The folks over at Autocar magazine are reporting that BMW is exploring a plan to build an “eco-conscious” - we hate using the term “eco-friendly” on performance orientated vehicles - supercar that would rival the Audi R8, Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz’s forthcoming SLR McLaren successor, the so-called SLC. Company insiders are said to have described the as-yet-unnamed ‘green’ supercar as A modern day M1 and one that ‘ draws on all the very latest BMW technology and lightweight build processes.’
The British magazine suggests that the two-seater supercar will be mid-engined, most likely featuring a revised version of the Bavarian firm’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight six petrol unit.

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This greenish two-seater concept that looks like a crossover variant of the KTM X-Bow  is the Fiat Bugster and it will make its world debut at the bi-annual Sao Paulo Motor Show in Brazil which takes place this year between 30 October and 10 November. The concept vehicle that has been developed by the Italian firm’s automotive engineering division in Brazil features a zero-emissions electric engine while its outer body is made completely out of renewable natural fibers thus reducing the environmental impact of the vehicle. Follow the jump for one more picture of Fiat’s Bugster concept Continued

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When Hyundai says Blue, what the Korean automaker actually means is green as the i20 Blue concept study that will debut in Paris incorporates a number of modifications to enhance the standard car’s environmental credentials. Based on the all-new i20 supermini, the ‘blue’ package involves revisions to the i20’s powertrain efficiency, aerodynamics and chassis that result to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The i20 Blue runs on a 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine producing 90PS and 220 Nm of torque, matted to a new six-speed manual gearbox – instead of the car’s usual five-speed unit – in which the ratios have been modified in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. Hyundai’s engineers updated the engine’s electronic software and at the same time improved performance by minimizing driveline friction and utilizing high-performance, low-friction engine oil. Furthermore, the i20 Blue benefits from the addition of a Hyundai-specific ISG Start-Stop system.

In terms of aerodynamics, Hyundai reduced ground clearance by 15mm, added a full-length underfloor cover and performed subtle changes to the design of the grille and bodywork. The package is complemented by a set of Michelin Energy low rolling resistance tires

Together, these changes offer the i20 Blue a reduction of 15 percent in CO2 emissions over the standard car to just 99g/km and an improvement of 15 percent in fuel efficiency consuming 3,75 liters/100km or 63.7 MPG US. As for performance, the i20 blue accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 13 seconds and achieves a top speed of 176km/h or 110 MPH.

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Finally, after all that talk about Honda’s Prius-fighter, the Japanese automaker has released the first photos of its all-new dedicated hybrid model that will bear the name Insight after Honda’s first hybrid model. Although the Japanese company has labeled the Insight as a concept car, don’t expect to see many differences on the production model that’s slated to go on sale globally in mid-2009. Clearly, the stylistic inspiration for the Insight was Honda’s fuel-cell powered FCX Clarity. As with all cars of this sort, the Insight’s design is more about aerodynamics and function than it is about style. We must say though that we we’re expecting something a bit more futuristic and adventurous from Honda.

The dedicated hybrid vehicle that will be offered as a 5-door hatchback with seating for five passengers is built on a newly developed platform. Power will come from an improved version of the Civic’s IMA hybrid drive system mated to a petrol engine, details of which will be announced at a later date.

The Japanese automaker’s engineers have mounted the compact control unit and the conventional nickel metal hybrid battery beneath the boot space to give the Insight both a low centre of gravity and the practicality of a conventionally powered hatchback

According to Honda, the Insight will benefit from a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components resulting in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. Sources state that the Insight will be priced in the U.S. from around $18,000 undercutting the Prius by several thousands of dollars

“The original Honda Insight launched in 1999 was the pioneer of hybrid technology in Europe and remains an iconic symbol of Honda’s environmental innovation,” said Takeo Fukui, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO. “This new Insight will also break new ground by providing an affordable hybrid to an expanded number of customers craving great fuel economy and great value.”

The new Insight will be built alongside the Civic Hybrid at Honda’s Suzuka factory in Japan which recently expanded its hybrid motor production line. The Insight will go on sale in Europe, Japan and North America during the first half of 2009.

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With the lease term for Toyota’s next-generation fuel cell hybrid vehicle set at 30 months at a cost of 840,000 yen or about $7,700 per month, the experimental FCHV-adv isn’t for you everyday Joe. So it’s no surprise thatToyota announced that it has begun leasing the FCHV-adv to Japan’s Ministry of the Environment. The Japanese automaker said that it also plans to lease the fuel-cell hybrid model to other national government entities, local governments and companies in or related to the energy industry. 

Japan’s top automaker, which has already won the bet with its petrol-electric hybrids, will use the lease vehicles to obtain real-world feedback for further development, including efforts to improve the durability and reduce the cost of its proprietary high-performance polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the Toyota FC Stack. 

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 Trident is yet another small automaker that promises to save the world’s fuel supplies and at the same time allow us petrol heads to have a blast while we’re at it. The British firm said today that the Iceni, which has been under development for quite some time now, is nearing production. The compact two-seater that weighs in at 1,480 kg or 3,262 lbs is powered by a massive 6.6-liter V8 turbo diesel engine that can run on any kind of biodiesel without any invalidation of warranty, adjustment to the engine or affect on performance. The 6.6 V8 develops an output of 550 bhp at 3,800 rpm and an outrageous 950lb/ft of torque at just 1,800 rpm. The British automaker claims that the rear-wheel-drive Iceni can sprint from 0 to 60mph (96km/h) in just 3.7 sec and achieve a top speed in excess of 200mph or 321 km/h. At the same time Trident supports that its sports car can manage 68.9mpg UK (57.3mpg US or 4.1lt /100 km) at constant speed of 70mph or 112 km/h. Of course we’ll have to wait for an official figure on the combined cycle to make any serious conclusions, but the Iceni does sound promising.

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