Legendary Italian manufacturer Porsche is continuing to extend its performance and high efficiency competence via intensive development work in the field of hybrid technology. After the ‘almost’ successful run by the 911 GT3 hybrid racing car in last years American Le Mans Series, Porsche has now come up with something even more fascinating.

With the Porsche 918 RSR, the manufacturer of sporty premium vehicles is presenting a high-end creation based on 2010’s successful hybrid concepts. The two-seater mid-engine coupe 918 RSR clearly reveals what happens when the technology fitted in the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and the design of the 918 Spyder are transferred to a modern, innovative super-sports car.

The 918 RSR features a powerful V8 engine producing 563bhp, and when you add the two electric motors the car gets an additional 150kW, giving it a total power output of 767bhp. Charging of the batteries occurs when the two electric motors on the front axle reverse their function during the braking process and operate as generators. At the push of a button, the driver is able to call up the energy stored in the charged flywheel accumulator and use it during acceleration or overtaking maneuvers. This additional power is available for around eight seconds at a time when the system is fully charged.

The engine is also integrated with a racing transmission based on the RS Spyder race car. This further developed six-speed constant-mesh transmission with longitudinally mounted shafts and straight-toothed spur gears is operated using two shift paddles behind the racing steering wheel. It seems that Porsche is taking hybrid race cars very seriously indeed.

2012 VW Passat

The new VW Passat for 2012 offers a more spacious cabin, but keeps the luxurious interior and relatively affordable German engineering that car buyers expect from Volkswagen.

New features include a TDI Clean Diesel engine option, an Integrated Crash Response System (ICRS), available remote start and, on certain models, the available Fender Premium Audio System – a nine-speaker sound-system that gives you the power to share your favorite song with just about everyone in the neighborhood.

There are three different versions available – a 2.5 liter 170bhp engine available with a 6-speed automatic or manual, a 3.6 liter V6 280bhp engine with VW’s popular DSG transmission, and a 2.0 liter diesel engine with a choice of either manual or DSG transmission. The 2.5-liter engine will get hydraulic steering assist, while the TDI and V6 models come with electronic steering.

Ford Mustang Boss 302

In 1968, Ford unleashed a special Mustang that sacrificed nothing in its quest to be the best all-around road-going performance machine ever created by the Blue Oval. That car became the 1969 Mustang Boss 302, and it remains one of the world’s most sought-after examples of American performance.

And now, after 42 years, Ford has brought the Boss 302 back to life. The Mustang team was able to take the current Mustang GT, and refine it further for peak track performance. With 412bhp from 5.0 liters, the 2011 GT engine was already an incredible performer. But to achieve high rpm horsepower that would make the engine competitive on the track, a new intake was essential. Helping the intake build power are revised camshafts that use a more aggressive profile, and are actuated with the same twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) mechanism used on the Mustang GT. More aggressive control calibration yields 440bhp, while still offering a smooth idle and low-end torque for comfortable city driving. A race inspired clutch with upgraded friction materials transmits power, while a short-throw, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission handles gear changes.

Ford engineers had reportedly benchmarked the BMW M3 when developing the Boss 302, aiming to beat the famous Bavarian coupe around Laguna Seca, which they claim to have achieved. To celebrate the racing heritage of the new Mustang Boss 302, Ford will also offer a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models, named for the track where Parnelli Jones won the 1970 Trans-Am season opener in a Boss 302. Aimed at racers more interested in on-track performance, the Boss 302 Laguna Seca has increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up, and an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

Working in concert with the suspension upgrades, the Boss 302 receives unique lightweight 19-inch black alloy racing wheels in staggered widths – 9-inches in front, 9.5-inches in the rear. The Pirelli PZero summer tires are sized specifically for each end of the vehicle, with the front wheels receiving 255/40 ZR19 tires, while the rear stays planted thanks to 285/35 ZR19 rubber. The combined suspension and tire package allows the Boss to achieve a top speed of 250km/h, and become the first non-SVT Mustang ever to achieve more than 1.0 g of lateral acceleration. Now, if only we could figure out a way to import the Boss to India!

A new Mini design concept made its debut in Detroit. The Mini Paceman Concept, a sports activity coupe, is the latest in the line of new concepts from Mini.

The Paceman combines the classical Mini concept with the defining features of the Mini Countryman, and the style of a coupe, which results in a car with ‘muscle car’ design cues.

Although there’s been no decision made about a future production version, the Paceman could play a positive role in the further development of the Mini brand. The John Cooper Works 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine gives the Mini Paceman Concept the capacity to deliver the outstanding performance its appearance promises. This 16 valve, four cylinder unit develops 211bhp and generates a torque of 260Nm, but the Paceman also has the ability to reach 280Nm in brief bursts thanks to the ‘Overboost’ function.

The Paceman also features ‘ALL4,’ which uses an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive that varies the distribution of power between the front and rear axles. The front axle features MacPherson struts with lower track control arms. Combine that with speed-sensitive electric power steering, and the chassis is very much expected to deliver the response and agility customers expect from a Mini.

Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec Concept

After changing the name of the unsuccessful Aveo, the American manufacturer has come up with a new entry-level sedan called the Sonic. The Sonic will be available in both sedan and hatchback versions, and with either a 1.8 liter four-cylinder mated to a 5 speed manual or 6 speed automatic, or a 1.4 liter turbocharged mill with 138bhp that’s hooked to either an automatic or manual with six forward ratios. These are the same engines used in the Cruze.

Chevy had earlier used the Z-spec name at the 2010 SEMA Show where they revealed the Volt Z-Spec, the Spark Z-Spec, and the Cruze Z-Spec. At Detroit, Chevy also unveiled the Sonic Z-spec. The powertrain for the concept is still under wraps but it’s expected that it will use the same 1.4 litre turbocharged engine with little tweaks for optimized performance.

The concept has a sporty exterior and is distinguished by a massive rear-deck spoiler, an orange paint scheme, and eighteen inch multi-spoke BBS wheels. The interior also shares the same orange color scheme, as well as new Recaro seats covered in tan leather. Other add-ons for the cockpit include a billet shift knob and flat-bottom steering wheel cap.

Thankfully, the Sonic Z-spec clearly demonstrates that the disappointing Aveo will be soon relegated to the history books, and this striking new sedan will take its place globally.

BMW has a rich heritage when it comes to producing dynamic and engaging cars that are also capable of a grand tour – with the roof up or down. The new BMW 6 Series Convertible unveiled at Detroit features an even more powerfully contoured roof while the sweeping bonnet, set-back passenger compartment with Hofmeister kink, long wheelbase, and flat waistline embody the key design DNA of the marque.

Two exceptional BMW turbocharged petrol engines, a newly developed chassis, and a host of class-leading driver assistance technology ensure the new BMW 6 Series Cabrio isn’t all show and no go – all this while interior space and comfort has also been enhanced. In tune with the rest of the car’s optimized performance and greater comfort, the new BMW 6 Series is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an integrated seatbelt system to ensure easy entry into the rear passenger compartment – a brief tap of a switch automatically moves the front seat as far forward as possible.

The 4.4 liter eight-cylinder engine in the new BMW 650i Convertible is a familiar unit, and has a brace of turbochargers positioned in the V between the cylinder banks. A maximum of 407bhp is developed with peak torque of 600Nm. The six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW 640i Convertible uses a single turbocharger along with direct injection and fully variable valve control. This enables the 3.0-litre unit to develop 320bhp and torque of 450Nm.

In the new 6 Series Convertible, BMW ConnectedDrive provides a range of systems and services which, even in the premium luxury segment, are unique. Features such as Surround-view, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Parking Assist, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Speed Limit Display are all offered. The new BMW 6 Series, Coupe and Convertible, are expected in India later this year.

Ford Focus Electric

Here you have it – Ford has just revealed the all new Ford Focus Electric. This is the first fuel-free, rechargeable passenger car from Ford, and one of five new electrified vehicles Ford will deliver by 2013 in North America and Europe.

The Focus Electric will launch in late 2011, and is designed to offer enough range to cover the majority of daily driving habits of Americans. Taking on its competitors, Ford has stated that the car will offer a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt, and a full recharge time of 4 hours, which is half the time of the Nissan Leaf.

Ford has also promised that the car will be fun to drive, as the all-electric powertrain and single-speed transmission provide immediate responsiveness and smooth acceleration when the driver pushes down the accelerator – up to a top speed of 136km/h. The Focus Electric is powered by 100-kilowatt electric motor with a 23-kWh battery, capable of producing 123bhp. For easy charging, future owners of the Focus Electric will likely recharge the car’s lithium-ion battery pack at home on a daily basis, using the recommended 240-volt wall-mounted charge station that’ll be sold separately or the 120-volt convenience cord that comes with the vehicle.

The Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies – including a unique version of the MyFord Touch driver connect system especially for electric vehicles, a new value charging feature powered by Microsoft and a smartphone app called MyFord Mobile that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.

With everyday usable cars like the Focus Electric, it appears that the EV may actually become mainstream sooner than anticipated.