Toyota revealed at the Detroit Auto Show the FT-EV concept, a preview version of the future urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by set to be revealed 2012.
The FT-Ev is build on the same platform as the iQ and according to the company will be used for driving up to 50 miles. Toyota did not released any details on the concept’s specifications.
The iQ and the future BEV will be a key component of Toyota’s sustainable mobility strategy, and the conventional gas-electric hybrid, like the all new third-generation Prius, is considered Toyota’s long-term core powertrain technology.
Press release after the jump.
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Last month, we reported that Ford will unveil a new version of the 2010 Mustang at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. The latest spy shot makes us think that it will be the 2010 Shelby GT500. Jalopnik was able to catch this on the streets of downtown Detroit, the home of January’s auto show as well as Ford.
Just like the regular version of the 2010 Mustang, there isn’t a whole lot new to see on this car. It gets the same minor upgrades as the standard car. Probably the biggest visual element spied on this car was the better integrated spoiler (not even worth showing.)
Ford must have been looking to get attention with this car. It’s black with cow spots and electric blue stripes (that say "GT 500"). This was more of a pimpmobile than an undercover test mule.
The Mazda KAAN won the Los Angeles Design Competition and it represents a race car from 2025. KAAN took first place for how well it integrated a high level of innovation and technology into the design, as well as its truly unique styling.
Mazda’s patented electronic tire system uses this technology to power the KAAN to reach 250 mph with no harmful emissions.
The vehicles are piloted by individual drivers but teams are made up of thirty cars, all on the track together. Using strategies similar to those in cycling peletons, the tighter the group sticks together, the more aerodynamic and powerful it becomes.
Inspiration for the KAAN comes from electric fields and textures seen in nature, particularly those in a lightning bolt. The car is uniquely designed around its powerful electric wheels while the cockpit acts as a capsule to safely house the driver, allowing for tighter peloton formations and a team victory.
Maserati has a lot on its plate for a small car manufacturer. There are rumored plans for new "S" sport models GranTurismo, a GT Spyder version, a new baby coupe and sedan, as well as its already shown off a racing version of the GranTurismo. The Italian boutique Italian firm has so many projects going on, we sometimes question if it will be able to go through with them all. So we are a little comforted to see progress being made on one of the more obviously needed projects, the GranTurismo Spyder.
The spy shot shows a car with a metal folding hardtop, but according to Car Magazine spacial requirements for the trunk require a cloth roof in production. Car’s closer inspection confirmed there will be back seats in the GT’s Spyder (something that was deleted on the 3200 and 4200 drop-top models.)
The new Spyder is designed by Pininfarina and will use the family architecture of the Granturismo and Quattroporte. It will use the same the same 4.2- and 4.7-litre V8 engines. Expect to see an almost finished version in late 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to begin in 2010.
Kia unveiled the all-new Kia Borrego FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show.
Available with two and three tank systems with 70MPa pressure, the Borrego FCEV’s power plant is located under the center floor and boasts an additional 47 hp of power to produce a peak output of 154 hp (a 44-percent increase compared to the previous generation) and propel the vehicle to a top speed of 100 mph while boasting a best-in-class system efficiency of 62 percent. With a 202-liter hydrogen storage tank located underneath the vehicle and ahead of the rear wheels, this latest Kia Motors research vehicle has a range of about 426 miles.
With the use of lightweight aluminum body shell components, the Borrego FCEV has a power-to-weight ratio that is similar to the new production model SUV. The FCEV also retains the roomy cabin, low noise levels and overall driving refinement of its new gasoline/diesel-powered sibling.
Press release after the jump.
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