First test drive of the new '09 Zap Xebra

As we reported early last month, Zap has finally updated its three-wheeled Xebra for 2009 with a new steel body and much more storage space through its new hatchback. While we're happy to hear that one of the few actual electric vehicles on the market and available today has seen vital upgrades, we've yet to run across a review of the newly-revised model... until today. Mark LaPedus over at EE Times hopped in a new '09 at the local dealership in San Jose, California, and he's shared his thoughts with the rest of the class, even comparing the Xebra with his 2008 Honda Accord. LaPedus seems to have liked the car, going so far as to suggest that he'd be willing to drive one on a regular basis.

The last page of ADL's review of the Xebra has a few quotes from Zap regarding the ongoing saga of loans to the Detroit 3. Click here to read the entire report.

All-electric race car to be unveiled at Performance Racing Industry show

and KleenSpeed Technologies Inc. have teamed up and will unveil the first all-electric production race car at the We were wondering when someone would consider taking advantage of the potential for massive torque and wicked acceleration that a modern electric drivetrain can offer and build some race cars that could also boast some environmental credentials. We wonder no more. West Race CarsPerformance Racing Industry trade show this week. Yeah, we've told you about some other folks with electric racer plans in New Zealand and the UK but this is happening here in America and it isn't just a "one-off." According to West CEO Eric Vassian, "We are planning on an initial production run of five West WX10-T electric race cars for 2009, and have already sold the first one."

The new racer should look similar to West's gas-powered WX-10 (above) and be capable of hitting 150 mph. With the help of regenerative braking, the battery is said to be capable of duking it out for 45 minutes, though it is designed to be quickly swapped out so the car can compete in endurance racing events. The International Motorsports Association (IMSA) is also involved with the development of the WX10-T, giving the project some heavy duty bona fides and a good shot at success. Now all they need are some enviromentally-minded racecar drivers.

[Source: West Race Cars]

Sam's Club finds buyer for $100,000 electric Super Car package

It seems that some are less affected by the current economic downturn than others. At the 12th hour of the 12th day of the 11th month the upcoming "Super Car" from Hybrid Technologies, packaged with a trip for two to Los Angeles and the chance to drive it on a racetrack, became available for one lucky person to buy at the low low price of $100,000 via Sam's Club. It wasn't available for long, as a day later, the Sam's Club website says it's sold. We can only wonder whether or not the buyer-to-be had the opportunity to see an actual photograph of the car before committing to the purchase. Up till now we have only seen a couple renderings of the exterior (see gallery below). If you are curious how it looks in the metal yourselves, you won't have to wait much longer to find out. According to Sam's Club, "the prototype is expected to premiere" at the LA Auto Show which kicks off next week. We'll be sure to get some shots of it there and we'll also keep an an out for any video of it being driven like it's stolen.

Gallery: Hybrid Technologies X Prize

[Source: Sam's Club]