Highlights of the Cleveland Auto Show

We walked the aisles of the Cleveland Auto Show, the smaller brother to the Detroit Auto Show that took place earlier this year. Here are a few cars, engines, and features that I liked:




The prototype i-Miev is similar to an electric vechicle that went on sale in Japan in the summer of 2009. The i-Miev has a 330-V lithium-ion battery and a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that puts out 64 hp and 133 lb-ft torque. A charge lasts about six hours.



Where the gas tank filler would be on a traditional car, the i-Miev has an electric plug!



We got a big kick out of the i-Miev’s interesting and cute tail-lights.



Diesel engines were big at the show. This TDI Clean Diesel engine is in a VW Jetta. The variable-valve engine puts out 140 hp and 236 lb-ft torque. It goes 0 to 60 in 8.9 seconds. The engine has been used in Europe for the last 10 years. Of a type called the “common rail diesel,” this engine is said to be as simple as a tractor’s and highly efficient. The engine has made Ward’s Ten Best Engine List for several years in a row.



In its day, this mid-70’s Lotus was more race car than street car.You can just see the tail end of the modern street-car version behind it.