Wilwood Superlite Racing Caliper 120-5030-si (lh Side) on 2040-parts.com

Buy a hydrogen-powered car in 2015…at least in California

At the Consumers Electronics Show this week Toyota claimed that a production version of its four-door midsize FCV concept fuel cell sedan will hit showrooms some time in 2015. Toyota has been investing in fuel-cell technology for the past 20 years, and since 2002 it has been testing and developing prototypes primarily in North America. Toyota claims that it has reduced the cost of producing a fuel-cell powertrain, and has estimated a 95 percent cost reduction in the powertrain and fuel tanks for the 2015 production model versus the 2002 prototype.

Audi TT ultra quattro concept sheds 300kg & heads for Worthersee

The TT ultra quattro concept manages to tip the scales at 1111kg, 299kg less than the starting point – the TT S quattro – thanks to a new version of the TT’s aluminium space frame, carbon fibre reinforced plastic panels, carbon fibre for many body panels and some judicious use of magnesium. Other weight saving tricks include carbon ceramic brakes with aluminium calipers, titanium exhaust, cameras instead of heavy door mirror mechanisms, and carbon fibre and aluminium wheels. The weight saving extends to the interior of the TT ultra quattro concept too, with carbon fibre used for the door and centre console trims and glass-fibre reinforced plastic base for the seats which saves 22kh alone. But despite the weight savings Audi hasn’t made the TT ultra quattro concept a hair shirt outing with goodies like leather seats, AirCon and electric windows still on offer.

Infiniti M35 Hybrid revealed

The Infiniti M35 Hybrid - due to launch in 2011 The M35 Hybrid is based on the Infiniti M which was revealed recently at Pebble Beach. It will feature a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine coupled to an electric motor by a clutch, which means the drive goes through the propshaft to the rear wheels whatever mix of power source is being used. The M35 Hybrid is a mild hybrid, with the electric motor being used to boost the petrol engine when maximum power is called for, as well as charging the battery and recovering energy that would otherwise be lost under braking and acceleration.