Cadillac Converj Concept

Cadillac’s most exciting new concept yet, the futuristic Converj was created with beauty in mind. Building on the Chevrolet Volt, GM is equipping the Converj with a more advanced version of the Volt’s E-REV system called Voltec. This includes a 120-kW (161 hp) electric motor, powered by a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery pack, and is recharged via a four-cylinder range-extending engine. Producing 273 lb.-ft of torque, the top speed of the Converj is 100 mph.
Fully powered by its electric motor, the front-wheel drive Converj can travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone before the engine is needed to generate more electrical energy. The batteries can also be fully recharged in eight hours from a regular 110-volt household outlet. Riding on 21 in. (front) and 22 in. (rear) wheels with a suspension system featuring GM’s Magnetic Ride Control adjustable shocks, as well as an all-glass roof and cameras in place of side mirrors, the Converj concept is surely something of beauty.

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2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder

At 2811 lb., the Boxster Spyder weighs 176 lb. less than the Boxster S, due partly to aluminum door skins and lighter interior door panels from the 911 GT3 RS. Less weight, combined with an upgraded direct-injected 3.4-liter flat-6 producing 320 bhp (an increase of 10 bhp over the Boxster S) and Porsche’s twin-clutch PDK transmission, enable the Boxster Spyder to reach 60 mph in just 4.6 sec., according to the manufacturer. For sure that’s a conservative figure, as we achieved 0–60 in 4.1 sec. in a 2009 Boxster S equipped with PDK (see R&T, July 2009 issue). Hard-core convertible fans will be happy to know that the Boxster Spyder is capable of reaching a top-down top speed of 166 mph.

Unlike the limited-edition Boxster Spyders from 2004 and 2008, the 2011 Boxster Spyder will be a regular production model sold alongside the Boxster and Boxster S. The 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder goes on sale in February 2010 at a price of $61,200.

2010 Maserati GranCabrio

Maserati is finally bringing a convertible back to the market, announcing that it will unveil this much anticipated new vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Outfitted with four real seats, the convertible version of the GranTurismo is “designed and built for men and women who love to live life in an understated – though sophisticated – manner,” according to Maserati.

With the longest wheelbase in the convertible market, the Maserati GranCabrio will ensure a comfortable ride. It will be powered by the GranTurismo S coupe’s 4.7-liter V-8 that produces 433 hp. To keep the weight gain to a minimum while preserving its elegant shape, the GranCabrio will employ a traditional canvas soft-top.

Look for more details in the coming weeks, and expect the Maserati GranCabrio to be available for sale in the U.S. by spring of 2010.

Ferrari California

Sooner or later you will have to admit that you dream about such supercar like Ferrari California. Doesn’t it look beautiful? You can feel how awesome is this sports car just by looking to the pictures, and most of us can only imagine how it would feel like to drive this Ferrari dream car. 454bhp in the V8 heart, super smooth 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, special Ferrari engine sound and a folding hardtop – all this and lots more comes to us as the Ferrari California exotic supercar.

Inside Ferrari California supercar you will find luxurious materials and design created by Ferrari’s own artisans. Interior and instruments panel is trimmed with cream-orange color leather to give it an outstanding look – a reason to envy you such sports car. Push the accelerator pedal a bit harder and you will make everyone gaze at you. That’s the advantage of Ferrari California supercar.

BMW Gina Light Visionary concept

Yes, it looks awesome. No, you won't be able to drive it. At least in the near future, because BMW Gina Light Visionary concept is only a concept future car and you can only take a look to it at the BMW museuem. I bet this BMW supercar will look really different from all other supercars you will find there. The main feature making BMW Gina future car distinct from all others is the skin - BMW Gina Light Visionary concept car has the it.

BMW Gina concept looks like it's made from a single piece which can change its shape. This supercar has no front door contour because it is covered under the flexible skin, which becomes visible once you will open the door and the outer skin will change its shape. The interior of BMW Gina concept supercar will transform as well not to be so minimalistic once you are inside.

You could possibly say that BMW Gina exotic future car can blink, because lights have a special cover like humans have eyelids. Headlights are covered under the skin untill you turn them on and they are revealed and backlights are visible through the skin at the rear of the BMW Gina supercar once you use them.

There is a spoiler hidden under the skin at the back of the car which is automatically lifted up once the car reaches certain speed to provide more down-force and maintain stability on the road - but the shape of the BWM Gina supercar remains like a one whole.
Although it looks really cool and futuristic supercar, owners of it might end up with some problems like car wash, scratches - you will probably have to change the whole skin which may cost a fortune - and, of course, flexible material will not help to save your life in case of any accident.

Honda FCX Clarity

It's time to face the truth - fuel price is becoming too high for most of us these days. So are thee any alternatives to currently the most popular fuel types - petrol and diesel? Fortunately, there are - it's hydrogen and the new Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen powered electric car. Will it be the car of the future? We will see, but now let's take a closer look into what Honda has to offer with Honda FCX Clarity alternative fuel car.

Although Honda FCX Clarity was first introduced in November 2007 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, first customers will be able to try their new alternative fuel Honda FCX Clarity cars on the summer of 2008, but only in Southern California, USA. That's because only there you can find enough places to refill hydrogen for you Honda FCX Clarity future car. It's a zero-emission vehicle and uses new Honda’s V Flow cell platform together with a new lithium ion battery and hydrogen storage tank to supply power to the electric heart of the FCX Clarity.

Electricity is gained from the reaction, where hydrogen reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere in the fuel cell stack. Additional energy is stored in the supplemental lithium ion battery and is collected by using regenerative braking and deceleration. By using this combination the only thing emitted from Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen powered car is water. It still produces some CO2, but in much lower amounts than standard fuel cars. So you can be sure that you won't add a print to a global warming if you are driving Honda FCX Clarity alternative fuel car - car of the future.
You will be pleased to find a variety of technologies inside the car - FCX Clarity has Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System^TM with voice recognition which can help you to find the nearest hydrogen station, rear-view camera, XM® Radio, MP3/auxiliary input jack and Honda's USB Audio Interface.

Specifications

Specifications for Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen powered car is a bit different from other exotic cars because it has an electric motor. This motor outputs 100kW (134 hp) of pure power and has a constant 189 lb-ft throughout the whole rmp range from 0 to 3056. That's the power of electric motors - you don't need to combine accelerator and clutch to achieve maximum torque - simply press the accelerator pedal and you have your car going at the full power. The downside of Honda FCX Clarity alternative fuel car is that it can travel only about 270 miles before it needs to be refueled, and you can't use any usual petrol station - you will need to find a special hydrogen refueling station.

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

CVT AT-PZEV w/ Navigation shown

MSRP

$23,650 - $26,850

Invoice

Not Available

The 2009 Civic Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the CVT AT-PZEV to the CVT AT-PZEV w/ Leather and Navigation.

Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.3-liter, I4, 110-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 40-mpg in the city and 45-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2009 Civic Hybrid is a carryover from 2008.