Electric vehicle batteries are big, heavy, and expensive. Volvo hopes to tackle all three problem with one creative solution: body panels that double as car batteries.

The vehicle manufacturer is working with the Imperial College in London on a materials development project that may ultimately turn the entire vehicles into an ultra-light batteries. As part of the project, Volvo and Imperial college built a composite blend of carbon fibers (much like what is found in fishing rods and tennis rackets) and polymer resin that is supposedly strong, flexible, and light enough to be used in body panels. According to Volvo, the new material could slash the weight of EVs by up to 15%. Volvo’s carbon fiber can also charge up faster than traditional EV batteries.

The material development project is still in the beginning stages, and Volvo and Imperial College are still figuring out how to mass produce the carbon fiber blend. But within the next three years, Volvo will attempt to convert a vehicle’s spare wheel recess into a composite battery. Volvo researcher Per-Ivar Sellergren says, “This is a relatively large structure that is easy to replace. Not sufficiently large to power the entire car, but enough to switch the engine off and on when the car is at a standstill, for instance at traffic lights.” In the next 10 years, Volvo might start commercially producing the material in everything from vehicle roofs to dashboards. Volvo claims that the composite material is strong and crash-resistant.

If the project is successful, the future of such technology is limitless. For instance, mobile phones will be able to be as slim as credit cards and laptops will manage longer without needing to be recharged.

If you think the cars presented before were amazing, check out the latest Audi R8-based e-Tron. This “electronic” car was first introduced at Frankfurt’s Motor Show last year. The second version was slightly revised in LA and after putting on the final touches for its third and final revision in Detroit earlier this year.

This high-powered electric vehicle has already been seen gracing Germany’s roads, and we firmly believe that it will be a matter of time before it will grace ours.

Whether it be a prototype or not, this car still lacks the usual elements of exterior cooling and air-intake ducts. The question still remains as to the type of electrical power-train that exists within this prototype, but be assured that Audi has what it takes to bring the e-Tron to life soon.

Its been rumoured that Audi will be sure to have the e-Tron ready by as early as 2012 with a limited production run of no more than 1,000 units.

Achtung! Achtung! :   BMW and Mercedes-Benz may also be “throwin’ a shrimp on the barbi” and saying “G’day mate!” when they join the V8 Supercar series, giving Holdens and Fords in Australia a run for their money in 2012.

So far, Mercedes’ performance division, AMG have been in serious talks about entering the championship, and an announcement may be made as soon as the Melbourne Grand Prix next month, where they will also display their V8 AMG customer ride car.

Although both sides have denied the rumours, the Australian V8 Supercar franchise is actively seeking to hold their races at more upmarket venues, with more upmarket marques, thereby attracting more…well, upmarket viewers. This is helped by the race series’ overhaul on their regulations which allows for more sophisticated V8 engines.

Such activities have been triggered due to a slump in sales for Falcons and Commodores throughout Australia. Thus far, 12 of the 29 cars on the grid receive direct support from Ford and Holden.

As much as enthusiasts revel in delight of hearing such news, Mazda officials doused such claims, asking “Why go backwards?”

Our answer to that would be “Because, it was that fantastic back in the day, sans warranty issues…” Perhaps, this was also another reason as to why the RX-7 was not a particular favorite for Mazda themselves.

But, for such a comeback to be realized, Japan’s major trading partner, The United States, needs to stage an economic come back… Pronto.

As you can see from the leaked guide, there are plenty of options listed that will help push your new SLS’ base price of approximately $220,000 (RM $786,827.83) even higher. Among them are $5000 (RM 17,882.45) carbon fiber mirror covers, a $6400 (RM $22,889.54) Bang & Olufsen sound system and a $12,000 (RM $42,917.88) carbon brake package.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s official, Bentley will debut the heavily teased Arnage replacement on August 16th at the Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance in California.

The British marque is the show’s featured automaker and celebrates its 90th anniversary with the new sedan that’s said to capture the ” ‘grand touring’ spirit of the Bentley Boys.”