GM goes down the drain while new promising car companies are rising

Ok, I've been looking at cars lately (since our baby was born we discovered the old car was way too small). And When looking at cars (we bought one already but still looking at what the future will bring) I noticed that the coolest cars come from new, innovative and relative small companies (in case of Tesla funded with dot com money). And at the same time the old dinosaures are going down (GM for example). I think the reason for going down is not being innovative and not listening to the world.

I searched a bit for electric or hybrid cars and what I found was horrible. No electric or hybrid car from one of the dinosaures is a true innovation compared to the cards designed by Tesla or Fisker (and others)

Why are the traditional car manufacturers not able to make the next step (some use a currect model and make it a hybrid like MB or lexus for example) and some create a new one (the prius or totally electric the Voltz) but still they have not been able to use the possibilities from an electric car and create a new car. I think Tesla and Fisker have demonstrated that a green car doesn't have to be ugly. As a matter of fact it can be green, good looking and sportive while at the same time being a nice familiy car (Tesla model S) with plenty space (2 trunks instead of 1 and an engine room)

At the same time I see some nice initiatives for public recharge stations and when on the move and a recharge takes a bit too much time you can simple swap the battery pack in 5 minutes. And in case of a big disaster we do have some spare enery in all car battery packs:)

When looking at this from a employability perspective companies will need to provide these stations in a few years from now and since governments are giving big tax savings on these electric cars it will be worth for employees to drive one (and companies, what about green image, cost savings etc)

So the next big thing in employee benefits is not a big bonus but free electicity to recharge your car

a nice link to more e-cars

Tesla model S electric car

OK, Tesla already proved to be different by designing a good looking electrical car (not like the prius of honda, but good looking, just like the LoReMo) when they came up with their sports car. Now they created a car for the masses with the model S.

Besides being a 4 person affordable electric car that looks good it has some nice Convenience and utility bullet points:

• Up to 300-mile range
• 45-minute QuickCharge
• 5-minute battery swap
• Charges from 110V, 220V or 440V
• Seating for 5 adults + 2 child seats
• Unique hatch for oversized items
• 60/40 flat-folding rear seat
• 2nd trunk under hood
• EPA Roominess Index 121.6
• More room than station wagons
• 17-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 3G wireless connectivity

Tesla Model S powertrain includes a liquid-cooled 9-inch motor, floor-mounted battery pack and a single-speed gearbox, delivering effortless acceleration, responsive handling and quiet simplicity - no fancy clutchwork or gear-shifting required. Tesla Model S costs as little as $4 to fully charge - a bargain even if gasoline dropped to $1 per gallon. You can have affordable fun while being socially responsible.

Technical specs:

• 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
• ¼ mile in 14 seconds
• 120 mph top speed
• Braking 60-0 mph 135 feet
• 42 kWh battery storage system standard
• 70 kWh and greater battery storage systems optional
• 9- inch liquid cooled electric motor
• Single-speed transaxle gearbox
• Curb Weight 3825 lbs
• Overall Length 196″
• Wheelbase 116.5″
• All-wheel-drive available (option available in future production models)
• Right hand drive available

The Tesla Model S Concept is a drivable vehicle that exemplifies Tesla’s “no compromises” philosophy - an elegantly refined luxury sedan delivering optimal performance without sacrificing efficiency. Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, the car’s aggressive stance gives way to a modern silhouette, with minimal front and rear overhangs for maximum space efficiency. The car’s mature face defines the future of the Tesla brand and incorporates the touches from the Tesla Roadster. Environmentally friendly materials are incorporated throughout, including water-based paint for the exterior, chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on interior, and 100 percent recycled PET carpeting from Futuris.
Other details:

• Panoramic roof with sliding moon roof
• Retracting door handles for improved aerodynamics
• Full-time 3G connectivity with Internet, HD and satellite radio
• Push button “gear” selector
• Brembo brakes
• Automatic rear lift gate
• 21-inch wheels, Front Tires 245/35ZR21, Rear Tires 285/30ZR21
• 17-inch haptic touchscreen and customizable vehicle information display
• Fully digital instrument cluster
• LED and neon headlight and taillights, with xenon Hella low beams
• Smart-key power and push button gear selector
• Brembo brake system with new one-piece monobloc calipers and integral stiffening bridge to optimize performance
• Front brake system:o Brembo Gran Turismoo Brembo 6-piston Monobloc Caliperso Brembo 405×34mm 2-Piece Floating Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats
• Rear brake system:o Brembo Gran Turismoo Brembo 4-piston Monobloc Caliperso Brembo 380×28mm 2-Piece Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hat

Please note the dashboard is not conventional as well. They did say touchscreen and customizable vehicle information display and let's hope you indeed can customize this (check the pics of the dash and you see what I mean). The idea is great and all tweakers love it (ok there are some minor details on reliability for example that you want to see answered)

So for the dashboard please look at the gallery at http://i.gizmodo.com/5185966/first-look-at-the-tesla-model-s-electric-cars-giant-touchscreen-dashboard