitement of unbuttered bread. Despite this fact, the Camry has routinely been the one of the best-selling vehicles in North America. Viewed as constant proof that the rather ‘Plain Jane’ mid-sized car is striking the right chord with consumers, 2012 Toyota Camry merely tweaks the working formula.

Dimension for the 2012 Camry is unchanged but a new exterior appearance is designed to give the impression of a lower stance. The front-end styling is modified on the new sedan giving a slightly more rigid, sportier look. NASCAR Sprint Cup fans of the past week’s Irwin Tools Night Race would have received a preview of this refreshed styling in action on top stock cars.

Inside the four-door sedan, the 2012 Toyota Camry is greatly impacted by the availability of the auto company’s latest Entune multimedia technology. Providing a great amount of media flexibility, Entune gives users the choice of infotainment options including music service Pandora. From entertainment to safety, the media center screen will also double as a projection for the back-up camera when the 2012 Toyota Camry is set in reverse. Regardless to whether the drivers and passenger are enjoying the services of Entune or simply partaking in a comfortable, quiet cruise, the 2012 Camry’s sound dampening will provide better sound shielding against vibration and road noise.

Part of the new 2012 Toyota Camry’s revisions includes some tweaks to the powertrains. Gone for the 2012 model year is the lower output version of the 2.5 liter inline-4 power unit. Generating the 178 horsepower, the 2012 Toyota Camry’s entry-level 4-cylinder powerplant supports dual variable valve timing and gasoline direct injection. The performance-oriented 2012 Toyota Camry sedan continues to be the 268 horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 engine.

Though output from the 2012 model year range of Toyota engines remains identical to the 2011 model, improvements in engine and drivetrains allows the new Camry to be more fuel-efficient. Equipped with the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder powerplant, the 2012 Toyota Camry achieves 28 miles per gallon in average fuel economy. Compared to the 2011 model car, the 2012 Camry gains an extra two miles of travelling for every gallon of gasoline. Employing a higher final gear ratio than the previous model, the 3.5 liter V-6 equipped Camry sedan features an additional 1-mile increase per gallon of gasoline for city and highway driving. In average driving, the 2012 Toyota Camry with the optional six-cylinder engine can coast 25 miles per gallon. A six-speed automatic transmission will be the only gearbox found mated to both Toyota Camry engines in 2012.

A new Toyota Camry Hybrid also becomes a fixture for the 2012 model year changes. Sharing the revised exterior and interior look, subtle details including badging are used to distinguish the gasoline/electric powertrain model. Technically, the 2012 Camry Hybrid receives the most dedication from Toyota engineers. A more efficient vehicle than its predecessor, the new Toyota Camry Hybrid is a much smarter system. For short distances no longer than 1.6 miles, a new EV Drive mode that allows travel at under 25 miles per hour on electric power only. Offering significant travel distance, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid fuel economy extends to 41 miles per gallon through average driving. A massive 8 mile per gallon improvement over its 2011 counterpart, better aerodynamics, lighter components and a better Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive are credited for the Camry Hybrid’s increase.

While the Indianapolis 500 has maintained only United States brands could assume pace car duties, NASCAR’s biggest race, the Daytona 500, will extend the pace car honour for the very first time to Japanese badged vehicle when the 2012 Camry escorts 43 race cars around for the major season kick-off. While the brand may not be derived from American soil, it is worth noting the 2012 Toyota Camry is a product of the auto company’s Georgetown, Kentucky assembly plant.

A very mild restyling coupled with some mild technical improvements, it remains to be seen if the 2012 Toyota Camry will release the same backlash as the new Honda Civic. Incurring an introduction that left some expecting more from Honda’s leading compact car, the 2012 Civic most public insult was the lose of its recommended status from Consumer Report. However, just like the highly beloved Honda Civic, the Toyota Camry has a history of making minor changes that greatly affect the American automobile market.

Information and photo source: NASCAR, Toyota Motor Corporation

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Featuring an exciting product line-up, the flow of Cadillac’s creative juices (taking on the texture and taste of fine Nappa valley wine in the case of a luxury company) is fuelling the production of three new vehicles. Rubberstamping the full-size XTS and compact ATS for production early this month, a third assembly line product was unveiled this week. Based on the insatiable Cadillac Converj concept car, the General Motors luxury carmaker declared a planned entrance into the plug-in hybrid vehicle market with the ELR sport coupe. As past Cadillac concept cars are being transformed into extravagant production reality, the General Motors luxury brand’s latest design study presented at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concour d’Elegance gains some extra clout.

A four-seat convertible show car, the Cadillac Ciel concept car premieres at the ultra-exclusive California golf and country club as a profuse expression of luxury embracing the Golden State. Covered with a charmingly regal Cabernet paint finish, the Ciel is a grand touring vehicle concept merging comfort with a high-class driving experience.

Named the Ciel (the French translation to the word Sky), the pronunciation of the Cadillac concept is expelled as ‘C-L’. An amusing name for the fact the General Motors luxury brand reuses a name once worn by a roadster from the auto corporation’s former Saturn division, premium car rival Mercedes-Benz could probably be heard voicing some other colourful words realizing Cadillac’s choice for concept car naming.

The Cadillac Ciel concept is accomplished with a long, elegantly sculpted appearance playing on classic and modern exterior styling traits. Featuring horizontally directed LED headlights and taillights, the overall appearance of the Cadillac Ciel beckons remembrance of the mid-1960s Eldorado convertibles. On the other hand, a big front Cadillac grille and the smooth side texture of the Ciel radiates design characteristics shown on the XTS concept sedan. The super large 22-inch aluminum wheels and carbon-ceramic brake rotors insures a strong expression of 21st century technology.

Realized as an all-wheel drive hybrid vehicle with lithium-ion battery storage, the main power for the Cadillac Ciel comes from a potent twin-turbocharged V-6 powerplant. Projected to produce 425 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque, the Ciel concept’s 3.6 liter, direct-injected six-cylinder gasoline engine could be close to production. Speculation regarding the upcoming XTS has implicated a twin-turbo V-6 powerplant as an equipment option.

Residing on a wheelbase measuring 125 inches, the Ciel interior is presented as spacious luxury. With rear doors swinging backwards to open, the Cadillac Ciel cabin opens up for a grand entrance thanks also to the absence of a B-pillar frame. Unmistakable luxury is echoed throughout the four-passenger accommodations with Italian Olive wood, nickel plating and aluminum decorating the Ciel’s interior quarters. Unique design touches inspired by California are carefully inserted into the Cadillac Ciel concept’s cabin including pullout blankets for passengers and compartments designed for holding weather-worshiping items such as sunglasses or sunscreen. Cordless inductive charging and ambient lighting brings the technological culture of California to the passengers of the Cadillac Ciel.

More than a just a delightfully pompous occasions for the past day history to be celebrated in an outdoor country club, the Pebble Beach Concour d’Elegance has rapidly morphed into an event demonstrating relevance for modern motoring luxury. Presented in the California sun, the Cadillac Ciel may not have the momentum to reach production car attitude. Cadillac’s latest experiences with convertibles have resulted in the less than successful Allante and the forgettable XLR. The Ciel’s concept production could truly depend on a wish upon a star.

Information and photo source: General Motors

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It’s not everyday that the phrase “Have you heard about this new car maker?” can be heard. But, ripples have been felt from the new Rivian Automotive currently based in Rockledge, Florida and its CEO, R.J. Scaringe. The automotive prodigy has always been around cars- a student of the automotive industry- and soon this 28 year-old phenom could take the “Big Three” by storm.

  Rivian Automotive was founded in 2009 after Scaringe achieved his PhD from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). He studied not only the mechanics and inner workings of the gasoline combustion engine in the Sloan Automotive Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Wai Cheng, but also lean manufacturing processes and operations management. This unique trifecta of skills and experiences has enabled Scaringe to conceive of a vehicle that not only appeals to the car enthusiast, but also environmentalist and cost conscious consumers. Most recently he was profiled by the White House as a “Champion of Change,” in recognition of the work his company was doing to innovate and put people to work in America.

The main focus of the production philosophy of Rivian is a lean model. For those who don’t know what “lean” is, it’s a process by which “waste” is eliminated from a procedure, reducing time and cost along the way. One way Rivian is doing this is by making a car design that can only be put together in one way, therefore eliminating the possibilities of errors and reducing the manufacturing time. Interestingly, the Rivian production model almost completely removes the robotic worker seen in many of the major automotive production facilities and replaces them with- hold on to your hats- people. That’s right, flesh and blood individuals! Scaringe cites that the removal of expensive robotic technology and reverting to a live workforce actually increases production efficiency while reducing the costs associated with manufacturing.

“The focus will be to turn out tens of thousands of vehicles, not millions and not hundreds.” Scaringe said in a recent phone interview. He explains that the car’s modular design and “one way only” assembly will not only reduce errors in construction, but also ensure rigorous quality standards. The idea is that Rivian is not out to over-saturate the existing market, but to create a niche that offers high quality, great looking cars to people who love to drive but don’t want to spend a fortune doing it.

Later in 2011, Scaringe plans on announcing where the permanent home of Rivian Automotive will be located. He knows that it will be within Brevard County, Florida, but there are still a few sites to choose from. Once a facility is chosen, Rivian could be hiring 1200 or more workers, many of whom could come from the recently unemployed, highly trained NASA workforce. Facility and employee decisions still up in the air, the company’s main goal has been consistent from day one; to make a fun to drive, highly efficient vehicle that pays homage to a love of cars and won’t break the bank.

  To achieve this, Scaringe has already assembled some of the industry’s best designers including the recent addition of 2002 Automotive Designer of the Year, Peter Stevens. Stevens brings bold design achievements, such as the McLaren F1, to a team comprised of equally forward thinking designers and engineers to help the initial Rivian model achieve an original and instant iconic image. Scaringe hopes that the aerodynamic aggressive body lines add to the company’s allure giving each model a distinctive, yet branded look. With a lineup that will include a coupe, a 2×2 4-seater, a crossover, and a sedan, each one should be identifiable as unique but unmistakably Rivian.

The costs of the vehicle are significantly less than any other luxury sports car on the market, with estimated initial retail price ranging from the mid $20 to $30,000 price range. But, don’t expect any skimps. The initial model will meet 5-star safety standards, have an exterior that draws the eye, and an interior that keeps even the most critical passenger happy. Scaringe says that even though the price point has mass appeal, the car he produces will be a luxury car that every car enthusiast will want to drive. “Premium feel… high end without the cost.” he indicated.

Also later in 2011, Rivian will begin to announce the dealership infrastructure it has set up to sell, service, and supply components of its cars. Scaringe indicates that Rivian will partner with already existent dealerships to be able to provide a full customer service experience. The design of the car itself will also allow for easy, quick repairs in case of collisions as well as customizing of exterior color for the individualist. Parts suppliers are also enthusiastic about being able to offer components in a timely manner to keep from alienating owners in the event of any issue.

While Scaringe is still pretty secretive about the exact specifications of the engine drive-train systems, he did say that the advanced gasoline engine will achieve 60MPG or better within the existing infrastructure, including compatibility with E85 fuels. The engine gaskets and other components will resist the problems caused by the ethanol alcohol that most all gasoline engines are currently experiencing. Also in the plans are a proprietary hybrid-diesel engine that could achieve more than 90MPG in the city and well over 100MPG on the highway. Plus, the sleek and aerodynamic body coupled with the aluminum frame and other weight reductions would lead to instant MPG improvements even before Rivian’s highly efficient engine introductions. This is all part of how he proposes to revolutionize the industry.

  Scaringe revealed all of this, but still withheld the name of his debut into the very exclusive vehicle manufacturing sector. Many automotive industry onlookers see this as a sign that Rivian, like others before it, will never fully make it to market. Scaringe, on the other hand, says he’s holding back so that Rivian can “make a splash” over ripples of rumors. As the date draws closer for the first uncloaked reveal of the coupe that will change the automotive market as we know it, Scaringe promises that he will tell us, his fellow car enthusiasts, everything we want to know. But until then, we will have to be patient. He suggested maybe taking a drive around the “Space Coast” of Florida, and maybe we might catch a glimpse of the camouflaged, aggressively-styled Rivian as it passes us by while we are stopped at the pumps.

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As indicated by recent news from the United States on an aggressive 54.5 mile per gallon fleet mandate for all car companies by 2025, the global push to lower fossil fuel consumption is very active. Opening the realm of what was once only dreams to automotive engineers, creations crafted to contend in the compliance to future efficiency targets are receiving the investments they so gravely needed to land on driveways and parking lots. Considering not just one innovation, the future vehicles being guided to production could be the very radical shape you’ll soon accept in everyday life.

BMW (an auto company already earning creditability for advanced vehicle engineering) announced earlier this year the intent to create a sub-brand to unleash what would become a bolder form of automotive expression. Describing the BMW i as “Naturally vibrant, highly aesthetic images with a futuristic atmosphere will characterise communications”; the German automaker’s awaited division is the latest stepping-stone from their Megacity initiative. Led by only word that the BMW i brand will set on producing highly electrified powertrain configurations, seekers of greater amounts of hard information on the type of automobiles expected from the organization has now been satisfied by this past Friday’s premiere in Munich.

Given form through a grand introduction, the BMW i brand was showcased by physical forms of the i3 and i8 vehicles. Encompassed in their LifeDrive vehicle architecture, both vehicles represent structures especially conceived around electric propulsion. Aerodynamic maximization and usage of aluminum as well as carbon fiber materials are aspects used in exterior design of the BMW i automotive products. Employing lightweight construction, the BMW i vehicles will enter life produced using eco-minded processes. Aluminum will be manufactured using 100 percent renewable energy. In the cabin, customers will notice unique design details such as the absence of center tunnelling, increased window area and an 8.8 inch information display. Besides the many changes, much of the beloved BMW design traits have been lent to the i3 and i8 concept vehicles including the kidney-shaped grille openings.

First to the market for 2013, the subcompact BMW i3 design is a four-seat vehicle weighing around 1,250 kilograms (2755.79 pounds). In the prelude to the BMW i product launch, the BMW company has been gaining real-life input on the expected usage of electrified vehicles. Turning a multitude of MINI Coopers into MINI E cars, these small cars were turned into rolling labs for BMW to collect information for making their BMW i line-up desirable with little compromise from customers. Evaluating the MINI E’s data, BMW reported that 90 percent of drivers were able to commute within the battery pack range of the electric vehicle. For this reason, the BMW i3 will be primarily sold as a fully electric vehicle. However, the i3 will also come with an optional plug-in hybrid configuration that will feature a range extender powerplant. As an all-electric vehicle, the BMW i3 lithium-ion battery contains the capacity for 100 miles of driving at a top speed of 93 miles per hour. Charging in 6 hours on standard circuit, an optional quick-charge method is also available that can load the i3 battery with 80 percent capacity in only a single hour.

Planned to be added to the i3, the BMW i8 will follow to market in 2014. A plug-in hybrid sport coupe, the i8 is propelled by 96 kilowatts of electric power through the rear wheels and a 220 horsepower, three-cylinder gasoline engine. Provides being capable of fuel economy near 100 miles per gallon, the BMW i8 is slated to deliver acceleration to 62 miles per hour in less than 5 seconds. Going 20 miles on pure electric power, the i8 shifts to the gas engine. When both powerplants work together, the BMW i8 moves with all-wheel drive to top speeds up to 155 miles per hour.

With the initial two cars presented to the public, the BMW i sub-brand also touts advanced solutions that can greatly improve driving experiences inside of urban areas. In-car technology such as Parking Assistant, Traffic Jam Assistant and Proactive Front Protection insures the highest chance of a safe return from city driving. BMW i is also vocal about partnerships created through their i Ventures. i Ventures have invested into services such as MyCityWay and ParkatmyHouse that allows individuals to rent out their property as parking space.

Information and photo source: BMW Group

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