Ford's Evos concept is the cloud-connected hybrid EV of our future

 Not ready for the future? Too bad, it's here -- well, at least in concept form. Debuting soon at Frankfurt's international auto show is Ford's Evos, a cloud-connected hybrid EV that serves as a preview of the kinds of smart and hyper-connected vehicles Dearborn eventually wants to build. Details on what powers it are scant, but we do know it'll rock the gasoline-electric drivetrain from the upcoming C-Max Energi. And when you've exhausted the combined 500 mile range, you can top up that lithium-ion pack by plugging in or wirelessly through inductive charging.

With gratuitous access to data you've slung into the cloud, the Evos is deeply intertwined with your daily routine. It'll change your alarm clock if your morning meeting is canceled, continue music playback from other devices where you've left off and even suggest alternative routes based on your schedule and past driving history. Oh and it'll monitor your heart rate too. Don't believe us? Proof of that and more reside in the video after the break, which'll hopefully tide you over til September -- when we get to see if it lives up to the hype in person.

Revealed! 2011 Jeep Phoenix Based On Fiat Panda 4x4

 Revealed! The 2011 Jeep Phoenix 4x4, a remarkable 1.3 litre, 5 door, four wheel drive mini-Jeep that is going to take the North American market by storm, while still getting almost 59 mpg!

Based on the Fiat Panda Cross 4x4, the Jeep Phoenix is simply rebadged, but completely suited to North American offroad conditions. It is also an exceptional city car that gets far higher mpg than any hybrid on the market, including the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. And all that with a conventional gasoline engine with no hybrid technology anywhere!

The new Jeep is very aptly named Phoenix as it is the type of vehicle that will allow Jeep to arise magically from the ashes of the devastated Chrysler. Just days away from what may be the last days of Chrysler, it is important to note that there are virtually no scenarios that allow for the Jeep brand to disappear from the face of the Earth. For many years, Jeep has been the most powerful brand in the Chrysler lineup and it is effectively inconceivable that Jeep will not continue in one way or another even in the death throes of Chrysler: Perhaps as a standalone brand, or maybe as a brand belonging to another major automotive manufacturer.

The Panda / Phoenix 4x4 is definitely the way of the future for Jeep. It's a small, incredibly economical and thrifty car that can go anywhere. Yes, its barely 1.3 litre engine would make it the smallest displacement automobile currently sold in the USA with only the Smart Car having a tinier engine, but the Panda / Phoenix delivers. It can very comfortably cruise at highway speeds and the powerplant contains enough grunt to take the little mini-Jeep up frighteningly steep inclines.

With an innovative four wheel drive system which is engaged by viscous coupling with two Electronic Locking Differentials that cut in below 20 mph to brake wheels that find themselves without grip and slipping and proceed to transfer torque to the other wheels, the Panda / Phoenix 4x4 can handle anything the street or the dirt can throw at it.

Honda BRIO Makes World Premiere in Thailand

Honda BRIO is being developed with Honda's advanced technologies, while further advancing Honda's "man maximum, machine minimum" concept^*1. Being developed as a commuter car which is easy-to-use even in urban areas, the Honda BRIO adopts an easy-to-handle compact body while ensuring sufficient cabin space achieved through highly efficient packaging. With this vehicle, Honda thoroughly pursued the creation of an advanced exterior form, which is compact while asserting a strong presence.

The BRIO is equipped with Honda's 1.2-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine delivering 90 horsepower. This i-VTEC engine combines stress-free driving throughout the rpm range with outstanding fuel economy of 5 liters/100km^*2. Its fuel economy-enhancing technologies and nimble performance makes the compact car enjoyable and fun to drive. Emissions from the Brio meets the stringent Euro 4 emission standards.

BRIO features Honda's safety technologies including dual SRS front airbags, disc brakes, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) which prevents wheel locking and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) which enhances braking performance. (available in all versions).

Incorporating Honda's G-Force Control (G-CON) technology, the BRIO's high-performance body features several outstanding elements that enhance its design, driving performance, ride comfort and collision safety performance.  Its high performance body satisfies safety standards for both front and side impacts as specified by the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)'s regulations 94 and 95, respectively.

Atsushi Fujimoto, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand), said, "It brings Honda great pride to unveil the first BRIO in the world, manufactured, assembled and marketed here in Thailand. The BRIO will meet the driving and lifestyle needs of people who are looking for a stylish and compact, yet spacious and fuel-efficient car that carries a brand that they can trust for its advanced and safety technologies.

Cadillac SRX 2011

With the first-generation Cadillac SRX struggling to make gains in the luxury crossover segment since its debut in 2004, General Motors decided to give the 2010 Cadillac SRX a complete makeover right down to the very layout of the vehicle. Sharp, well-proportioned body work rides on a new platform, leading the new SRX to share very little with its previous incarnation.The first-gen SRX's rear-drive layout was ditched for a more compact, crossover style front-drive setup with available all-wheel drive. Now 4.8-inches shorter in length, this transformation dropped cargo space by 8.3 cubic-feet and eliminated the third row seats as well as significant amounts of rear-seat legroom. 

The V-8 engine option is also gone, replaced by two V-6 engines, one of them turbocharged for higher performance.Despite its smaller size, the 2011 SRX sheds only a token amount of weight. That weight is a liability for the smaller V-6 powertrains as well as in the handling department, making the SRX feel slower than it really is. Though stylish, the new vehicle still lags slightly behind the competition in quality and fit and finish. Despite this, it resides on the pricier end of the segment especially as options are added.