New Concept Car: Mitsubishi Global Small Vehicle

Mitsubishi has been slowly dishing bits and pieces of its plans to increase U.S. sales and market share, which we’ve now learned to include a new family of models that will be produced at its U.S. factory, along with a new global subcompact offering.

Let’s start with that small hatchback. Mitsubishi teased the new B-segment offering earlier this year, when it unveiled sketches of what it dubbed the New Global Small back in December. The company just announced, however, that the car will be shown in concept form (pictured) at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Few finite details have been announced to date, but Mitsubishi officials have confirmed to us that the NGS will, in fact, be sold in North America, where it will compete against the Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2, Chevrolet Sonic, and the forthcoming Hyundai Accent hatchback. Mitsubishi’s offering, however, may prove to be on the smaller side of that segment. In other markets, the car will be fitted with 1.0- and 1.2-liter I-4 engines and a CVT, both engineered to provide maximum efficiency. Mitsu, in fact, says these features, along with regenerative braking, will help yield best-in-class fuel economy.

Mitsubishi expects on launching the new subcompact in North America by 2013, but the car won’t be built on the continent. That said, the automaker is finalizing plans as to what vehicles it will build within its U.S. assembly plant in Normal, Illinois. Automotive News suggests a family of vehicles based upon the GM platform used for the Lancer, Outlander, and Outlander Sport, will be produced at the plant. A Mitsubishi spokesman confirmed that the new U.S.-built vehicles will be built on the GM platform and suggested an SUV or crossover-like vehicle would be the most logical possibility. However, he did note there is the possibility of building other variants — excepting, of course, the niche Lancer Evolution — at the Illinois site.

Mitsubishi is expected to finalize its U.S. production plans on January 20, but for now, things remain up in the air. If AN’s source is on the money, expect production to begin roughly two years after the Galant, Endeavor, and Eclipse — all currently built in Normal — are phased out of production.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Green - hybrid original three-wheeled vehicle Can-Am Spyder

Canada's Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is working on a green, hybrid version of its original three-wheeled vehicle Can-Am Spyder.

Center of excellence in technology development BRP received for these purposes for more than 11 million dollars.

At this point, as noted in the company, the world's only actively developed electric hybrid roadster.

The project is designed for four years and carried out jointly with the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and a number of other knowledgeable organizations and companies.

As stated in the BRP, the purpose of developing a new technology - to ensure that the unit consumes 50% less fuel, while 50% to reduce the level of harmful emissions, but the speed, power and performance at all at the same time to remain the same.

The innovative three-wheeled machine Spyder from BRP sold by official dealers in more than 50 countries. Since 2008, the Can-Am Spyder can be bought in Russia. Cars manufactured since 2007. Stabilization system of these devices was developed jointly by BRP and Bosch. In the company-manufacturer Spyder described as a such a hybrid of the original three-wheeled motorcycle and sports car. Initially, these same "Spiders" only gaining momentum and has officially been sold in the U.S., Canada, France and Spain. Can-Am Spyder produced only two colors - yellow (Millenium Yellow) and silver (Full Moon Silver). Now in the arsenal of colors for the Spyder RS - five options: the above two, but besides them red (Roadster Red), blue (Quantum Blue) and White (Pearl White). The latter is only available for version as Special Edition.

In September 2009 the unit was released in the touring version, which was designated Spyder RT. The first difference is touring version of the sport that catches the eye - is the large rear luggage compartment (volume 155 liters). Also available as an option the possibility to attach to your 3-wheeled touring roadster special trailer, which provides extra space for baggage volume of 622 liters!

Hot News: Spectacular New Vehicle from Porsche at NAIAS 2011

Porsche's vehicles have been absent from the Detroit Auto Show since 2007, but the automaker appears to be setting itself up for a triumphant return with today's announcement. The automaker recently said it will be unveiling a "spectacular" vehicle at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show next month.

"We'll have something spectacular to show there," Porsche spokesman Hans- Gerd Bode told Automotive News today. "You'll have to wait and be surprised.

"The Stuttgart-based automaker made a similar cryptic announcement prior to the Los Angeles Auto Show last month, which was later followed by the unveiling of its Cayman R. This time around, we are left with more questions than answers, but earlier this week, the automaker's board of directors gave the go ahead to a small SUV currently dubbed the Cajun. While the baby Cayenne isn't expected to go into production until sometime late next year or early 2012, Porsche's return to the Detroit show could be an excellent place to debut an early concept.

Conversely, Porsche has recently been seen testing a scantily-clad next-generation 911. With Porsche rolling out the 911 Speedster at the Paris Motor Show in September -- signaling the end of the 997 series -- the next 911 is due anytime now. A new Boxster as well as a production version of the 918 Spyder concept from Geneva, are also said to be in the works.

Unveiling a major model at a United States auto show signals just how important the market is for Porsche. Last year, 25 percent of Porsche's 85,903 deliveries went to U.S. buyers. Through the first eleven months of the year, Porsche has delivered 22,753 vehicles in the U.S., a 29-percent increase over last year's sales. The automaker has set a goal of selling 150,000 units globally by 2013, and with its Cayenne SUV and Panamera sedan leading the way, the introduction of another volume model -- Cajun -- will help it achieve its ambitious goal.

Thanks to: Motor Trend