Unveiled on the first day of the ongoing Stockholm Motor Show (March 30 – April 9, 2006) in Stockholm, Sweden, the Saab BioPower Hybrid concept appeared to be nothing but a convertible version of the Saab 9-3 sedan. A closer look at the vehicle’s details, however, revealed that it is a hybrid vehicle concept. But the vehicle was no ordinary hybrid vehicle, because the Saab BioPower Hybrid is the first ever hybrid convertible to be conceptualized. And not only that! The Saab BioPower Hybrid concept is also the world’s first fossil-free hybrid vehicle!

The Saab BioPower Hybrid concept features a modular hybrid system made up of one BioPower engine and two electric motors. The BioPower engine is an all-aluminum, turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine that is capable of running in pure ethanol or E100 fuel and outputs 260 bhp. The electric motor combination, on the other hand, is made up of a 38 kW rear mounted electric motor and a 15 kW integrated starter generator (ISG). Other features of the hybrid system are a maintenance free, 300-volt battery bank and an all-wheel drive with electric power transmission to the rear wheels. All of these features are amazingly packaged tightly to fit in the Saab 9-3 Convertible without sacrificing accommodation or trunk space.

Running on either pure ethanol or electricity, there is really no way for the Saab BioPower Hybrid concept car to produce any fossil CO2 emissions. But that’s not the only benefit that the hybrid system has brought to the vehicle. With the system, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in a mere 6.9 seconds, which is a large improvement compared to the 8.8 seconds registered by its gasoline-powered counterpart. It can also generate torque values of up to three times greater than its gasoline-only equivalent. The system also features an electric-only ‘Zero Mode’ for city driving and regenerative braking.

According to Jan Ã…ke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s Managing Director, the Saab BioPower Hybrid concept is currently not in the company’s production plan. He stated, however, that hybrids are “interesting for Saab in the future and this project allows us to evaluate and explore the potential of hybrid technology in combination with BioPower.”

The new cabriolet versions of the Audi A4 and S4 are set to make their debut in North America at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. The new Audi S4 cabriolet will feature a newly restyled exterior and two new engines offering Audi’s FSI direct injection technology. The A4 cabriolet will come with two engine options, a 200hp 2.0T FSI turbocharged 4-cylinder and the 255hp 3.2 V6 FSI. Meanwhile, the 2007 Audi S4 will come with a 340hp 4.2 V8, another Ward’s winner. Both the A4 (2.0T and 3.2T models) and the S4 will feature Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system.

The Audi A4 Cabriolet now has enhanced sporty handling characteristics and a more stable ride. The A4 offers a four-link front suspension and a sophisticated self tracking trapezoidal link rear suspension, both of which are made of light-alloy components. Furthermore, both the A4 and S4 provide excellent direct response and feedback for the driver with its Servotronic speed-sensitive training. The New York International Auto Show will open on April 14, 2006 and run until April 23, 2006. The 2007 Audi A4 and S4 Cabriolets are just two of the upcoming models and concept vehicles slated to make either their world or North American debut in New York this year.

The new 2006 Jeep Commander scored a victory at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) crash tests receiving the highest ratings for frontal-impact crash protection. The Commander is the eleventh new vehicle from the Chrysler group to achieve top safety ratings in the frontal crash tests. The all-new SUV features the latest in safety and security technology offered as standard equipment. Among the many safety features of the Commander are side-curtain airbags with a roll detection system.

Other major safety innovations include electronic stability program, electronic roll mitigation, brake assist, anti-lock brake system, and 4-wheel brake traction system. Craig Lowe, VP for Rear-wheel Drive Product Teams of the Chrysler Group says that the “Chrysler Group is offering Jeep Commander customers peace of mind through more standard safety and security equipment and the application of a broad range of engineering technologies.”

Much have been said about General Motors‘ plan of giving its Saturn vehicle line-up a new appearance that will make them look more like Opel vehicles. Well, you be the judge if the transformation was worth it or not as Saturn displays new production vehicles and concept cars in the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

According to GM North America vice president Mark LaNeve, the new cars will show “GM’s commitment to raising the bar on product execution as part of our North American turnaround plan.” He further added that “Saturn’s dramatic new cars and crossovers, combined with an industry-leading positive retail experience, are a winning combination.”

So what are the new cars and crossovers that LaNeve and we are talking about? There are actually three, and these are the 2007 Saturn Aura, the Saturn Sky Red Line, and the Saturn Outlook.

The Saturn Aura is a mid-size sedan that, according to GM, carries with it the new Saturn design. The vehicle was first unveiled as a concept car on last year’s Detroit Auto Show. When unveiled at the New York Auto Show, GM promises us to see a fun-to-drive sport sedan with an aggressive exterior styling and plush interior designs.

The Saturn Sky Red Line, on the other hand, is a roadster that adds performance to the already stylish and refined Saturn Sky. Powered by the same turbocharged, 2.0-liter, direct injection, 4-cylinder engine used on the Pontiac Solstice GXP, the new Sky outputs 260 horsepower, making it worthy to become a new member of Saturn’s Red Line family of performance variants.

The last, but definitely not the least, on Saturn’s new vehicle line-up is the Saturn Outlook. Built on the new GM crossover platform, the Outlook boasts of an 8-passenger seating capacity. This is aside from the vehicle’s stylish exteriors and capable engine and mechanical parts.

Aside from the three production vehicles, GM will also be unveiling a new concept car. This new concept car will be joined by the Aero-X concept which was first unveiled in the Geneva Auto Show.

I bet you didn’t know that, did you? Maybe you’re thinking paper or plastics are the most recycled products in the world today. But actually, newspapers, aluminum, glass and consumer electronics are only next to automobiles in the most recycled products list. Every year, 95% of old automobiles are stripped down and processed for recycling. Nearly 84% of the automobile’s materials are up for recycling. In fact, 26 automobiles are recycled every minute says a report from the American Iron and Steel Institute. Reusable parts such as engines, transmissions, doors and bumpers are dismantled and remanufactured or rebuilt for use on other vehicles.

When these parts have been dismantled, the car is then compacted and passed through a shredder that sorts the vehicle’s materials into metal and non-metal parts. The metal parts are then melted down and recycled for various uses ranging from construction materials to batteries. In 2004, almost 15 million tons of steel was recycled from automobiles. Non metal components are also recycled into new parts for autos. These include sound deadeners which are recycled from carpets and splash shields which were originally part of spent battery casings.

Fluids such as engine oil, coolant, refrigerant and gasoline, as well as other scrap materials such as batteries, catalytic converters, tires and plastic components are also recycled. Tires become floor mats or brake pedals. Carpets become sound deadening materials. Manufacturers such as DaimlerChrysler and GMC use recycled parts on some components of its new vehicles. In fact, ten percent of the plastic parts of a MINI Cooper, a product of BMW, is made of recycled plastics.

Auto recycling is a very important part of the automotive industry and is actually the 16th largest industry in the US with revenues reaching $25 billion per year and employing over 46,000 people. There are over 7,000 auto-recycling centers scattered across the country today. Automakers are also stepping up their recycling operations to help promote environmental conservation. Auto owners are also encouraged to turn in their old vehicles for recycling.

DaimlerChrysler appears to be all set in bringing the elegance and distinct design of their most-awarded new car, the Chrysler 300, to another level and to another group of customers. This was revealed after the company announced that they will be showcasing stretched versions of the 300 at the New York International Auto Show next month. Further, it seems that we will be seeing not one but two long wheelbase 300’s—the 300 Touring and the 300C Long Wheelbase models.

The new Long Wheelbase versions of the Chrysler 300 will be six inches longer than the current models, giving the vehicle more than 46 inches of rear legroom and an added 10.2 cubic feet of interior space. The Chrysler 300 Touring Long Wheelbase will be equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 250 hp. The Chrysler 300C Long Wheelbase, on the other hand, will feature the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI® engine that outputs 340 hp. It will also be equipped with the Multi-Displacement System—a system that automatically reduces the number of cylinders into half when less power is required.

DaimlerChrysler is looking at the livery or limousine industry as its biggest customer base for the Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase models. Thus, we can expect that the new 300 will feature a lot of limousine-like features. The new vehicle models will also feature a lot of custom options including a lighted writing table, power ports for computers and cell phones, directional reading lights, lighted vanity mirrors, and custom paint colors.

All the modifications to the Chrysler 300 will be handled by Accubuilt Inc., a custom specialty vehicle manufacturer based in Lima, Ohio. As to the pricing, Chrysler 300 brand manager Mike Perugi hints that details will be released closer to the vehicle’s launch.

Automakers are putting more and more advanced technology features in every automobile that rolls off their assembly lines. Almost every aspect of these new vehicles is becoming a showcase of high-tech innovations and gadgets: from advanced safety features to interior comfort and entertainment amenities. It’s actually quite exciting to see what the car of the future has in store. Already, we are seeing some of the latest and most advanced technologies in today’s new models.

For instance, the new 2007 Mercedes Benz S550 is chock-full of new technologies and features such as an infrared technology-based night vision system, a “Pre Safe” system that prepares you whenever the car detects an impending crash. Other automakers are also introducing various technological innovations in their respective new models. The LS 460, a new luxury sedan from Lexus has a feature that allows it to park by itself. The new Acura RL prepares the car and its passengers from impact as soon as the car senses that a crash is inevitable.

One of the biggest advancements in automotive technology is the imminent introduction of a production vehicle from Honda powered by fuel cells. The Honda FCX is expected to be produced, albeit in limited numbers, by 2010. This fuel cell powered four door sedan has a driving range of 350 miles per one charge. Fuel Cells is one of the most exciting and anticipated developments in the industry. Basically, a fuel cell powertrain uses only hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity that will power the car’s engine with only water vapor as exhaust by product.

Mercedes’ “Pre Safe” system is probably one of the greatest advances in car safety systems. When the car detects and imminent collision, panic stop or skid it immediately goes into operation, closes the sunroof, adjusts the seat’s backrests and cushions, raises the head restraints, closes the side windows and tightens the seatbelts. Although these pre-collision systems are only currently available in luxury models, we can expect that lower priced vehicles might begin offering the technology as it becomes more common.

Nevertheless, not all these technological innovations are absolutely necessary or even useful at least. For example, the same high-tech night vision system mentioned above raises some valid questions: On a dark road, are we better off looking at the dashboard display rather than paying attention to the road ahead? Also, BMW got a lot of flak when buyers complained about the complicated iDrive System, which controls climate, navigational, audio and other functions.

With all these technologies that really does enhance the functionality and versatility of automobiles but are admittedly making the driving experience far more complicated than it should be, there could come a time when car buyers will get a “technology overload” and shun away from such flashy and complicated gizmos and gadgets. Whatever it is that lies ahead, one thing is certain, the cars of the future are now here.

It’s confirmed. BMW is all set to produce a hydrogen-based version of its popular 7-series model within the next two years not four years as was previously announced. The German automaker plans to produce at least a few hundred of these hydrogen cars. The vehicles will have two fuel tanks: one for standard gasoline and the other for hydrogen. This means that future drivers can switch between using gasoline and hydrogen which will be very important as hydrogen re-fueling centers are yet to be established.

The hydrogen-powered cars are part of BMW’s long term goal of offering hydrogen motors in all its cars. This is definitely good news for every living, breathing organism in this world: hydrogen cars run on water, produces only water vapor emissions, and uses unlimited supply of hydrogen from sunlight.

Advocates of the technology claim that it is the best solution to the nation’s current fuel problems. Major automakers, however, claim that the technology is anything but feasible for production, at least for now. Well, let us just allow these experts to discuss the possible scenarios by themselves. The important thing is that another possible solution to our power problems has been brought to the table. And that proposed solution is the ‘plug-in’ hybrid vehicle.

A ‘plug-in’ hybrid vehicle is a special type of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle that can simply be plugged into a wall outlet for charging. But while the technology makes it easier for hybrid vehicle owners to power their cars, it makes the production of hybrid vehicles more difficult and costly on the part of auto manufacturers. This is probably the reason why many auto makers are still not biting the idea.

The largest obstacle for the eventual integration of a ‘plug-in’ hybrid system in a production vehicle is the battery. According to Brian Corbett, spokesman for General Motors Corporation, ‘plug-in’ hybrids “typically have bigger batteries, which are usually the most expensive part of a hybrid car.” And while using exotic materials like lithium and nickel alloy for the production of the battery can partially solve the size problem, these materials can also heighten the production cost.

Despite the production hassles and costs, some companies are willing to give the idea a try. This willingness was manifested first by eDrive Systems, a California company who is planning to offer a plug-in conversion for the Toyota Prius. The conversion will add 180 pounds in lithium-ion batteries to the Prius. However, it will also allow the vehicle to run 100 mpg, with up to 35 miles driving on electricity alone. The same company is also working on the conversion of other hybrids, including the Ford Escape.

On the part of the large auto manufacturers, only DaimlerChrysler AG has, so far, offered to give the technology a try. The company has agreed to build 40 ‘plug-in’ hybrid Sprinter delivery vans for testing worldwide.

What is Electronic Stability Control? Among the numerous technological innovations introduced in the automotive industry for the last few years, ESC is probably one of the most important as a lifesaver. Picture this: you’re cruising along in your SUV at normal speed then you suddenly enter a curve that is too extreme for the speed you are traveling, the rear of your vehicle begins to slide and spin out, you panic and try to grapple with the steering wheel to avert a potentially serious accident.

Without ESC, you would probably end up off the road, rolling over or even worse. But with ESC, the system automatically detects that your direction is changing more quickly than appropriate for your intended direction. It then briefly applies the right front brakes to alter the direction of the vehicle back to the right path.

How does ESC work? Electronic Stability Control is an evolution from antilock braking technology which uses speed sensors and independent braking for each wheel. An ESC system uses automatic braking of each wheel to prevent the heading from either changing to quickly (spinning out) or not quickly enough (plowing out). ESC helps keep the driver in control of the vehicle while under extreme maneuvers although it does not increase traction. It also uses the driver’s natural reaction of steering into the right direction.

A study conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that having ESC significantly reduced single-vehicle crash risk in cars by 35% and 67% for SUVs. Results corroborated with another study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and indicated that widespread application of ESC can save more than 7,000 lives per year. Furthermore, the study says that if all US vehicles have ESC, this can prevent as many as 800,000 of the 2 million+ single vehicle crashes that happen every year.

Electronic Stability Control is currently being offered as either standard or optional in pricey cars and SUVs from the likes of Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes and Saab. It is offered in different names such as Stabilitrak in GM cars and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) in Toyota and Lexus. (For a list of 2006 ESC equipped vehicles, visit this site.)

However, it is quite ironic that only 6 percent of car buyers opt for ESC. It is partly because ESC as an option is still quite expensive. It may also be the lack of knowledge or plain indifference why most car buyers usually ignore this potentially lifesaving technology. This is why most automakers still don’t offer ESC as standard equipment especially in mid to low priced vehicles.

In any case, if people can afford less-important luxuries such as a high tech audio system, they should have the foresight to spend more on a proven, life-saving technology such as ESC.