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Toyota Video Teases New NS4 Plug-in Hybrid Concept Car – Is it a Coupe?

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:24:06 +0000

In addition to a extremely closely cropped teaser photo, Toyota has now published a new video on the NS4, a plug-in hybrid notion car that will be totally revealed at subsequent week’s 2012 North American International Motor Show in Detroit.

While mystery continues to shroud the specifics on the NS4, the new promotional clip offers us a sneak peek on some of the car’s styling and tech elements this kind of as instrument panel and center console.

We also get a quick glimpse of a handful of sketches that seem to be displaying a coupe or maybe a sporty hunting four-or five-door fastback, but we can’t be sure. Stick to the break to watch the video for oneself.

VIDEO

PHOTO GALLERY

Carscoop

Honda: New Cars 2012

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:28:57 +0000

2011 is a year that Honda Australia desperately desires to forget. Sales fell by as considerably as 25 % thanks in large to the Japanese tsunami and the floods in Thailand. That is not to say its ageing core item line up wasn’t the blame, nonetheless the the moment mighty Honda is hunting forward to a brighter long term in 2012. The Japanese company is planning a substantial comeback subsequent year with the launch of 3 all-new designs as nicely as an aggressive marketing strategy. Apart from the recently launched Honda CR-Z, production for the Jazz is shifting to Japan up coming year, Odyssey has observed a cost cut and there will be a new Civic hatch and sedan plus an all-new CR-V planned for the following 12 months.

CIVIC SEDAN AND CIVIC HYBRID

Car type: Tiny auto. Timing: March

1 of the company’s most popular designs is expected to get a boost in sales with the arrival of the new Honda Civic sedan and hybrid all around March. Although it failed to dazzle the critics when it was unveiled at the New York motorshow earlier this year, Honda Australia holds higher hopes for the model as it enters an incredibly challenging and overcrowded segment. The current Civic, which has been previous its employed by date for some time, has seen its marketshare hit 2.9% this year, down from virtually five percent in 2010. Tiny is known on pricing and specification on the 2012 Civic sedan/hybrid but we suspect it will retain a related price point to stay competitive. The Hybrid variant will also search at chasing revenue away from the Toyota Prius (which in itself, is not performing all that well in Australia), but it’s anticipated to remain a largely niche product for the foreseeable future.

CIVIC HATCH

Car type: Little automobile. Timing: Second half 2012

The Civic Hatch is the likely saviour of Honda as it’ll brings a sense of European sophistication and style when it goes on sale in the second half of 2012. Getting small todo with its sedan brother, in terms of style, the hatch must show a well-known hit with Volkswagen Golf, Ford Concentrate and Mazda3 customers. Honda is also rumoured to be working on a turbo charged Form-R/S variant for the new Civic hatch, to give it that considerably required sense of sportiness, which Honda built its reputation on.

CR-V
Vehicle form: Compact SUV. Timing: Secong half 2012

Following the Civic Hatch will be the all-new CR-V which will aid lift Honda’s share in the compact SUV segment. The existing model nevertheless enjoys a sensible 5 % marketshare, thanks in huge to Honda’s reputation, but the new auto – which we’ve already witnessed – is far more than likely expected to lift sales considerably, thanks to its very good appears and updated technology. Mixed with the new Civic, the new CR-V really should show as a turning point for Honda Australia as it comes back fighting challenging.

Car Guidance

Study shows hybrids are safe in a collision – but pedestrians beware!

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:14:07 +0000

A study conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) shows that hybrids are safer than their gas-powered brethren, but they (unfortunately) tend to hit more pedestrians.
According to the affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the occupants of a hybrid vehicle are 25% less likely to be injured in an accident.

This is due to the fact that hybrids weigh an average of 10% more than heat engine models, namely because of their heavy battery packs. People in smaller, lighter vehicles are typically at a disadvantage in a collision. The standard Honda Accord weighs 480 lb less than the hybrid version, for instance.

On the other hand, a separate HLDI analysis reveals that pedestrians have a 20% greater chance of being involved in an accident resulting in hospitalization and/or medical fees with a hybrid car than a conventional one.

Why? Because they can’t hear them coming in electric mode…

AUTO123.COM – RSS

Hybrids safer than normal cars, more dangerous to pedestrians: study

admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:31:58 +0000

By Brett Davis | November 18th, 2011

According to a recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute in the US, hybrid drivers a 25 per cent less likely to be injured in a car accident compared with non-hybrid car drivers. Conversely, hybrid vehicles were found to be more dangerous to pedestrians than conventional cars.

External factors, such as the attitudes and driving habits of hybrid drivers may have contributed to the results, the study says, but the main element behind hybrid’s increased safety is the weight. Matt Moore, vice president of the Institute, said in a statement,

“Hybrids on average are 10 per cent heavier than their standard counterparts. This extra mass gives them an advantage in crashes that their conventional twins don’t have.”

The study analysed data from over 25 separate vehicle pairs – hybrid and non-hybrid versions of the same model – that were made between 2003 and 2011. Vehicles that are offered solely as a hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius, were not included in the study. This way more accurate results could be calculated.

On the pedestrian side of things, hybrids were found to be more dangerous mainly due to pedestrians not being able to hear the car coming.

“When hybrids operate in electric-only mode, pedestrians can’t hear them approaching,” Mr Moore said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US is working on minimum noise regulations for hybrid and electric vehicles, and is investigating a number of sound-emitting solutions.

Car Advice | News | Reviews

Toyota Prius C Pictures Leaked

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:47:37 +0000

A leaked brochure breaks the embargo on a sporty Toyota hatchback which seems to be the Prius C.

The production version of Toyota Prius C seems to be about 110 percent different than the concept car revealed earlier this year. This thing look like a hot hatch actually! That said, it could be the Japanese version.

The hybrid powertrain in this car consists of a 75hp 1.4-liter petrol engine, and an electric motor. The Prius C is apparently the hybrid car for young people . It certainly got the visual appeal, and with 60 mpg fuel economy and a price tag of around 20 grand, it sounds tempting.

Let’s wait for the official details and pictures, then see what’s what.

via: Carscoop

Related Posts

Motorward

Nissan Announces New Hybrid Powertrain With 2.5-Liter Supercharged Four and Lithium-Ion Battery

admin — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:04:07 +0000

October 14, 2011 at 3:52pm by Stuart Fowle

Nissan may be generating electric buzz with the new Leaf, but when it comes to hybrids, the company has never been a leader. After all, the discontinued Altima Hybrid didn’t even use a Nissan-designed system, but hybrid technology borrowed from Toyota. Without that car—which was actually only sold in 10 states with California’s strict emissions standards—the company doesn’t offer a single gas-electric.

That will change in 2013, however. Nissan has announced that the North American market will get a new hybrid vehicle that year, with an all-new hybrid-electric powertrain. The engine at the heart of it is a supercharged 2.5-liter inline four, and it’s paired with a next-generation continuously variable transmission. The configuration is similar to what Nissan did in the Infiniti M35h hybrid, with an electric motor packaged between the engine and transmission. The motor itself is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.

Altogether, the company claims, the hybrid powertrain will produce power levels equal to a 3.5-liter V6—for reference, Nissan’s makes 270 horses in the current Altima—while delivering far better fuel economy on both the city and highway ends of things. Because it uses a CVT and a small-displacement engine as its base, the new hardware will also fit in existing vehicles and could end up in any number of places. We view the Murano as a top candidate, along with the next Altima, which we spied in August. And while the new hybrid powertrain is as powerful as a 3.5-liter V-6, we do expect them to live side-by-side for the foreseeable future.

Tags: hybrids, Nissan, Nissan Altima, Nissan Altima Hybrid |

Car and Driver Blog

Official: BMW F02 7 Series Long Version by Tuningwerk

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:38:59 +0000

BMW, Car News, Tuning News — By MR on October 11, 2011 at 4:10 pm — No Comments

The Bavarian-based Tuningwerk company from Puchheim in Munich area has released their program for the BMW F02 7 Series Long Version.

After some improvements the 7 Series engine produces 720bhpP with the maximum torque of 1,090Nm. The top speed is reached at 350km/h as well as the really “smooth” acceleration from 0 to 100km/h is done in just 3.5 seconds.

Equipped with a five- or six-gear sport automatic transmission, the unique CarbonCeramic brake system featuring 396mm ceramic brake disks for the front axle and only slightly smaller ones for the back axle saves about 70kg revolving mass in a streamlined teamwork with wheel disks and tyres.

The German tuner shook off another 50kg (total of 120kg) without compromising the absolutely fully equipped Fonds Entertainment System. The weight reduction was achieved by means of the lightweight design sports exhaust system, as well as carbon hybrid car front and body sills. With the gas tank only half full the Long Version F02 weighs 2,030kg and will cost its owner 198,000 euros.

A “small-scale” power upgrade will improve the figures up to 530hp with a maximum torque of 740Nm, maximum speed of 310km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds. The vehicle costs 169,800 euros with a six-gear sport automatic transmission (also available with all-wheel drive) and a high performance steel brake system.

GTSPIRIT

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 01:36:42 +0000

Having a hybrid car nowadays has been a trend. Earning credentials is another thing plus reducing carbon footprint what with those massive boots that modern day vehicles come out with. At the fore front is each and every manufacturer. But then there are some which outdo the others genuinely and in the process earn green bonus and stuff. The recent manufacturer which has managed to do it is Hyundai and their flagship model, as far as the sales are concerned, happens to be blessed with this green bookings. We have the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid for a review with us and we have narrated it here.

Looks

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid would be the most expressive designs on a sedan in the Hyundai lineup. The front of this car has got the typical Fluidic Design language with some sprinklings of the Kinetic theory thrown in. Design mis-match is something which this Hyundai is adept at. The wing mirrors are one of those most sculpted units that we have seen. Speak of aerodynamics here and it shows. There are some bodyside moldings which appear to be a tight fit. The rear shows coupe like styling with a lowered glass. The 17 inch wheels also cut in a distinct figure and it seems like most of the Hyundai alloy wheel designs are cut out from their concept metal stages. There is a raised letter decal in the rear which says Hybrid plus some more of the Blue Drive badges. Typical of hybrid cars, this one doesn’t display its tail pipes.

Interiors

Interiors of the hybrid Sonata are similar to those of the Hybrid Sonata. In this case, we wouldn’t complain since both the vehicles are well equipped for their class. Some of the stuff included are automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, headlights with LED accents and a 4.2-inch LCD trip computer/hybrid technology display, including a six-speaker sound system with USB and auxiliary inputs. Just like the exteriors, the interiors are also curvaceous to a great extent. The seating arrangement is also at par for this class and infact, it is said that the Sonata is the roomiest car in its class. We couldn’t agree more. The boot space is also similar to the others in its class marred by the extra battery weight.

Handling and ride quality

Not much has changed in this department except for the fact that the ride feels a bit more planted than it usually is. The added weight of the batteries means that the Sonata Hybrid wouldn’t have to crash into potholes. The ride quality is what one would call as pliant; however, the handling hasn’t improved a bit. It still remains a bit vague whatsoever with the steering wheel which is electric in nature and sort of immature. It doesn’t give the confidence at higher speeds and this wouldn’t be the sort of vehicle that the enthusiastic driver would prefer. Anyways, the handling is something which most of the buyers in this class wouldn’t be too keen on considering that there are sportier options in the guise of the Honda Civic and also the Volkswagen Jetta.

Engine, performance and fuel efficiency

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is blessed with a 2.4 liter I4 engine which is mated to a 1.4 kilowatt-hour battery pack. While other in its class use a CVT transmission for their hybrid poweplants, Hyundai has preferred to go the traditional 6 speed auto way and this is a nice touch for this engine which produces an equivalent of 206 hp. The battery of this one weighs in only at 96 pounds. The transmission is typically Hyundai smooth and ensures lag free travel. The fuel efficiency figure is something which should do all the talking here but then its being conspicuously hidden from the brochures and stuff. The fact is that inspite of it being a hybrid, it doesn’t have very good hybrid like figures. The EPA figures for this car rank in 41 mpg for the highway and 36 mpg in the city. This is far lower than what the diesel engined Jetta or even the Civic hybrid manages to achieve. The brakes of this car are fantastic and stop the car well in time. Needless to say, after Volvo, Hyundai are the other harbingers in ensuring safety of the occupants and the regular Sonata with its high flying safety standards is the bench mark here.

Verdict

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid can be said as a significant step by Hyundai, what with the battery placement and all as also the technology used. However, it doesn’t do the main thing which it is supposed to do and that is being the fuel efficiency champion. That honor is left to the others in its class. What it promises is comfort mixed with a good looking machine and this is a package which is extremely rare to find or even buy now. There are three variants and out of this, the base on starts at $ 25,750. Considering this, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid price is something which many wouldn’t want to over look especially given that the state of economy is now in US.

Indian Drives – USA

Ferrari Enzo Successor will Pack a V12, Hybrid Technology

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:58:33 +0000

October 6, 2011 at 10:52am by Daniel Pund

It might not surprise you that the replacement for Ferrari’s Enzo super-double-hyper-car, which will arrive next year, will be constructed of carbon fiber and powered by a mid-mounted V-12 engine. What you might not expect is that the car likely also will be fitted with a hybrid system. But that is indeed what we were told by Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa in an interview at the launch of the 458 Spider.

When asked about the possibility of hybrid tech, Felisa responded, “This is the place for using the newest technology, in the supercar. So, yes.”

Ferrari has been toying with hybrid options, as shown in the awful-green 599 HY-KERS concept from the 2010 Geneva auto show. Felisa also implied that hybrid technology could filter down the Ferrari range, but that unlike the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) used on Ferrari’s F1 race cars, the roadgoing arrangement would be “not just KERS,” and would have to provide efficiency gains and not just extra performance.

According to Ferrari’s future product plan, which was revealed at Fiat Investor Day last year—the full details of which you can read here—the Enzo replacement will hit in 2012. Also arriving in 2012 is the company’s replacement for the 599GTB.

Tags: Ferrari, Ferrari Enzo, hybrid |

Car and Driver Blog

Infiniti M35h Sets World Hybrid Acceleration Record

admin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:36:42 +0000

Published September 21, 2011

Infiniti says it has set the record for the world’s fastest-accelerating production full hybrid. On August 23, at the Britain’s Santa Pod Raceway, CAR Magazine associate editor Chris Pollard tested the Infiniti M35 hybrid in front of a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records, accelerating from a stop to drive a quarter mile. After multiple runs, the M35h averaged a time of 13.9031 seconds, with the fastest run coming in just a hair better, at 13.8960 seconds.

The new record (which doesn’t best a standing Guinness mark but rather establishes the original bar in the hybrid acceleration category,) was attempted to coincide with the release of the M35h in the U.K. The 5-seat luxury hybrid debuted in North America earlier this year, at a starting cost of $ 53,700. The car produces up to 360 combined horsepower between its gas engine and electric motor, and can accelerate from 0-62 in just 5.5 seconds. To put that in perspective, the Toyota Prius achieves 0-62 in 10.7 seconds—nearly twice the M35h’s time.

“You could feel the instant torque of the electric motor away from standstill – the car just leapt off the line,” remarked Pollard in an Infiniti press release. “But what impressed most was the Infiniti M’s duality of purpose: it might be quick, but it’s also comfy and very easy to drive.”

At an combined EPA-rated 29 mpg, the M35 hybrid’s appeal comes not from its ability to test the limits of overall sedan fuel economy, but its ability to match the performance of its luxury sedan competitors while delivering vastly superior efficiency. By comparison, the non-hybrid Infiniti M base model and competing Audi A6 sedan also achieve 5.5-second 0-62 times, but carry overall fuel economy ratings of just 21 mpg and 19 mpg, respectively. The M35h starts at a $ 6,000 hybrid premium over the M37.

Other hybrid records tracked by the Guinness Book include “best selling hybrid car”—which of course belongs to the Toyota Prius—and “largest parade of hybrid cars,” a record set earlier this year at the Green Drive Expo in Madison, Wisc.

HybridCars.com