The electric car is coming.
Unlike most things in these days of economic turmoil, you can take that to the bank. But while many automakers have made some sort of commitment to offer some form of electric car, the major question is: Will we buy it?
Well, the promotion has begun. And here are 10 reasons why many pundits say that, Yes, we will be buying electric cars.
1. There is no engine. Think about the savings in gas and maintenance. And there are four electric motors that run the electric car so if one motor goes out, you still have the other three churning along. The now available space can be used by batteries that provide the vehicle with the longer range we all want. There is a new mini vehicle hybrid electric vehicle that has been said to have a range of 900 miles. Wow!
2. Electric cars will be reliable. There is no doubt about that. And there is evidence of that already. There is an electric car that runs on solar power that has driven around the world. Double Wow!
3. The electric car can actually save you money in the long run. They may be more expensive to buy initially, but you will no doubt save on the maintenance and fuel costs.
4. Solar roofs that can be used to provide energy to run the vehicles will provide free power from the sun. Solar panels have already been developed to achieve this and a Prius has been modified to include a solar roof which has been proven to extend its range and make driving even cheaper.
5. They are quiet. Walking on the streets of a large city could be almost a pleasure because it will be so quiet once the old gas engine cars make their way to the junkyard.
6. Samples like the Tesla Roadster already exist which show the benefits: 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds; doesn’t burn oil; travels 244 miles per charge; costs pennies per mile.
7. No infrastructure. The cars can be filled up so to speak by just plugging them into an electrical socket.
8. Besides being able to put solar panels on the roof of the vehicle, transparent solar panels have already been invented that can be put on the windshield providing more capability to turn sun light into energy and thus more range.
9. Believe it or not, there are companies that are developing “Solar Paint” -- paint that can generate electricity. So with solar panels on the roof and windshield and solar energy also coming from the paint on the surface of the vehicle, there is no chance that the car will be without power. Wow! Wow! Wow!
10. Finally, it will end once and for all our dependence on foreign oil -- wait, it will eliminate our need for any oil.
via AboutMyPlanet
Showing posts with label hybrid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hybrid. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Why to Buy an Electric Car 101
The electric car is coming.
Unlike most things in these days of economic turmoil, you can take that to the bank. But while many automakers have made some sort of commitment to offer some form of electric car, the major question is: Will we buy it?
Well, the promotion has begun. And here are 10 reasons why many pundits say that, Yes, we will be buying electric cars.
1. There is no engine. Think about the savings in gas and maintenance. And there are four electric motors that run the electric car so if one motor goes out, you still have the other three churning along. The now available space can be used by batteries that provide the vehicle with the longer range we all want. There is a new mini vehicle hybrid electric vehicle that has been said to have a range of 900 miles. Wow!
2. Electric cars will be reliable. There is no doubt about that. And there is evidence of that already. There is an electric car that runs on solar power that has driven around the world. Double Wow!
3. The electric car can actually save you money in the long run. They may be more expensive to buy initially, but you will no doubt save on the maintenance and fuel costs.
4. Solar roofs that can be used to provide energy to run the vehicles will provide free power from the sun. Solar panels have already been developed to achieve this and a Prius has been modified to include a solar roof which has been proven to extend its range and make driving even cheaper.
5. They are quiet. Walking on the streets of a large city could be almost a pleasure because it will be so quiet once the old gas engine cars make their way to the junkyard.
6. Samples like the Tesla Roadster already exist which show the benefits: 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds; doesn’t burn oil; travels 244 miles per charge; costs pennies per mile.
7. No infrastructure. The cars can be filled up so to speak by just plugging them into an electrical socket.
8. Besides being able to put solar panels on the roof of the vehicle, transparent solar panels have already been invented that can be put on the windshield providing more capability to turn sun light into energy and thus more range.
9. Believe it or not, there are companies that are developing “Solar Paint” -- paint that can generate electricity. So with solar panels on the roof and windshield and solar energy also coming from the paint on the surface of the vehicle, there is no chance that the car will be without power. Wow! Wow! Wow!
10. Finally, it will end once and for all our dependence on foreign oil -- wait, it will eliminate our need for any oil.
via AboutMyPlanet
Unlike most things in these days of economic turmoil, you can take that to the bank. But while many automakers have made some sort of commitment to offer some form of electric car, the major question is: Will we buy it?
Well, the promotion has begun. And here are 10 reasons why many pundits say that, Yes, we will be buying electric cars.
1. There is no engine. Think about the savings in gas and maintenance. And there are four electric motors that run the electric car so if one motor goes out, you still have the other three churning along. The now available space can be used by batteries that provide the vehicle with the longer range we all want. There is a new mini vehicle hybrid electric vehicle that has been said to have a range of 900 miles. Wow!
2. Electric cars will be reliable. There is no doubt about that. And there is evidence of that already. There is an electric car that runs on solar power that has driven around the world. Double Wow!
3. The electric car can actually save you money in the long run. They may be more expensive to buy initially, but you will no doubt save on the maintenance and fuel costs.
4. Solar roofs that can be used to provide energy to run the vehicles will provide free power from the sun. Solar panels have already been developed to achieve this and a Prius has been modified to include a solar roof which has been proven to extend its range and make driving even cheaper.
5. They are quiet. Walking on the streets of a large city could be almost a pleasure because it will be so quiet once the old gas engine cars make their way to the junkyard.
6. Samples like the Tesla Roadster already exist which show the benefits: 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds; doesn’t burn oil; travels 244 miles per charge; costs pennies per mile.
7. No infrastructure. The cars can be filled up so to speak by just plugging them into an electrical socket.
8. Besides being able to put solar panels on the roof of the vehicle, transparent solar panels have already been invented that can be put on the windshield providing more capability to turn sun light into energy and thus more range.
9. Believe it or not, there are companies that are developing “Solar Paint” -- paint that can generate electricity. So with solar panels on the roof and windshield and solar energy also coming from the paint on the surface of the vehicle, there is no chance that the car will be without power. Wow! Wow! Wow!
10. Finally, it will end once and for all our dependence on foreign oil -- wait, it will eliminate our need for any oil.
via AboutMyPlanet
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Who needs a hybrid?
Green is for sale. But who’s buying? Seriously, who needs a hybrid? Without question, fuel-saving technology is essential both for automakers who hope to compete in the next decade and for a nation stricken by energy problems. But if you dig through the sales numbers over the past few months, it’s easy to see that more consumers are asking whether the extra cost of a hybrid-electric car is really worth it.
In December, sales of Toyota’s Prius—the standard bearer of all hybrids—fell by a whopping 45%. In November, sales were off 48%. During those two months, gasoline prices plummeted below $2 a gallon. This proves that America hasn’t turned truly green. More likely, they turned red at the pump back in July when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon. People fled their suvs and bought smaller cars and hybrids like there was a fuel shortage.
But once gasoline prices fell back to levels that Americans have normally paid, they pulled back on hybrid purchases. Toyota has indefinitely delayed its plans for a Prius plant in Mississippi. Toyota isn’t the only company feeling a pinch. Ford’s Escape hybrid and the competing Saturn Vue hybrid both saw sales sink by more than 40% last month. And the hybrid Civic? Off almost 70%. Ouch.
Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales USA, notes that for the year, hybrid sales fell only 12%. That shows better staying power than a car market that fell 18%. His point shouldn’t be ignored. He is also right when he says that in the long run, gasoline prices will rise and hybrids will be a better sell. Plus, he says, 80% of Prius owners trade in for a new one. That means the existing buyers keep coming back.
But annual numbers are padded by the huge fuel-price spike of the first half of the year. Recent months show that when gas prices fall, consumers aren’t buying. This creates a huge dilemma for car companies and policy makers. New fuel economy rules will mandate fuel-saving technology. Carmakers the world over are pushing hybrids and other fuel savers to market. But without a hit to the wallet, Americans still aren’t sold on them. Without a price spike—or a tax on gasoline—carmakers will once again be caught between a policy that demands fuel economy and an American consumer who remains indifferent.
In December, sales of Toyota’s Prius—the standard bearer of all hybrids—fell by a whopping 45%. In November, sales were off 48%. During those two months, gasoline prices plummeted below $2 a gallon. This proves that America hasn’t turned truly green. More likely, they turned red at the pump back in July when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon. People fled their suvs and bought smaller cars and hybrids like there was a fuel shortage.
But once gasoline prices fell back to levels that Americans have normally paid, they pulled back on hybrid purchases. Toyota has indefinitely delayed its plans for a Prius plant in Mississippi. Toyota isn’t the only company feeling a pinch. Ford’s Escape hybrid and the competing Saturn Vue hybrid both saw sales sink by more than 40% last month. And the hybrid Civic? Off almost 70%. Ouch.
Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales USA, notes that for the year, hybrid sales fell only 12%. That shows better staying power than a car market that fell 18%. His point shouldn’t be ignored. He is also right when he says that in the long run, gasoline prices will rise and hybrids will be a better sell. Plus, he says, 80% of Prius owners trade in for a new one. That means the existing buyers keep coming back.
But annual numbers are padded by the huge fuel-price spike of the first half of the year. Recent months show that when gas prices fall, consumers aren’t buying. This creates a huge dilemma for car companies and policy makers. New fuel economy rules will mandate fuel-saving technology. Carmakers the world over are pushing hybrids and other fuel savers to market. But without a hit to the wallet, Americans still aren’t sold on them. Without a price spike—or a tax on gasoline—carmakers will once again be caught between a policy that demands fuel economy and an American consumer who remains indifferent.
Who needs a hybrid?
Green is for sale. But who’s buying? Seriously, who needs a hybrid? Without question, fuel-saving technology is essential both for automakers who hope to compete in the next decade and for a nation stricken by energy problems. But if you dig through the sales numbers over the past few months, it’s easy to see that more consumers are asking whether the extra cost of a hybrid-electric car is really worth it.
In December, sales of Toyota’s Prius—the standard bearer of all hybrids—fell by a whopping 45%. In November, sales were off 48%. During those two months, gasoline prices plummeted below $2 a gallon. This proves that America hasn’t turned truly green. More likely, they turned red at the pump back in July when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon. People fled their suvs and bought smaller cars and hybrids like there was a fuel shortage.
But once gasoline prices fell back to levels that Americans have normally paid, they pulled back on hybrid purchases. Toyota has indefinitely delayed its plans for a Prius plant in Mississippi. Toyota isn’t the only company feeling a pinch. Ford’s Escape hybrid and the competing Saturn Vue hybrid both saw sales sink by more than 40% last month. And the hybrid Civic? Off almost 70%. Ouch.
Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales USA, notes that for the year, hybrid sales fell only 12%. That shows better staying power than a car market that fell 18%. His point shouldn’t be ignored. He is also right when he says that in the long run, gasoline prices will rise and hybrids will be a better sell. Plus, he says, 80% of Prius owners trade in for a new one. That means the existing buyers keep coming back.
But annual numbers are padded by the huge fuel-price spike of the first half of the year. Recent months show that when gas prices fall, consumers aren’t buying. This creates a huge dilemma for car companies and policy makers. New fuel economy rules will mandate fuel-saving technology. Carmakers the world over are pushing hybrids and other fuel savers to market. But without a hit to the wallet, Americans still aren’t sold on them. Without a price spike—or a tax on gasoline—carmakers will once again be caught between a policy that demands fuel economy and an American consumer who remains indifferent.
In December, sales of Toyota’s Prius—the standard bearer of all hybrids—fell by a whopping 45%. In November, sales were off 48%. During those two months, gasoline prices plummeted below $2 a gallon. This proves that America hasn’t turned truly green. More likely, they turned red at the pump back in July when gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon. People fled their suvs and bought smaller cars and hybrids like there was a fuel shortage.
But once gasoline prices fell back to levels that Americans have normally paid, they pulled back on hybrid purchases. Toyota has indefinitely delayed its plans for a Prius plant in Mississippi. Toyota isn’t the only company feeling a pinch. Ford’s Escape hybrid and the competing Saturn Vue hybrid both saw sales sink by more than 40% last month. And the hybrid Civic? Off almost 70%. Ouch.
Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales USA, notes that for the year, hybrid sales fell only 12%. That shows better staying power than a car market that fell 18%. His point shouldn’t be ignored. He is also right when he says that in the long run, gasoline prices will rise and hybrids will be a better sell. Plus, he says, 80% of Prius owners trade in for a new one. That means the existing buyers keep coming back.
But annual numbers are padded by the huge fuel-price spike of the first half of the year. Recent months show that when gas prices fall, consumers aren’t buying. This creates a huge dilemma for car companies and policy makers. New fuel economy rules will mandate fuel-saving technology. Carmakers the world over are pushing hybrids and other fuel savers to market. But without a hit to the wallet, Americans still aren’t sold on them. Without a price spike—or a tax on gasoline—carmakers will once again be caught between a policy that demands fuel economy and an American consumer who remains indifferent.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Toyota Camry Hybrid: The Green Car
With gas pricing soaring up, the popularity for the hybrid vehicles are showing an increase. Many car makers have come out with attractive hybrid models. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is one among the most popular of these choices. Let us have a look at the gorgeous features of the Toyota Camry hybrid that makes it stay apart from the other hybrids.
Even though the Toyota Camry hybrid is exactly the same as the previous
Camry sedan models in many aspects, the new Hybrid models possess some features that differ in some ways. As Hybrid cars run partly by electricity and the rest by gasoline, there is no denial that there would be positive outcome. But of course there do have a serious of negative impacts also. Camry hybrid’s later models, such as the 2007 was classified as a “full hybrid” because it could run on gas or on electric energy, depending on the driver’s preference. Nowadays, the combination of both is considered to be more popular and more and more people are considering investing in these models.
The sales of Toyota Camry hybrid are currently remarkably high. Toyota, the Japanese automaker is doing their best to annex a big part of the market. For this, a massive and research is being conducted to develop the existing specification of the Camry Hybrid. Hybrid is either superior or just within the average level. The Toyota Camry hybrid has a 40 MPG gas mileage while if the highway it has 38 MPG gas mileage. It moves utilizing a four-cylinder engine with gasoline fuel. The maximum capacity of its NiMH 245V battery is about 30 kilowatt or 40 horsepower, peaking at about 192 horsepower or 140 kilowatts. Toyota Camry Hybrid is capable of matching the acceleration speed of the Toyota V6 Camry. The car won the award for the Green car of the Year as well as the Eco-Friendly Car in 2007. Thanks to the ability of low consumption of fuel.
Even though the Toyota Camry hybrid is exactly the same as the previous
Camry sedan models in many aspects, the new Hybrid models possess some features that differ in some ways. As Hybrid cars run partly by electricity and the rest by gasoline, there is no denial that there would be positive outcome. But of course there do have a serious of negative impacts also. Camry hybrid’s later models, such as the 2007 was classified as a “full hybrid” because it could run on gas or on electric energy, depending on the driver’s preference. Nowadays, the combination of both is considered to be more popular and more and more people are considering investing in these models.
The sales of Toyota Camry hybrid are currently remarkably high. Toyota, the Japanese automaker is doing their best to annex a big part of the market. For this, a massive and research is being conducted to develop the existing specification of the Camry Hybrid. Hybrid is either superior or just within the average level. The Toyota Camry hybrid has a 40 MPG gas mileage while if the highway it has 38 MPG gas mileage. It moves utilizing a four-cylinder engine with gasoline fuel. The maximum capacity of its NiMH 245V battery is about 30 kilowatt or 40 horsepower, peaking at about 192 horsepower or 140 kilowatts. Toyota Camry Hybrid is capable of matching the acceleration speed of the Toyota V6 Camry. The car won the award for the Green car of the Year as well as the Eco-Friendly Car in 2007. Thanks to the ability of low consumption of fuel.
Toyota Camry Hybrid: The Green Car
With gas pricing soaring up, the popularity for the hybrid vehicles are showing an increase. Many car makers have come out with attractive hybrid models. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is one among the most popular of these choices. Let us have a look at the gorgeous features of the Toyota Camry hybrid that makes it stay apart from the other hybrids.
Even though the Toyota Camry hybrid is exactly the same as the previous
Camry sedan models in many aspects, the new Hybrid models possess some features that differ in some ways. As Hybrid cars run partly by electricity and the rest by gasoline, there is no denial that there would be positive outcome. But of course there do have a serious of negative impacts also. Camry hybrid’s later models, such as the 2007 was classified as a “full hybrid” because it could run on gas or on electric energy, depending on the driver’s preference. Nowadays, the combination of both is considered to be more popular and more and more people are considering investing in these models.
The sales of Toyota Camry hybrid are currently remarkably high. Toyota, the Japanese automaker is doing their best to annex a big part of the market. For this, a massive and research is being conducted to develop the existing specification of the Camry Hybrid. Hybrid is either superior or just within the average level. The Toyota Camry hybrid has a 40 MPG gas mileage while if the highway it has 38 MPG gas mileage. It moves utilizing a four-cylinder engine with gasoline fuel. The maximum capacity of its NiMH 245V battery is about 30 kilowatt or 40 horsepower, peaking at about 192 horsepower or 140 kilowatts. Toyota Camry Hybrid is capable of matching the acceleration speed of the Toyota V6 Camry. The car won the award for the Green car of the Year as well as the Eco-Friendly Car in 2007. Thanks to the ability of low consumption of fuel.
Even though the Toyota Camry hybrid is exactly the same as the previous
Camry sedan models in many aspects, the new Hybrid models possess some features that differ in some ways. As Hybrid cars run partly by electricity and the rest by gasoline, there is no denial that there would be positive outcome. But of course there do have a serious of negative impacts also. Camry hybrid’s later models, such as the 2007 was classified as a “full hybrid” because it could run on gas or on electric energy, depending on the driver’s preference. Nowadays, the combination of both is considered to be more popular and more and more people are considering investing in these models.
The sales of Toyota Camry hybrid are currently remarkably high. Toyota, the Japanese automaker is doing their best to annex a big part of the market. For this, a massive and research is being conducted to develop the existing specification of the Camry Hybrid. Hybrid is either superior or just within the average level. The Toyota Camry hybrid has a 40 MPG gas mileage while if the highway it has 38 MPG gas mileage. It moves utilizing a four-cylinder engine with gasoline fuel. The maximum capacity of its NiMH 245V battery is about 30 kilowatt or 40 horsepower, peaking at about 192 horsepower or 140 kilowatts. Toyota Camry Hybrid is capable of matching the acceleration speed of the Toyota V6 Camry. The car won the award for the Green car of the Year as well as the Eco-Friendly Car in 2007. Thanks to the ability of low consumption of fuel.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Volvo plans to release 'micro-hybrid' in 2011
Volvo's product development unit is still hard at work, even as Ford has slapped a price tag on the brand. In an effort to develop more environmentally-friendly vehicles capable of meeting stringent emissions regulations on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been working on some new highly-efficient vehicles. In addition to the DRIVe trio of ultra-efficient diesel-powered models, Volvo is working on an all-new micro-hybrid model. Set to join the lineup in 2011, the vehicle will be available with a choice between gasoline or diesel power, and a manual or automatic transmission. Fuel-saving technology will include a start-stop system plus brake-energy regeneration to cut consumption by nearly 5 percent. We'll see a full hybrid (with the ability to run on electric power only) in 2012 with the D5 diesel engine (Volvo's similar battery and flexfuel ReCharge Concept is above). A plug-in electric is also expected to follow down the road.
[Source: Channel4]
[Source: Channel4]
Volvo plans to release 'micro-hybrid' in 2011
Volvo's product development unit is still hard at work, even as Ford has slapped a price tag on the brand. In an effort to develop more environmentally-friendly vehicles capable of meeting stringent emissions regulations on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been working on some new highly-efficient vehicles. In addition to the DRIVe trio of ultra-efficient diesel-powered models, Volvo is working on an all-new micro-hybrid model. Set to join the lineup in 2011, the vehicle will be available with a choice between gasoline or diesel power, and a manual or automatic transmission. Fuel-saving technology will include a start-stop system plus brake-energy regeneration to cut consumption by nearly 5 percent. We'll see a full hybrid (with the ability to run on electric power only) in 2012 with the D5 diesel engine (Volvo's similar battery and flexfuel ReCharge Concept is above). A plug-in electric is also expected to follow down the road.
[Source: Channel4]
[Source: Channel4]
Friday, November 21, 2008
Ford Announces Pricing for 2010 Fusion Models
Just a few days after Ford debuted the all-new 2010 Fusion, official pricing has been released. The Fusion can be had in five different model trims: S, SE, SEL, Sport, and Hybrid, with a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines and manual or automatic transmissions, depending on the model.
The base Fusion S rings in at an MSRP of $19,270 while the top-dollar Fusion Hybrid can be priced from $27,200. Rounding out the middle of the range we have the SE at $20,545, SEL at $23,975, and Sport at $25,825.
Click through the post to see a more detailed list of some of the features found on each model.
FUSION S -- $19,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels
- Four-wheel ABS
- Electronic stability control
- Cloth seats with manual adjustment
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
FUSION SE -- $20,545
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Seventeen-inch alloy wheels with silver paint
- Six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar
- Side curtain airbags
- Optional 3.0-lier V-6 and Ford Sync
FUSION SEL -- $23,975
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission
- Sirius satellite radio
- Ford Sync
- Seven-color ambient lighting system
- Seventeen-inch machined aluminum wheels
- Leather-trimmed, heated seats
- Automatic on/off headlamps
- Eight-way power driver's seat
- Six-way power passenger seat
- Optional: 3.0-liter V-6, AWD, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package
FUSION SPORT -- $25,825
- 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed SelectShift transmission
- Sync and Sirius satellite radio
- Red, blue, or black accented leather seats
- Eighteen-inch premium aluminum wheels
- Chrome trim
- Decklid spoiler
- Optional: AWD, electronics package, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package, Driver Vision package
FUSION HYBRID -- $27,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine
- E-CVT automatic transmission
- Regenerative braking
- Dual-LCD instrument cluster
- Eco-friendly cloth seats
- Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels
- Reverse sensing system
- Optional: leather/heated seats, navigation, Driver Vision package, Moon and Tune package
The base Fusion S rings in at an MSRP of $19,270 while the top-dollar Fusion Hybrid can be priced from $27,200. Rounding out the middle of the range we have the SE at $20,545, SEL at $23,975, and Sport at $25,825.
Click through the post to see a more detailed list of some of the features found on each model.
FUSION S -- $19,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels
- Four-wheel ABS
- Electronic stability control
- Cloth seats with manual adjustment
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
FUSION SE -- $20,545
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Seventeen-inch alloy wheels with silver paint
- Six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar
- Side curtain airbags
- Optional 3.0-lier V-6 and Ford Sync
FUSION SEL -- $23,975
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission
- Sirius satellite radio
- Ford Sync
- Seven-color ambient lighting system
- Seventeen-inch machined aluminum wheels
- Leather-trimmed, heated seats
- Automatic on/off headlamps
- Eight-way power driver's seat
- Six-way power passenger seat
- Optional: 3.0-liter V-6, AWD, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package
FUSION SPORT -- $25,825
- 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed SelectShift transmission
- Sync and Sirius satellite radio
- Red, blue, or black accented leather seats
- Eighteen-inch premium aluminum wheels
- Chrome trim
- Decklid spoiler
- Optional: AWD, electronics package, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package, Driver Vision package
FUSION HYBRID -- $27,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine
- E-CVT automatic transmission
- Regenerative braking
- Dual-LCD instrument cluster
- Eco-friendly cloth seats
- Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels
- Reverse sensing system
- Optional: leather/heated seats, navigation, Driver Vision package, Moon and Tune package
Ford Announces Pricing for 2010 Fusion Models
Just a few days after Ford debuted the all-new 2010 Fusion, official pricing has been released. The Fusion can be had in five different model trims: S, SE, SEL, Sport, and Hybrid, with a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines and manual or automatic transmissions, depending on the model.
The base Fusion S rings in at an MSRP of $19,270 while the top-dollar Fusion Hybrid can be priced from $27,200. Rounding out the middle of the range we have the SE at $20,545, SEL at $23,975, and Sport at $25,825.
Click through the post to see a more detailed list of some of the features found on each model.
FUSION S -- $19,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels
- Four-wheel ABS
- Electronic stability control
- Cloth seats with manual adjustment
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
FUSION SE -- $20,545
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Seventeen-inch alloy wheels with silver paint
- Six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar
- Side curtain airbags
- Optional 3.0-lier V-6 and Ford Sync
FUSION SEL -- $23,975
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission
- Sirius satellite radio
- Ford Sync
- Seven-color ambient lighting system
- Seventeen-inch machined aluminum wheels
- Leather-trimmed, heated seats
- Automatic on/off headlamps
- Eight-way power driver's seat
- Six-way power passenger seat
- Optional: 3.0-liter V-6, AWD, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package
FUSION SPORT -- $25,825
- 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed SelectShift transmission
- Sync and Sirius satellite radio
- Red, blue, or black accented leather seats
- Eighteen-inch premium aluminum wheels
- Chrome trim
- Decklid spoiler
- Optional: AWD, electronics package, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package, Driver Vision package
FUSION HYBRID -- $27,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine
- E-CVT automatic transmission
- Regenerative braking
- Dual-LCD instrument cluster
- Eco-friendly cloth seats
- Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels
- Reverse sensing system
- Optional: leather/heated seats, navigation, Driver Vision package, Moon and Tune package
The base Fusion S rings in at an MSRP of $19,270 while the top-dollar Fusion Hybrid can be priced from $27,200. Rounding out the middle of the range we have the SE at $20,545, SEL at $23,975, and Sport at $25,825.
Click through the post to see a more detailed list of some of the features found on each model.
FUSION S -- $19,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Sixteen-inch aluminum wheels
- Four-wheel ABS
- Electronic stability control
- Cloth seats with manual adjustment
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
FUSION SE -- $20,545
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
- Seventeen-inch alloy wheels with silver paint
- Six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar
- Side curtain airbags
- Optional 3.0-lier V-6 and Ford Sync
FUSION SEL -- $23,975
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission
- Sirius satellite radio
- Ford Sync
- Seven-color ambient lighting system
- Seventeen-inch machined aluminum wheels
- Leather-trimmed, heated seats
- Automatic on/off headlamps
- Eight-way power driver's seat
- Six-way power passenger seat
- Optional: 3.0-liter V-6, AWD, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package
FUSION SPORT -- $25,825
- 3.5-liter V-6 engine with six-speed SelectShift transmission
- Sync and Sirius satellite radio
- Red, blue, or black accented leather seats
- Eighteen-inch premium aluminum wheels
- Chrome trim
- Decklid spoiler
- Optional: AWD, electronics package, reverse sensing system, navigation, Moon and Tune package, Driver Vision package
FUSION HYBRID -- $27,270
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine
- E-CVT automatic transmission
- Regenerative braking
- Dual-LCD instrument cluster
- Eco-friendly cloth seats
- Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels
- Reverse sensing system
- Optional: leather/heated seats, navigation, Driver Vision package, Moon and Tune package
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Nascar's Hybrid Pace Car
Donning racecar-like artwork, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will take to the national stage this Sunday in Miami, becoming the first hybrid vehicle to serve as official pace car at a Nascar race. The car’s appearance at the Ford 400 will precede its scheduled world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show later this month.
The event will build upon a recent publicity blitz for the Fusion Hybrid which began with an online unveiling of the car, followed by the introduction of its new SmartGauge technology. The hybrid has also been named a finalist by the Green Car Journal for the magazine’s Green Car of the Year Award. The winner will be announced at the LA Auto Show.
The Fusion Hybrid powertrain couples a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a next-generation, high-voltage electric motor. In electric-only mode, the car is capable of reaching up to 47 miles per hour. (Most hybrids have an electric-only top speed around 30 miles per hour.) "Because our hybrid can run at a much higher speed in electric mode, you can do so much more in city driving situations,” said Gil Poralatin, Ford’s Hybrid Applications Manager, in a company press release. “Under the right conditions, you can drive in your neighborhood or in mall parking lots without using a drop of gas.”
The city fuel economy for the Ford Fusion Hybrid will be approximately 38 miles per gallon—beating the Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg. Furthermore, the car has a vehicle range of more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas. That’s about 300 laps at the Homestead-Miami Speedway—without having to refuel.
Many racing associations and circuits have been spotlighting eco-friendly alternatives like diesel and ethanol in recent years, but this level of exposure for a hybrid vehicle is unprecedented. Nascar’s fanbase is larger than professional football and baseball, combined. With over 80,000 race attendees and roughly 20 million television viewers, this could prove to be the ultimate hybrid endorsement.
Nascar's Hybrid Pace Car
Donning racecar-like artwork, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid will take to the national stage this Sunday in Miami, becoming the first hybrid vehicle to serve as official pace car at a Nascar race. The car’s appearance at the Ford 400 will precede its scheduled world debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show later this month.
The event will build upon a recent publicity blitz for the Fusion Hybrid which began with an online unveiling of the car, followed by the introduction of its new SmartGauge technology. The hybrid has also been named a finalist by the Green Car Journal for the magazine’s Green Car of the Year Award. The winner will be announced at the LA Auto Show.
The Fusion Hybrid powertrain couples a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a next-generation, high-voltage electric motor. In electric-only mode, the car is capable of reaching up to 47 miles per hour. (Most hybrids have an electric-only top speed around 30 miles per hour.) "Because our hybrid can run at a much higher speed in electric mode, you can do so much more in city driving situations,” said Gil Poralatin, Ford’s Hybrid Applications Manager, in a company press release. “Under the right conditions, you can drive in your neighborhood or in mall parking lots without using a drop of gas.”
The city fuel economy for the Ford Fusion Hybrid will be approximately 38 miles per gallon—beating the Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg. Furthermore, the car has a vehicle range of more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas. That’s about 300 laps at the Homestead-Miami Speedway—without having to refuel.
Many racing associations and circuits have been spotlighting eco-friendly alternatives like diesel and ethanol in recent years, but this level of exposure for a hybrid vehicle is unprecedented. Nascar’s fanbase is larger than professional football and baseball, combined. With over 80,000 race attendees and roughly 20 million television viewers, this could prove to be the ultimate hybrid endorsement.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Spy Shots: Near Production BMW X6 Active Hybrid Spotted
The hybrid X6 will be a full, two-mode affair as previewed by the X6 Hybrid SUV concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and will make use of two electric motors powered by nickel metal hydride batteries. The configuration is said to deliver 20 percent better fuel economy, in part because it offers a fully electrically powered mode.
The production car is likely to make its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in January. Scroll down below to read the spy photographer’s own notes.
BMW are in the final stages of testing with the X6 Active Hybrid. The X6 Active Hybrid will come with a Two-Mode-Hybrid-Concept, meaning two electric engines and a big nickel metal hydride battery. With this technology BMW is reporting to save about 20 percent of fuel and it’s even possible to drive the car fully electric.
The visual changes are very small; you really need to be a BMW fan to notice the differences but here is a tip, check out the bulge on the engine hood.
First introduced as an X6 Hybrid SUV Concept at the Frankfurt Car Show in 2007, the finished X6 Active Hybrid is expected to be unveiled at the Detroit Car Show in January 2009.
Spy Shots: Near Production BMW X6 Active Hybrid Spotted
The hybrid X6 will be a full, two-mode affair as previewed by the X6 Hybrid SUV concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and will make use of two electric motors powered by nickel metal hydride batteries. The configuration is said to deliver 20 percent better fuel economy, in part because it offers a fully electrically powered mode.
The production car is likely to make its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in January. Scroll down below to read the spy photographer’s own notes.
BMW are in the final stages of testing with the X6 Active Hybrid. The X6 Active Hybrid will come with a Two-Mode-Hybrid-Concept, meaning two electric engines and a big nickel metal hydride battery. With this technology BMW is reporting to save about 20 percent of fuel and it’s even possible to drive the car fully electric.
The visual changes are very small; you really need to be a BMW fan to notice the differences but here is a tip, check out the bulge on the engine hood.
First introduced as an X6 Hybrid SUV Concept at the Frankfurt Car Show in 2007, the finished X6 Active Hybrid is expected to be unveiled at the Detroit Car Show in January 2009.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Honda Civic Hybrid vs Honda Fit Sport
Edmunds put a comparison between the Honda Civic Hybrid ($27,420) and Honda Fit Sport ($19,430) by putting them to a series of tests. One drawback for hybrid will be the batteries replacement which will cost about $2000. Video after the break.
Edmunds:
They’re not fast, they don’t corner hard and they’re certainly not the most pulse-quickening cars we’ve ever tested at Inside Line. But if fuel-efficiency and utility are priority items in your next car purchase, then the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and 2009 Honda Fit Sport are unbelievable machines.
Combining economic operation and utility like few other cars sold today, either of these Hondas is a responsible choice for the buyer looking to save fuel, minimize emissions and haul the family. Each has its own unique qualities — important distinctions that can’t be overlooked.
The question, then, is which is the better car? To figure it out, for two weeks we used the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and the 2009 Honda Fit as they’re designed to be used. We drove them to work, loaded our families in them, packed our groceries in them and took them to the track to measure their performance. We argued the merits of the Civic’s superb fuel economy vs. the Fit’s exceptional utility.
[via Techeblog]
In doing so, we designed this test to suit the priorities of a buyer looking for reasonably priced utilitarian transportation. Accordingly, fuel economy and price make up the majority of each car’s total score at 25 percent each. Performance, feature content and our 29-point evaluation score make up 15 percent each, while editors’ personal and recommended picks combine for the remaining 5 percent.
Honda Civic Hybrid vs Honda Fit Sport
Edmunds put a comparison between the Honda Civic Hybrid ($27,420) and Honda Fit Sport ($19,430) by putting them to a series of tests. One drawback for hybrid will be the batteries replacement which will cost about $2000. Video after the break.
Edmunds:
They’re not fast, they don’t corner hard and they’re certainly not the most pulse-quickening cars we’ve ever tested at Inside Line. But if fuel-efficiency and utility are priority items in your next car purchase, then the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and 2009 Honda Fit Sport are unbelievable machines.
Combining economic operation and utility like few other cars sold today, either of these Hondas is a responsible choice for the buyer looking to save fuel, minimize emissions and haul the family. Each has its own unique qualities — important distinctions that can’t be overlooked.
The question, then, is which is the better car? To figure it out, for two weeks we used the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and the 2009 Honda Fit as they’re designed to be used. We drove them to work, loaded our families in them, packed our groceries in them and took them to the track to measure their performance. We argued the merits of the Civic’s superb fuel economy vs. the Fit’s exceptional utility.
[via Techeblog]
In doing so, we designed this test to suit the priorities of a buyer looking for reasonably priced utilitarian transportation. Accordingly, fuel economy and price make up the majority of each car’s total score at 25 percent each. Performance, feature content and our 29-point evaluation score make up 15 percent each, while editors’ personal and recommended picks combine for the remaining 5 percent.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Durango and Aspen Hybrids Killed
It appears that Chrysler will discontinue the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen full-sized hybrids just two months after both vehicles began full-scale production. A company press release stated, “In response to the continuing global economic slowdown and auto industry contraction, as well as the market's continuing movement toward smaller vehicles, Chrysler is announcing…the pull-ahead of the closure of the Newark, Del. Assembly Plant.”
The release further details the December 31st 2008 shutdown of the plant, where both the hybrid and non-hybrid versions of these two models are built. Approximately 1,000 jobs will be lost. This news hits just one year after the Durango and Aspen Hybrids made their world debuts at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show.
According to reports, there have been about 3,000 pre-orders for the two hybrids. It is not clear at this time how many of those orders have been filled, and what is to happen with those not yet delivered.
The hybrid system used in the Aspen and Durango featured the two-mode technology co-developed with General Motors and BMW. Both vehicles join an electric motor with Chrysler’s famed Hemi-V8 engine. The two-mode transmission used in the system is separately built in a plant in White Marsh, Md., which last year added a significant boost in square footage, hardware, and personnel, necessary to produce the new technology. Chrysler did not comment on the status of that facility.
The death of the Durango and Aspen hybrids has not changed Chrysler’s plan for more hybrid gas-electric vehicles. “More hybrids are coming in the future,” said Chrysler spokeswoman, Mary Beth Halprin in an interview with the Detroit News. Chrysler has not signaled a disruption in plans to launch a hybrid Dodge Ram full-size pickup in 2010. That vehicle will share the same two-mode technology as the Aspen and Durango hybrids.
Durango and Aspen Hybrids Killed
It appears that Chrysler will discontinue the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen full-sized hybrids just two months after both vehicles began full-scale production. A company press release stated, “In response to the continuing global economic slowdown and auto industry contraction, as well as the market's continuing movement toward smaller vehicles, Chrysler is announcing…the pull-ahead of the closure of the Newark, Del. Assembly Plant.”
The release further details the December 31st 2008 shutdown of the plant, where both the hybrid and non-hybrid versions of these two models are built. Approximately 1,000 jobs will be lost. This news hits just one year after the Durango and Aspen Hybrids made their world debuts at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show.
According to reports, there have been about 3,000 pre-orders for the two hybrids. It is not clear at this time how many of those orders have been filled, and what is to happen with those not yet delivered.
The hybrid system used in the Aspen and Durango featured the two-mode technology co-developed with General Motors and BMW. Both vehicles join an electric motor with Chrysler’s famed Hemi-V8 engine. The two-mode transmission used in the system is separately built in a plant in White Marsh, Md., which last year added a significant boost in square footage, hardware, and personnel, necessary to produce the new technology. Chrysler did not comment on the status of that facility.
The death of the Durango and Aspen hybrids has not changed Chrysler’s plan for more hybrid gas-electric vehicles. “More hybrids are coming in the future,” said Chrysler spokeswoman, Mary Beth Halprin in an interview with the Detroit News. Chrysler has not signaled a disruption in plans to launch a hybrid Dodge Ram full-size pickup in 2010. That vehicle will share the same two-mode technology as the Aspen and Durango hybrids.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Top New Car Technologies for 2009 – Part 1
Exciting innovations in automotive technology are introduced every year: from new safety features to the latest in in-car entertainment amenities. The model year 2009 presents an exciting array of new car technologies that aim to enhance how our automotive experience. Even with a crisis facing the automotive industry, the demand for new technologies that will enhance safety, entertainment, comfort and connectivity will has nowhere to go but up. Here’s a rundown of the top new car technologies for the 2009 model year.
Adaptive Cruise Control – also known as active or intelligent cruise control, ACC uses radar and/or laser sensors usually located behind the grille to determine the speed and distance of the vehicle in front. It maintains the vehicle’s pre-set speed and adjusts it accordingly to maintain the proper distance between vehicles in the same lane. For instance, if the vehicle in front slows down, the system sends a signal to the engine or braking system to decelerate. The system accelerates to the last speeds setting when it detects that the distance is safe again.
Traffic and Weather Alert Navigation – Future drivers will be more informed about weather and traffic conditions with real-time information superimposed on GPS-based navigation systems. The weather/traffic information is scaled and customized for the driver’s location and route. The service provides alerts about severe traffic and weather conditions that can help drivers avoid a massive traffic jam or a storm brewing on the road ahead.
Adaptive Headlamps – A vehicle’s headlamps can now follow wherever the driver turns the steering wheel to illuminate where the driver is looking instead of the car’s front end only. The adaptive headlamps system involves processing of information about the location of the steering wheel and the speed of the vehicle which then signals electric motors behind the headlamps to turn left or right accordingly.Portable Nav Device Integration – As portable navigation devices become even more popular, automakers are now equipping their vehicles with interfaces and storage compartments for these gadgets.
Portable Nav Device Integration – As portable navigation devices become even more popular, automakers are now equipping their vehicles with interfaces and storage compartments for these gadgets.
Collision Avoidance – This system monitors the distance and closing rate between the vehicle equipped with the system and the vehicle or an object ahead on the road. If the system thinks that the driver is not braking enough, it alerts the driver with tools such as flashing lights, vibrating seats, tugging seatbelts and more. In some collision avoidance systems, the brake is applied automatically at the last moment if these alerts don’t work.
Top New Car Technologies for 2009 – Part 1
Exciting innovations in automotive technology are introduced every year: from new safety features to the latest in in-car entertainment amenities. The model year 2009 presents an exciting array of new car technologies that aim to enhance how our automotive experience. Even with a crisis facing the automotive industry, the demand for new technologies that will enhance safety, entertainment, comfort and connectivity will has nowhere to go but up. Here’s a rundown of the top new car technologies for the 2009 model year.
Adaptive Cruise Control – also known as active or intelligent cruise control, ACC uses radar and/or laser sensors usually located behind the grille to determine the speed and distance of the vehicle in front. It maintains the vehicle’s pre-set speed and adjusts it accordingly to maintain the proper distance between vehicles in the same lane. For instance, if the vehicle in front slows down, the system sends a signal to the engine or braking system to decelerate. The system accelerates to the last speeds setting when it detects that the distance is safe again.
Traffic and Weather Alert Navigation – Future drivers will be more informed about weather and traffic conditions with real-time information superimposed on GPS-based navigation systems. The weather/traffic information is scaled and customized for the driver’s location and route. The service provides alerts about severe traffic and weather conditions that can help drivers avoid a massive traffic jam or a storm brewing on the road ahead.
Adaptive Headlamps – A vehicle’s headlamps can now follow wherever the driver turns the steering wheel to illuminate where the driver is looking instead of the car’s front end only. The adaptive headlamps system involves processing of information about the location of the steering wheel and the speed of the vehicle which then signals electric motors behind the headlamps to turn left or right accordingly.Portable Nav Device Integration – As portable navigation devices become even more popular, automakers are now equipping their vehicles with interfaces and storage compartments for these gadgets.
Portable Nav Device Integration – As portable navigation devices become even more popular, automakers are now equipping their vehicles with interfaces and storage compartments for these gadgets.
Collision Avoidance – This system monitors the distance and closing rate between the vehicle equipped with the system and the vehicle or an object ahead on the road. If the system thinks that the driver is not braking enough, it alerts the driver with tools such as flashing lights, vibrating seats, tugging seatbelts and more. In some collision avoidance systems, the brake is applied automatically at the last moment if these alerts don’t work.
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