The EcoCAR Challenge is a student engineering competition that allows universities, automakers, government and advanced technology companies to collaborate with students across North America to create more fuel efficient vehicles. The EcoCAR competition aims to convert a Saturn Vue crossover vehicle into a very ecofriendly vehicle, with each competing school adding their own unique perspectives and inputs into their finished product. The University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology is designing their Eco Friendly Car based upon Full-Function Electric Vehicle architecture. The team anticipates their finished product to have a range of 400 plus KM without a recharge. To contact the team for more information on their project please click here.

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Want proof that hybrids can be exciting? Just check out BMW’s new concept that will be debuting at the Frankfurt auto show. With a turbo-diesel engine, Lamborghini-like doors that pivot upwards, and extreme styling, this plug-in full hybrid BMW is one of the most, if not the most electrifying hybrid we’ve seen yet.

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The Vision EfficientDynamics concept is loaded with technology that enables incredible performance and efficiency. It has one electric motor at each axel, powered by lithium-polymer batteries which can be recharged in just 2.5 hours when plugged into a 220-volt outlet.

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The 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 163 hp and 214 lb.-ft. or torque is combined with the electric motors to generate a total system output of 356 hp and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. With a relatively low curb weight of 3076 lb., the 6-speed twin-clutch gearbox launches the Vision EfficientDynamics concept from a standstill to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. While its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, the vehicle could easily exceed this. Its super aerodynamic body allows it an average fuel economy of 62.6 mpg.

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How about a future luxury sports car that offers performance, driving pleasure, and fuel efficiency in one package? Infiniti plans to offer just that with its exciting new concept called the Essence, a front-engine, rear-drive two-seater sports coupe. Riding on 22-inch wheels and tires, this big coupe is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.7-liter V-6 that pumps out 434 hp. With the addition of a hybrid drive system that integrates a 158 hp electric motor in parallel, combined output is near 600 hp. A dual-clutch transmission and rear-wheel drive result in a superior steering feel.

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A metal shift lever, mechanical gauges, and lack of chrome give the Essence a classic sports car feel. However, with the driver and passenger areas separated by a two-tone color scheme, the interior is quite unique. In addition, due to minimal luggage space, custom luggage from Louis Vuitton slides out with the click of a button. Pretty cool, eh? This is one exciting future sports car, so let’s up Infiniti decides to build it.

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Cadillac’s most exciting new concept yet, the futuristic Converj was created with beauty in mind. Building on the Chevrolet Volt, GM is equipping the Converj with a more advanced version of the Volt’s E-REV system called Voltec. This includes a 120-kW (161 hp) electric motor, powered by a 16-kWh, T-shaped battery pack, and is recharged via a four-cylinder range-extending engine. Producing 273 lb.-ft of torque, the top speed of the Converj is 100 mph.

Fully powered by its electric motor, the front-wheel drive Converj can travel up to 40 miles on electricity alone before the engine is needed to generate more electrical energy. The batteries can also be fully recharged in eight hours from a regular 110-volt household outlet. Riding on 21 in. (front) and 22 in. (rear) wheels with a suspension system featuring GM’s Magnetic Ride Control adjustable shocks, as well as an all-glass roof and cameras in place of side mirrors, the Converj concept is surely something of beauty.

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With the simple goal of producing a hybrid city car capable of competing against BMW’s Mini, Audi has developed the A1 Concept. The A1 is powered by a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a supercharger, allowing it to deliver 150 bhp. The rear axle holds a 41-bhp electric motor with a battery pack that can be recharged by plugging into an electrical outlet, regenerative braking, or through the engine. Audi claims that its A1 can travel up to 62 miles on pure electric mode.

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Mercedes-AMG is building a high-performance pure electric all-wheel-drive gullwing sports car that is planned to be a production model in 2015. With two electric motors and one transmission per axle that allow for improved handling, as well as three modules of lithium-ion batteries that fit safely into the SLS’s body to protect from crash damage while not taking up any extra space, Mercedes is really stepping up the performance and safety of future electric vehicles.

Speaking of performance, the SLS AMG eDrive is claimed to have an output of 526 hp and 649 lb.-ft of torque, allowing it a 0-62 mph time of about 4 seconds and a top speed of over 125 mph. Range is estimated to be about 90 to 110 miles, with a full recharge of 8 hours.

NICE (No Internal Combustion Engine) infused a traditional coupe with sustainable power and mucho awesome auto-lifting doors. NICE concept cars are designed with power in mind (a typical shortcoming of electric concept cars), playing off a reduction in weight courtesy of electronic steering and braking mechanisms. This advanced technology will gradually be phased into traditional production cars (so says the NICE engineers).

It will be interesting to see if NICE’s appeal sails across the Atlantic. We’ll keep you posted.

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