Honda gets exciting with EV concept...

Honda had announced that a new EV concept would be introduced in LA, along with a new plug-in hybrid platform showcasing its next-gen hybrid technology. That's the good news.

Bad news? The EV concept is... a Fit/Jazz! It has a 100-mile range and a top speed of 90 mph. I was hoping to see something more exciting than this. Oh wait, the driver can remotely monitor the charge state… how exciting!!! The production version will be introduced to the US and Japan in 2012.

So, now about the next-gen hybrid technology. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. The all-electric mode achieves a range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.

The vehicle can also run in a gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the platform features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). An onboard generator adds to the battery powering the electric motor.

For more efficient high-speed cruising, the vehicle can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels.

11MY Nissan GT-R in LA!

OK, we know everything about the 11MY GT-R, but personally I cannot get enough... Those are some nice live shots from Nissan's stand in LA!

[Source: Autoblog]

A first look at new Nissan Quest

Nissan has a lot of new models to show in LA and now, it's time for the new Quest. As I have previously written, it shares its platform with the new E52 Elgrand (エルグランド). Stay tuned for more info!

Subaru's next-gen Impreza concept

We've seen the rendering (earlier post) and now it's time for the real thing... please Subaru, don't screw it up, put in production!

Info and some more photos of Nissan's Ellure Concept

Following the official press release, I have summarised below the most interesting bits:

While not intended as a preview of any upcoming production model, Ellure confirms Nissan's intention to be a strong player in the sedan segment for many years to come," explains Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

"Aerodynamics has become a critical element of design for all vehicles today, not just hybrids or EVs. We've used Ellure to explore subtle ways to reduce or eliminate body openings that can cause drag, such as the solid yet transparent coverings on the wheels and grilles, without impacting the beauty of the vehicle," said Nakamura.

The Ellure grille, with its large polished Nissan badge, was inspired by "Kamishino" Samurai formal coat. A nod to traditional Japanese design can also be seen in the Ellure's rear end, which is inspired by a "Torii" Shinto shrine gate.

The Ellure drivetrain is conceived as a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control (one motor/two clutch design with lithium-ion battery) and 25 kW electric motor, matched with an Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive. It would also include an independent suspension, regenerative braking, and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering to make sure the driving experience is as dynamic and rewarding as Ellure's physical properties.

[Source: Autoblog]

Nissan Ellure Concept Sedan just unveiled at LA!

Niiiiiiiice!  

[Source: Twitter]