Autoblog

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari

Italian pub, Quattroroute reports Ferrari will show its first road-going hybrid next March at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 599 GTB, the Ferrari hybrid is expected to use a derivative of the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) used on the prancing horse's Formula One cars during part of the 2009 season.

The KERS setup and the concept will reportedly use a lithium ion battery pack, and based on the diagram (right) the road car will have the battery and the power electonics mounted on either side of the rear transaxle, with an electric motor incorporated into the transaxle itself. If the road car is similar to the race car, this will essentially be a mild hybrid system providing automatic start-stop, regenerative braking and electric boost. Judging by the battery size, Ferrari won't offer any pure electric propulsion. The system is expected to boost urban driving mileage by over 30 percent from the current 8.7 mpg (US) to a slightly less miserable 13.8 mpg.

Thanks to Daniele for the tip!

[Source: Quattroroute]

Report: Ferrari to show 599 hybrid concept in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevy Volt squeals tires around the track

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

Chevy Volt track testing - Click above to watch the video after the break

Fuel efficient cars are slow, right? Just ask Jeremy Clarkson, who famously pitted a Toyota Prius against a BMW M3 around a test track to prove that the hybrid isn't very efficient when pushed to its limit. While it's true that hybrids and diesels have a reputation for being more than a bit poky in the name of saving a few gallons of gas, each generation seems to improve in that regard, and GM is hoping that the upcoming Chevy Volt will abolish that preconceived notion altogether.

Witness this video for proof, where, as GM puts it, the Volt 'burns rubber without burning gas.' Here we see the car's chief engineer Andrew Farah wring the electric car around a series of orange cones making up a test track at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. As you're likely aware by now, the Volt isn't a typical hybrid vehicle that requires gasoline to operate. For the first 40 miles or so, the Volt operates solely on electricity, assuming of course that the battery is charged up.

In the video pasted after the break, Farah is piloting the Volt in EV mode, meaning that the range-extending gasoline engine never fires up. We wouldn't expect to get the full 40-mile range when hustling the Volt around a race track, but the fact that it can perform as well as it does without emitting any tailpipe emissions is a laudable feat. So, how will it perform around the Top Gear test track with Stiggy behind the wheel? Click past the break to hear those low-rolling-resistance tires squeal!

UPDATE: Video added after jump.

[Source: Chevrolet VoltAge]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevy Volt squeals tires around the track

VIDEO: Chevy Volt squeals tires around the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Ford

2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's seemingly no end to the lists and awards that can be dolled out to (sometimes questionably) deserving cars and trucks at the end of the year. Take, for instance, the Urban Automobile of the Year Award by On Wheels Media. This is the 14th year in a row the award has been passed out, and this year top billing goes to the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.

Athletic, upscale, class-leading, confident, engaging and impressive are all words that seem befitting of an award winner, and you'll find all of them in the press release after the break describing the new SHO. But wait - there's more! We have a second Urban AOTY, this one on the green side of the coin. With the latest Toyota Prius and Honda Insight obvious choices for such an award, Ford is surely happy to see that its 2010 Fusion Hybrid - the most fuel efficient midsize sedan in America at 41 city, 36 highway - earned the trophy, giving the Blue Oval a total sweep of the ceremony.

So, what qualifies a vehicle to be an Urban Automobile of the Year, anyway? Glad you asked. According to Randi Payton, president and publisher of On Wheels Media, "The Urban Automobiles of the Year resonate with the majority of new car buyers who live in urban and suburban areas. The vehicles chosen are cost and fuel-efficient and have performance and safety characteristics relevant to consumers in metropolitan areas." So, there you have it.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Gallery: Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year

Ford Taurus SHO and Fusion Hybrid awarded 2010 Urban Autos of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on rumored 2013 Nissan GT-R hybrid

Chris Shunk — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Nissan

2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

If we told you there was a variant of the iconic Nissan GT-R putting out around 600 horsepower, gobs of weight-saving technology and fuel economy that can hit 25-30 mpg on the highway would you be interested? What if we told you that the added power came via the same 160 hp electric motor that rested beneath the beautiful sheetmetal of the Infiniti Essence concept at last year's Geneva Motor Show?

The crew at Inside Line are reporting that the hybrid-powered Nissan GT-R is a real possibility for production, complete with the current model's 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and a battery pack for greenification. Weight savings is of paramount importance, and Nissan plans to throw every trick in the book at the hybrid GT-R, although we'd wager that the gas-electric variant will still weigh more than the deceptively porky model in showrooms now. Of course, Nissan wouldn't be interested in a vehicle with less performance than the current model so any hybrid-equipped GT-R would have to at least match Godzilla's numbers.

With all that power comes great fiscal responsibility, so what would a GT-R hybrid cost? IL guesses $100,000 could be the price of entry, though Nissan could be looking for a little more coin than that. After all the GT-R Spec-V was rumored to cost quite a bit more and if you add a hybrid powertrain to Spec-V weight loss techniques, we could be looking at one very expensive green machine.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R

[Source: Inside Line]

More details on rumored 2013 Nissan GT-R hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Honda, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest issue of EVO hasn't dropped into our laps yet, but our favorite Brit pub apparently got the scoop on another variant of the Toyota FT-86 -- one that's supposedly track tuned and considerably cheaper than the model due to arrive in 2011.

Powered by the same Subaru-sourced, Toyota-tuned boxer four, this supposedly stripped out variant could dispatch some of the standard model's amenities and come equipped with upgraded brakes and suspension components specifically designed for track work and drifting duty. According to EVO, a fully optioned FT-86 would carry a price tag of around $27,000, while this budget-oriented performance model will retail for around $22,000 -- a similar setup to the Hyundai Genesis Coupe RSpec.

EVO goes on to report that Toyota's crosstown rivals are working on a one-make race series for the Honda CR-Z and plan to campaign the hybrid hatch at the 24 hours of Nurburgring enduro in May. The more the merrier we say...

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio

[Source: EVO via FT86Club via Jalopnik]

REPORT: Track-focused, budget-oriented Toyota FT-86 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even more Honda CR-Z leakage, this time with interior shots

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery

A couple of weeks back, the world got a look at some leaked Honda CR-Z brochure images. Today is more of the same, although these images are bigger and clearly. We also get some interior shots that were absent from the first brochure leak go-round. Not a bad looking place to spend some economical time.

To recap, the Honda CR-Z is the much-anticipated CRX spiritual successor from Honda. The leaked brochure states the power will be 112 horsepower from the gas engine, plus an additional 12 ponies from the electric assist motor. There will also be 107 pound-feet of torque from the 1.5-liter gas engine coupled to 57 electric lb-ft. of the stuff. You might be scoffing, but remember that the original CRX made around 60 hp and was much loved by enthusiasts.

Why? Weight. As in, the CRX didn't have any. In fact, when introduced in 1984, it weighed less than a Lotus Elise does today - about 1,800 pounds. Meaning it's freakishly light. Sadly, this new batch of images gives us no indication of the CR-Z's curb weight. Odds are the CR-Z will get a bit more beef when it comes here to the States.

And hey... let's not overlook the very good possibility of an Si or Type-R version at some point down the road.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Even more Honda CR-Z leakage, this time with interior shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Toyota Prius and 2011 Camry pricing rises a bit

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has released pricing for their extensively upgraded 2011 Sienna and although the starting prices were down a bit compared to the current models, we can't say the same for the Prius and Camry. Tacked to the bottom of the Sienna presser was a chart showing that prices will be going up for the 2010 hatch and its 2011 sedan sibling. The new-in-2009 third-gen Toyota Prius will be $400 dearer, with base MSRPs ranging from $21,400 for the level I model all the way up to $28,070 for the level V. Those prices don't include delivery, processing and handling charges of $750.

The 2011 Toyota Camry prices will go up $200 across the board, while Camry Hybrid prices rise $250 to a starting price of $26,400. The base Camry with a stick now starts at $19,595, while a top-of-the-line V6 XLE is still under thirty grand, at $29,245. Those figures are up by about one percent for the Camry and 1.7 percent for the Prius. The 2011 Toyota Camry will go into production on January 6 in Japan with U.S. production starting February 1. The 2011 models should start showing up in dealerships by the end of January. The Prius price increase becomes effective January 24, 2010. Make the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Toyota Camry

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2010 Toyota Prius and 2011 Camry pricing rises a bit

2010 Toyota Prius and 2011 Camry pricing rises a bit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW ActiveHybrid 5 concept could debut in Geneva

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

2011 BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

Late last month, BMW officially revealed its next generation 5 series sedan in Munich and the opening salvo of powertrains includes the usual array of gas and diesel six- and eight-cylinder engines. However, with the recent launches of the ActiveHybrid X6 and 7, no one expects it to stay that way for long. BMW officials have acknowledged its intent to expand hybrid capability to other models going forward and, as the next redesign, the 5 would be the logical choice.

We're not sure if the new 5 will show up at the Detroit show next month, but it should appear by the Geneva Motor Show in March. At that time, the ActiveHybrid 5 will probably debut as a concept with the production version possibly arriving by the end of 2010. At this point, it appears unlikely that we'll see any more BMW applications of the two-mode hybrid system used in the X6 (with the possible exception of the X5). Instead, the modular mild hybrid from the 7 is the likely candidate since it delivers much of the benefit at a lower cost and smaller packaging size.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan

[Source: BMWBlog]

Rumormill: BMW ActiveHybrid 5 concept could debut in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Supra HV-R GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's pulled out of F1, but that doesn't mean the company has lost its will to win with cutting edge tech. Rumors suggest it's dusting off the underpinnings of the Hybrid Supra HV-R it used to win the Tokkachi 24-Hour race two years ago, and staring at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a glint in its eye.

The Supra HV-R used a 473-horsepower V8 that gets help from regenerative braking, a quick-charging capacitor, and three additional electric motors: two in the front wheels, one in the back of the car. Toyota would need to upgrade the tech, prep the car for the GT1 class, and test it, so a 2012 race entry is hypothesized were such a thing to happen.

As far as we're concerned, anything that could lead to bringing back a Supra -- even if only in race trim to begin with -- is all right with us. Especially one with 473 horses, gobs of torque and a date with the Mulsanne straight. Toyota, please do this...

Gallery: Denso SARD Supra HV-R

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Ford

Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency, Ford has scored the biggest improvement in combined fuel economy of any major carmaker over the last five years. Between 2005 and 2009, Ford improved its fleet average by nearly 20 percent - almost twice as much as any other company. While Ford certainly made a lot of incremental improvements in the efficiency of its vehicles over that period, that wasn't the only factor.

That same time period saw a huge shift in the model mix at Ford. Sales of SUVs like the Explorer and Expedition collapsed as consumers moved to crossovers like the Edge and Flex (oh, and we suppose a car or two). The Explorer has gone from more than 400,000 annual sales earlier this decade to just over 68,000 last year.

Ford has made actual improvements, as well, however, including the introduction of the Escape Hybrid and the roll out of six-speed transmissions. The next five years should see even bigger gains as Ford deploys millions of EcoBoost engines, battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Ford's official press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Ford 1.6-liter EcoBoost

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers

Ford claims biggest five-year fuel economy improvement among major automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda plans to settle Civic Hybrid mileage suit out of court. Is it a fair deal?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Honda, Earnings/Financials

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you buy a hybrid, you'll be rewarded with excellent fuel economy, right? Well, that's the idea, but sometimes things don't turn out exactly as we had hoped. Such is apparently the case with a number of Honda Civic Hybrid owners who claim that their vehicles don't even come close to achieving the mileage figures estimated by the EPA, leading to a class action lawsuit against Honda.

Back in the summer of 2007, we conducted a telephone interview with John True, one of the two men who started the suit. At the time, True claimed he only achieved, at best, 34.6 miles per gallon and had averaged well under that figure. The window sticker showed EPA estimates of 49 city and 51 highway, though the EPA's revised 2008 rating sits at 40 city and 45 highway.

For its part, Honda admits to no wrongdoing and points out that it was the EPA that estimated those mileage figures. Still, according to The New York Times, the Japanese automaker has agreed to settle the case out of court. If approved, owners of 2003-2008 Civic Hybrids will get a voucher worth up to $1,000 to purchase a new Honda or a check for $100 if they can prove they complained to Honda about their car's mileage.

Interestingly, the current Civic Hybrid, Insight and Fit - Honda's three most fuel efficient models - are excluded from the list of vehicles eligible for the trade-in or purchase voucher. The two plaintiffs would receive $12,500 and $10,000 and their lawyers would pocket $2.95 million. So, um, is it a fair deal? Perhaps more importantly, is Honda to blame here? Sound off in the comments.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

[Source: The New York Times]

REPORT: Honda plans to settle Civic Hybrid mileage suit out of court. Is it a fair deal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Dan Roth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Truck, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Electric

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Our friend Mike Levine from Pickuptrucks.com joins Chris, Sam and Dan for Episode #157 of The Autoblog Podcast, bringing his vast knowledge of all that is crew-cabbed and full framed. Of course, we start off with what we're driving and dreamy talk about the Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but the real meat and potatoes news items begin with a peek at the Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabrio. Staying with Ms. Jellinek's namesake brand, the crew ponders the idea of an electric SLS supercar. Staying charged, we move right into Toyota's recent hybrid news - a tease of an all new hybrid that we'll see at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, and today's announcement of a PHEV Prius. Hybrid pickups come up before we move on to the BMW's Z4 sDrive35is and then questions. One hour, thirty minutes, in time for your Tuesday pick-me-up.

For more listening pleasure check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us!

Autoblog Podcast #157 - Mike Levine trucks along with us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ex-execs from Chrysler join startup green company

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology

Ex-Chrysler CEO and co-president Tom LaSorda (above) and ex-VP of North American sales Steven Landry have joined a small Detroit startup called ALTe. Focused on the fleet industry, ALTe aims to retrofit light trucks and vans, limos and taxis, and police cars with its flexible and proprietary plug-in hybrid drivetrains.

ALTe is headed by other former car industry alumna from Ford and Tesla. They formed the seed of technical know-how, and speculation is that they are looking to Lasorda and Landry to help them lure three groups: institutional investors, fleet operators and dealers.

At the moment ALTe is focused on acquiring the funds it needs in order to be approved for a DoE loan (it has to get money to make money). Eventually, based on global industry regulations alone the company stands to make a fortune... if it can just stay in business long enough to make that fortune.

[Source: Forbes | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Ex-execs from Chrysler join startup green company originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Humor, Electric

Chevrolet Volt Dance - Click above to watch the video after the break

"E for electricity, V for Chevy Volt and me..." Catchy little diddly, sure. But we were mostly willing to let the Chevrolet Volt song make the deep, dark trek into obscurity with nary another mention. That is, until today. What made us change our tune, you ask? Boy, are you in for a treat.

Witness the Chevy Volt dance. Yes, it is an official routine apparently commissioned by GM. Showgoers that meandered near the GM area at the LA Auto Show may already be familiar with this little number, but the video's just too good not to share with the rest of the class. We especially like it when the four-person crew stops whatever they're doing to throw us an "E" and a "V."

Trust us. You owe it to yourself to click past the break and watch the video. Here's hoping The General antes up to send these dancers around the country for the rest of the auto show circuit.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really.

VIDEO: GM commissions Chevrolet Volt dance to go with song. Yes, really. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid Concept teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota, the Undisputed Heavyweight Hybrid Champion of the World, has just announced that it will unveil a new gas-electric concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Beyond that, details are decidedly scarce. As a dedicated model, this apparently won't be a hybridized version of a current Toyota model but a new vehicle entirely, and, judging by the two teaser images released with the announcement, it doesn't appear to be quite like anything the automaker has shown us before.

With that out of the way, let's speculate a bit. We've been hearing that Toyota is considering expanding its Prius range with both a sporty coupe and a roomier wagon, so this could be a conceptual version of one of those models. Or not. We'll find out for sure on January 11 when we point our own DSLR lenses at the concept in Detroit. In the meantime, feel free to hit the jump for the extremely brief press release and peruse the two high-res teaser images in our gallery below.

Gallery: Toyota Hybrid Concept Teaser

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota, Electric

Toyota Prius PHEV - click above for high-res image gallery

In Japan today, Toyota officially launched its Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) lease program. Over the next six months, Toyota will be building and deploying 600 examples of the plug-in Prius for testing primarilly in Japan, United States and Europe. The Japanese market will get 230 units, with 150 coming to the States and 200 going to Europe. The cars will be leased to government, commercial, and university fleets for field testing that help to gather more data on how PHEVs are used in the real world.

To accommodate plug-in charging the Prius gets a 5.2 kWh lithium ion battery pack in place of the standard nickel metal hydride unit. The battery and associated charging hardware appear to be the only significant mechanical changes to the PHEV. The motor and other hybrid hardware are apparently carried over intact. Even with the standard motor, Toyota claims a maximum EV speed of 62 mph.

On the Japanese JC08 cycle, the Prius can run about 14.5 miles before depleting the battery. It's not clear what the performance level will be in EV mode and what sort of driving will trigger the engine to start up while the battery still has available power. Based on that driving cycle, the PHEV is rated at 72 mpg (U.S.) in post-EV hybrid mode which compares with the 50 mpg or so that we typically see in real use. Since the hybrid system is essentially unchanged, the 14 mile range is probably a bit optimistic. The combined efficiency based on a utility factor of .436 (43.6 percent of driving in EV mode) the Prius is rated at 134 mpg (U.S.). The PHEV Prius will undoubtedly get very good mileage, but we suspect that triple digits are unlikely for most people. During the presentation, Toyota also announced a target of retail sales for the PHEV of late 2011 at an "affordable" price. Video of the presentation and the press release are after the jump.

Presentations:

Gallery: Toyota Prius PHEV concept

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011

Toyota officially launches plug-in Prius program, retail sales in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Next generation Nissan GT-R to go hybrid

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Japan, Nissan, Rumormill

2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Japan's Best Car magazine seems to be on a little bit of a hybrid high lately. Just a couple of weeks ago, the publication ran a story stating that Toyota is planning to revive its beloved MR2 nameplate with a new hybrid roadster. Now they're reporting that the Nissan GT-R will also gain a gas-electric drivetrain in its next iteration.

According to the report, the R36-generation GT-R will supplement its 440-horsepower gasoline engine - down from the current twin-turbo V6's 480 - with an electric motor worth about 160 galloping horses, for an overall equivalent of 600. That's a whole lot of power, and if the reports prove to be accurate, Porsche won't be the only one looking in the rear-view mirror when it comes along.

[Source: Best Car via 4WheelsNews.com]

Rumormill: Next generation Nissan GT-R to go hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another leaked brochure shows Honda CR-Z by Mugen

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

Honda CR-Z by Mugen - Click above for image gallery

With yesterday's leaked brochure of the production version of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, a Temple of VTEC member wasted no time uploading what could be the first Mugen variant of Honda's new hybrid hatch.

Details on the mods are minimal, but the tuner appears to be working on a dress-up package that includes a new front bumper/splitter, side skirts, rear bumper and wing. Naturally, a new set of wheels are part of the package -- what appears to be a set of 17-inch, seven spoke hoops, likely shod in stickier rubber.

Given Mugen's strong ties to Honda, expect the full kit to be available through dealers in Japan when the CR-Z goes on sale early next year.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z by Mugen Brochure

[Source: TOV]

Another leaked brochure shows Honda CR-Z by Mugen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-Z brochure leaks out, production specs revealed

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure - Click above for high-res image gallery

The variable valve-timing obsessives at the Temple of VTEC have scored a leaked brochure of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and in addition to getting a glimpse of the production version of the hybrid hatch, some specs and trim details were included in the document.

We finally have hard figures on the 1.5-liter engine's output (in JDM spec), with the diminutive four-cylinder putting out 112 horsepower (at 6,000 rpm) on its own and another 14 hp from its electric motor. Just as importantly, the engine creates 107 lb-ft of torque (at 4,800 rpm) with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system boosting that by another 57 lb-ft at an oh-so-low 1,000 rpm. Coupled with either a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox, the CR-Z nets a relatively uninspiring 0 to 62 mph time of 9.7 seconds.

The dimensions haven't changed much from the "concept" we saw at the Tokyo Motor Show earlier this year, with a 160.6-inch overall length, 68.5-inch width, 54.9-inch height and a wheelbase that spans 95.9 inches. Unfortunately, no word on curb weight.

Since efficiency is the name of the game, the CR-Z will benefit from LED daytime running lights and turn signal indicators in the mirrors, along with three driving modes - Eco, Normal and Sport - each controllable from a dash mounted switch and with a different color surrounding the gauges based on the mode.

Check out the pics in the gallery below for more and get the full story in our CR-Z post from Tokyo.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z Brochure

[Source: Temple of VTEC]

Honda CR-Z brochure leaks out, production specs revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Challenger tops Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey

Chris Shunk — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Toyota

2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed - Click above for high-res image gallery

Consumer Reports has surveyed 380,000 subscribers to rank the most satisfied new car owners and a newcomer came in and dethroned the Toyota Prius. An amazing 92 percent of V8-powered Dodge Challenger owners said that they would definitely buy another Mopar pony car if they had the chance to do it all over again. That's a big-time win for Chrysler, as the Pentastar has been getting dinged badly in recent CR studies. Hybrids have been very popular in the satisfaction survey over the past few years, but the perennial champ Prius wasn't even the number one battery-assisted model. That honor goes to the new Ford Fusion Hybrid, which came in second overall with a 91 percent rating. The Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911 and Prius round out the top five. To make the top of the satisfaction list at least 80 percent of customers need to say that they would definitely buy the same vehicle again.

Detroit automakers substantially improved their standing in the annual survey versus last year, as nine percent of overall Motown models were at the top of the list. That's still down substantially against the 12 percent Asian automakers and 23 percent of European automakers scored in the top tier. While GM, Ford and Chrysler each found success at the top, each scoring a hit in the top five, two of the three automakers also filled out the entire bottom ten. Owners of the four cylinder Chrysler Sebring were the least satisfied among all surveyed. In all, GM had seven of the bottom ten while Chrysler had three unlovable losers. Head over to the Consumer Reports site for more details.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 6-Speed

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Dodge Challenger tops Consumer Reports owner satisfaction survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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