Our illustration shows what the MX-2 is likely to look like. You can see that the Furai concept will have a strong influence in the design, while a hint of Ferrari California is also present in the headlamps.

Because the MX-2 is smaller than the MX-5 it will come equipped with smaller engines. Small capacity petrol engines ranging from 0.7 to 1.6-litres will get the MX-2 moving, while a range-topping 1.6-litre turbo pushing out an expected 160bhp. Combine that with low weight, and the MX-2 will embarrass more expensive machines with ease.

The Mini Speedster and Nissan Urge may be at design and concept stage now, but they’ll be keeping the dinky Mazda on its toes.

An insider has hinted that the MX-2 will be upon us as soon as 2012, so we can expect to see a concept reflecting the ‘downsized roadster’ very soon.

visit www.MiataTurbo.net for more info

Boasting a new push button gearshift, a bigger boot and an even lighter carbon fibre frame, both are powered by a lithium- ion battery, which gives the Roadster a 0-60mph time of only 3.9 seconds, and a zero-emissions range of up to 211 miles on a single charge.

Prices start at £94,000 when the new models go on sale later this year, rising to £103,000 for the Sport. A right hand-drive version will be available next spring, followed by a new Model S saloon in late 2011.

The Tesla Roadster below got a bunch of Brabus goodies that are mostly cosmetic. Wheel and tire package and interior/exterior styling. So if you want funky lights and some great sill plates for your Tesla, hit up Brabus.

They have even come up with a sound generator, which they call the “space sound generator” which imitates the sound of a few selectable motor noises. I hear a V8 and turbo are on the menu.

The selection would not be complete without front and rear diffusers, side sills, front lights and a crazy matte white paintjob.

Over the years there is more I have come to expect from Brabus, who back in my day did wonders for the Benzes of our time in terms of both looks and performance. I miss the large brakes, wild interior clusters and crazy horsepower.

$9 million might be a significant sum to private individuals, but it does not even equal 1% of of the annual advertising spending of General Motors.

Elon Musk, one of the founding members of PayPal has invested heavily in the company and is currently the acting CEO. Tesla Motors has entered the automotive industry seemingly overnight, by buying prebuilt Lotus base vehicles and outfitting them with electrical systems for power.

Tesla seems to have about 1200 deposits for it’s Roadster model with down payments ranging between $4,000 and $60,000.

According to some, as many as 100-200 have been paid in full, which is quite staggering, because the cars cost upwards of $100,000 a piece.

Up to date $150 million has been invested into Tesla Motors by various investors. It would be a shame if the company would go belly up now. A few are guessing that Musk might be willing to flip Tesla to a major car manufacturer to earn a nice return on his investment. Others are saying that another round of financing is in order.

What do you think?

Tesla, most widely known for it’s green car based on a Lotus, has been getting a lot of positive publicity lately for it’s efforts in building electric vehicles. Endorsed by Governor Arnold Schwarzengger, who happens to own one along with several famous personalities, the new upcoming model is sure to be a hit.

Tesla has just recently rolled out it’s powerplant 1.5, which promises more power, a different transmission to improve both range and speed.

Tesla Motors is a couple of months away from locking up $100 million in private equity financing, as well as $150 million in government funding provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. On top of all this, the state has also offered Tesla significant tax breaks in order to help the company get off the ground.  So Tesla has absolutely no reason, why it should not be a serious contender in the full electric game. The company has plenty of money, plenty of talent, recruited from Chrysler and other prestigous automotive related companies and plenty of demand for it’s products.

Other carmakers such as GM with its Chevy Volt and Toyota, will be competing against Tesla, however Tesla seems to have a head start on the game, as it’s already selling it’s Roadster, whereas the competition is still years away.