Concepts hint at shape of things to come

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Honda FC Sport fuel-cell concept vehicle.

John LeBlanc

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

While most visitors to the auto show will be kicking tires on what's available for sale sooner rather than later, the concept cars offer a glimpse into the future.

BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid

Similar to the Lexus LSh, the hybrid version of BMW's 7 Series sedan offers a guilt-free driving experience for the rich.

Using its version of a gasoline-electric hybrid system developed with Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler and General Motors, the 7 Series is the second BMW hybrid concept, following last year's X6 Active Hybrid.

In the 7 Series hybrid, a 400 hp and 450 lb.-ft. torque, V8 twin-turbo gas engine is combined with a 20 hp and 155 lb.-ft. electric motor fully integrated in the automatic transmission housing.

BMW says the electric motor gives the car even more "dynamic acceleration," while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 15 per cent.

Chances of production: Despite the fact that the market for both über-luxury sedans and hybrids is less than stellar these days, BMW says it will introduce a production version this year.

Chrysler Town & Country EV

As concepts go, it's what's underneath this minivan's familiar shape that's the most futuristic.

As part of the Chrysler's ambitious electric vehicle program, which includes the Dodge Circuit sports car and Jeep Patriot SUV EV concepts (and very similar to Chevrolet's Volt), the Town & Country EV uses a 268 hp motor, a lithium-ion battery, a small gas engine and an electric generator to produce additional energy to help power the electric-drive system.

Just the thing for environmentally conscious hockey parents, the Town & Country EV can go from 0 to 100 in about 8 seconds, has a top speed of more than 160 km/h, an all-electric range of 64 km, and a driving range of up to 640 km.

Chances of production: Hmm. Chrysler has a few financial hurdles to overcome before mass producing pricey, niche market EVs.

Honda FC Sport

The near-silent driving experience and promise of zero emissions of fuel-cell-powered vehicles may not be as far off as critics thought only a few years ago.

While Honda started delivering a handful of its FCX Clarity production hydrogen fuel cell cars to test customers in California last summer, the company has followed up with its FC Sport three-seat sports car concept.

For now, the FC Sport is strictly a non-functional concept.

Honda says it was created to show the packaging flexibility that is possible with hydrogen fuel cell technology.

The FC's rear hexagon shape houses cooling radiators for the fuel cell while Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high-speed aerodynamics and "convey the vehicle's racing pedigree."

Chances of production: For now, zilch. The financial crunch is putting a strain on automakers and customers, making substantial advances in alternative-fuel infrastructure unlikely in the short term.

Mitsubishi iMiEV

No hybrid, the iMiEV is an electric version of Mitsubishi's gas-powered "i" city car (MiEV is an acronym for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle).

Powered solely by batteries, an asynchronous motor produces instant torque and pumps out 47 kW (about 64 hp) in a car that weighs only 1,040 kg with the proportion of a Smart ForTwo (if Smart made a four-door.)

The iMiEV's16-kWh lithium-ion battery has a range of about 113 km. Mitsubishi says you can plug the EV into a 110-volt household outlet and it'll recharge in 14 hours. Plug into a 220-volt and it'll take half the time.

Chances of production: Mitsubishi says the iMiEV will go on sale in Japan next year, in Europe the year after that and eventually in the U.S.

Nissan Forum

The Forum is a minivan that hints at the styling aesthetics and possible features if or when Nissan decides to replace one of its oldest models, the Quest.

While the Forum's trackless doors and B-pillar-less design standout, the real goodies are on the inside.

Nissan says part of the brief given to designers was to create a vehicle with a "unique family `togetherness' space."

To that end, some of the Forum's features include wireless TV monitors, a built-in microwave that's just the right size for popcorn, an audio muting/intercom setup called Time Out, second- and third-row surveillance cameras, "Kids Cams," and the around-view parking assistance system introduced on the Infiniti EX35.

Chances of production: If Nissan decides to replace the slow selling Quest, expect this replacement to show up with the clean diesel slated for the Maxima next year.

Scion Fuse

With its Fuse concept, Toyota is prepping Canadians for the launch of its formerly U.S.-only Scion youth brand in spring 2010.

The Fuse's exterior design inspiration came from the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan.

The interior is referred to as "one plus stuff," focusing on the driver by offering three interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations.

The current U.S. Scion lineup offers a trio of compact front-wheel-drive cars: the square-back xB, the more conventional xd five-door hatchback, and the Tc two-door coupe.

The Tc, introduced in 2004, is the oldest model in the lineup. So when Toyota says the Fuse was designed to be "the new Scion sports coupe icon" you can come to your own conclusions.

Chances of production: The Fuse could end up as a replacement for or complementary model to the Tc, or neither.

Subaru G4e EV

Like the Mitsubishi iMiEV, the Subaru G4e EV is a pure electric car concept with an eye toward mass production.

The five-seat G4e's source of power is what Subaru calls a "new next-generation" lithium-ion battery developed in-house.

The Japanese automaker is particular to highlight the use of vanadium: a material that can store two to three times more lithium ions than conventional materials – the energy density is nearly double that of similar manganese lithium-ion batteries.

Thus, Subaru says the G4e can travel about 200 km with one charge.

While the batteries can be fully charged in about eight hours from a home 110V power source, a quick charge to 80 per cent capacity is possible in just 15 minutes.

Chances of production: Eventually. Some day. Maybe. Subaru is actively researching and developing EVs jointly with Tokyo Electric Power Company.

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