2008 HONDA FC SPORT

Honda revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda's V Flow fuel cell technology - already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan - and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.

"The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future."

The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle's performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport's low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.
The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.


The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver's left and right side.
The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle's racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a "naked bike" motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.

The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport's clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle's unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.

The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, in Pasadena, California, developed the FC Sport design study with the primary objective of using existing fuel cell technology as the basis for an ultimate Honda sports car. Designer Jason Wilbur led the design efforts.

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG

What it is: A high-performance version of the recently introduced C-class with a large V-8 stuffed under the hood.

Why it's important:it will be the most affordable car in mercedes-Benz's extensive AMG lineup of performance vehicles.
Powertrain:Likely to get the same 475-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 and seven-speed automatic you'll find in the CLK 63 AMG convertible.
Competition:Audi RS4,BMW M3, Cadillac CTS-V,jaguar S-type R.
What might go wrong: Mercedes will probably make the stability control undefeatble,and the C64 AMG just might understeer liks its forebear.
Estimated costs and arrival:Look for the C63 AMG this fall at the Frankfurt auto-show-it could go on sale soon after,in the $60,000 ballpark.

2011 AUDI A7

What it is:Audi new four-door will slot into the lineup between the A6 and A8.
Why it's important:The very elegant A7 is designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Platform:It's based on the next generation Audi A6,which will have its longitudinally mounted engine set farther back to improve weight distribution.
Powetrain:The A7 will shareits engines with the upcoming A6.That means a 3.2-liter naturally aspired direct-injection V-6 with at least 265 horsepower and a new turbocharged 3.0-liter powerplant making 300 horsepower.Later,as S7 is planned with a 5.2 V-10 FSI engine and 460 horses.A six-speed automatic as well as the DSG will mate with Audi;s Quatttro system.
Competition:BMW6-series,Mercedes-Benz CLS-class.
What might go wrong:The four-door "coupe" segment is growing rapidly,so by the time the A7 arrives,it could face heady competition.Even the upcoming VW Passat four-door coupe might eat into sales of the A7.
Estimated arrival and costs:The A7s first auto show will be Frankfurt in the fall of 2009.It should go on sale in 2010 as a 2011 model,costing between $50,000 and $65,000.

2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA

What it is: Porsche's long-awaited front engine luxury sport sedan will add fifth model to the lineup.
Why it's important:Once exclusively a sport-car outfit,Porsche is fats becoming s highly rpofitable full-line luxury band.As such,the Panamera four-door is a crucial link in continuing the company's hot streak.
Platform:Ostensibly an all-new platform wholly developed by Porsche,the new front-engine,rear drive arhitecture may underpin future sedans in the Volkswagen/Audi family.
Powertrain:We're expecting tha Panamera to share its engines with Cayenne sport-utility.Tham means a 4.8 liter direct-injection V-8 with at least 385 horsepower an a twin-turbocharged version of the same engine with 500 horsepower.A six speed automatic might be the only transmission offered;a manual is belived to be unlikely.Europeans might get a base V-6 version making 290 horsepower.
Noteworthy technology: A gas-electric hybrid could debut in 2010 or 2011.
Competition: Aston martin rapide,Audi A8,BMW 7-series,Mercedes-Benz S-class,Jaguar XJ,Lexus LS460
What might go wrong: The Panamera is smaller than its competitors,which might turn off some buyers,And as Porsche continues to widen its reach into other car segments,the brand could lose the focus that was once devoted to sport cars.
Estimated arrival and costs:Should be unveiled at the 2008 Detroit show and then go on sale that year as 2009 model,with a price range of $70,000 to $100,000.