We walked the aisles of the Cleveland Auto Show, the smaller brother to the Detroit Auto Show that took place earlier this year. Here are a few cars, engines, and features that I liked:
The prototype i-Miev is similar to an electric vechicle that went on sale in Japan in the summer of 2009. The i-Miev has a 330-V lithium-ion battery and a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that puts out 64 hp and 133 lb-ft torque. A charge lasts about six hours.
Where the gas tank filler would be on a traditional car, the i-Miev has an electric plug!
We got a big kick out of the i-Miev's interesting and cute tail-lights.
Diesel engines were big at the show. This TDI Clean Diesel engine is in a VW Jetta. The variable-valve engine puts out 140 hp and 236 lb-ft torque. It goes 0 to 60 in 8.9 seconds. The engine has been used in Europe for the last 10 years. Of a type called the "common rail diesel," this engine is said to be as simple as a tractor's and highly efficient. The engine has made Ward's Ten Best Engine List for several years in a row.
In its day, this mid-70's Lotus was more race car than street car.You can just see the tail end of the modern street-car version behind it.