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detroit

Unlike GM, Chrysler touting all-electric cars

When you're No. 3, you've got to do something.

At the Detroit auto show this week, Chrysler showed off three green car concepts, including an all-electric one called the Zeo that will go from zero to sixty in 5.7 seconds and hit 130 miles per hour. The car can also go 240 miles on a single charge.

Many of the other major carmakers--Toyota, General Motors--are concentrating on plug-in hybrids and other types of alternative fuel cars far more than all-electric cars. Batteries cost a lot and don't have the energy density of liquid fuels, according to … Read more

Mazda Furai brings Nagare closer to reality

For the past year, we've seen various Mazda concepts expressing the Nagare, or flow, theme, including the Ryuga, Hakaze, and Taiki. But the Furai, shown at the 2008 Detroit auto show, gives real hints of Mazda's production plans. The Furai uses flow lines around the hood and in the side vents, but the wheels are mounted conventionally. Mazda says that the Furai is a study intended to bridge the gap between road and race cars. The Furai is built on a chassis used in Mazda endurance racers, and uses a three rotary engine putting out 450 horsepower, which … Read more

Photos: Diesel in Detroit

At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, diesel cars grabbed their share of the limelight, as manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW prepare to import new diesel vehicles to the U.S. New diesel engines promise performance equivalent to gasoline cars but much better mileage, and new technology means cleaner emissions.

Click here for photos of new diesel cars shown in Detroit.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Mitsubishi undercuts Evo with Ralliart

For the last year, we eagerly followed the development of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, lapping up every new detail like a thirsty dog. With the launch date rapidly approaching, we considered trying suspended animation to make the time go by faster, but Mitsubishi just threw us for a loop, showing off the Lancer Ralliart at the 2008 Detroit auto show. Ralliart is Mitsubishi's tuner brand, delivering hopped-up versions of its existing models. The Lancer Ralliart unveiled in Detroit seems identical to the Evo X, spinning us out as we try and figure out which one we want more. … Read more

Kleiner Perkins plunks money into sporty hybrid

Fisker Automotive formally unveiled its upscale hybrid car today and said it has received an infusion of cash from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.

The investment is believed to be the first direct investment by Kleiner Perkins into an alternative car company. (Rumors swirled that the company invested in Phoenix Motorcars, but it was never confirmed, and Phoenix subsequently had delays). Fisker did not officially release the amount of the investment but Kleiner partner Ray Lane told the Wall Street Journal that the investment exceeds $10 million.

The company is founded by noted automotive designer Henrik Fisker. He came up … Read more

Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

When we had the new Cadillac CTS in for a review last year, it impressed us enough to give it an Editors' Choice. At the 2008 Detroit auto show, Cadillac is capitalizing on its success with that car by showing off a coupe version. This coupe design concept does away with the rear doors, stretches the front doors, and pulls the roof line all the way back to the trunk lip, creating a fast back look. In addition, it achieves more sporty lines by emphasizing the connection between the A-pillar and the hood. Overall, the car represents an uncompromising demonstration … Read more