2000 Infiniti G20 on 2040-cars

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Infiniti Prototype 10 single-seat speedster unveiled at Pebble Beach

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Infiniti's new Prototype 10 takes inspiration from last year's Prototype 9 concept, but instead of minimal bodywork and open wheels, adopts the long and sinuous profile of classic speedsters of the past. And the concept's electric powertrain hints at the Japanese automaker's future. Infiniti says that all new production models from 2021 onward will have some sort of electrification, spread across pure battery-electric vehicles, parallel hybrids and e-POWER series hybrid powertrains. The overall shape of the Infiniti Prototype 10 recalls classic race cars like the 1950s-era Jaguar C- and D-Types. There's virtually zero wind protection for the single passenger, but there's a prominent headrest that incorporates a fin-shaped aero element. Air intakes are plentiful and festooned with close-set vertical bars that remind us of last year's Prototype 9 concept. There are lots of striking details in the Prototype 10's flowing bodywork. Slim, almost slit-like lights up front sit below the level of an Infiniti logo highlighted by negative space. In profile, a virtual line cuts across the vehicle front to rear. We look forward to seeing how some of these elements are incorporated into future production vehicles from Infiniti. View 17 Photos We don't have any details on what's actually powering the Prototype 10 as its sits, other than the fact that it's electric, of course. But we do know that the concept uses Infiniti's steer-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering system. We can also see that the interior compartment is minimalist in design, clearly in an effort to keep the driver's focus firmly on the road ahead. Though much of the commentary surrounding the Prototype 10 will undoubtedly be about its radical bodywork, it may be the vehicle's chassis that is most relevant to Infiniti's production electric vehicle plans. The company describes the Prototype 10's chassis as rigid, modular and flexible with a flat floor and says such a platform would underpin its future electrified vehicles, including sedans, SUVs and sportscars. Stay tuned for more on the Infiniti Prototype 10 as we meander the remainder of Monterey Car Week here in California. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Recharge Wrap-up: Infiniti PHEV, free biodiesel?

In certain cases, biodiesel is so inexpensive that it is essentially free to use. Thanks to the decline of crude oil prices, other fuels, including biodiesel, have been following the trend. After setting new renewable fuel mandates, Congress also reinstated a $1-per-gallon tax credit for refiners. With such low prices, Midwest refiners are paying as low as $0.645 per gallon. In California, however, additional incentives mean some customers could get money back on the biodiesel they use, depending on the deals between producers and blenders and whether or not they share the credits. Read more from Ag Web. Infiniti is considering adding plug-in hybrid technology to its vehicle lineup. Infiniti CEO Roland Krueger says that it will leverage the EV expertise from Nissan for the electrification of its cars. Don't hold out for a luxury version of the Leaf wearing an Infiniti badge, though. When asked if an all-electric Infiniti were out of the questions, Krueger says, "Performance and the range are very important in the premium segment, so we believe that for Infiniti a hybrid or plug-in hybrid is the right proposition at this time." Read more from Automotive News Europe. Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell drivers in California have logged a cumulative 1 million miles. With nearly 100 Tucson Fuel Cells sold so far in Southern California, these drivers have prevented some 385 tons of CO2 emissions. "Breaking the seven-figure consumer mileage barrier gives us new vision into the unlimited zero-emissions potential for Hyundai's fuel cell vehicles," says Hyundai's Mike O'Brien. "With our growing fleet of hydrogen-powered Tucson fuel cell vehicles accumulating one million miles this quickly, one can only imagine the unlimited potential for a zero-emissions hydrogen vehicle future." Read more in the press release below. Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Drivers Accumulate More Than One Million Zero-Emission Miles Cumulative Zero-emissions Miles by Southern California Fuel Cell Drivers Breaches the Seven-Figure Mileage Barrier Fuel Cell clean H2O emissions effectively replaced approximately 385 Tons of CO2 emissions compared with gasoline vehicles of similar size FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb.

Formula 1 seeking independent engine supplier

Formula 1 could get a new engine supplier in the near future, if Bernie Ecclestone and the independent teams gets their way. According to Autosport, the FIA is soon to open the contract up for bids, and there are already several manufacturers that have expressed interest. Currently Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and Honda supply engines – both to their own premier teams (Red Bull and McLaren for the latter two) but also to other teams like Williams, Sauber, and Toro Rosso. Because the new turbocharged V6 hybrid power units cost those four suppliers so much to develop, they're charging their customer teams big bucks – around $20-30 million per season – to provide the engines. These costs are much higher than the $10 million or so it used to cost to purchase a V8 engine under the previous regulations. Ecclestone figures it's time to bring in another supplier who will not run their own team and not play favorites, but will supply engines to private teams at a lower cost. There are already a number of potential suppliers under consideration. One of them is said to be Cosworth, which has a long history in the series stretching back to 1963. The British firm stepped back between 2007 and 2009, returned in 2010, and dropped out again after 2013. The development could be of particular benefit to Red Bull, which has been unable to find an engine supplier and could be forced out of the series as a result. The team has long been powered by Renault, but that relationship has grown sour. And the other three engine manufacturers have not been forthcoming in offering an alternative arrangement for the team. Related Video: News Source: AutosportImage Credit: Cosworth Motorsports Ferrari Honda Infiniti McLaren Mercedes-Benz Renault F1 engine contract