When it comes to exclusivity, the 2009 Novitec TuLesto has even Aston Martin’s One-77 beat. Built for Novitec’s 20th anniversary as the foremost supercar tuner and also the tuner’s first proprietary car, the two-seater TuLesto is facing a production total of just eleven vehicles. How’s that for exclusive?

 The 2009 TuLesto has more than its limited-edition badge to brag about, too. The coupe’s exterior is made from carbon power and aluminum, giving the TuLesto a lightweight yet rigid body. The supercar’s smooth, sleek curves, which are computer-designed, improve its aerodynamic balance. The interior features carbon-fiber finishes and climate control and sound systems.

Under the TuLesto’s hood sits a 4-4-liter V8 engine, whose twin superchargers are capable of powering the vehicle from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than 3.4 seconds. The TuLesto’s top speed is at a nimble 350 kilometers per hour. The engine, with its maximum power output of 777 horsepower, is installed behind the cockpit for ideal weight distribution.

As mentioned, Novitec plans to produce only eleven of these Ferrari-ish beauties. (Novitec is one of Ferrari’s long-time tuners.) And all eleven, according to Edmunds.com are earmarked and spoken for by Novitec’s long-term customers.

Tsk. Some people just have all the luck.

Source:  BusinessWeek, Australian Car Advice

Thanks to Raser Technologies, Inc., the aforementioned seems highly likely.

One year ago at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, Raser Technologies, Inc. announced that the company’s plans of developing a powertrain for an extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) were well underway. Once fully functional, the E-REV powertrain would allow a four-wheel drive SUV to achieve very low emission rates and a fuel efficiency of 100 miles per gallon.

And to demonstrate the E-REV powertrain’s capacities, Raser decided to put it in a notorious gas guzzler: the Hummer H3 SUV. Raser’s plug-in hybrid version of the Hummer H3 indeed achieves the 100 mpg goal, and can go for 40 miles on electricity alone. Once the electric power runs out, the battery can be charged using a 110 or 220-volt household outlet.

“We are excited to be able to demonstrate an electric powertrain for larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs,” said James Spellman, Vice President, of Transportation for Raser Technologies. “These are the best selling vehicles in America and can benefit the most from increased fuel economy and reduced emissions.”

The Raser Hummer H3 prototype will be making its debut at this year’s SAE World Congress, on April 20 - 23, 2009.

Sources: Automobile Mag, Raser Technologies, Inc., Jalopnik

 A dashboard instrument as attractive and savvy-looking as the Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide practically forces a driver to pay attention to the numbers it displays - numbers that reflect various levels of information concerning the engine and its fuel efficiency.

Drivers of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid probably already know about the Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide, one of Ford’s latest attempts to up driving awareness for hybrid vehicle owners. Jeff Greenberg, Ford senior technical leader, says that Ford “needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency.”

Once activated, this instrument cluster allows drivers to choose among four data screens: Inform, Enlighten, Engage, and Empower. Each screen displays different real-time information levels, which include fuel level, battery charge status, engine coolant temperature, and various trip data.

The Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide also tracks long-term fuel efficiency. You can even choose the way you see the information: a no-frills chart, or a depiction of ‘growing leaves and vines’. The more fuel you save, the more leaves and vines you see displayed.

Through customer research, the folks at Ford made the instrument cluster extremely driver-friendly and road-safe. A tutorial mode built into the display helps first-time SmartGauge users get the hang of things. The instrument cluster’s display is designed to be non-distracting, allowing the vehicle to drive safely while consulting the SmartGauge.

Source: Jalopnik