New York Auto Show - Day Two
Sometimes big is small and small is really big.
A case in point, I recently test drove the 2008 Hummer H2 through busy downtown streets and found it to be much smaller on the road and more maneuverable than I expected. From the outside it looks enormous, but drive the H2 and you might be surprised how “small” it really is.
At the far end of the spectrum, the small but larger-than-life Mazda2 won the World Car of the Year award during a ceremony held this morning at the 2008 NYIAS. It was chosen from a list of 39 original entries from across the globe. The Mazda2 was also voted onto the short-list of top three design finalists, together with the Audi R8 and Volvo C30.
Though not available in North America at this time, it may not be long before the mighty Mazda2 is spotted parked next to a Hummer H2 at the local grocery store. We can only hope!
Mitsubishi i MiEV
The focus of Day Two at the 2008 NYIAS was on the future of automobiles. Mitsubishi Motors chose to take us on a journey of their past accomplishments as a way to set the table for what they have planned for the present and into the near future.
The Mitsubishi i MiEV is designed to halt global warming, be easy on the pocketbook, provide strong acceleration, let the neighbors stay asleep, (it is quiet) and allow for charging the battery anywhere with a standard plug. Lofty goals for sure, but Mitsubishi is confident the i MiEV will meet and exceed expectations.
Working with GS Yuasa Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Motor Cars established a joint venture company, “Lithium Energy Japan” to manufacture high-capacity, high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The company projects the rear-midship mounted commuter will quick charge in as little as 30 minutes. Someday soon, the i MiEV may be coming to an outlet near you.
