Hybrid – Page 8 – Automobiles Review

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) at the IAA Frankfurt

Toyota will exhibit the production version of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) at this year’s IAA Frankfurt on 15^th September.

The new Prius Plug-in Hybrid comes with more compact lithium-ion battery. It offers extended range and enables the Prius PHEV to achieve 128.4mpg and CO2 emissions of just 49g/km.

The idea is simple – extended EV driving range for shorter destinations in town and efficient hybrid petrol engine for longer travelling. Still, the result of the new vehicle is just amazing, practically it is twice efficient than the normal Prius.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents the latest development of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system. This trusted and reliable full hybrid technology has a track record earned through worldwide sales of over two million cars and billions of miles of driving.

In 2012 it will join an expanded Toyota hybrid range consisting of the Prius, the British-built Auris hybrid, the new, seven-seat Prius+ and the new Yaris hybrid, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to introduce Hybrid Synergy Drive technology to the wider market.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle - PHEV — Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle – PHEV

Source: Toyota

August 12, 2011

Oaktec Honda Insight Hybrid Rally Car

No, its not a bad joke. Actually, Oaktec Honda Insight Hybrid Rally Car is a 100 mpg automatic hybrid eco sports car, which has been banned from rallying for being too fast. We imagine the disappointment of the engineers…

The petrol-electric Honda Insight hybrid, which competes in the Formula 1000 rally championship, has been asked to withdraw following concerns from rival competitors that it has an unfair advantage, after dominating the 2011 series with two wins and a second place from the first three rounds.

Oaktec Honda Insight Hybrid Rally Car is powered by a tuned petrol-electric hybrid system, which easily achieves 100 mpg when driven slowly.

“It was a bit of a shock when I got the call as after six years of hard work we finally had our chance for a bit of glory. But I fully understand the perspective of the organisers and their wish not to spoil the sport for the other drivers. Formula 1000 is a great championship and they were really supportive by allowing us to compete with these new hybrid technologies in their rallies and we always agreed that if we had a clear advantage we would step aside. It’s a shame it had to happen mid-season but it’s the risk you face in going against the grain and trying something radical. If it fails, no one notices; if it’s successful, you have an unfair advantage. I think our project has made people realise that there is a real future for genuinely green technologies in motorsport and other leisure activities.”, said Oaktec boss Paul Andrews.

The tuned Honda hybrid system, Oaktec entered the rally car in a fuel economy competition and returned 82 mpg, beating the next best car, a small diesel, by over 17 mpg. Furthermore, the car is unique in motorsport because it uses a CVT automatic transmission developed by Bosch, who also sponsor the car.

You can see the Oaktec Honda Insight hybrid in action, along with other banned Group B rally cars, at Green-Car-Guide Live! at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, 15-17 July 2011, in Cheshire.

Source: Honda

June 28, 2011

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo will make first tests of the new V60 Plug-in Hybrid in Berlin. The vehicle combines advanced technology with luxury design. The first official road test drive with the unique Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid will take place at the 11th Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin – 18-22 May 2011.

The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, the Volvo C30 Electric and the Volvo V50 DRIVe featured in Berlin are three examples of Volvo Car Corporation’s uncompromising attitude to green motoring.

“In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure,” commented Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

“Since the Michelin Challenge Bibendum drives include acceleration and handling tests as well as energy efficient driving, we expect that our cars will do very well. All of them are just as well equipped, comfortable, sporty and safe as all Volvo models.”, he added.

V60 Plug-in Hybrid is powered by a five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel with 215PS and 400Nm. In addition, there is a 70PS electric motor, which receives power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

In Pure mode the car runs only on its electric motor as much as possible. The driving range is up to 32 miles.
In the default Hybrid mode the diesel engine and electric motor interact to provide the optimal balance between driving pleasure and low environmental impact. Emissions of CO₂ (NEDC) are 49 g/km, corresponding to diesel fuel consumption of 150 mpg. The car’s total range is up to 746 miles.
In Power mode the technology is optimised to give the car the best possible performance. The diesel engine and electric motor have a combined power output 215 + 70 horsepower and maximum torque of 440 + 200 Nm.

Source: Volvo

May 10, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept [teaser]

Lexus will exhibit its LF-Gh Hybrid concept at the 2011 New York International Auto Show from April 20th to May 1st. The car will be a redefinition of the luxury „grand tourer”. Actually, the car will be the next generation of GS, which is expected to be introduced late this year.

There are no further information about the car and all data will be released to media guests at a preview event in New York on 19 April.

Untill then, we have too high resolution teaser pictures of LF-Gh Hybrid, one with a headlight on it and one with a rear light. The pictures reveal pure aggression and we hope that the exterior of LF-Gh will be brutal, because the interior is expected to be extremely fashionable with high quality expensive materials.

Stay tuned for more information and check out the pictures!
Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept [teaser]

Source: Lexus

April 6, 2011

JE DESIGN Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

JE Design has introduced their tuning program for the new Volkswagen Touareg and specially for the Hybrid version of it. The tuning company offers both styling and performance packages.

The aerodynamics package includes a widebody kit including a new radiator grill, a front spoiler, front and rear wheel arch extensions, a rear apron insert, a roof spoiler and a rear hatch blend.

The performance package boosts the 3.0 liter TFSI engine to 440HP and 630Nm of torque. The acceleration is more than satisfying 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and top speed of 255 km/h. Remember, this is a big SUV so these numbers are superb.

JE DESIGN prices their power increase kit at 3999 Euro, and for an additional 199 Euro is able to proved a two year warranty for the engine, the compressor, the transmission and the power train.

JE Design also offers a performance package for the 3.0 TDI version of Touareg. The diesel is boosted to 285HP (210 KW).

Check out the pictures!

JE DESIGN Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

Source: JE Design

April 1, 2011

Audi A5 e-Tron Quattro Plug-in Hybrid

Audi А5 e-Tron Quattro Plug-in Hybrid Prototype has not only an incredibly long name, but it also features some very good qualities.The car is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI engine developing 211PS (155 kW) and two electric motors, one on the front axle, which adds 45PS (33 kW) and one on the rear axle adding another 81PS (60 kW). The second electric motor delivers power only when acceleration requires it to or when sensors detect a loss of rear traction such as in a hard curve. There is also a 9.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.А5 e-Tron Quattro Plug-in Hybrid can go only on electricity up to 40 km (25 miles) with speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph). The fuel consumption is staggering – 2.7 liters per 100 km and the acceleration is 5.9 seconds to 100 km/h. The top speed is 228 km/h (142 mph). Not bad for a hybrid car!Audi А5 e-Tron Quattro Plug-in Hybrid Prototype has a curb weight of 1 600kg, which is the same as standard 2.0 TFSI A5 Quattro. The engineers used a lot of carbon fiber and aluminum parts to achieve this result.Looks like, we all gonna drive plug-in hybrids in the near future, which will be faster and more agile than our current vehicles. Audi A5 e-Tron Quattro Plug-in Hybrid

Source: MotorAuthority

March 30, 2011

Toyota Prius – UK Airport TAXI

The UK airport taxi service company Checker Cars has taken delivery of the first of an order for 80 Toyota Prius cars. Just five units arrived at the company’s office in Essex, today. Checker Cars has 1000 drivers and is the official taxi operator not only at London Stansted but at Gatwick, Bristol, Cardiff and Southampton international airports. The company also services London Heathrow from an off-airport office.

“We will expect to replace the cars every couple of years,” commented Checker Cars’ Managing Director David Crouch.

“We’re initially using them at Stansted but we will then involve our other airports.”, he added.

“Our environmental policy is to reduce emissions wherever possible, and we’re also looking for greater economy in the operation of the fleet, because with fuel prices as they are that’s becoming more and more important. Congestion charge is also a factor.”, finished Mr. Crouch.

Toyota Prius T4 returns amazing 70.6 mpg and emits just 92 g/km, which is awesome, because we all know about the problem with the pollution, especially in the big cities.

Prius is a full hybrid, which means that it can go only on electricity at lower speeds. The result is zero fuel consumption and zero emissions.

Prius T4 includes Bluetooth, heads-up display, seven airbags, electric windows front and rear, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control.Checker Cars has also specified the leather option pack.

Source: Toyota

March 30, 2011

Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid

Fisker has announced that Karma Plug-in Hybrid is in production. Actually, the customers in the US and Europe will be able to buy their vehicles in the next month. The price is $88 000, which is $21 000 cheaper than Tesla Roadster.

The company will produce more than 7000 units, because they want to keep the quality at perfect level. Fisker was founded by auto designer Henrik Fisker, who worked for BMW. He is well-know with his famous creations – Aston Martin DB9, V8 Vantage and BMW Z8.

Fisker Karma is powered by 408PS (300 kW) hybrid system, which delivers supreme performance at nearly no cost. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and the fuel consumption will be just 2.4 liters per 100 km (100 mpg) and emission of just 83 g/km of CO2.

Source: Fisker

March 22, 2011

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Version 2.0

Porsche has introduce the upgraded version of 911 GT3 R Hybrid. Version 2.0 will hit the 24 hours of Nurburgring race.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Version 2.0 is powered by a 4.0 liter flat-six with two electric motors with combined output of 204PS (150 kW). The petrol engine delivers 470PS, which are delivered to the rear wheels and the electric system powers the front axle.

The new GT3 R Hybrid has an aerodynamic optimization, which reduces drag and fuel consumption. The whole car now weighs 1 300kg, which is 50 kg less than the previous one.

The steering wheel looks very strange, because of all the switches, but the driver can easily operate key functions without having to take their eyes off the road.

“The emphasis of our work was on improving efficiency. That means we want to keep the lap times consistent with 2010 but use less energy, hence less fuel. In this way, we support future developments of road-going, sporting hybrid vehicles.”, commented Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche motorsport.

source: Porsche

March 17, 2011

Geneva 2011: Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show.

It is powered by supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 333PS (245 kW) and a 35kW (47PS) electric motor. The total power is 380PS (279 kW) and 580Nm (428 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds flat and Vmax – 270 km/h (168 mph), which is perfect for big SAV. (more…)

March 2, 2011

Toyota Yaris Hybrid HSD

Toyota Yaris Hybrid HSD Concept will be introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in March. The small city car will represent just one application of the company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technologies.

The company strategy includes full Hybrid Vehicles (HV), Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV), Electric Vehicles (EV), and Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHV).

Yaris Hybrid HSD is expected to have huge success, because it is in the B segment, which is the largest one in Europe, so the production of Toyota Yaris Hybrid should generate a lot of sales. (more…)

February 4, 2011

2011 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

A lot of manufacturers offer hybrid cars and Volvo plans to introduce V60 Plug-in Hybrid to the Geneva Auto Show. The car is scheduled to hit the market in 2012, hopefully, before the end of the world.

The astonishing thing about V60 Hybrid is that the car is powered by diesel-electric system, instead of petrol-electric and the numbers are staggering – 1.9 liters per 100 km (more…)

January 27, 2011

Tag: Hybrid