Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept gets 78 mpg, hits 62 mph in 3.2 seconds

Here you go, have your cake and eat it too. Porsche is looking to prove that the best of both worlds don't have to be mutually exclusive with the 918 Spyder concept scheduled to debut tomorrow at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Looking a bit like a Carrera GT evolved, the 918 Spyder is powered by both a 500-horsepower V8 and a pair of electric motors (one for each axle) producing an additional 218 hp or 160kW. At full gallop, the concept can theoretically reach 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and nip 198 mph on the high end. On the flip side, Porsche says it can also achieve 78 miles per gallon and emit just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

How does a supercar have such range? Well, the 918 Spyder concept is a parallel hybrid just like your mom's Prius (well not just like). That means the two powertrains, gas and electric, can operate together or separately to motivate the wheels into motion. There are no less than four modes that configure the powertrains for anything from maximum efficiency to maximum performance and everything in between. The E-Drive mode means pure electric power, and the car can reportedly last up to 16 miles on electrons alone. Next up is Hybrid mode, which is just what it sounds like and would probably be the mode for everyday around town driving. The Sport Hybrid mode again uses both powertrains, but tips the needle a bit more towards performance with most power reaching the rear wheels. Finally, the Race Hybrid mode means all systems are go for the lowest lap times possible (Porsche says it can do the Nordschleife in less than 7:30 minutes). There's an even a push-to-pass button (if only it were that easy) that adds a bit of E-boost on the straights and, of course, regenerative braking is present and accounted for.

Lastly, take a good look at the interior because Porsche says it offers a glimpse at future interiors from the automaker. Sounds good enough to buy so far, right? Too bad, because it's just a concept. We'll bring you live shots of the 918 Spyder concept tomorrow after it debuts in Geneva, so sit tight.

[Source: Porsche]

Geneva Motor Show2010 Live: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid ConceptM

The dispersion of BMW's ActiveHybrid – and conjoined word – initiative continues with the 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept. Billed as a "future-oriented full-hybrid model in the upper midrange segment" it boils down to the turbocharged inline-six you love and along with a 53-horsepower electric motor you will learn to love working through an eight-speed auto 'box for the middle-management set. They'll get 10-percent more distance for the gallon, and a squirt of instant boost thanks to those hard working electrons.

LA Auto Show 2008: Braille Battery Nissan Altima Hybrid time attack hot rod

On display at this year's LA Auto Show is a Nissan Altima Hybrid racecar aimed at pleasing the eco-radicals of California, and the folks over at Autoblog Green. The car was first released at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, but the LA crowd is really more up its alley. This Altima is a direct result of the team at Braille Battery pairing up with Nissan North America and Universal Technical Institute. The "Hot Rod Hybrid," as it's called, is a construction aimed at competing in the new hybrid/electric class of the Redline Time Attack series. There are also plans to give it a run in the 2009 Cannonball Run/One Lap of America event. We know the car will be in good hands, too. Driver Blake Fuller is experienced with both front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles, as exemplified by his finishes in the Pike's Peak hill climb and Formula D drifting events.

Legendary Brabham Racing Returns as BMW Tuner after 16 Years

Brabham Racing marks its return with an appearance at the Essen Motor Show and introduces the BT 70, BT 60 and the BT 92. That last number being a reference to the year Brabham went bust, something to do with not paying their bills. Probably an unintended reference.

But let's have a look at the cars.

The BT 70 is what Brabham Racing calls a "sporty interpretation of the SUV X6".

The BT 60 is a re-invented BMW M5.

First Official 2009 Nissan 370Z Photos

The last teaser shots have dropped, and Nissan has finally revealed the 2009 370Z in full, roadgoing trim. We’ve got interior and exterior factory shots, and it’s clear that for its first full redesign since its 2003 introduction, the 370Z is going a bit retro. Just as in the images that were leaked this spring, the new car strikes a handsome balance between the classic long-hood, short-deck look of the original 240Z, while maintaining the taut lines and intricate lighting of current Nissans. The new Z’s interior keeps a similar layout but gets a stronger, more modern look with taller central gauges and a large central information screen similar to those in other Nissan/Infiniti products.

Audi RS5 Headed for 2009 Detroit Motor Show

Audi fans will be in for a special treat come the 2009 Detroit Motor Show when the Audi RS5 goes live to the public for the first time, many months after spy photos and renderings have long been doing the rounds. Although the RS5 will bare it all for the media world to see on January 11, 2009, US lovers of everything RS will have to make do with only this version for a while. That’s because Audi says the RS6 won't be heading for American dealerships, thanks to exceptionally stringent emissions laws Stateside.