Posts Tagged ‘Hybrid’

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Long Island Camry Hybrid Part Of Toyota’s Impressive Fuel Efficient Lineup

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Consumer Reports said it and consumers apparently believe it as they continue to flock to their Long Island Camry hybrid dealer for Toyota models which were rated among the most efficient. Toyota can lay claim to six of the top 15 fuel-efficient models.
Although Long Island Toyota RAV4 customers won’t find their model on the list since only cars were included, there are so many other Toyota models on the list that those loyal to the brand won’t be at a loss if their main criterion for the next purchase is great mileage.
Coming in first with nearly unbelievable mileage numbers of 55 highway and 43 city was Toyota Prius IV, one the biggest Toyota successes in years. The Prius model is being expanded into an entire family of cars, including the plug-in hybrid set to debut later this year and a model with solar roof panels. Prius owners are a breed unto themselves and not only are loyal, but eagerly anticipate the greener models to come.
Long Island Camry hybrid customers will be pleased to know their model rated sixth in overall fuel efficiency with 28 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. Other Toyota brand vehicles appearing in this prestigious list include: Scion xD in ninth place; Yaris base sedan in 13th place; Corolla LE in 14th place; and Corolla (base, manual) rounding out the list in 15th place.
Test criteria for the Consumer Reports include measurements of fuel economy, which come from using a precision flow meter and are rounded to the nearest mile per gallon. Overall mileage for each vehicle is calculated from equal portions of city and expressway driving on a 150-mile trip. Consumer Reports issues these reports annually after conducting extensive tests.
Okay, for you Long Island Toyota RAV4 owners, Consumer Reports also compiles a list of most fuel-efficient SUVs and Toyota Highlander hybrid rated fourth on that list with an overall mpg rating of 24. In fifth place, Toyota RAV4 (base, 4 cyl.) had a 23 overall rating. Toyota RAV4 Limited (V6) placed 11th with an overall mpg of 22. Does this mean the gas hog SUV is a thing of the past?
With all the new hybrids and innovative fuel-saving ideas being produced by Toyota and planned for production in the near future, imagine where the Toyota models may rate in the next fuel-efficiency test. The plug-in Prius will certainly figure into the equation, and who knows how the solar-powered model might measure up.
Despite the recall nightmare that Toyota is embroiled in, not only does customer loyalty seem to have been retained, but the fuel-efficiency of many models and the new hybrids waiting in the wings may just be the boost Toyota needs to stay on top and bring in new buyers.
In today’s economy, when car buyers are looking for a bargain at the register as well as on the road, Toyota has stepped up to the plate and offered consumers what they asked for: clean, green and not-too-mean on the wallet.

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Posted in Automotive | No Comments »

is Nissan coming out with any hybrid SUV’s anytime soon???

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

have the 04′ murano but need a hybrid SUV’s cause of the hours I spend looking for parking by my school. Heard the 08′ Mariner Hybrid sucks. Any advice??

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Posted in Nissan SUV | 2 Comments »

Hybrid sales plummet 40% in August; Prius records 37.5% decline

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

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2010 Toyot Aprius

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

One month of dreary sales figures doesn’t signal the end of the hybrid, but the numbers reported for August hint that without a rise in gas prices, hybrid vehicle sales will likely continue to suffer. Overall hybrid sales dropped 40.4 percent in August compared to a year ago. Not even the mighty Toyota Prius could avoid the plunge. Prius sales fell 37.5 percent compared to August 2009 and dropped off 16.3 percent compared to the July 2010 numbers. Combined, Toyota and Lexus hybrids saw a 36.2 percent decline from a year ago. Ford fared better by posting a 17.1 percent drop in year-over-year numbers.

Hybrid sales were clearly boosted last August by the government’s Cash for Clunkers program, but this summer’s low gas prices take much of the blame for the current hybrid sales plunge. Toyota remains in the number one spot, posting 15,444 sales last month. Ford sits in second place after moving 3,894 hybrid vehicles off dealer lots, while Honda holds onto third with 3,485 sales. It’s getting redundant, but Toyota still leads the hybrid market. Anyone want to place bets on when (or if) that’ll change?

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Sources: Green Car Advisor, Autoblog]

Hybrid sales plummet 40% in August; Prius records 37.5% decline originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Sep 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Year’s Top Five Hybrid Cars

Monday, August 30th, 2010

The auto market today is filled with the so-called green cars as car manufacturers continue to develop and produce environment friendly vehicles. The increasing gasoline prices and increasing global warming awareness has led carmakers to provide green cars to consumers.

In the United States, the most popular green cars are gas hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor which provides additional power to the engine. While there are numerous hybrid vehicles in the market, there are few of them are popular due to their fuel efficiency. For this model year, the Toyota Prius is undoubtedly the hybrid car to beat.

While the Prius is being called ugly by many car buyers, Toyota maintained that the vehicle is designed to reduce the drag which will then make the vehicle more aerodynamic thus reducing fuel consumption. The popularity of the Prius is evident in the fact that about half of hybrid vehicles sold in the United States auto market are Priuses. The vehicle has already received numerous awards due to its fuel efficiency and significantly lesser greenhouse gas emissions. It has been rated to have a mileage rating of 55 mpg combined. With Toyota giving the Prius more improvements, it seems that the hybrid vehicle will stay on the top of its class for a long time.

What could be the biggest threat to the Prius is the hybrid version of the Honda Civic. While the Civic hybrid is as fuel efficient as the Prius, its smaller size makes it less appealing than the Prius. For that reason the Prius’ sales are higher than the Civic hybrid. Aside from the Prius, the Civic hybrid is also competing with the conventional Civic. For many car buyers, they would rather buy the conventional gas-powered Civic which is known for its fuel efficiency than spending more for a hybrid version of the Civic.

According to hybrid car experts, the third best hybrid cars are the Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid. These two hybrid cars are good to own due to the fact that they do not have the weird shape of the Prius or the small interior of the Civic. Both the Altima and the Camry hybrids provide good interior space and exemplary fuel efficiency. The Altima is the first hybrid vehicle to be released by Nissan. While the Japanese car company’s CEO Carlos Ghosn is reluctant to produce a hybrid saying that it is not practical yet, the increasing demand for hybrid vehicles have forced them to release a hybrid vehicle although it does not use a Nissan hybrid drivetrain. In fact, the Altima hybrid uses the same drivetrain used in the Prius.

Nissan’s own hybrid car is still being developed and is slated to be released by 2010. Meanwhile, the Altima Hybrid is proving to be a good choice for car buyers looking for roomy and conventional-looking hybrid vehicles. The Camry hybrid, on the other hand, also provides a good interior space and at the same time also reduces fuel consumption. These vehicles are known to consume very little fuel compared to conventional gas-only cars, even those equipped with Haynes aftermarket parts.

What could be considered as the fifth best hybrid vehicle today is the Ford Escape Hybrid. For those who want to drive SUVs and are concerned about the environment, the hybrid version of the Escape is a good choice. This vehicle uses its electric motor for emergency power needs thus sparing the engine from burning more gasoline.

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Ford: Americas Hybrid Car

Friday, August 27th, 2010

The Ford Hybrid Car and their Distinct Innovative Advantages

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of “hybrid car”, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of “hybrid car”.

Ford has always been a brand name that signifies excellence, innovation, dedication and is really an All-American brand name. One of the biggest players in the motor industry, Ford has never failed to provide the American population and the world, cutting edge vehicles that caters to every needs.

With the growing environmental concerns not just in USA, Ford has joined the Hybrid bandwagon and came up with their own Hybrid card. It is popularly known that Americans love the room and power that SUV’s provide, and with the hybrid sedan crowding with Japanese manufactured hybrid cars, Ford decided to infuse their hybrid technology with a vehicle they know many Americans would embrace, a Hybrid SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) in the form of the Ford Escape Hybrid.

The Ford Escape Hybrid was first introduced in 2004 and is a gas electric powered compact SUV. Consumer demand became strong for the Ford Escape Hybrid prompting Ford to produce more of the gas saving SUV.

To avoid any legal issues, Ford went into an agreement with Toyota to use some of the patented hybrid technology previously used in the very successful Toyota Prius. By 2006, The Hybrid system utilized by Ford is acknowledged as one of the more advanced in technology being offered. The Ford Escape Hybrid is now available as a full hybrid motor vehicle. It makes use of different power combinations that adjusts to the driving style to conserve more power and achieve maximum potential and efficiency in performance.

The best time to learn about “hybrid car” is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable “hybrid car” experience while it’s still free.

Compared to the conventional gas fed Ford escape, they provide the same performance, comfort with less fuel consumption.

Aside from the Ford escape Hybrid, Ford has also released another Hybrid SUV under one of their car brand names, Mercury. The Mercury mariner has many similarities with the Ford Escape Hybrid and its soon to be released sibling the Mazda Tribute Hybrid. Ford plans to further develop their SUV hybrid lineup concentrating on this segment but is not dismissing the hybrid sedan segment and have plans to introduce hybrid sedans in the future.

Fords research and design table are now over flowing with plans to further boost awareness and concern with environmental issues and have dedicated to provide more alternative powered vehicles as they see that this is the future. This is because Hybrid cars offer a lot of advantages and benefits that does not only cater to environmental issues but as to the pockets of the consumers as well.

With a Ford hybrid car, you will soon notice that you will be doing less pit stops for refueling as you can squeeze out more miles to a gallon. With the ever escalating prices of fuel, this is a warmly welcomed change. You will also notice the significant lowering of the sounds the engine makes. Plus, some states offer tax rebates when purchasing hybrid vehicles, which translates to more savings in the bank.

Ford has now over a hundred patents pending to further develop their Hybrid technology. All of them would be able to make our lives better. With Ford Hybrid vehicles, you get the same comfort, same performance and same space but with less gas emissions and less gas spending. You get true value for your money and your helping our environment at the same time.

Is there really any information about “hybrid car” that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

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Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Exterior and Interior Overview

Friday, August 27th, 2010

When looking at the exterior of the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid, most people see a middle sized hybrid version of the popular RX 350 SUV. Of course this makes sense because it basically is the RX 350 SUV with a different engine. What you find on the outside of the 350 you find on the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid. The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid is just more fuel-efficient with its dual electric motors in addition to the gasoline one.


Both vehicles are elegantly styled, and share the same dimensions. There are a couple of differences, like the front grills and round fog lights. The tail lights are different, and the outside paint job comes in a larger variety of colors which are brushed and includes aluminum interior accents instead of the wood trim that is reminiscent of the regular SUV version. The 2006 was noticeably different in that it had wood trim that was called Bird’s Eye Maple.


As mentioned before, the 2008 edition includes changes to the exterior such as chrome door handles, revised front grille, and rear spoiler. And don’t forget the new 18 inch wheels. Is it enough to attract new customers? Yup. This vehicle is sleek, aerodynamic with a raked windshield and sloping roofline. The whole vehicle has been put together seamlessly and it’s assuredly one of the best assembly jobs Toyota has done in a long time.


People who like the outside will love the inside and it’s pretty natural to expect only top quality in the cabin. It’s spacious and the buyers love it. The cabin can seat five and looks entirely different from the standard RX 350. It makes a statement, claiming its own identity in the SUV world. The driver’s and passenger’s front seats are well-padded – cushy comes to mind – and everything is well in the driver’s reach along the front console. The gauges are easy to read and the wood trim tops it all off. And there is a touch screen information display that gives the driver immediate access to amount of gasoline left, how much charge is in the battery, oil life, tire pressure, and more. This kind of information has become fairly standard on all SUV’s, hybrids or not.


The rear seats are just as cushy with plenty of headroom and legroom for taller passengers. There is nothing worse than cracking your skull on the roof whenever you climb in and out of a vehicle. Okay, feeling like a pretzel is worse. The seats have a 40/20/40 configuration which means they can be split and fold down to increase the cargo space. The cargo space isn’t the Grand Canyon, but it can hold quite a bit and with both passenger seats folded down, you get 85 cubic feet that can also be reached by the tailgate. There is no third row seat and Toyota’s other popular SUV, the Highlander, is the same way. Many of the competitor’s vehicles offer an optional third row seat that can be folded down to make cargo space.


The front seats are powered and can move in ten different directions. There are dual climate controls, steering wheel controls, and a six-CD changer with an eight speaker radio system. The second row seats slide and recline. Additional ala carte options include power-tilt steering, sunroof, driver seat memory, leather upholstery, back-up camera, navigations, audio package and rear-seat DVD. Just think how quiet the children will be on that long trip or how nice it will be to shuffle the CDs without having to fumble for the case.

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What car should I buy for my wife?

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

I want to buy a safe, comfortable,smooth car for my wife. Her car is getting old, and I want to surprise her. I know she loves Mercedes-Benz, so do I. I currently have a S400 Hybrid and SLS AMG. She previously had a C-class(only because she couldn’t afford a better one). We have twin daughters so she needs a 4 passenger car. The models I was thinking were: E350 Cabriolet and ML450 Hybrid. With the E350 Cabriolet, it might be a little hassle since it only has 2 doors but I think she would appreciate a convertible more than a sedan. We could use a SUV for camping and stuff but idk. Which one is safer? Which one would be better for a lady? For both cars I plan on adding the extra packages and accessories. Which one would you buy for your wife? Or is there any other Mercedes-Benz vehicle?

My wife is American blonde, who loves everything German,she is a swimmer, she is a girly-girl.

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Posted in SUV Accessories | 5 Comments »

What is the story of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid model?

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

I have heard it was attempted and flopped. Why?

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Posted in Automotive | 1 Comment »

Ford Escape Hybrid Extended Review

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Handling and Performance

With a weight of 300 lbs the Ford Escape Hybrid’s handling is able to take-on sharp and lengthy bends. This enhances the maneuverability when considering other SUVs that are less size and by this it lessens the amount of agility while taking a turn or bend. Without stability control, and considering that the brakes are stubbornly rigid at certain times the car needs to be well-handled.

In terms of performance the Ford Escape Hybrid, equipped with an electric motor that pushes out 94hp and an I-4 fuel engine that produces 133hp results in a very powerful vehicle. Considering that Ford’s preference of engines in its Escape all-fuel models is the usual V6 motor which outputs 200hp the Ford Escape Hybrid can be relatively compared.

On the electric motor the SUV can attain speeds of around 39mph and 40mph could be achieved on the fuel engine – and ultimately the changeover between fuel and electric is a convenient feature incorporated on-the-go for when this feature is required while driving. The Ford Escape Hybrid accommodates a top speed of around 102mph, and thus the fuel engine kicks in once the temperature reaches under 50° F to better performance.

With an engine capacity of 2.3-liters the Ford Escape Hybrid and avoiding the predominant use of the Otto cycle method it runs basically on the immensely different Atkinson cycle – ultimately increasing efficiency and performance with less air and gasoline if need be.

Incorporated into the Ford Escape Hybrid is a feature called CVT, which stands for continuously variable transmission, however with a more complex electronic design and this regulates power-requirements between the various engines. This enables the engines to switch off in-turn to accommodate the use of the required motor only.

Environmental Impacts and Fuel Mileage

With the Ford Escape Hybrid as the most cost-efficient SUV boasted by Ford Motor, it would raise phenomenal interest from car buyers particular when keeping in mind the soaring prices of fuel. The idea Ford Motor introduced is a step ahead, proving that even for a car of its magnitude the Ford Escape Hybrid is an economic and dynamic vehicle.

This SUV’s front-drive model can attain a height of 30mpg in terms of fuel-efficiency. The four-wheel drive model produces 27mpg on highway driving and 29mpg in the cities.

The Ford Escape Hybrid has managed to meet the regulations placed by Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, a Californian company – as well as the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle – noting with this that the vehicle out-performs its hybrid rivalries. With an emission-rate of ninety-percent less, the tailpipe of the Ford Escape Hybrid also outperforms the new car and near zero evaporative vehicles.

Ford expects to develop a successor of the Ford Escape Hybrid, or at least a prototype for now that would use ethanol to undertake most of the vehicles performance. This creates way for future models of the fuel-efficient SUV with even better environmentally-friendly models.

Other Features

Looking at the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid on a comparative scale there are much similarities, even though announced by either companies that they were strict not to intervene on each other’s patents respectively. This lead to an agreement by both companies – whereby patent-sharing was to be permitted within both parties, and this would be the eventual usability of Ford’s diesel and direct-injection features and Toyota’s fuel-efficiency methods in either vehicle.

The battery, developed by the Sanyo Electric Company along with Honda, consists of a two-hundred and fifty cell with nickel-metal hydride. The battery pack supplied with every Ford Escape Hybrid weighs around 50kg.

The safety features include anti-lock brakes, airbags located on the front seat’s sides and of course full-length curtain airbags. The airbag’s rollover sensors come standard and the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV incorporates the Personal Safety System with sensors that detect the neediness for airbag release. These sensors are intelligently placed on various criteria involving seat-positioning, safety-belts and crash intensity.

The Ford Escape Hybrid acquired a four out of five star rating in the NHTSA crash test on front-side impact. The rear of the vehicle along with the front-seats managed five out of five stars. Rated by the IIHS the vehicle maintained ‘good’ at side-impact crashes and ‘acceptable’ for the vehicle’s frontal.

The Ford Escape Hybrid can be purchased in two different models, the front-wheel drive – priced between $26500 and $27000 incorporating a $3000 tax claim, and the four-wheel drive at $28000 with a $2200 tax claim. Car buyers find this to be an interesting ratio especially considering your average conventional fuel cars.

Car buyers may review the warranties provided before purchasing to note that the Ford Escape Hybrid includes 3-year bumper-to-bumper coverage. This is also met by a mileage cover of 36000 miles and an incorporated warranty to the drive train of 60000 miles or five years. A five-year warranty is also implemented for corrosion safety apart from mileage.

Being one of Ford’s bestsellers, the Ford Escape Hybrid had been hugely produced in 2004 as opposed to originally-proposed figures. Even with rise of sales car slumps shortly after, the Ford Escape Hybrid maintained a sturdy seller on the market, making it one of the most admiringly anticipated SUVs.

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Toyota and Lexus combine to capture 73.9% of hybrid sales in July

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

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2010 Lexus HS 250h – Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, we informed you that sales of the Toyota Prius had sharply dropped off this July, falling some 30 percent from the reported numbers a year ago, yet Toyota was pleased with the results. While it seemed rather odd that Toyota was satisfied with a drop in sales, the fact that the Cash for Clunkers program kicked off in July of 2009 helped to make some sense of the decline.

Though sales of the Prius may have fallen, the company is surely pleased with its continued dominance in the hybrid market. Toyota and Lexus have combined to capture 73.9 percent of U.S. hybrid sales for July, and surely that’s something to be pleased about. The seven hybrid models from Toyota and Lexus accounted for 17,504 sales in July, with the Prius capturing a rather astounding 59.6 percent of the hybrid market for the month.

Ford placed a far distant second to Toyota by reporting just 2,896 hybrid sales in July, while Honda remained planted in third with a total tally of 2,475 hybrid sales. So, while Prius sales may have dropped off compared to last year, there’s no denying that Toyota still retains its position atop the hybrid market.

Gallery: First Drive: Lexus HS 250h

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Toyota and Lexus combine to capture 73.9% of hybrid sales in July originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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