2010 Plug-in Prius Prototypes – Click above for high-res image gallery
It’s been two-and-a-half years since . The name is the same, but today’s plug-in Prius is a totally different vehicle, and it was high time to see what changes Toyota has made to their plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in its ongoing effort to slowly get the car ready for the U.S. market.
Back in late 2007, the prototype had a NiMH battery pack and the converted vehicle was based on the second-generation model. The new fleet of PHEV Priuses in San Diego this week as part of Toyota’s Sustainable Mobility Seminar are converted 2010 third-generation models, featuring upgraded lithium-ion packs.
Toyota has brought the PHEV Prius fleet to the U.S. to begin a two-year test and monitoring period. The vehicles are equipped with transmitters from Qualcomm that record not only driver behavior, but also how often the car is plugged in. We’ll have more information soon with technical details about the mules and an explanation of Toyota’s plans to test and sell the long-awaited plug-in hatchback for 2012. But before then, we wanted to grab some seat time.
The short version is that driving a plug-in Prius is almost exactly like driving a standard one, except that it remains quieter for a longer period as the engine is off more often (during short distances) thanks to a larger battery pack and improved all-electric performance. Acceleration, handling, braking – everything feels awfully familiar. Make the jump to find out more, including how you can now go up to 64 mph without using a single drop of fuel.
Gallery:
Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
new is making rapid progress in the Nürburgring Endurance Series. After finishing outing two weeks ago, it moved up to third place this weekend. Porsche factory drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Wolf Henzler praised the new flywheel hybrid car as they ran a trouble-free four-hour race.
The drivers were pleased with the extra 120 kilowatts of electric power available, especially as they accelerated out of corners. The electro-mechanical drive system also cut the car’s fuel consumption considerably, with the hybrid requiring one fewer pit stop than all the other 911s. Hopefully if the car keeps running this well, we’ll indeed see it run in the American Le Mans Series later this year.
At the Detroit Auto Show in January, Ford announced that it would bring production of battery packs for its hybrid and plug-in vehicles , in time for the launch of its next-generation models. At the time, Ford would only say that the production facility would be somewhere in southeast Michigan without giving specifics.
According to The Detroit News, it now appears that the packs will be produced at the site of the defunct Rawsonville plant in Ypsilanti, MI. The facility had previously manufactured a variety of components, including alternators, fuel pumps, injectors and wiper motors. Rawsonville had been included in the Visteon spin-off in 2000, but was later re-absorbed into Ford as part of Automotive Components Holdings when Visteon was struggling to avoid bankruptcy. Ford tried and failed to sell the facility. and it has been closed for several years. In recent weeks demolition work has been ongoing at the site, perhaps in preparation for new construction. (Wrong plant, the Rawsonville plant is a couple of miles away from another ACH plant being demolished.)
Ford’s battery packs are currently assembled by Delphi using cells from Sanyo. the automaker will continue to source cells from suppliers while building the packs and battery management systems itself.
When Ford made its original announcement in January, it said the combination of battery and hybrid vehicle production could create 1,000 new jobs in the area. That would certainly be welcome news to the region, which has been particularly hard-hit by the current recession. A Ford spokesperson declined to comment on the plant location, except to say that an announcement would be forthcoming.
In traditional Yamaha fashion, the company announced a move that may finally allow it to stake a claim as the first big player in the breakout electric motorcycle category. By putting the For Sale Sign on 63.25 million corporate stock shares, the tuning fork company hopes to raise an impressive 812 million dollars that it will dedicate to a highly charged electric and hybrid engine development plan across both their two-wheeled (motorcycle and ) as well as aquatic (boat and ) product lines. We have seen many concepts and indications of Yamaha’s intent, but very little follow through up to this point.
The plan seems to be part of a healing process following 2009 in which the company posted losses north of $2.3 billion. Yes folks, we said billion… ouch! , a company that traditionally has been eager to carve its own path in the powersports segment, hopes new fuel efficient and electric designs will lead to increased popularity in developing markets that have an ever-growing importance to manufacturers industry wide. We are left holding our breaths as to when these developments will make their way into the U.S. That will, no doubt, be largely dependent upon our buying trends. In addition, the company has also pledged to make all of its offerings more competitive throughout its lineup.
Most importantly, this means we will see some much needed diversity in the development of . This from the company that brought us the fist modern four-stroke motocross bikes, as well as snowmobiles. We will eagerly look forward to Yamaha’s new offerings, and the following jolt that it could mean for the company as a whole. Now, to figure out how to commute in the bicycle lane on our shiny new Yamaha electric motorcycle.
There’s the Prius and there’s the Tesla. But for well-to-do eco-conscious consumers, there’s nothing in between. The S400 fills that microscopic middle ground in typical Mercedes luxury.
The Murcielago’s replacement is set to arrive next year and we’ve got the first shots of Lambo’s new big bull testing in Europe.
It’s been teased and spied, and now it’s finally arrived. The Ferrari 599 GTO sheds a few pounds, gains a few ponies and takes out the automaker’s namesake around Fiorano.
It’s no secret that in recent years has been itching to reduce the mass of its products. Even before sold the brand to Tata it had been working on a variety of lighter weight concepts. It looks like the next generation Range Rover will be the first benefactor of those efforts when it debuts in 2012.
The new flagship SUV is expected to cast a similar shadow to the current model, but the roof won’t be nearly as tall. This should significantly reduce the frontal area and create less overall aerodynamic drag. Mass will be reduced by using a riveted aluminum chassis with the same type of construction as the . Land Rover is apparently targeting a cut of 450 kilograms (992 pounds), with composite materials in the body panels helping to achieve that goal.
The 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 now available in the Jaguar and XJ should bring CO2 emissions down from the the current 300+ grams / kilometer to under 200 g/km along with fuel economy of 33 mpg (U.S.) A diesel-hybrid is also expected in the lineup a couple of years after launch.
This could possibly be our first glimpse at the from . The team from Auto Informatief somehow managed to get their sticky mitts on what is said to be a clandestine shot of a clay model featured during some kind of corporate presentation. As shown, the body looks decidedly more Spyker than the Land Rover -skinned test mules we’ve seen spy shots of thus far, but it also looks a good bit different from the Peking-to-Paris showcars we’ve seen for the last couple of years. As this photo is not explained in any context (including temporal), it could also be that this is an early development clay that predates the P-to-P, and not representative of the forthcoming production model.
Either way, the really interesting rumors center on the Spyker’s engine bay. First, the bad news: there will no longer be a 12-cylinder behemoth under the hood. Depressed? Cheer up. In its place, the company is said to be plopping in a supercharged V8 of some unknown origin. The web is already crawling with theories of a blown or beating heart – both of which are decent guesses as far as we’re concerned.
Assuming the clay model is representative of the production car, it looks like the new beast from will feature suicide rear doors – always a winner in our book – and a somewhat tall ride height. Ugly? Beautiful? It’s too early to tell for us, but anything’s bound to be better than the cobbled-together skin of the mules we’ve seen. No word yet on what designation the car will carry when it reaches production (SSUV? Peking-to-Paris?), but hopefully we’ll get a better look at the real-live thing sometime soon.
Sure enough, someone out there still wants . According to a report by The Car Connection, Raser Technologies has put multiple bids in for the Earth-squishing trucks – both before and after the failed bid from China’s Sichuan-Tengzhong. Raser Technologies made a name for itself by converting an H3 into a plug-inhybrid not too long ago, and if the company managed to gain control of the future of the brand, you could bet your biscuits it wouldn’t be too long before a hybrid truck made its way into showrooms.
Raser Technologies already has a prototype extended-range EV platform – the same tech fitted into the electrified . According to the company, the truck can cruise up to 40 miles on electric-only power, and should be capable of close to 100 mpg by the time everything’s said and done. There’s some speculation that GM is shy about handing Hummer over to Raser because of the potential threat to Detroit’s own extended-range EV program, though we find that one tough to swallow.
For now, it looks like a dead end for Hummer. With GM already switching off the lights and sallying forth with the wind down, it doesn’t look good for the brand, but as we learned with Saab, there’s always hope. We’ll keep you posted on the next on again/off again deal.
Saab 92010 Sixten concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
It’s good to see that not only has the “Save “bandwagon not hung out a “Mission Accomplished” banner and gone home, they’re still working hard to give new owner Spyker ideas for what Saab should be. There’s even a on Facebook trying to get the company to jump into the economy-sized car market. We have no idea, though, how feels about all this.
Added to the list of contributions is this, the 92010 Sixten concept by Eduard Gray, a modern take on designed by Sixten Sason. It’s a rather attractive three-door, four-seat compact hatchback that updates the 92’s ‘teardrop’ form. Gray argues that his creation could use a hybrid drivetrain and give Saab flavor to the buffet of little premium cars on the way. We wonder if Victor Muller will be setting it next to the sketch of the possible new 9-2 he’s been showing off before taking a few notes…
Gallery:
[Source: Eduard Gray - images reproduced with permission]
When pondering the idea of any near-$100,000 hybrid luxury sedan, one has to wonder, “What’s the point?” The only hybrids that sell in any significant numbers are the and , and for good reason. Both allow drivers – and particularly hyper-milers – to squeeze every last mile out of each gallon of fuel.
Obviously, anyone with the financial wherewithal to purchase a 2010 S400 Hybrid is unlikely to be motivated by the technology’s fuel savings. Similarly, if someone wants to make a social statement by driving a “green” vehicle, they will likely want their ride to be instantly recognizable as a hybrid.
So the cost-no-object camp is divided. They can either drop their coin on an all-electric or, in spite of their bank balance, go with a lowly . Which begs the question: Is there something in between? We tested Mercedes’ newest hybrid to find out.
Gallery:
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
When first introduced the here in the States, no one batted an eye when the car only came in V8 flavors. After all, a luxury sedan demands eight cylinders, right? Sort of. Skip across the Atlantic, and buyers have less interest in a fuel-swilling eight pot. Instead, the luxo-barges of the old country typically run smaller, more efficient diesel mills. Except in Jaguar’s case, the company only offers a V6 oilburner in the XF line.
Word has it that the big cat is out to fix the issue. Starting this fall, Europeans are likely to start seeing a twin-turbo 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine crop up on the option sheet. The powerplant is being refitted from Freelander () duty, but will feature quite a bit more power and a new start/stop system to help keep fuel consumption low. Will they bring it to the States? Sure, right after Michael Jackson rises from the grave to run as Sarah Palin’s VP candidate for 2012.
: Tiny Spin in the Amp’d Equinox all-electric SUV
Another step completed for the Midwest EV company, some more to go.
Benz’s small car gets a boost from Renault-Nissan.
New York this weekend and then
on to Detroit on Autoblog Green" href="http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/07/honda-u3-x-comes-to-america-new-york-this-weekend-and-then-on-t/">Honda U3-X comes to America, New York this weekend and then on to Detroit
Who needs a Segway-like unicycle? We don’t know either.
Other news:
Mercedes decision to hybridize
S-Class on Autoblog Green" href="http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/07/dealers-not-pleased-with-mercedes-decision-to-hybridize-s-class/">Dealers not pleased with Mercedes decision to hybridize S-Class
electric car, including
specs and pricing on Autoblog Green" href="http://green.autoblog.com/2010/04/07/more-on-the-croatian-dok-ing-xd-electric-car-including-specs-an/">More on the Croatian Dok-Ing XD electric car, including specs and pricing
It may have entered the world through a botched social media campaign, but the Accord Crosstour is selling and we find out why.
Stuffing an M5’s V10 into an E92 3 Series is no easy feat, but we tackle the task with GSR Autosport before the team campaigns its Frankenbimmer in this year’s Formula Drift season.
We still don’t have a name, but we do know that the M-fettled BMW 1 Series is on the way, and it’s shedding a bit more camo each day.
The Volkswagen New Beetle hasn’t exactly been, well, “New,” for many years now. However, a report from AutoWeek states that the Bug will get a much-needed overhaul later this year, with a concept car expected to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show near the end of 2010. Following the show car debut, the production New Beetle should be hitting U.S. dealers in May of 2011.
AW reports that design sources within Volkswagen indicate that the new New Beetle will take styling cues from the (pictured). What’s more, the next-generation car will have a stronger focus on driving dynamics, rather than overall retro style. As for powertrains, the U.S. can expect both the 2.5-liter five-cylinder and 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder mills to be under-hood, with a twin-charged 1.4-liter gasoline/electric hybrid reportedly in the works. Five- and six-speed manual transmissions will be offered, as well as an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
But while all this is well and good, will a styling and dynamic overhaul be enough to revive the New Beetle’s momentum here in the U.S., or will it simply go the way of the original Beetle in just a few years time? Have your say, in .
Mugen Honda CR-Z – Click above for high-res image gallery
A mainstream hybrid that’s fun to drive. That’s a novel concept, to be sure, and one targeted by in the marching papers of its recent CR-Z coupe, which is offered with a sporty six-speed manual gearbox and is supposed to be the spiritual successor to the much-loved CRX hatchback from the 1980s.
We’ve yet to drive the CR-Z and we’re already questioning if the 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque on tap from its 1.5-liter VTEC four-cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist will be enough to qualify the car as sporty.
According to Motor Trend, though, Honda has a much sportier model waiting in the wings that would use either a V6 or a large 2.5 liter four mated up with the familiar IMA hybrid system. Citing rumors from Japan, MT says the future car will be roughly the size of the coupe.
In related news, that aforementioned V6 hybrid powertrain is reportedly slated for both minivans and SUVs for the American market. Further, Honda is currently working on an extended-range electric system similar to the one featured in the except using a capacitor-based energy storage system. If true, we can expect to see that system featured in a future Accord.
Cadillac Presidential Limousine – Click above for high-res image gallery
You can’t always get what you want. President Barack Obama said today that he originally wanted his to boast a hybrid drivetrain. So what keeps the ruler of the free world from getting what he asks for? In this case, it was the Secret Service. Obama’s body guards said that a hybrid engine couldn’t produce the kind of power necessary to scoot the massive down the road in an emergency situation. That’s saying something, considering the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid boasts a V8 with enough power to have a 7,700-pound towing capacity. Part of us thinks it might also be a security concern to have a vehicle that may be more susceptible to electronic interference from nefarious sources, but that’s just a guess.
No one’s exactly sure what the Commander-in-Chief’s car has under the hood, but it’s a good bet that it has eight cylinders and enough torque to move a mountain of armor plating. We hear it’s a diesel and we’re guessing it probably nets fuel economy on par with most RVs.
Obama’s pining for a hybrid limo came to light during a speech about the government’s recent purchase of 5,000 of hybrid cars and trucks for federal use. No word on whether or not the executive branch got the General Motors employee discount.
2010 Ford Mustang GT – Click above for high-res image gallery
has some good news if you’ve been eying its products and happen to drive a vehicle from another manufacturer. The company’s “Swap Your Ride” campaign is back in full swing, and will run wide open until the end of next month. All you have to do to qualify for zero-percent financing and a $1,000 trade-in bonus is simply hand over the keys to your old set of wheels.
As you might expect, the offer doesn’t apply to the Blue Oval’s really fun or efficient toys. You can forget picking up any of the company’s hybrids, a or an under the campaign. The fine print doesn’t say anything about the 2010 Mustang, though, so you could be doing doughnuts in an all-American muscle car before you know it.
Expect to see a new slew of ads featuring Mike Rowe on your television promoting the incentives soon.
BMW Just 4/2 concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Some of most unusual and least well-known concept vehicles have been created by Technik GmbH. Technik was launched by BMW 25 years ago as a research think tank. While only one Technik vehicle has ever made it all the way to production, many of the technologies developed there, including iDrive and active cruise control, are now common on BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce vehicles.
The one Technik concept that did get to production was the low-volume Z1, which brought BMW back into the roadster segment after a long absence. The Z1 Coupe never got past the concept stage, but the shooting brake design did evolve into the Z3 coupe of the mid-1990s. The E1 concept was the first electric-drive BMW, and although it will have taken over two decades, it shares a lineage with an upcoming BMW production EV. Along the way, the 2001 Z29 coupe was built up from a Formula One-style carbon-fiber monocoque powered by a then-current M3 inline-six.
The latest product from Technik is the 1 Series-based fuel cell hybrid concept, which uses a compact hydrogen fuel cell to maintain charge on a lithium ion battery for extended-range driving. Check out the whole gallery of Technik concepts below.
