1000 Mile Ford Fusion Hybrid Challenge

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid was put to the ultimate fuel-efficiency test earlier this year. A team of drivers, including racing star Carl Edwards and world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, drove more than 1000 miles on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process.

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid – 20 MPG City!

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By Kelly Foss
MyCarData


To begin, the new Escalade Hybrid is a fine piece of luxury automotive workmanship. The regular Escalade shares the same platform with the Chevy Tahoe and the GMC Yukon, but it’s received the “Full” Cadillac treatment. There is also the ESV long version similar to the Suburban in size, plus the EXT combo SUV/Truck model akin to the Avalanche. Our test Model was the Hybrid edition of the standard Escalade. It also had the Platinum package.

At its foundation, the Escalade is a very elegant and pleasing SUV to drive. The standard engine is the 407 horsepower 6.3 liter V8 also found in the Corvette. All wheel drive is likewise standard as is a 6 speed automatic transmission. This combination moves the 3 ton truck down the road in a spirited manner. Because of the way it is setup and the luxury of the interior, it drives much smaller than it really is.

The Hybrid version is basically the same except that it is a rear wheel drive vehicle, gets much better fuel economy and lower emissions. The regular gas V8 Escalade is rated at 13 city and 20 highway miles per gallon. The Hybrid version is rated at 21 city and 22 highway. Please note that the city fuel economy is over 50% higher with the Hybrid! During the test period, I drove the vehicle without regard for fuel economy and still posted a 19.2 mpg overall rating after a week of driving. That’s about the same as a typical midsize sedan with a V6 so it’s a very good number.

The Escalade has GM’s 2-Mode hybrid system meaning that the electric motors and the vehicle transmission all share the same case. The Hybrid model has a 6.0 V8 has active fuel management technology allowing the vehicle to run on 4 cylinders when it isn’t pulling hard, thus increasing fuel economy. The genius of the Hybrid system is that the added power from the electric motors carries enough of the load that the V8 is often in V4 mode so the fuel economy is much better. The Hybrid system is very quiet. You hear some pleasing V8 exhaust note plus some electric whirring sound muted in the background.

The Platinum edition adds top-of-the line accoutrements to an already luxurious vehicle. In our test SUV, we enjoyed features like automatic retracting running boards, heated and cooled cup holders, heated and cooled seating, Olive Ash and Burled Walnut trim, special Tehama leather seats, a 2 screen rear entertainment system and lovely 22 inch chrome wheels.

With an $86,175 price tag, the Escalade Hybrid is not for everyone. It is however a very popular luxury SUV and the Hybrid drive adds a significant measure of efficiency to it.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

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By Casey Williams
MyCarData


It is easy to admire the Lexus HS250h with its slick styling and future-tech interior. The car set the standard for entry-luxury hybrid sedans. Not to spoil the gravy train, but it is about to get a wrath of competition from Lincoln’s own star, the MKZ Hybrid.

If you’ve driven the Ford Fusion Hybrid or Mercury Milan Hybrid, you have a very clear idea of what lies within the MKZ Hybrid. All three cars share a Mazda-derived vehicle architecture and efficient powertrain. The tight four-wheel independent suspension system is the best balance between driver engagement and a quiet, smooth ride. But, nobody buys a hybrid just to sprint through backroads.

Moved by a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, and enhanced by a electric motors and batteries, the MKZ Hybrid accelerates with 191 horsepower and will turn in an ultra-frugal 41/36-MPG city/hwy. That’s not as good as the purpose-built Prius, but is an improvement over the already-impressive Lexus HS250h. Better still, the MKZ is a comfy mid-size car with absolutely no compromises over the gas-only version. Given a light foot, the car will run on battery only up to 47 MPH over short distances.

Being a Lincoln, luxury is a given. Heated and cooled leather front seats, THX surround audio, automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and genuine wood trim soothe weary passengers. Blind spot and reverse warning systems keep them safe, as do four-wheel anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. So far, AWD is not available on hybrid models. For a little entertainment, the instrument cluster “grows” and “kills” leaves on the LCD screen depending on how the car is driven.

It’s a fun way to make a point and encourage drivers to stretch their dollars for more miles.
Enhanced exterior styling, luxurious interiors, and a fuel-sipping powertrain make the Lincoln MKZ the sedan to beat. You may buy the MKZ Hybrid for its frugality, but you’ll love it for its chassis, handling, luxury, and grown-up feel. It is less iPhone and more conference phone, but that is a formula that seems to be working just fine for Ford and Mercury.

Lexus RX 450h – Need a conversation starter? Drive a hybrid.

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By Cindy Stagg
MyCarData


Forty-four bucks. That’s what it cost me to put 820+ miles on the little Lexus SUV. Is that a bargain? Well, at nearly $3.00 per gallon for premium unleaded, I’d say so.

With the double opportunity of spending spring break in Arizona and test driving a really great car, I was given the double escape of leaving behind the snow and 23 kindergartners. Having spent the last several years living in the mountains, I found the straight, flat freeways of Arizona almost relaxing (if only it weren’t for the photo radar equipment standing guard every 500 yards). Combine that with a Lexus and driving gets downright pleasant. In true Lexus style, the RX is an easy road-tripper. It handles with comfort, ease, and refinement. As the driver, I very nearly felt like I could have reclined back with both hands behind my head and let the car drive itself… if only it weren’t for the aforementioned photo radar cameras. The RX, one of the original cross-overs, is more car-like than ever, with a lower profile and a sleeker exterior. It rides on smooth MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone suspension in the back ? all of which combine to absorb even the biggest bumps quicker than you can say “heated and ventilated front seats.” (A real plus, by the way, after hiking Camelback Mountain in 90-degree weather).

The rear seat offered plenty of space for my two kids, who couldn’t seem to quit fighting over the center armrest. They do the same thing in our Tahoe and our Imprezza, so this was nothing new. My seven-year-old liked that he could reach the exterior door handle and could get in without the use of a step-ladder. In contrast, I really liked the zero-plop factor. Open door. Sit down. Ah.

The rear cargo area was deceptively spacious. We fit several pieces of luggage, a couple of duffle bags, plus at times a couple of boxes ? and still had some room to spare.

But where the RX 450h really shines is up front. The 3.5-liter V6, coupled with two electric motors, delivers a solid 295 horses of refined power. EPA fuel economy is listed at 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Its non-hybrid counterpart (with the same 3.5-liter engine) gets 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

Acceleration was responsive and quick; braking delivered the same results. However, when braking at low speeds, such as when pulling into a parking stall, the touchiness of the regenerative brakes came into play.

The RX hybrid also delivers when it comes to the driver’s seat. Little luxuries like a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, voice-activated navigation, and dual-zone climate control make the road trip a true vacation. A true testament to my love of all things bright and shiny: high beams that automatically dim for you. No more drivers angrily flashing their headlights at me. My one complaint would be that the GPS wasn’t always quite as accurate or user-friendly as I remember it being in the past. Operator error? Quite likely. But at one point, it told me I had arrived at my destination about a block too soon. When I stopped to ask a guy where the building was I was looking for, he pointed about a block up the road, and then proceeded to ask me about the car. Need a conversation starter? Drive a hybrid. He was impressed with its silence as I crept through his dental office’s parking lot. He also liked “the whole luxury-hybrid thing” it had going on.
Overall, the RX 450h seemingly does it all. In the city, on the highway, and yes, even on a farm road or two, it handles with all the finesse you expect from a Lexus. With roughly $10,000 in optional features, my test vehicle totaled out at $52,160. But if it’s going to cost you about forty bucks every 800 miles, you can opt for the features.

On a side note, several people have asked me my opinion on all of the recent recalls made by Toyota/Lexus. Remember, this is my opinion. I say look at their history. They have a long-standing reputation for building high-quality, reliable vehicles. Call me a cynic, but I also believe that today’s media tends to over-sensationalize stories, hoping to get your attention. I think that Toyota/Lexus is doing what they can to make things right while taking a good look to make sure future (and foreseeable) problems might be prevented. A local news station recently asked: “Do you trust Toyota?” My answer: Absolutely.

Lexus HS250h – A taste dish of Luxury with a side of Hybrid

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By Chris Jackson
MyCarData


Downsized luxury isn’t as awful a thing as it was when Cadillac and Lincoln first tried it in the early 1980s. With fuel-consumption concerns an ever-increasing part of the car buying process these days, many drivers are becoming more agreeable to getting all of the good things in life into a smaller and more efficient package. As a result, recent years have seen the good stuff from luxury flagships being mirrored in more compact vehicles.

That’s where the Lexus HS250h comes in. The Japanese luxury brand has already made hybrid vehicles a staple of its lineup with gasoline/electric versions of its RX, GS and LS models. In addition to being the smallest Lexus, the all-new HS250h is its first dedicated hybrid, rather than being a modified version of an existing Lexus product. It’s a good deal smaller than the average luxobarge, but makes up for it with seamless, simple-to-operate efficiency. The HS250h is a well-appointed driving appliance, and Lexus has taken many steps to make it so.

Lexus’ hybrid models have traditionally been unassuming, and the HS250h is similarly unassuming. This compact sedan features Corolla-like lines, with short overhangs and a high trunk. The face is somewhat unusual thanks to the shield-like grille which emphasizes the car’s aerodynamics. Air intakes are mounted lower in the body. The details are quite handsome; large crystal headlamps and a long, thin-pillared greenhouse are similar to the Lexus ES while the sporty Lexus IS offers influence in the chunky body and short overhangs . LED headlamps are available. Blue-ringed badges identify this car as one of Lexus’ hybrid models. It doesn’t look it, but extreme measures have been taken to make the HS250h more aerodynamic, from the small spoilers front and rear to the shape of the roof.

The interior is sports the upscale-on-a-budget look of many premium compacts, which isn’t a bad thing unless you’re used to the top-of-the-line LS600h L. Look closely and it becomes clear where the HS250h comes from, however; the shape of the windshield frames, high center console and instrument panel point to Prius DNA. The console is shaped like a boat’s prow, giving a cockpit feel to the interior. About thirty percent of the HS250h’s trim is ecologically friendly, using plant-based bioplastics in places like the comfortable five-passenger seating and generous trunk. Standard equipment includes Lexus’ Premium Audio system with Bluetooth and iPod/USB capability, an infrared-repelling windshield and an ionic cabin air cleaner and pollen filter as well as a total of ten airbags.

Lexus’ new Remote Touch controller, just introduced on the RX350, is a part of the available navigation system, and its mouse-like controller is surprisingly user-friendly. Tactile, “haptic” feedback makes shifting between menus a breeze, and the unit eliminates unnecessary buttons from the console. Voice command controls and a backup camera are included with this system. An optional front-view camera mounted in the grille projects a panoramic view of what’s immediately in front of the car at low speeds and is useful in parking lots at night. Naturally, the sound system can be upgraded to Mark Levinson specifications. The HS250h is also available with heated and cooled seats, aniline leather trim and a head-up display for the driver, projecting speed and navigation data onto the windshield in front of the driver.

On the road, the HS250h’s mechanical workings are almost invisible. The two-motor system provides modest performance. A “power” mode eliminates the slow-ish pace of the 2.4-liter, twin-cam Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, though acceleration comes at the expense of fuel economy. The engine produces 147 horsepower, and the total combined power of the hybrid system is 187 horses. At low speeds, as with the Prius, the HS250h operates on full-electric power. An “EV” mode holds the HS250h in electric mode at low speeds. Lexus has taken significant steps to minimize noise and weight, including twin intake resonators and a single-piece radiator that serves the engine, hybrid system and air conditioning. A continuously variable transmission puts the power to the road smoothly; the shift-by-wire interface provides very little feedback, resulting in very sterile, video-game like operation. Fuel economy is good for a car this size, but you have to drive carefully if you’re hoping for “stellar.” Normal freeway driving resulted in an average of about 34mpg for me.

This car’s Prius DNA is strong. In fact the HS250h feels more like a Prius than a Lexus, to be honest. It’s about the nicest Prius you’ll ever meet, at least. Wind and tire noise, however, are quite evident on the freeway, and the car falls somewhat short of Lexus’ usual whisper-quiet ride. MacPherson struts and a thick stabilizer bar are used in the front, with a double wishbone rear. The HS250h offers a relatively taut ride. The regenerative brakes lack the abrupt pedal response that often characterizes such systems, making it easier to stop smoothly. Driver-assisting technologies like Lane Keep Assist and the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Pre-Collision Assist are available.

Think of it as a good way to get the benefits of driving a Prius without the unflattering stereotyping that comes with Prius ownership these days. That said, what else is there to compare it to? Right now, nothing, unless Lincoln decides to do a hybrid MKZ. The HS250h is the only hybrid-powered premium compact on the road at the moment. HS250h pricing starts at $34,200. The HS250h Premium I tested was well-equipped, with the Mark Levinson sound system, navigation, Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, head-up display and other equipment and went for $46,555.

The ultimate question is this: Will buyers be interested in a compact, high-efficiency Lexus? Clearly someone from Aichi (Japan, where Lexus’ headquarters is) thinks so. The HS250h is a nice product, but I can’t help wondering who Lexus was planning to entice with it. Despite the growing focus on economy, the trend for buyers stepping up to more expensive vehicles is to go bigger–that is, the person who’s got about $40,000 to spend and wants something with more zoot than a Camry is going to be looking at the ES350 or IS350, rather than the Corolla-sized HS250h. Lexus is wagering that the trend toward reduced consumption and the availability of this handsome luxury hybrid will make some folks change their minds about that.


Specifications: All specs are for the 2010 Lexus HS250h

Length: 184.8 in.

Width: 70.3 in.

Height: 59.3 in.

Wheelbase: 106.3 in.

Curb weight: 3770 lb.

Cargo space: 12.1 cu.ft.

Base price: $36,970

Price as tested: $46,555

Engine: 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with 650-vold permanent-magnet motor-generator

Drivetrain: continuously-variable automatic transmission, front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 147 @ 6000 (engine); 187 total

Torque: 138 @ 4400 (engine)

Fuel capacity: 14.5 gal.

Est. mileage: 35/34

Ferrari AWD Hybrid, Audi S5 Prototype, Toyota Subaru, …

Ferrari could be building an AWD Hyrbid for this year, an Audi S5 prototype that weighs almost 900 lbs lighter, Subaru & Toyota have some news, and the Ford Bobcat V8. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.

Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Concept

Porsche has unveiled a surprise concept car, the 918 Spyder, on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show during a special pre-show event. Introduced by President and CEO of Porsche AG, Michael Macht, the mid-engined sports car takes the “ecology vs. performance” issue a few notches up. Described as a “Super-Sports” car, the 918 Spyder is a low emissions plug-in hybrid with a split personality. On the ecological side it is capable of 3.0 litres/100 kilometers (94 mpg imp / 78 mpg US) with just 70 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometer. However, on the performance side, it’s driven by a V8 producing more than 368 kw (500 PS / 493 hp) plus three electric motors putting out 160 kw (218 PS / 215 hp). That gives the two-seater a combined power output of 528 kw (718 PS / 708 hp) resulting in a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 3.2 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h (198 mph), and a lap time on the Nurburgring Nordschleife in less than 7:30 minutes, which is faster than the Porsche Carrera GT. The 918 Spyder features a liquid cooled lithium-ion battery, brake energy regeneration, push-to-pass “E-Boost” button for sudden overtaking maneuvers, and four driving modes. They are: E-Drive mode for electric only powered driving; Hybrid mode, which uses both the electric motors and the V8 engine relative to driving conditions; Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance; and Race Hybrid mode for hardcore performance running at the limit. “Power is transmitted to the wheels …

New VW GTI, Hybrid Infiniti M, Formula 1 Point System Cha…

Volkswagen gives details on its latest GTI. Will the king of the hot hatchbacks keep continue its reign? The latest on the Hybrid Infiniti M, and more drama with the F1 Point System Change. Hosted by Derek deangelis.

Kia Forte LPI Hybrid – Kia’s 1st Hybrid

Kia Motors unveiled its first commercialized hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), the Forte Liquid Petroleum Injection (LPI) Hybrid.

The Forte LPI Hybrid is the newest addition to Kia’s widely acclaimed Forte family (known as ‘All-new Cerato’ in some markets), which includes both gasoline-powered 4-door sedan and sporty KOUP versions. Kia Motors invested KRW 240 billion (approximately USD 180 million) over a period of 25 months to develop the eco-friendly Forte LPI Hybrid.

Boasting powerful driving performance and a superior fuel efficiency rating of 17.8 km/?,(approximately 42 miles per gallon) the Forte LPI Hybrid answers consumer demand for environmentally friendly vehicles that are exciting and fun to drive. Additionally, with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, the Forte LPI Hybrid qualifies for billing as a Super Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).

The new car utilizes a 1.6-liter Gamma LPI engine with an independently developed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and hybrid system, comprising an electric motor, inverter, converter and 180V lithium ion polymer battery.

Although no plans to market this vehicle in overseas markets have been finalized, feasibility studies are being conducted to assess consumer interest and potential demand in markets that possess liquid petroleum refueling infrastructure.

Forte Hybrid LPI System
Both the engine and electric motor are activated when the ignition is turned on but only the engine will run when cruising. When decelerating, the car utilizes a special regenerative braking function to convert energy that is normally lost into electricity that can be stored in the battery.

The hybrid system is also equipped with Kia’s Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function, which automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is idle to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions. ISG functions when the driver applies the brakes after running the car for more than two seconds at speeds of 9km/h or higher.

Another key feature found in the Forte LPI Hybrid is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for hybrid cars which, together with the 1.6 Gamma LPI engine, delivers powerful performance and fuel savings. The hybrid-unique CVT is also equipped with a special E-gear (Eco Drive) that makes automatic adjustments to ensure maximum fuel efficiency.

Additional Eco-Friendly Features
The Forte LPI Hybrid retains the sporty and dynamic styling of the existing Forte gasoline sedan, a representative work of Kia’s emerging dynamic design language, while adding aerodynamic elements to minimize drag and improve fuel economy.

The application of a front/rear bumper skirt, aluminum wheels and garnish-type rear spoiler, in addition to the use of an exclusive cover for the lower part of the engine room and center floor, result in lowered air resistance of 0.26 Cd, compared to 0.29 Cd for the gasoline-powered Forte.

The vehicle’s full-digital SuperVision gauge cluster relays critical information to the driver and includes an “Eco Guide” function which encourages the driver with an “Eco Driving Point” icon to adjust fuel consumption and drive more sustainably.

Source Kia Motors MyCarData

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Green, Green It’s Green I Say……

Sandi Pedersen, www.car-data.com

Let’s see’, I bring my groceries home in reusable grocery bags, I recycle all paper and plastic,I clean with only organic detergents, I purchase natural grown fruits and vegetables and last weekI drove the Highlander Hybrid. Yes, I am doing my part to save the planet and go green.

Little of substance has changed between the 2008 and the 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. My testvehicle had the 3.3L V6 engine and electric motor which provided good smooth acceleration andallowed it to achieve highway speeds easily. When you turn the key it seems like nothing happens.Rest assured, the vehicle is operational. The gas engine doesn’t start until it is needed. The gasengine also shuts off at stoplights but starts up again and gets moving when accelerating. Underthe right conditions (coolant temperatures and full battery charge) you can press the EV, electricvehicle mode, button and drive the Hybrid up to two miles at less than 25 miles per hour onelectric power alone. This is a great feature in stop and go traffic.

The Highlander is a so called cross-over SUV, meaning it’s built more like a car than a truck.As a result the Highlander offers a quiet cabin and a luxurious ride having been based on thearchitectural design of the Toyota Camry midsize sedan. Overall, I found the Toyota Highlander agreat way to move people. The second row seats can slide forward and back and getting into thefirst two rows is easy and the removable middle seat can also be replaced by a center console. Awalkthrough with fold and slide forward second-row seats add ease when accessing the optional thirdrow, which can actually accommodate both children and adults.

Toyota’s Highlander Hybrid comes standard with some of my favorite features. Smart Entry Systemwhich includes keyless entry and push button starting, a 3.5-inch multifunction display screen thatincludes a rear back up camera, a clock, tire-pressure display, air conditioning readout, outsidetemperature gauge and trip computer information. An automatic rear air conditioning system withrear vents for the second and third row seating was an added option on my test vehicle but one I’ddefinitely include.

The 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers more room and more power without giving up fuel economy. With 25 highway miles per gallon and 27 city miles per gallon the Hybrid offers excellent fueleconomy, particularly in the stop-and-go traffic or major metros. Emissions are also extremely low.If you add in the excellent reliability of a Toyota and resale value you can see why the HighlanderHybrid is a wise choice for active families and those who just want to ‘go green’

I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediatelylook at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker, who is seldomwithout a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a veryimportant aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.

On a scale of 1-10

Cup holders ‘ 10 With 10, plus a bottle holder in each door, there are plenty of storage spacesfor small items.

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