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.

BMW i8 Hybrid Prototype Spyshots

Videos of disguised BMW Vision Hybrid Prototype actually running in snow. The Vision ED (Efficient Dynamics) concept, premiered at the Frankfurt Auto Show and has been seen at a number of venues and mainstream press for over a year. These spy shots seem to confirm that it is something more than a concept. BMW recently announced plans for a new sub-brand to be called BMW i-Brand. I-Brand vehicles will be electric and plug-in hybrids. The Vision prototype is said to be the first actual product and flagship for the new brand. Autoblog and Automobile Magazine and BMWBlog.com all say it is the BMW i8. BMW i vehicles are scheduled to be on sale in 2013.

2012 Fisker Karma First Drive

The Fisker Karma is a plug-in electric, sexy as all get out, high performance, 4 door exotic hybrid that may actually be capable of 100 mpg AND 0-60 mph (approx. 0-100 kph) in under 6 seconds. Initial test drives report that it handles brilliantly--better than any other car this size (a bit hard to believe but we at Maaco-Fremont are intrigued enough to think that this might be an alternative to our Maserati Quattroporte fetish.)

For more pictures and a full article on the initial test drives, visit AutoBlog.