Set to make its debut later this month at the Beijing Motor Show, the BMW i8 Spyder makes waves as a gasoline-electric hybrid sports car. This eco-supercar follows the initial concept of the BMW i8 Coupe introduced in 2011 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The BMW i8 Spyder provides an open-top version of the carbon-fiber-intensive i8 line. The aerodynamic exterior and lightweight design create exceptional fuel efficiency. BMW is holding to claims that the combined city/highway fuel economy of the i8 Spyder is an impressive consumption of up to 78 MPG, run almost entirely in electric mode. The turbocharged 1.5-liter, three-cylinder direct-injection engine delivers up to 223 horsepower while being supported by a 131-horsepower electric motor to create a total system output of 354-horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

The i8 Spyder is a full hybrid and capable of running on electric power, gasoline, or a combination of both. It also can run in front, rear, or four-wheel drive depending on which power source is used. The BMW i8 Spyder is scheduled to hit showrooms in 2014.

Ford’s New Year’s resolution for 2012 is to further reduce the amount of water used to make vehicles and continue showing efficiency not only in their vehicles, but also in their manufacturing practices. 

A new goal for Ford asks them to cut the amount of water used to make each vehicle by 30 percent globally by 2015, compared with the amount of water used per vehicle in 2009.  Between 2000 and 2010 Ford reduced it’s global water usage by 10.5 billion miles or 62 percent. “Water remains one of our top environmental priorities and our aggressive reduction target helps ensure continued focus on this critical resource,” said Sue Cischke, group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

If Ford meets its goal of reducing water usage by 30 percent between 2009 and 2015, the amount of water used to make a vehicle will have dropped from almost 2510 gallons in 2000 to approximately 1321 gallons in 2015.  In order to help meet their goal Ford has established a cross-functional team spanning several divisions to review water usage more holistically.