North American Concept Vehicle Awards were 'dominated' by hybrid and electric cars. The Nissan Leaf, Audi E-tron and BMW Vision EfficientDynamics won the awards.
No US automaker, who were too busy dealing with bankruptcy last year, won any of the awards. The number of awards were dropped from 5 to 3 for the same reason.
Despite that, these awards are a good indicator of how automakers are thinking about cars right now. The emphasis on fuel efficiency in law and in public awareness are pushing automakers (if they can do so) to build more electric based vehicles. It's also a good indicator of what automakers think they can do right now to increase their mpgs. Anything they can't do today they weren't about to build a concept around last year.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
2011 Honda CR-Z Price (MSRP) Announced
announced the base price on the 2011 Honda CR-Z. At $19,200, the base model will be one of the least expensive hybrids available for some time to come (excludes $750 destination and handling charge). The all new 'sporty' two seat hybrid coupe will be on sale at the end of August.
The hybrid CR-Z, unlike what you might expect, is designed for performance, not fuel efficiency. So, despite being a small two-seater, the fuel efficiency (31/37) isn't truly remarkable.
But it has been getting good reviews by many, indicating it has something to offer. The 1.5 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is combined via the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to produce a quick response and handling. The six-speed transmission and automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and controllable by a steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
If you want, you can switch from Normal to Sport or even Economy driving modes. Each mode has an effect on the fuel economy, so you can emphasize what you want when you want it.
The standard features include a six speaker audio system, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, and cruise control. You can upgrade up the CR-Z EX which gives you a 'high power' audio system with seven speakers, including a subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, leather wrapped steering wheel, and a Satellite Linked Nav system with voice recognition.
The CR-Z is loaded with safety features including: Vehicle Stability Assist, standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System, side-curtain airbags, active head restraints, an anti-lock braking system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.
The hybrid CR-Z, unlike what you might expect, is designed for performance, not fuel efficiency. So, despite being a small two-seater, the fuel efficiency (31/37) isn't truly remarkable.
| Model | Transmission | MSRP | EPA** City/Hwy/ Combined |
| CR-Z | MT | $19,200 | 31/37/34 |
| CR-Z | CVT | $19,850 | 35/39/37 |
| CR-Z EX | MT | $20,760 | 31/37/34 |
| CR-Z EX | CVT | $21,410 | 35/39/37 |
| CR-Z EX with Navigation | MT | $22,560 | 31/37/34 |
| CR-Z EX with Navigation | CVT | $23,210 | 35/39/37 |
| *MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary. **Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. | |||
But it has been getting good reviews by many, indicating it has something to offer. The 1.5 liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is combined via the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to produce a quick response and handling. The six-speed transmission and automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and controllable by a steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
If you want, you can switch from Normal to Sport or even Economy driving modes. Each mode has an effect on the fuel economy, so you can emphasize what you want when you want it.
The standard features include a six speaker audio system, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, and cruise control. You can upgrade up the CR-Z EX which gives you a 'high power' audio system with seven speakers, including a subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, leather wrapped steering wheel, and a Satellite Linked Nav system with voice recognition.
The CR-Z is loaded with safety features including: Vehicle Stability Assist, standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System, side-curtain airbags, active head restraints, an anti-lock braking system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.
Hyundai Hybrid News Goes Wild the Past Couple of Days
Hyundai has been in the news a few times the past few days, indicating very positive things for the car company (if you're into fuel economy and hybrids).
A couple of days ago, Hyundai chief executive officer John Krafcik let it be known they expect the Sonata hybrid to hit 40 mpg. That would, if it's true as well as the rumours on the price tag ($26,000), make it fiercely competitive with the Ford Hybrid.
Also, Hyundai will introduce a dedicated hybrid (no gas-only version) starting in 2012, with a plug-in version in the works for 2013. Both the hybrid and the plug-in hybrid will use lithium-ion battery packs.
And to top it off, Wayne Gerdes hypermiler extraordinaire, noted he was able to drive the Hyundai Sonata over 1,000 miles on less than one tank of gas. That means he was driving the Sonata at over 62 mpg!
It's no wonder than that people are beginning to question if Hyundai is going to catch Honda in efficiency.
A couple of days ago, Hyundai chief executive officer John Krafcik let it be known they expect the Sonata hybrid to hit 40 mpg. That would, if it's true as well as the rumours on the price tag ($26,000), make it fiercely competitive with the Ford Hybrid.
Also, Hyundai will introduce a dedicated hybrid (no gas-only version) starting in 2012, with a plug-in version in the works for 2013. Both the hybrid and the plug-in hybrid will use lithium-ion battery packs.
And to top it off, Wayne Gerdes hypermiler extraordinaire, noted he was able to drive the Hyundai Sonata over 1,000 miles on less than one tank of gas. That means he was driving the Sonata at over 62 mpg!
It's no wonder than that people are beginning to question if Hyundai is going to catch Honda in efficiency.
Lotus Range Extender Becoming More Real
Lotus Engineering and Fagor Ederlan completed a joint technical and market study analysing the best route to production. The study ended with an agreement to develop the engine for series production for sale by Fagor Ederlan.
The 3-cylinder range extender was debuted in the 414E Hybrid and PROTON Emas concept vehicles at the Geneva Motor Show.
2010 HS 250h Safety Recall
The 2010 Lexus 250h is under recall for the possibility of excess fuel leak in an accident.
During a crash test, when the vehicle was rotated on its longitudinal axis to each successive increment of 90 degrees, fuel spillage exceeded a set amount limit. Since fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire, the HS has been recalled.
Toyota has not provided a remedy for this campaign or has not determined when the safety recall is expected to begin. owners may contact lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Or owners can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
During a crash test, when the vehicle was rotated on its longitudinal axis to each successive increment of 90 degrees, fuel spillage exceeded a set amount limit. Since fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire, the HS has been recalled.
Toyota has not provided a remedy for this campaign or has not determined when the safety recall is expected to begin. owners may contact lexus at 1-800-255-3987. Or owners can contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Honda Fit Hybrid Will be the Cheapest Hybrid by Far
If this is true, the new Fit Hybrid really would become the hybrid for the rest of us (unlike the Insight).
Reuters has a report out of Japan putting the new Honda Fit Hybrid at 1.5 million yen ($16,570). That's 400,000 yen less than the Insight and only 200,000 yen more than the Fit.
That sort of pricing is exactly what people had hoped for when Honda said the Insight was going to be the hybrid for everyone. And it's exactly what most people hope for when they see a truly small hybrid car appear on the market.
Reuters has a report out of Japan putting the new Honda Fit Hybrid at 1.5 million yen ($16,570). That's 400,000 yen less than the Insight and only 200,000 yen more than the Fit.
That sort of pricing is exactly what people had hoped for when Honda said the Insight was going to be the hybrid for everyone. And it's exactly what most people hope for when they see a truly small hybrid car appear on the market.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Biggest Lambo crash in India!
The biggest crash in India claims to be of Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 and it is considered to be the most expensive car crash in the India's History
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