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LeTV's SEE Project will introduce new EV in Shanghai

It's very unlikely that many people here in the states will have heard of Beijing-based LeTV. Aston Martin, on the other hand? That's pretty stylish company. LeTV is working on an electric-vehicle project called SEE (Super Electric Eco-system). The concept version is slated to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show next April. LeTV says that that same month, the car will "roll of the production line," as well. That sounds awfully optimistic, to us, but we'll just leave that alone for now. The racing-car-shaped vehicle, which will have "high- and low-powered" versions, is about 11'5" long and 5'4" wide. That's about a foot shorter and a few inches narrower than a Mini Cooper. The twist, such as it is, comes from the fact that LeTV says it will develop the model with the help of both Aston Marin and BAIC Motor Corp., which adds a shade of legitimacy to the project. Aston Martin is in the process of launching its battery-electric Rapide sedan, which will have 800 horsepower and a 200-mile single-charge range, so that would ostensibly be a competitor to Tesla. The Rapide EV could run as much as $250,000. As for BAIC, is has been looking to expand its role in the plug-in vehicle sector since 2009, when it debuted a division called Beijing New Energy Automotive Co. Just last month, BAIC opened an electric-vehicle research and development center in California's Silicon Valley, the company's first outside China. You can take a look at LeTV's press release below. LeTV Partners With Aston Martin to Deliver Next Generation Electric Vehicles BEIJING and BANGALORE, October 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The most significant (monetarily) deal that came out of Angela Merkel's visit to India was that of a Euro 1 billion solar power fund solidifying India's stance to develop 100GW solar capacity by 2022. These are positive moves in a time when the focus on the effects of climate change are intensifying and how economies across the globe decide to combat the effects of it. One particular way in which India could benefit hugely from alternative fuels is from the perspective of vehicles. The nation recently joined the Electric Vehicles Initiative, a forum for global cooperation on the development and deployment of Electric Vehicles (EVs). With an interest in the Indian market, LeTV, a multinational company based in Beijing, announced its electric car plan on December 9th, 2014, when its founder, Mr.

Aston Martin's CEO says that autonomous cars are only a matter of time

In addition to bringing the Aston Martin AM-RB 001 to its first auto show this week, the CEO of Aston Martin, Andy Palmer, revealed his thoughts on the future of cars. And it's a future full of autonomy and electricity. According to our friends at TechCrunch, Palmer said it's a question of when – not if – autonomous vehicles will reach the public. T echCrunch also reports that Aston plans on offering an autonomous Lagonda in the future. For those of us who love driving ourselves, though, there is some good news: Fully autonomous cars are likely well into the future. Palmer told the Toronto Star that he recognizes autonomous driving is a bit antithetical to a sports car company, saying "we're a driver's car, so we're not in a rush to go driverless." He also pointed out a number of issues that personally concern him about autonomous vehicles, and which have him hesitant to pursue autonomous tech on Astons. His primary concern, according to both TechCrunch and Toronto Star, is the issue of security, but he also wants to make sure the technology is truly ready. TechCrunch reports that he said companies need a full understanding of the tech "before we beta test our customers." This statement seems pointed at Tesla, which has often said that its semi-autonomous Autopilot feature is in beta. In addition to discussing autonomous vehicles, Palmer talked about the future of electric cars, which he finds to be bright. He told the Toronto Star that he believes the future of vehicle propulsion has been decided, and that it will be electricity. He pointed to a shift in focus from the German automakers, as well as the Volkswagen diesel scandal as indicators. Palmer suggested that 25 percent of cars will be powered by electricity sometime in the next eight years, but noted this leaves plenty of room for internal combustion vehicles for a while. Related Video:

Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante is the belle of the Pebble Beach ball

While Aston Martin is showing off the Vanquish Zagato Coupe for the first time in North America, it's also using the Monterey Car Week to confirm a convertible version of the stunning supercar. Limited to just 99 cars – many of which will be spoken for this week by those visiting Aston's Carmel, California pop-up shop – the Volante will share the coupe's enhanced V12, cranking out 592 horsepower. The 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds is almost as quick as the 3.5 touted by the new DB11. And, of course, the topless models will distinguish themselves in several ways aesthetically. The Vanquish Zagato Volante gets the same rounded taillight reflectors and "bladed LED technology" of the Vulcan supercar. Lower carbon fiber sills that run the length of the car add a pronounced, sporty emphasis. Zagato's trademark twin cowls blend into the rear deck, concealing the folded top used in the Vanquish Volante. Design director Marek Reichman says the Zagato version is more muscular and flowing that the coupe. The interior gets the Zagato "Z" quilt pattern stitch on the seats and doors, and an embossed "Z" on the headrests and doors add additional flourish. The Vanquish Zagato Volante is the latest result of Aston's partnership with the Italian design house dating back to the 1960 DB4 GT Zagato race car. Aston says this latest Zagato model is aimed especially for the North American market, much like the 2003 DB AR1, an open-topped Zagato-bodied DB7 that was also limited to 99 units and is now considered a collectible. Aston's pop-up shop this week attracted enthusiasts and owners alike, and featured the cream of the DB lineup, the iconic DB5, DB10 from the latest Spectre Bond film, and, of course, Aston's newest series-production GT car, the DB11. Check out the new Vanquish Zagato Volante in the gallery up top, and the brand's pop-up shop below. Related Video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante View 9 Photos Related Gallery Aston Martin's pop-up shop at Pebble Beach View 9 Photos Design/Style Misc. Auto Shows Aston Martin Convertible Luxury Performance Pebble Beach zagato