BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both unveiled hybrid versions of their flagship sedans and Audi is next. Audi is set to unveil the A8 Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Audi announced its plans at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Audi also included that it sees hybrids as the next step to fully electric vehicles and that it has no plans for a mild hybrid. The A8 Hybrid will be a full hybrid. Audi is also going to release a Q5 hybrid this fall. The A8 hybrid is expected to appear shortly after the Q5's launch.

GM unveiled the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept, Cadillac's upcoming flagship Sedan!

So it's be widely known for a while that GM has been planning on replacing the Cadillac STS and DTS sedans with one flagship model for the brand. Well GM has just unveiled the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept, which is supposed to be a preview of what we can expect from Cadillac's upcoming flagship sedan, the 2012 Cadillac XTS. The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept showcases the progression of the Cadillac Art and Science philosophy with exterior styling that is similar to the CTS and SRX models.
"The XTS Platinum concept is the next expression of Cadillac's Art and Science execution philosophy, reflecting our drive to deliver the latest innovations in the most artful manner," said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. "We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury."

The concept uses Cadillac's 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The combined output of the V6 and electric motor yields 350-horsepower and 295-pound-feet of torque. The concept can be recharged at any standard external electrical outlet and takes about five hours to recharge. The system in the XTS Platinum Concept is not the same design as the one in the Chevy Volt, since the Volt's engine's main job is to recharge the battery.

Honda officially unveiled the 2011 Honda CR-Z at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show!

Honda has officially unveiled the 2011 Honda CR-Z at the Detroit Auto Show. We've seen several leaked photos and brochures of the production version of the CR-Z, so today's unveiling wasn't much of a surprise. As expected the CR-Z finally brings some much needed "sport" to the hybrid segment, but to some the final result may be a little disappointing. The Honda CR-Z is launching with a 1.5L 4-cyl mated to an electric motor, which together only put out 122 horsepower on tap and just 128 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers don't really make the hybrid seem all that sporty. At least the availability of a six-speed manual may make it a little more enjoyable to drive than the optional CVT. When equipped with the CVT the CR-Z gets 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon. With the manual it only gets 31/37.
Although on paper it doesn't seem like the CR-Z will be that sporty, but lets hope it drives well.
The 2011 CR-Z will be available this summer.

GM will Build the Cadillac Converj extended-range electric vehicle!

Today GM's Bob Lutz officially announced at the conference of the Society of Automotive Analysts that GM is going to build the Cadillac Converj extended-range electric vehicle. Teh Cadillac Converj will officially be the second plug-in extended-range electric vehicle that GM is going to introduce.
The Converj Concept was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show last year and was based on the same powertrain that is going to power the upcoming Chevy Volt. According to Lutz, GM has just started developement on the Converj and it is at least a few years away.
The Cadillac Converj is cleared for production," Lutz said. He wouldn't commit to a production date. "You'll see it when you see it. It won't be next year or the year after that."

GM Confirms 2011 Chevy Volt Will Initially Launch in California

GM has just confirmed this morning that the launch of the upcoming Chevy Volt will commence in California, late next year.

"It is natural that California is the lead market for Volt. Not only is it the largest automotive market, Californians are known to be leaders in adopting groundbreaking new technologies," said Brent Dewar, GM vice president, Global Chevrolet Brand.

GM is also partnering with three California utilities (Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and Sacramento Municipal Utility District) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) as part of the roll out. The partnership will provide an extended, real-world demonstration and research program to introduce customers to electric vehicles. GM is going to supply 100 Volts to program participants to use in their fleets for two years.

Toyota Planning Larger Prius with a Lithium-Ion Battery

A new report is claiming that Toyota is planning a new larger Prius, that will be powered by a lithium-ion battery. The new larger version of the Prius will either be a wagon or SUV and it will supposedly launch by the end of next year.

According to the Japanese Yomiuri newspaper, the new version of the Prius will be Toyota's first hybrid with a lithium-ion battery. Toyota of course has declined to comment on the report.

Toyota is also reportedly working on a Prius coupe to go head to head with the upcoming Honda CR-Z hybrid.

Full Story: Detroit News