Nissan Light Commercial EV sketch

Nissan has released a concept sketch of a light commercial electric vehicle based on the newly launched NV200.

The low-cost multi-purpose vehicle would allow ambulance drivers to drive directly into the hospital or van and taxi drivers to enter urban areas where CO2 emissions are restricted.

The van is one of four electric vehicles Nissan has announced for the future. At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan, said LEAF – the world’s first mass market affordable EV – will be launched in Japan and the US in late 2010, Europe in 2011 with global mass-marketing efforts to begin in 2012.

(Car Body Design's news)

Rally Fighter debuts at SEMA Show

At the SEMA Show Local Motors has unveiled the prototype of the Rally Fighter, the off-road racer developed in just 15 months through the innovative crowdsourcing design process. The four-seater car is powered by a BMW 3.0 liter diesel engine and will go on sale on summer 2010.

The Rally Fighter offers an authentic off-of-road experience, and is custom designed and built for the deserts of the American Southwest.

It was designed by community member Sangho Kim while many Local Motors' members participated in the open development process.

The Rally Fighter is powered by a BMW 3.0 liter twin-turbo clean diesel delivering 265 hp and 425 pound-feet (576 Nm) of torque at only 1750rpm that are transferred to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Rally Fighter is lightweight at only 3,200 pounds (1,450 kg) which allows for great performance and efficiency.

The car is debuting in SEMA sponsored "Making Green Cool Zone". At 30-36mpg (12.8-15.3 km/l) , the Rally Fighter is competing for most efficient in its desert off-road class.

Rally Fighters are now available for reservation at www.local-motors.com/rf. Early builds will begin this Summer, 6/8/10.

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Hammond's Audi RS6 vs Skiers French Alps Race - Top Gear - BBC

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi preview

Ferrari has released preview images and information on the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park which is set to open in 2010. Among the features is the 200,000 square meters red roof inspired by the double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body with the largest “prancing horse” emblem in the world.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, set to open in 2010, is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind. It will be an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for enthusiasts, fans and families.

The Park pays tribute to the passion, performance, technical innovation that Ferrari has established over the years and represents today.

Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 m2 and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will host a number of attractions, including rides for children of all ages, providing the complete Ferrari experience: over 20 state-of-the-art attractions, each designed to bring to life a different part of the Ferrari story, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, travelling at speeds exceeding 200 km/h and emulating the sensation of being in a Ferrari F1 car, or the G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62 m, through the roof and back down again.

The Park is located on Yas Island - set to become a global tourist destination with a wide range of accommodation and entertainment facilities - on the North East side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland.

Abu Dhabi, at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, was chosen as the ideal location to build the Ferrari theme park, motor sports being extremely popular in the United Arab Emirates.

The Park is owned by Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi’s leading property development, management and investment company.

For further information visit www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com.

(Car Body Design's news)

Mitsubishi Compact Crossover: preview sketch

Mitsubishi has announced the introduction of its all-new Compact Crossover, previewed by a design sketch and based on the 2007 Concept-cX. The car will go on sale on February 2010 and will be focused on eco-friendly technologies.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced the forthcoming introduction of its all-new on-road Compact Crossover, to be retailed first in Japan from February 2010 onwards.

Derived from the 2007 Concept-cX show car, it is the latest development of MMC's mid-size global platform ("Project Global').

This product will support Mitsubishi Motors’ strategic shift from being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers, with a presence in the “authentic off-roader” segment.

As such – and after i-MiEV – this on-road Compact Crossover will be the Corporation's next step towards lower impact vehicles.

The European premiere is scheduled for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

(Car Body Design's news)