How much money does Honda lose on each hybrid?

$0.00.

That's how much Honda loses on each hybrid it sells. In fact, the other day I read that both Honda and Toyota make about a $3,000 profit on each hybrid sold.

Of course, that doesn't include all R&D costs, especially on Honda's hybrids since Honda hasn't sold nearly as many hybrid cars as Toyota. Now that Toyota has sold well over a million hybrids, however, development costs have probably been recovered.

Yet, not one US automaker has a solid Insight or Prius contender. When will they? Ever?

Within the next five years I'd bet gas prices will be about $3.00 - $4.00 per gallon, a price that could make hybrid cars like the Insight and Prius two of the top selling vehicles in America.

What will the Big 3 have?

Taking inspiration from the designs of Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel, Saab Fashionista is a green concept sport coupe that is based on the Chevrolet Volt. Designed by a fourth year design student at Creapole-ESDI — Mayeul Walser, Saab Fashionista is probably hiding a range-extended electric powertrain under the stylish bodywork. And can you see those nine-spoke blade-like carbon fiber rims? A pretty amazing concept nevertheless, our main concern is that Saab and their GM parent company may not be in business by 2012, which would mean that the appealing design may never leave paper. [via Autoblog]

There’s been a lot of rumors going on these days, some more appealing than others. But I thought that another one, wouldn’t hurt. Apparently a potential new Audi model is being taken in consideration these days. It’s an Audi E1 that will feature the typical luxury inclusions we’ve been used with. Sharing a platform with VW Up, the Baby E1 is supposed to be the ultimate ultra-efficient city car. Running on supposedly 600cc two-cylinder turbos, and a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engines, the new Audi E1 will be built in Slovakia at VW’s plant. With prices expected to go North of €13,000, the car is expected to hit floors in 2011 when the company is also expected to introduce a hybrid powered by Lithium-polymer batteries. That’s great news, no? [via autoexpress]

Lexus is all set to enter their LF-A two-seat sports car prototype, for this year’s Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race on 23-24 May (in the Division 2 SP8 class). Packed with a 4.8 liter V10 engine paired to a sequential manual gearbox made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (the body that is) this little monster puts out nothing less than 500 hp. But the good news that puts a smile on our faces is that this LF-A prototype is actually “REALLY” close to the one that will go in production in the near future. We can only imagine spinning a Lexus LF-A on public roads. Ohh, the adrenaline rush …

Press release

Lexus will enter two LF-A sportscar prototypes in the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race on 23-24 May, 2009. The entry of the two-seater sportscar, which is powered by a 5,0-litre V10 producing more than 370kW, forms part of an on-going Research and Development process.

As in 2008, Lexus engineers will use the gruelling race at the infamous German track to gather technical data that will be applied to future mass-production of vehicles. The company will also use the event as an opportunity to develop human resources by giving young mechanics the chance to work as support staff.

The cars are prototypes of the LF-A, which is currently being developed with an eye on commercialisation. Modifications for the race include safety equipment (roll cage, fuel tank, safety harnesses and seat among others), as well as a spoiler and other aerodynamic features. The development team has improved the LF-A’s performance with fine-tuning based on experience gained in last year’s race, while specifications for the engine, powertrain, and body structure remain largely unchanged.

Lexus has a strong track record in endurance racing in the US and Japan. Past successes include powering the winners of the legendary Daytona 24 Hours in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and winning the GrandAm championship (Grand American Rolex Series) with a record number of wins; and claiming the Super GT title in 2006 with the Lexus SC 430.

Rumors have it that the Germans from BMW are working their butts out to bring a new concept at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. And it’s not just any concept. It’s a BMW Z2 roadster that will be built on the same platform with the new 1-series with lightweight materials (should weigh less than 1,000 kg) and technology that should offer both power and fuel efficiency. Suposedly sent forward by MINI’s full range of 1.6-liter engines and a high-speced new twin-turbo 2.0-liter that outputs 250 hp, the new BMW Z2 is expected to cost you a good $30,000 when it’s going to be available in 2013. Not bad, eh? [via bimmerfile]

Posted by Auto Bots: On May 15, 2009, a possible world record may be reached when a 1965 Daytona Cobra Coupe will be put up for an auction. So what's so great about "this" coupe that will make it a possible world record holder Well, its price range is $10 million to $15 million, and with that price the world record set by previous car auction sales will be broken.
Tags: 1965 daytona cobra coupe, shelby cobra cintage cars. Comments: 0.

The elegance and the power is what made us fall in love with the MINIs in the first time. And that’s what keeps us blushing when a new spcecial edition model is announced. Dedicated to the 50th anniversary of John Cooper’s first Formula One car, MINI JCW F1 features a 210hp engine and is going to be covered with a “racing green” paint. Also adding a Pepper White roof, matching mirrors and a stylish body aerokit, only 50-100 units of the MINI JCW will be built and it’s rumored that none will ever make it to the States. [via Jalopnik]

Rumors have it that President Obama is going to announce that Chrysler is going to follow the alliance with Fiat and will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It makes sense. Apparently 20% of the company will go to the Italians, 55% will go to an union retiree health-care trust fund (who will own Chrysler’s best assets), while the rest would be the state’s stake in the business. And altough the negotiations are not yet over, the Obama administration is likely to announce everything (including the U.S. Treasury’s $2.25 billion offer), tomorrow. It’s quite interesting to see what’s going to happen now with all the big boys in the auto industry. [via Bloomberg]

Debuted last year at the Paris Motor show, the new BMW X1 has been caught completely undisguised during a photo shooting these days. With a slightly reworked grille and some additional chrome here and there, the 2010 BMW X1 is going to feature a variety of naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines that will obviously know a bit about performance and technology. As for the interior, it looks roomier, because the X1 is expected to ride on a E90 3-Series platform. Priced at some £20,000, expect it to go on sale starting this fall. [via CSS]

At the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction in Indianapolis this year, the guys at Mecum Auctions are going to put a rare (one of only six) 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe CSX2601 for sale. An iconic super racer with an experimental coupe body and a Cobra chassis, the CSX2601 is expected to rope in between $10 and $15 million. And although it looks like an amazing drive, we certainly wonder how does a possible buyer look like? Are only collectors interested in such a ride?