Posts Tagged ‘Hybrid Car’

The Hyundai Sonata hybrid coming soon

A dedicated approach to hybrids

Later this year Hyundai will begin rolling out its first hybrid vehicle, the Sonata hybrid, but that should be just the beginning of Hyundai’s hybrid story.

By 2012, Hyundai will also add a new dedicated hybrid to its portfolio, followed by a plug-in hybrid in 2013.

Following in the footsteps of the Toyota Prius, Hyundai’s new hybrid will only be available as a hybrid, or eventually a plug-in hybrid, reports InsideLine. Other than its dedicated hybrid status, however, Hyundai is confirming little, although the automaker has shown off a number of hybrid and plug-in hybrid concepts at various auto shows.

Regardless, both the Sonata hybrid and the new dedicated hybrid will utilize lithium-polymer battery packs to electrify their hybrid powertrains. Consequently, it should be interesting to follow the evolution of Hyundai’s hybrid pricing. Certainly, one wouldn’t expect overly aggressive pricing with the launch of the hybrid Sonata to start, as Hyundai will probably be happy to simply be price-competitive with both the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid, particularly since the Korean automaker will be utilizing lithium ahead of the pack.

However, with the launch of Hyundai’s dedicated hybrid, one would assume Prius-like sales have to be on Hyundai’s radar, and that makes Hyundai’s lithium-polymer battery technology noteworthy. According to some battery experts, lithium-polymer technologies might enable quicker gains in lithium cost-effectiveness thanks to cleaner manufacturing capabilities. While Toyota currently has a hybrid advantage, thanks to its NiMH supply chains, a move to lithium is expected, and since Hyundai might beat Toyota to lithium, it could provide some advantage.

Nevertheless, finally, it seems some real pricing competition is ramping up for the hybrid car segment, especially if Ford also follows its plans to offer a new, lithium-powered dedicated hybrid in 2012.

Via Hybridcarblog

Cheaper than the dealership?

Cost effective hybrid repairs

The other day I was out running errands when I noticed a sign in the window of a Pep Boys for repairing hybrids.

Have you had your hybrid repaired outside of your dealership?

Today, there are many new instructional courses for hybrid repair, although the amount of hybrid trained mechanics is still under-supplied. Nonetheless, many independent auto repair shops do have the necessary training and experience for hybrid repairs. In fact, in recent years a few independent, hybrid-only shops have opened up near hybrid hot spots, such as San Francisco.

For most, however, such hybrid garages are not a possibility, but something like a Pep Boys might be, and according to research from the likes of AutoMD, for example, avoiding the dealership servicing department is a good way to save money.

Of course, while taking your old clunker to a Pep Boys garage might seem like no big deal, taking a new hybrid to such a place is certainly a bit more disconcerting. I, for one, have not yet been able to think beyond my dealership.

Have you had any good or bad experiences having your hybrid serviced outside of your dealership?

Via Hybridcarblog

This concept sports sedan Audi A9, the answer at Audi to BMW Vision concept, an informal point of view, of course. This project was developed by the Spanish designer – Daniel Garcia.

Just as BMW tries to capture the market with their 5th Successive GT, Audi A9 variant would seek to take leadership in their market, hybrid sports car, which subsequently will become a “killer” technologically advanced version of the Panamera.

As for the original roof, blending smoothly into the windshield, the designer said that it is absolutely innovative nano-material that even before the end has not been investigated, but that can change color by the owner.

In the near future, such materials, proposed a designer, and will appear in the hands of the automakers, but to date, yet have to use the already proven materials, as in the body-and engine building.

Via Cool Cars

I would quite like to make an informed decision but currently cannot.
I’m an engineer and quite capable of working out the pros and cons given the basic data. The problem currently is that the data is either produced by vested interest or is incomplete.
I spent 20 years when younger and fit, cycling 5000 miles a [...]

Via New Car Blog

Whether you’re looking for a more efficient and ecologically friendly car or a new ride that can satisfy your need for speed, The 2010 Lotus Evora 414E hybrid concept is one car that you should definitely watch out for. This new concept car has been making headlines as it promises to focus on using environmentally [...]

Via Supercars – Sweet & cool car site for super fast sport car» Supercars – New Super Fast Sport Cars: Sweet, Hot, Exotic & Cool Car