Volkswagen's E-Bugster Concept is an All-Electric Beetle Hot Rod

At the 2005 North American International Show, Volkswagen introduced the New Beetle Ragster concept. It was a second-generation Beetle convertible with a much lower roofline and its name was conjured by crossing the words “ragtop” and “speedster”.

Fast-forward six years, and the “People’s Car” company (for that’s what Volkswagen literally means in German) is launching a similar concept at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show .

It’s called the E-Bugster, with the “E” standing for electric, “Bug” for the U.S. nickname of the Beetle, and "ster" for speedster.

Based on the latest Beetle, the E-Bugster is a coupe that looks quite impressive thanks to its much lower roof, black A-pillars, wide C-pillars and chunky 19-inch alloys.

But all that’s to be expected from a motor show-bound concept model. The real interesting parts lie beneath its bodywork. You see, while the “Bugster” will most likely never progress from the concept stage, what powers it will.

The propulsion system comprises of an 85 kW (114HP) electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that is mounted under the boot and the rear bench –coincidentally, reminding us of the original Beetle's layout.

However, that’s where the similarities end as the all-electric E-Bugster has zero emissions and a range of 100 miles (160 km). The battery pack is recharged via a plug located under the VW logo and is compatible with both 120V and 240V chargers as well as quick chargers that provide an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes.

VW calls the electric propulsion system “Blue-e-motion” and has already announced that it will be used in future electric vehicles such as the Golf Blue-e-Motion.

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Volkswagen to Debut Beetle-Based Electric Hot Rod at the Detroit Motor Show

We just learned that Volkswagen's surprise debut at next week's 2012 North American International Motor Show in Detroit will be a pure-electric concept model based on the new generation of the Beetle – despite previous reports saying otherwise.

The conceptual EV version of the recently launched 2012 Beetle will sport a heavily modified body with a lowered roof and wider fenders with its looks slightly resembling the Volkswagen Ragster Concept (pictured above) that was displayed at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show.

Power of course will come from an electric motor fed by a battery pack.

We'll post an update as soon as we find out more. In the meantime, feel free to check out the pictures of the 2005 VW Ragster concept after the break.

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Land Rover DC100 Concepts Gain a Red Hue for New Delhi Auto Expo

Given that since June 2008, Indian conglomerate Tata owns Land Rover, the presence of the British firm's DC100 concepts that preview a replacement for the iconic Defender at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Show was a certainty.

The Defender Concept 100 and Defender Concept 100 Sport, as the three-door hardtop and open-top versions are named respectively, are identical to the revised models launched at the 2011 Los Angeles Motor Show save for a couple of differences.

More specifically, they both sport a “Firenze Red” body color with a white roof for the fixed-top version and new-design alloy wheels, still at 20-inches in diameter and wrapped around in Cooper all-terrain tires.

Land Rover Director John Edwards commented: “Our ambition is to create an all new Defender for the global market that remains absolutely faithful to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable and capable. At the same time, it will be developed for the 21st century and adaptable for the needs of future generations.”

Like the two previous versions that were displayed at last year’s Frankfurt and LA Motor Shows, both models are powered by 2.0-liter engines, the DC100 by a diesel and the DC100 by a gasoline engine that transmit power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The concepts also feature Land Rover’s Terrain Response system along with an array of new features, like sonar sensors that measure water depth and a 3D-mapping navigation system that can identify potential hazards and suggest alternative routes off road, and pedestrians and other obstacles in urban environment.

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2013 Subaru BRZ Sports Coupe's U.S. Debut Confirmed for Detroit Motor Show

We can't say that we weren't expecting it, but in any case, Subaru made it official today that the production version of its BRZ rear-wheel drive sports coupe will make its first public appearance on U.S. soil at the 2012 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall in Detroit on January 9.

Subaru's latest press release doesn't really add anything as we already knew that the BRZ will come with a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter boxer engine that revs up to 7,400 rpm and will be matched to either a six-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission.

Sales of the 2+2 sports coupe will commence in the United States this spring with more specific details including official pricing expected to be announced during its premiere in Detroit.

As everybody should know by now, the BRZ is a sister model to the North American market Scion FR-S and the Toyota 86 / GT-86. In the States, it is believed that the BRZ will come with more standard features and a slightly higher price tag than the FR-S.

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Infiniti Performance Line G Cabrio Concept

While we always try to find out if Hyundai is dedicated EV fees described (see here) will debut next week at 2010 Paris Motor Show, here's a concept that Hyundai has been confirmed for the show. Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Convertible Concept car is the second sports fan of Japanese society Badge IPL after the introduction of the G Coupe in North America this summer.

As you might expect, a version of the IPL hardtop four-seat Infiniti Coupe Cabriolet to share many of the styling and performance enhancements.

Under the hood sits a 3.7-liter V6 engine modified production car with 338 hp at 7400 rpm and 374Nm of torque. The regular Euro-spec model copes with 320 hp at 7,400 rpm and 360 Nm For the record, the U.S. market and IPL G Coupé V6 348 horsepower produced.

Infiniti says settled convertible accelerates from zero to 100 km / h (62 mph) in less than six seconds while the top speed of de-limited concept, with a seven-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters, is more than 270 km / h or 168 mph.

The suspension concept model was also upgraded with 10% stiffer springs and dampers adjusted, while the body is a little closer to the ground.

In the looks department, Paris Show model layout is developed a new black pearl paint with red tips called "Malbec Black", while the interior has been treated in the Principality of Monaco red leather.

External upgrades are a new front bumper, headlights and grille blackouts throughout the half extension sculpted sill and tailgate spoiler. Enormous exhaust pipes and a tail 19-inch 7-spoke full list of changes.

On the inside, the center console has a black lacquer finish, while the edge region above the glove and the gates are adorned with a decorative ribbon KACCHU call, according to Infiniti, is a name given to the armor used by Japan's feudal warlords, or samurai, the Middle Ages.

Although presented as a concept, we all know that the G Convertible will be offered IPL flavored sooner or later, in the states. In Europe, this is what Infiniti, said. "The decision on IPL launch Infiniti in Europe will be taken later, after the reaction to the IPL G Convertible concept has been considered"

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