Hyundai takes the wraps off its futuristic Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept!

Hyundai has unveiled the Blue-Will hybrid car concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Blue-Will concept sits upon Hyundai’s parallel hybrid Blue Drive architecture, which mates the 152-horsepower, 1.6L four-cylinder engine to continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 100kw electric motor. The lithium polymer battery pack, which is supplied by LG Chem, is fitted together with the fuel tank under the rear seats to maximize luggage space.

Beneath the skin, the concept car features a thermal generator, which recaptures the heat from hot exhaust gases and converts it to electrical energy that helps to power vehicle’s auxiliary systems. The Blue-Will also features fuel-saving low-friction tires (245/40 R20) and a full-length undercover for improved aerodynamics.

Additionally, Hyundai engineers also mounted solar panels to its panoramic glass roof to help cool the cabin and recharge the vehicles batteries.

According to Hyundai, the Blue-Will plug-in hybrid vehicle promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40 miles on a single charge and a fuel economy rating of more than 100 miles per gallon!

Hyundai Blue-Will concept car core technologies:- 1.6L GDI (gasolin direct injection) with 152 horsepower

- roof-mounted solar cells

- thermal generator that captures and converts hot exhaust gases into electricity

- lithium polymer (Li-Poly) battery

- drive-by-wire steering

- regenerative braking

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Audi wants the name “e-tron” to become synonymous with its electric drive prowess, as quattro is to all-wheel-drive and TDI to diesels. It unveiled its second “e-tron” vehicle at the North American International Auto Show. This latest concept showcases the considerable advances Audi has made in the few short months since the first e-tron appeared at the Frankfurt show last fall. While not destined for production, the e-tron is a rolling lab and provides insight into what we can expect from Audi in a few years .

The 2010 model year, the Mercury Milan adds an all-new hybrid version. The Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid join the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids, doubling both the size and volume of Ford’s hybrid lineup.

The generally system improvement allows the Mercury Milan Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid to run longer at higher speeds in electric mode. The hybrid vehicles can operate up to 47 mph in real electric mode, approximately twice as quick as some competitors. In addition, the city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than Seven – hundred miles.

The Mercury Milan Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a exclusive instrument cluster execution that allows coach them on how to optimize operation of their hybrid.

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

Several other elements help differentiate the Mercury Milan Hybrid from its gas-powered sibling, including unique hybrid “road and leaf” badging on both sides and the rear of the vehicle; unique 17-inch, eight-spoke wheels; eco-friendly seat fabric made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials; and a standard 110-volt power outlet.

Honda showed off the production model of it’s 2011 CR-Z, a sporty two-seater hybrid at the Detroit auto show, General Motors announced plans to build a pure-electric version of the Chevy Volt, and Toyota unveiled a new pint-sized hybrid on Monday.

The CR-Z hatchback is Honda’s attempt at bringing sexy back to the hybrid segment, whose design has long dominated by the boxy lines and sloping roofs of four-door sedans like the Toyota Prius. The two-door CR-Z, by contrast, features a compact profile and roadster look.

“CR-Z is a look into the future of sporty and personal driving,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

The new CR-Z will get 36 city miles per gallon and 38 highway mpg, according to Honda’s preliminary estimates. That’s below the fuel economy of its flagship hybrid, the Insight. It’s also less efficient the 2010 Prius, which gets 51 city/48 highway mpg, according to the EPA.

Unlike other hybrids, CR-Z drivers will be able to cycle between three drive modes: sport, normal and economy. Sport mode enhances the car’s performance, while economy mode maximizes fuel economy. The 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine will be available in 6-speed manual transmission or with a continuously variable transmission and boasts 122 horsepower

Nissan has just presented what is claimed to be the first affordable, zero- emission car globally- the Nissan LEAF.
Developed to work specially using a lithium- ion electric battery- powered chassis, the Nissan LEAF comes as a medium- size hatchback which is able to seat 5 grown ups easily. The power train lacks a tail pipe found in its internal- combustion motor(ICE) loaded vehicles, leaving us with zero emissions of all manner of greenhouse gases.

The Nissan LEAF’s regenerative braking system will work well with its ground breaking lithium- ion battery packs to offer a driving range that could reach over 160km on a single charge