Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[MT: Electric supercar from Toyota in the works?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/mt-electric-supercar-from-toyota-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/mt-electric-supercar-from-toyota-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/16/mt-electric-supercar-from-toyota-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We're taking this news with a grain of salt for now, but Motor Trend is reporting that Toyota is hard at work on a fully electric supercar. If there's any truth to this report, Toyota President Akio Toyoda was so impressed after a spin in Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster that he immediately green-lit a feasibility study into the electric supercar project.

Lending at least an air of credence to this story is the fact that Toyota and Tesla are indeed working together in some as-yet-unknown capacity, and rumors of electric Toyota SUV mules powered by Tesla battery packs have abounded ever since the announcement was made. That said, some existing platforms converted to electric drive is a far cry from a completely new electric supercar.

In any case, Toyota's supposed electric supercar would theoretically go up against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Cell, Audi e-tron and whatever BMW's Efficient Dynamics movement has cooking up. We should also point out that Toyota has indeed shown off a number of hybrid sportscar and electric vehicle concepts over the last few years, so such a project wouldn't be completely out of the blue.

[Source: Motor Trend]

MT: Electric supercar from Toyota in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric supercarElectricSupercarteslatesla motorstesla roadstertesla toyotatesla toyota evtesla toyota partnershipTeslaMotorsTeslaRoadsterTeslaToyotaTeslaToyotaEvTeslaToyotaPartnershiptoyotatoyota electrictoyota electric cartoyota electric supercartoyota electric vehicletoyota supercarToyotaElectricToyotaElectricCarToyotaElectricSupercarToyotaElectricVehicleToyotaSupercarFri, 16 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19555930/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/16/mt-electric-supercar-from-toyota-in-the-works/19555930/article-detail.xml 19555930 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/mt-toyota-ev-render_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/mt-toyota-ev-render.jpg <![CDATA[e-Wolf channels inner Italian with planned e2 electric car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/e-wolf-channels-inner-italian-with-planned-e2-electric-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/e-wolf-channels-inner-italian-with-planned-e2-electric-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/29/e-wolf-channels-inner-italian-with-planned-e2-electric-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

e-Wolf e2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Shortly after debuting its Lotus Seven-esque e1 electric sportscar at the Frankfurt Motor Show, e-Wolf has just released images and details of its next model, the e2. Unlike the open-topped e1, the German firm's e2 followup will feature a shape clearly inspired by any number of supercars from Italy, particularly the Lamborghini Reventón and Ferrari Enzo. If you're going to borrow heavily, might as well go for the gold, no?

Powering the theoretical electric supercar will be one 134-horsepower electric motor per wheel for a total of 536 squeaky-clean horses and an impressive 738 lb-ft of torque (1,000 Nm). The run to 60 mph is expected to be dispatched in well under four seconds, though the top speed may be capped at 155 mph.

Energy storage will be by way of a lithium ion battery pack composed of 84 flat cells from CERIO. Although no details have been released on the pack's stated capacity, e-Wolf suggests that range could be as high as 187 miles (300 kilometers) per charge after a recharge of just 30 minutes - of course it would take a powerful specialized charger to achieve that result. Production is currently planned for 2011. Click past the break for the official press release.


Gallery: e-Wolf E2 electric supercar


[Source: e-Wolf via SpeedLux]

Continue reading e-Wolf channels inner Italian with planned e2 electric car

e-Wolf channels inner Italian with planned e2 electric car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-wolfe-wolf e1e-wolf e2e-wolf e2 conceptE-wolfE1E-wolfE2E-wolfE2Concepte2electric carelectric carselectric super carelectric supercarelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarsElectricSupercarElectricVehiclegreenTue, 29 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19178375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/29/e-wolf-channels-inner-italian-with-planned-e2-electric-car/19178375/article-detail.xml 19178375 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/e-wolf-e2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/e-wolf-e2.jpg <![CDATA[Introducing the next eco supercar: the Steenstra Styletto]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/introducing-the-next-eco-supercar-the-steenstra-styletto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/introducing-the-next-eco-supercar-the-steenstra-styletto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/introducing-the-next-eco-supercar-the-steenstra-styletto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Steenstra Styletto - Click above for high-res image gallery

Watch out Tesla - there's another California-based zero-emissions sports car company in the works: Steenstra GCM. Founded by designer and auto industry consultant Cornelis Steenstra, the Styletto isn't just about creating a guilt-free car, but one meant to compete with the Ferraris and Lamborghinis at the top of the heap. And, judging by the images in our gallery below, we're guessing it'll do battle with the Italians with a whole heap of batteries onboard.

Steenstra hasn't released any information on the car yet, but it is being billed as "the first 200-mph-plus super sports car to be built in California." If all goes well and the company can get its financial legs, the Styletto will be formally introduced at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concourse d' Elegance and you'll be able to buy one in 2013. For now, you can read about it in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Steenstra Styletto


[Source: Steenstra]

Continue reading Introducing the next eco supercar: the Steenstra Styletto

Introducing the next eco supercar: the Steenstra Styletto originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativecornelis steenstraCornelisSteenstracoupeelectric sports carelectric sportscarelectric supercarElectricSportsCarElectricSupercarhybridluxuryperformancesteenstrasteenstra stylettoSteenstraStylettostylettosupercarMon, 14 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19158458/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/14/introducing-the-next-eco-supercar-the-steenstra-styletto/19158458/article-detail.xml 19158458 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/steenstra_styletto_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/steenstra_styletto.jpg <![CDATA[Shelby Super Cars revises outrageous claims about Ultimate Aero EV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/shelby-super-cars-revises-outrageous-claims-about-ultimate-aero/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/shelby-super-cars-revises-outrageous-claims-about-ultimate-aero/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/shelby-super-cars-revises-outrageous-claims-about-ultimate-aero/#commentsFiled under: ,



We've been eying the press releases about the Ultimate Aero EV from Shelby Super Cars with a good deal of skepticism since it was first announced back in mid-2008. It seems that some of the early specs were released prematurely, though the revised information still leaves us scratching our heads.

Now that we're getting closer to the car's supposed release later this year, the automaker is letting out some extremely interesting details about the EV's powertrain, which will include twin electric motors with 500 horsepower each, a three-speed automatic gearbox and a mythical lithium ion battery pack that it claims can be quick charged to full capacity in 10 minutes via a 220V line.

As much as we'd love to see Shelby's system work exactly as advertised, we should mention that the math isn't on SSC's side -- that's some major amperage and is seriously outside the realm of capabilities for any 220V outlet installed in a residential home. Come on, SSC, prove us wrong.

[Source: Shelby Supercars via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Shelby Super Cars revises outrageous claims about Ultimate Aero EV

Shelby Super Cars revises outrageous claims about Ultimate Aero EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric shelby super carelectric supercarElectricShelbySuperCarElectricSupercarshelby super carsshelby super cars evshelby supercarsshelby supercars ultimate aero evShelbySupercarsShelbySuperCarsEvShelbySupercarsUltimateAeroEvMon, 26 Jan 2009 17:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1440347/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/26/shelby-super-cars-revises-outrageous-claims-about-ultimate-aero/1440347/article-detail.xml 1440347 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/ultimage_aero_580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/ultimage_aero_580.jpg <![CDATA[SSC (allegedly) to produce the world's fastest electric supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/ssc-allegedly-to-produce-the-worlds-fastest-electric-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/ssc-allegedly-to-produce-the-worlds-fastest-electric-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/ssc-allegedly-to-produce-the-worlds-fastest-electric-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of high-res images of the SSC Ultimate Aero TT.

Green performance cars are the new darlings of today's small crop of boutique auto builders. From the Tesla Roadster to the Fisker Karma, and now, the new Ultimate Aero EV. The easiest way for the little guys to attract big attention is to make attractive, high performance cars with green credentials. So, it's with a grain of salt that we bring you news of the aforementioned electric hyper coupe from Shelby SuperCars. Considering that the supercar manufacturer claims that its battery will not require a charge "for six years" (should we proclaim them early favorites for McCain's battery prize?), powering dual, five-hundred horsepower electric motors, the whole thing sounds more than a bit fishy. It deserves noting that the battery technology doesn't exist to support those claims and, while five-hundred horsies can indeed be extracted from an electric motor, that would have to be one big honkin' motor... and they plan on using two in their EV. Guiness World Record for the fastest car? Check. Really big EV aspirations? Double Check. And now, it's time for a reality check.

Gallery: SSC Ultimate Aero TT


[Source: Shelby SuperCars]

SSC (allegedly) to produce the world's fastest electric supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric sportscarelectric supercarElectricSportscarElectricSupercarshelby supercarsshelby supercars ult...shelby supercars ultimate aero EVShelbySupercarsShelbySupercarsUlt...ShelbySupercarsUltimateAeroEvssc ultimate aerossc ultimate aero evSscUltimateAeroSscUltimateAeroEvultimate aeroultimate aero EVUltimateAeroUltimateAeroEvTue, 15 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1256871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/07/15/ssc-allegedly-to-produce-the-worlds-fastest-electric-supercar/1256871/article-detail.xml 1256871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/05/blueblackdoorup_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/05/blueblackdoorup_450.jpg <![CDATA[Automotive X Prize competitor to come from Hybrid Technologies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/automotive-x-prize-competitor-to-come-from-hybrid-technologies/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/automotive-x-prize-competitor-to-come-from-hybrid-technologies/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/29/automotive-x-prize-competitor-to-come-from-hybrid-technologies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above more another shot of the Hybrid Technologies supercar

The electric sportscar world, with Tesla as the only major player at the moment, may be getting a little more crowded as Hybrid Technologies is planning to produce a new vehicle with which to attack the Automotive X Prize. Known specifications are very limited so far, but engineers from the project are talking about Corvette ZR1-style performance numbers. According to Popular Mechanics, there are two versions of the electric supercar currently in development, both an extended-range electric-vehicle and a fully electric version.

Fuel mileage numbers from the hybrid are expected to crest 220 miles per gallon, which would be very impressive indeed, although that figure probably doesn't include the cost to charge the batteries. As of right now, we can't confirm any sort of sale date, but the company would be happy to sell you an all electric MINI Cooper for a cool 60 grand or so. With pricing like that, we're not counting on getting a cut-rate electric car from Hybrid Technologies, but sales of a super car like this could help bring more affordable electric vehicles to market, which would be more than welcome.

Gallery: Hybrid Technologies Auto X Prize competitor


[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Automotive X Prize competitor to come from Hybrid Technologies originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 May 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto x prizeauto-x-prizeautomotive x prizeautomotive-x-prizeAutomotiveXPrizeAutoXPrizeelectric carelectric carselectric sportscarelectric supercarelectric vehicleelectric-sportscarelectric-supercarElectricCarElectricCarsElectricSportscarElectricSupercarElectricVehiclehybrid technologieshybrid-technologiesHybridTechnologiesThu, 29 May 2008 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1208593/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/05/29/automotive-x-prize-competitor-to-come-from-hybrid-technologies/1208593/article-detail.xml 1208593 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/hybrid_tech_large_1_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/hybrid_tech_large_1_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ariel Atom builders heart the environment, change new supercar from V12 to all-electric]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/ariel-atom-builders-heart-the-environment-change-new-supercar-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/ariel-atom-builders-heart-the-environment-change-new-supercar-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/ariel-atom-builders-heart-the-environment-change-new-supercar-f/#commentsFiled under: ,



If we're honest, most decisions in the business world, especially in the auto industry, aren't made for altruistic reasons. Money is the name of the game, and as the environment is becoming a much talked about issue around the dinner table, many automakers are realizing that it's in their best interest, financially speaking, to develop greener vehicles.

Craig Bramscher, the CEO of Brammo Motorsports, which builds the Ariel Atom in the U.S., seems to have changed the course of his company's direction based on the revelation that it could be making less of an impact on the environment. Brammo had been developing a new supercar called the Rogue GT that was to be powered by a V12 engine swilling gasoline like there was no tomorrow. Since Bramscher has realized there is a tomorrow, however, he's changed the product plan to make the supercar all-electric and renamed it the Enertia GT. This could be the beginning of a lineup of EV vehicles from Brammo, as it just unveiled an all-electric motorcycle last week called the Enertia. While the Enertia GT is likely to have a lower top speed than the Rogue GT due to the switch, acceleration is expected to improve. There's no word on what type of batteries the car will use or how far it will go on a charge, either.

While one could certainly question Bramscher's motivation for going green (one might argue you can attract more attention with an electric supercar than it could with one powered by a V12 engine), it appears the CEO just grew a soft spot for Mother Earth and is changing his dirty ways.

[Source: Winding Road]

Ariel Atom builders heart the environment, change new supercar from V12 to all-electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-EVAriel AtomArielAtomBrammo MotorsportsBrammoMotorsportsCraig BramscherCraigBramscherelectric supercarelectric vehicleElectricSupercarElectricVehicleEnertia GTEnertiaGtRogue GTRogueGtFri, 13 Jul 2007 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/940372/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/07/13/ariel-atom-builders-heart-the-environment-change-new-supercar-f/940372/article-detail.xml 940372 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/ariel_atom_2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/ariel_atom_2.jpg -1 2