Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive sets Nurburgring production EV record

The Mercedes SLS AMG ED (pictured) set a new EV lap record at the Nurburgring Just as Audi decides that the R8 e-Tron isn’t a production viable option, Mercedes decides to prove there is potential for electric cars at the very high end. The Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive has been to the Nurburgring and set a new lap record for a production electric car of just 7 minutes 55 seconds. The SLS AMG ED, which goes on sale very soon at more than £300k, may weigh a chunk more than a regular SLS (550kg more), but it gets plenty of help from its four electric motors – one at each corner – to overcome the weight of its batteries with 751bhp and 737lb/ft of torque on hand.

Peugeot Quartz Concept is a 494bhp Hybrid SUV – debuts at Paris Motor Show

The Peugeot Quartz Concept is a 494bhp Hybrid SUV - The Peugeot Quartz Concept is a concept from Peugeot heading for the Paris Motor Show next month, and it uses a hybrid setup to offer the potential of huge performance from a pair of electric motors and the 270 PS 1.6 litre petrol engine from the RCZ R. Before you get too excited, it seems unlikely the QuartZ Concept is heading for production with its very concept-y look with scissor doors, pop-out steps for access and no B-Pillar, but it does show what could be done if Peugeot is brave enough and it does show the performance potential of the hybrid platform. The hybrid platform consists of the 1.6 litre THP 270 engine from the RCZ R – good for 266bhp – and an electric motor on each axle.

CAR reader's guide to Brussels motor show 2010

CAR Online reader greamedykes submits his brief report on the 2010 European Motor Show Brussels. The 88th European Motor Show Brussels took place at the Brussels Expo between the 14th and 24th of January. During this period, 606,000 visitors viewed the latest offerings from the car industry.