Lotus Annouces New Hybrid And Electric Vehicle Group

Behind the scenes, Lotus is much more than a low-volume manufacturer of sporty little roadsters. Along with Lotus Cars, Group Lotus houses Lotus Engineering. With decades of motorsports experience, Lotus Engineering offers consulting expertise to automotive suppliers and OEM manufacturers. They've even made their mark in the world of cycling. More recently, their close work with Tesla as the supplier of the Roadster's chassis must have had some influence on the next direction of the firm, as they have now announced the creation of a new Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group. Lotus hopes the move will further expand its consulting reach.

The newly-anointed Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Group is already busy with project Low CO2. The initiative is a collaborative effort with automotive supplier Continental. The engineers have reduced the CO2 emissions of the already low-emitting 1.5L gasoline-powered Opel Astra by 15 percent while also bumping up its power output. Their achievements are accomplished through improved exhaust manifold design, injector placement, altered valve lift and timing, increased fuel pressure and the implementation of a mild hybrid drive.

Source: Autoblog

Spy Shots: BMW Progressive Activity Sedan

BMW is planning several new niche models to reach its goal to produce 1.8 million vehicles by 2012 and to 2 million units by 2020. One of these models is the car that referred to as a "Progressive Activity Sedan". Some details of the PAS were revealed at the time, which will be based on the next 5-Series with a fastback body-style.

The PAS will likely enter the spot between the 5-Series sedan and 5-Series wagon, with five seats and a hatchback rear end. Currently undergoing testing, the PAS is expected to go into production in 2009 or 2010 after an unveiling as a concept either at the Paris show later this year or in Detroit a year from now.

Gallery: BMW Progressive Activity Vehicle

A Fourth Model Is Possible For Scion

Scion is an unqualified success having sold 170,000 units of the xA, xB and tC last year.Scion's corporate manager Steve Haag told: "We have to offer more products, (though) we want to remain small." With a new model can Scion sell 200,000 units a year.But the question is can Scion achieve this with its current three-model lineup .

Though a fourth vehicle, if produced, would still have to be an entry-level model to be called a Scion.Haag hinted that it would likely be something bigger and more expensive than what Scion currently offers.