Green Car Reviews

2010 Honda Insight Hybrid Official Pics, Specs

2009-01-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

The all-new 2010 Honda Insight hybrid car made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show.

Hybrid comes with four-cylinder 1.3 liters i-VTEC engine, with IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. Not a particularly high engine output of 98 hp offset by high 168 Nm torque, making Honda Insight respond without hesitation, even with full luggage and four passengers in the car.

LED in the center of the Honda Insight dashboard tells the driver, if he charges the battery, or spends its charge. Start-stop system shuts engine off at traffic lights, saving fuel. The engine is paired with 7-speed CVT gearbox, with switch placed on the steering wheel.

Fuel consumption, according to the Honda, 6.0 liters per 100 km in a city and 5,6 km on highway. For drivers who want to further reduce fuel consumption, Honda has equipped the car with «Econ» button. Clicking it on activates the automatic speed control which switches petrol engine off periodically.

Toyota FT-EV Battery-electric Concept

2009-01-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

Just before the Detroit Show's doors open to the members of the press, Toyota published the first photographs of its battery-electric FT-EV concept car, based on Toyota's new urban dweller iQ. FT-EV concept previews a forthcoming production version expected to hit the market by 2012.

No details released, except that car can be driven up to 50 miles on single charge.

BRABUS Electric Tesla Roadster Tune Up

2008-11-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

German tuning studio Brabus presented his version of the sports electric Tesla Roadster. BRABUS limited modifications to the Tesla Roaster's interior/exterior styling and wheel/tire options.

The car received BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels in size 7Jx18'' in front and 8.5Jx19'' in back wrapped around Pirelli P-Zero high-performance tires in size 215/35 ZR 18 in front and in size 255/30 ZR 19 on the rear axle, head-lamp lights with frosted glass, rear wing and a rear diffuser, neon lights and small LED lamps are integrated into the front air intake.

Honda FC Sport Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Concept

2008-11-20T08:14:00.000-08:00

Japanese Honda presented their latest concept at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show - FC Sport, hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car. It is quite plausible that this car ever goes to production - in addition to the current hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity.

According to Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., "People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future".

The concept was created in the Advanced Design Studio of Honda R & D Americas, based in Pasadene, California. Lead designer of the project - Jason Wilbur.

The fuel cells stack named V-Flow between the rear seats while the battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle, allowing to lower the Honda FC Sport center of gravity as much as possible.

Lexus New 2010 RX450h and RX350 Crossovers

2008-11-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

Lexus introduced next generation RX450h and RX350 Crossover at the motor show in Los Angeles.

The hybrid Lexus RX450h equipped with 3.5-liter 295 hp V6 engine, 27 hp more powerful than second generation one. The car will be produced as front and all wheel drive. All wheel drive system fully manages by electronics, which saves fuel and effectively distribute torque between axles.

The third generation Lexus RX350 is also equipped with a new engine - 3.5-liter 275 hp V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission with electronic control. Standard equipment includes anti-lock system (ABS), an integrated system of car movement monitoring (VSC), descent control system (HAC) and traction control system (TRAC).

Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid Concept

2008-11-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

Just few days before the start of Los Angeles auto show Toyota presented the first information on CNG Camry Hybrid model.

Clearly intending to become a monopoly in the hybrids market, in addition to third-generation Prius Toyota preparing to unveil CNG Camry Hybrid concept. New car works on natural gas, making the model not only cleaner in terms of environment, but also allows the owner to save on fuel.

Natural gas is stored in two tanks totaling 30 liters, located in the trunk at spare wheel place. Without refueling Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid is able to drive up to respectable 400 km.

Lamborghini Diesel and Hybrid Estoque

2008-11-10T11:11:00.001-08:00

Lamborghini considering diesels and hybrids for Estoque.

Estoque will get some latest motor developments of Volkswagen AG, among them insane V12 TDI diesel, and very new and still secret hybrid engines.

According to Lamborghini chief engineer Maurizio Reggiani, "The opportunity is there to develop a turbocharged, maybe even a diesel engine for Estoque, and since the car could be well-priced and could sell in quite large numbers for us, it's a big chance for us."

Ford Fusion And Milan Hybrids Delayed

2008-11-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

You won't find Ford 38 mpg mid-sized sedans Fusion and Milan hybrids for sale until about March, because there are too many of the current 2008 and 2009 models still sitting unsold on Ford dealer lots. According to Automotive News the Hermosillo, Mexico assembly plant will go on a 1-month shutdown in January just weeks after beginning production of new Fusion and Milan models.

Renault Electric Cars Will Be Rolled Out In 2011.

2008-11-10T08:17:00.001-08:00

French company Renault announced plans to develop three urban electric cars. First one to appear is four-door sedan based on the Megane, second is a battery-powered version of the Kangoo MPV.

Third, the smallest of the cars is similar to the Twingo, will be build from scratch and will stand out with vivid and emotional design.

The Megane and Kangoo will have a range of about 100-120 miles on a charge with a charge time ranging from 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on the available power.

Saturn Vue Hybrid Plug-In Delayed To 2011

2008-11-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

The plug-in Saturn Vue version that was expected to launch late in 2009, would have made the Vue hybrid among the first production PHEVs on market. The two-mode hybrid version of the Vue will go on sale in about a month.

Electrovaya and China's Changan to Launch Electric Cars in Canada

2008-11-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Chinese Changan Automotive Group, which is a partner of Ford Motors in China, and the Canadian batteries manufacturer firm Electrovaya, will jointly develop electric vehicles. By the end of this year it will roll out 30 electric cars, making Changan the first Chinese automaker,to release its products to the North American market.

The Chinese and Canadians have begun to cooperate in New energy field in May this year. One of the most popular Changan models - Ben Ben will be sold in Canada. Electrovaya will be updating imported from China cars and also be responsible for the sales.

2011 Tesla Model-S All Electric Sedan Pics

2008-10-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

First photo of affordable electric sedan prototype Tesla Model S, which will appear on the market in 2011.

Tesla Model S comes with aluminum alloy body instead of expensive carbon fiber in Tesla Roadster. To further reduce the price of construction, developers use the body power elements of the Dodge Magnum. According to preliminary information, the Tesla Model S base price will be approximately $60,000

Electric Plug-In MINI E Cooper Pics

2008-10-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

BMW introduced electric car for mass production - MINI E, based on R56 MINI Cooper last generation model.

MINI E is equipped with powered by lithium ion batteries electric motor producing an impressive output of 204HP (150kW) and a peak torque of 220Nm which is good enough to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8,5 seconds.

Power is transmitted to front wheels through a single gear helical transmission, which is based on Cooper S. MINI E interior converted from 2+2 into 2-seat, back seats space is used as the battery compartment, which houses a group of 48 modules of 5088 battery cell, which have a maximum capacity of 35 kW power and 380 volts. When fully charged, they run up to 240 km. The MINI E also features a brake regeneration system that transforms kinetic energy to electricity replenishing the battery.

MINI will offer a higher amperage adapter that will be installed in the customer's garage enabling a full recharge in just 2 1/2 hours.

Mitsubishi Testing Electric i-MiEV

2008-10-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Japanese Mitsubishi is beginning to test i-MiEV compact electric vehicle .

Mitsubishi is currently testing the i MiEV electric car in California in collaboration with Southern California Edison (SCE), which was involved in car development. Mitsubishi expects to start selling i-MiEV in Japan in 2009.

SCE believes its cooperation with Mitsubishi is a valuable experience. Companies will work together on hybrid technology, as well as new generations of batteries.

The i-MiEV equipped with 63 hp electric motor which is powered by 330-Volt batteries. Electric car drives the distance up to 160 kilometers on one charge. i-MiEV requires seven hours for full charge. Mitsubishi seeks to reduce the charging time, and working on new batteries, which will be charged at 80% in just 35 minutes.

Citroen Hypnos Hybrid Crossover Concept

2008-10-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

Citroen introduced Hypnos crossover concept at the Paris Motor Show.

The French Citroen succumbed to the latest automotive trends and prepared hybrid crossover concept Hypnos for the international motor show in Paris.

Inside - arrangement of the seats at different levels, forming some resemblance of a spiral, shows that according to Citroen traditional architecture of the salon is thing of the past; the unique rainbow color interior, as well as the latest humanitarian technology: "ceiling-mounted camera films the driver's face and regularly measures anthropometric data. The system compares these measures with pre-recorded data to gauge the driver's state of mind and adjusts the cabin lighting and scented air-freshener fragrance in consequence"

Hypnos driven by hybrid power plant with 200 hp output and consumes 4.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

Hyundai Santa Fe blue Hybrid

2008-09-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

To keep pace with such manufacturers as Toyota and Honda, the Korean Hyundai will show its new concept of hybrid-SUV Santa Fe at the Paris Auto Show in October.

Maintaining the Santa Fe’s overall design and dynamics car comes with 2.4-liter six-cylinder petrol engine with automatic transmission, paired with 30-kw electric motor, powered by lithium-ion batteries, with total consumtion of 5.35 lt/100km or 38 mpg, with the level of CO2 emissions of 148g/km. According to Hyundai, the Santa Fe blue Hybrid can achieve a top speed of 170 km/h or 105 mph.

GM Chevrolet Volt: Specs

2008-09-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

GM Corporation introduced production version of Chevrolet Volt for 2011 model year.

Volt, unlike the usual now hybrid cars, powered by electricity from lithium-ion batteries in all modes, full time. When battery's discharged, car switches to the bioethanol or petrol engine, charging battery with electric generator simoultaneously. This mode allows for a few hundred miles without recharging (refueling), which lets Volt owner not to be constantly concerned about depleted batteries.

Batteries recharge will take three (from the network in 120) to eight hours (240 V). And if the battery is not fully depleted, even faster. Thus, 40 miles drive (more than 60 km), will cost you only 80 cents. Daily car charge would cost no more than a home refrigerator electricity consumption cost.

What is really pleasing - car is not ugly, as usually happens to electric ones. Electric motor provides 150 hp and a maximum speed of 150 km / h.

Honda Insight 2 Hybrid

2008-09-06T22:32:00.001-07:00

One of the leading hybrid automakers, the Japanese Honda announced its new hybrid car project - Honda Insight 2. According to the company, Insight 2 will be the cheapest hybrid car in the world. Honda has not yet officially announced price, and the machine itself can be seen only in official photographs distributed by Honda. World premiere will be held at the Paris car auto show Oct. 2.

Technical specifications of new car have not been disclosed yet, but it can be assumed that the Insight 2 will have upgraded engine based on 1.4 liters engine, which is now used in Honda Civic hybrids. Paired with petrol engine is improved 20-30 hp electric motor, which will be used for driving at low speed (for example, in traffic jams) or high, when help to the main engines needed (for example, when overtaking). Hatchback design completed in latest Honda style, and generally coincided with the FCX model and CR-Z.

MyCar From British Nice

2008-09-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

This is MyCar, a small city car with a ludicrously funny face - indeed electric. And the level of CO2 in its exhaust - zero. Car designed by Italdesign and Giugiaro, and produced in Hong Kong.

British company Nice has not yet released detailed technical information about its MyCar. However, we learned that the car shows a decent performance dynamics and suitable for urban routes. MyCar can drive up to 64 km in the city, with maximum speed of 64 km/hr.

To make maximum MyCar more affordable for buyers, Nice automakers equipped its new compact car with an engine, which has long been in serial production, thus not only reducing the cost but its maintenance as well.

MyCar model proposed in seven colors and with a sufficiently broad list of additional equipment (power windows and rear-view mirrors, radio with MP3, 14-inch disks, central door locking with remote control). Buyers have option of 15 inch discs, as well as leather salon, with heated seats, and navigation system. MyCar will be available this fall on the British market at a price of 8,995 pounds, that is 11,350 €.

Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid Unveiled At G8 Summit

2008-08-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Mazda continues research in the field of fuel cells. Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid is one of the first production cars, capable of traveling on hydrogen or petrol. Moreover - there is also a electric motor.

Mazda - the first car manufacturer in the world, trying to invent a universal engine capable of functioning with fuel cell and the traditional fuel. The research has finally produced results, and new Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid is about to start tests on the streets of Japan. Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid is equipped with the latest rotary-piston hydrogen and electric motor. Later one increases hydrogen engine power by 40% and doubles the range of travel by as much as 200 kilometers. Car will be introduced at the Hokkaido G8 summit. Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid will become part of exhibition on environmental protection issues.

Special button allows driver to choose which fuel the car will use - hydrogen or gasoline, same way the owners of machines equipped with natural gas engines. Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid delivers 150 horsepower. Additionally, reported that a car completely made of environmentally friendly materials.

Tesla Roadster - Electric Car Without Gearbox

2008-06-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

Tesla Motors abandoned two speed gear boxes - replaced with single speed transmission. Getting rid of clutch, oil pump and, of course, from the gearshift, engeneers managed to save as much as eight kilograms. The gear ratio transmission changed as well - from 7.4: 1 to 8.27: 1. Transition to one speed gearbox has hit the target - 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds.

The car speed exceeds 200 km/h. Mileage until re-charge - more than 400 km. A full charge of all 6850 batteries takes 3.5 hours only!

Electric Volvo 3CC

2008-04-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

Among the features of this wonder car - not only environmental cleanliness of engine and body with an unusual 2 +1 formula, but also a tremendous weight to torque power ratio.

Conceptual 3CC design - the fruit of California Volvo Center designers and engineers. They managed to maintain Volvo brand identity and style. Body air resistance became a 30% better than the sedan S40 after severe tests in the wind tunnel.

Thanks to smooth lines, well-chosen colors and finishes three glass panels in the roof concept looks bright and spacious. When the door opened, the dashboard depart in the direction that facilitates boarding and exiting. The front seats move forward and backward, and pedals block can be adjusted. Rear seat will be able to accommodate one adult or two children.

The car can move with maximum speed of 135 km / h, and 0 to 100 km / h in about 10 seconds. The speed of 135 km / h may seem low to some, but 3CC is not racing car and it is more than enough for the urban environment. Moreover, at a speed close to the maximum electricity consumption rises sharply and, consequently, reduce mileage.

At one charge car can travel over 300 km, and with good road conditions up to 20 per cent of energy regenerated through engine braking. Front wheel Volvo 3CC motor, like a modern laptop, powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are located under the floor of a double cabin. The concept was developed to allow the electric motor be easily replaced with petrol, diesel or hybrid. Car comes with Michelin Pilot Sport 215/45 ZR18, which are usually come with powerful sports cars.

The new concept from Volvo was presented at the annual competition of environmentally friendly vehicles Challenge Bibendum, organized by renowned French tire concern Michelin. In addition to the original concept 3CC, the company submitted a Volvo S60 (environmentally friendly PZEV) and S80 T6.

Hybrid Fisker Karma Sport Luxury Sedan

2008-04-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

The first car by Fisker Automotive - a joint venture between Fisker Coachbuild, and Quantum Techologies was named Karma.

Karma is a sport-luxury sedan. Specifically for the concept Q-DRIVE system was developed, consisting of small gasoline engines and lithium-ion batteries. As an option solar-powered roof will be available. Car can go about 80 km until the full discharge of batteries. From 0 to 100 km / h sport-sedan clocked 6 seconds and a maximum speed reaches 200 km / h.

Car proportions: height equals Porsche 911, and length - Mercedes CLS. Exterior Fisker Karma design is final. The first machines will be autographed by Henryk Fiskera and painted the same colour as showcar. Deliveries will begin in the last quarter of 2009.

Fisker Karma price on the American market is $ 80,000. Karma Automotive plans to make up to 15 thousand cars per year. 50% of their products will be sold in Europe.

Miles XS500 Electric Car Will Be More Expensive

2008-03-06T10:40:00.000-08:00

Miles Automotive company has just taken a big step toward making their XS500 all electric sedan a reality thanks to $15M in new funding. The Miles XS500 is a highway speed capable all electric car that is developed in China and will to be sold in the U.S. and Europe.

Recently, Miles has been doing a lot of re-engineering which raised questions as to whether they can actually deliver a car with the specifications that they have quoted at a $30,000-35,000 price point. According to Miles Automotive Marketing Mgr, Kara Saltness, "Due to the complexities of the development process, we cannot yet determine the exact price for the XS500 at launch in the U.S. market."

2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid

2008-01-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

General Motors has finally officially announced that will unveil Saturn Vue Green Line 2 at the upcoming Detroit auto show.

This will be the first car with front wheel drive, using a second-generation General Motors hybrid system, which had previously worked only on the AWD.

Petrol engine will be General Motors 6 - cylinder 3.6 liters direct injection engine. At the regular Vue models this engine has a capacity of 257 horsepower.

Electricity generated by 55 KVA electric motor built into the transmission system. General Motors said that fuel savings compared with conventional gasoline engines model will be no less than 50%, the maximum load is 3500 pounds, and the 0 to 60 miles per hour (96.5 km / h) time will be for 7.3 seconds.

The second generation hybrid system developed jointly with BMW and Chrysler, the system features regenerative brakes, low speeds and reversing electric motor utilization only.

Improvements in the suspension of the car compensate for additional weight of 86 kg., These improvements include the corrected springs, tougher frame, re-tuned front and rear shock absorbers.

Hybrid exterior design has not changed much. Among notable changes - chrome-plated handles and other details. Tachometer replaced the fuel sensor, which also provides information to the driver as to whether the vehicle is moving using electric or gasoline engines, or both.

Honda unveiled hybrid CR-Z in Tokyo

2007-10-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Honda just unveiled its hybrid CR-Z Concept at Tokyo Motor Show. This is a radical CRX inspired 2-door hatchback with a glass roof and 19 inch wheels.

According to the head of Honda Takeo Fukui, in the future hybrid cars will take 10% of Japanese auto market and Honda must have a hybrid car model in a row, to compete with Pruis brand of Toyota

Citroen C-Matisse - Hybrid French Wonder

2006-09-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

On the outside, concept embodied modern idea of 4-door coupe. The most original part in the design concept - doors, disguised in tracing the body. They are not just opening up, but to the side. French concept car has low wide body made from carbon. This allowed to save weight - along with batteries, it is only 1400 kilograms. The level of aerodynamic resistance is Cx 0,30.

The length of concept car is 474 centimeters, width - 2 meters, height - 124 centimeters. Four door coupe has an impressive axle base of three meters, which guarantees a high level of comfort to passengers. Also installed is the famous Citroen hydraulic suspension.

Driver's seat reminds airplane cockpit. Steering wheel, on a new concept has fixed hub, with its rotations followed by active headlights.

You can switch gear without removing the hands from the steering wheel - thanks to special keys. Another concept feature - individual climate control for all four seats in the cabin.

C-Metisse is interesting not only because of unique design. Its "heart" is a hybrid diesel-electric plant, which drives all four wheels. Front wheels driven by 204 hp diesel engine, and rear - by 40 hp electric motors.

Power managed by 6-speed automatic gearbox. During the braking concept car kinetic energy is converted into electrical, which charges batteries.

Citroen C-Metisse engineers have created balanced chassis. To achieve this, electric motors are located in the rear area, and batteries in center of the platform. Concept car designers thought not only about environment - the car has good dynamics. According to a Citroen press release: "as the driver floors the gas pedal - the car will give as much torque, as required."

Acceleration to 100 kilometres per hour - 6.2 seconds and its top speed is 250 kilometers per hour. The average fuel consumption - a total of 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Ethanol Ford Escape Hybrid E85

2006-01-25T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ford introduced ethanol hybrid Escape Hybrid E85. This year, Ford also going to release 250 thousand cars on ethanol, including pickup Ford F-150, Sedan Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car.

Supporters of ethanol claim that with its help nation will be able to significantly reduce dependence on imported oil and reduce atmospheric pollution. Although critics say that this will be a waste of 3 billion dollars a year.

Ford believes that ethanol will help reduce oil imports by 140 million barrels a year if only 5% of American cars switch to a new type of fuel. While the concept is not ready for serial production, Ford said that if ethanol gas stations were widespread, mass production would not be a problem.

Fuel Cell Mercedes F600 Hygenius

2005-10-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

New car slightly resembles the current A and B-class production vehicles - perhaps its based on B-class. But similarities are limited by exterior - everything else is different.

Hygenious - the first Mercedes, equipped with fuel cells with electric motors.

Cute car accommodates four passengers, and comes with 115 hp engine. Although automaker claims that is unlikely concept technology appear in mass produced models before 2012.

In April this year in Shanghai Mercedes showed two more green concepts. These were the B-Class with a hybrid engine and S-Class in the fuel cell.

Hybrid S-Class has received 8 - cylinder diesel CDI and two electric motors. Regardless of driving mode, electric motors can be added at any time to a diesel engine. Shown in Shanghai S-Class can accelerated up to 100 km / h in 7.6 seconds and fuel consumption, reduced by 15-20 per cent compared with the normal version.

Model B-Class F-Cell shown at Chinese exhibition runs on electric and hydrogen fuel, the total power output of more than 136 horsepower, and drive up to 400 kilometers without refueling - twice the compared to previous generation.