Magna, Mitsubishi show off electric vehicle concepts in Geneva
By Donald Melanson 
posted March 4th 2009 11:53PM
posted March 4th 2009 11:53PM
We're not sure if it has anything to do with its falling out with Telsa or not, but auto-parts maker Magna International looks to have really gone all out for this year's Geneva Motor Show, where it is showing off its new Mila EV concept vehicle. Apparently, in addition to proving that it can build more than just parts, Magna is hoping that the vehicle will appeal to manufactures who want a turn-key EV platform that they can quickly get into production. Magna even seems to be going so far as to supply the batteries for the vehicle, which it says could have a charging time of just 2.5 hours and a range of 150 kilometers. Also offering up an EV concept at the show is Mitsubishi, which has rolled out an update to its iMiEV electric vehicle in the form of the iMiEV Sport Air (pictured after the break). In addition to getting an even more eye-catching, head-scratching look, this one also gets a boost in range from 100 to 120 miles, and a bit of an increase in performance from a new 60 kW motor. Dive into the links below for a closer look at each.
Read - AutoblogGreen, "Geneva 2009: Magna Steyr Mila EV concept"
Read - Autoblog, "Geneva 2009: Mitsubishi iMiEV Sport Air streamlines the bubble"
Read - AutoblogGreen, "Geneva 2009: Magna Steyr Mila EV concept"
Read - Autoblog, "Geneva 2009: Mitsubishi iMiEV Sport Air streamlines the bubble"
They're kind of sexy, in an ugly sort of way.
If that's what you're into
I would totally buy the Magna. Coooooool
How to profit on concept cars:
1. Create a great body design. Something eye-catching and futuristic.
2. Add a bunch of cool technologies and exotic materials.
3. Build up a large following for the concept.
4. Go to production...but switch out the body for a generic body you already manufacture with standard materials; remove all but the most basic of technology.
5. Profit.
Either that is the smallest side mirror, or it is just a fin.
Or a camera.
I'm guessing that they're probably "side mirrors" using cameras... You know, know more blind spots... But then again it could be fins if it's really a shark just like Steven says... :P
But take a look at the Mitsubishi's forward-facing mirror! LOL!
@ Gad Get:
it's so that those who get run over by you get to see the looks on their faces just before they "got to sleep eternally" xD
Looks like a fat shark made its way to the beach only to be gawked at by people who don't want to help it but find it soo fascinating.
I'd Buy it, maybe.
Exactly, stop with all these weird, futuristic, 'concept-car' looking vehicles, just need something plain and simple.
Car designs change. Remember back in the 80's when most cars looked like boxes with sharp and jagged edges? Now we're moving on to more aerodynamic shapes that just happen to look "futuristic" to some people.
WTF is that thing?
That's what she said!
I really dig the first one :P
Pontiac Aztek 2.0
hope you don't like seeing out your windshield
Way too little forward visibility in the top one, looks like it would be dangerous to drive. The bottom one looks safer, but kind of goofy. I'd still buy it if the price were right.
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/3199/homermobile290108102334.jpg
It looks like a chunky toddler's sneaker with the LED blinky lights
Why not just put it on the road! The future now : )
I would buy one as long is its affordable.
Holy ugly, Batman!
I'm so sick and tired of the old traditional looking cars of today! I want change.
Are you people frikin NUTS? That Magna concept is HOT! You must be smoking crack if you think for a second that the car is unattractive. People here on Engadget seem to have a real problem with progress and evolution. Well guess what? Its gonna happen whether you like it or not, so get with the damn program. I'm sure people bitched and complained when cars started replacing horse carts (even although a horse is much more efficient than an ICE car), but oh well. Personally I can’t wait until the day all the cars on the road are electric. It is pathetic that the internal combustion engine, an archaic, primitive, wasteful technology has been allowed to live this long. Just what people find so attractive about these machines is completely beyond my level of comprehension. So they make a loud noise, big whoop. Anyone with the ability to think should see that as a SEVERE DEFECT. Imagine if your fridge made the sound of a 747 taking off every time the compressor kicked in...that would be a BAD thing. I want a fridge to COOL DOWN PERISHABLES, not waist energy making a noise. Just like i would want my car to be fast, responsive and reliable WITHOUT making a huge noise. Maybe if I grew up in a country where loud obnoxious behavior was 'cool' I might understand this a bit better.
STEP AWAY FROM THE FERTILIZER BOMB AND TAKE YOUR MEDS
I like distinctive cars, but this is just plain ugly. Why must electric cars be aesthetically challenged?
BTW, I was referring to the first photo. The second car is much nicer, but it reminds me too much of a Beetle, and I'm not quite feeling it yet. I say bring on different designs and variety! Make "classic" looking cars as well as new designs, so that drivers looking for an electric car will not be needlessly stuck with one or two new design concepts with no other options.
@ Chrisp and Jeff, agree. I'm sick of the old look cars and tech, this is the future wether folk like it or not. Hybrid, electric, sure will take off one day, maybe not just now. What's wrong with these designs, nothing although perhaps a little too wacky but I like 'em. It's something different, we can't expect to be driving cars that look like trash from the 80's or 90's with old fashioned out of date tech and an engine/parts that need to be maintained, causing more probs for the environment with dirty transmissions. I'd say only some folk are backward thinking and aren't about progress and evolution, it is ironic as it is those who complain and whine WILL be the ones that use these cars.
Well said sir, well said.
cant wait for the day that the world runs out of fossil fuels...we relied to much on them ...oil firms have killed and bought off any new idea's...the combustion engine is 100 yrs old ...
inside of car.
http://www.autobloggreen.com/photos/geneva-2009-magna-steyr-mila-ev/1395060/
Animated anyhow
nice
I love the Magna Steyr concept. It looks adorable!
Geez, editors, at least spell TESLA correctly. Do you not spellcheck? (Or, does Tesla kick back, anyways...)
nice cars