SLS AMG E-CELL is go

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its SLS AMG E-CELL is to enter series production, with customers able to place orders from 2013. The announcement was made by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Proving that not all electric cars will have to be dull, the SLS AMG E-CELL is powered by four electric motors that combined produce 525 bhp (392 kW / 532 PS) and 880 Nm (649 lb/ft) of torque. Each of those motors is placed close to its own wheel, creating an intelligent all-wheel drive system.



At the moment, a liquid-cooled, high-voltage lithium-ion modular battery is being used for the prototypes. Its energy content is 48 kWh, with a rated capacity of 40 Ah at 400 volts. The SLS AMG E-CELL will also benefit from regenerative braking, which will top-up the battery’s charge during normal driving.

The only performance figure released so far is the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time, which is said to be around 4 seconds. By comparison the petrol-powered SLS AMG, with its 563 bhp (420 kW / 571 PS) and maximum torque of 650 Nm (479 lb/ft), does the same sprint in just 3.8 seconds. So, despite some extra torque, the electric version is marginally slower off the line. That probably indicates it’s hauling around a little added weight?



Two vital stats that have yet to be revealed are battery recharge time and the car’s range. These will be critical in establishing whether the SLS AMG E-CELL can tempt customers away from the existing V8-powered version.

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Prius range expands

Toyota has announced a second Prius model that’ll sit alongside the existing hatchback.



Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, the Prius v (small ‘v’, apparently stands for ‘versatility’) is an MPV that shares its platform and Hybrid Synergy Drive technology with the current car. Toyota is very keen to point out that its design is new from the ground up but, apart from the elongated rear, most casual observers would struggle to spot the difference.

It’s that back end that defines the Prius v, though.  Luggage space behind the rear seats is up from 610 litres (21.6 cu. ft.) in the hatchback to 970 litres (34.3 cu. ft.). And, for extra flexibility, the rear seat bench can slide, recline to 45 degrees and be folded on a 60:40 split.



The downside is that the extra bulk has had an impact on fuel economy. While the EPA city / highway figures for the Prius hatchback are 51 mpg US (61.2 mpg UK / 4.6 l/100km) and 48 mpg US (57.6 mpg UK / 4.9 l/100km), the Prius v only achieves 42 mpg US (50.4 mpg UK / 5.6 l/100km) and 38 mpg US (45.6 mpg UK / 6.2 l/100km).

North American sales of the Prius v are due to begin in late summer 2011. A European launch date has yet to be confirmed.



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Volt is Car of the Year

The Chevrolet Volt has been declared the 2011 North American Car of the Year. 49 jurors from across the United States and Canada gave it 233 points, making it the fourth time that GM has won the title.

Images © GM Corp.

In second place was the Hyundai Sonata, which received 163 points. Third went to the electric car that took the 2011 European Car of the Year award, the Nissan Leaf. It picked up 94 points.



Meanwhile, the 2011 North American Truck of the Year is the Ford Explorer, which earned 253 points. It comfortably beat the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which scored 138 points from the jury. The Dodge Durango, with 99 points, was third.