Feb
10
The myths about hybrid vehicles I
Filed Under Cars & Environment, Hybrid Technolgy | Leave a Comment
As this relatively new technology of hybrid cars catches the public imagination, question are raised on the feasibility of the vehicle. Here are some of the common myths dispelled.
Hybrids are expensive than their conventional cousins
The pricing actually depends upon the model and the make. The LexusRX400h is about 6000 USD costlier than Lexus RX 350. That’s definitely a good difference. The difference between the Mercury Mariner Hybrid and the starting model of Mariner Luxury AWD is only around 3000 USD. This difference is easily offset by the cost of the fuel the owner would save over a period of time. Add to this the tax incentive that would reduce the cost of the hybrid. And with the spiraling prices of oil, the savings arising out of fuel would further narrow the gap.
They are less powerful than the convention cars
This is not true to the best of my knowledge. The hybrids cars are completely self sufficient and do not require any external support source of power to keep its batteries from discharging. The batteries recharge themselves by capturing energy from the brakes. This is often known as regenerative braking.
Feb
2
Toyota: their new presentations
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As rumors have it,
Though just a proposal, it is believed to be not far from the truth. Of the two proposals, one is the Urban Cruiser that was introduced as a concept entry-level crossover that entered the market in 2006. The other motor vehicle has been presented as a concept last month at the
Jan
26
Toyota: the hybrid way
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As news has it, Toyotas hybrid battery partner has presented its proposal to augment output. So going by these standards, certainly
Jan
15
Lotus Exige S 240
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The new Lotus Exige S 240 is taking the Lotus brand from the track to the streets. With an upgraded 240 horse power engine (hence the name), the Lotus Exige can reach 0-60 MPH in 4 seconds flat, and is able to reach 100 MPH in a little under 10 seconds. The restyled hood scoop extends all the way to the windshield, allowing for more air to reach the intercooler, and creating nearly 100 pounds of down force when driving at 100 MPH.
Starting at $65,815, the Lotus Exige is the perfect car for any enthusiast, and is a great contender on the track.
Related resource: Volvo Speed and Design
Jan
7
With the New Year, there have been few changes introduced by Nissan North America Inc. and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. They have made a few inclusions in a few mid-priced vehicles. This includes the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. The changes bought about are push-button starters. It does not end here as there are going to be new introductions in a few other brands. Considering that this expertise is soon becoming a mainstream features, it is only a matter of time till we begin to see modern day vehicles with visible changes in the vehicle interiors to better the push button starters feature.
Dec
27
Corvette ZR1
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Chevrolet has released what could potentially be the next Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini killer. The new Corvette ZR1 hopes to put these super cars on a run for their money. With a price tag of $100,000, it is substantially less expensive then the competition, but boasts a 620 horse power engine, which can get the car to 60 MPH in 3.4 seconds.
One of the major features of this Corvette is the Brembo brake calipers, which were designed for Ferrari’s million dollar FXX. It is the only car priced at less than $150,000 to come equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes as standard.
Related resource: Muscle Cars
Dec
12
BMW 5 Series
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BMW has officially announced that a new production line of BMW 5 series special edition cars will be revealed at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show. There will be a Sport, a Lifestyle, and an Exclusive edition to be presented, each with different color and trim. Each of the 3 special edition vehicles will meet the rigorous requirements of BMW.
BMW has no plans of changing the current 5 Series’ driving and there are no plans for exclusive power train changes to any of the special editions. These additions to the 5 Series will allow owners to get the car they desire straight from the show room floor.
Dec
3
Hybrids are fuel efficient only when you know how to drive it
Filed Under Hybrid Technolgy, Latest Ramblings | Leave a Comment
The single most influencing factor for fuel efficiency is the driver behind the wheel. Here are few tips to optimize the fuel efficiency of your hybrid car.
- Do not accelerate sudden. The rise and the fall – both should be smooth. A sudden acceleration will require the gasoline engine to work harder thereby increasing your fuel consumption.
- Try to minimize sudden stops. Keep an eye on the road and stop lights and apply brakes earlier than applying them at the last moment.
- Don’t drive at unnecessary high speeds. Irrespective of the type of vehicle, the faster you drive the harder the engines have to work to overcome wind friction thereby increasing marginal the fuel consumption dramatically.
- Ensure that the tire pressure is as per the manufacturer’s specifications. The smoother is the rolling of the vehicle, the better would be the fuel consumption.
- The hybrids are designed to roll on the electric motor. Coast as much as possible. The gasoline would be saved.
Nov
26
What’s a hybrid car?
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A vehicle that combines two or more sources of power to generate momentum is referred to as a hybrid car. Generally, hybrid SUVs or hybrid cars are a combination of a diesel and a gasoline engine with an electric motor. The powering unit is composed of a gas tank, a diesel and / or a gasoline engine and batteries to power the electric motor. The engines of such hybrid cars are small and efficient and they are boosted by the electric motor when more power or momentum is required.
A computer, onboard, works continuously to achieve optimum levels of performance between the gasoline / diesel engine and the electric motor. Very few people can actually notice if you are driving a hybrid since they look very much like their conventional cousins.
Nov
19
In their attempt to boost vehicle sale, Kia has come up with a new makeover plan. They are willing to invest all that’s needed to upgrade dealerships and make them attractive in order to draw more crowds. They have set aside a budget in order to aid their dealers build or modernize existing stores.
This is an attempt to improve their unstable reputation as they are getting ready to launch several new automobiles and obviously need to work out a larger sales target. As such, the renovations are intended to modify and decorate stores and better facilities so that sales do not suffer. As of now, at least 150 dealers expressed their confidence in the renovation program.