1 liter engine that makes 135 HP?

I have found another post on New engine design from wired.com and wanted to share it here on the blog. I have shared articles on this subject in many Previous posts from rightnowautoparts.com because I feel we are entering a new age in design that may even end the reign of our beloved internal combustion design. This new model does use the old design, but with some fresh and innovative changes. I will do what I can to stay on top of this trend as well as the updates to batteries. Some combination of the two will eventually be chosen as the successor and should usher in another wave of innovation towards the highest efficiency (and power) available. Here's looking forward to the 300 HP, 100 MPG hybrid of the near future.

Is this the battery quantum leap we are looking for?

This article from FastCompany.com may highlight the research we have been waiting on. Apparently a virus of many plant species called the tobacco mosaic is being incorporated into lithium batteries and will allow 10 times the battery life (or the same life at 1/10th the size). Think about how a combination of the two integrated with new hybrid or electric vehicle design would revolutionize how we commute. Batteries either weigh too much or don't last long enough. Let's hope this will be the breakthrough we need.

Concept Jaguar Hybrid CX75 - Beautiful!

Read the press release and see more pictures at Autoblog.com

Citroen Metropolis Hybrid

When I think of Citroen I typically imagine a unique, somewhat quirky european design. If you add Hybrid to the discussion you might think ridiculously small euro-city car that can park sideways in a three foot gap on the curb. Not so... This car was unveiled to, and designed in, the newly emerging Chinese luxury car market.They mention numbers like 94 MPG and 454 HP which, I agree with the article, must be pure fabrications from fantasy. Concept cars that will never be produced sometimes stretch the truth a little ;)

Fisker Karma Impressive Numbers 403HP, 125MPH, 100 MPG, 300 mile range

The Fisker Karma is the world’s first premium plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). It combines world-class luxury and sports car-like performance with industry-leading economy and zero tailpipe emissions. The four-seat sedan was designed by Fisker Automotive CEO Henrik Fisker, who also designed the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8, both of which were featured in James Bond movies.
With 403hp it can reach 60mph in six seconds and a top speed of 125mph, yet it can achieve more than 100mpg on an annual basis. The Karma has a total range of 300 miles, 50 of which are electric-only and powered by a Lithium-ion battery from A123 Systems, which can be fully recharged in as little as eight hours.

See the Fisker Karma on their Nationwide tour that began Tuesday, April 27.