Nissan is all set to bring into the market the all new Nissan Leaf which is a compact 5 door hatchback electric car. On full charging it gives an impressive 100 miles (160 Km) in city driving. The car uses a front-mounted electric motor driving the wheels, powered by a 24kWh/90kW lithium ion battery pack. The expected all-electric range is 100 miles (160 km) on the EPA city driving cycle and remains the same as the EV-11 prototype.
Reviewers have found that the range available from a single charge can vary up to 40 percent in real-world situations; reports vary from about 62 miles (100 km) to almost 138 miles (222 km) depending on driving style, load, traffic conditions, weather (i.e. wind, atmospheric density) and accessory use. Because its an all electric car, it has the advantages of producing no local air pollution.
The LEAF’s frontal styling is characterized by a sharp V-shape design with large, up slanting light-emitting diode (LED) headlights that create a distinctive blue internal reflective design. The headlights also split and redirect airflow away from the door mirrors, reducing wind noise and drag. The headlights consume 50 percent less electricity than halogen lamps. Nissan sought not to deter individuals away from the LEAF, giving it a familiar sedan- and hatchback-like design. To reduce drag and improve aerodynamics as much as possible the bottom of the car has aerodynamic paneling.
Nissan says that the car has a top speed of over 140 km/h (87 mph). Its motor is rated at 80 kW (110 hp) and 280 N·m.
A younger, sportier look for Mercedes-Benz pays off with U.S. customers.When it comes to design, Mercedes-Benz was long the conservative grande dame of luxury-car makers. Styling was understated and aimed at middle-aged buyers. But a shift toward sportier and more youthful styling, partly driven by U.S. executives, has been paying off. Mercedes has changed design philosophy under Gordon Wagener, who led the brand’s advanced studio before being named chief designer in mid-2008. The transformation actually started with the new-generation C class, which debuted in the United States in 2007.