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I'll briefly give the background first, and then I’ll describe the breakthrough.

Permanent Magnet Motors vs AC Induction Motors.
Permanent Magnet Motors:
 1. Degrade in performance at higher temperatures. (Must be liquid cooled)
 2. Use ‘rare earths’ that come from China
 3. Always produce voltage when spinning (safety issue)  

Standard 3-phase AC Induction Motors
 1. Standard 3 phase AC electric motors have less power density than PM motors
 2. Can operate at higher temperatures (Can be air cooled – requiring less complex engineering, and less weight)
 3. Can be either low speed-high torque, or high speed, but not both

Breakthrough:
1. A Multiphase (greater than 3 phase) AC Electric Motor that has TEN TIMES the torque of a standard 3-phase AC electric motor and more torque than the same size/weight PM electric motor
2. “Virtual Transmission” allows for the same motor to be both a low speed-high torque AND high speed electric motor.  This virtual transmission will require less complex engineering, and less weight.  (More explanation below.)

To Learn more:
http://www.ChorusMotors.com
http://www.ChorusCars.com (Series Hybrid Applications - NEW)
http://www.Wheeltug.com (Aerospace Application – Delta Airlines December 2009 Launch after FAA certification of new nosewheel assembly completed)

Virtual Transmissions
The Chorus Motor drastic improvement in AC electric motors is accomplished in two ways, one by a proprietary winding pattern, and two by the software to run it. The combination of the Chorus Motor with the inverter/drive system is called Chorus Meschon which allows the motor to shift between high speed and low speed applications.  

Does anyone know what motors the Chevy Volt and Tesla Roadster are using, respectively?