E-Rod Roadster

The E-Rod electric roadster is the newest creation from German design firm Mileworks. Scheduled to go on sale Spring 2010, the new E-Rod has an advanced electric powertrain with a twin motor design churning out 230hp and 2,100Nm of torque. This twin motor design allows one motor to power each axle, which in turn provides four-wheel-drive capability.

A 32kWh battery is said to give the vehicle a range of over 120mi (200km) and uses a typical 240V and a 10-16amp European household power outlet so charging times should not take longer than 12 hours. This 1,000 pound retro-styled roadster that seats two will accelerate from 0-100km/h in five seconds and can reach a top speed of 200km/h. Full production details are  not yet confirmed, but Mileworks hopes to build 1,500 examples of the E-Rod next year and price it under $84,000

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Caterham

Caterham rose 2009 production levels by around ten percent to 420 units due to the increased demand for its Seven sports car. The British company said that it will enlist additional workforce for the production side of the business to help manage the increased pressure as the company’s order book is already chock-full until mid-October. The manufacturer of the classic two-seater that has remained timeless over the years said that growth from mainland Europe, the UK and other markets has surpassed expectations in 2009.

“Our international sales drive is delivering the results thanks not only to favorable exchange rates but more importantly the quality of business partners we have established in markets including France, Italy, Japan and Germany,” said Ansar Ali, Caterham Cars managing director

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The latest reports indicate that a stylish Opel Cabrio model will also resurface for the sixth-generation Astra. The new Cabrio would replace the current Astra TwinTop but will be a sportier model. The new Astra Cabrio will have just two seats and go up against premium roadsters expected from VW and Mini, according to AutoExpress. The cabrio will also sport a folding metal hard-top, in addition to a full bodykit, xenon headlights, and chrome exhaust tips.

Its interior will come from the standard Hatchback but include supportive bucket seats and leather trim. Powertrain choices will reportedly include a 270hp (201kW) 2.0L turbocharged gasline unit, as well as a new 150hp (112kW) 1.4L turbo and a 170hp (127kW) 2.0L CDTI for diesel fans. No word yet on when we may see this model on the roads.

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It is rumored that Porsche is working on a model based around the RS Spyder American Le Mans Series (ALMS) race car. If the RS Spyder does become road-legal, it will probably be around 400hp (298kW) and 2,200lb (1,000kg) which is right on par with the outgoing Carerra GT in power-to-weight ratio, but naturally higher-performing due to its lighter weight.

A production engine from Porsche’s current lineup will also likely be sourced to substitute the race-spec model. The running gear and carbon fiber tub chassis are expected to transfer over from the race car, although the suspension will need to be detuned to accomodate bumpy city streets and the body and cockpit will be similarly mellowed to allow for more creature comforts. However, the two-seat roadster layout would be preserved.

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MINI Speedster

There have been rumors of a two-seater convertible Mini for some time, and now latest reports say the car has been given the go- ahead for production. By making the car a strict two-seater, BMW can use the same platform that the Mini Cooper Cabrio currently sits on and BMW will be able to easily mix and match parts from its current stock for the eventual Speedster lineup.

The speedster will be much sportier than the current range of Mini models and will likely be wider and lower than current four-seaters and will definitely be the more aggressive Mini in the family. Additionally, the car will most likely have a soft-top to keep weight down, but a removable hard-top could also be available. Under the hood, expect to see the range of engines that are currently seen in the MINI Cooper. BMW is yet to affirm its production, a launch date for the car is reported to be sometime in 2011.

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Haima, Me EV

Haima Auto has brought out its all-new electric concept vehicle, Me EV, at the 2009 Shanghai auto show, as a follow-up to its Fstar EV which was released at last year’s Beijing auto show. According to Haima Fushida, a joint venture between FAW and Mazda, its Me EV comes with a set of high-performance brushless motors and a choice of two lithium-ion battery packs that can power the tangerine EV between 100 and 120 miles with top-speeds of either 50 or 75 mph, respectively.

The 220-volt power supply can reportedly recharge the Me in about four hours, and if it reaches production, this urban two-seater could be credible option for navigating Shanghai’s ever increasing congested roads.

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