The introduction of the 2013 model year Chevrolet Volt brings an increase in the car's pure-electric driving range by three miles (4.8 km) for a total of 38 miles (61.1 km), compared to the 2012 model's 35 mile EV range. Read more »
Showing posts with label Hybrids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hybrids. Show all posts
Thursday
2013 Chevrolet Volt get Slightly Improved Pure Electric Driving Range
The introduction of the 2013 model year Chevrolet Volt brings an increase in the car's pure-electric driving range by three miles (4.8 km) for a total of 38 miles (61.1 km), compared to the 2012 model's 35 mile EV range. Read more »
Friday
Consumer Reports Doesn't Recommend New Toyota Prius C Hybrid
Toyota’s least-expensive hybrid model, the $18,950 (excluding a $760 delivery and processing fee) 2013 Prius C, is the latest car to be tested by Consumer Reports magazine.
Unfortunately for Toyota, the product-testing magazine asserted that the Prius C is not good enough to be recommended.
"This subcompact hatchback, which is related to the lackluster Toyota Yaris, suffers from a stiff ride, very noisy cabin, slow acceleration, and cheap-looking interior trim," said Consumer Reports.
Read more »Tuesday
Toyota and Lexus Cumulative Hybrid Sales Since 1997 Top 4 Million Vehicles
As of April 30, the Toyota and Lexus brands have both sold more than 4 million hybrid vehicles around the world since the market launch of Toyota's first hybrid model in Japan, the Coaster Hybrid EV in August 1997, followed by the Prius in December of the same year.
Global sales of the Prius began in Europe, North America and other regions in 2000, with the second-generation of the model landing in showrooms in 2003. The Japanese automaker then expanded the use of its hybrid system on other models such as minivans, SUVs, rear-wheel-drive sedans and compact hatchbacks.
Read more »Monday
Spy Shots: New Range Rover Strips Down to the Metal
These are by far our best pictures yet of the all-new, fourth generation Range Rover, as our spies managed to snag a prototype model without all the plastic cladding of the previous test cars.
Even though Land Rover engineers have covered select parts of the body with black and white decals that look like they came straight out of the Matrix, these new images afford us a clear view of the upcoming premium SUV's shape.
Read more »SPIED: 2014 Acura MDX Crossover, May Get New RLX's Hybrid Powertrain
Our man with the long lens snapped a prototype of the next Acura MDX crossover testing on public roads near the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany.
The mid-size crossover model was heavily camouflaged but a close look at the front end of the vehicle reveals Acura's revised five-point grille with the beaked chrome upper part and twin chrome slats underneath.
While most styling details of the third generation MDX remain hidden, it appears that like the 2013 RDX, it too will feature a more mature / less exciting exterior design, with several elements borrowed from the RLX and ILX sedans.
The current model, which has been on the market since 2006 having received a mild nip and tuck in late 2009, is available with a 300hp 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
Read more »Refreshed Lexus RX 450h Priced from £44,495 in Britain
The global rollout of the facelifted Lexus RX crossover continues with the launch of the RX 450h in the UK. The hybrid model is on sale now with on-the-road prices ranging from £44,495 to £55,495.
The revamped RX 450h is offered in four trim levels including the base SE, the Luxury, the newly introduced F Sport and the Premier.
Read more »Saturday
Spy Shots: Porsche 918 Spyder Snagged Topless, Plus Full-Specs, Turns the 'Ring in Under 7:22
Only a few days after Porsche released an official set of images of the pre-production 918 Spyder, our spies sent in new photos of the plug-in hybrid supercar, this time testing with its top down.
The new crown jewel of the Porsche lineup features a targa top solution with a pair of detachable carbon fiber roof panels that can be stored in the front luggage compartment and a small windowpane located between the flying buttresses.
The pre-production prototype is finished in a matte black color with white stripes that harks back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars.
Surprisingly, Porsche is not keeping a lot of secrets from us having revealed initial specifications on the 918 Spyder. The spiritual successor of the 959 from the 1980s, of which only a little over 330 units were produced, and the Carrera GT from the mid-2000s (1,270 built), sports a full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) body bolted to a carbon-fiber tub.
Friday
MINI Norris, Approved by Chuck, Designed by Milos
With all the far-fetched videos we have posted in our Chuck Norris Approved section, it was just a matter of time before one of you, our readers, sent in a Chuck Norris Approved vehicle.
From the creator of the mirthful Zastava ZUGO with its groundbreaking hand warmers comes the one and only Mini Norris, the only car in the world that passed all crash tests with a single roundhouse kick.
Designed by Milos Paripovic, a graduate of the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, Austria, the MINI Norris not only looks the part, but the part actually looks like it.
Read more »Thursday
Who Knew? Lexus Ceased Production of HS 250h in January 2012!
Just because the Toyota Group is the king of hybrids does not mean that all of its products are a runaway success. Take Lexus' HS 250h dedicated hybrid sedan, which was introduced in North America in August of 2009, for example.
In 2010, Lexus sold a mediocre 10,663 units of the HS 250h, which at the time was priced from $34,200. The following year was worse, much, much worse with sales plummeting 73 percent to a pitiful 2,864 units or less than 240 cars per month.
Read more »GM Claims Volt Owners Have Collectively Saved a Supertanker of Fuel Since EV went on Sale
From time to time, makers of hybrids and pure-electric vehicles all like to mention how much gasoline fuel their cars saved over the years in comparison with regular models, and General Motors is no different.
The Michigan-based carmaker did its math and discovered that ever since the Chevrolet Volt went on sale at the end of 2010, owners of the plug-in hybrid electric car have collectively saved a supertanker of gasoline after driving 40 million miles (64 million kilometers) on electricity and avoiding the use of more than 2.1 million gallons (8 million liters) of gasoline.
Read more »New 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Priced $555 Less Than the Prius V at $25,995*
Ford is not shying away from the fact that it has set its eyes on the Toyota Prius V with the new C-MAX Hybrid as the Blue Oval makes it a point to put at least one reference to the Japanese carmaker's minivan in all of its press statements.
Last time, it was the C-MAX Hybrid's fuel economy with Ford stating that its new minivan will be much more efficient than the Prius V that returns an EPA estimated 44mpg city, 40mpg highway and 42mpg combined. So wait, what is the C-MAX Hybrid's fuel economy? Well, that is something Ford has yet to announce…
Moving on to today, Ford dropped pricing information on the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid, that starts at $25,995, excluding handling and destination fees (* - not yet announced). And as you may have already guessed, Ford noted that its new model is approximately $500 lower than the Toyota Prius V’s base price ($555, to be precise).
Read more »Tuesday
Porsche Reveals Pre-Production 918 Spyder Plug-in Hybrid Super Car with More than 770HP
The wait for Porsche's most radical sports car ever, the 918 Spyder, is nearing its end with the Stuttgart based automaker having completed the development of the pre-production prototypes, the first photos of which were released today.
First seen as a concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder is a plug-in hybrid supercar that will enter production at the end of September 2013. Porsche said that the first customer deliveries will take place "before 2013 is out".
Previously, the Germans had announced that prices in the U.S., excluding destination and handling, will start at $845,000 (equal to €655,000), and in Europe from €645,000 (equal to $835,400) before VAT and country-specific charges.
The new 918 Spyder features a driveline that combines a mid-mounted V8 gasoline engine with a displacement of more than 4.0-liters and an output that exceeds 500-horses driving the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, with two electric motors, one on each axle, with a joint output of at least 218-horses.
Friday
Ferrari Confirms Hybrid Enzo Replacement by the End of 2012, Reports Growth in First Quarter
Little by little, Ferrari is uncovering and confirming new details about its Enzo successor.
In an announcement on the company's first quarter results, Ferrari’s Chairman Luca di Montezemolo revealed that the Enzo's replacement, rumored to be named F70, will be a full-hybrid and will debut at the end of 2012.
"We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations, and which deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, down by 30 per cent on average," said di Montezemolo.
Read more »Italdesign's Brivido Concept Leaves the Show Floor and Hits the Road
In contrast to the vast majority of impressive show car concepts that are either static or too fragile to be even touched, let alone be driven, the Italdesign Brivido sports coupe study is a fully functional model that was created to be enjoyed on the road.
Seen for the first time at the 2012 Geneva Auto Salon in March, the Brivido is a four-seater GT built around the platform and the 360hp V6 hybrid driveline of an unnamed VW Group model, with Road&Track magazine speculating that it could be that of the Porsche Panamera Hybrid.
Read more »Wednesday
Honda Wins Appeal of Small-Claims Court Over Civic Hybrid's MPGs
In February of 2012, Honda Civic Hybrid owner Heather Peters was awarded US$9,867 by a small-claims court in California after she accused the Japanese automaker of overstating the car's 50mpg fuel economy figures.
However, being that Peters wasn't the only one to refuse Honda's class-action settlement that offered some 200,000 owners US$100-200 each and a $1,000 credit on purchasing a new car, the Japanese company decided to appeal her win.
While lawyers are not allowed in small claims court in California, they are permitted on appeal. And unfortunately for Peters, Honda pulled the big guns hiring a national law firm with more than 800 lawyers to represent the company in court.
Read more »SCOOP: This is the New Porsche Macan Compact SUV
No more hiding under the body panels of the Audi Q5 for the Porsche Macan as the Stuttgart automaker's engineers took a completed prototype for a ride in Germany and our spy photographers were on hand to capture it on film.
Lifting a page from the 911 prototypes, Porsche's people added some goofy-looking head- and tail lamp covers mimicking the style of the larger Cayenne to confuse us, but the rest of the car matches the teaser sketch released by the company in February during the announcement of the name.
The overall exterior styling is very close to the Cayenne but the Macan is smaller in size and features a swoopier roofline.
The Macan shares its platform architecture with the next Audi Q5, which means its key dimensions will be similar to Ingolstadt's crossover model.
Read more »New Porsche Cayenne Cayster GT 670 by Hofele-Design
After previewing the new Cayster GT 670 program for the Porsche Cayenne at last year's Essen Motor Show, German aftermarket specialist Hofele-Design has now launched the tuning package onto the market.
The exterior upgrades are the main event for this package with Hofele-Design having developed a new 14-piece body kit.
Among other parts, the package includes a newly styled front bumper with LED daytime running lights, wheel arch extensions, a new vented hood with a power dome, side sills, boot spoiler, roof wing, and a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser and quad pipes.
Read more »Tuesday
2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Fuel-Cell is on its Way
The B-Class F-CELL will be the first series vehicle with a local, zero-emission fuel-cell drive and it is set to commence production in early 2010. The compact car is powered by an optimised fuel-cell system that Mercedes-Benz first presented in 2005 in the F 600 HYGENIUS concept. While the newly designed “stack” for the fuel cell module, is roughly 40 percent smaller compared to previous generation systems, it generates 30 percent greater power, along with a 16 percent reduction in consumption compared to the A-Class F-Cell. 
The electric motor develops a maximum output of 136 hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm which promise to give better acceleration figures than a B-Class fitted with a standard 2.0-litre petrol engine. At the same time, the zero-emission fuel-cell drive uses the equivalent of just 2.9 litres of fuel (diesel equivalent) per 100 km.
But before we get to see the fuel-cell powered B-Class on the road, Mercedes-Benz has to subject the vehicle to rigorous testing in order to get things right. Over the past few months, the German carmaker’s engineers took the B-Class F-CELL up to northern
The main goal of the German carmaker in these tests was to focus on the interaction between the different components under real-life winter conditions at double-digit, below-zero (Celsius) temperatures. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz also used the winter tests to adapt the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to the special requirements of a fuel-cell vehicle. A special feature in this context is that an electric motor exhibits different speed governing behaviour to that of standard combustion engines.
Geneva: Volkswagen’s 69 MPG Golf Diesel Hybrid Concept Will Inspire Production Version!
Yes that’s right; Volkswagen officially stated that the Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a production vehicle in the near future. Apparently, the production model will be based on the next generation Golf which is expected to be introduced at the end of the year. At the core of the Golf TDI Hybrid is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder TDI diesel engine developing 75 Hp and 132 lbs ft of torque combined with an electric and the very latest generation of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, on its own, the electric motor generates and extra 27 Hp but more importantly, 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking thus charghing the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery. -Continued
When driving, the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine engaging only should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. Under these circumstances the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor kicking in only if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking. When at a standstill the diesel unit shuts down completely. According to VW, the Golf TDI Hybrid achieves an impressive 69 MPG or 3,4 lt of diesel per 100 km on the combined circle emitting just 89 g/km of CO2.
Volkswagen’s engineers have also intervened with the Golf’s aerodynamics by adding a new, unique grille design and smaller front air intakes while the TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag. A unique interior further distinguishes the Golf TDI Hybrid from the conventional vehicle.
Monday
Geneva Show: Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept Previews BMW 1-Series Adversary
While Saab supports that the 9-X BioHybrid is a “vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like”, we’ll just bluntly say that the Geneva Show concept previews the shape of the forthcoming 9-1 premium hatch that will enter the market in 2010. The 9-X BioHybrid’s design is clearly inspired from Saab’s earlier Aero-X and 9X concept cars and although its rear-end sort of reminds us of a bread-van, overall, we like it. The interior looks like it came straight from a sci-fi movie, so there’s no point of making any comments as it will never find its way into production.
Underneath its sleek body, Saab’s concept hides a 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine partnered by GM’s next-generation Hybrid system. The 1.4-liter engine generates 200 hp on E85 and an even more impressive 280 Nm (
According to Saab, the 9-X BioHybrid can go from nought to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 sec on E85 and 8.3 sec when using regular gasoline. As for fuel consumption, the concepts need a mere 4.9 lt of gasoline or 6.4 lt of E85 for every 100 km (48 and 36.8 MPG respectively). –More details and pictures after the jump
Press Release
Saab 9-X BioHybrid:
Boosting Efficiency in Compact Design and Performance
The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is a vivid vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.
Exploring design themes from Saab’s award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147 kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM’s next-generation Hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package (see separate release for details).
The interior showcases an entirely new expression of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design, together with innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a rear cargo deck with a ‘low friction’ loading system.
“This car is all about efficiency in design and performance,” says Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design at General Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.
With its ‘turbine’ wheels placed at all four corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new dimension to conventional compact ‘hatchback’ looks.
The smooth ‘fuselage’ bodywork, now without any visible handles or door mirrors, the bold ‘wraparound’ window graphic and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupé concept shown at Geneva two years ago.
The car’s distinctive ‘shooting brake’ silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. “You could say we designed this car from back to front, “says Lo. “The shape of the 9X is right for a car of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well as providing more rear headroom and interior space.”
Echoing Saab’s roots in aircraft design, the 9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics to reduce drag – and fuel consumption – at cruising speeds. Above 70 kph (
The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely new execution of Saab’s driver-focused cockpit design. The central, floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now eliminated. Instead, the driver- focused layout incorporates a main instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding, arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be ‘frozen’ in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in the Aero X.
Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation functions for display and use. The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.
At the rear, the cargo deck features an electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the bottom half of the split tailgate drops down The floor, and the back of the folding rear seats, is covered by ‘high friction’ rubber carpeting, which ‘grips’ items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the tailgate is opened and closed.
The treatment of light is an important part of Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It’s a personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to reflect the pattern of the changing seasons
“This car shows how our concept work can be carried forward into a compact format,” adds Anthony Lo. “It has a number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car.”
Technical Specifications
BioPower Engine:
Transversely-mounted, front wheel drive
1398 cc. Four cylinders Bore/stroke: 73.4/
DOHC, chain-driven. Four valves per cylinder.
Forged steel crankshaft, steel connecting rods. Aluminum pistons, oil spray cooled.
Direct Injection with centrally-mounted injectors. VVT, inlet and exhaust
Sodium-filled exhaust valves
Compression Ratio: 10.2: 1
Intercooled turbocharger. Max. Boost Pressure: 1.6 bar
Dual-mass flywheel. Saab engine management
Max power (E85):......... 200 hp (147 kW) @ 5000 rpm.
Max.torque (E85):........ 280 Nm (
Max power (gasoline):... 170 hp (125 kW) @ 5200 rpm.
Max.torque (gasoline):.. 230 Nm (
Hybrid System
Electric motor/generator with lithium ion battery pack.
Electric power boost, regenerative braking, fuel cut-off, automatic engine re-start
Transmission:
6-spd manual gearbox, automated clutch, sequential gear selection, steering wheel controls
Suspension:
Front: Damper/coil struts, aluminum lower A-arm. Anti-roll bar.
Rear: Torsion beam, two trailing links, coil springs and dampers. Anti-roll bar
Steering:
Rack and pinion, Electrical power assistance.
Wheels, Tires:
21inch, 245/35R21
Brakes:
Hydraulic, dual circuit, vacuum booster. Discs:
Performance Data
(projected figures)
0 -
8.3 secs (gasoline)
80
11.2 secs (gasoline)
Top Speed, 6th gear:
Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.4 l/100km (E85)
4.9 l/100km (gasoline)
CO2 emissions 105 g/km (E85)
117 g/km (gasoline)
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