2012 detroit auto show – DesignApplause

Three concepts. Detroit auto 2012.

Jan 20, 2012

all-electric bmw i3 | click > enlarge

The new i3; BMW’s first series-produced all-electric car, was created for practical everyday driving. It focuses primarily on the drive-ability in urban settings and of course zero emissions. This may be the best of the all-electrics due out and looks to be out first.

prius c hybrid | click > enlarge

Toyota’s smallest Prius, the Prius C (think city) concept includes a 1.5-liter engine and 144-volt nickel metal hybrid battery. Toyota claims this car will offer up the highest mileage of any non-plug-in hybrid.

fusion hybrid | click > enlarge

The fusion is not only getting better, it’s getting greener by dropping all V-6 engines and instead adding a pair of greener sedans: a hybrid and plug-in-hybrid.

smart for us pickup | click > enlarge

Bonus: Smart For Us urban pickup truck is tiny, a two seater, zero emission, all-electric just over 11.5 feet long and under 5 feet wide. It will haul anything as long as it’s small.

[ more on bmw i3 ]

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Volkswagen e-bugster. 2012 detroit auto show.

Jan 14, 2012

VW presented at the Detroit Auto Show a 2013 Jetta Hybrid and an all-electric E-Bugster. Let’s take this moment to talk about the concept car E-Bugster. The two-seat speedster-style coupe powertrain is named “Blue e-motion” using a 114-hp / 85 kW electric motor fed by a 28.3 kWh lithium-ion 665 pound battery pack. 0-60 mph takes 11 seconds with a city driving range of up to 110 miles. VW says that the E-Bugster can be fully charged in 35 minutes from empty using a fast-charging system. The plug is located beneath the VW logo on the hood.
It uses altered LED running lights borrowed from the Beetle design and rolls on 20-inch wheels. Inside are gauges tailored to the E-Bugster’s electric prowess, and the tachometer is swapped for an energy-consumption display. There are indicators for the battery range and charge. This car looks like a serious all-electric future contender.