Autoblog

SEMA 2009: Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hybrid, Japan, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Branew Lexus RX450h - click above image to view hi-res gallery

Let me be blunt: I don't like luxury crossovers. At all. It's a niche with no appeal to me whatsoever. Not a car, not a truck - just a fat sedan jacked up on stilts to woo trophy wives with fancy badges and reassure soccer mammas that their children are "safe." And the Lexus RX gets the sharp point of my spear of anger because it's basically responsible for the high-end CUV craze. Not a fan of hybrids, either. That said, I'm absolutely smitten with Branew's Lexus RX450h.

I think it's the stance, has to be. But there is just something very desirable - from an aesthetic standpoint. The big 24-inch wheels help tremendously, perching Branew's at just the right height. And the lower fascia helps the quite handsome - if not distinctive - OEM grill pop. And I know it's going to be a controversial opinion, but the koi fish on the hood totally work. In fact, I know a certain Subaru WRX that could use a koi or two. Anyhow, while I'd rather gargle nails than rock a luxo-CUV, if forced at gunpoint, Branew's RX450h would be my first (and only) choice.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Branew Lexus RX450h

SEMA 2009: Meet the world's most desirable Lexus RX450h by Branew originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize Contenders

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:21:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, Alternative Fuel, Diesel

EVI Wave2 Progressive Automotive X-Prize contender - Click above for a high-res image gallery

For those of you who follow our sister site AutoblogGreen regularly, you're very familiar with the Automotive X-Prize, the $10m challenge to produce viable and super fuel-efficient vehicles. For us polar ice cap haters, we generally think of the competitors in this kind of thing as a bunch of ultra-light, tofu-fueled playthings for liberals who care more about the planet than they do about the people who have to drive one of these rolling chicanes. You'd be wrong.

While Sinclairs and Peels, Tatas and Smarts have forever shaped the way some people think of our recurring push towards greener motoring, the aim of this challenge is to bring ultra-efficiency to vehicles you could really use in the real world. Cars that provide room for you and your stuff and your mate. Cars that don't have to worry about keeping out of everyone else's way while merging into traffic or climbing hills. Cars that look more like a family sedan than a landspeed bicycle. Judging by the competitors we saw at SEMA, we'd say they have a little ways to go yet, but most of the vehicles that were on display sure looked fun. If they're frugal too, so much the better.

Unfortunately, for every Team Hydrophi Ford 500 Phi Ride and Global-E G1 in the group, there was still a Tango or Zap Alias, cars that might be great to drive and efficient, but only seem to reinforce the stereotypes. The ones we really liked were the examples that blended the two needs in a tasteful way. Cars like the EVI Wave 2 (above) and the Aptera 2e are a hoot. Competitors like the Amp'd Sky and Smart EVX seem like solid choices, but the cars they're based on might not be practical for everyone either. Same goes for the Carbon Zero roadster and the T-Rex-derived Optamotive Surge. The one that really captured our attention the most though, was the Future Vehicle Technologies eVARO (its the gold car between the Tango and Smart). We covered this squid-like tandom when it was first announced a couple of years ago. Until they come to market, check out our gallery and the press release announcing the 43 finalists for the prize.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize contenders

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize Contenders

SEMA 2009: Progressive Automotive X-Prize Contenders originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari reportedly confirms all-wheel drive hybrid system

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 612 replacement test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's long been suspected that Ferrari was hard at work developing a hybrid powertrain for its line of supercars and grand touring machines, especially since a series of patents were unearthed proving that the Italian automaker had at least sketched plans for such a system. Still, Ferrari had never confirmed such rumors.

That is until now, at least according to Autocar. An unnamed source tells the British magazine that the hybrid drivetrain will debut on the next-gen 612 (could the recently-spotted long-wheelbase 612 be a hybrid mule?) with a pair of torque-laden electric motors that will be connected to the front wheels. Ferrari's traditional V12 or possibly a turbocharged V8 engine would send power to the GT car's rear wheels.

As befitting an automobile wearing the coveted Prancing Horse badge, Ferrari is said to be using the system to benefit handling and not to improve fuel efficiency. Whatever the case, we'll surely know more by 2014 or so when Ferrari is actually expected to have the hybrid ready for production.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement mule

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari reportedly confirms all-wheel drive hybrid system originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota plans to trim trucks, focus on hybrids, improve quality

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Safety, Toyota

Stick with what you know. That seems to be Toyota's new mantra going forward, as the Japanese automaker has reportedly diverted its attention away from large trucks like the largely unsuccessful and slow-selling Tundra pickup and back on hybrid vehicles - possibly all wearing the Prius badge, including a minivan and something smaller than the current Prius - and returning to its previous levels of unquestionable quality.

Atsushi Niimi, executive vice president for North America and global manufacturing, tells Automotive News that Toyota will try to build more longevity into its current lineup, addressing issues such as excessive rust and corrosion and introducing new "fail-safe functions" designed to minimize the possibility of "tragic accidents." We suspect that means push-button ignitions that can more easily shut down the car and floor mats that can't bunch up under the accelerator pedal.

In addition, Toyota will focus on the North American market, giving U.S. engineers a larger say when it comes to new vehicle design and the choices of which models make the overseas trek. To speed up the new model renaissance, Toyota will hold back on mid-cycle refreshes, instead working to get more substantial updates ready in less time.

On the manufacturing side, Toyota believes that it expanded too rapidly over the last decade and will attempt to slow down and restore the trust that customers had in the brand. Apparently, that slowdown will indeed affect the recently-built and still-idle plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi.

[Source: Automotive News (products, manufacturing) (quality) - sub. req'd]

Toyota plans to trim trucks, focus on hybrids, improve quality originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines

Chris Shunk — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, GM, Alternative Fuel

General Motors has been awarded $2.7 million by the Department of Energy to create a working prototype engine using Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). The idea is for the prototype to use SMA tech to capture heat energy from engine exhaust gasses via an electric generator and transfer that energy to recharge batteries for hybrids or electric vehicles.

SMA tech can also theoretically power electronic devices like power seats and windows in a standard gas- or diesel-powered car, perhaps even replacing the power-sapping alternator. The GM press release, which is pasted after the jump, doesn't go into much depth explaining how memory alloys work, but the basic principle is easy to understand.

"When you heat up a stretched SMA wire, it shrinks back to its pre-stretched length, and when it cools back down it becomes less stiff and can revert to the original shape" said Jan Aase, director of GM's Vehicle Development Research Laboratory. "A loop of this wire could be used to drive an electric generator to charge a battery."

While $2.7 million isn't a lot of coin in the realm of GM finances (the General seemed to shed about $2.7 million every ten minutes pre-bankruptcy) the grant was significant in that it was the only monies awarded by the DoE given to an automaker. GM is working with partners from outside the auto industry to make the concept a reality, a practice that the General says is imperative to get breakthroughs like this to market. No timetable was given as to when GM's SMA concept would see the light of day.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines

GM awarded DOE money to research Shape Memory Alloy heat engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Generation Y will "redefine" automotive market, trends green and big

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Etc., Alternative Fuel, Diesel

Were you born somewhere between 1976 and the early 1990s? Are you the child of a so-called Baby Boomer? If so, you, like me, are a member of Generation Y. So, what does that mean? Well, nothing really, but it's a convenient way to classify a large chunk of the American population... and we should all get used to hearing how marketers are targeting us as their current and future consumers.

Such is the case with a recent study from AutoPacific, which finds that Generation Y will "redefine" the automotive market. It seems our generation is "willing to embrace new brands, new technology and alternative powertrains." That means electric cars, hybrids and clean diesels. We're also likely to want lots of electronic gadgetry in our cars and we expect that all that computing power will improve fuel mileage and environmental friendliness. Oh, and we don't necessarily want small cars.

So, to recap, we want large cars with good fuel economy, lots of technology and without too big a price increase... No problem, right?

[Source: AutoPacific]

Continue reading REPORT: Generation Y will "redefine" automotive market, trends green and big

REPORT: Generation Y will "redefine" automotive market, trends green and big originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Toyota develops its own flower for cleaner air at Prius plant

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Hatchback, Toyota

Automakers make cars and trucks, no surprises there. Some even make other interesting things, like Honda, which also builds motorcycles, lawn mowers, jets, robots and solar cells. But until now, we haven't heard of any car company that develops its own species of flowers. Thankfully, Toyota has reportedly stepped in to correct that oversight by creating two new derivatives of the cherry sage and gardenia at its factory in Toyota City, Japan.

This is the plant where the Japanese automaker assembles the Prius hybrid, which seems fitting since the flowers were specifically chosen for their ability to absorb nitrogen oxides and create water vapor. These attributes clean the surrounding air and lower temperatures at the factory.

Other environmentally-friendly efforts at the plant include roof-mounted solar panels, photocatalytic paint on exterior walls, reflective solar tubes that provide interior light and even slow-growing grass that only needs to be mowed twice per year (we've got dibs). According to Toyota, these initiatives help lower the carbon footprint at the plant, which is a good thing since production of the Prius hybrid is a carbon-intensive operation.

[Source: drive.com.au]

REPORT: Toyota develops its own flower for cleaner air at Prius plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Two-mode hybrid joint development disbanded; Ram hybrid coming in 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, GM, Mercedes-Benz

According to The Detroit News, the big joint development program formed several years ago between General Motors, Daimler, Chrysler and BMW to develop a two-mode hybrid system for light duty vehicles is over. With all four automakers now having launched versions of the gas-electric system, the joint program is being wound down and the Troy, Michigan office where engineers from each company collaborated will be closed by the end of this year. Most of the joint work actually ended last June and many of the staff have already been relocated to other facilities.

The Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid and BMW X6 ActiveHybrid are both going into production right about now using a version of the two mode transmission built by Daimler. Chrysler, which briefly built a version of the Durango and Aspen SUVs with the hybrid system last year, remains committed to re-launching the system in the Ram pickups in 2010. At this point, however, it looks unlikely that the planned light-duty hybrid will launch anytime soon in the Ram 1500.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Two-mode hybrid joint development disbanded; Ram hybrid coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Has VP Joe Biden leaked Fisker's product plan?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Fisker

Regardless of what side of the political fence you find yourself on, it's hard to dispute that vice president Joe Biden has a reputation for saying more than he should. That's not always a good thing when you're privy to some of the most important secrets of what is arguably the most powerful nation on earth. Happily for car fans, our veep's "gift" seems to apply to automakers as well.

When Biden addressed the media at Fisker's recently purchased Wilmington, Delaware plant, the VP reportedly got pretty glib with Fisker's future product plans. Among the tidbits that Biden spilled beans on was the planned production volume of Project Nina. We already knew that Fisker was gearing up to build Project Nina - a plug-in hybrid rumored to cost less than $40,000 - somewhere in the States, but we didn't know that the fledgling automaker planned to build up to 100,000 copies of the still unseen and unproven PHEV, and that's exactly what our VP indicates. Biden also reportedly described the new sedan's design, saying it looks like a 'four-door Ferrari.' After the press conference, company founder Henrik Fisker apparently told Fox News that Biden "definitely told what our product plans are." Oops.

We don't know if Biden actually spoke out of turn or not, but given the VP's reputation for doing so, we're wondering if Fisker intended to tip its product plans hand this early in the game. Fisker can't complain too much, though, since the U.S. government loaned his company $529 million in spite of the fact that it won't make a car in the U.S. until the middle of the next decade. The automaker's first offering, the Karma, doesn't arrive until late next year, and it will be made in Finland.

[Source: The Car Connection | Image: Jeff Fusco/Getty]

Has VP Joe Biden leaked Fisker's product plan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Stealing Current: LoJack goes no-power for hybrids

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology

LoJack systems draw their power from your car or your motorcycle's (or laptop's) battery to send their signal. With a traditional vehicle, this generally isn't a problem as the draw is small and as long as the a car gets driven regularly, there's plenty of juice on tap. Hybrids are another matter - with so much already reliant on a car's battery, and more devices coming, every little bit of energy counts.

For hybrid applications, LoJack has introduced a self-powered system that includes a proprietary energy supply. The company hasn't offered all the details yet, but it could be a re-engineered version of the LoJack for Trailers, which also comes with its own battery. The trailer system battery lasts for five years and we'd assume the auto version would be good for at least that long.

The system will come to market next year, which might give the auto industry time to make enough hybrids that need to be tracked. Last year's IIHS list of top ten most stolen cars only had one car on it - the rest were SUVs - and at number eight on the list of least stolen cars was the Toyota Prius. Besides, in the car theft capital that is California, the last thing you need is LoJack for hybrids: you'll find most of them hypermiling on city streets or doing 95 mph in the carpool lane...

[Source: LoJack]

Continue reading Stealing Current: LoJack goes no-power for hybrids

Stealing Current: LoJack goes no-power for hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: Fisker buys GM's Wilmington Delaware plant

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Fisker

In Wilmington, Delaware this morning, Governor Jack Markell was joined by Vice President Joe Biden and Henrik Fisker (seen at right) for the official announcement about the purchase of General Motors' closed plant there. Fisker will re-tool the plant to build a new, more affordable plug-in hybrid sedan to slot in below its more luxurious Karma. The goal is to have the model sell for under $40,000 after federal tax credits.

The current schedule is to have the car in production by the end of 2012 with volumes getting up to 75,000-100,000 units annually by 2014. Fisker has moved up its development schedule for what they are calling Project Nina thanks to the $528 million low cost loan it recently received courtesy of the Department of Energy. During the announcement, Fisker stated that he wants to export half of the production from the plant while creating 5,000 jobs in the U.S. (2,000 at the plant and 3,000 at suppliers). The local UAW president was also on hand, so it looks like the plant will remain unionized, which is very unusual for a startup auto plant.

Fisker is paying $18 million for the factory from Motors Liquidation which is the remainder of "Old GM" which is selling off assets from bankruptcy court. The plant most recently produced the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, both of which ended production last spring.

Gallery: Fisker Karma

[Source: Fisker Automotive | Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty]

Continue reading Officially Official: Fisker buys GM's Wilmington Delaware plant

Officially Official: Fisker buys GM's Wilmington Delaware plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: New Toyota Prius ad channels Vishnu to explain hybrid tech

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:22:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Toyota, Australia

Australian Toyota Prius advertisement - Click above to watch the video after the break

What do you want from me... I've only got two hands?! Wouldn't we all be a bit more productive if we were blessed with another set of upper appendages, complete with opposable thumbs? Toyota apparently thinks so, and the Japanese automotive giant is using the point to prove that two drivetrains are better than one.

Of course, the two drivetrains in question belong to the new 2010 Toyota Prius, which mates an electric motor capable of powering the car by its lonesome (albeit briefly) and a small, efficient gas-burning 1.8-liter four cylinder internal combustion engine in one happy marriage to produce the perfect hybrid. Or something like that.

Click past the break to watch the advertisement for the new 2010 Prius in Australia. Oh, and Vishnu? Click here for an explanation of the title reference. Thanks for the tip, Mark C!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New Toyota Prius ad channels Vishnu to explain hybrid tech

VIDEO: New Toyota Prius ad channels Vishnu to explain hybrid tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Honda plans a return to larger hybrids

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Honda

2009 Honda Skydeck Concept - Click above for hi-res image gallery

To put it mildly, sales of the Honda Accord Hybrid never quite set the world on fire. Regardless, Japan's second largest automaker is reportedly hard at work developing its proprietary Integrated Motor Assist hybrid platform so that it can once again be used to power larger vehicles like the Accord.

To make it all work out, Honda is adding an extra electric motor to the mix for a total of two, both of which will be more powerful than the single pancake motor used in the current Insight and Civic Hybrid. Also on the menu is a lithium ion battery pack to replace the current nickel metal hydride unit, with added capacity to allow for electric-only operation.

Word on the street (or at least the Nikkei daily newspaper in Japan) is that Honda might place this next-gen hybrid powertrain in a minivan sometime in 2011 or so. Before that, though, we can look forward to the launch of Honda's sporty CR-Z hybrid hatchback. It's important to have your priorities straight, right?

Gallery: 2009 Honda Skydeck Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Honda plans a return to larger hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mugen reportedly considering tuning Honda CR-Z

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST

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

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

While the idea of a performance-tuned hybrid may have seemed nonsensical only a couple of years ago, as the earth-friendly vehicles become more mainstream, the sub-segment will undoubtedly grow to attract a fair share of our attention. Case in point: reports from overseas indicate that Mugen is seriously toying with the idea of creating a high-performance version of the upcoming Honda CR-Z.

The Honda tuner par excellence shares a close, even familial relationship with the factory, and it reportedly sees the electric motor in the hybrid drive as a sort of replacement for a turbocharger, offering a bit of low-end boost to small gasoline engines that are down on torque. The result could redefine the Japanese hot hatch as we know it.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda CR-Z concept

[Source: Autocar]

Mugen reportedly considering tuning Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Alternative Fuel

So, plenty of time has passed since General Motors first made the announcement that its Chevy Volt extended-range electric vehicle would score 230 miles per gallon on the yet-to-be-completed EPA testing procedure for such vehicles. Still, plenty of questions remain, such as How many miles per gallon with the Volt achieve after it has traveled the 40 or so miles necessary to deplete its battery pack?

Well, we still don't have an exact answer, which is partly due to the fact that GM hasn't yet finished developing the vehicle's complex software systems. In an interview with Fox Car Report Live, vehicle line directory Tony Posawatz sheds some light on the topic, saying that the Volt's sustained mileage will be "better than any conventional car, and we're trying to figure out how close, or if it will actually be better than any hybrids."

To put that figure into perspective, we'd imagine that means the Volt would fall somewhere between the 32 mpg rating of the Toyota Yaris and the 50 mpg rating of the Toyota Prius when running under charge-sustaining mode with an otherwise depleted battery pack. Whatever the case, don't expect this hot-button topic to go away any time soon. Click past the break to see the exchange on video.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: Fox Car Report]

Continue reading Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids?

Posawatz: Volt range-extended mileage to be "better than any conventional car." But what about hybrids? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tokyo 2009: Toyota Prius claims Japan Car of the Year title

Drew Phillips — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Thirty years of the Japan Car of the Year - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the past 30 years, Japan has declared a car of the year, an award given to newly released or redesigned vehicles released from November 1st of the previous year to October 1st of the current year. More than 60 jurors composed of Japanese journalists receive an allocation of votes, and the car with the most votes comes away with the crown.

This year the Toyota Prius narrowly edged out the Honda Insight, continuing the recent trend of environmentally-friendly winners. Other notable winners included the new Volkswagen Golf, which was named the Import Car of the Year, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which was declared to have the Most Advanced Technology. The Nissan Fairlady Z won the category of Most Fun, and finally the Subaru Legacy took top honors for Best Value.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the award, the Tokyo Motor Show also organized a display of past winners, starting with the Mazda Familia 3-door Hatch Back in 1980-1981 and finishing with last year's winner, the Toyota IQ. We've included the winners from every year (some cars on display won alternate categories, like the Toyota Supra from 1993-1994) in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Thirty Years of the Japan Car of the Year

Tokyo 2009: Toyota Prius claims Japan Car of the Year title originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Nissan, Alternative Fuel

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn with Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Quick, think of a hybrid automobile. Got it? Are you thinking of the Toyota Prius? Pretty much everyone instantly recognizes the well-known profile of the Prius, and it's by far the most popular fuel miser on the market. A good bit of Toyota's success with the Prius has been attributed to its unique look - some owners want everyone to know that they care about their environmental footprint, and the Prius currently accomplishes that better than any of its competitors.

Honda followed a similar path with the second-generation Insight hatchback, which some believe follows the form of the Prius a little too closely. According to Nissan head Carlos Ghosn, though, there's no chance that Japan's number three automaker will join that club. Speaking to Automotive News at the Tokyo Motor Show, Ghosn said:

We are not intending to play a leadership role in hybrids. One company already assumed leadership in the technology. We want leadership on EVs.

Obviously, the company that leads in hybrids is Toyota, and Nissan's intention is to score a similar position in the world of pure electric automobiles. The opening salvo on that front will be the upcoming Nissan Leaf, which is slated to hit the market about a year from now, and the company has ambitious plans for its following act. We'll know if Ghosn's plan is successful or not about five years from now. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Leaf EV

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Nissan's Ghosn rules out hybrid-only models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid to arrive in Japan late 2010, U.S. in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Infiniti

2010 Nissan Fuga Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

After several years of selling small volumes of its Altima sedan using Toyota's hybrid drive system, Nissan is finally ready to roll out its first gas-electric model using technology developed in-house. The first model to be so equipped will be the new Fuga sedan, a car sold in North America as the Infiniti M.

Unlike the electronic CVT systems used by Toyota, Ford and General Motors, Nissan has opted to configure its system using a conventional automatic transmission - in this case, a seven-speed unit. The electric drive is provided by a single motor sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. A pair of electronically controlled clutches sit on either side of the motor allowing the engine or the engine/motor combination to be completely de-coupled from the transmission.

According to Nissan, the motor has an output of 50 kW (67 horsepower) and 270 Nm (200 pound-feet) of torque, and the system is able to propel the Fuga/M electrically at speeds of up 62 mph. The engine is a 3.5-liter version of Nissan's renowned VQ V6 modified to run with an Atkinson cycle for greater efficiency.

Koichi Hayasaki, senior manager of Nissan's hybrid program, tells us that the final numbers on the engine output as well as the net combined output won't be released until sometime in 2010. As is the way these days, energy storage needs are handled by a lithium ion battery pack using the same kind of modules that are going into the LEAF EV.

The Infiniti M hybrid is expected to arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan Fuga Hybrid

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid to arrive in Japan late 2010, U.S. in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is diving into the burgeoning social media world head first. Based on the success of its Fiesta Movement, the Blue Oval has decided to launch a new program called Fusion 41 - so named because of the Fusion Hybrid's 41 mile-per-gallon EPA estimate in the city and the fact that Ford is looking for 41 participants to take part in its new game.

A total of eight Fusion or Fusion Hybrid owners will be chosen from all applicants received based on their social media presence, and those drivers will each choose four friends or family members to join their team. Ford will then hand out assignments that must be completed with photo and video proof that is to be uploaded to the driver's Facebook profile. Ford is calling the program an "automotive relay race," whatever that means.

So, what's the incentive to participate? For starters, each team will be given a new Fusion for the challenge, and the winning team captain will have their own Fusion or Fusion Hybrid paid off by Ford. Not bad, eh? Plus, participating team members from the winning group will earn free gas for one full year. Want to know more? Click past the break for the press release and visit www.fusion41.com before November 6th to enter the contest.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program

Ford recreating Fiesta Movement with Fusion 41 program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Sai hybrid looks suspiciously familiar

Chris Paukert — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

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

Toyota has rolled out its new Sai hybrid here at the Tokyo Motor Show, and if it looks familiar, that's because you've probably seen something very similar wearing "Lexus" and "HS250h" badges.

The overall aesthetic of the Sai is very similar to that of its premium sibling, but it features different light fixtures front and rear, along with bespoke fascias on both ends as well as a unique hood and trunk lid.

The Nippon-market dedicated gas-electric model utilizes the same 2.4-liter gasoline engine tied to Toyota's latest Hybrid Synergy Drive system, and the luxury compact features things like plant-derived plastics and a radar-based pre-crash safety system.

According to Toyota, "Sai" means "talent" and "coloration" depending on how it is written in Japanese, and the name is meant to combine "advanced talent and multi-color sophistication." Obviously.

The automaker expects 36,000 customers to be wooed by the front-driver's colorful talents each year. No word yet on whether the sedan will cross the Pacific as a more affordable Toyota-badged version of the HS250h. Check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Sai

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Sai hybrid looks suspiciously familiar

Tokyo 2009: 2010 Toyota Sai hybrid looks suspiciously familiar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments