Audi Enters Hybrids for Le Mans
Following Toyota’s choice to enter a pair of gasoline hybrids for this year’s 80th Le Mans 24 hour race (June 16-17, 2012), Audi has announced it is getting into a pair of diesel hybrids to be driven by its top rated driver squads lead by André Lotterer and Allan McNish. These will be backed up by a duo of conventional diesel R18’s entered by Team Joest and Audi Sport North America with Timo Bernhard and Olivier Jarvis, respectively, major the driving squads.
With both Audi and Toyota fielding hybrids it helps make Peugeot’s decision to withdraw from Le Mans and not enter its 908 Hybrid4 even much more mystifying, specifically in light of the truth that its 3008 Hybrid4 has just gone on sale in Europe and the UK (more on that up coming week).
Other obvious absentees from the LMP1 class is Aston Martin following last year’s disastrous AMR-A single LMP1 autos which failed to make it beyond the very first hour of the 2011 race. As a substitute it will field two Vantage GT2s in the GTE class.
Meanwhile, Marino Franchitti has been confirmed as lead driver for the experimental Delta Wing run by Highcroft racing.
Other US interest consists of Dyson Racing, winners of final year’s ALMS, getting into a pair of new LMP1 Lola-Mazda B12/60 coupes, Starworks Motorsports and Level 5 Motorsports HPD ARX 03b Hondas, a pair of operates Corvette C6 ZR1s, 911s from Flying Lizard and a 458 from Krohn.
Lexus HS 250h
By Larry E. Hall
In no way allow it be mentioned that high-mileage hybrids are grim, joyless, or Spartan. The 2012 Lexus HS 250h sedan was the smallest and most economical vehicle Lexus had ever constructed when it went on sale in late 2009 as a 2010 model, but it’s unquestionably luxurious. Lexus has noted that much more than 60 % of luxury-auto purchasers would contemplate a hybrid if one particular had been obtainable, so Lexus gave them an option.
Official EPA mileage for the HS 250h is 35 mpg city/34 highway/35 combined. Lexus says the HS 250h qualifies as a Super-Ultra-Reduced-Emission-Automobile (SULEV).
With the exception of a new exterior colour selection, there are no adjustments for the 2012 edition. The manufacturer’s advised retail price tag for the entry level HS 250h is $ 36,330 – a $ 700 boost over 2011. The step up Premium model also improved $ 700 to $ 39,800.
The front-drive HS, which stands for “harmonious sedan,” was Lexus’s first committed hybrid, just as the Prius was for its parent Toyota. Earlier Lexus hybrids have been adaptations of present automobiles, like the common RX 400h crossover – replaced for 2010 by the RX 450h – the GS 450h sports activities sedan, and the total-size luxury barge LS 600h. But the HS is sold as a hybrid only, with no gasoline-only edition.
Lexus HS 250h vs. Toyota Prius
The Continental’s Detroit Notebook: The Best Motor City Show in a While
Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline might say Jens Meiners, but we simply contact him . . . the Continental.
Right after this year’s Detroit automobile display and a trip to California for a press occasion, I am back on my German home turf. This Detroit car show—public days of which just ended last weekend—was the very best 1 in many a long time. After thumbing by way of my notes, I’ve compiled a handful of of my observations from Cobo Hall and subsequent meetings, outlining the highlights, lowlights, and so-so performances.
Yes: Acura NSX. Finally, one more super sports activities car from Honda! A Honda/Acura rebirth is on the way, disturbing comments by the company’s North American advertising and marketing executives notwithstanding. This automobile will not be a compromise. One particular caveat: Voices tell me CEO Ito has noticed the light in the form of electrics and hybrids. At least he thinks so.
Toyota finds alternative to rare earth metals for hybrids: report
Toyota has reportedly formulated a way to generate its hybrid and electrical automobiles with out using scarce and pricey uncommon earth metals.
Japan’s Kyodo News reports Toyota – the world’s biggest manufacturer of hybrid vehicles – could have the technologies ready for complete-scale production inside two a long time.
Toyota is understandably keeping it cards close to its chest, and has not revealed anything about its long term powertrain technology. A Toyota spokesperson told Reuters the business is continuing its investigation into rare earth metal substitutes but at this stage has no timeline on when new parts could hit the market.
Two of the metals – neodymium and dysprosium – are generally used in the magnets of electrical motors and are increasingly sought soon after as the demand for hybrids and EVs grows about the world.
China at present generates a lot more than 95 per cent of the world’s uncommon earth metals and has recently revealed its intention to restrict exports, fearing depletion of its all-natural sources. China’s hesitancy has forced hybrid manufacturers like Toyota into overdrive to discover alternatives to unusual supplies. Japan currently accounts for roughly one 3rd of the world’s uncommon earth metal consumption.
2012 Toyota Prius c; the newest of the Prii
Toyota promised Prius lovers a full loved ones of hybrids a number of many years ago and now, they’ve delivered. The 2012 Toyota Prius c is the newest and most accessible member of Toyota’s popular line of compact hybrid vehicles. Commencing cost is anticipated to be under $ 21,000.
The “c” stands for “city” in the event you have been wondering and this is wherever this modest automobile is developed to thrive.
The c is shorter, lighter and a lot more compact in every way compared to the standard Prius. This, in large part, explains why the 2012 Toyota Prius c will be motivated by an Atkinson-cycle one.five-litre, four-cylinder engine. On its own, it generates 73 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor is excellent for 60 hp or 45kW. Combined, they are rated at 99 hp.
The diminutive car is roomy enough for 4 occupants and some gear as the fuel tank and nickel-metal hydride battery are located under the rear seats. The exterior shell is plainly developed with a youthful purchaser in mind.
Fuel consumption numbers are extraordinary. According to Toyota, the 2012 Toyota Prius c’s mixed rating of 3.7 L/100 km is the best this side of non plug-in automobiles.
Toyota Prius V Review
Let’s reduce proper to the chase here: The 2012 Toyota Prius V (we’re ignoring that Toyota’s marketeers use a reduced-situation v for the name) is an inspired concept. It’s the 1st of three spin-offs of the iconic Prius hatchback to seem the Prius Plug-In and the compact Prius C will also join the fleet in 2012. The up coming step, manufacturer reps report, is to set up a full line of hybrids and a separate sub-brand beneath the Toyota umbrella.
Since its debut in 1997, the Toyota Prius has simply outdistanced all other hybrids in terms of sheer popularity, with globally product sales because launch accounting for 3 million autos. Whilst the perpetual critics of hybrids and electrical autos will claim that this is a drop in the proverbial bucket in terms of complete vehicle product sales, it’s nevertheless greater to be a drop in a bucket and a massive fish in a minor pond.
Positive, the Toyota Prius V is actually just a thinly disguised minivan. But the plain simple fact is, some men and women need to have minivans and some of those desperate souls will want that minivan to be a hybrid. The Prius V gives 50 per cent more area behind the front seats than the hatch (a solid obtain) and it comes close in terms of fuel performance — 4.6L/one hundred km in mixed driving compared to 3.8L/one hundred km for the unique. (These are US fuel cycle figures Australian figures have nevertheless to be confirmed ahead of its nearby launch in Q2 of this year.)
The power of the vehicle, as anticipated, is the hybrid powertrain (shared with the regular Prius), which pairs a one.eight-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with a 60kW electric motor to create a combined 100kW. This pairing is linked to a continuously variable transmission and managed by way of 4 diverse drive modes ranging from the additional-mild to the slightly spicy. In EV mode, the automobile can run on electrical power alone at urban speeds for about 2km, whilst power mode brings (a bit of) extra punch.
California Voltin’
Time was when an automaker created a “California Special” edition of any model it probably had a lot more horsepower or particular graphics. A thing to make it sexier.
Not anymore. Chevrolet Volts headed for CA will now get a new Very low Emissions Package. Sounds like a excellent program, but why?
With the package’s additional equipment the Volt qualifies as a car with this government-issued label: California Enhanced, Advanced Technological innovation-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. You can phone it enhAT-PZEV for short.
The point of the workout to make Volts eligible for Substantial Occupancy Automobile (HOV or vehicle-pool) lane use with just 1 man or woman onboard…just like the arch-rival, all-electric Nissan Leaf.
Usually you need at least two up to use that lane. Get caught driving solo in a non-certified car and you are out a lot more than $ 300. Purchasing the Volt does not guarantee the coveted HOV sticker, but it qualifies the owners to apply for a single of the 40,000 readily available HOV stickers that are issued on a initial-ask, initial-given basis.
