BMW Vision ED Concept Slated for 2012 as M1 Green Drive

A new report has surfaced indicating that BMW will build a production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.

Set to revive the legendary M1 name, the fuel efficient supercar will reportedly adopt the concept's aggressive styling and advanced powertrain. Inside, the car will feature a three-dimensional head-up display, a "digital dash" and a two-plus-two seating arrangement.

Like the VED concept, the M1 will be powered by a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and an electric motor. While details are limited, the combined output is expected to be more than 350 bhp and 800 Nm of torque. If these figures are correct, the M1 will likely accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

According to an Auto Express source, the engine is almost production ready and some of the hybrid components will be taken from the X6 ActiveHybrid.

If BMW is planning on production, look for a launch in 2012.

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Aptera considering sales at Best Buy?

Might Best Buy begin offering the Aptera 2e when the vehicle is finally ready for sale at some unknown time in the future? Possibly. Though the video has since been removed from YouTube, some sort of promotional material from the big box retailer highlighting electric vehicles reportedly featured at least two separate cars from Aptera.

Further, the idea of selling electric vehicles at Best Buy locations isn't something new. In fact, selected locations scattered along the West Coast are already selling the Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle. Further, rumors abound that Best Buy will soon offer more electric two-wheelers, including Segways and bicycles.

So, is this a good idea or bad idea? Would you consider purchasing an Aptera 2e from Best Buy? It's certainly a large purchase and there are obvious questions as to how the vehicle will be serviced, but having the space-age car available at such a large and well-known location might add to its credibility. What say you?

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Honda Develops New Personal Mobility Device

Honda has unveiled a new personal mobility concept called the U3-X.

Essentially a fancy Segway unicycle, the U3-X features the world's first omni-directional driving wheel system (dubbed Honda Omni Traction Drive System). Combined with Honda's balance control technology, the device promises to be safe and user friendly.

The U3-X "fits comfortably between the rider's legs" (it has a seat), and allows them to move forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally. To speed up, slow down, stop, or change directions, riders simply shift their upper body weight in the direction they want to go.

Weighing less than 10kg (22 lbs), the device is powered by a small lithium-ion battery that provides one hour of operation.

While the U3-X is just a concept, Honda says they will conduct real-world testing to verify the practicality of the device.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata YF gets world unveiling in Korea

The new Sonata YF has been unveiled in Korea and I must say the specs list looks very good indeed. The cost of development to Hyundai was 400 billion won (RM1.15 billion) over a timespan of 4 years, and I must say the results look pretty good so far.

Not sure how long it’ll take to recoup costs but the car will be priced in Korea at 21.3 million Won (RM61,350) to 25.95 million Won (RM74,800).

The Sonata has a particularly powerful 2.0 liter engine from the Theta II family, which is a development of the GEMA world engine. Variants of the GEMA world engine are also found in Chrysler cars and locally in the Mitsubishi Lancer and Kia Optima.

The difference is with this latest stage of tune, horsepower and torque figures have been increase and are now even more impressive. The engine can now make a peak power output of 165 PS at 6,200rpm and a peak torque of 198Nm at 4,600rpm, which is very close to the 200Nm per liter ratio.

It’s one of the highest torque outputs available in non-premium segment engines without direct injection. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic, which is also the best in class so far in its segment (both competitors have 4 or 5-speeders).

Although only one engine option has been unveiled now, Hyundai says a 2.4 liter version with direct injection will be unveiled in January next year when it presents the US market version. Small engines like a 2.0 will never sell over there.

The body has a four-door coupe-ish look to the roofline, and most people are instantly reminded of the Passat CC when a few shots were leaked in the past few weeks. Hyundai calls this new design language “fluidic sculpture”. It’s designed to project a more youthful image for the car, so Hyundai probably intends it to be more Mazda 6 than Toyota Camry.

Vehicle Dynamic Control is standard, and there are also other driver assist features such as Hill-Start Assist Control and Brake Assist. The car also has the Korean market Mozen telematics system. This is not really likely to make its way anywhere outside of South Korea for now but its pretty interesting. It’s basically like BMW ConnectedDrive – the car can access various information systems via the WCDMA mobile network. You get features such as SOS calls and Mozen Autocare anti-theft tracking.

Look after the jump for a video and more shots of the YF Sonata.

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Mercedes SLS AMG in Depth with Video

The traditional coupe roaster has a long bonnet, a very low profile, short overhangs and a small boot. Only two people can sit in it. The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG fits this definition and then some. Already confirmed as a Frankfurt debutant the SLS you see here stars in its own video show where its makers showcase some of its abilities on a track and on the road.

A main attraction is the sound emanating from the shiny twin trapezoidal tailpipes, urged on by the naturally aspirated 6.3-litre AMG V8. You can hear a lot of the sound if you put up the volume as it accelerates into the straight or when cornering. The eardrums will forever be thankful. Forgive some of the background music; this is a promotional video after all not a hooligan road test.

Trapped inside the 8 cylinders is 420kW (571hp) that is accessed by the driver through the 7-speed double clutch gearbox and the round 3-stage ESP knob which changes the suspension's characteristics from everyday comfort to sharp and sporty.

The SLS will start selling before the end of the year and compete with the likes of McLaren MP4-12C, the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Lamborghini Gallardo.

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