2009 New York Auto Show Brings Shades of Green With New Concepts

This weekend marks one of the most important events of the year for car manufacturers, automative dealers, and car enthusiasts around the world.  This year's International Auto Show has a lot in store for the environmentally conscious as well. Along with our green transportation favorites - the amazingly powerful Mercedes BlueTec; the award winning Honda Clarity fuel cell, and, of course, the super-economic Prius - we're seeing plenty of new eco concepts emerging.

This prototype blends the work of GM with the revolutionary design of Segway. The PUMA has room for 2 passengers and features seating rather than the stand-up design of the Segway. The electric motor eliminates fuel dependency and the design would cost half as much as traditional autos to manufacture.  

Giving the sleek Tesla Roadster a bit of competition, the Fisker Sunset is a sporty plug-in hybrid concept.  Production is planned for late 2009 and the curvy convertible will be just slightly more affordable than the Roadster with an $87,000 price tag.

Scion unveiled the sassy micro-subcompact iQ this weekend, featuring 3+1 seating to be more functional than the typical micro car.  The Scion iQ also boasts a smaller carbon footprint than the super-eco Smart Car.  

Images/Sources: Green Car Examiner

                                 GearLog

New Tesla Model S Is Unveiled

Tesla Motors, makers of the popular Roadster, recently unveiled their latest all-electric automobile in California to great fanfare. According to the company press release, The Model S "will likely be the world's first mass-produced, highway-capable electric vehicle when production begins in late 2011". The EV automaker anticipates the base price for the Model S to be $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. The company has already received 520 reservations for the Model S even though it only launched on March 26, 2009. Tesla Motors CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk said, "Frankly the number of cars reserved in the first week has exceeded our optimistic internal projections". In addition to the successful Model S launch, Tesla announced delivery of over 170 Roadsters in the first quarter; this total surpasses the total delivered for all of 2008.

As a family sedan, the stylish Model S is roomy - it can accommodate seven people, and efficient - it can travel up to 300 miles per charge. The car can be recharged from any 120V, 208 V, or 240V outlet or quick-charged from an external direct current supply in only 45 minutes! It will top out at an electronically limited speed of 130 mph and goes 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The Model S offers a 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity which will enable the driver to check the car's state of charge remotely on their iPhone. After an East Coast premier in Washington, DC, Tesla Motors plans to show a drivable prototype in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Seattle this spring and summer. For the EV auto connoisseur, Tesla Motors is taking reservations for the Model S Signature Edition which will offer unique interior and exterior features. For a $40,000 reservation fee, you can reserve one of only 2,000 Signature Edition cars that will be produced.