Electric and Hybrid Archives - Page 16 of 22

Honda CR-Z, 2011: The Weekly Driver Car Review

After various debuts in recent years at car shows around the globe, the 2011 Honda CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) arrived for North American consumers in August as a compact hybrid electric and marketed as a sport hybrid coupe. The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain and is the successor to the second generation Honda CR-X via its design and similar name. The CR-Z is the only gasoline-electric hybrid model offered by any automaker that can be equipped with a manual transmission. The new Honda is offered in three trim levels: base, EX, and EX with navigation and has a base price range from $19,950 to $23,310. The Weekly Driver Test Drive New car models often get attention, but since the

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Chevrolet Volt, 2011: General Motors’ radical new green machine

The new compact Chevrolet Volt hatchback sedan is the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle with extended range. It’s the most radical General Motors high-volume car since the 1960s Chevy rear-engine Corvair, which was virtually buried by the then-new conventional Ford Mustang. The front-wheel-drive Volt is the most mass-produced aerodynamic car Chevrolet has made to get maximum fuel efficiency. One aerodynamic trick is giving the car a phony grille. Air is fed to the engine compartment via an “under-grille” scoop below the bumper. The futuristic aerodynamic 1960s Studebaker Avanti used the same type of air induction. Still, the Volt drew few extra glances despite clever design features, such as unusually aerodynamic rear styling. That’s the way Chevy wants it. “It’s more

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Electric car curious? Rent a LEAF, CODA or Renault from Avis, Enterprise, Budget soon

If you’re not quite sure if you want to buy an electric car, there’s an alternative to a test drive at a dealership — renting a Nissan Leaf, a Renault Fluence, Kangoo Express of CODA sedan. Depending up rental car company preference — Avis, Budget or Enterprise — and where in the world you live, several electric vehicles will soon be available for a business trip, vacation or for fun. Avis Budget Group, which also owns Budget Rent A Car, has ordered 500 Renault Fluence Z.E.’s and Kangoo Express Z.E.’s to rent in France, Spain, Belgium, England, Germany, and Portugal in 2011. Enterprise, Avis’s rival, has signed a deal with CODA to buy as many as 100 of its sedans in

Electric and Hybrid

Toyota announces plans to debut two Prius siblings by 2013

According to a dispatch in the Wall Street Journal from the recent National Dealer Conference in Las Vegas, one of the new hybrids will be smaller and one larger than the current Prius, the country’s largest-selling hybrid. According to the newspaper, Toyota executives briefed dealers about the new vehicles, including size details. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance Quotes–Car Loans–Online Car Insurance–Rental Cars–Used Cars The pending smaller hybrid will comparable to the Toyota Yaris. The larger new hybrid will offer about 50 percent more interior space and storage than the Prius. Toyota also announced a milestone for the Prius at the same dealers’ meeting. Since its debut in 1997, Prius sales worldwide recently surpassed two million units.

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Honda, Toyota lead Yahoo Autos top-100 'green' car list

The Green Rating was developed by Yahoo! Autos in consultation with Environmental Defense, a nonprofit organization that finds practical ways to protect the planet. The Green Rating covers all the major environmental costs of a motor vehicle, including: Unhealthy smog that comes from tailpipes; Emissions of greenhouse gases that cause global warming; The fuel a vehicle consumes; Pollution from manufacturing the vehicle and its components. The Green Rating measures a vehicle’s environmental friendliness on a scale of 1 to 100. The higher a vehicle’s Green Rating, the “greener” it is and the lower its harm to human health and the health of the planet. Here’s the list of Yahoo Auto’s top-10 (with ties) green cars: 1. 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid

Automotive News, Electric and Hybrid

Volkswagen Golf TDI, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (video)

Who says diesel-powered cars have to be economy cars that get great gas mileage but are a fantastic bore to drive? Not VW. The 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI is a perfect example of a fast, frugal and fun car. Matthew WildeMatthew Wilde is an automotive journalist with experience contributing to leading publications. He focuses on delivering clear, well-researched analysis of automotive industry news and vehicles. Growing up surrounded by a variety of cars, Matthew developed a strong foundation in automotive technology and design. His work emphasizes accuracy and depth, aimed at informing both enthusiasts and industry professionals with straightforward, precise reporting.https://theweeklydriver.com/

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BMW will test second electric car in four U.S. metro areas in 2011

The four-passenger ActiveE is based on the 1 Series Coupe and has a 32-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Introduced at the Detroit auto show in January, the ActiveE has a 100-mile range per charge. It takes 8.5 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour and has a maximum speed 90 mph. BMW‘s Mini E, its debut electric vehicle, was deployed worldwide and now including more than 600 test cars in its second year. The ActiveE is scheduled for testing only in the United States. Mini E drivers will be given preference as test pilots for the ActiveE and could switch to the new car when their existing leases expire. The other cars will go to online applicants who live in the

Electric and Hybrid

Seven electric cars soon plugged into U.S. automotive industry

The Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are the two most well-known and extensively promoted electric vehicles, but the list also includes five additional cars — economical-based options to high-end sports machines. Here’s an alphabetical synopsis of the seven electric vehicles: Chevrolet Volt — Expected on the market nationwide in November, the Volt has two motors, a 149 horsepower electric motor and a 74 horsepower, 4-cylinder gas engine. The electric motor has a 40-mile range with the gas engine then engaging, creating electricity extending the Volt’s range to more than 300 miles. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance Quotes–Car Loans–Online Car Insurance–Rental Cars–Used Cars The Volt is a five-door hatchback that seats four. A full charge for the

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Honda Crosstour in crossfire, facing airbag recall, reinforced roof

“The front passenger airbag may not have been assembled according to correct specifications,” said NHTSA of the recall that will begin September 22. “In the event of a crash, the front passenger airbag may not deploy as intended and could place an unbelted child seated in the front passenger seat at greater risk of injury should the airbag deploy.” In other documentation filed with the federal government, Honda said the problem lies with the airbag packing cloth cover. “Deployment of the low-risk deployment flag will be delayed, resulting in improper performance,” said a Honda spokesperson. “Should the flap deploy improperly when an unbelted child is out of position in the front seat, the child may incur neck injuries.” The Crossover’s

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Toyota's big, new plans: Six hybrids, two electric cars will debut in 2012

Takeshi Uchiyamada announced the automaker’s plans during a speech Sept. 13 in Detroit. Toyota’s Prius gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle has dominated the segment. The world’s largest automaker has been less certain about the market for fully electric vehicles like Nissan’s Leaf due out this year. Tesla and Toyota announced a partnership in May to develop electric vehicles under the strategy of the start-up company for its $109,000 Roadster, powered by more than 6,800 laptop batteries. Toyota had previously announced plans for its first electric vehicle. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a

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Toyota Prius tops Kelley Blue Book 'Green Car' list for 2010

“To be considered for the green Top 10, each vehicle was required to offer fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in its class and at the same time provide all the safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment that would make it pleasant to own,” explain Kelley Blue Book. “So while the top 10 green vehicles are listed in order from most fuel-efficient to least fuel-efficient, fuel ratings weren’t the sole reason for inclusion on the list. The 2010 Chevrolet Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, No. 10, is the least fuel-efficient vehicle chosen with No. 9 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. But it has a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg, but the 5,900-pound vehicle has good room for

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Nissan Leaf update: Who needs Lance Armstrong when a polar bear will do?

And, sure, this is a well-trained polar bear, groomed and majestic. But a “green” polar? Sure, why not? The commercial works. Even Armstrong thinks so — I think. He recently Tweeted: “Is this what I have to look forward to when I get my new Leaf?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNeEVkhTutY James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many

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Nissan keeps Lance Armstrong as Leaf spokesman despite doping claims

Armstrong is featured in the first television commercial for the Leaf, and Nissan is sticking with the seven-time Tour de France titlist as its official spokesperson depsite the current controversy. In a recent interview with Ad Age, Jon Brancheau, Nissan‘s new marketing chief, said the manufacturer will support the cyclist while continuing to monitor the situation. Ad Age asked Brancheau: “Nissan has made a pretty big bet on Lance Armstrong . . he was featured in the first Leaf commercial, is displayed prominently on your website and you even sponsor one of his cycling teams. Now, there’s a ton of scrutiny around him with regards to doping claims. Does that worry you? Brancheau responded: “This is something we’ll continue to

Electric and Hybrid

Toyota Prius owners will soon have option to make some noise

Toyota said the device was intended to help indicate the vehicle’s proximity and movement, and “aimed to alert but not to annoy.” Toyota’s announcement to offer synthetic noise for its top-selling hybrid is the outcome from safety risks since an increased amount hybrid and electric cars are nearly silent at low speeds. A study by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last year found that hybrids were twice as likely to be involved in a pedestrian crash than conventional cars when slowing, stopping, backing up, or entering or leaving a parking space. Nissan, which will begin selling its electric Leaf in the United States and Japan later this year and in Europe from early 2011, will equip the cars with

Automotive News, Electric and Hybrid

Volkswagen Jetta TDI (Diesel), 2010: The Weekly Driver car review

After a two-year absence because of stricter emissions requirements, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta lineup, for the second straight year, includes TDI versions of the sedan or wagon. It features a turbocharged, clean-diesel engine and superior fuel mileage. It’s like Volkswagen figured out all reasons why the Jetta and its siblings are so popular in Europe are the same reasons the diesel and the car’s other industry-leading standards would likely be successful in the United States. Electronic stability control and a cold weather package with heated front seats and steering wheel, for example, are standard on all 2010 models. The standard stability control system comes two years ahead of a federal mandate requiring all vehicles sold in the U.S. to have

Electric and Hybrid

Lance Armstrong debuts in new Nissan Leaf commercial

The Leaf, which will be available for lease or purchase for the first time in December in Arizona, California, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington, is the carmaker’s first mass produced all-electric vehicle. Correspondingly, Nissan is shifting its focus to a new theme: “Innovation for All.” The initial distribution states for the Leaf were chosen because of their participation in the EV Project. It’s partnership with ECOtality that has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to create the nation’s largest electric vehicle infrastructure The Nissan Leaf will be available to customers in Texas and Hawaii in January, 2011 and to consumers in North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, and Alabama in April 2011. Nissan will expand

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