According to the person who posted the video, the Tango crossed the quarter mile in 14.48 seconds at a speed of 92.15 mph, besting the Tesla's 14.666 seconds at 101.23 miles. As a point of reference, the Tango has approximately the same quarter-mile time as a Mazda RX-8 while the Tesla is on par with an Infiniti G35 sedan. More interesting than this information is the novelty of watching a quiet drag race. Just listen to those motors quietly whir. Report from the videographer below.

On Nov 30th, the fastest production electric vehicles in the U.S. went head-to-head. While their first meeting had a number of issues, most notably the underfilled Tango battery pack, and the Tesla's non-upgraded drivetrain, the 1/4 mile time is quite close and indicative of races to come.

In this race, the Tango got 92.15mph in 14.480 seconds, beating its 14.7 "dial" handicap and thus losing the competition; the Tesla got 101.23mph in 14.666 seconds, slower than its 14.5 "dial" handicap and allowing it to proceed to the next round. (Two rounds later, the Tango's driver got behind the wheel of the Tesla and also beat its "dial" handicap... and thus lost!)

Thanks to Jerry for the tip

[Source: YouTube]

After returning from a Brazilian beach the twenty something Scandinavians were hoping to return their car when they got lost. They attempted to use their GPS system to get back on the right route but the navigation system instead told them to exit the main road and cut through the Mare slum complex, which is considered dangerous even by Rio de Janeiro slum standards. It wasn't long before the three were under gunfire, with one of the young men receiving some hot lead in his arm.

They were able to get to safety and quickly left the country, their good times in Rio cut short by gunfire. Family members of one of the victims are blaming a fault in the GPS, though we wonder if it didn't have something to do with someone accidentally selecting "drug gang-occupied slum" instead of "airport" in the Point-of-Interest menu. It happens to us all the time.

[Source: Reuters via Yahoo]

MINI AT THE 2008 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW. THE MINI E.
A new Experience - Driving Pleasure Without Emissions: The MINI E.

MINI E - Technical Specifications.

The BMW Group will be the world's first manufacturer of premium automobiles to deploy a fleet of some 500 all-electric vehicles for private use in daily traffic. The MINI E will be powered by a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor fed by a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery, transferring its power to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox nearly without a sound and entirely free of emissions. Specially engineered for automobile use, the battery technology will have a range of more than 250 kilometers, or 156 miles. The MINI E will initially be made available to select private and corporate customers as part of a pilot project in the US states of California, New York and New Jersey. The company is looking into expanding the MINI E pilot to include Europe. The MINI E will celebrate its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19 and 20.

The MINI E's electric drive train produces a peak torque of 220 Newton meters, delivering seamless acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 152 km/h (95 mph). Featuring a suspension system tuned to match its weight distribution, the MINI E sports the brand's hallmark agility and outstanding handling.

By introducing the MINI E, the BMW Group is underscoring the resolve with which it works towards reducing energy consumption and emissions in road traffic. The BMW Group is drawing on its unique technological expertise in the field of drive systems to develop a vehicle concept enabling zero emissions without renouncing the joy of driving. Putting some 500 cars on the road under real daily traffic conditions will make it possible to gain widely applicable hands-on experience. Evaluating these findings will generate valuable know-how, which will be factored into the engineering of mass-produced vehicles. The BMW Group aims to start series production of all-electric vehicles over the medium term as part of its Number ONE strategy. The development of innovative concepts for mobility in big-city conurbations within the scope of "project i" has a similar thrust, as its objective also includes making use of an all-electric power train.

The energy storage unit: cutting-edge lithium-ion technology engineered specifically for use in the MINI.
Based on the current MINI, the car will initially be available as a two-seater. The space taken up by back-seat passengers in the series model has been reserved for the lithium-ion battery. When in use in the zero-emissions MINI, the battery unit combines high output with ample storage capacity and a small footprint with power ratios that are unrivalled in this field of application so far. The lithium-ion storage unit will have a maximum capacity of 35 kilowatt hours (kWh) and transmit energy to the electric motor as direct current at a nominal 380 volts. The rechargeable battery is made up of 5,088 cells grouped into 48 modules. These modules are packaged into three battery elements that are compactly arranged inside the MINI E.

The energy storage unit's basic components are based on the technological principle that has proven itself in practice in power supplies for mobile phones and portable computers. The MINI E's lithium-ion battery can be plugged into all standard power outlets. Its charge time is strongly dependent on the voltage and amperage of the electricity flowing through the grid. In the USA, users can recharge a battery that has been completely drained within a very short period of time using a wallbox that will ship with every MINI E. The wallbox will be installed in the customer's garage, enable higher amperage, and thus provide for extremely short charging times. Wallboxes fully recharge batteries after a mere two-and-a-half hours.

Driven by electricity: reliably, affordably and free of emissions.
A full recharge draws a maximum of 28 kilowatt hours of electricity from the grid. Based on the car's range, a kilowatt hour translates into 5.4 miles. Besides the benefit of zero-emissions driving, the MINI E thus offers significant economic advantages over a vehicle powered by a conventional internal combustion engine as well.

The heavy-duty battery delivers its power to an electric motor, which transforms it into thrilling agility. Mounted transversely under the MINI E's bonnet, the drive train unleashes its full thrust from a dead standstill. This provides for the car's fascinating launch capability. The MINI E's intense driving experience is augmented by its dynamic deceleration potential, which is also directly coupled to the accelerator pedal. As soon as the driver releases the gas pedal, the electric motor acts as a generator. This results in braking force, and the power recovered from the kinetic energy is fed back to the battery. This interaction ensures extremely comfortable drives - especially at medium speed with constant, but marginal, variation. In city traffic, some 75 percent of all deceleration can be done without the brakes. Making substantial use of this energy recuperation feature extends the car's range by up to 20 percent.

Signature MINI agility in a new guise.
Weighing in at 1,465 kilograms (3,230 lbs), the MINI E has an even weight distribution. Minor modifications made to the suspension ensure safe handling at all times. The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system has been adapted to this model's specific wheel loads.
The MINI E's brake system comes with a newly developed electric underpressure pump. Its Electrical Power Assisted Steering (EPS) is the same as the one used in mass-produced MINIs. Both brake and steering assistance react to driving conditions and are thus extremely efficient. Even the air conditioning's electrical compressor only operates if desired or necessary.

Design: unmistakably MINI, undoubtedly new.
At first glance, the MINI E is obviously an iteration of the brand. But its design, which is the blueprint for the zero-emissions two-seater, has been complemented by a number of visual cues that point to its revolutionary drive concept. All of the units produced for the pilot project will have the same paintwork and bear a serial number next to their side turn signal lights.
The MINI E's coachwork sports an exclusive combination of metallic Dark Silver on all panels but the roof, which is clad in Pure Silver. What distinguishes the zero-emissions MINI is a specially designed logo in Interchange Yellow, depicting a stylized power plug in the shape of an "E" set against the silver backdrop. It has been applied to the roof, in smaller dimensions to the front and back, to the charger port lid, the dashboard trim, and - combined with the MINI logo - to the door jamb, in slightly modified form. The color of the roof edges, mirror housings, interior style cues and seat seams will match the logo's yellow tone as well.

Moreover, the central gauge and the battery level indicator behind the wheel of the MINI E, which replaces the MINI's rev counter, feature yellow lettering against a dark grey background. The battery level is displayed in percentage figures. The central gauge includes an LED display indicating power consumption in red and power recuperation in green.
MINI E customers will be part of a pioneering mission.

A 500-unit, limited-production MINI E series will be manufactured through the end of 2008. The project will thus attain an order of magnitude that clearly exceeds the size of currently comparable test series. Putting the MINI E on the road on a daily basis will be a pioneering feat to which both the drivers and engineers of the first zero-emissions MINI will contribute as a team.

MINI E customers will join forces with BMW Group experts to assist in the project's scientific evaluation. MINI E engineers accord high importance to staying in touch with the drivers on a regular basis, as this will help them analyze driver behavior besides vehicle characteristics in order to gain the most accurate and realistic picture of the demands placed on a vehicle with a purely electrical drive in the select usage areas.

Special charging station and full service for every MINI E.
The cars will change hands based on a one-year lease with an extension option. Monthly lease installments will cover any required technical service including all necessary maintenance and the replacement of wearing parts. At the end of the lease, all of the automobiles belonging to the project will be returned to the BMW Group's engineering fleet where they will be subjected to comparative tests.
The MINI E's lithium-ion battery can be charged using a wallbox provided to MINI customers. Only lockable garages or similar buildings will qualify as homebases and power stations for the MINI E.

Maintenance by qualified specialists.
The electric drive's high-voltage technology requires that maintenance work be done by qualified personnel using special tools that are not included in MINI service partners' standard toolboxes. In light of this, a service base will be set up on both coasts, staffed by service engineers that are specially trained to perform maintenance and repair work on the MINI E's electrical components. In the event of drive malfunction, these experts will provide professional support at the customer's local MINI dealer or the service base's specially equipped workshop. Technical inspections will take place after 3,000 miles (just under 5,000 kilometers) and at least after six months.

Production in Oxford and Munich.
The MINI E has already gone through the major phases of product development for mass-produced vehicles and passed numerous crash tests on the way. Aspects investigated besides passenger protection were the impact of collision forces on the lithium-ion battery and finding a non-hazardous location for it in the car. The MINI E's energy storage unit emerged completely unscathed from all of the crash tests mandated by US standards, which are especially high.

Production of the approximately 500 cars will take place at the company's Oxford and Munich sites and is scheduled for completion before the end of 2008. MINI's UK plant will be responsible for manufacturing the entire vehicle with the exception of the drive components and the lithium-ion battery, with the brand's series models rolling off its assembly lines concurrently. The units will then be transferred to a specially equipped manufacturing complex situated on BMW plant premises where the electric motor, battery units, performance electronics and transmission will be integrated.

[Source: BMW Group Germany]

Add to the spacey sound track a truly silly marketing line of "space lights" known to the rest of the world as "under body neon," a classy lightning bolt logo below a yet even classier rear spoiler on the back, new leather interior and leather floors and you have a vehicle truly fit for Captain Kirk.

World Debut at the Essen Motor Show 2008

The Very First Tuned Electric Car Comes From BRABUS:
BRABUS Customization Program for the Tesla Roadster

The first tuned electric car comes from BRABUS: The first project of the future cooperation between Tesla Motors, Inc. and the new BRABUS business division Zero Emission celebrates its world debut at the 2008 Essen Motor Show. BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) presents an exclusive customization program for the Tesla Roadster, the world’s first electrically powered production sports car.

The new BRABUS logo with added lightning bolt is the trademark of BRABUS Zero Emission vehicles.

To give the sports car a more exciting sound the BRABUS electronics specialists have developed a ‘space sound generator.’ The occupants on-board the Tesla Roadsters can choose from several simulated engine sounds including that of a typical V8 combustion engine, a racecar engine and two futuristic soundscapes named ‘Beam’ and ‘Warp.’ The volume of the sound is dependent on the momentary power output of the electric motor.

A custom-tailored BRABUS tire/wheel combination further improves handling characteristics. The two-seater is refined with weight-optimized BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels in size 7Jx18 in front and in size 8.5Jx19 in back. BRABUS technology partner Pirelli provides the corresponding P Zero Nero high-performance tires in size 215/35 ZR 18 in front and in size 255/30 ZR 19 on the rear axle. These tires were developed to deliver minimum rolling resistance.

The two-seater also receives an even more striking exterior at BRABUS. The customization measures include a special high-quality ‘matte white’ paintjob. To give the mid-engine sports car an even more enticing face the BRABUS designers treat the front apron to a lightweight carbon-fiber front lip and daytime running lights integrated into the front grille. Matte-white surrounds for the headlamps add interesting detail to the overall effect.

The sides of the Tesla are upgraded with BRABUS entrance lights shaped like futuristic space lights. They are activated with the keyless fob or by pulling on a door handle. BRABUS carbon-fiber air inlets add even more sporty flair. Immediately apparent in the rear are the BRABUS rear wing and the BRABUS rear diffuser, both made from light yet extremely strong carbon fiber. The round taillights are accentuated further by matte-white applications.

The BRABUS customization program for the Tesla Roadster also includes exclusive interior options. The range of products starts with scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo. They are integrated into the top of the rocker panels.

The company-own BRABUS upholstery shop masterfully handcrafts exquisite custom interiors for the Tesla. The designers chose a combination of especially soft yet durable BRABUS perforated lightweight leather and Alcantara. The cockpit features white seams to reflect the exterior color. The vehicle floor is also upholstered with lightweight leather for added exclusivity.

The goal of the BRABUS customization concept for the Tesla Roadster is to define a potential limited edition as well as an individual tuning program for the Tesla driver.

For additional BRABUS information please visit our web site at www.brabus.com

[Source: BRABUS]

Special series Scuderia Spider 16M unveiled at World Finals in Mugello to celebrate Prancing Horse's 16th F1 Constructor's title

Scarperia, November 9th 2008 - Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Scuderia Spider 16M at the World Finals in Mugello in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship 2008. This new high performance sports car features the very best of Ferrari's latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. In fact, the Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built. This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure.

The Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes: the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. The new car also sports a special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari's 16th Constructor's World title. The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver "limited series" plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard.

From a technical point of view, this car has a dry weight of 1340 Kg (80 kg lighter than the F430 Spider). This, combined with the 510 hp provided by its V8 engine and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.6 kg/hp, means that it delivers blistering 0-100 kph acceleration in just 3.7 seconds and a superb top speed of 315 kph.

A new section dedicated to the Scuderia Spider 16M, complete of technical specifications and images is available online at www.ferrariworld.com.

SCUDERIA SPIDER 16M - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine
Naturally aspirated mid-rear 90° V8, 4308 cc
Maximum power output 375.4 kW (510 hp) at 8500 rpm
Maximum torque 470 Nm (47.7 Kgm) at 5250 rpm
Max engine speed 8640 rpm (at limiter)
Compression ratio 11.9:1
Bore and Stroke 92 mm X 81 mm
Specific power output 118.4 hp/litre

Transmission
Six-speed plus Reverse F1 gearbox
Dry dual clutch
Electronic differential E-diff + F1-Trac
Oil gearbox lubrication with oil/water heat exchanger

Performance, fuel consumption, emissions
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 3.7 s
Maximum speed 315 kph
Drive weight/power 2.6 kg/hp
Fuel consumption 15.7 l/100 km (combined ECE)
CO2 emissions 360 g/km (combined ECE)

Chassis and bodywork
Car dimensions:
- Length 4512 mm
- Width 1923 mm
- Height 1216 mm
- Wheelbase 2600 mm
- Front track 1669 mm
- Rear track 1616 mm
Dry weight * 1340 kg (-80 kg vs F430 Spider)
Kerb weight * 1440 kg
Weight distribution 43% front, 57% rear
Fuel tank capacity 95 litres
Independent front and rear forged aluminium double wishbone suspensions, titanium helical springs, hollow anti-roll bars and lighter electronic shocks
398mm X 36mm carbon-ceramic material front brake discs with aluminium 6-pot callipers
350mm X 34mm carbon-ceramic material rear disc brakes with aluminium 6-pot callipers
19" five-spoke split rims front and rear
Tyres: 235/35 front and 285/35 rear; Fabbrica Pirelli PZero Corsa only

Electronic control systems
CST Stability and Traction Control System. Steering wheel-mounted manettino with five settings to integrate the F1 gearbox, CST and F1-Trac (Stability and Traction Control System), suspension control. *Figures refer to the European market versions

[Live Photos courtesy of Il Ferrarista via Teamspeed]

When we first saw the TIV-2 in those spy photos in May, details were thin. We didn't even realize it was his sequel to the original Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV). Now the TIV-2 is the star of Discovery Channel's "Storm Chasers" which debuted it's latest season in mid-October.

The original TIV was based around a two wheel drive Ford F-450 with a completely redesigned body optimized for protection and low to the ground with deployable ground anchors to keep winds from upending the vehicle. While the approach worked in concept, out on the trail of tornadoes it didn't turn out so well, getting hung up on road debris and downed trees. The original was more or less limited to on-road use — a type of geographic limiter tornadoes don't maintain. In addition to the low ground clearance, the incredibly high weight kept the truck's top speed to a mere 61 MPH.

That's where the TIV2 comes in. The first thing you notice from the new chase vehicle is it has sides fitted with hydraulic skirts that can be dropped down to direct high-speed wind safely around the truck. Whether the skirts are down or up, this sucker's imposing thanks to a chassis based on the 2008 Dodge 2500 4x4 with a 1/8th inch welded steel plate body over a steel frame. The chassis was originally strengthened by the now defunct USA 6X6 and welding students at Great Plains Technical Center. We say originally because the USA 6X6 design kept snapping rear shafts due to the 17,500 lb. weight of the vehicle. A new shop put two Dana 80s in the back and that's helped. Power comes from a 6.7 liter Cummins turbodiesel outfitted with propane and water injection — two methods for building muscle on demand, all the way up to 625 HP. That power goes to good use too, the truck has three driven axles with two sets of dual tires on the back, all of which can be locked in for total forward power and have a self leveling mechanism to keep everything flat on awkward terrain.

The fun stuff doesn't stop there. The raison d'etre for the TIV2 is what it can do with the turret up top — film super high resolution IMAX video for a mega-screen movie about tornadoes. The turret is constructed from steel plate, laminated tempered glass and polycarbonate sheets and can rotate 360 degrees to get what ever shot is needed. Just behind the turret is the science mast, used to measure wind speed, relative humidity and barometric pressure. The mast can actually fold down for clearance when the surroundings close in on the TIV-2.

As we said, all that steel and gear adds up, giving this baby a scale-tipping 17,500 lbs fully loaded, an asset when you don't want to get picked up and tossed like a rag doll. What's doubly funny about this thing is with its 92 gallon fuel tank, the truck has a range of about 750 miles with this monster returning the same fuel mileage as a Hummer H2 at 12 MPG. How that works out we have no idea.

On the inside there's more levers and buttons than you can shake a stick at — everything from hydraulics to lower this beast and make it hug the ground and provide the necessary ground-hugging downforce when an F-3 comes roaring overhead, to the Kicker speaker system wired into the CB radio in order to hear spotters on the line when trees are coming straight toward you. They also have their very own mapping and topography system which, unfortunately, wasn't plugged in and ready to go when we showed up.

But, the other scoop we learned is that Casey wants the next TIV, the TIV-3, to be a Baja pre-runner with a mid-mounted engine and the ability to really drop the truck to the lowest degree possible — a mere 4 feet tall when lowered for tornado-bunkering. Now that's a truck we want to see.

You can see Sean Casey and the rest of his team, along with the TIV2 do their thing on the Discovery Channel at 10 PM eastern. We're wondering if we ask nicely, when the the TIV2 has lived out its years, if Casey and Co. will donate it to Jalopnik's Post-Apocalyptic Vehicle garage.

GIVING NEW MEANING TO BEING AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME
STORM CHASERS ROARS BACK FOR SECOND SEASON ON DISCOVERY CHANNEL
— All new original series premieres Sunday, October 19, 2008, at 10 PM (ET/PT) —
(Silver Spring, Md.) –- Discovery Channel returns to the nation’s heartland - Tornado Alley -
for a firsthand look at one of nature’s most destructive forces in an all new season of
STORM CHASERS, premiering Sunday, October 19, 2008, at 10 PM (ET/PT).
Veteran research meteorologist Dr. Joshua Wurman, IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and
chaser prodigy Reed Timmer all race to capture rare footage and valuable scientific data.
Last season, Casey’s tank-like Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV), raised eyebrows roaring
down the nation’s highways and byways looking for the shot of all time – filming from inside
a tornado. Now, his new and improved creation, the TIV-2, raises the stakes, providing not
only astonishing footage and but also new information on how tornados are formed, grow
and travel – research that can be used to increase early warning systems and save lives.
“Mixing science, fear and a good old fashioned American road trip STORM CHASERS packs a
torrent of excitement, knowledge and entertainment for the ultimate in television
immersion,” said John Ford, president and general manager, Discovery Channel.
Casey and Wurman make an unlikely team. Filming from the turret of his self-designed and
self-built TIV-2, Casey risks his life to get the most elusive tornado footage ever shot. As
the leader of the team, Wurman guides the TIV from inside his own vehicle command post,
The Doppler on Wheels (DOW). He makes split-second life-or-death decisions based on
information from Doppler radar; as the safety of the entire team rests on his shoulders.

Hot on their trail, and often one step ahead, is storm chasing wunderkind Timmer, a PhD
candidate in Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma and, ironically, a former student of
Wurman. Timmer and his rag tag team of buddies Joel (driver) and Chris (hailstone
collector), track storms in their unique way. Freed from complicated on-board computer
systems and intricate vehicle design, the threesome set a course for surprise and adventure.
STORM CHASERS is produced for Discovery Channel by Original Media. Charlie Corwin,
Lisa Bloch and Clara Markowicz are executive producers for Original Media. Bill Howard is
executive producer for Discovery Channel.

STORM CHASERS
Storm Facts
What is Tornado Alley?
Tornado Alley is a nickname in the popular media for a broad swath of relatively high
tornado occurrence in the central U.S. Violent or killer tornadoes do happen outside this
Tornado Alley every year. Tornadoes can occur almost anywhere in the U.S., including
west of the Rockies and east of the Appalachians — and even in Canada and overseas.
What is tornado season?
Tornadoes can happen any time of year if the conditions are right. However, tornado
season usually refers to the peak period for historical tornado reports in an area. There
is a general northward shift in "tornado season" in the U.S. from late winter through mid
summer. The peak period for tornadoes in the southern plains, for example, is during
May into early June. On the Gulf coast, it is earlier during the spring; in the northern
plains and upper Midwest, it is June or July.
How many people are killed every year by tornadoes? How do most deaths
happen in tornadoes?
On average, tornadoes kill about 60 people per year — most from flying or falling debris.
How many tornadoes hit the U.S. each year?
About one thousand. The actual average is unknown, because tornado spotting and
reporting methods have changed so much in the last several decades that the officially
recorded tornado climatologies are believed to be incomplete. Also, in the course of
recording thousands of tornadoes, errors are bound to occur. Events can be missed or
mis-classified; and some non-damaging tornadoes in remote areas could still be
unreported.
What was the strongest tornado? What is the highest wind speed in a
tornado?
Nobody knows. Tornado wind speeds have only been directly recorded in the weaker
ones, because strong and violent tornadoes destroy weather instruments. Mobile
Doppler radars such as the OU Doppler on Wheels have remotely sensed tornado wind
speeds above ground level as high as about 302 mph (on 3 May 1999 near Bridge Creek
OK) — the highest winds ever found near earth's surface by any means. [That tornado
caused F5 damage.] But ground-level wind speeds in the most violent tornadoes have
never been directly measured

[Sources: Discovery Channel, DiscoveryBlogs, TheDieselGarage, Storm Chasers Website]

FORD’S SmartGauge with EcoGuide Coaches Drivers to MAXIMIZE FUEL EFFICIENCY On New FUSION Hybrid

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 29, 2008 – Pushing a vehicle to the limit takes on a new meaning in the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide – an innovative new instrument cluster that provides real-time information to help drivers maximum fuel efficiency.

“SmartGauge with EcoGuide gives the customer real-world feedback to make the most of their hybrids,” said Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager. “Unique to Ford and Mercury hybrid sedans, this instrument cluster acts as a good ‘coach,’ engaging drivers real-time to help them achieve maximum fuel economy.”
Ford collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, to develop the instrument cluster. Job One was properly integrating the driver with the cluster’s science and technology.

“The main question hybrid drivers had was, ‘How do I know I'm getting the most out of my hybrid?’ ” said Jeff Greenberg, Ford senior technical leader. “We needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency. That’s what SmartGauge with EcoGuide does.”

The driver is immediately engaged by the SmartGauge displays, on either side of the center-mounted analog speedometer, with a special greeting that combines illumination and graphics.

EcoGuide then uses a multi-layered approach to coach the driver to maximum fuel efficiency. A tutorial mode built into the display that helps the driver learn about the instrument cluster and the hybrid in a whimsical way that does not overpower.

For instance, drivers can choose one of four data screens to choose the information level displayed during their drives. They are:
Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption

All levels can show instant fuel economy, fuel economy history, odometer, engine coolant temperature, what gear the car is in and trip data (trip fuel economy, time-elapsed fuel economy and miles to empty). The engine coolant temperature indicator turns green when engine conditions are warm enough to allow engine pull-down.

At the core of the instrument cluster’s design was an understanding that the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) experience evolves and deepens over time and the technology needed to reflect that.

The four levels of information can be customized to fit each driver’s needs or situation. If cruising on the highway, for instance, only basic information may be desired. Once a driver moves off the highway into a city, additional information to optimize fuel economy may be desired and can be easily accessed.

Long-term fuel efficiency can be displayed in two ways – either as a traditional chart or using an innovative display that shows “growing leaves and vines” on the right side of the cluster. The more efficient a customer is, the more lush and beautiful the leaves and vines, creating a visual reward for the driver’s efforts.

Additionally, the real-time system feedback allows drivers to assess or modify their driving habits to achieve maximum fuel economy. A shutdown screen reviews important information from the latest trip, including fuel economy performance and comparative data from previous days.

Extensive customer research was completed to ensure the instrument cluster is as driver-friendly as possible. Prototype testing was done in Ford’s Virtual Text Track Experiment (VIRTTEX) simulator, the industry’s largest driver distraction laboratory operated by an automaker. Test drivers were able to safely interact with the new technology as engineers gathered data and helped refine SmartGauge, aiding drivers in making informed decisions without being distracting or overwhelming.

“When you’re driving, you have a second or so to look at your display,” Greenberg said. “A dense display isn’t going to work. SmartGauge with EcoGuide is designed to minimize distraction caused by multiple displays. We did a lot of work to eliminate extraneous movement and create a smooth, fluid display.”

The instantaneous fuel economy gauge, for example, can be shown or hidden at each of the EcoGuide levels to suit the needs of individual drivers. “We did a lot of research and modified our designs along the way to make SmartGauge with EcoGuide unobtrusive, using subtle cues to relay information,” Greenberg said.

The brainstorming sessions with the IDEO team proved invaluable. “We received more than 100 ideas about information to display – that was our input to our studies with VIRTTEX,” he added. “In VIRTTEX, for example, we learned that you can’t overlay multiple levels of information. One of our design goals then became to geographically separate the information so it can be better understood while driving.”

Four Hybrids
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids join the already successful Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids – the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the planet. With the addition of the two new hybrid sedans, Ford will double its annual hybrid volume and be the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America.

The Fusion and Milan Hybrids will be built at Ford’s Hermosillo (Mexico) Stamping and Assembly Plant and a will arrive in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2009.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

Italian Lamborghini Police Car

Italian Lamborghini Police Car Hoonage

Lamborghini donates the new “Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia” to the Italian State Police
A private ceremony was held today at the Viminale Palace where Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. donated a police version of the company’s newest super sports car, Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, to the head of the Italian State Police, Prefect Antonio Manganelli.

The new Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, which replaces the previous Gallardo in use by the Italian police force since 2004 has a 560 horsepower engine that can reach speeds of up to 203 mph. The car will begin service with the Lazio Highway Police Department in order to continue accident and crime prevention to sustain security on the Italian roads.

Proof of outstanding reliability

Its predecessor is proof of Lamborghini’s outstanding product quality. Since 2004, Rome’s police force has had the first-generation Gallardo in regular police service. The sports car has clocked nearly 87,000 miles of patrol duty on the motorways of central and southern Italy, as well as on emergency medical transport detail.

A second Gallardo, painted in blue and white police colors, has been in service around Bologna, Italy since 2005. Its odometer already shows more than 62,000 miles. Aside from regular servicing, neither of the super sports cars has required major repairs.

In addition to the clearly effective deterrent offered by the presence and visibility of a Lamborghini on the highway, the technological equipment on board these vehicles makes them highly effective in the control of hazardous behaviour on the roads (high speeds, driving in the emergency lane, dangerous over-taking); the automatic recognition of number plate tracking and real-time transmission of images to the control rooms.

High-tech video system with real-time retrieval

The cabin of the super sports car is fitted with the latest advancements in police technology to immediately document the evidence of any transgression. The video system is positioned in the center of the cabin with a camera fitted next to the rear view mirror and a computer and recording equipment behind the seats. As soon as police officers discover a suspicious driver, they activate the “Proof Video Data System.” With the help of GPS data, the device can calculate the location, direction of movement and speed of the Lamborghini. This combined with the distance and time before intercept, accurately determines the speed of the vehicle being pursued.

Using radio data transmission, the video system in the Gallardo Polizia transfers its images in real time to the relevant police station. There, the videos are stored and used for automatic number plate retrieval. This information can be used for immediate identification of stolen vehicles.

The “classic” array of police equipment on board too

In addition to its high tech equipment, the Gallardo is also fitted with the “classic” array of police equipment, such as a gun holster, police radio equipment and the “Paletta,” the traditional hand-held stop sign used to advise motorists and traffic offenders to pull over. Officers can then use a removable screen to show offenders their misdeeds immediately, complete with an overlay of all the associated data.

Rapid response in medical emergencies

The Lamborghini is used regularly for urgent medical transportation too. The luggage compartment in the front of the vehicle is equipped with a specialized refrigeration system for safe transportation of donor organs. For extreme emergencies, there is also a defibrillator used to restore a normal heart rhythm to patients by delivering an electrical shock to the heart to stop massive cardiac arrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation, and thus save lives.

Officer training

The 30 police officers permitted to drive the Gallardo Polizia receive special training in the use of the Gallardo’s medical equipment. Each person on the special operations team – which includes three women – has undertaken several days of driver training with Lamborghini, under the leadership of the Lamborghini test drivers. The basis of trouble-free everyday operation is the exceptional safety of the Gallardo LP560-4 with its permanent all-wheel drive and its refined chassis, which maintains stability even at the highest speeds. Lamborghini’s extremely high standards for product quality and reliability ensure that the Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia is always ready for duty.

Even the blue light is designed for speed

Now the successor is ready – a new generation Gallardo LP560-4 with the very latest in special equipment. The Lamborghini wears its uniform with pride, painted in accordance with requirements in “blu Polizia” – whereby the white stripes and lettering follow the Gallardo’s dynamic design angles. Its main patrol beat will once again be central and southern Italy, primarily on the motorway between Salerno and Reggio Calabria.

The police beacon on the roof of the Gallardo had to be aerodynamically optimized being that the new police car reaches a considerably higher top speed than regular service vehicles.. Despite the extremely flat construction of the signal lighting, blue LEDs are fitted round the base to ensure the visual signal cannot be missed. The roof-mounted lighting is supported by further blue LED signals on the front, sides and rear of the light’s aluminium shell. A total of four sirens integrated into the front and rear of the Gallardo generate unmistakable audible warning signals.

On duty even in New York

Just like its predecessor, the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia is destined to be not only the fastest, but also the most famous police car – even beyond Italian borders.

The Italian State Police uniform, and the unquestionable attraction of the Lamborghini brand, continue to arouse curiosity and interest. Thousands of citizens have the possibility to see the car for themselves during the many events organized to promote the vehicles in use.

Alongside its daily operational duties, the Gallardo also has regular public appearance obligations, such as its role as parade leader every year in Rome’s traditional “Festa di Polizia,” or its escort responsibilities at events with historical vehicles, like the Targa Florio and the Milan – San Remo Rally. Its predecessor even represented the Italian police in New York City at the 2005 “Columbus Day” parade.

[Lamborghini]

We are, of course, big fans of BTTF-related automobiles and have visited the new Delorean HQ to test drive a refurbished Delorean DMC-12. That being said, we're not quite so committed as Jeff. A funny sidenote to this story, the events that occur in the film involving the BMW are to occur almost exactly seven years into the future from this post. The story of his work below.

In late 2004, I was presented the opportunity by a fellowBack to the Future collector to acquire a huge piece of memorabilia from the films. That piece turned out to be the BMW used by the character Griff Tannen in the future sequence in the Café 80’s and hoverboard chase sequence. After making my way down the east coast from Connecticut to Georgia with my dad, we were soon in possession of the car. We ended up hauling it on a u-haul trailer on the back of a Jeep and smack-dab into the center of the blizzard of that December, right on the D.C. Beltway. We finally made it home safely and the work began.

What you’re probably interested are the details. It’s a 1976 633 CSI. This was the first year of production for the 6-series and this car was one of the first 400 off the line. From what I gather and during my restoration I found that it appeared to be originally silver. The car is a Euro-spec model with less than 75K miles on it. This was the model that BMW introduced the status panel to the left of the steering wheel. Also, that beautiful shark nose has always been my favorite BMW styling cue. The car was a gray-market import, but the paperwork has long-since been lost.

Going through the car, was quite a rush. I had approximately a month to hunt down missing parts from the movie, replace the interior, fix previous bodywork, fabricate missing bodywork and paint the car and get it ready for a car show in early February. After contacting another car guy who had some available space to work on it, the car was hauled to his garage and work was quickly started.

As you can see from some of the pics, there is a lot of one-off fabrication done on this car. The roof was chopped off and steel beams welded to the undercarriage to obtain the roadster look, without having the car fold in on itself like an accordion. Replacing where the rear window sat, was a custom deck lid that had long since disappeared. A temporary job had been put in place, but I decided to hack it to the core and build a new one out of fiberglass and bondo that more closely resembled the screen-used version.

Some hover conversion parts were scattered all the way up to New Jersey and I was able to locate those and then get them to a prop house in New York for reproduction as the originals were badly damaged. Speaking of originals, 3 of those tires are still original from the film, along with the broken taillight lens.

A few long and excitement-filled weeks later, the car was ready for showing. Think of the high-pressure you see on “American Chopper” and multiply that by like 10, remove the jerk attitudes and high-budget shops and tools and there you have it.

Currently, I’m hoping to find a dealership here in the northeast (or anywhere) that would like to display the car in exchange for working on it. There is still a lot to be done with the car, like getting the drive train straightened out, along with wiring the 320i taillights in, and making it roadworthy. Oh, that’s right, I don’t NEED roads.

If anyone knows a BMW dealership in the greater New England area don't hesitate to drop a note in the comments. Thanks to Jeff for sharing this wonderful and weird story with all of us.

RIDES MAGAZINE TRANSFORMS HYUNDAI GENESIS SEDAN INTO TECHNOLOGY CENTER ON WHEELS FOR SEMA SHOW 2008

Hyundai Motor America and RIDES magazine are teaming up to develop a customized Hyundai Genesis for the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The RIDES Genesis will be the ultimate in technology, style and refinement, containing the latest in technology both inside and out. As added incentive to visit the Hyundai display, 5,000 RIDES Digital Genesis iTunes cards will be distributed from the car's Wi-Fi network during the show at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Nov. 4 – Nov. 7, 2008.

"This Genesis perfectly suits the mobile executive, with multiple Mac computers and its own mobile Wi-Fi network," said Ben Harris, associate publisher, RIDES. "All of the modifications compliment the Genesis' natural attributes and emphasize the sleek look and luxury interior. We are looking forward to the SEMA show and displaying this amazing vehicle."

Inside, the RIDES Genesis will feature the latest in digital accessories including two Mac Mini computers, a MacBook Air, iPod Touch, iPhone 3G, high-speed Wi-Fi internet connection and movie theater-quality surround sound. The trunk will house its own Mac mini computer, a 20-inch Apple Cinema Display and a motorized tray containing the mouse and keyboard for the rear computer. Within the center console will be the iPhone 3G, Mac Book Air laptop and wireless keyboard and mouse for the Mac Mini mounted on the rear deck. Each passenger in the back seat has their own computer with internet connectivity. The 8.4-inch VGA headrest monitors are wrapped in the original leather to maintain the OE look and feel, while the seats contain suede accents.

"Genesis' spacious and ultra-quiet cabin offers an ideal environment to experiment with new in-vehicle information and entertainment systems," said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. "Adding state-of-the-art connectivity and computing power to existing technology like navigation, Bluetooth and satellite radio, this RIDES Genesis offers a glimpse into the future of hi-tech luxury."

At the Hyundai booth, SEMA attendees will view clean exterior modifications to compliment the high-tech interior. Modifications include 22-inch custom-made staggered fitment MHT three-piece wheels, Pirelli tires, custom-molded front body kit and side skirts, lowered suspension and smoked headlights. Custom dual-tip stacked exhausts and custom-molded rear bumper accentuate the metallic silver and blue paint job.

[via RIDES Magazine]

The Audi R25 is basically the wet dream of Audi Design Center California and the Audi racing team. Imagine an R10 on acid with a bespoke race track and virtual reality viewing for spectators. Bonkers? Yes. Awesome? Ja.

We've seen the Mitsubishi MMR25 before, and the spidery-footed Mitsu is a more impressive concept now that we know it isn't just total baloney. There are actually wheels out there designed for fork lifts that share this design and it allows the vehicle to move sideways. That would certainly liven up the WRC wouldn't it?

This one is a race car for the Mad Max future. The BMW salt flat racer is powered by everyday hydrogen but built of scrap — leftover barrels, barbecue grill lids, etc. Heck, there are even fish swimming around in the "fuel" tank.

Mercedes proves racing doesn't really need to have fuel with the Formula Zero. Something of a hybrid between a sailboat and an ice racer, the Formula Zero is perfect for the distant future where racing on open water is impossible because there isn't any.

Now here's an EV we can get behind. The GM Chaparral Volt is designed and an EV racer first, but also takes inspiration from the legendary Chapparal 2J and uses rear turbines to capture wind power during braking, but also provide suction under power. The Volt does it's best 70' funk band impersonation and pulls power from earth, wind, and fire, or, geothermal, aerodynamics, and the sun.

The Toyota Lemans Racer is a shape changing race car with efficiency in mind. The car uses hydrogen fuel cells and photovoltaics for power to the electric motors, but it also shifts from a wide stance for cornering to a narrow on for high speed. It's actually fairly realistic, but could definitely use a more creative name.

Land, sea, and air, this Honda entry is designed to run in a reimagined "Great Race." The competitors would circumnavigate the Earth in 24 hours by land through the United States, by sea through Asia and by air over Europe. That's a hell of an ambitious race if you ask us, sure would be sweet though.

The VW Bio Runner imagines a Baja 100 race with a 10 gallon limit and no holds barred. The Bio Runner would be equipped with ultra efficient turbine engines (is that an oxymoron?) running at 500,000 rpm powering the machine through curves which it could lean into like a motorcycle. Almost as interesting is the hook-up to a helicopter to get the racers out of trouble when they wreck their rides.

Kaaaaaaaaan! Mazda Kaan that is, designed to race on a conductive surface which not only provides super smooth running up to 250 MPH, but powers the car on electrons only. And it looks like a shoe... to boot!

[Design Los Angeles]

The car is equipped with a host of cop-centric features like forward looking infrared (FLIR), a built-in touch screen computer with what they're calling ORCA (On-board Rapid Command Architecture). It also has 360 degree surveillance capability, built in high visibility LED lighting, an automatic license plate reader, radiation and biological threat detectors, heck, it's even got seats specially design to be more comfortable when an officer is wearing a fully kitted-out utility belt. This isn't the completely finished product yet, however it's a good look at what Carbon is hoping to get on the market and out on the streets by some time in 2012. Robocop and the Demolition Man would be so proud. [FoxNews Chicago]

1. Saab 9X Air

Where every road-going Saab’s dash looks like it was designed in 1994 (which all of them actually were) the 9X Air ditches the claustrophobic clutter for white simplicity and green holographic instruments. Note how even the steering wheel center is simplified into a subtly attractive form free from an excessive smattering of buttons. Our greatest hope for the production Saab 9-1 — which this vehicle hints at — is in the way traditional Saab design hallmarks have been updated. Check out the way the front headrests mount to the seats and the display screen at the top of the dash, which keeps navigation and entertainment functions in the driver’s line of sight.

2. Renault Ondelios

While the huge gullwing doors — able to admit six passengers with minimal intrusion — wowed onlookers, it’s actually the Ondelios’s dash that’s most impressive. Ignore the whale-like form and gimmicky prism primary instruments; it’s the reconfigurable optical feedback keyboard and lit-from-underneath instruments on the dash that alter the way you interact with the in-car functions. Imagine being able to enter an address into the navigation system using a QWERTY keyboard that’s only visible when it’s needed.

3. GtbyCitroen


The GTbyCitroen is pure concept car fantasy, designed to work within the virtual space of Gran Turismo 5 rather than the confines of the real world. The brushed copper dash would be extremely distracting in real driving conditions, but here delivers a sense of drama alien from more pedestrian models. Instruments are by fighter jet-style Heads Up Display, while settings are controlled through a red leather-covered F1-style steering wheel.

4. Mini Crossover Concept

Driven one of BMW’s Mini’s? You’ve probably come away disappointed by how cheap the otherwise uniquely-styled dash is. The Crossover fixes that by deleting just about all the buttons (placing them instead in the totally unrealistic laser projection globe interface) and replacing the cheap plastic with leather, wood and other high-quality materials. The Crossover’s dash actually looks like it could justify the brand’s premium price tags. Instead of tacky $1.50 add-ons, the tachometer is made from metal and looks like it was designed with the car, while the speedometer is a bar that wraps around the globe’s upper half. Expect to see that on future production models.

5. Audi A1 Sportback


Already known for the best interiors in the business, Audis nevertheless tend to be cold and efficient inside. The A1’s dash changes that, dropping high-quality black plastic and replacing it with white leather and brushed aluminum. The whole thing says luxury and quality in a way even Audi’s current interiors can’t. We won’t see this on the production A1, but we might get the fancy propeller air vents.

6. Heuliez dump scooter

Heuliez keeps things real on their electric dump scooter. Who needs fancy haptic feedback lasers when you can use cable ties? Why use rear view cameras and LED displays when the mirrors can be cheaply and easily bolted directly to the crash structure? The front-loading scoot shows all the fancy concept cars that functionality rules.

7. Citroen Hypnos

With the Hypnos, Citroen is trying to make advanced technology more human and approachable. Instead, they've designed a wild, colorful interior then stuck on a flat-screen TV with Velcro. You get the impression that the colors are totally superfluous and it’s the transmission tunnel’s drive selector and other instruments — specifically the way they’re contoured — that really matter here. It’s as if Citroen wanted to make the points of interaction hugely tactile, but instead just made them odd.

8. Mazda Kiyora

Inside, the Kiyora looks like a space fighter from some cheesy sci-fi flick. But since we really enjoy a cheesy sci-fi movie, that’s fine by us. The wrap around instruments radically focus the interior on the driver. None of this looks remotely grounded in reality, which is a shame, because Mazda interiors are some of the blandest in the business. Check out the webbed alien foot pedals.

9. Nissan Nuvu

We’re not sure if Nissan’s designers meant to turn the Nuvu’s interior into the ultimate ride for midget strippers. But with a tiny stripper pole in the back seat and marital aids in place of a steering wheel (as well as the wipe-clean materials), that’s what they did. We’re not sure if it's because or in spite of this, but the Nuvu is one of our favorite concepts from the Paris Motor Show.

10. Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION

Ignore the incredibly pretentious coke mirror, Leica M8 and Cuban cigar-equipped trunk and focus instead on the dash. Remember when Mercedes' were the highest quality cars on the road? The stupidly named and badly styled ConceptFASCINATION’s dash does, replacing production-spec plastics with leather, wood and metal. Mercedes, please immediately implement this dashboard on every single car in your range.

11. Peugeot RC HYmotion4

Peugeot makes nice, sporty economy cars for legions of budget minded Euros, so why does it keep knocking out high-end four-door coupe concepts? Regardless, this dark and moody interior, aside from the crazy instruments and screens, looks strangely production ready and wouldn’t be out of place in any other expensive sports car. We like the exaggerated dual cockpits, the rounded corners and the black leather almost as much as we like the red accent lighting and chrome accents. Color us impressed.

12. Renault ZE

While the ZE’s interior is a pleasant if unambitious take on the whole iPod thing, it’s the crazy green-tinted windows that are really the point here. We don’t know if they’re meant to say, “ Renault Drivers see an environmentally friendly world” or the more subversive “Hybrids are bullshit but their drivers think they’re saving the world.” We’ll continue to think the latter, and thank Renault’s designers for acknowledging the truth.

13. Tang Hua XY08 Chika

We’d be pretty happy boys if every car in the world looked like the Chika. We’d walk around calling everyone Mr. Happy, Mr. Angry, or, in Ray’s case, Mr. OCD. We’d drive around sewing ourselves new clothes (note the needle-holding fabric tomato on the dash) while constantly seeing the smiling visage of our masterful leader in the center of the steering wheel. Right where the airbag would be in a less-perfect world.

14. Honda Insight

The Insight will go on sale next April in a slightly less-concepty form, but this is pretty much it. Expect the interior to use way more black plastic, but retain most of this simplicity. And that’s a good thing.

10.)

Click the photo for more on the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION!

9.)

Click on the photo for more on the Mini Crossover Concept!

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Click on the photo for more on the Peugeot RC HYmotion4!

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Click on the photo above for more on the Pinfinfarina B0!

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Click on the photo for more on the Lamborghini Estoque!

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Click on the photo for more on the Mazda Kiyora!

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Click on the photo for more on the Renault ZE Concept!

3.)

Click on the photo for more on the Nissan Nuvu!

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Click on the photo for more on the Renault Ondelios!

1.)

Click on the photo for more on the GTbyCitroën!

GTbyCITROËN: TAKING SPORTSCAR DESIGN INTO A NEW DIMENSION

The amazing GTbyCITROËN is the first ever car to be specifically designed to bring the virtual and real worlds together. The car makes its global premiere at the Paris Motor Show where visitors can actually drive the car in a true to life simulator on the Citroën stand.

GTbyCITROËN, a joint venture between Citroën and the makers of Gran Turismo, was created for the eagerly anticipated 5th game in the multi-million selling Playstation series.

At almost five metres long, GTbyCITROËN packs the latest hi-tech racing equipment into an exaggerated sporty frame. Planted on 21-inch, diamond-effect, aluminium wheels, the car’s gullwing doors, over-sized rear end with mobile spoiler, gaping air intakes and flat underside exude the qualities of an accomplished racer.

With chrome chevrons on the smooth, aerodynamic, front end asserting the car’s Citroën identity, the GTbyCITROËN is bursting with styling cues typical of the Company’s creative flair. The sharp lines and sculpted body are emphasised by the white-to-grey flared paint work which gives the car a forceful look and an impression of speed - even when it’s standing still.

The sleekly muscled racer sports a large wraparound windscreen adding to the impact of the car’s size and dynamic appearance. Penetrating blue LED headlamps and slim-line carbon fibre rear view mirrors - which appear to be suspended in mid-air - add to GTbyCITROËN’s futuristic racing style.

Premium materials used throughout GTbyCITROËN’s hi-tech interior reflect the car’s distinguished and refined personality. In contrast to its light body work, the cabin features a darker, more brooding colour scheme with two padded racing seats finished in black leather and fitted with four point harnesses. The dark leather, along with copper and steel touches inside the cabin and a low-slung driving position, create an opulent and powerful racing environment. Important on-board data is displayed via a red LED head-up display, allowing drivers to maintain focus on the track.

In the game, the GTbyCITROËN showcases Citroën’s dedication to the environment with an electric drive train powered by a fuel cell, totally eliminating pollutant emissions.

Kazanori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc and creator of Gran Turismo, commented, “GTbyCITROËN shows how the worlds of virtual and real-life motoring can join together to create a truly innovative partnership. To see the GTbyCITROËN take shape in our game studios and then for real has been a truly unique experience - as our work normally stays in the digital world.”

Never mind the Chevy Volt, never mind the Tesla Roadster, never mind the Dodge ev revealed in concept yesterday. None of them are here now. No, if you want an all-electric performance vehicle right now, get this. It's the Strada, and it's a road-legal dual sport (it can be driven both on- and off-road) from Swiss firm Quantya. As you’ve probably gathered by now, it’s electric; recharging from a standard wall outlet. It makes about 16 HP, weighs 195 LBS, tops out around 50 MPH (depending on gearing) and can be ridden for up to three and a half hours or 25 miles before it needs recharging. A full charge takes less than 2 hours. With 23 lb-ft of torque available from 0 RPM, it wheelies pretty good too.

There’s two things about the Strada that make it special. The first is that it makes no performance sacrifices in the drive for zero emissions. The battery pack and electric motor sit in a competition-worthy steel cradle frame that looks incredibly strong, the front forks (40mm Marzocchi Shivers), rear shock (Sachs monoshock with linkage) and other components are all extremely capable. The whole thing has been engineered to perform. Take the chain final drive for instance; the sprocket is mounted on the swingarm pivot and driven by a belt that runs from the driveshaft. This means there’s no chain growth when the rear suspension is compressed or extended and no stress on the driveshaft when landing huge jumps.

The second is that the Strada is available for sale now in all 50 states as a road-legal vehicle. It costs $10,700 for the version you see here, or $9,975 minus the license plate and with knobbier tires. Insurance is cheap (hey, it’s got zero capacity); it costs pennies to run and comes with a 2-year warranty. If the forums are to be believed, customer service and after-sales support are also some of the best in the industry, with one happy customer reporting that the CEO of the company flew out from Switzerland to personally tune his Strada for increased performance.

Back in my apartment, after picking up all the boxes and doing a couple celebratory donuts we carried the Quantya up a flight of steps and onto the roof. It’s hard to think of another bike on which we could have gotten away with this degree of hoonage on without attracting significant attention from crazy neighbors and the local constabulary. The owner of the boxes and luggage? After driving up from Texas the night before, she was asleep on the couch 10 feet away, in the same room, the entire time. Aside from the noise of the chain passing over the sprocket teeth and the tires running across the floor, the Quantya makes virtually no sound.

Facing ever-increasing limits on where and when they can be ridden, dirt bikes are under threat by people and groups lobbying to get them removed from public land and forced into enclosed, built-for-purpose parks. Electric dirt bikes like the Quantya are the future, eliminating most of the complaints people have about motorcycles, or at least allowing riders to go undetected. Ever snuck up on an animal on a noisy thumper? You’ll be able to on the Quantya. Ever wheelied around your suburban back yard (or done donuts on your urban roof) without attracting ire from neighbors? You’ll be able to on the Quantya.

There are drawbacks of course. 25 miles or a couple of hours simply isn’t enough riding time for people looking to explore vast swaths of the great outdoors. 50mph isn’t fast enough to ride on a highway. The 48v Lithium Polymer battery is the Quantya’s greatest strength and its worst flaw. But for some, people looking for the greenest traffic-free commute around, or access to tight trails and other riding areas that are normally off-limits, the Quantya could be the perfect vehicle. It’s those niches that the company is trying to exploit. It won’t be your first vehicle, but it could be your second.

But you forget about how long the battery lasts and the limited top speed when you’re riding it. Faster than an equivalent 125cc two-stroke or 250 four-stroke dirt bike up to about 35 MPH, the experience of accelerating rapidly free of noise is addictive. The motor is punchy enough to push the rear out in corners; the brakes sharp enough to skid on pavement and the suspension all firm enough to make doing all that fun.

It’s at low speeds that the Strada’s unique character really reveals itself. Normally the bane of peaky off-road engines, the electric motor is ideal for picking your way, feet up, between parked cars, over curbs or through that tight gap between your refrigerator and kitchen counter. The acceleration correlates precisely with the throttle, needing no gears, no clutch and leaving you free to concentrate on avoiding couches, sleeping friends or picking yourself up from a pile of spilled boxes. Maybe riding it around an apartment isn’t such a good idea, but anywhere else it’ll work just fine.

Photography credit: Grant Ray