Chevrolet Volt Deemed as 2011's Top Collectible Car of the Future by NAHC

For a second year in a row, the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC), which is billed as the world's largest public archive of automotive literature, have selected a Chevrolet model as the most collectible car of the future among 23 all-new cars and trucks launched in the States in 2011.

Last year, the winner was the Camaro sports coupe while for 2011, the award goes to the Volt extended range electric vehicle. NAHC did not name the other competitors for this year's award.

Charles K. Hyde, chairman of the NAHC Board of Trustees, commented: "This selection is unique among all the 'Vehicle of the Year' awards, because it is selected by 'car buffs' who know what future collectors will value. We asked our members to predict which of this year's new vehicles will turn heads in the Woodward Cruise of 2036."

The Friends of the NAHC will present the award to Chevrolet execs during their annual holiday reception on Thursday, December 8 in the Skillman Branch Library in downtown Detroit.

Previous winners are:

2010 Chevrolet Camaro

2009 Ford Flex

2008 Dodge Challenger

2007 Dodge Viper SRT10

2006 Pontiac Solstice

2005 Ford Mustang

2004 Chrysler 300

2003 Dodge Viper

2002 Ford Thunderbird

1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

1995 Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Aurora

(None selected from 1997 to 2001)

 

 

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Honda Looks into the Future of Plug-in Hybrids with AC-X Concept

Ordered to make its world premiere alongside an exhibition full of futuristic concept models of all kinds and sizes of the next 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011, the new Honda hybrid AC-X study.

Unlike Honda's small sports car renewable, as we only get to see through a few sketches of the time, a Japanese manufacturer released the abundance of real life pictures of the AC-X.

But once again, Honda has released few details about the concept. This is what the media propaganda says, "A new generation of plug-in hybrid vehicle with a driving experience and comfortable stay in the car in urban areas and away from long-term choice." Motor fashion "for a sportier driving or" automatic driving mode "for a more relaxed atmosphere."

So all we get from Honda is that the AC-X is a family-sized fastback model obviously larger than the inspiration that is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system plug-in.

In the pictures, we see how the concept of CA-X depends largely on the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell for inspiration, if the styling is more aggressive and consistent with the small Japanese company vehicle EV Studies Sport.

We will bring you more when the hybrid concept is fully revealed in Tokyo on November 30.

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IAA 2011: Mercedes-Benz Looks Two Generations Ahead With F 125! Gullwing Concept

Birthdays are special occasions – even more so if it's your 125th. For most people, reaching such an age is unlikely, but for Mercedes-Benz it is a fact this year and to celebrate the event, the German automaker unveiled a gullwing concept named -not too imaginatively- F 125! at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The F 125! is a plug-in hybrid that demonstrates Mercedes’ vision for a large luxury coupe of the not-so-far future. The company claims that while its previous research vehicles have “looked ahead” by one model generation or approximately seven to eight years, the F 125! concept “looks” much further, by more than two generations, beyond 2025.

“With the F 125! we want to show that large, comfortable and safe saloons have an excellent future, partly because they are able to operate with no emissions" says Mercedes’ head of Research and Development, Thomas Weber. "The legend is that the S-Class will continue into the future thanks to intelligent solutions.”

The F 125! utilizes a lithium-sulphur high-voltage and high energy density (350 Wh per kg at cell level) battery that powers four individual electric motors, one for each wheel, creating an all-wheel drive system that Mercedes names e4MATIC.

The car's hydrogen tank is integrated into the floor assembly and has a capacity of 7.5 kg. It can withstand pressure of up to 700 bars and offers a driving range of 1,000 km (622 miles).

According to Mercedes, the F 125! doesn’t sacrifice performance either, as it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

The bodywork is made of a mix of fibre-reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, aluminium and high-strength steel, resulting in great rigidity but with a significant weight reduction compared to a regular vehicle of this size.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz's designers wanted to create a cabin with which the driver will be able to interact intuitively. Tech highlights include 3D displays, projector-beam technology, next-generation networked telematics system with social media integration and remote control of vehicle functions., and of course, a semi-autonomous driving via the Advanced Driving System.

 

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