The shooters at KGP Photography received a covered-up look at the next Ford Mustang from a very unlikely source (their old spy photo nemesis Jim Dunne).

Yes, they're a little grainy and a bit murky, but the grizzled old veteran of the Detroit spy game has snapped what appears to be the first visual evidence that the Ford Mustang is now tip-toeing past the mule stage. It looks like the Mustang's production-spec body panels are beginning to flow in, and more complete prototypes are now being assembled. The day when full-fledged Mustang prototypes are running the streets of Detroit now seems near, instead of feeling like nothing more than a hopeful pipe dream. The new Mustang is nearly a reality.

So what can be learned from these photos? The car cover hides nearly all of the details, and this prototype appears to be missing its bumpers, but you can still get a look at the Mustang's classic musclecar profile. The prototype looks undisguised under all that canvas, yielding a look at a prominent lower side sill that helps ground the design (but the lack of bumpers hampers the ability to comment on its overall stance or its overhangs. The car cover—which is specially designed for driving the prototype while covered—has what appears to be mesh panels to allow the headlights and taillights to show through, at least a little bit. The spaces for the taillights look to be mounted very high toward the lip of the rear deck, for what that's worth. There also appears to be some sort of fender vent just aft of the front wheel.

When the fully-assembled, fully production-spec prototypes finally leave the confines of wherever these photos were taken, more information will become available about how the Mustang is shaping up. For now, after the long tease of cobbled-up mules running the roads, the next 'Stang is truly taking shape.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

The shooters at KGP Photography received a covered-up look at the next Ford Mustang from a very unlikely source (their old spy photo nemesis Jim Dunne).

Yes, they're a little grainy and a bit murky, but the grizzled old veteran of the Detroit spy game has snapped what appears to be the first visual evidence that the Ford Mustang is now tip-toeing past the mule stage. It looks like the Mustang's production-spec body panels are beginning to flow in, and more complete prototypes are now being assembled. The day when full-fledged Mustang prototypes are running the streets of Detroit now seems near, instead of feeling like nothing more than a hopeful pipe dream. The new Mustang is nearly a reality.

So what can be learned from these photos? The car cover hides nearly all of the details, and this prototype appears to be missing its bumpers, but you can still get a look at the Mustang's classic musclecar profile. The prototype looks undisguised under all that canvas, yielding a look at a prominent lower side sill that helps ground the design (but the lack of bumpers hampers the ability to comment on its overall stance or its overhangs. The car cover—which is specially designed for driving the prototype while covered—has what appears to be mesh panels to allow the headlights and taillights to show through, at least a little bit. The spaces for the taillights look to be mounted very high toward the lip of the rear deck, for what that's worth. There also appears to be some sort of fender vent just aft of the front wheel.

When the fully-assembled, fully production-spec prototypes finally leave the confines of wherever these photos were taken, more information will become available about how the Mustang is shaping up. For now, after the long tease of cobbled-up mules running the roads, the next 'Stang is truly taking shape.

Photo credit: KGP Photography

	The Lotus Evora 414E Range Extender Hybrid was chosen for an AEI SAE 2013 Tech Award by the editors of the SAE’s Automotive Engineering International magazine.

The Lotus Evora 414E Range Extender Hybrid was chosen by the editors of the SAE’s Automotive Engineering International magazine for its design and engineering innovation, uniqueness, potential for “real-world” production application and potential benefit for industry customers and end user.

Every year, the editors of Automotive Engineering International select from among SAE World Congress exhibitors the technologies they judge worthy of an AEI SAE 2013 Tech Award. The SAE 2013 World Congress is currently being held in Detroit. Highlights of the event are viewable online.

The Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid concept showcases new developments in plug-in, range-extended electric propulsion—new electronic technologies to enhance driver involvement and the adaptability of the Lotus Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA).

The range-extended electric drive of the Evora 414E Hybrid consists of two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via a single-speed geartrain integrated into one common transmission housing, thus enabling torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle. Electrical power is stored in a lithium polymer battery pack, which is optimized for energy density, efficiency and high-power demand and mounted in the center of the vehicle for stability and safety. Additional range is provided by the Lotus Range Extender engine, an optimized 1.2L, three-cylinder engine, designed specifically for series hybrid vehicles. The drivetrain is designed to combine performance with low-emissions driving.

HALOsonic Internal and External Electronic Sound Synthesis technologies from Lotus and HARMAN are designed to provide sound contouring within the cabin and improve pedestrian safety outside the vehicle. Integrated with the HALOsonic technology, the Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a brand-new technology from Lotus Engineering—a sports mode that simulates a seven-speed, paddle-shift transmission that combines driver involvement for a hybrid sports car and energy recuperation.

Features:

• 0–60 mph 4.4 seconds.
• Total hybrid range of more than 300 miles.
• Eco mode or Sports mode featuring realistic seven-speed paddle shift with energy recuperation.
• Next generation of Lotus and HARMAN intelligent pedestrian warning system, integrating the HALOsonic sound synthesis system with video technology.
• Torque vectoring for improved dynamic stability.
• 408 hp of power and 590 lb.-ft. of torque.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Maryland legislation to require the issuance of a single motor vehicle license plate died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill, favored by state hobbyists, required that the single registration plate be attached on the front of tractors and on the rear of all other vehicles. A second bill to allow the front plate to be stored inside the vehicle if the vehicle was manufactured without a means to secure and display a front plate also died. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Maryland legislation to require the issuance of a single motor vehicle license plate died when the legislature adjourned for the year. The bill, favored by state hobbyists, required that the single registration plate be attached on the front of tractors and on the rear of all other vehicles. A second bill to allow the front plate to be stored inside the vehicle if the vehicle was manufactured without a means to secure and display a front plate also died. 

For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

After being approved by the Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10–9 vote, legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” will be considered by the Connecticut House of Representatives in a vote by all members. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

After being approved by the Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10–9 vote, legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” will be considered by the Connecticut House of Representatives in a vote by all members. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

After being approved by the Joint Committee on Planning and Development by a narrow 10–9 vote, legislation to increase the age requirement for vehicles eligible for registration as “antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles” or “modified antique motor vehicles” will be considered by the Connecticut House of Representatives in a vote by all members. Under the bill, vehicles seeking registration as antique, rare or special-interest motor vehicles or as modified antique motor vehicles would be required to be at least 30 years old. Currently, vehicles 20 years old or older are eligible for this status and special license plates. For the purpose of property taxes, the bill also increases the maximum assessment of these vehicles from $500 to $2,500. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

SEMA-supported legislation to extend the new car emissions inspection exemption from four to seven model years has been introduced in the Colorado Senate. Under the bill, the state is also directed to adopt rules that allow for the use of on-board diagnostic testing equipment. An attempt to extend the exemption to vehicles that have not yet reached their 10th model year was not approved in committee earlier this year. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff 

SEMA-supported legislation to extend the new car emissions inspection exemption from four to seven model years has been introduced in the Colorado Senate. Under the bill, the state is also directed to adopt rules that allow for the use of on-board diagnostic testing equipment. An attempt to extend the exemption to vehicles that have not yet reached their 10th model year was not approved in committee earlier this year. 

For more information, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. For details, contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.