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Recharge Wrap-up: VW exec predicts EVs with 375-mile range

Volkswagen says EV ranges over 300 miles aren't too far in the future. Plug-in hybrids are merely a bridge to all-electric mobility becoming more practical for people who need to travel longer distances, according to Dr. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Volkswagen's head of powertrain development. Energy density is increasing rapidly in new batteries. Speaking about the e-Golf, Neusser says, "I expect the next generation in 2015-17 will increase to around 300 km [186 miles] and the following step will be around 500-600 km [310-372 miles]." Neusser also says he believes that charging infrastructure will improve to catch up with these more advanced batteries. Read more at Motoring. BMW is offering higher incentives for the all-electric i3 than the range-extended version. More buyers are opting for the i3 REx, with its 78 extra miles of range. So, to move the standard i3 (which is already cheaper), BMW is offering $2,000 in incentives for October - double what is offered for the i3 REx. The added incentives help close the price gap between the BMW and other EVs with similar ranges. The deals won't last long, though. According to New Jersey BMW salesman Manny Antunes, BMW's current incentives are "as aggressive as they're going to get" for a while. Read more at Green Car Reports. Honda is changing its research and development process for all cars after a series of Fit Hybrid recalls. The hybrid version, which makes up more than half of all Fit sales in Japan, was the subject of four recalls within nine months. In response, Honda will change the way it develops cars worldwide, with one extra "gate" to pass in the process. Honda will do prototype testing earlier in the research process to see how separately developed components work together before moving onto the car's development phase. It will add time and cost to making cars, but Honda hopes it will help prevent problems - like those that come with a flurry of recalls - down the road. Read more at Automotive News. Featured Gallery 2015 Honda Fit Hybrid View 16 Photos Related Gallery 2014 Volkswagen e-Golf: Frankfurt 2013 View 15 Photos Related Gallery 2014 BMW i3: First Drive View 33 Photos News Source: Motoring, Green Car Reports, Automotive NewsImage Credit: Honda Green Plants/Manufacturing BMW Honda Volkswagen Electric Hybrid recharge wrapup

Renderings have us excited for reinvigorated Honda Civic Si

Realistically, we know there's no way the new Honda Civic Si will look exactly like the stunning, green, two-door coupe that debuted at the 2015 New York Auto Show. But, as these renderings show, there is a future where the production Si will look very nearly as good as that concept car. Now, it's very important to note that these are not official renderings. Instead, they've been assembled by CivicX.com, and are based on everything from the production Civic sedan, to spy shots of the upcoming coupe, to the flashy concept that foreshadowed the new compact earlier this year. Inspiration was also drawn from previous Si models. As always, take these shots with a grain of salt. That warning has never been so hard to follow, though. These renderings show off a coupe that is very nearly as cool as the concept, while still remaining firmly planted in the real world. In our mind, the front end is the most accurate part of these renderings, taking the production Civic Sedan's and applying a suitable layer of aggression. Other aspects look good, but are probably a bit too fanciful, like the huge wheels and ultra-low-profile tires – seriously, those look like 35-series rubber. That's madness. We aren't crazy about the back, either. With that pedestal spoiler, huge taillight element, and busy rear bumper, there's just too much going on at the tail of these Civic Si renderings. We wouldn't mind seeing a smaller spoiler, perhaps one that doesn't so heavily obscure the handsome fastback tail. A wider diffuser would help, too. It seems underdeveloped here, almost like it was tacked on at the last minute. Check out the full range of renderings, which give us a look at a potential version of the new Si in a variety of traditional colors, including what looks like Taffeta White and Rallye Red. Related Video:

Honda takes us through 50 years of automobiles in 60 seconds

Honda's wonderfully simple, fun ads are not in short supply right now. We showed you Hands, the followup to 2003's The Cog, last week. If you haven't had a chance to look at those two great videos, we strongly encourage you to head over that way and give them a watch.
The latest minute-long commercial is a bit more dear, though. And while it may be in Japanese, it's still a cool look back at Honda and its car-building history.
This is also a great video if you're a fan of odd, vintage Japanese vehicles. Honda's T360 and a few old Civics are featured heavily, although we can't help but notice that a few very big names are missing. Where's the NSX or the S2000? How about the original Insight, a car so revolutionary it still has a cult following today? Honda has made some great cars, we just wish it'd show off more of them. Check out the video below.