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Toyota RAV4 EV (2012) - a Toyota/Tesla electric SUV

The Toyota RAV4 has been turned into the only all-electric SUV on the market after a heart transplant from Tesla Motors.  The RAV4 EV has been given batteries and drivetrain bits from the Silicon Valley start-up to turn Toyota's most popular SUV into an electric-only vehicle with a 100-mile range. Toyota RAV4 EV: how it works A massive 422kg of batteries provide the power for the RAV4 EV, mounted low down in the centre of the vehicle to improve weight distribution. Toyota says that despite the new powertrain, no compromises have been made on passenger space.  Two driving modes offer a choice of speed or economy, Normal and Sport. Normal will send the RAV4 from 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 85mph; Sport mode will take you there in 7.0sec and up to 100mph.

New Nissan Note revealed in Japan

The new Nissan Note has been revealed in Japan, previewing the Nissan Note for Europe which will debut in 2013. The new Nissan Note has been revealed in Japan, and although it gives us a good idea of what Europe can expect from its new Note which will arrive in 2013, there will be differences. It’s expected that the new Nissan Note for Europe will more closely resemble the Nissan Invitation Concept we saw at the Geneva Motor Show in March, but the JDM Note also gets some of the styling cues from the Innovation concept.

Michelin launches 2012 Challenge Design competition

What began back in 2000 as a forum for people who share a passion for vehicle design and innovation has grown to inspire thousands of entries from 96 countries. Over the past decade, Michelin Challenge Design (MCD) participants have submitted vehicle design concepts for personal and public transport addressing a broad range of geographic themes and industry issues. And now, as the 2011 program draws to a close, MCD has announced the 2012 program, which opens for pre-registration from October 1, 2010 to March 4, 2011.