HYBRID CARS NEWS

Honda Adds Accord Hybrid Production to Ohio Plant

2013-07-24T22:15:00.000+07:00

The Honda Accord Hybrid is returning to the market, a 2014 model that will be built at the automaker's manufacturing facility in Marysville, Ohio. This manufacturing plant, opened in 1982, is Honda's first US production plant. The company will add 95,000 square feet to accommodate the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid and plans to hire 50 new workers.

Hybrid Models

The new hybrid model joins two others built by Honda in the United States. The Acura ILX Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid are assembled at Honda's Greensburg, Ind., manufacturing plant.

The Marysville upgrade represents a $23 million investment by Honda. The main assembly line will be stretched and more space will be made available for parts that are unique to the vehicle. Honda says that the expansion will make the assembly plant more efficient and enhance its parts logistics operations.

Assembly Plant

As the first Honda car assembly plant in America, the Marysville facility has produced at least eight generations of Accord sedans. This will be the first time that the Accord Hybrid was built there; the previous model was discontinued a few years ago and was imported from Japan.

Two hybrid Accord models will hit the market. A conventional hybrid will be joined by a plug-in hybrid, both employing a two-motor system. Each model will offer a 2.0-liter in-line four cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electronic continuously variable transmission. Its first motor is a 124-kilowatt traction electric motor that will work with the CVT. Its second motor is a 105-kilowatt electric motor designed exclusively for power generation.

Honda Accord

Adding hybrid models back to the Honda Accord line gives this midsize sedan and coupe line additional credibility in an ultra-competitive segment. Right now, the Toyota Camry is the best-selling model with the Honda Accord following. Right behind it is the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and the Hyundai Sonata. The hybrids should help raise the Accord's visibility further, while adding yet another measure of "green" driving to the Honda line.

The Honda Accord Sedan is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "top safety pick" again for 2013. The new model also recently the IIHS's best rating in an all-new front crash test, one of just two midsize sedans to achieve that distinction. The NHTSA has also given the Honda Accord Sedan its top 5-star rating for its exemplary performance in frontal crash, side crash and rollover tests. The Honda Accord Coupe has not been tested.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including MSD ignition and Sparco Seats.

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VW Jetta Hybrid

2013-07-09T22:14:00.000+07:00

ByTom O'Steen

When it comes to a hybrid sedan, Volkswagen will not be left out. Up until recently, the only Volkswagen sedan you could get for fuel efficiency was a diesel, which was just as full efficient as the hybrids, there was still demands for Volkswagen to make a hybrid sedan. Beginning in 2013, the VW Jetta hybrid will be available for loyal VW customers who have been wanting a hybrid over the fuel dependent sedans.

The Features

The VW Jetta hybrid has many amazing features and comes with the same build of the popular body style of the regular Jetta. Just like its predecessor, this little car is spacious, powerful and dependable, all of which help to build the VW brand. The Jetta hybrid actually reached the 50 mile per gallon mark, which blows the competition away. If it is the features about the Jetta that you love, not to worry as they are all features in the Jetta hybrid also.

In essence, the Jetta sedan that VW customers love so much is Jetta in hybrid form. The only complaint has to do with the navigational system that customers do not seem very thrilled with. Even though the system is up to date and useful, it does not provide traffic information. For those customers who have a Smartphone, the GPS system does provide this feature so not having this feature on the hybrid is just slightly inconvenient.

The Price

Besides the navigational system, the only other bad thing about the Jetta hybrid is the price tag, which may cause loyal VW lovers to shy away. A basic model sedan comes with a price of just around $25,000 with a fully loaded sedan fetching a price tag of just over 35,000, which is a bit pricey. This price averages out to be about $5,000 more that the competitors for a fully loaded version.

Unfortunately this price may make loyal VW owners rethink getting a hybrid even though there are very few complaints regarding the hybrid. It is well built, provides a smooth ride and all the features are well liked.

All in all, most people seem very pleased with their purchase of the 2013 Jetta hybrid even though the price is a bit high and it does not have all the features other vehicles have. Still, it is fuel efficient, luxurious, and reliable plus the fact that it tested extremely well and comes with a company that will be there to help you should any issues arise. The bottom line is that the 2013 Jetta hybrid delivers on everything it promises like fuel efficiency with a smooth quiet ride and all the competitors do not.

O'Steen Volkswagen is your premier Jacksonville Volkswagen dealership. Our convenient location allows us to serve all of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
Visit our website today for the best deals on VW's.

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Tech Specs of the Lexus CT Hybrid

2013-06-24T22:11:00.000+07:00

ByMatthew Keegan

It should be no surprise that Lexus is in the hybrid game. After all, its Toyota parent sells the segment leading Toyota Prius. Lexus has five hybrid models to offer, more than any other luxury brand. Its CT Hybrid is its entry-level model, a five-passenger sedan that is priced from $32,050. The following are the technical specifications of the 2013 Lexus CT Hybrid.

Hybrid Powertrain

The 2013 Lexus CT Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-liter in-line four cylinder engine. This engine runs on the Atkinson cycle and features 16 valves, continuously variable valve timing and a 13-to-1 compression ratio.

The gas engine is supplemented by a high-output electric-drive motor. Together, this combination produces 134 horsepower. Lexus outfits this model with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

Fuel Economy

The Lexus CT Hybrid takes regular grade gasoline. This car is rated at 43 mpg around the city and 40 mpg on the highway. It comes equipped with a 11.9-gallon fuel tank, providing a maximum driving range of approximately 500 miles. That represents enough fuel to take you from Atlanta to Orlando on one tank.

Vehicle Dimensions

The unibody Lexus CT weighs from 3,130 pounds and sits on a 102.4-inch wheelbase. This vehicle is 170.1 inches long, 69.5 inches wide and 56.7 inches tall. Ground clearance is 5.9 inches.

Front head room measures 38.3 inches to 37.1 inches in the rear. Leg room comes in at 42.1 inches up front to 32.9 inches in the rear. Shoulder room is 54 inches in the front and 52.6 inches in the back. Hip room comes in at 53.1 inches up front and 51.8 inches in the back.

This hybrid has a 34.2-foot turning circle is measures a slippery 0.29 coefficient of drag. Its top speed is 113 mph and this hybrid clocks 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds.

Chassis Information

Every CT Hybrid sits on 17-inch alloy wheels set within 215/45R17 all-season tires. Trident five-spoke alloy wheels are also available.

This model makes use of an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and an independent rear suspension with a double-wishbone design and a stabilizer bar. Ventilated brakes are up front and solid discs can be found in the rear.

The Lexus CT Hybrid provides an electric power steering system and is equipped with electronic controlled braking, an anti-lock brake system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. A pre-collision system, automatic stop technology and eight airbags are standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recognized the 2013 edition with its "top safety pick" award.

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Tech Specs of the Lexus ES Hybrid

2013-06-09T22:10:00.000+07:00

By Matthew Keegan

The Lexus line up is one of the most varied and expansive among all luxury makes. Its portfolio is dominated by gasoline-powered cars and SUVs, with nary a diesel model in the U.S. fleet. Instead of relying on diesels to give its line up an important edge, Lexus serves up five hybrid vehicles including its five-passenger ES Hybrid sedan. The Lexus ES Hybrid slots above the CT200 Hybrid, and is a front-wheel drive vehicle that features Lexus' now signature hourglass grille. This vehicle is priced from $38,850.

Hybrid Powertrain

Officially known as the Lexus ES 300h, the ES Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter in-line four cylinder engine. Its direct competitor is the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

This model makes 200 horsepower total and is features an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Its 16-valve gasoline engine runs on the efficient Atkinson cycle and offers four valves per cylinder. This engine features continuously variable valve timing and has a 12:5-to-1 compression ratio.

Fuel Economy

The 2013 Lexus ES 300h is rated at 40 mpg around town and 39 mpg on the highway. This vehicle has a 17.2-gallon fuel tank to provide a maximum range of approximately 688 miles or enough fuel to take you from San Antonio to Dallas and back.

The Lexus ES has a 0.27 coefficient of drag. It is certified as a super ultra-low emission vehicle. This sedan is of welded-body construction.

Vehicle Dimensions

The ES Hybrid sits on a 111-inch wheelbase and is 192.7 inches long, 71.1 inches wide and 57.1 inches tall. This sedan weighs from 3,660 pounds and has a 12.1 cubic foot trunk.

Headroom measures 37.5 inches in the front as well as in the rear. Leg room comes in at 41.9 inches up front and 40 inches in the rear. Shoulder room comes in at 57.6 inches up front and 55 inches in the rear. Hip room measures 54.8 inches up front and 53.8 inches in the rear.

Chassis Information

This sedan features an independent suspension with MacPherson struts at all four posts. Gas-pressurized shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar are standard. The ES Hybrid features an electronic power steering system and is outfitted with power-assisted disc brakes, a four-wheel antilock brake system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and regenerative braking. Ventilated front and solid rear brakes are standard.

The ES Hybrid sits on 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels set within 215/55VR17 all-season tires. The ES Hybrid is equipped with stability control, traction control and offers such options as lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, intuitive park assist, a pre-collision system, radar cruise control and rear cross traffic alert.

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The Most Promising Midsized Family Sedan: Nissan Altima!

2013-05-29T22:00:00.000+07:00

By Eric Wu

On the basis of recent market analysis and test drives, one car which has emerged as a winner among the rest of its midsize counterparts is the 2013 Nissan Altima. The redesigned avatar of this new car is all set to impress the drivers with its fun filled performance and practical usability.

The company has come up with several modifications in the interior of the car with high boost in the fuel economy of the car. Nissan Altima emerges as a practical family sedan with fun hidden in its every roll. The continuously variable transmission or CVT has been provided with an overhaul, which has proved to be a very strong point for the modified car. The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima comes with all new smooth operation and immediate supply of power.

Amazingly, most of the incorporated changes in the vehicle are being accepted by people with open arms. Reviewers are strongly impressed by the high quality interior material, roomy trunk and cabin, high comfort seats, and much more. Moreover, the car comes with optional safety features found in the expensive cars of the league including detection of the moving object, monitoring of blind spot, and lane departure indication. However, there exists a conflict amongst the reviewers on the conservative design pattern of this beautiful car. While some say that the company has played it very safe with the interiors of the car, others are impressed with the simplicity of the design pattern.

With this car you can avail yourself of the hybrid fuel economy without having to pay for the electric motors or battery packs. Moreover, as confirmed by the National Highway safety Administration (NHTSA) recently, the car has been certified with a 5 star overall safety standard. With its hood, roof, and trunk made out of aluminum and tough body steel, the modified sedan is much lighter than its predecessors. Nissan Altima comes with curved body panels, aggressively attractive headlights, and the exact amount of required chrome.

Lest the loud engine of Nissan Altima, there's nothing significant to complain about this midsized sedan. High on style, performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability, the new Altima is the latest choice for all midsize family people. The company has incorporated features of high gas mileage and impressive technology, keeping the sporty identity of the car intact. With the fuel economy reaching the mark of 40 mpg on highway, Nissan Altima is undoubtedly the winner in the race of all midsized cars.

To learn more about the all new Nissan Altima and the LED lights and accessories for this car, please visit iJDMTOY.com, the car LED super store.

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LaFerrari Is The Fastest Ferrari Ever

2013-05-07T21:58:00.000+07:00

By Matthew Keegan

The fastest Ferrari ever built is LaFerrari, which when translated from Italian to English reads: "The Ferrari." The name is a fitting one because the new model, powered by a gas-electric hybrid drivetrain, makes 963 horsepower combined.

Prancing Horse

The prancing horse brand debuted its newest model at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, gull-wing racing performance coupe that can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. Just 499 models will be built and parent FIAT claims that every model is already spoken for. Many of the models are destined for China where demand for Ferrari and other top-end models has been surging in recent years.

LaFerrari registers the fastest lap times on Ferrari's own lap near its Maranello, Italy headquarters. Automotive News reports a 1 minute, 20 second lap time there, a full five seconds faster than the Enzo and still three seconds faster than the F12 Berlinetta.

Potent Powertrain

Under the hood is a 6.26-liter V-12 engine that makes 800 horsepower. A 120-kilowatt electric motor adds in 163 horsepower to deliver the combined 963 horsepower and makes 664 foot-pounds of torque. Like other Ferrari's this model is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
LaFerrari is Ferrari's first hybrid offering and judging by its racing credentials it may also be the best model it has ever built. This vehicle employs active aerodynamics, to achieve the handling characteristics required to operate at high speeds. Weighing in at about 2,800 pounds, the two-seater makes use of carbon fiber materials, and comes in stiffer and more rigid than the Ferrari Enzo.

Helping to keep LaFerrari firmly planted is a set of Pirelli P Zero performance tires -- 19-inch rubber up front and 20-inch rubber in the back. New Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes ensure that this race car comes to a safe stop. Handling characteristics found in the Ferrari's F1 series has been ported to this model including an electronic differential, and stability and traction control systems.

F1 Cabin

Inside, the cockpit was designed by F1drivers. The seats feature pronounced bolstering and the flat bottom steering wheel is outfitted with multifunction switches. An adjustable pedal set allows for driver customization and a digital instrument cluster provides the expected read outs.

Production of the 2014 LaFerrari begins this year and will continue through 2014 until the last model has been made. Likely, LaFerrari will inspire future Ferrari models as the prancing horse brand demonstrates that hybrid electric vehicle goodness is the right choice today.

Matt Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. He is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Fabtech Lifts and KYB Shocks.

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Owning A Car But Leasing The Batteries - Is This Really A Potential Future?

2013-04-20T22:08:00.000+07:00

By Lance Winslow

There is a reason why we don't have electric cars, but few people wish to admit it. The reason is there is a lot of energy packed and fossil fuels, and they are readily available. We have a ton of natural gas, and lots of oil despite the "peak oil theory" and now with new fracking technologies it appears that we are good to go for quite a few more years using oil and natural gas. If everyone had electric car and they were busy charging their car up, we wouldn't be able to produce all the electricity needed for all of those batteries and all of those cars because we don't have enough electrical generation stations.

Further, the fuel taxes we have on diesel fuel and gasoline could not be collected, therefore we would have to tax everyone for how many miles they drive in their electric car and this in turn would increase the cost savings that electrical cars have today. The increased infrastructure needed to be built to support all this would be a rather huge cost which would have to be amortized over the life of the use of these technologies.

Eventually we might usher in an era of using hydrogen or H2 as fuel, so if we built all those electrical generation stations, in the future they may not be needed and therefore we couldn't achieve any return on our investment for building all the infrastructure to support all those electric cars.

There was an interesting piece in the Engineer online news titled; "The Engineer's first podcast: electric motor racing and HS2," published on 31 January 2013. The article came along with a 37-minute pod cast, where the speaker discussed the potential of leasing those Hybrid car batteries rather than owning them.

Well, this may be one way to do it, you could own a vehicle and within the engine compartment they would own batteries - when the batteries ran out, you could trade them back in for new refurbished batteries, thus keeping the recycle chain open preventing these batteries from entering a landfill. That would be a good thing, and you would still have the engine compartment if you decided later to switch to natural gas, or in the far-off future two or three decades from now perhaps H2 fuel.

These are all potential strategies. Batteries are not a very good technology because you lose energy in the conversion process, and currently way too much, and today's batteries often take exotic materials or use costly manufacturing processes and expensive materials.

No, it doesn't have to be that way and there are other technologies on the rise which might change all that, but we don't have those technologies yet today in the market place, nor have we retooled to make use of them even if we did. Nevertheless, it is good to keep all of our options open and know what we are looking at as we decide how to proceed forward.

The most important thing is that we don't turn our propulsion systems for our modern automobiles into some sort of environmental religion, and run off and do the wrong thing for the wrong reasons because that would just promote the law of unintended consequences. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new series of eBooks on the Mobile Auto Services Business. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a The Oil Change Guys, a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

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What Driving a Toyota Says About Your Personality

2013-04-09T21:55:00.000+07:00

By Ryan Horgan

As human beings, the decisions we make every day reflect who we are on the inside. For example, consider the relationship between each of our unique personalities, and the cars we choose to drive. There is no mistaking the fact that our cars say something about us, and here is a little insight into what driving a Toyota says about you.

You Know How to Leave Your Worries Behind

Did you know that 79% of Toyota Camry owners sing to themselves when they are driving alone in the car? This funny little tidbit of information actually says a lot. Peace of mind comes from driving one of the most dependable vehicles ever made, and peace of mind makes for happy car owners. Just ask Johnny P. of Virginia - he has 440,000 miles on his 1995 Toyota Camry. For Johnny and all the other Camry owners out there, a reliable vehicle means one less worry in life, and that makes a big difference.

You Believe Getting Noticed is a Good Thing

Bold, elegant, and an inspiration to others - remind you of anyone you know? If so, there is a real possibility that the person you are thinking of owns a Toyota Avalon. The completely redesigned Avalon is being driven by a new breed of automobile enthusiast. The Avalon's 268 horse power, 3.5 Liter V-6 engine appeals to those hungry for power, while the available hand-stitched leather interior provides a touch of classic refinement. The new Toyota Avalon, like its owners, is a force to be reckoned with.

You Can Take Control When Necessary

Some people have the ability to deal with whatever life throws at them. Resilience in the face of adversity - it makes for a great personality, and it makes for a great vehicle. The Toyota RAV4, for example, is one of the most versatile and capable compact SUVs on the road. It is available with an adjustable power lift-gate, making loading groceries a breeze. At the same time, the all-wheel drive (AWD) system is ready to tackle any back road adventure. Whatever the challenge may be, RAV4 owners are ready.

You are Eco-sensitive, and Financially Responsible

There is an entire segment of our society dedicated to living responsibly. To these folks, things like reduced emissions, carbon footprints, and miles-per-gallon are more than catch phrases. They also understand that money saved on car expenses can make a real difference in the lives of their families. Who are these people? They are Toyota owners, of course! And many of them drive the Toyota Prius. The iconic Prius now comes in 4 different models, including the Prius Plug-in, capable of producing the equivalent of an astounding 95 miles-per-gallon.

Whatever model you drive, as a Toyota owner you let your personality shine for everyone to see. And as unique as you may be, you are definitely not alone. Toyota owners can choose from a lineup of 23 cars, trucks and SUVs, which means there is a perfect fit for just about anyone who is not afraid to let the world know who they are.

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The Intriguing BMW I8 Concept Car

2013-03-28T22:04:00.000+07:00

By Jordan Perch

There has never been a lack of designs that provide us with hints on what the cars of the future are going to look like, with Japan and German car makers making the most interesting and realistic-looking concepts, that could get into mass production in the near future. One such car is the BMW i8 concept, which was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, and it's expected that the Bavarian car manufacturer is going to start producing it in 2013. It's also known as BMW Concept Vision Efficient Dynamics, and is part of BMW's "Project i".

This is a plug-in hybrid, that is powered by a high-performance 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder combustion engine, providing 220 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, that works in tandem with two electric motors. This combination provides excellent performances, reminiscent of the best sports cars in the world, but also makes for a very good fuel efficiency at the same time. So, it goes from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 160 mph. The fuel consumption is rated at 70 mpg, and it has an ultra-low emissions rating of 99 grams per kilometer, according to the manufacturer. You can travel up to 20 miles before the lithium-ion batteries need to be recharged, which is one of the aspects of the i8 that must be improved.

Inside, this coupe can accommodate 4 people, with two pairs of sports leather seats in the front and the back. The control panels and all the instruments are arranged in a way that allows you to enjoy a sporty and aggressive ride, and still be in control of the vehicle. There are three-dimensional displays which give information on engine speed, navigation and entertainment functions, as well as battery levels.

The exterior design makes it look as a real futuristic car. It has a lightweight, aluminum chassis, with the sunroof, windows and windshield made of polycarbonate glass. The doors and the roof are completely transparent, which gives you a clear view of the inside and provides a lot of light into the cabin. But, the innovations don't stop here. The BMW i8 features something that is rarely seen on cars - laser lighting. There are laser headlights instead of LED lights, which makes the car a lot more energy efficient than most similar concept cars.

This amazing sports car should become available for purchase in 2014, and according to some speculations, it will definitely cost over $150,000.

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Best Car Hybrids To Buy This Year

2013-03-20T22:06:00.000+07:00

By Virgil Tenovici

While gas prices keep going up in the last few years, it's quite obvious why more and more car buyers are interested in purchasing hybrid vehicles. 2013 is a great year for buying such a car as the offer is quite rich and should fit most budgets. For less than $40,000 you can go with the recently redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid which comes with a more upscale, sportier and larger appearance. The interior cabin is full of high-tech equipment while under the hood is a brand new engine. Even though it's smaller in comparison to 2012, combining it with the firm's electric drive system provides more power and also helps the car return 47 mpg in the city and on the highway, representing a 20% increase compared to its predecessor.

Another option for people looking for car hybrids is the Toyota Prius C subcompact which looks a bit sportier in comparison to its bigger Prius sibling. We should mention that it has a smaller propulsion system so don't expect any fast acceleration. Nevertheless, the car is able to return an EPA-rated 50 mpg in the combined cycle. We should warn you though that the interior cabin is dominated by cheap-looking plastics and the ride is a little bit harsh. On the other hand, you get great mileage and a wide array of safety equipment.

There's another model from the Blue Oval company which you might consider - the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. You can consider this as a fun-to-drive and well-built alternative to a small sport utility vehicle. You get loads of interior space but less cargo room compared to other models in this segment. It comes equipped with the firm's MyFord Touch infotainment system and promises to deliver 47 mpg in the combined cycle. Even the standard SE variant comes packed with lots of features so it is one of the few car hybrids to consider.

If you are willing to spend more than $40,000, you could consider the 2013 Infiniti M35h which is a luxury hybrid sedan powered by a potent V6 3.5-liter engine so don't expect mpg figures compared to the above cars. With its 360 hp, the vehicle can run the 0-60 mph sprint in only 5.2 seconds and thanks to a 7-speed automatic gearbox it can return 29 mpg in the combined cycle. The car is nicely appointed and it handles very well.

Last but certainly not least, one of the best car hybrids out there is the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid which delivers 21 mpg combined. Featuring a lot of safety features and a posh cabin, the car offers a quiet hybrid drive in typical Mercedes-Benz fashion but at a steep starting price tag.

My interest is for hybrid cars and I am sure this is without any doubt everyone's taste. Visit speed carz for more details.

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What's New With the 2013 Toyota Camry?

2013-03-10T22:08:00.000+07:00

By A. Adoreno

What does the new 2013 Toyota Camry has to offer? What updates and improvements did it incorporate into the earlier model to make it more desirable? While most of the major upgrades were already incorporated in last year's redesign, Toyota took a step further and improved on its previous upgrade. The changes made to the new Camry are subtle but Toyota lovers will surely appreciate what the improved 2013 Camry has to offer.

2013 Toyota Camry - What Makes It a Cut Above the Rest?

In a nutshell, the new Camry offers a roomy interior big enough to comfortably accommodate five people, improved technology and safety features, enhanced fuel economy, and superior handling capability. That's exactly what you get by buying a Camry.

A Slightly Redesigned Exterior

It can be quite difficult to tell the new Camry from its predecessor, especially if you don't know what you are looking for. The 2013 Camry sharpened the corners to improve its looks and thermodynamics as well as to increase overall cargo space. It also features a slightly different door cut and made some tweaks along the roofline to make it more attractive.

Improved Interior Features - What's on the Inside?

The new Camry comes with a multi-layer dashboard complete with stitched faux leather covering and a 6.1 inch touch screen display.

The front seat now features a thinner design to provide more leg space, headroom and under-thigh support in the backseat. The backseat also folds in a 60/40 split so you can accommodate passengers and a few extra loads. All Camry trims come with power windows, doors and locks, cruise control and air conditioning, and an iPod/USB compatible stereo with Bluetooth connectivity.

The new Camry also offers optional upgrades which includes power seats, heated leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Improved Safety Features

The new Camry is a far cry from what it was before - especially when it comes to passenger safety. It now offers 10 standard airbags, a rear-view camera system, an optional blind-spot monitoring system and an electronic stability system for enhanced passenger safety.

Enhanced Fuel Economy

The 2013 Camry features a torque-converter lockup to improve mileage efficiency. As a result, the 4-cylinder, 2.5 liter Camry has an estimated gas mileage of 25-35 mpg (city/highway) while the 6-cylinder, 3.5 liter engine packs in about 21-31 mpg (city/highway).

On the other hand, the Hybrid LE has an estimated gas mileage of 43-39 mpg (city/highway) while the Hybrid XLE can do 40-38 mpg (city/highway).

Superior Handling

The Camry engine starts smoothly and can provide plenty of power, whenever the need arises. The base engine provides up to 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque while the V-6 engine can muster up to 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It provides a smooth, quiet ride and a more balanced feel.

With all of these neat features, will you consider the 2013 Toyota Camry to be your next family car? You definitely should!

Are you looking to purchase a new family car that fits your needs? If so, you may want to check out how Route 22 Toyota can help you get what you need.

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Pros of Buying a Hybrid Car

2013-02-14T17:39:00.000+07:00

By Semee S Qureshi

If you are concerned about the environment, and/or want to save the earth from further pollution and depletion of natural fuels while you save on fuel costs, you should buy a hybrid. A hybrid is an eco-friendly, non-polluting, fuel-efficient, compact car and commuting in it will be your contribution towards the environment.

Shopping for a hybrid is a complex process, because all leading car manufacturers have launched their own models of these fuel-efficient cars. Hybrid car manufacturing is the fastest growing sector in the automotive industry, with a 40% increase predicted over the current decade.
The hybrid engine is built to be very fuel-efficient. When the car stops at a traffic signal, the engine gets switched off automatically, restarting when the car is put in gear. The car runs on dual energy sources, a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The motor is present to provide acceleration and its batteries get recharged automatically by utilizing the kinetic energy that the car generates while you press the brakes.

Hybrids are built using light weight material and are quite compact in size. The aerodynamic design decreases drag, while the unique rubber tires decrease friction. The nickel-metal hydride battery is very competent. These vehicles produce lesser amounts of emissions and provide excellent mileage.
Hybrid owners are high on customer satisfaction because the financial benefits and savings on fuel are excellent and factual. Based on annual average use, a hybrid uses fuel approximately worth less than $1,400 a year.

The savings extend to car insurance as well, since many insurance companies offer immediate discounts simply for owning a hybrid. This discount can further be enhanced based on good driving records and other usual discounts.

As gas prices continue to escalate, consumers realize the significance of depleting natural fuel reserves and have adopted the concept of going green more enthusiastically. While it supports their aspiration to go green, consumers now understand that driving a hybrid is also financially responsible.

With this emerging pattern of consumer awareness, car manufacturers have caught up too, with the biggest ever number of hybrids for sale worldwide.

To promote the hybrid culture, the government provides income tax credits for some buyers; however the rules regarding this policy vary by state. Do check it out with your accountant because the credit can at times be substantial.

If you are hesitant about converting to a hybrid due to the additional cost, rethink all the benefits and savings you achieve by buying one, and most importantly, it will be your contribution towards saving the planet.

Semee S. Qureshi is a freelance article writer at http://www.Elance.com with a diverse range of interests and experiences.

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A Brief History of Hybrid Cars

2013-01-15T19:01:00.000+07:00

By Johan Young

Currently green vehicles becomes a worldwide trend. Almost all the state began to talk and market in their countries. The same thing also happened in Indonesia. Famous auto manufacturers like Toyota have put forward a proposal to the Government of Indonesia for the marketing of this car. So, there is absolutely no surprise you can find some Toyota Prius hybrid cars began appearing on the streets in Indonesia.

Vehicles that rely on dual engine as the driving force was not a new technology. Since the early 1900's hybrid vehicles have grown quite large. And the first hybrid vehicle is a Porsche output in 1900.

After Porsche, another automobile that applies this technology is Woods Dual Power Model 44 Coupe which goes on sale in 1916.

The car that had participated in a car show in Detroit, United States, is driven by the power of the two engines namely gasoline engine and battery.

Gasoline engine used classic car is a four-cylinder petrol engine which is then combined with the propulsion donation of a set of batteries.

This auto is capable of running up to speeds of 15 miles per hour with a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour.

And the main character in the story behind this transportation is Clinton Edgar Woods, author of the first book about the electric car. In 1899 he founded the Woods Motor Vehicle Co. and built more than 30 models of cars.

In 1911-1918 these vehicles have started they are marketed at a cost of approximately $ 2,700.
However, the development of hybrid cars had been halted by the discovery of new oil fields in the world. In the 1960's the hybrid car begins to sink and oil-fueled cars took back the world car market.
It was not until the 1990s, after the oil production is no longer much and discovery of new oil fields are running low, and environmental issues caused by emissions of gasoline cars, hybrid cars back ogled carmaker.

And the main pioneer is Toyota, the car maker from Japan, who issued the first mass production hybrid car in the world in 1997 with their Toyota Prius, which was then followed by other car manufacturers in the world.

Currently, almost all automobile manufacturers began producing hybrid cars, ranging from Japanese car manufacturers to American and European automakers, such as Ford, Chevrolet, Mercedes, or BMW.

Finally, the technology of this car was not a new technology but it is a modification of existing technologies. Hybrid car had sunk because of cheap oil prices. But with the thinness of the natural resources of oil and global warming are getting worse, the hybrid car can be one of the solutions to overcome this. It is time for us to switch to environmentally friendly cars.

For further information you can visit my hybrid cars - http://www.1st-in-hybrid.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johan_Young

Are Hybrid Cars The Future?

2012-12-23T17:42:00.000+07:00

By Graham J Baylis

There is generally one very good thing about improving technology and that is that it also helps to improve and educate people. Car engines are now very sophisticated and efficient and this has brought to the fore the fact that we need to find alternative methods of powering our vehicles so that we are not so reliant on fossil fuels. Engineers are creating engines that can run on other sources of energy but still have the range of a traditional petrol or diesel driven vehicle and they have come up with the hybrid engine. So what is a Hybrid car? In simple terms, it is a motor vehicle that has two sources of power which are battery or fuel. When the engine is required to deliver power, such as when you are driving normally on a highway or motorway, the combustion engine works to give the power. When the car is moving slowly or in a stop start situation such as driving in busy towns, the battery kicks in and takes over delivery of the power.

It is a fact that has been known for a considerable time that a petrol or diesel engine is not efficient at low speeds and that the exhaust emissions can be considerably higher than those coming from an engine that is working at a higher range. This is one reason why the automotive industry has been working to develop the hybrid car. There are now several different types of hybrid car available on the market with the choices growing every year. Hybrid vehicles can be anything from small city cars to family cars to SUVs and they are becoming ever more sophisticated and efficient as the technology advances. However, will they be around in the future? In short, yes, at least for the foreseeable future. Hybrid cars are already becoming more affordable and as oil is getting more expensive and will become more difficult to obtain in the future, it will be even more important to have access to vehicles that work from power sources other than oil
.
Hybrid vehicles are not only more advantageous because they are more fuel efficient and use less, they also produce fewer emissions. Pollution levels a decade ago were rising and for this reason governments have been trying to tackle emissions and pollution levels. Hybrid vehicles have been developed to run on other fuels not only as a way to save motorists money, but also as a way to reduce the carbon footprint. There are also engines that can run on bio fuels and recycled cooking oil which reduces the amount of fuel oil required and also the emissions created. Using cleaner fuels and the development of cleaner engines is a goal that must be strived for because we have become so reliant upon our vehicles for every aspect of our lives. As the technology continues to develop, the hybrid car will become more commonplace and as such the purchase costs will be reduced. Toyota was one of the first manufacturers to develop a hybrid car with its Prius model being rolled out in 1997. Since then, most of the big motor manufacturers have followed suit with Honda, Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen among the well known names producing a selection of hybrid vehicles. The future of the hybrid vehicle looks assured as they continue to be developed and become more accessible and cheaper to run.

Graham Baylis writes articles for Exol Lubricants with the aim informing their customers about the subject of lubrication oils and fluids. If you are interested in this area, their blog is also a resouorce that you should not miss out on. See www.exol-lubricants.com for more.

Water Hybrid Cars

2012-11-13T19:05:00.000+07:00

By Michael Hawk

Is there such a thing as Water Hybrid Cars?
This is a very popular question at the moment. When first hearing about the technology of water fueled engines, I thought probably the same thing as you are probably thinking right now, something on the lines of - you can't run a car on water, that is a load of hype. How can a car engine run on water? These are statements a lot of people say to themselves about this technology. The researched information about the water hybrid car technology was amazing and this technology was found out to have been around for over 100 years.

Over 100 years unknown to the motor industry, a car that is able to run on water! Why would car manufacturers fail to build a water fueled hybrid car for the major car companies to promote? Put simply, they make so much money and revenue from vehicles that run on fossil fuels (petrol/Diesel) that if they invented and brought out the water hybrid car, the worlds oil/fuel economy would be affected dramatically. So it is easy to work out why the people who benefit from gas prices increasing do not want you, me and others to know about the possibility of a water hybrid car being available to save major amounts of money on fuel costs.

How would any car become a water hybrid car you may ask? Well this is very simple to do, your car engine can be converted to become a hybrid engine (the meaning of this is it can become duel fuel). Your car engine burns gas (created by the fumes from your fuel source i.e. petrol/diesel/bio diesel/cooking oil) inside the carburettor, this gas is ignited (combusted- exploded) to make the parts of your engine move. This is how all vehicle engines work, so for your vehicle to become a water hybrid car you would need to install what is called an hho generator technology to your engine. Then it will be able to be converted into a water hybrid car ( very similar to converting a car to use liquid petroleum gas).

How does someone convert their engine? Where do you get the hho generator technology from?
This is very simple - there are full review pages and information sites which can be researched to be fully informed on:
1) How this technology really works?
2) Where to get the hho technology from?
3) How much one of these generators will cost?
4) What will the cost be to convert my engine into a water hybrid car? Depending on size of engine etc approximately $80 - $140

Why don't you review and research the Top 5 HHO Generators and the latest in designs for yourself now!.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Hawk

Different Types of the Hybrid Cars and the Way They Work

2012-10-25T21:33:00.000+07:00

By Barbara Mary

Since there is a lot of emphasis on hybrid cars these days, it is interesting to look at how a hybrid car works. Any vehicle that is able to work with two power sources could be called a hybrid vehicle. The simplest of the hybrids is the moped that could be pedaled or run by the engine. In a hybrid car the two power sources are the internal combustion engine and an electric motor. While the storage of power for the electric motor is provided by the battery the engine generates its power with gasoline obtained from a fuel tank.

There are two types of hybrid cars when you consider the way they work. One is called the parallel hybrid and the other is called the series hybrid. In a parallel hybrid car, both electric motor and the gasoline engine work independently. Also both are linked to transmission and both could run the car at the same time. This means in a parallel hybrid, the engine is supported by the electric motor continuously.

In contrast, in a series hybrid, there is a generator that either charges a battery or provides the power to run an electric motor. As such, the gasoline engine will not power the transmission at any time. Therefore, it will never drive the car.

When it comes to performance, the advantage with a hybrid car is that the engine could be a relatively smaller one. Therefore, the car could be made lighter to compensate the weight of the battery. Also the smaller engines are more efficient than the bigger ones.

There are several reasons for smaller engines to be more efficient than their larger counterparts. One is that they are heavier and need more power every time the car starts to run and when pulling uphill. Another reason is that their pistons are heavier and more fuel is consumed to push them up. Finally, these large engines have more cylinders and each burns some fuel.

In addition to the battery being charged by the engine, hybrid vehicles are able to charge their batteries when the driver wants to reduce speed. When you apply brakes, instead the engine driving the motor and the motor driving the transmission the transmission drives the motor. When this happens the motor will work similar to a generator and will produce electricity to be stored in the battery. This means every time you slow down the car, your hybrid car will charge its batteries.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Mary

Electric and Hybrid Cars - The Wave of The Future

2012-09-19T21:14:00.000+07:00

By Stuart Masson

It seems like we've been waiting forever for electric cars to come along, but after more false starts than you'll see at the London Olympics this year, it looks like the electric car is finally here to stay.
Now, we need to start with some boring terminology: A true electric car (EV, for Electric Vehicle) has no petrol engine as backup, so you are reliant on the batteries having enough charge to get you to where you need to go. The Nissan Leaf is the best-known (and best) electric car currently on sale.

A regular hybrid uses an electric motor and/or a petrol motor, depending on the circumstances. You don't plug it into a wall socket as the batteries charge while you are driving. A typical journey, even a short one, will use both electric and petrol power to drive the wheels. The Toyota Prius is the most popular and best-known hybrid on sale around the world.

A plug-in hybrid, "range-extending" electric car, is technically more of a fancy hybrid than a true EV although it drives more like an EV than a regular hybrid. In practice it might be a huge difference or none at all, depending on how you use the car. A range-extender, or plug-in hybrid as it's more commonly known, has a petrol engine which can be used to power the electric motor once the batteries have drained, but the petrol engine does not directly drive the wheels*. The Vauxhall Ampera/Chevrolet Volt twins are the leading example of this type of car, and they claim an urban fuel consumption of 300mpg (yep, that's three hundred. Not a typo!)

A car running on an electric motor is usually very quiet (eerie silence or a distant hum instead of a clearly audible petrol engine) and smooth (no vibrations from engine or gearbox). The response from the car away from rest is both immediate and powerful, as electric motors generate huge amounts of torque instantly. They're quiet from the outside to, to such an extent that the EU is considering making audible warnings compulsory in the future as pedestrians simply won't hear an electric car coming.

In terms of exciting handling, electric cars are usually not brilliant, it must be said. They tend to be very heavy and usually run tyres & wheels more beneficial for economy than handling. But as a commuter vehicle around town, they are zippy and efficient. Plus they generate less noise, heat and pollution into the street so a traffic jam of Nissan Leafs in the city would be a lot more pleasant for passing pedestrians.

The batteries on a typical electric car only give it enough range for a few miles (although a true EV will have a bigger battery pack as it doesn't have to fit a petrol engine & fuel tank as well), so the cars use various means to charge the battery while driving. Usually this involves converting kinetic energy from coasting and braking to electric energy to store in the batteries. The Fisker Karma even has solar cells in its roof to charge the batteries as well.

However, a longer journey will inevitably mean that the batteries are drained. In a fully electric car that means you have to stop and charge the batteries, so hopefully you parked near a power socket somewhere and have several hours to find something else to do. In a hybrid, the petrol engine will start up to provide the power. In a regular hybrid like a Prius, the car effectively becomes an ordinary petrol car, albeit with a fairly underpowered engine pushing a heavy car around so it's not swift. In a 'range extender' like the Ampera/Volt, the petrol engine provides energy to the electric motor to drive the wheels, which is more efficient in both performance and economy. Depending on how you're driving, any spare energy from the petrol engine can be used to charge up the batteries again, so the car may switch back to electric power once charging is complete.

So what does this mean in the real world?
Well, how much of the following driving do you do? We're assuming here that the batteries are fully charged when you set off.

Short trips These sort of journeys are ideal for electric cars and plug-in hybrids, as the batteries will cope with the whole journey and also get some charge while you drive. A regular hybrid will still need to use the petrol engine, although how much depends on how you drive it and how much charging it is able to get along the way.

Medium trips (50-100 miles between charges).
These are the sorts of trips that give EV drivers plenty of stress, as the traffic conditions may mean you run out of juice before you make it to your charging point. A plug-in hybrid or regular hybrid will be fine because they can call on the petrol engine. In a regular hybrid, this means the car will be petrol powered for most of the journey. In a plug-in hybrid, it will be mainly electric with the petrol engine kicking in to top up the batteries if needed late in the journey.

Longer trips (100+ miles between charges)
Not feasible in a fully-electric car, as you will almost certainly run out of electricity before you get there. The regular hybrid is basically a petrol car for almost the whole journey and the plug-in hybrid is majority electric but supplemented by petrol in a far more efficient way than a regular hybrid.

The pros and cons:
Let's summarise the three types of electrically-powered cars:

Regular hybrid (eg - Toyota Prius)
PROS: cheaper, no charging required, no range anxiety, regular petrol engine makes it feel like a regular petrol car
CONS: only very short journeys (a few miles at best) will be fully electric, small battery pack and weak petrol engine means relatively poor performance compared to a normal petrol car or a fully electric car, poor economy when driven hard (like most Prius minicabs in London...), not very spacious for passengers and luggage due to carrying petrol and electric powertrains in one car

Fully electric car (EV) (eg - Nissan Leaf)
PROS: powerful electric motor gives much better performance than a regular hybrid, larger battery pack means longer electric running, no petrol engine reduces weight and frees up a lot of space, £5000 government rebate, electricity is cheaper and usually less polluting than petrol, privileged parking spaces in certain public places
CONS: Still expensive despite rebate, minimal range capability due to lack of petrol engine backup, resulting range anxiety is a real issue for drivers, question marks over battery life, technology advances will make next generation massively better and hurt resale value, some driving adaptation required, lengthy recharging required after even a moderate drive

Plug-in Hybrid / range-extender (eg - Vauxhall Ampera)
PROS: powerful electric motor and backup petrol engine give best combination of performance and range, most journeys will be fully electric which is cheaper than petrol, no range anxiety, privileged parking spaces in certain public places
CONS: Very expensive despite rebate, question marks over battery life and resale value, wall socket charging is still slow, lack of space and very heavy due to having petrol engine and fuel tank as well as electric motor and batteries.

Electric Car Economics - is it all worth it?
For most people, an electric vehicle is difficult to justify on pure hard-headed economics. Even with a £5,000 rebate from the government, an electric car is expensive. A Nissan Leaf starts at £31,000, so after the government gives you £5K you have spent £26K on a car which would be probably worth about £15K if it had a normal petrol engine. That could conceivably buy you a decade's worth of fuel! And there are still question marks hovering over the long-term reliability of batteries and resale value, which may bite you hard somewhere down the line

Electric Cars and the Environment
Buying a hybrid or electric car because you think you're helping the environment may not be helping that cause as much as you think, if at all. Producing car batteries is a dirty and complicated process, and the net result is that there is a significantly higher environmental impact in building an electric or hybrid car than building a regular petrol or diesel car. So you're starting behind the environmental eight-ball before you've even driven you new green car.

Beware of "zero emissions" claims about electric vehicles, because most electricity still comes from fossil fuel sources (like gas or coal) rather than renewable sources, so you are still polluting the atmosphere when you drive, albeit not as much and the effects are not as noticeable to you. If you have your own solar panels or wind farm to power your car, this is much more environmentally friendly.

Range anxiety
The biggest electric car turn-off for car buyers (other than the high purchase price) is the joint problem of very limited range and very slow recharging. In a petrol or diesel car, you can drive for a few hundred miles, pull into a petrol station and five minutes later you are ready to drive for another few hundred miles. In an electric car, you drive for 50-100 miles, then have to stop and charge it for several hours to drive another 50-100 miles.

If you only take short journeys and can keep the car plugged in whenever it stops (usually at home or work), this may never be a problem. But you can't expect to jump in the car and drive a couple of hundred miles, or get away with forgetting to plug the car in overnight after a journey. You have to be much more disciplined in terms of planning your driving, and allow for recharging. Away from home this is still a big problem as there are relatively few power sockets available in public parking areas for you to use.

A plug-in hybrid like the Vauxhall Ampera/Chevrolet Volt gets around the range anxiety problem, as does a normal hybrid like a Toyota Prius, but you are carting a petrol engine (and fuel) around all the time which you may not need, adding hundreds of kilos of weight and taking up lots of space, so it's a compromise.

So as you can see from all of the above, it's not at all straightforward. You need to carefully consider what sort of driving you will be doing and what you need your car to be able to do.
*there is a complicated technical argument about whether the Ampera/Volt's petrol engine directly drives the wheels under certain circumstances, but it's really boring and doesn't really make any difference to how the car drives.

Stuart Masson is founder and owner of The Car Expert, a London-based independent and impartial car buying agency for anyone looking to buy a new or used car.
Originally from Australia, Stuart has had a passion for cars and the automotive industry for nearly thirty years, and has spent the last seven years working in the automotive retail industry, both in Australia and in London.

Stuart has combined his extensive knowledge of all things car-related with his own experience of selling cars and delivering high levels of customer satisfaction to bring a unique and personal car buying agency to London. The Car Expert offers specific and tailored advice for anyone looking for a new or used car in London.

His mission is to help people find the best car to suit them, at the best possible price. Visit his website at http://www.TheCarExpert.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Masson

Hybrid Cars the Energy Savers

2012-08-20T17:54:00.000+07:00

By Brian Neil

If you are a car enthusiast you will be interested to know how a hybrid car works. They are the most viable answer found so far to the problem of high fuel prices. They basically have two power sources. One is an internal combustion engine that burns gasoline in order to power the vehicle. The other is a battery that could store electric power to run an electric motor that could power the automobile.

The biggest advantage with hybrid cars is that they are able to generate power with the kinetic energy it will otherwise waste during applying brakes and when the vehicle is going downhill. Though a normal automobile will burn fuel to power the breaks the hybrids will absorb the energy and store it in their batteries in order to use it when the vehicle needs power. Due to this reason, a hybrid car is able to provide much better mileage per gallon of fuel than regular automobiles.

There are two types of hybrid cars. One is called the parallel hybrid and the other is the series hybrid. In a parallel hybrid car both the engine and the battery driven motor are connected to the transmission. When the vehicle moves, both gasoline engine and the electric motor provide power. Due to this reason, most hybrids use smaller engines to make them low in weight. These do not need a special starter motors to start them as the electric motor is able to do that. When it comes to series hybrids their engines are connected to the generators and the generators are able to either drive the transmission in order to move the vehicle or to charge the batteries
.
A hybrid car uses several strategies to save power in order to emit cleaner emissions and to save money by using less fuel. When the car is stopped at a traffic signal, it doesn't need to run the engine. Therefore, the engine is shut off and only the electric motor will run. They also use lighter engines to reduce weight. The aero dynamic design is another way they save fuel. This will reduce the air resistance to a minimum.

Any hybrid car is made out of strong but light weight materials. This will reduce the overall weight of the automobile. Normally plastics, aluminium and carbon fiber are used. Almost all hybrid automobiles use gasoline engines but there are some diesel powered hybrids that are on the experimental stage. They could be still better on fuel economy.

Cars are the most popular mode of transport. However, their emissions have become a serious issue. Hybrid cars are an attempt to make them greener.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Neil

Hybrid Vehicles - Are They Worth It?

2012-07-26T19:55:00.000+07:00

By Heather Harless

Some environmental activists have encouraged people to trade in their current vehicles for a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid vehicles run on both gas and electric power; this may be better for the environment because they don't release as many carbon emissions. Activists often tout other benefits of using hybrids; the most common claim they make is that it will save people money at the pump.

This claim, however, is exaggerated, and in some cases may not be true at all. Hybrid cars don't save people money right away; it can take up to five years before customers would make up the extra money they spent for the hybrid. Several years ago truecar.com conducted a study that showed that gas prices would have to go up to $8 a gallon in order for the average hybrid owner to save money. Since gas prices usually don't go up past $4 or $5 a gallon, it's unlikely that your average hybrid car will save drivers money. This is especially true for drivers who like to purchase new vehicles every five or six years. By the time these drivers begin seeing savings, they will be ready to purchase a new vehicle, which negates the potential savings altogether.

If you are interested in purchasing a hybrid despite these problems, you should consider the Toyota Prius. The Prius has three advantages over other hybrid vehicles. It is cheaper than most other hybrids, it is more fuel-efficient, and its newest model is designed to look like a regular car. Like all Toyotas, the Prius uses stylish rims to add to the feeling that the car is a luxury vehicle despite its lower price.

As far as finances go, the reason to buy the Prius is its fuel efficiency; you'll need to fill up far less often when driving this vehicle. You'll also pay less per month on your car insurance since it's less expensive to purchase a Prius than other hybrid vehicles. Although you still won't see savings right away, with a Prius you can expect to begin saving money within two years rather than waiting a full five years, which makes this vehicle an excellent choice for those who enjoy buying new cars every few years. Of course, if you're concerned about style or about being trendy, the Toyota rims don't hurt, either.

All in all, there are many good reasons to invest in a hybrid, but money doesn't really seem to be one of them, unless you get a Prius. With gas prices continuing to rise, hybrids may seem more worthwhile, but if prices fall again, you won't save anything by driving a hybrid vehicle. If you want to drive a hybrid in order to protect the environment, go for it, but don't delude yourself into thinking that you are saving money. The real reason to drive one is because it can be trendy and stylish in addition to its benefits for the environment; money doesn't really come into it.

This article was brought to you by Heather Harless at OriginalWheels.com. For more information on Toyota Wheels or any Factory Rims please visit us.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Harless

Will Hybrid Vehicles Dominate the Future of the Automotive Industry?

2012-06-05T19:38:00.000+07:00

By Levi Quinn

People today are living in fact-paced environment where changes happen every day which directly and indirectly affect their lifestyles. Since the dawn of modern technology, changes became faster and new things emerge just as the old ones are on the verge of dominating the market they belonged. Computers, mobile phones, and other technological gadgets continually develops and innovates in a very quick span of time that new models from manufacturers are being launched a lot of times within a year. And these innovations and changes are ever growing as times pass by.

In the automotive industry, hybrid vehicles are the latest trends. Amidst the continuous improvements in conventional vehicles, these vehicle types found its way into the scope of attraction of consumers. Not only did they gain limelight because of their more modern mechanisms, they also captured the interests of people because of their very promising features. In fact, hybrid vehicles did not remain as a concept for too long. Giants in the car manufacturing industry have immediately jumped into the concept and created their very own version of hybrid vehicles, mostly hybrid cars; and began making them available to the market.

In the last 8 years or so, the popularity of hybrid vehicles maintained an impressive growth; with more and more people expressing their interest towards this automotive technological wonder. As well, other car manufacturers are also starting making their own hybrid vehicle versions; and planning to launch it to be marketed in the coming years. This scenario holds a very promising future for hybrids and for people who want to own one of these.

The rising popularity of hybrid vehicles is not surprising; considering its features and the advantages that they offer. These benefits allow people to go beyond the limits and restrictions of conventional vehicles; giving a wider scope of alternative for them; which, as far as convenience, is concerned, a very important factor that holds enormous impact.

Among the most attractive features and benefits being offered by hybrid vehicles include high fuel efficiency, better mileage, environmentally- friendly mechanism and more advanced interior accessory features that topple down conventional cars in the market. However, the considerably high price of hybrids is one factor that prevents the total domination of these car types in the market.

Despite the potential enormous savings that they can get from the cut on their fuel consumption, the price tags of these vehicles remain to be very expensive, especially for average- earning citizens.
Fortunately, innovations and developments are perpetually being done with hybrid vehicles. These offer greater promises for more convenience, and perhaps, more practical reasons for the patronization of these products. Overall, it is not impossible that hybrid vehicles will eventually dominate the automotive industry in the coming decades.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Levi_Quinn

Dear Hybrid Car - We Really Just Aren't That Into You

2012-05-10T19:08:00.000+07:00

By Lance Winslow

Would you buy a hybrid automobile right now? Well, before you answer that you might want to consider the extra up-front costs and the return on investment that you'd supposedly be saving by having lower fuel costs. Even at $5.00 per gallon it takes a long time to pay off the additional $15,000 on average that a hybrid costs over the equal size and performance of a regular car. Okay so, let's talk about this shall we?

There was an interesting article recently in the LA Time on April 10, 2012 titled; "Many hybrid-car owners buy once -- but not again, Polk study says," by Jerry Hirsh which stated; "Only 35% of hybrid vehicle owners chose to purchase a hybrid again when they returned to the market in 2011, according to auto information company R.L. Polk & Co. If you factor out the super-loyal Toyota Prius buyers, the repurchase rate drops to under 25%."

That's unfortunate, so, even if you are dead set on helping the environment (in name only) and willing to fork over the extra dough to buy a hybrid to "look cool" and environmentally friendly, you probably won't ever do that again once you learn your lesson. Many who had bought hybrids in the past have had to replace the batteries, which can easily run $7,000 to $8,000 for replacements, meaning your hybrid's resale value isn't much at that point, nor does anyone want that trade in you see?

On April 18, 2012 the Wall Street Journal had an article by Mike Ramsey titled; "Ford CEO: Battery Is Third of Electric Car Cost," which just by the title you can start to see the problem with their new hybrid Ford Focus and the challenges with building a low-cost hybrid for the masses, in essence it isn't going to happen anytime soon, and no you can't get one in a flying car, as not only are those batteries expensive they weigh too much also, perhaps like many of the American drivers these days?
So, what's needed you wonder? Well, Automotive News had an article in the January 30, 2012 issue titled; "Auto Industry Works to Win Back Engineers - Companies Find Tough Competition for Top Candidates," by Danielle Emerson and Dustin Walsh. Yes, there is another problem with bringing the clean burning future automobile to fruition, they have to start back at the drawing board, and re-engineer from scratch, but who is going to do all that work?

The DOE is sponsoring new battery tech, and new materials are coming forth, but all of these things require a whole new type of future car, not similar to the systems in today's automobiles, then there is the testing, prototyping, lead time, re-tooling, regulations, lawsuits, union issues, and government red-tape - all that before they sell the first unit. And let's not forget the Chevy Volt didn't exactly get off to an electrifying start. The Toyota Prius has been built for over 12 years now, but it's hardly made a dent in the number of regular cars sold.

Perhaps, the biggest challenge of all besides the engineering, cost, maintenance challenges, regulations, re-tooling, and battery technology - well, it's still the consumer, "they just aren't that into you!" Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Automotive Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

Hybrid Cars Are Here to Stay

2012-04-26T17:57:00.000+07:00

By Jennifer Hulbert

The good thing about improving technology is that it also usually educates people in the process. When car engines became more sophisticated and efficient, it also brought out the knowledge that there needed to be a newer type of engine that didn't rely so much on fuel. That, and the fact the gasoline was becoming even more expensive and expensive to process from oil sources. Engineers wanted to come up with engines that could run on more than just fuel so that the United States wasn't so dependent on other countries for oil in order to make the fuel to run the cars.

The answer was a hybrid engine. The hybrid part of it meant that it could run on standard fuel, but it would also work on other types of fuel too. There are several types of hybrid cars on the market now that work with a combination of electricity and fuel even. The hybrid vehicles can be small cars, SUVs, mid-sized cars and even cross-over models these days compared to only having one or two models just a decade ago. Will they be around for the future?

The short answer is yes. Hybrid cars will become a wave of the future because natural resources will become tapped and harder to find in the future. The harder they are to find, the more expensive they will become. And the refining process will also become more expensive, as labor and material prices continue to climb. Finding alternative fuel sources will become more important and even more popular than it is now.

Hybrid vehicles are not only better because they use less fuel and are cost effective, they release less emissions in to the air. The pollution levels put out decades ago was staggering and damaged the ozone layers of the Earth. Hybrid vehicles are created to run on other fuels not as a way to save money, but as a way to keep the Earth cleaner too. Engines that run on bio-fuels use materials that are readily available and replaceable in nature. When they are burned, they burn more efficiently and cleaner than fuel or even a combination of fuel and electricity can.

Keeping the air cleaner and using less fuel are two great reasons that will keep engineers continuing to work on hybrid car engine designs. What can a car be powered with so that it releases absolutely no emission in the future? How can a car be created so it costs very little to run for a family? Hybrid cars will come down in price and be affordable and a smart options for all families who want to keep the environment cleaner and save money in the process.

Service Plus Automotive is a family owned business since 1991. We are focused on providing the best possible customer service experience when servicing or repairing a customers vehicle. We strongly believe in customer education and regularly show the customer what needs repairing. We are very involved in various community activities and believe in giving back to the community who has supported us for almost 20 years. For more information, go to http://serviceplusautony.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Hulbert

The Best Hybrid Cars - Why You Should Buy Them

2012-03-21T19:52:00.000+07:00

By Kachalla Kolomi

The recent Political unrest in the Middle East have had a cascading effect on the global fuel supply and prices. The rising fuel prices have only added to the average consumers' woes, compelling them to resort to the use of fuel-efficient vehicles. To provide respite to consumers, the auto industry has introduced several hybrid cars, which are not only fuel efficient but environmentally friendly as well. These cars come equipped with a gas as well as an electric engine that allows you to alternate between the two. This unique trait makes it a very cost effective proposition for the average consumer. In this article, you will find 5 reasons why you should choose hybrid cars over fuel-powered vehicles.

1. Decreased expenditure - When you invest in a hybrid car, you no longer need to deal with the burden of fuel expenditure. These cars come fitted with two engines fueled by gas and electricity. When the gas supply in your car gets exhausted, it automatically switches to its electric power backup. The presence of an alternative source of energy in your car significantly cuts down on your fuel expenditure and you are able to save a lot of money in the process.

2. Better mileage and performance - Hybrid cars were designed with the objective of delivering a better output and mileage for the consumer. This is made possible by the use of a combined propulsion system in the steering mechanism of the cars. These cars are especially useful if you commute less than 40 miles a day, in that case you could save immensely on your gas consumption by utilizing the electric engine instead.

3. Safe and durable - One of the most notable features that is common to these cars in the market is that they rank high in terms of safety and durability. They are conceived using cutting edge technology that renders them extremely safe for travel. Additionally, the small size of these cars make them easy to maneuver, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

4. Efficiency plus - Hybrid cars come equipped with the latest technology that makes them highly efficient vehicles. All such cars have on-board computers, which regulate and monitor the efficiency of both engines. Depending on your fuel levels, the inbuilt computer would alternate between gas and electricity at an increased efficiency that is not common to conventional fuel empowered vehicles.

5. Environmentally friendly - Another compelling reason to choose a hybrid car over a fuel-powered one is that it is safer for the environment. Global warming and climate change are a real and impending threat today. These cars are a greener choice as they come equipped with zero-emission features. This significantly reduces the combustion processes of gasoline and prevents the formation of toxic pollutants that are harmful to the environment.

Some of the best hybrid cars that are highly sought after in the markets today include the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt, which have earned rave reviews on account of their versatility, fuel efficiency and utility.

Kachalla Kolomi is an Internet Marketer and Infopreneur. He has written several articles in various fields. Some of his articles which are related to buying the best hybrid cars can be found at http://www.makemoneyonsite.net/car/index.php

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kachalla_Kolomi

Why Buy A Hybrid Car

2012-02-16T19:35:00.000+07:00

By Sari M Crossman

If you are among the many other automobile owners who are coming to the conclusion that automobile exhaust is contributing to the phenomena of global warming, then you might wish to consider purchasing a one of these little powerhouses. But there are many other reasons why people might wish to purchase a hybrid even though they are significantly more expensive than cars with traditional combustion engines.

Hybrids are different from cars with combustion engines because they have two motors. The first is an electric motor, the second is an engine powered solely by gasoline. They also have been equipped with a special system that is able to capture the excess energy which is generated when the car's brakes are applied. They are capable of storing this excess energy in a battery.

Most people are resistant to the idea of purchasing a car that contains two motors because they worry that it will break down twice as many times as a car with just one motor. This is a difficult question for most automobile experts to answer. A car with two motors certainly has its positive and negative features. The biggest positive feature is that hybrids require no energy when they are idling in traffic at a red light or while waiting for a train to pass. They simply shut down. They also require less energy than combustion engine automobiles when running at lower speeds. This means that when you find yourself in stop and go traffic, your automobile will not emit exhaust because it will be running solely on battery power. When travelling at higher speeds, the gas engine will begin to operate. The engine powered by gasoline is the one that charges the battery.

People who drive cars which are powered solely by electricity have found themselves stranded on the side of the road simply because they did not have an extension cord handy. A hybrid will never need an electrical charge. It will always be ready to go whenever you are!

Owning a hybrid car is not an inexpensive proposition. Installing two motors and a storage system for the battery is expensive. Because the operating systems in hybrid cars are fairly complex, hybrids require very sophisticated internal computers. Thus, if you own a hybrid car you can expect higher repair bills when it has to go in for service. This is offset, however, by the lower day-to-day operating cost. Hybrids are the most efficient automobiles available in the mass-market today. They can get as much as 60 mpg which is very good gas mileage.

The only reason that hybrids have not become more popular is because most North American automobile owners are extremely reluctant to relinquish their fast cars. But if you question any owner of a hybrid car, they will most likely tell you that any loss in speed is made up for in efficiency in gas mileage. They know that even the smallest savings in fuel economy will add years to the life of their car's life.

As most people know, the Japanese automobile industry is way ahead of the US industry in manufacturing hybrids. Despite the high cost of gasoline, American drivers are still staunchly committed to their inefficient SUVs. This mentality may be starting to change itself, though. Ford has recently brought out its Escape which is a hybrid SUV. This car is rapidly becoming very popular with automobile buyers across the United States.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm
http://www.parents.com/parenting/money/car-buying/reasons-to-buy-a-hybrid-car/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sari_M_Crossman

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Hybrid Vehicles

2012-01-30T21:28:00.000+07:00

By Lisa L.

We believe that you've observed the term of "hybrid car" or even "hybrid SUV" frequently, but do you know exactly what it signifies? Within our hard work to save our planet, we can't stress enough exactly how essential for you to go for hybrid vehicle rather than standard automobile. The definition of a hybrid vehicle is given when a vehicle has much more than one type of power source to run its engine. "A hybrid car" term typically refers to Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) which combine electric motors together with gasoline engines to attain better travel for the environment. How?

Together with the gasoline engine, these electric motors offer assistants to enhance the vehicle's energy which later on resulting in the motor to operate along with significantly less gasoline.
There are top five explanations why people prefer to select Hybrid car or even SUV instead of standard car:

1. Hybrid vehicle works efficiently
Indeed, hybrid car eliminates the irritation of having to recharge your battery especially in time of need. In contrast to fully electric powered car where you need to plug it straight into an electrical outlet to charge its battery pack, utilizing Hybrid, the system will certainly automatically switch on to make use of the gasoline engine as soon as it detects the electric battery is lower.

2. Ease And Comfort
Apart from possessing a tax incentive coming from the IRS, purchasing a Hybrid car can in addition imply obtaining a car parking discount in certain key cities. Having a hybrid car has its advantage. You'll get to save a lot of cash from lowering your fuel consumption as well. Don't worry about the weather, the hybrid battery functions even in the course of severe conditions (cold and warm).

3. Best for the natural environment
Hybrid vehicles and also hybrid SUVs may be categorized as green automobiles as they minimize CO2 emission meaning less pollution within the air we inhale and exhale. Decreasing toxic emission furthermore impacts on our Ozone layer, it's better upon the natural environment. Moreover, through the use of hybrid automobiles, it will furthermore lower your fuel consumption.

4. Easy to maintain
In comparison to conventional vehicles, hybrid provides less moving parts in its system. Consequently the only maintenance expenses you probably need to spend would be on tires, wiper blades, or perhaps shocks. Just what about filter for both oil as well as air? Well, the great thing with regards to hybrid, it doesn't make use of oil. Simple as well as significantly less upkeep, keep you funds save in your pocketbook.

5. Aerodynamic style and design
One of the primary ideas of using hybrid automobile would be to decrease fuel usage by improving the amount of fuel efficiency. This could be achieved by designing aerodynamic architecture body that reduce drag and reduce weight. There are several car manufacturers that start creating hybrid vehicle with distinctive and futuristic body design for this particular purpose.

We write this informative article to not ask you to buy a hybrid car to help save the ecosystem. Actually, there are many methods you can do in lowering emissions such as utilizing bicycle more often or perhaps public transit. However, in the event that you can't live without a car, we strongly suggest you to purchase a Hybrid car instead of standard vehicle.

Click here to check out for an easy way to win a hybrid SUV. You can also find interesting eco friendly products on our website: green design blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_L.