Report: Hyundai to introduce lifetime warranty for 2012 Sonata Hybrid batteries, confirms 10-speed automatic
The concern evolving about hybrid cars has constantly been the existence and durability of their battery packs, which stemmed from the reality that batteries inevitably die out at some point. And regardless of Toyota’s Prius and Ford’s Escape proof that hybrid batteries can stand the test of lengthy-term use and time, Hyundai even now insists on delivering prospective purchasers some piece of thoughts by offering a lifetime warranty for 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid batteries.
“We can afford the program simply because the failure rate is so very low,” stated Hyundai’s CEO, John Krafcik. And in the identical sentence, Krafcik also claimed that Hyundai has tested the Sonata Hybrid’s drivetrain for a lot more than 300,000 miles with no obvious signs of degradation.
Krafcik didn’t clarify the specifics of the warranty, but in the very same interview, his crew apparently confirmed that Hyundai is functioning to up the ante with transmissions by introducing, not a nine-speed cog swapper, but ten…TEN gears.
“We confirmed that it (the 10-speed) is a ‘go project’ for growth,” stated an undisclosed Hyundai representative.
Other than the confirmation, no other details had been offered.
Toyota unveils hybrid Prius C ahead Tokyo and Detroit debuts
Toyota has taken the covers off its most fuel-efficient car of all time, the Prius C, ahead of global unveiling at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show and later at the Detroit Motor Show, scheduled for 9 to 22 January 2012. The car gets a reserved name “Aqua” only for the local Japanese market. The newest lightweight Prius C hatch is known for a promised fuel consumption up to 40 km/Liter on the official Japanese test cycle. The Prius C is the fourth model in the series including Prius, Prius Plug-In and Prius V.
The Prius C is a bit more longer than the Yaris model but shares the same width, It measures 3995 mm long, 1695 mm wide and 1445 high, while the wheelbase is 2550 mm. Toyota says the engine and hybrid components of the compact car are actually positioned for a low centre of gravity. Nevertheless this is an hybrid hatchback it features an adequate luggage space, in fact the boot offers 305 liters with all seats in standard position.
Prius C powertrain.
The Toyota Prius C relies on a conventional petrol power-unit of 1.5-liter, 74 horsepower and 111 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm combined to a 61hp/45Kw electric motor and 169 Nm of torque. Said that the overall output of the lightweight hybrid system is of 100 horsepower.
Mercedes S350 Bluetec – Can Diesel be the New Alternative?
Mercedes-Benz S-Class might not be regarded sporty enough to match rivals in the segment, namely the Audi A8, the BMW 7-Series or even the Porsche Panamera; however the S-Class is widely revered as a flagship sedan which standardized the aspect of luxury among its contemporaries. A drive on the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid will definitely make you fall in love with the luxuriously designed interiors, however there is a strong suspicion to the aspect of the car’s commitment to the environment, a key factor for attracting consumers towards hybrid cars.
The S400 Hybrid might be the least priced S-Class one gets to purchase; however competitors operating on gas, namely the Panamera or the Audi A8, which have been rated similarly by the Environmental Protection Agency, are available at considerably lower base prices. So, one often wonders why consumers go for the S-400, is it only for it being the cheapest in S-Class segment or they think that a ‘hybrid’ tag is sufficient to ensure that the vehicle conforms to environmental needs.
The skepticism has increased more with the news that of introduction of the Mercedes S350 Bluetec, which is going to be powered by diesel. The S350 Bluetec’s base pricing has been set at $ 92,550; thus making it just $ 700 dearer than the S-400. However the S350 Bluetec is expected to give you a much better fuel economy, and it also comes to the consumers in a standard all-wheel drive.
Estimates on the aspects of fuel economy for the Mercedes S350 Bluetec is that it would travel 21 mpg in city roads and 31 mpg on highways, which greatly surpasases the Hybrid’s performance of 19/25 mpg on city/highway. As per estimates of the EPA, a person is likely to make savings of $ 358 a year with the S350 Bluetec; however cash saving would not be a prime factor for any person capable of affording an S-Class. The factor of convenience would play an important role in shaping purchase decisions, as the S350 Bluetec is expected to travel an additional 86 miles per fuel tank, in comparison to the Hybrid model.
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Report: Nissan wants to sell 1.5 million zero-emissions cars by 2016
Nissan has been doing well with the electric powertrain market and the Nissan Leaf. But to make sure that they remain the leader, Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn has set some pretty ambitious sales goals for “zero-emissions” cars.
In a small press conference, the head-honcho of the Japanese brand said that he wants Nissan to sell 1.5 million zero-emissions cars by 2016.
“We want to take leadership in these technologies. I understand we were not the first in developing hybrid cars,” Ghosn said. “That’s completely fine, as long as we are the leading company in developing all-electric cars.”
Click here for more news on the Nissan LEAF.
Ghosn didn’t exactly specify whether these cars would come in the form of EVs like the Leaf, or plug-ins or hybrids. Either way, the brand plans on adding three all-electric models to their lineup next to the Leaf by 2016, with a plug-in hybrid available by 2015.
Report: Audi and Volkswagen bet on large vehicles when it comes to the U.S.
While Mercedes-Benz and other luxury brands are thinking that compact vehicles, hybrid and electric-cars will help them increase volume sales in the United States, Volkswagen and Audi are pushing a different product strategy in the region with larger vehicles.
Both brands of Volkswagen Group are focused on getting volume and higher profits that come with larger vehicles.
Volkswagen just recently launched the new 2012 Passat in the United States. The U.S.-spec Passat is bigger than the version sold in Europe. Volkswagen is also considering bringing the large Phaeton sedan back to the stateside.
Audi of America has continuously rejected bringing compact models over from Europe including the A1, Q3 and said that if the A2 ever comes to the U.S. it will only come in an electric-version. Even the A3 hatchback will disappear from the U.S. and will be replaced by a roomier sedan that goes on sale in 2014.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Review
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
Lexus Introduces 2013 GS 450h Full Hybrid Sedan, video and slideshow
The Lexus GS 450h is a sedan from the Toyota’s luxury division that features rear-wheel drive equipped with a V6 DOHC 5-liter Atkinsons cycle, known as with a very high compression ratio (13:1), coupled with a permanent magnet electric motor and water-cooled nickel metal-hydride battery powered. The Japanese car maker decided it’s time to revealed its latest creation, the Lexus GS 450h, just official unveiled at this month Frankfurt Motor Show.
As stated one of the company’s head, the 2013 Lexus GS 450h will provide their buyers a new hybrid package with exciting blend of performance and precision. With its dynamic exterior design, spacious interior and advanced technology options, the Lexus GS 450h further proves the brand’s competence of luxury hybrid.
The total power of the Lexus GS 450h is 338 horsepower, almost the same as the old generationenough, according to the car maker, to allow acceleration 0 to 60 mph or 96 km/h in 5.6 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 131 mph or 210 km/h. This numbers figures also look pretty much the same as the GS 350 unveiled recently at California’s Pebble Beach event. The GS 450h is entrusted to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. One element expected to be enhanced is the fuel consumption which Lexus says it’s lower by 30 percent.
