Mitsubishi Electric i

Mitsubishi Electric i

Mitsubishi Electric i

The Evo is gone, the Ralliart is dead. Going forward Mitsubishi is going to become a builder of pure EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). So much so, that the new Mitsubishi North American president Yoichi Yokozawa just announced that no less than 8 EVs or PHEVs will be on sale by 2015. Mr. Yokozawa said that Mitsubishi will, "Become the kind ofcar company that society expects us to be, that the planet needs us to be." But what about the kind of company that consumers want? That remains to be seen, of course.
What is clear, is that the long awaited i (formerly known as the i MiEV) will be going on sale. How much? $27,990. A biggish chunk of change, for sure. But remember that electric vehicles get a $7500 federal tax credit, the price drops to a more likeable $20,490, making it the cheapest EV you can buy. And depending on which state you live in, this price could drop even further. In California, the i will most likely qualify for the full monty CRVP $5000 tax credit, effectively dropping the price to $15,490, making the i by far the cheapest EV there is. Nice, right?
When can you buy one? Tomorrow! No, really - it is Earth Day after all. Simply go to i.mitsubishicars.com and give them a $299 PayPal deposit plus $99 for a mandatory home electric inspection. But if you're one of the first 2000 people to put down a deposit, Mitsubishi will wave the $99 fee. Demo cars will show up at dealerships in November, and actual cars will be charging away in customers garages come January of 2012. With the high price of gas and the now seemingly inherently unstable nature of the petroleum market, Mitsubishi's i will probably find a few good homes.

Mitsubishi Electric i

Mitsubishi Electric i

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Mercedes' A-Class has historically been a four-door hatchback more concerned with environmentally friendly utilitarian duties than making a statement about style. For the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows, Mercedes intends to change that frumpy image with an aggressively styled concept that looks more performance hot-hatch than green hipster-hauler, taking the A-Class in an entirely new direction. Thought it is just a concept, it might show the direction the front-wheel drive platform is headed-one that will appeal to a more youthful and enthusiastic buyer.
Looking ready to go head-to-head with the likes of the Audi A3 and Volvo C30, the A-Class Concept is powered by a 210-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged I-4 mated to a dual-clutch transmission. In hot-hatch tradition, this powertrain is splayed out transversely across the front of the car.
The design language seen on this new A-Class first appeared on another concept, the F800 Style shown at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The body consists of free-flowing surfaces accented with sharp creases. Mercedes states that the styling was influenced by wind and waves and reflects aviation engineering. This theme is reflected in the interior, with see-through fabric stretched over a skeletal structure. The vents, instrumentation, and shifter all reflect avionic controls, looking minimalist and very futuristic at the same time.
The A-Class Concept is stuffed with technology. Mercedes boasts of being the first in the compact segment to offer a radar-based collision avoidance system and adaptive brake technology. The system audibly and visually warns inattentive drivers about possible collisions while preparing the braking system for an immediate and powerful stop. Infotainment details are handled by a fully integrated smartphone and use a three-dimensional dash display formed of magenta-colored laser lines. The interior seats four in separate buckets, and one long center console is shared by both the front and rear seats.
Rumors of Mercedes bringing the A-Class to the American market have been brewing for years. It looks like we may be one step closer, but in an entirely unexpected form. Instead of a smallish people-mover, it may very well end up being an upscale performance hatchback. There is even a possibility it may turn into multiple A-Class vehicles. We will get our first look at the concept in New York later this month. Maybe Mercedes will have more information about future plans then.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Although not technically making its debut until the 2011 New York auto show next week, these are the first official images of the Lexus LF-Gh Concept -- a preview of what Lexus' next grand touring sedan and corporate design language may look like.
The car previews the next generation Lexus GS sedan (expected to launch in time for the 2013 model year) and showcases a number of new design elements that will proliferate across the Lexus lineup in the coming years. Most notable is the spindle-shaped grille that dominates the front fascia, which is flanked by full LED headlights with L-shaped LED running lights. The rest of the design -- particularly its character lines, roofline, and proportions -- borrows heavily from Lexus' flagship LS range.
Lexus says that the interior will be a meticulously designed and engineered cabin using the highest quality materials. It has "re-examined every detail of the interior, with the aim of making [it] driver-focused." We'll have to take their word for it, for the automaker has refrained from releasing any images of the concept car's interior.
While we don't know much more about the LF-Gh Concept yet, we do know that it will be powered by some version of Toyota/Lexus' hybrid drive system, sending its power to the rear wheels. Expect further details on the LF-Gh Concept to emerge closer to its official debut at the 2011 New York auto show next week. Lexus has also released a video of the LF-Gh, which is available below

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Lexus LF-Gh Concept

2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO

Several years ago, when Ford CEO Alan Mulally famously decreed that the Taurus badge would be dusted off and returned to prominence in the Ford lineup, it was one of several bold moves that helped spur Ford's renaissance. But with Taurus sales sagging this year, the car "that's more than just a car" to Ford needs a shot in the sheetmetal, hence the debut of the 2013 Ford Taurus at the 2011 New York show.
The biggest news surrounding the updated 2013 Taurus is the pending addition of Ford's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four to the engine bay, tentatively rated for the Taurus at 237 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. A four in the Taurus? Why not, says Derrick Kuzak, Ford's chief product honcho. With the Edge and Explorer set to get a version of the same engine, it makes sense, he says. And the estimated 31 mpg highway number the 2.0-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver will no doubt help with the marketing spin.
Taurus buyers still looking for two extra cylinders will be able to select Ford's revamped 3.5-liter V-6, which serves duty as the standard engine. The updated six is estimated to deliver 290 horsepower (up by 27 hp) and 255 pound-feet with slightly better fuel economy, thanks in large part to the addition of Ti-VCT, Ford's twin independent variable camshaft timing tech. Continuing to power the Taurus SHO is Ford's much-lauded 365 horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which remains unchanged. All engines will continue to be mated to six-speed automatics, optimized for each engine. All-wheel drive remains an option

2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO