Honda Nighthawk Cb450 Seat Lever Set on 2040-parts.com

New Mercedes B-Class Electric Drive goes in to production

The first Mercedes B-Class ED (pictured) rolls off the production line in Rastatt With the BMW i3 grabbing headlines – and flying out of showrooms – as BMW’s first electric car, Mercedes need to play catch-up with a convincing EV of their own, and that’s the new B-Class Electric Drive – an EV version of the regular B-Class – which has now gone in to production in Germany. Built alongside regular ICE versions of the B-Class at Mercedes’ Rastatt Plant, the B-Class ED (Electric Drive) looks practically the same as its more conventionally powered siblings – although the front bumper does look a bit different – and has an electric motor good for 177 bhp and 250 lb/ft of torque, can manage a scoot to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and has a range of up to 124 miles. The range – at least the quoted range – is a chunk better than the BMW i3′s and on a par with the latest Nissan LEAF, thanks to EV technology provided by Tesla, and the wrapping of an EV drivetrain in a conventional series production car could appeal to more buyers than the ‘statement’ design of the BMW i3.

Tokyo motor show 2011 - a walkaround review

Two years ago, in the midst of the worldwide financial crash, the 2009 Tokyo motor show felt like a tiny regional event as Western manufacturers abandoned ship. Not this year. The 2011 Tokyo motor show was different, with Audi (A1 Sportback), BMW (ActiveHybrid 5) and VW (Cross Coupe concept and Passat Alltrack) all unveiling new metal.

Peugeot 2008 previewed as the Urban Crossover Concept: Beijing 2012

The Peugeot Urban Crossover previews the Peugeot 2008 Peugeot has revealed the Urban Crossover Concept at the Beijing Motor Show which  previews the Peugeot 2008 Compact SUV. We’ve already had the news that Peugeot won’t be building an estate or convertible version of the new 208, but they will be building an SUV and its almost certain to be badged the Peugeot 2008. And if we’re not very much mistaken, the Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept revealed today in Beijing is, minus a few concept fripperies and with a quick badge change, the new Peugeot 2008.