Washington /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The intense debate undey about the future of the American auto industry has generated a lot of discussion about the public's attitudes.

“Right now, the American people are justifiably very concerned about the state of our economy and an overriding fear for their futures,” said pollster Peter D. Hart. “Polls I conducted in mid-November showed deep concerns about the harmful impacts of the collapse of the U.S. auto industry,” said Hart.

• 90% fear the harm it would do to America's manufacturing sector
• 84% of Americans say it would harm the U.S. economy
• 70% fear the harm it would do to America's standing in the world
• 68% worry about the lack of consumer choice for America's car buyers.

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Stuttgart — Presenting a high-performance mid-engined concept sports car with ultra-efficient, low-emission drive technology, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is further increasing the Company's competence in hybrid technology.

The 918 Spyder prototype combines high-tech racing features and electro-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities: An emission level of just 70 grams CO₂ per kilometer on fuel consumption of three liter/100 kilometers (equal to 94 mpg imp) truly outstanding even for an ultra-compact city car, on the one hand, combined with the performance of a super sports car more …

© SEAT S.A.

Martorell — SEAT is delivering a powerful statement with a compact sports coupé that carries stunning design and great driving fun into the age of electric mobility. The SEAT IBE concept car uses the zero-emissions drive of the future in a sporty and dynamic concept for urban mobility, while the clean, athletic styling of the IBE concept offers an exciting perspective on the ongoing development of the next generation of SEAT design. Powerful proportions and a precise, clear design language define the continued evolution of the Spanish brand's design DNA.

Short, low and wide, an extremely low front end and broad shoulders — at first glance, the SEAT IBE displays the proportions of a classic sports car. more …

© Group Lotus plc

The 80^th International Geneva Motor Show sees Lotus Engineering unveil the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept, a high performance technology demonstrator with a plug-in series hybrid drive system and new technologies for enhanced driver involvement.

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid, so-named because this latest environmentally-focused technology demonstrator from Lotus Engineering produces 414 PS (306 kW) of power, promises breathtaking performance from a highly efficient propulsion system. The concept showcases new developments in plug-in, range-extended electric propulsion, new electronic technologies to enhance driver involvement, the adaptability of the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) that underpins the Evora 414E Hybrid and a dramatic new roof system and interior concept from Lotus Design. Through all of these aspects it ultimately demonstrates the exceptional ability of Lotus Engineering to integrate and develop advanced technologies for exciting, efficient, high performance niche vehicles.

The range extended electric drive of the Evora 414E Hybrid consists of two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via single speed geartrain, integrated into a common transmission housing, thus enabling torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle. Electrical power is stored in a lithium polymer battery pack optimized for energy density, efficiency and high power demand, mounted in the center of the vehicle for stability and safety. Additional range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimized 1.2 liter, three-cylinder engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles. The drivetrain is designed to combine astonishing performance with efficient, low emissions driving.

Driver involvement is enhanced by the incorporation of HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and Harman International, which provide sound contouring within the cabin and improve pedestrian safety outside the vehicle. Integrated with the HALOsonic technology, the Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a brand new technology from Lotus Engineering, a sports mode that simulates a 7 speed, paddle shift transmission that combines exceptional driver involvement for a hybrid sports car and optimized energy recuperation.

The Evora 414E Hybrid has been designed to highlight Lotus' innovative electric and hybrid vehicle technology without distracting from the pure sportscar character of the Evora. The solution is innovative, instantly recognizable, beautiful and sporty. It demonstrates Lotus DNA.

© Fiat Group Automobiles

The Geneva International Motor Show sees the world debut of the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta which, from May this year, will be progressively on sale on all the major markets, thus relaunching the brand in one of the most important segments in Europe.

In the Centenary year, the name is a tribute to an automobile myth and Alfa Romeo. In the Fifties, the Giulietta caught the imagination of car enthusiasts throughout the world, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoying the high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time.

The Alfa Romeo Style Center has produced a new Giulietta, a sports car capable of expressing both great agility on the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday roads.

A new architecture to enhance road holding and agility in total comfort and safety

The new compact Alfa Romeo has been designed to appeal to customers looking for a distinctive saloon providing excellent levels of comfort and the best possible dynamic performance.

The Giulietta introduces an entirely new architecture — referred to as “compact” — designed to satisfy the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding, agility and safety. It ensures both exceptional dynamic performance and high comfort levels, thanks to the refined technical solutions employed for the suspension, a new-generation steering system, a light and rigid structure created from materials such as aluminum and high-strength steels and avant-garde manufacturing techniques.

This new architecture will allow the Giulietta to accommodate the needs of all customers in this category, teaming on-board comfort with functional interiors and boot, with the typical dynamic qualities of every Alfa Romeo.

Driving satisfaction and comfort can be adapted to meet every customer's specific needs thanks to the Alfa DNA selector, a device that customizes the vehicle's behavior to suit different road conditions and driving styles. The new architecture of the Alfa Giulietta was in fact designed to integrate the vehicle's different systems and exploit them to the full, thus emphasizing the three set-up functions (Dynamic, Normal and All Weather) available through the Alfa DNA selector. This device, fitted as standard on the entire range of the new model, is designed to modify the operating parameters of the engine, gearbox, steering system and Q2 electronic differential, in addition to the behavior logic of the Vehicle Dynamic Control system (VDC).

Sporty and comfortable, Italian style

The perfect blend of sportiness and style, the Alfa Giulietta redefines the Brand's technological standards and emotional values.

© Kia Motors Corp.

Seoul — The next generation Kia Optima (also known as ‘Magentis’ in some markets) will make its public world premiere at the New York International Auto Show, which opens on Friday 2 April 2010. A fresh design from the ground up, Kia's latest generation of its popular mid-size sedan is completely transformed and embodies a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Optima features a significantly longer wheelbase and will offer more space for people and cargo.

The next generation Optima will go on sale at Kia dealerships in the USA and in non-European markets from Fall 2010, while sales in Europe will begin in Spring 2011. more …