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Rolls Royce unveils 102EX, the all-electric Phantom (video)
The word "experimental" isn't something you'd often apply to a Rolls Royce, a company with a history that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and clientele that isn't much younger. However, it does have a history of producing so-called EX cars, experimental models, and the 102EX is the latest -- and the most daring. It's the world's first fully-electric ultra-luxury car, featuring a hulking 71kWh battery (almost three times the capacity of the Nissan Leaf) that can be charged in as quickly as eight hours. Inductive charging is also available, like the wireless Tesla Roadster we saw at CES, though Rolls isn't saying how long that takes. Range is said to be up to 200km, about 125 miles, and the 0 - 60 roll takes somewhere under eight seconds. That's not bad for a 6,000lb monster. No estimated cost has yet been applied, nor any real intent for production, but if this does start easing off production lines we hope it does so without the tacky glowing hood ornament. The Spirit of Ecstasy looks best when shined by polish, not LEDs. %Gallery-118144%
VW's Bulli van concept does iPad integration right, shockingly
After seeing many atrocious attempts, it seemed factory iPad integration was something that simply shouldn't happen. Now, in Volkswagen's Bulli concept, we're seeing something that makes sense -- something we've wanted to see for a while now. The tablet sits in a custom cradle in the center of the dash, extended on a pivoting arm so that it can turn toward driver or passenger. It then provides center stack duties, letting front-seaters manage the climate controls, play some music, and of course get directions. Naturally we'd like to see something a little more platform-neutral if it's going to be a factory option, but we're guessing that if indeed this new-age Vanagon ever sees production its interior will look nothing like this anyway. So, no point in getting too worked up about it, then.
BMW launches new 'i' brand focused on electrification, lower-case letters
BMW already has one of the shortest names on the auto front, but it's about to get shorter. The company has just launched "i," a sub-marque much like the company's M cars but, rather than focusing on performance, highlighting new technology to create cars that are "good for us" while also being "good for our planet." It's what the company calls "premium mobility," cars for daily commuting that will let you "enjoy the finer things in life" without killing the planet in the process. The first two cars are the i3 (formerly known as the Megacity) and the i8 (the auto formerly known as Vision EfficientDynamics), both of which are said to be as fun to drive as a current car but much more efficient thanks to composite construction and electrified powertrains. Additionally, the company is also working with the My City Way apps, which cover 40 cities in the US and that many abroad, offering traffic cameras, POIs, and even public transit info -- a little odd for a car company. The company is pledging that we'll see these "born electric" cars in production by 2013 and coyly specifies that three is not the smallest number nor eight the largest, meaning we should expect other models to fill that gap -- just like the company's current alphanumeric lineup. We'll surely be learning more about these cars at Geneva in a few weeks, and if you think BMW is just being trendy using the lower-case i moniker, it did launch its iDrive controller back in September of 2001 -- a month before the iPod really made "i" super trendy. %Gallery-117241%
Volvo releases more details on 124MPG V60 plug-in, shows off iPhone app (video)
Current gasoline-powered hybrids can barely manage to keep ahead of small diesels in the mpg wars that will shape our future transportation structure, but in theory a diesel hybrid would rule the roost -- for the moment, at least. That's what Volvo will be showing off in Geneva shortly, promising a whopping 124MPG from the V60 plug-in diesel hybrid it announced a few weeks back. The car uses an internal combustion engine driving the front wheels and an electric one to spin the rears, meaning 2WD efficiency but AWD grip -- and a combined 285hp to handily blow the doors off any Prius that dares step up at a streetlight. Volvo is saying the car will take about five hours to charge on a standard household outlet and that you'll be able to monitor that status from your iPhone. Check it out in the video below and turn up those speakers in preparation for one heck of an inspirational piano solo.
Elite Porsche tuner RUF gets in on the electric game with three eRUF models
If you want a Porsche with a little bit more -- more power, more handling, more brakes, more outrageous styling -- you want a RUF. It's technically an independent auto manufacturer, but every model starts with a Porsche that gets systematically turned up to 11. The haus that Ferdinand built just announced a handful of electric cars and now RUF is getting in on the game too, creating three separate models. First is the all EV Single Motor Concept, a 911 with a 241hp motor that'll do 93 miles on a charge, has a top speed of 136mph, and can hit 60 in about seven seconds. Next up is the Twin Motor Concept, pairing two 335hp motors to a larger battery, enabling 124 miles of range, top speed of 137mph, and 0 - 60 in a much more respectable five seconds. Finally there's the Twin Motor Concept with Torque Vectoring. This again has two 335hp motors but this time each one drives a separate rear wheel, enabling dynamic torque vectoring. Range and acceleration are the same but handling should theoretically be much better when going through the twisties. And, really, that's what it's all about. Right now ten of these cars have been built for testing. They're not available for general purchase but we have it on good authority that they'll be very, very expensive when they do ship.
Nissan ESFLOW pictured in the flesh ahead of Geneva unveil
Rendery concept images not doing enough to pique your interest in the future-Z concept ESFLOW from Nissan? Maybe you'd be into some honest to gosh pictures of the real thing sitting pretty on a white-walled photo stage, prepping for its glamour shoot. All Cars Electric has a suite of photos of the inside, highlighting its sweeping lines and decidedly fanciful interior. The car is said to manage the 0 - 60 sprint in under five seconds while also delivering 150 miles of range from its Li-ion battery pack, helped by a lightweight composite body and aluminum chassis. Whether the car ever hits production remains to be seen, but there's no doubt it's looking good already.
BMW to show a pair of EVs at Geneva, one rather more futuristic than the other (video)
The next major auto show is nearly upon us, and BMW is tipping its hat to reveal a few of its plans. The pride of Bavaria will show off a pair of EVs at the show, starting with the official debut of the ActiveE, an electrified version of the 1 Series coupe that has three battery packs (under the hood, in the transmission tunnel, and under the rear seats) for proper weight balance. With 168hp on tap it should be reasonably fun to drive, though a top speed of 90mph makes it a poor choice for Autobahning. Also on display will be the Vision ConnectedDrive, looking a little like a topless Vision EfficientDynamics and surely sparkling with concept tech that we won't see on the road for at least a decade -- if ever. Promo videos of both embedded below, perfect for spending a few minutes in automotive wonderland.
Honda to unveil new EV in Geneva, said to 'hint strongly' at what the Fit EV will look like
Wondering what the electric version of Honda's Fit will look like? We figure it'll look an awful lot like the normal Honda Fit, but if that's not enough for you then gaze upon the concept above. It's set to be unveiled soon in Geneva, called simply the "Honda EV Concept." The company Soichiro built promises it "hints strongly at the direction and styling for Honda's upcoming production battery electric vehicle, the Fit EV," which is due to hit the US and Japan next year. Honda will also show off a new plug-in hybrid architecture, though based on what you can see in the pictures below there's a good chance it'll be making an appearance without a body. Should be a light one, then. %Gallery-116322%
