Infiniti working on open source wireless Nissan Leaf based model

Infiniti revealed its all-electric concept car at the Paris motor show last year with a production version due by 2014.

The launch of a luxury Infiniti electric car based on the Nissan Leaf hinges on a standard process of induction charging being introduced around the world.

The new Infiniti will have a completely different exterior and interior from the Nissan hatchback and it will be used to showcase induction technology, which does away with charging cables.

“The whole concept of not having to couple up cables to a plug socket, dragging them on the ground and on you as you go, is in keeping with luxury motoring,” said Infiniti boss Andy Palmer.

“It is this technology we want to shine a light on, so while there is no world standard on methods, the roll-out will be dependent on region.”

Infiniti is currently pushing for car makers to develop induction technology on an open source basis, rather than individually investing in their own systems.

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What Mad Money host Jim Cramer Is Hearing About Tesla [VIDEO]

According to US investment guru Jim Cramer, a lot of the current interest in Tesla stock is coming from so-called mum-and-dad investors. “Twice this weekend I heard parents lament that they wished they had bought Tesla,” the Mad Money host told CNBC. “When I asked why, in each case the parents said because their kids knew cars, and because they care about the environment.”

An interesting part about Cramer’s observation is that in both cases the commentary came from parents, in turn suggesting “young people knew instinctively that Tesla and its electric cars weren't a fad – rather they saw Tesla is on the cusp of something big.”

Cramer says emerging consumer trends like this are sometimes more indicative of what’s going on in the market than specialist analyst reports. “Most analysts are in New York City,” Cramer said, stressing that they don’t see how quickly electric cars appear to be catching on in other parts of the country, like Silicon Valley.

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Audi gets defensive about Tesla sales

It seems Audi have taken exception to reports last week of it having been out sold by an EV upstart and have sent out a press release to put Tesla back in their place.

If a defensive press release is the best Audi can do then perhaps we won't be seeing an Audi Model S rival any time soon. Judging by the quote in the final paragraph it would seem Audi are making it clear they are still EV sceptics.

Not so fast

Investors, press and a lot of front-runners are enthusing over the progress of Tesla in selling all-electric vehicles, and doing so profitably, when other EV brands are faltering. But some reports are giving Tesla too much credit.

A headline on CNNMoney.com this week, for instance, said "Tesla sales beating Mercedes, BMW and Audi."

But the fact is that Tesla's reported sales of 4,750 units of its Model S electric car in April were less than half of Audi of America sales of 13,157 vehicles in the month, which represented a 16-percent rise from a year earlier. BMW and Mercedes-Benz sold even more than that.

The story's misleading headline came from the fact that Model S did outsell at least one of each of the German luxury brands' models that are in the general price range of the Tesla vehicle. Audi A8 sold 1,462 units in the U.S. in April, for instance.

And while Model S is Tesla's only nameplate at this point, the Audi A8 is the brand's flagship model and is aimed at consumers in the most exclusive segment of the market. The demand for premium models including the Audi A6, A7 and A8 is growing but remains just one segment for Audi.

The CNNMoney.com story did mention that it wasn't making a "perfect comparison," noting that each of the German brands sells "a full range of cars and SUVs" and that pricing of the Tesla S and the comparison models wasn't apples-to-apples.

To be sure, Tesla has been riding a boom in investor and consumer interest based on its apparent ability crack the code for EV sales with its $70,000-and-up Model S.

But while Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk has raised Model S sales estimates for 2013 to 21,000 units, the brand faces a number of long-term issues that also were noted this week by American press.

"Tesla has to show it can be consistently profitable with a single product that is priced so high that most buyers can't afford it," as USA Today put it. "There are questions, too, about whether it can keep its order books full, or whether the number of people who crave electric cars is limited."

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2013 Mugen Shinden Ni Ready to Take on the IOM TT Zero

Team Mugen has finalized the design of their 2013 Shinden Ni electric bike which will race in the 2013 Zero TT at the Isle of Man Mountain Course, with TT star John McGuinness aboard.

The new bike is pretty much unchanged from the 2012 machine, as far as the bodywork is concerned: we do however see a more aggressive front fairing and revised tail section. Minor updates are also in place here and there, presumably for better aerodynamics.

It's underneath the sleek bodywork where all the goodness lies: the 2013 Shinden Ni is some 44 lbs (19.9 kg) lighter than the 2012 machine, and it seems like the weight saving came from the battery pack. Mugen has not released the battery capacity figures, and we can only tell you that the power pack put out 370V for the 120 HP motor.

The estimated torque reaches 220 Nm (162 ft-lbs) and this should make the 240 kg (530 lbs) machine accelerate really fast through the corners of the Mountain Course. The frame of the 2013 Mugen Shinden Ni is the same top-of-the-line carbon fiber twin-spar design we'd so like to see in more production bikes.

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Mitsubishi to Enter 2x AWD 545 hp MIEV evo II in 2013 Pikes Peak

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will compete in the 2013 edition of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb*1 (Pikes Peak, held from June 25 to June 30) with the MiEV Evolution II all-electric prototype. With the upgraded MiEV Evolution II, MMC aims for overall first place. MMC's team will consist of two of the new all-electric four-wheel drive (4WD) racecars

MMC entered the Pikes Peak competition for the first time last year with the i-MiEV Evolution all-electric prototype, finishing second in the Electric Division. Participation in the event brought a rich harvest in terms of vehicle speed, acceleration and other on-road data, as well as drive battery consumption, motor temperature and other data and knowhow critical to electric vehicle development.

Like last year's i-MiEV Evolution, the MiEV Evolution II uses parts used in production vehicles combined with a high-capacity battery and high-output motors both specially designed by MMC's suppliers. Based on experience gained from last year's race, MMC added S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) integrated vehicle dynamics control system to a two-front/two-rear four-motor drivetrain for increased handling and control in the MiEV Evolution II. These, together with a specially-designed body that provides reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, has resulted in a significant improvement in driving dynamics.

One MiEV Evolution II will be driven by two-time Dakar Rally overall champion Hiroshi Masuoka, who piloted the i-MiEV Evolution to second place honors in the Electric Class last year and also act as Captain of the MMC team. The second MiEV Evolution II will be piloted by Greg Tracy, six-time Pikes Peak motorcycle champion.

About the MiEV Evolution II

The MiEV Evolution II is an all-new all-electric racecar designed with data and knowhow gained from last year's Pikes Peak race, based on parts from production electric vehicles including the i-MiEV. It carries an array of advanced technologies improved from last year's i-MiEV Evolution  packed into a specially-designed lightweight and aerodynamic body, including a high-capacity battery and four high-output electric motors for improved motive performance in addition to a pipe-frame chassis and a carbon cowl for reduced weight and improved aerodynamics.

A low center of gravity due to the battery being installed under the floor

A two-front/two-rear four-motor 4WD drivetrain with MMC's S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system

AYC (Active Yaw Control), which optimally controls the yaw moment to generate high cornering capability

ASC (Active Stability Control) which improves stability by automatically controlling brake force to one or more wheels and motive power

ABS (Anti-lock brake system)

Length x Width x Height (mm)		4,870 x 1,900 x 1,390
Occupants		1
Drivetrain		4WD
Motors  (Made by Meidensha)	Configuration	4 (2 front, 2 rear)
	Maximum Output (kW)	400 (100kW x 4 motors)
Battery  (Made by LEJ)	Maximum Capacity (kWh)	50
Chassis		Specially-designed pipe frame
Cowl		Carbon
Tires (made by Dunlop)		260/660-18

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Renault Unveil FIA Formula E Race car

Renault SAS, leader of Electric Vehicle and expert in motorsport, has signed on as official Technical Partner of Spark Racing Technology to supply the Formula E cars to be entered in the FIA Formula E Championship.

The agreement was signed by Patrice Ratti, Renault Sport Technologies Managing Director and as a Renault SAS representative, Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings and Frédéric Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technologies.

“Renault has demonstrated a unique commitment to zero-emission mobility, with a range of 4 cars available for sale. Renault in Europe, and the Renault-Nissan Alliance worldwide, have gained a position of EV sales leader. Formula E is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the excellence and the reliability of our EV solutions” said Philippe Klein, Executive Vice President, Corporate Planning, Product Planning & Programs of Renault Group.

“We believe that motorsport is an efficient manner to promote the efficiency of new technologies, and we’re eager to use that single-seater in FIA Formula E championship to show our technology is the best.”

Renault’s ongoing involvement in motor racing’s series provides it with a unique technological laboratory, giving it an edge not only in the world of production vehicles but also on the race track. Renault’s technological excellence extends not only in F1 but also in all Z.E. range.

“Renault and Formula E both share the same commitment to innovative technology and sustainable motoring and we’re delighted to welcome them to the Championship as a Founding Partner,” said Alejandro Agag, CEO of Championship promoter Formula E Holdings.

“Not only is Renault one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, with a very successful motorsport pedigree, it is also a pioneer for electric vehicles being the first full-range car manufacturer to market zero-emission vehicles. To have a manufacturer of this calibre onboard is a great testament to the growing appeal of the FIA Formula E Championship.”

Spark Racing Technology sided toward this technological expertise to optimize the electric and electronic layout. The 42 Formula E single-seaters built for the beginning of the first season will be named “Spark-Renault”.

“Spark Racing Technology is extremely proud to have a new major quality player in motorsport, Renault” said Frédéric Vasseur, CEO of Spark Racing Technology.

“Their record and involvement in high level motorsport speaks for the brand. In addition, Renault has always been at the forefront of innovation and having their expertise and know-how is invaluable at such a key moment in the creation of the FIA Formula E World Championship. This partnership with Renault is a new corner stone in a building harmoniously taking shape at all levels.”

Renault Sport Technologies is the only car manufacturer to design, develop and market a comprehensive range of sporting cars and vehicles made for motorsport within the same entity.

It was an evidence for Renault to ask to his subsidiary to work on this project and to put on evidence all the engineers’ expertise on motorsport vehicles.

“Renault’s expertise in electric powertrain design and integration acquired both in production E.V. and in Formula 1 makes Renault Sport a natural partner for Spark in this exciting Formula E project” said Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Technologies.

“Engineers from Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies will collaborate with Spark Racing Technology team to optimize the electric and electronic layout and performance of the powertrain. Our experience will be particularly valuable to ensure the safety and reliability of the car”

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Nissan LEAF Crosses 25,000 U.S. 62,000 Global Sales Milestone

After the all-electric Nissan LEAF’s best sales month ever in March and a 423.5 percent year-over-year sales increase in April, Nissan LEAF continues to make history by crossing the 25,000 sales threshold, reinforcing LEAF’s position as the world’s best-selling electric vehicle.

“From the beginning our goal with LEAF has been to bring affordable, zero-emission transportation to the mass market in a practical, fun-to-drive package,” said Erik Gottfried, Nissan director of electric vehicle (EV) marketing and sales strategy. “With more than 25,000 LEAFs in the U.S. and 62,000 around the world, we’re seeing the adoption curve for EVs accelerate, and there is tremendous interest not only on the West Coast but in a number of new strongholds like Atlanta, Raleigh, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, St. Louis and many more.”

Nissan LEAF sales have risen steadily since the vehicle’s launch and have grown tremendously compared to the previous year with sales jumping several-fold in LEAF’s traditionally high-performing markets such as San Francisco—where LEAF was the top-selling vehicle for the Nissan brand in April—Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and San Diego.

“Pioneering the EV trail with LEAF, we’ve had the opportunity to evaluate the purchase process of EV buyers. We have maintained an ongoing dialogue with our customers, and through that we’ve learned just how different the process is for buying a LEAF versus a traditional gas-powered car,” said Gottfried. “We’ve found that customers interested in LEAF come to the showroom exceptionally well educated about the product. Then post-purchase, they stay engaged with us, connect with the LEAF owner community and share their experience broadly, which drives greater interest in LEAF.”

“We’ve also learned how infrastructure plays a role in a consumer’s decision to go all-electric,” added Brendan Jones, Nissan’s director of EV infrastructure strategy and deployment. “We already knew that areas with a higher concentration of EVs would require more charging stations, but trends show that the reverse is also true—a more robust charging infrastructure generates greater interest in EVs and stimulates more EV driving among EV owners.”

Nissan continues to make progress with its commitment to enhance the charging infrastructure in the United States and since announcing plans earlier this year to triple the number of quick chargers from 200 to 600, Nissan and its charging partners already have installed about 50 additional units where interest in LEAF and EVs is highest.

“Nissan is taking a three-prong approach to bolster infrastructure by working with commercial charging partners to bring a variety of charging options to our customers, collaborating with businesses to encourage workplace charging on their campuses and engaging in pilots with our dealers to determine how to optimize the role they can play in EV infrastructure,” said Jones. “This enhanced infrastructure—particularly with more businesses offering workplace charging as an employee benefit—builds range confidence and gives EV drivers better end-to-end charging ability, meaning they can leave home fully charged, plug in at work and be charged when they leave.”

Nissan, which now assembles LEAF, its battery and its electric motor all in Tennessee, introduced the 2013 LEAF with more customer-focused features and an expanded range of trim levels to include a more attainable version and models with more premium amenities such as leather seats and BOSE energy-efficient audio. U.S. pricing for the 2013 LEAF starts at $28,800 and depending on location, some consumers may get the vehicle for as low as $18,800 by qualifying for federal and state tax credits, making LEAF competitive with gas-powered vehicles of its size. Nissan LEAF currently may be leased for $199 per month with $1,999 down for 36 months.

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Driving the 887 hp Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid [VIDEO]

Chris Harris gets a close up look at the 887 hp Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid.

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Anthony Davidson reviews the Toyota Auris Hybrid [VIDEO]

Anthony Davidson, driver of the Toyota TS030 hybrid endurance racer, takes the new Auris Hybrid out for a spin.

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Tesla Model S outsells Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 & BMW 7-Series [VIDEO]

Tesla Motors not only ended the quarter as the top selling rechargeable auto maker in North America, it also managed to outsell important names in the luxury segment.

CNN Money is reporting Tesla Motors delivered 4,750 units of the Model S during the first three months of the year. In the exact same period, Mercedes-Benz sold 3,077 S-Class models, followed by BMW with 2,338 7-Series units and Audi with just 1,462 A8s.

The Model S does have its sticker price going for it. The base model can be had for $69,900 -- possibly less with tax incentives -- while the cheapest S-class goes for $93,255, the 7-series for $74,525 and the A8 for $73,095.

To add insult to injury the Tesla Model S is not only faster to 100 mph than a $90,000 V8 twin turbo 560 hp BMW M5, it's also cheaper. (see video above)

Source: CNN

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