Volkswagen today took the wraps off the "Space Up! Blue" concept car. For the most part, the vehicle looks identical to the "Space Up!" concept that was unveiled earlier this year, but it's what powers the concept that is real story here. It features the world's first high temperature fuel cell and an array of twelve lithium-ion batteries.

Volkswagen says the high temperature fuel cell (HT-FC) system is superior to prior fuel cell technologies because it offers: considerably lower weight, significantly greater everyday utility, substantially lower price, and therefore clearly the better chances of becoming a reality someday as a mass produced technology.

When the 61 hp electric motor of the car is driven exclusively by battery, a range of 65 miles is possible — enough to handle nearly all distances in downtown areas.

Energy is "refueled" either via an electrical outlet or by the Volkswagen high-temperature fuel cell. In the latter case, the car’s range is extended an additional 155 miles. This makes it possible to drive up to 220 miles on a single "energy charge".

With a large solar panel on the roof, up to 150 Watts of energy can also be fed into the battery.

Source: VW Space Up! Blue concept previews new fuel cell technology

Even in a race of one-legged men, there's usually a winner. That's a fact that seems lost on Fortune's Alex Taylor Three Sticks. Writing for CNN Money, Taylor compares Ford's and GM's turnaround efforts (Chrysler's gone dark since private equity hoovered them up from Daimler). He brushes aside GM's third quarter losses ($1.6b without the tax write-off) and suggest that "most indicators put it in the lead." What indicators? Well, for starters, Ford isn't selling as many cars to fleet buyers, producing a greater drop in market share. [We have word that Mazda's taking over that part of the biz. More later.] Ford doesn't have as "rich" a mix of vehicles (i.e. GM has more duplicate and overlapping models). But the real clincher– so important that it bore repeating in picture captions– Rick Wagoner has been at GM longer than Alan Mulally has been at Ford. Ignoring the fact that this means Slick Rick has farted around for seven years without even suggesting a deadline for a return to profitability, Taylor states that Big Al's impact on Ford in the year he's been there "is only on the margin." While Taylor sees Ford taking until 2009 to start showing a profit, he reckons "most analysts expect GM to return to black ink next year." Really? Name one.

CNN Money »

Source: Alex Taylor III: Wagoner Will Be The Last Man Standing

Viper Kid

All guts, no stereo. This redesign of a stamped 1927 hot-rod body is fitted with Mopar’s new 392 Hemi crate engine making 525 horsepower. Channeled through the roadster’s rear tires, skinny in comparison to everything else at SEMA, there should be a smoke show any time you do more than tickle the throttle. Irresponsible and fun, especially when it comes from a manufacturer.

Source: Chrysler SR 392 Roadster