The Revenge Verde: 400hp, 100mpg, Kermit Colored

Detroit might be decaying faster than a hobo’s un-brushed molar, but the annual North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) always brings a few minty fresh new cars to the abscessed city. From the latest models to futuristic concept cars, auto manufacturers from around the globe use this show to show off the crème de la crème of their stable. Read more

Video: Dodge EV versus Dodge Challenger

The Dodge Challenger is no slouch. With 425 horses on tap, the 6.1-liter V8 engine can get up to 60mph in less than 5 seconds and finishing the quarter-mile in around 13 seconds.

But EV vehicles get 100% of their torque from 0 RPM’s, which means it can accelerate hard and keep moving fast until redline.  Dodge has been working on an EV vehicle, which is currently shielded within a Lotus body.  In this clip, you’ll see their concept EV run against a Challenger in an 800-foot (1/8-mile) race.

Tesla Roadster is Fast and Safe?

We’ve learned just how fast the Tesla Roadster is, sprinting to 60mph in 3.9 seconds and running the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds. Even though there are only a few of these EV’s on the road, there have already been three crashes. The first crash occurred when a technician was testing the vehicle and rear ended a truck. The second occurred in San Francisco when the driver failed to stop fast enough at a stop light and rear ended the car in front of them.

The third crash, which happened on October 29th, 2008 in southern France, was much more serious. The accident happened during a test drive where the sales director was demonstrating how sporty the suspension is… at 100 mph. The roads were wet and visibility was reportedly low.

Details are limited, but the accident happened during a high speed turn. The passenger (and potential customer) was ejected from the vehicle upon impact. Fortunately for both of them, their injuries were relatively minor. The driver suffered a broken hand and some bruises. The passengers injuries are unknown, but he has already been released from the hospital.

Check out the carnage below, do you think the Tesla Roadster can be classified as a safe car or were these two people just extremely lucky?

Source: WreckedExotics.com

How Fast is the Tesla Roadster?

Pretty fast. The Tesla Roadster is the hottest new EV on the market. The company has had some troubles lately, including executive turnovers and cash flow problems, but a recent procurement of capital should help keep the company afloat and those Tesla’s rolling out of the factory.

We already know that the latest drivetrain revision lets the EV Roadster go 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, but what about a quarter-mile run? One of the lucky few who already owns a Tesla Roadster recently ran the all electric vehicle at the Infineon raceway in California.

The verdict: even with an R/T of .764 the Roadster still ran the quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds. This is one quick EV! Hit the jump to see the time slip.

Source: AutoBlog

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Pollution Reducing Statues Erected in Minnesota

With the grand opening of the new St. Anthony Falls Bridge on Minnesota’s I-35 comes two new pollution reducing statues. The statues are made of a specially formulated photo-catalytic concrete which helps convert gases like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides & sulfur dioxide to higher oxidized states by using ultraviolet sunlight to accelerate oxidation at the surface of the structure. This is similar to the operation of a catalytic converter as the byproducts of this oxidation are less harmful for the environment then the unchanged gases.

These new statues are 30-foot tall and resemble the international cartographic symbol for water. This is a pretty cool idea, it’s more thinking like this that we need to help reduce our overall impact on the environment.

Source: AutoBlog

Introducing the Vectrix All-Electric Super Bike

This is one mean looking machine! There’s not much info available yet, but the good word is that this bike won’t disappoint the speed freaks. On one charge there’s enough juice to do 20 flat-out laps at the 2.54 mile Vallelunga circuit in Italy, which is plenty to smile about.

This green super bike was given its futuristic design by Robert Brady, winner of the 2008 Idea Awards. His edgy, minimalist style perfectly complements this bike, which lacks the traditional fuel system, engine and exhaust. More info on this bike as it becomes available.

Source: TecheBlog

Smart Car Body Kits Have Arrived

Let’s face it: gas prices suck. Lots of people have been buying up hybrids and Smart Cars to reduce their monthly fuel costs, but cars have always been about style and expression, not frugality. Every time I see a Smart Car on the road, I’m reminded of Steve Urkel from Family Matters, which is why I haven’t made the leap to a more environmentally friendly ride.

Well if someone started making body kits like these, I’d reconsider.

*Thanks for sending in the photos Trevor!

If you’re looking for body kits or auto parts, we just talked to the guys at NorCal Cars and they just built out their site to include automotive parts and accessories. NorCal Cars is run by some great people, so check it out at their California Auto Parts page.

Tesla Finishes Up Drivetrain 1.5, Now Ready to Crank Up Production of the Roadster

Tesla has put the finishing touches on version 1.5 of the drive train for their Roadster. Gone is the original 2-speed gearbox, now the Roadster sports a BorgWarner 1-speed transmission. Although half of the gears are now missing, torque output has gone up from 211 to 280 foot-pounds! Note that since this vehicle is electric, all 280 ft-lbs are available from 0 (zero) RPM’s. What’s more is that the total range on an electric charge has increased 10% to 244 miles.

Lets review these improvements: there are half as many gears which means there is less to break, they’ve increased torque by 37% and it now goes 10% farther on a charge… that’s a bang-up job! Tesla hasn’t updated the performance stats for the Roadster yet, but with all that extra torque, you can bet it’ll be faster than the original 3.9 second 0-60 time.

Tesla has been producing only 4 cars per week, but will now be outputting 10 per week, ramping up to 40 per week by next march. All Tesla Roadsters that have been sold to date can have their gear boxes upgraded for free.

Source: Tesla Motors via AutoBlog Green

Segway Killer? Meet the Easy Glider

I guess this is one way you could try to get around paying high gas prices. This all electric, 10 MPH people-mover might not have the geeky-allure that the segway had, but the Easy Glider sure does look like a lot more fun! Especially since they are building one that has a bigger motor with off-road tires. Strangely enough, they are also working on an amphibious one for using in pools and lakes. Last I knew, electricity and water didn’t mix well, but I’ll let them figure that one out. I wonder if the Chinese government will adopt the Easy Glider like they did the segway…

Would you buy an Easy Glider for your main source of transportation? It wouldn’t leak oil onto your garage floor mats and you wouldn’t need a car canopy to protect it from the elements as you could just bring it inside. But the lack of storage space might be a problem. Most cars allow you to put on roof racks or bike racks to haul around your extra gear, but that would be impossible with the easy glider. What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

GM’s Employee Pricing is Back, Daddy Needs a New Z06

General Motors has been in a lot of financial trouble lately. Well, actually all three American auto makers have been feeling the economic pinch, and with inflating gas prices sport cars, SUV’s and trucks just haven’t been selling so well. So GM has decided to bring back their “Employee Pricing for Everyone” deal, which means you can save a bundle if you’re looking for a new ride. Save $10K on a new Corvette Z06, $15K on a Cadillac XLR-V, and $5K off the Saturn Aura XR. There’s even more savings to be had, so if your on the edge of buying a new car get down to the local Chevy dealership, go on some test drives and cut yourself a sweet deal!