Video: ERA Electric Raceabout takes a lap of the Nurburgring

The ERA Electric Raceabout, developed by Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences was spotted zipping around the track at the Nurburgring.
Power is provided by four electric motors, all running off of a 32 kWh lithium-titanate battery. What that equates to is a 0-62 time of 6 seconds, and 268-hp at 737 lb-ft. The Electric Raceabout tops out at 124-mph.
If the video proves correct, the car may have made it around the Nordschleif in just over nine and a half minutes.
Is this the future of production model electric cars? It would certainly help their popularity.

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2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe deserves ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ respect

Being an owner of the 2011 BMW 135i with a 7-SPEED Double Clutch Transmission and an M-Sport package, it was the closet I could get to BMW catering to my dreams of an M version of the 1-Series… until now. After pleading from tons of fans and making a business case to the higher-ups at its Munich headquarter, BMW finally brings us the new 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe  - and it’s a little more exceptional than it looks.

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BMW i3 and BMW i8 with some interesting facts

Earlier today, BMW launched its new BMW i brand with two new concepts including the BMW i3 and the BMW i8. The fully electric BMW i3 will hit markets in 2013, while the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car will arrive in dealerships in 2014.

>Interesting BMW i8 Facts:

• Gets modified motor from BMW i3 at the front axle. A 1.5 liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine making 220-hp and 221 lb-ft of torque moves the rear axle; total output of 349-hp and 405 lb-ft of torque.
• Mated to a twin-speed transmission, 0 to 62 mph comes in less than 5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.
• Full charge of its lithium-ion battery provides all-electric driving range of approximately 20 miles. Rumored total range of 400 miles.
• 2+2-seats offers space for four people.
• Two drive systems allows all four wheels to be driven at the same time, similar to an all-wheel-drive vehicle. This combines advantages of front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
• Interior has a Porcelain White support structure, black technical level and a section with Mocha Brown leather.
• 8.8-inch freestanding information display in the dash is joined by an equally large display taking the role of the instrument cluster for the driver. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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Fiat launches ‘Simply More’ ad campaign

Fiat USA today launched an all-new marketing and advertising campaign, the first since its return to the North American market.

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