msnbc.com: Autos

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Honda is putting the motor in the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show with the company’s RC-E electric sportsbike concept. Details are scarce on the vehicle at the moment, but its clear the designers at Honda envisioned the machine as a dual-purpose track heathen and commuter. Tiny LED headlights are tucked into the front fairing, and the rear of the bike is decorated with similarly demure tail lights and turning indicators. We don’t know what kind of power the RC-E develops or how it stores its power, but Honda did say that the concept rides on a 250cc chassis. We’re guessing the bike’s bare bones look more than a little similar to the company’s recently unveiled CBR250R.

Judging from the fact that the front fascia boasts an air inlet, we’re guessing there’s some sort of battery-cooling system on board. While the bike is purely a concept at this juncture, there’s a skinny chance the RC-E may hint to what Honda has planned for the future of the company’s motorcycle design. Hit the jump to check out a video of the RC-E.

Continue reading Honda RC-E electric superbike looks like fun [w/video]

Honda RC-E electric superbike looks like fun [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Audi Urban Concept came out from behind its many renderings today, and yes, it is just as funky in person. In fact, it might be more so – the renderings simply can’t prepare you for the soapbox-racer proportions of this dinky 1,000-pound open-wheeler. And even though there are but two seats, we’re still intrigued by the thought of gaining ingress through the back of the car.

Underneath the slight skin of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, two e-tron electric motors propel the 1+1 with ‘powerful’ acceleration, which is just what you’d expect from a motorized water strider.

Interestingly, Audi had promised us a hardtop version of the Urban Concept, the Sportback, but we’ve scoured the German automaker’s massive stand and have yet to find it. We’ll keep our eyes peeled and let you know if it shows up tomorrow. In the meantime, check out the flyweight Spyder in our gallery.

Continue reading Audi Urban Concept Spyder redefines “Like nothing else”

Audi Urban Concept Spyder redefines “Like nothing else” originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors built the Futurliner to promote a traveling show called the “GM Parade of Progress” in the 1940s and ’50s. The slippery-lined bus, which was penned by the legendary Harley Earl, is one of 12 that traveled the U.S. to show Americans the future of motoring and technology.

GM Futurliner #10, which was fully restored in 2007, recently made a trip out to the Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The 30-ton, 33-foot-long bus was on display at the event, but that didn’t mean that the massive antique wasn’t allowed to also take a whack at the quarter mile. The 70-year-old sign of progress didn’t exactly light up the tarmac, but it can hold its head up high for even finishing the run. The final time? 48 seconds at 28 mph.

Follow the jump to watch the Futurliner in (slow) motion. And no, your YouTube connection isn’t running poorly… the Futurliner is powered a four-cylinder diesel engine (30 tons!) and only has a top speed of 40 miles per hour.

Continue reading GM Futurliner runs quarter mile like a Boss

GM Futurliner runs quarter mile like a Boss originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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