BMW i3 sheds its skin, shows off carbon skeleton

Posted on 27/09/2012 by Tim Stevens

Want to know how the BMW i3 electric car can be so light (2,800 pounds) despite hauling around a massively heavy battery pack? A lot of it has to do with its carbon chassis. BMW uses something called CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) to create a material that is light, strong and, crucially, cheap enough to actually be used in production. The car is still on track for its 2013 release, where it will be sold out of posh i Stores like the one recently opened in London.

Gallery: BMW i3 cutaway and car

Steve Dent contributed to this post.

Filed under: Transportation

BMW i3 sheds its skin, shows off carbon skeleton originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept is a plug-in shooting brake

Posted on 27/09/2012 by Tim Stevens

The shooting break -- basically a long and low sporty station wagon -- isn't exactly a huge hit in the United States, but in Europe Porsche is pushing that body style to a new level with the Sport Turismo. It's a concept of what it believes a future, hatchback version of its Panamera four-seater grand tourer might look like. But, look beyond the dramatic styling and distinctive LED headlights, and there's plenty of tech to be spotted. Details after the break.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera sport turismo concept

Continue reading Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept is a plug-in shooting brake

Filed under: Transportation

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept is a plug-in shooting brake originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 06:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LF-CC Concept shows the future of touchscreen interiors

Posted on 27/09/2012 by Tim Stevens

We're boots on the ground at the 2012 Paris Auto Show and Lexus is one of the first auto makers to roll out its concept hardware for the show. The company had a few machines to unveil, but the highlight is definitely the curvaceous LF-CC. It is, alas, just a concept that is intended more to show the future design direction of the company than give a clue into an actual production model to come, but more interesting is the clues this is hinting about both interior design and electrification on the powertrain front. Join us after the break for more details -- and more pictures.

Gallery: Lexus LF-CC