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Nokia Here Auto displays trip info in more places
Nokia first trotted out its Here Auto connected car platform just over a year ago, and at this week's Paris Motor Show, the company is showing off the latest developments. In order to properly equip the rise in heads-up display tech, Here Auto now shows its info in more places around on the dash. In addition to the main display between the driver and passenger, navigation details and more can be beamed to a HUD or under the steering wheel. The central cluster's route data is "context aware," so when you're low on fuel, it'll show gas stations along the way. During the drive, passengers can employ smartphone and tablet apps to examine the trip and make the most of stops. If a nearby national park is selected, the driver can okay (or reject) the detour and directions get automatically updated. And with a new SDK, auto makers can customize Nokia's system as needed, adding in of CarPlay, Google Auto and more.
Lamborghini reveals 910-horsepower Asterion hybrid concept
Lamborghini has announced its first plug-in hybrid showpiece, and it's quite beautiful. The Asterion LPI 910-4 packs in a 5.2-liter V10 with 610 horsepower, and its trio of electric motors beef up that latter figure another 300 (hence the 910 moniker). Those numbers puts the hypercar in the same neighborhood as McLaren's P1 and the LaFerrari hybrid. In terms of speed, the blue machine can hit 0 to 60 MPH (0 to 100 km/h) in three seconds and tops out at just under 200 MPH (320 km/h). What's more, the Asterion can reach 78 MPH (125 km/h) using only electric power, traveling around 31 miles (50km) without firing up the main engine. As this is more of a proof of concept than anything else, there's no word on pricing and availability, or whether more than one will even be made. However, feel free to ogle the leather-wrapped cockpit after the break.
Peugeot's new hybrid concept is half SUV, half sports car
If you had any lingering concerns that hybrid cars were boring, Peugeot just smashed them to bits. Its new Quartz crossover concept blends the muscular, offroad-ready profile of a small SUV with green powerplants and aerodynamics that could give better hybrid sports cars a run for their money. The 270HP turbo gas engine is nothing special, but it's mated to two 114HP electric motors that either give you a heap of extra performance or else move the vehicle by themselves. Peugeot reckons that you'd get 31 miles of purely electric driving -- that's not spectacular, but it's solid for an all-purpose ride that's equally at home on gravel roads and racetracks. The French automaker isn't giving any hints that the Quartz will reach production, so don't expect to get the keys to this exact machine any time soon, if ever. If nothing else, though, the concept is proof that you don't have to give up speed or flexibility when you're getting an eco-friendly car.
