James's Weekly Chatter - 17th January 2012

By James Preston
makeandmodel.co.uk
17 January 2012

What’s been going on this week?

It was the North American International Auto Show last week and Volkswagen quickly unveiled the E-Bugster, an all-electric concept car that is based on the 2012 Beetle. The concept is powered by the same electric drivetrain that will be used in the Golf Blue-e-Motion hatchback from 2014. An electric motor connected to the front wheels provides 114 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, drawing power from a 695-pound lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the trunk floor. Their design chief Walter De Silva stated, "It's a crazy car, it's funny, it's bold, and it's an American Car." Volkswagen says driving range is about 100 miles per charge.

The Electric version of the Golf will go into production in 2014 but it is unlikely that this speedy 2 seater will be nothing more than a show car.

Staying with VW and the Volkswagen Up was named Car of the year at the 'What Car?' awards last week. Editor Chris Hallet said "The Volkswagen Up is the best car we’ve seen this year because it combines refinement, quality, space and economy. It sets new standards for the £10,000 price bracket. It feels at home in town and copes admirably on the motorway."


Volkswagen also went home with the small family car award for the Golf.

Ford have released pictures of their brand new Mondeo, it is due to go on sale in North America later this year before hitting UK shores in 2013. The new version will also be available as a hatchback as well as an estate, prices in the UK are likely to match the current model starting at £17,800. It will come with new technology and a higher quality interior and next public outing will be the Geneva Motor Show.


Going back to America and Honda are looking to go back into the Supercar business after revealing the Honda NSX in Detroit, despite being unveiled as a concept the Japanese company have said it is likely to go on sale within the next 3 years. It will be the world's first green supercar and will stick to its V6 mid-engined two-seater origins and all-wheel drive technology. Their President Takanobu Itoh said, "In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX, I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities."


Finally, the Lexus LF-CH Concept was named best concept car at the event. There is no doubt that it is a stunning look car although Lexus have yet to reveal any performance details, however Toyota president Akio Toyoda is understood to have requested personally that the LF-CH concept has the wow factor!


Have a good week!


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