hybrid

All-New 2011 Lexus CT 200h: World’s first compact luxury hybrid, starting below $31,000

All-New 2011 Lexus CT 200h: World’s first compact luxury hybrid, starting below $31,000

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Fun-to-drive with sport-tuned suspension, CT 200h offers best overall combined fuel economy in luxury segment at 4.6L/100km

TORONTO, ON – (December 15, 2010) – Lexus Canada today announced the all-new 2011 CT 200h, the fifth hybrid in the Lexus lineup, will available starting at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $30,950. The Lexus CT 200h is the gateway into the Lexus lineup, offering the level of refinement, quality and reliability that guests have come to expect from the Lexus brand.

“Lexus continues to offer the industry’s most extensive selection of luxury hybrid vehicles,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director of Lexus in Canada. “The CT 200h proves Lexus guests can have it all: a fun-to-drive vehicle that delivers bold performance and sporty design in a luxury compact hybrid that offers class leading combined fuel efficiency – all at a truly attractive price point.”

The CT 200h can be operated in a switchable EV mode which generates zero emissions. Moreover, the CT 200h emits approximately 60 per cent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle, and has estimated fuel consumption ratings of 4.5L/100km in the city and 4.8L/100km on the highway utilizing regular gasoline.

In addition to the EV and Normal drive modes, the CT 200h offers Sport and Eco modes which can help enhance either performance and dynamic ability or driving efficiency, fuel economy and emissions. EV, Eco and Normal drive modes emphasize ride comfort and smooth acceleration.

Sport mode maximizes the CT 200h’s performance and agility. The throttle and Electric Power Steering (EPS) settings are modified. In addition, Sport mode provides less intrusive operation of the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) systems. When Sport mode is selected, instrument panel lighting changes from blue to red and the hybrid power indicator is replaced with a tachometer.

To further enhance the overall driving experience, CT 200h features a sporty, wide-grip steering wheel and drivers sit in a low, 8-way power seat with a long seat cushion, lumbar support, and aggressive side bolsters.

Standard features on the CT 200h include the Smart Key system with push-button Start/Stop and touch sensors on exterior front-door handles; leather-wrapped steering wheel; a six-speaker audio system with steering wheel audio controls, MP3/WMA capability, CD player, and Bluetooth® for phone and music streaming capabilities; integrated XM satellite radio receiver; USB/iPod® connectivity; 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels; heated front seats and dual zone automatic climate control. The CT 200h also incorporates a standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System.

To meet the needs of Canadian drivers, the CT 200h is available with a Touring Package, which includes 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a power moonroof. The available Premium Package builds on the Touring Package by adding the following the features:
Drivers seat memory system with mirrors linked to seat memory
Leather seat surfaces
Auto-dimming side view mirrors
Auto-dimming rear view mirror with backup camera and compass
Rain sensing wipers
Garage door opener
10 speakers and 6-disc CD changer

Canadian Lexus guests can also select an optional Technology Package which builds on the Premium Package by adding the following features:
LED headlamps and headlamp washers
Voice-activated HDD Navigation system with Remote Touch (with the Technology Package, the backup camera is displayed in the Navigation screen instead of the rear view mirror)

Improving its environmental performance, several of the CT 200h’s larger components including the loadspace deck sides, deck board and deck board trim have been fabricated from a bioplastic material containing 30 per cent plant-based resin. This helps in the reduction of carbon emissions over the life of the vehicle. New for the CT 200h is the standard NuLuxe seat material that looks and feels like leather to driver and passengers, but is manufactured with the environment in mind.

The optional sixth-generation navigation system features a backup camera and Lexus’ exclusive Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback. The innovative controller, similar to a computer mouse, eliminates the need for touch screen controls, allowing the pop-up navigation system screen to be mounted further up the center stack and away from the driver. This helps the driver benefit with a clear, high-resolution screen, improved sight lines and reduced eye movement.

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Will Offer a Blend of Technology, Efficiency and Design

2011 Kia Optima Hybrid Will Offer a Blend of Technology, Efficiency and Design

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

LOS ANGELES, November 17, 2010 – As the latest model in Kia’s design-led transformation, the all-new 2011 Optima midsize sedan lineup included the world debut of the all-new Optima Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show by Kia Motors America (KMA).  With a stunning design, roomy interior and outstanding fuel efficiency, Kia’s first-ever hybrid in North America will attract those looking for a striking and well-equipped sedan that does not sacrifice style, comfort, performance or value for fuel efficiency.  Set to hit showrooms in 2011, the Optima Hybrid employs a Kia-developed powertrain that includes several innovations that enable it to provide exceptional hybrid performance and efficiency.

“The introduction of the Optima Hybrid to the Canadian market in 2011 marks a significant milestone for Kia in our current design-led transformation through the enhancement of world-class technology” said Maria Soklis, Chief Operating Officer Kia Canada Inc. “The hybrid offering also further entrenches our positioning as a responsible car company that will continue to provide Canadians with fuel efficient, world-class vehicles that are also premium in design”.
 
The 2011 Optima Hybrid uses a full parallel hybrid system and can be driven in zero emission mode, and/or in blended gas-electric mode. When the car comes to a stop and the electrical load is low, the engine shuts off to completely eliminate idle fuel consumption and emissions.

Durable Lithium Polymer Battery
The 2011 Optima Hybrid’s outstanding efficiency is due in large part to the use of a lithium polymer battery, which was developed in South Korea with partner LG Chem.  The power and energy density of this new battery type allowed Kia engineers to create a lighter and more compact battery pack, with the 30 kilowatt battery pack weighing just 43.6 kilograms – 1.7 kilograms less than the 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid’s nickel metal hydride pack – which aids fuel economy and also helps to maximize Optima’s cargo space. 

Optima Hybrid’s battery will hold its charge up to 25 percent longer than hybrids with nickel metal hydride batteries, so the battery is more likely to have usable energy available even if it has not been in use.  Both fuel consumption and emissions are cut, allowing more electric starts and drive-aways.  With that improved efficiency, more of the recovered kinetic energy and charging energy from the engine is available to move the car as necessary, which allows the vehicle to provide electric driving assist more often and for a longer period.  Lithium polymer also has less of the self-discharge characteristic found in most rechargeable batteries. 

 Unique Hybrid Architecture
Unlike most current systems on the market, the Optima Hybrid powertrain is configured with a unique architecture.  Compared to the power-split hybrid systems found on vehicles from Toyota or Ford, the Optima Hybrid uses a Transmission-Mounted-Electric-Drive (TMED) layout with the electric motor separated from the transmission gear-set.  Offering several advantages, this modular layout includes more efficient powertrain packaging, use of many “off-the-shelf” components such as the existing six-speed automatic transmission found on the 2.4-liter GDI Optima, and reduced engineering investment.  This also allows for other possible future combinations including the application of more powerful motors and higher capacity batteries.
  
The Optima Hybrid also is among the first full hybrid systems on the market to use a typical step-ratio automatic transmission.  The extremely compact six-speed automatic that debuted on the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV is carried over to the hybrid largely unchanged.  An external electrically-driven oil pump also has been added to provide the hydraulic fluid pressure needed to keep the clutches engaged when the vehicle is in idle stop mode.

The Optima Hybrid’s electric motor is hard-coupled to the input of the transmission and equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous electric traction motor that produces 40.2 horsepower (30 kilowatt) and 151.2 pound-feet of torque when electric only, and an impressive 206.2 horsepower and 195.4 pound-feet of torque when in hybrid mode.  This replaces the torque converter, with a multi-disc clutch fitted between the engine and motor, enabling the gasoline engine to be de-coupled from the powertrain for idle stop and electric drive modes.  Employing this layout allows the entire package, including a torsional damper, to fit virtually within the same area as the traditional torque converter.

Another unique component of the Optima Hybrid is the Hybrid-Starter-Generator (HSG).  This 8.5 kilowatt starter motor-generator is belt-driven off the Theta II engine and operates at the same 270 volts as the electric traction motor and the lithium polymer battery, but does not provide any tractive effort to the vehicle.  In its place, the HSG is used only to start the engine and then to charge the hybrid battery.
 
 One of the main benefits of the hybrid electric powertrain provides is the capability to recover energy lost during braking and store it for use during acceleration and cruising, so when the brake pedal is applied, the engine is decoupled from the traction motor and gives no drag on the vehicle.  The motor is then used as a generator to recharge the hybrid battery.  Converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy rather than thermal energy through the friction brakes also reduces the wear on the brake linings so they last longer.  When conditions require emergency stopping or driving on hills, the extra reliance on regenerative braking allows for the brakes to be more effective. 
 
The Optima Hybrid uses an electronically controlled brake system to determine the driver’s braking needs based on the degree of pedal application, which is then converted to a total brake torque requirement.  The hybrid system control then detects the current level of battery charge, vehicle speed and other conditions to determine how much regenerative braking is possible under current circumstances.  The brake control system then receives the maximum regenerative braking level to manage the friction braking torque so that total net torque is equal to the driver’s needs.

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Like all 2011 Optimas, the hybrid uses an Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system that instantly provides boost and only when it is needed during steering maneuvers.  Reducing the extra weight compared to an engine-driven hydraulic assist, the EPAS is independent of the engine and also provides assistance when the engine is not running, such as during idle stop or electric drive mode.

The Optima Hybrid also features an electrically-driven air conditioning compressor so that climate control can be maintained even when the engine is off.  Like electric power steering, the electrically-driven air conditioning compressor allows for more precise on-demand control reducing the overall load on the powertrain, cutting fuel consumption.
           
Taking advantage of the instant and continuously available torque from the electric motor, Kia engineers modified its popular 2.4-liter Theta II engine to operate on an Atkinson cycle, raising the compression ratio by 20 percent to maximize its efficiency and achieving a 10-percent fuel saving over a regular Theta engine. This cycle generates a little less torque, but the electric motor compensates for any loss and consequently, the Optima Hybrid’s overall power and torque outputs are greater than the gasoline non-turbo model.

The light weight of the Optima contributes to the high performance and outstanding fuel efficiency. The lightweight architecture of the new Optima platform, combined with the lightweight lithium polymer battery pack, brings the Optima Hybrid in at just 1586 kilograms, 104.5 kilograms lighter than the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid. 
 
Beyond the Optima Hybrid’s innovative powertrain, Kia’s engineers addressed all aspects of vehicle efficiency including aerodynamics and rolling resistance. The Optima Hybrid features unique exterior aero refinements, a lower ride height, an active air flap system, lower drag wheels, and underbody aero tuning to reduce drag, while low rolling resistance tires also help increase efficiency. The Optima Hybrid’s drag coefficient is an exceptionally low 0.26. 

The end result of the Optima Hybrid’s highly-efficient powertrain, low-rolling resistance tires, and clean aerodynamic signature is truly exceptional fuel efficiency.

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Look for the evolution of sustainable transportation on the roads in Quebec this summer

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Look for the evolution of sustainable transportation on the roads in Quebec this summer

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

Toyota Canada press release

(QUEBEC, QC) – July 14, 2010 – A new era in sustainable mobility began real-world tests in Quebec today, as Toyota Canada delivered a Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (Prius PHV) to its Quebec provincial partners at a ceremony.

To mark the occasion, provincial partnership representatives were on hand to officially ‘plug-in’ to the future and deliver the Prius PHV to Québec. Quebec Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife Nathalie Normandeau, Rector and Vice-Rector of Université Laval, Denis Brière and Eric Bauce, Hydro Quebec’s Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Government Affairs Pierre-Luc Desgagné, and Toyota Canada’s Managing Director Stephen Beatty, were all present for the delivery at Université Laval’s campus today.

Toyota’s Quebec partners will share the data collected by their Prius PHV, which will be fitted with telematics equipment to record vehicle and hybrid system performance.

“Today, I am proud to help welcome the first Toyota Prius Plug-in hybrid to Quebec. We intend to become an international leader in the field of electric vehicles by creating a climate that will help them flourish throughout the province. I am pleased that Toyota Canada chose Université Laval to spearhead its research project, which will benefit all of Quebec. This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire knowledge and expertise that will strengthen our ties with the industry and enhance Quebec’s reputation as a leader in sustainable development,” said Minister Normandeau.

For Denis Brière, the Rector of Université Laval, “such partnerships show clearly how Université Laval is becoming a reference point for innovation and sustainable development. We offer an environment where testing systems can be set up for all branches of knowledge, benefitting everyone, both locally and internationally.”

The Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Government Affairs for Hydro-Québec, Pierre-Luc Desgagné, says that the company is playing an active role in the electrification of transportation: “This is the fourth project of this kind that Hydro-Québec has supported in the past year. The interest of the project involving Toyota in Québec is related to the participation of Université Laval and the data that will be gathered regarding the car’s behaviour and driving habits, with a view to planning recharge infrastructures.”

“We are all more conscious of the need to manage our energy use and reduce our environmental footprint,” said Stephen Beatty, Managing Director at Toyota Canada Inc. “We believe the Prius PHV will help Canadian drivers minimize their impact on the environment, with its ability to operate in electric-only mode, with a range and top speed that makes this practical for most day-to-day trips. Toyota Canada is pleased to deliver the first Prius PHV to our partners in Quebec today as we help kick off of the Canadian test trials of this vehicle.”

“Toyota is grateful to have such important partners join us as we work together to gather invaluable real-world impressions and feedback,” Mr. Beatty continued. “But we’re not surprised since Quebec has already shown great vision in planning for a more sustainable future for personal transportation.”

Based on the world’s most popular hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius PHV is designed to deliver a range of more than 20 km and top speed of almost 100 KPH on battery alone. In addition, an onboard Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine enables the vehicle to revert to hybrid mode and operate like a regular Prius – giving the vehicle the driving range and performance Canadians demand from today’s automobiles.

The Toyota Prius Plug-In achieves a fuel consumption of just 1.75L/100km and CO2 emissions of 41 g/km under specified driving conditions (combined electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle modes). Compared to the typical conventional midsize automobile, driving a Prius PHV for one year is expected to reduce one’s fuel consumption by 1,650 L (83%) and one’s CO2 emissions by almost 4,000 kg (or 4 tonnes)[1].

Canada has been selected as one of the participating countries for Toyota’s global test of the Prius PHV. Five Prius PHV vehicles hit the roads this summer with 15 trial partners in 4 provinces in the first phase of a nationwide trial, including Quebec. This enables Toyota Canada to conduct technical and market acceptance tests unique to Canada’s driving experiences and climatic conditions. The real world trials will continue through the coming winter to assess Prius PHV performance under a range of driving and climate conditions. Moreover, feedback from the Canadian tests will help ensure the Prius PHV performs well in any country where drivers encounter cold temperatures, ice and snow.

Canadian Prius enthusiasts are encouraged to join Toyota Canada’s Prius PHV facebook page for information on consumer test-drive event opportunities, telematics feedback updates from the test trials, and more on Toyota’s sustainable mobility efforts (http://www.facebook.com/ToyotaCanadaPriusPlugIn).

2010 Toyota Prius: Ease on down, ease on down the road

2010 Toyota Prius: Ease on down, ease on down the road

Gary Grant ⋅ New car reviews ⋅ , , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Just like MJ & Diana sang in The Wiz, the best way to describe the Prius driving experience is to say you are gonna ease on down the road. Despite those who seem to enjoy the high speed fuel economy the Prius offers, this is a machine dedicated to economy and drivers be ready to drive appropriately. Just ease it on down the road.

Our tester was the base model 2010 Prius which actually looked almost sexy draped in Barcelona Red Metallic paint which rings in at an MSRP of $27,800 Canadian. At this level the Prius comes with comfortable seating, front and back, that are clad in a rather basic but nice bisque colored cloth.

On the outside, Prius has always had an attractive style that while understated is distinctly modern. If the transportation people during the time of Logan’s Run designed a car, it would look like a Prius. The exterior lamps look quite rich, while the front and rear emblems have sort of a blue halo inside that the kids and even a few adults considered quite cool. Personally, I like the angle of the functional real spoiler that finishes off the rear hatch. It just looks a little racy, even if it is there to improve highway fuel economy.

The interior styling is unfortunately signature Toyota nice. That is to say that the fit and finish are exceptional and the surfaces have a nice tactile feel, there is just no passion involved. Sure, the shifter is tres cool and the digital display is fun and informative, I was just hoping for something a bit more exciting. Front seats are comfy and feel like they would fine for a long trip, while the back seat is quite large. Typical of a hatchback, the Prius offers a good amount of usable storage space, with a large storage bin beneath the cargo area floor to keep items away from prying eyes. Fold the back seats down and an active couple have tons of space for camping gear or a trip to Ikea.

I must admit that I haven’t reviewed many hybrid vehicles, because I don’t feel that they are the solution the Canadian market needs. Most hybrid systems are most effective at speeds below 50 or so km/h, which is fine in deep urban settings, but not much use for those who commute from the burbs every day. I’m happy to say that the Prius has gone a long way towards changing that opinion.

The hybrid system in the Prius has 3 modes. EV, where the car runs solely on the electric motor, Eco, where electric and gas systems work in harmony and Power, where the gasoline engine is a bit more involved. I found that the EV mode shuts itself off somewhere between 38-40 km/h, which makes it useless for most driving, unless cruising around a parking lot. I tried the Power mode briefly, to see if there was indeed more power and yes, it is somewhat quicker. The whole point of this exercise was to see how economical the Prius would be for our family, so ECO mode was the way to go.

I haven’t driven a Prius since 2005 and the drivetrain has improved dramatically. In most cases, the transition from electric motors to gas engine are completely imperceptible. I don’t just mean you can’t feel the transition, but also can’t hear it! With 98 horsepower from the 1.4l gas engine and 80 horsepower from the electric motor flowing through the CVT, the Prius driver isn’t going to win any stoplight wars. Then again, that is hardly the reason for buying a green vehicle. When trying to achieve fuel economy, the acceleration is a tad on the slow side but the elation that one feels when filling up the tank far outweighs the missing rush of speed.

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So how did we do on our quest for economy? I made 2 trips into the city, with the cruise control set well above the optimal fuel economy range. The rest of the week though was spent doing what a hybrid does best: tootling around town. We achieved a very respectable 4.8 l/100 km. If you are an old Miles Per Gallon type like me, that number doesn’t make a great impact, but the fill-up certainly did. We drove the Prius 413 km. On the fuel gauge, that registered as just a tic over a half tank. I held my breath, thinking it could be a huge tank. We used exactly 21 liters of gas to go over 400 km! Absolutely incredible!

I still believe that a hybrid is not for everyone and consumers should think very carefully about their driving habits before choosing any hybrid. That said, the Prius is by far the most normal feeling hybrid I’ve driven and the one that our family would buy if we were in the market for a small hatch that has the ability to carry 5 people in comfort. In today’s fast paced world, it wouldn’t hurt any of us to slow down a little anyway and just ease on down the road!

Tesla Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation Intend to Work Jointly on EV Development, TMC to Invest in Tesla

Tesla Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation Intend to Work Jointly on EV Development, TMC to Invest in Tesla

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Toyota press release

May 20, 2010 – Palo Alto, California, U.S.A. — Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) today announced that they intend to cooperate on the development of electric vehicles, parts, and production system and engineering support.

The two companies intend to form a team of specialists to further those efforts. TMC has agreed to purchase $50 million of Tesla’s common stock issued in a private placement to close immediately subsequent to the closing of Tesla’s currently planned initial public offering.

“I sensed the great potential of Tesla’s technology and was impressed by its dedication to monozukuri (Toyota’s approach to manufacturing),” said TMC President Akio Toyoda. “Through this partnership, by working together with a venture business such as Tesla, Toyota would like to learn from the challenging spirit, quick decision-making, and flexibility that Tesla has. Decades ago, Toyota was also born as a venture business. By partnering with Tesla, my hope is that all Toyota employees will recall that ‘venture business spirit,’ and take on the challenges of the future.”

“Toyota is a company founded on innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainable mobility. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Toyota would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla,” said Tesla CEO and cofounder Elon Musk. “We look forward to learning and benefiting from Toyota’s legendary engineering, manufacturing, and production expertise.”

TMC has, since its foundation in 1937, operated under the philosophy of “contributing to the society through the manufacture of automobiles,” and made cars that satisfy its many customers around the world. TMC introduced the first-generation Prius hybrid vehicle in 1997, and produced approximately 2.5 million hybrids in the twelve years since. Late last year, TMC started lease of Prius Plug-in Hybrids, which can be charged using an external power source such as a household electric outlet. The company also plans to introduce EVs into the market by 2012.

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla service rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.

Toyota Canada’s Top 10 Environmental Leadership Facts

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

A little bit of Earth Day positivity from Toyota Canada

We thought we’d take a page out of David Letterman’s book in honour of Earth Day, and take stock of how we’re living up to our environmental commitments with our very own Top 10 list. Our focus on innovation and technology to shape the future of sustainable mobility continues to be a pillar of our organization. Here’s a list of Top 10 Environmental Leadership facts and figures about Toyota:

1. In 2009, Toyota and Lexus introduced 11 new products that deliver on the promise of making things better for our customers and the environment. In 2010, Toyota and Lexus have already each introduced a new more fuel efficient model to their respective vehicle line-ups.

2. As of 2009, and each year moving forward during their life cycle, Toyota vehicles save a minimum 7.5 million litres of fuel and 18,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions through the use of hybrid technology, improved engine and transmission efficiency, smaller engines and 2-wheel drive options.

3. The Lexus RX 450h – with unsurpassed hybrid power, performance and luxury – produces 295 total system horsepower with the same fuel consumption as the 1.8L Corolla.
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First Canadian program will test the all-new Prius Plug-In Hybrid under real-world operating and climate conditions as part of Toyota’s global trials

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Toyota Canada press release

(TORONTO) – March 25, 2010 – The need for sustainable transportation is greater than ever, and as Toyota continues to prepare for transportation that relies on less fossil fuel, today it announced the first phase of a national Canadian partnership for real-world demonstrations of the all-new Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid vehicle (Prius PHV).

Compared to traditional hybrids, the Prius PHV has the ability to recharge its newly developed lithium-ion battery from the electrical grid and travel longer distances and at faster speeds on electric-power alone. For consumers, this technology means fuel savings and lower emissions, bringing us closer than ever before to the ultimate eco-car.
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Cars of NAIAS: Subaru Hybrid Tourer

Gary Grant ⋅ Car shows ⋅ , , , , , ⋅ No comments

Subaru didn’t have anything new to show off at Detroit this year, so they brought along the Hybrid Tourer Concept they showed earlier in 2009. Still though, this is a concept that actually looks workable. While I’m not usually a gull wing door guy, I like the look of these and the interior is awesome!

Gallery after the break.
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Cars of NAIAS 2010: Lexus LF-CH

Gary Grant ⋅ Car shows, Concept Cars ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

One of the most visually striking concepts at the 2010 NAIAS came from Lexus in the form of the LF-CH Hybrid concept. Whether it was the muscular hatch back shape or the striking green gold paint, this machine looks magnificent. Originally shown in the Fall of 2009 at the Frankfurt auto show, the LF-CH shows the direction that Lexus is planning for sport luxury hybrids.

After the break we have more photos and the Lexus press release from Frankfurt with more details.
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Volvo Car Corporation to put plug-in hybrids on the market in 2012

Gary Grant ⋅ Car industry news ⋅ , , , , ⋅ No comments

19617_1_5

Volvo is introducing a series-produced plug-in hybrid as early as 2012. Pure electric power from the battery will cover the daily transport needs of 75 percent of European drivers. For longer distances, an efficient diesel hybrid engine automatically takes over. The combined range is about 1200 kilometres. Carbon dioxide emissions will average out at 49 grams per kilometre, with fuel consumption of 1.9 litres per 100 km.

Volvo is convinced that in the future, customers will continue to want safe, comfortable cars with good driving properties and generous load-carrying ability. Irrespective of whether they are powered by electricity or other fuels.

Plug-in hybrids are an attractive car type offering the user the best from both electric power and conventional drivelines: extremely low fuel consumption and CO2 levels, combined with a long range and high performance.
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