2008 Mercedes E-Class

Can't say for sure whether the designers over at Auto Motor und Sport had inside info or not when they came up with the E-Class renderings, but they sure do look s-e-x-y! Something between a CLS and a S-Class, the next generation E-Class shown here combines tectonic elegance with Italian brio. Lets hope that when the car comes out late 2008 - early 2009, it will look a lot like these renderings.
Design apart, from what we gather the new E-Class will use a bunch of S-Class gimmicks and safety options. As for the engine range, in Europe, the basic model will use an updated version of the 1.8 Kompressor which will be presented next year -probably first on the SLK, while the top spec AMG will continue using the naturally aspirated 6.3 V8 541Hp engine found on the current E55 AMG. There will also be a hybrid version that will use the GM-Mercedes-BMW co-developed drivetrain -read more about it here: Carscoop. Via: Automotorundsport

2008 Skoda Roomster Scout

These phone camera spy pics reveal that Skoda is working on an crossover edition of its new compact MPV, Roomster. Like the Octavia Scout, the Roomster Scout gets newly designed bumpers at the front and rear, body-colour side mouldings and profiled door sills. Protective strips on the wheel housings, sumpguard protection (front and rear) and the higher ground clearance complete the 4x4 package. But unlike its Octavia counterpart, I highly doubt that the Roomster Scout will get a 4x4 drivetrain.

Suzuki MIO: Fuel-Cell powered wheel chair!

Surprise, surprise! When it comes to fuel cell powered vehicles, everyone's mind goes straight to the automobile sector, but that's not the case here. Suzuki, who as we learned, is one of the largest manufacturers in the powered wheelchair market, is applying this promising technology to a prototype wheelchair that goes by the name MIO.
The MIO features a fuel cell that uses methanol as a fuel source to generate hydrogen and therefore electricity. Its tank holds 4 litres of methanol, enough to provide MIO with a range of approximately 40km / 25 miles. A large capacity Li-ion secondary battery acts as a store for the electricity generated and a back up source of power.
Other features of the compact sized MIO (1.200 mm long, 650 mm wide and 1.000 mm tall) include armrests that double up as safety barriers, ergonomic handlebars and a seat that has mesh-type fabric for good aeration and improved springing. While at this stage, the MIO remains just a prototype, we're still going to give Suzuki a big bravo.