2011 Chevrolet Volt

The Volt is more than its advanced electric propulsion system. With technology beyond the battery, the Volt takes personalization, feedback and interaction to new levels. Volt production is scheduled to begin in late 2010. Pricing has not been announced.

Engine and Specifications

Brakes: four-wheel disc, fully regenerative to maximize energy capture

Steering: electric power assist

Torque lb-ft:

273 / 370

Top speed 100mph

Audi Metroproject Quatro A1 Concept

The small car market is heating up fast, even for carmaker brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the latter of which has the majority of the market cornered with its MINI sub-brand. The Bimmer competitor from Ingolstadt plans on attacking that market with its A1 subcompact, but unlike the Metroproject concept from Tokyo, the new A1 due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show will sport four doors. Europeans are likely to get a production model spawned from the concept, which will likely be built in Brussels, Belgium and be introduced as a 2009 model. An electric model could follow shortly thereafter. Will the U.S. be blessed with another Germanic mini car? Audi's elusive Magic 8-Ball tells us "Not Likely," but with sales of the MINI going strong it's entirely too early to count it out completely.