Hybrids
Acura NSX Concept Confirmed for Detroit Auto Show Debut with New RDX, ILX Small Sedan
Acura has officially confirmed it will reveal what it is calling a concept version of the next-generation NSX at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in January. A brand that’s lineup has been in serious need of some fresh new product and exciting new models will get just that with the debut of this new sports…
Toyota Tundra Hybrid Coming, Could Help Hybrid Sales Double by 2015
Toyota is looking to finish development of a hybrid version of its Tundra full-size pickup next year, with plans to bring it to market shortly thereafter. The project is in cooperation with Ford, and is the plan would likely see the American automaker roll out a hybrid F-150 shortly thereafter. Next year will also see…
Volkswagen Cross Coupe Video – First Look: 2011 Tokyo Motor Show
A look at VW‘s future styling, technology and perhaps even a new model, the Cross Coupe Concept was unveiled this week at the Tokyo Motor Show. Certainly a handsome machine, it looks close to production (outside and in), plus it features an all-new electric all-wheel drive system mated to a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. GALLERY: VW…
Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept Video – First Look: 2011 Tokyo Motor Show
A stylish look at the future of Subaru’s hybrid tech, the Advanced Tourer Concept is one of several Tokyo Motor Show debuts for the Japanese automaker. A wild looking wagon, it’s powered by a turbocharged direct-injection 4-cylinder boxer engine mated to an in-house hybrid drivetrain, working with Subaru’s all-wheel drive system. GALLERY: Subaru Advanced Tourer…
Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept Previews Subie’s First Hybrid: 2011 Tokyo Motor Show
Overwhelming proof that wagons, and for that matter hybrids, can in fact be cool, is the Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept. Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show today, the car is powered by the next evolution of Subaru’s hybrid powertrain that is expected to arrive in a production model in 2013. A followup to the Hybrid…
Honda Two-Mode Hybrid Promises to be World’s Most Efficient, Headed to Production in 2012
Along with a new lineup of direct-injection gasoline engines and a performance-oriented electric SH-AWD equipped V6 hybrid model, Honda has announced a new two-mode hybrid system that will come paired with a 4-cylinder engine. Replacing the brand’s out-dated Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) single-mode hybrid system it will allow for an electric-only range at low speeds,…
BMW i5 or i7 Large Sedan Spied as Tesla Model S, Fisker Karma Rival
This may look like a BMW 7-Series sedan with some oddball rims, but our spy photographers report that the vehicle in question is actually a prototype for a new BMW i sedan, based on a couple key points. For starters, there are apparently electric motors mounted in the wheel hubs, which would suggest a new…
Autonomous Toyota Prius to Bow at Tokyo Motor Show
If you thought Google was the only one with an autonomous Prius, you’d be wrong. At the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota will show-off a self-driving version of its best-selling hybrid. At this year’s show, Toyota will participate in the “Smart Mobility City 2011” exhibit, designed to showcase the future of transportation. One of the…
Lexus GS to Get Smaller Hybrid Variant for Europe
Looking to compete against BMW’s 520d and Audi’s A6 2.0 TDI, Lexus is flexing its hybrid muscles and developing a smaller hybrid engine for its new-generation GS. Given its success in building and selling hybrid engines and models, it’s no surprise that Lexus is looking to add a smaller h-variant for the European market, which…
BMW ActiveHybrid 5 to Bow at Toyko Motor Show
BMW will officially introduce the new ActiveHybrid 5 at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, which will open its doors to the press on November 30th. Confirmed details on BMW’s latest luxury sedan is a turbo-charged inline-six combined with a 40kW electric motor. During slow speeds, the BMW is capable of pure electric propulsion. Along with…
BMW to Bring Diesels to Japan with X5 xDrive35d: Tokyo Motor Show Preview
For European automakers, diesels may rule the road back at home, but they’ve had a challenge convincing North American consumers to adopt the gasoline alternative. And if that’s considered an uphill battle, selling diesel cars in Japan, the land of the hybrid, is a virtual Mount Everest. To date, BMW has never offered a diesel…
Honda CR-Z “Type-R” Confirmed
Honda is moving ahead with plans to deliver a higher performance version of the CR-Z. In fact, according to a report by Temple of Vtec, CR-Z project leader Norio Tomobe-san has confirmed the car is already in development. The first rumors of a CR-Z “Type R” came from Honda itself, with the release of the…
Lexus HS250h Axed Over Poor Sales
Lexus was one of the first premier automakers to introduce a series of hybrids in its line-up. In 2009, Lexus launched its first dedicated hybrid model, the HS 250h. However, due to a failure to meet market expectations, Lexus has reportedly decided to end its run. Although a time frame has yet to be officially…
Honda Electric Sports Car, AC-X Plug-in Hybrid Concepts Revealed: Tokyo Motor Show Preview
Honda has revealed an extensive list of debuts for this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, with the main attraction being an electric sports car concept. Called the “Small Sports EV Concept” Honda promises it will be “fun to drive with excellent environmental performance”. Apart from that teaser, little else has been divulged. Two other concept cars…
Suzuki Previews Three City Car Concepts Ahead of Tokyo Motor Show
While Suzuki cars might not be very popular in North America, in its home market of Japan, they are a very big deal indeed. So to serve their home market, Suzuki is bringing a trio of concept cars for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. These are the Regina, Q Concept and the Swift EV Hybrid….
Mitsubishi Reveals Near-Production Plug-in Hybrid Crossover: Tokyo Motor Show Preview
Later this month Mitsubishi will officially unveil its PX-MiEV II concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. The second version of plug-in hybrid crossover, it’s one that points directly towards a production model in the near future. Using a plug-in hybrid system with a lithium-ion battery pack and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the unique hybrid system…
Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept to Showcase Turbo Hybrid Tech: Tokyo Motor Show Preview
Along with the highly-anticipated debut of the BRZ sports car, Subaru will also reveal a concept car at the Tokyo Auto Show, giving a strong hint as to the brand’s first hybrid vehicle. An evolution of the Hybrid Tourer Concept, the Advanced Tourer Concept will get a smaller 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, using both direct-injection and…
Audi R4 Reportedly Back in Product Plan, Gas and Hybrid Versions Coming
As for chassis construction, there are rumors that the car could use a scaled down version of the R8’s aluminum space frame, though sharing a platform with VW and Porsche’s possible up and coming mid-engined small cars seems more likely.
Buick Envision Concept Headed to Production
While currently operating brands Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Wuling in China, the very first China division GM crossover, the Buick Envision, will come to market next year, according to a report from the Beijing Times Newspaper. Shanghai GM first introduced the Envision concept at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show and presented a very progressive shape,…
2012 Green Car of the Year Finalists Announced
Recognized each year at the LA Auto Show, the finalists for the 2012 Green Car of the Year award have been released, spanning the gamut of possible alternative fuel vehicles. The nominee include the Ford Focus Electric, the 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas, the Mitsubishi i, the Toyota Prius v and the 2012 Volkswagen Passat…
Two-Thirds of All Hybrids on the Road are Toyotas
Toyota‘s leadership in the hybrid car category has reflected extremely highly on its perception as a “green” automaker. And for good reason, with two-thirds of all hybrids currently on the road being Toyota brand products. Much of that success can be given to the Prius, with more models sold than all other hybrids combined, totaling…
Mitsubishi EVO XI Will be a Hybrid Confirms Company President
Rumors that the next-generation Mitsubishi EVO would go hybrid first surfaced over a year ago and now company president Osamu Masuko has reportedly confirmed as much. Speaking with the UK’s AutoCar, Masuko said the Evo XI will come with a hybrid powertrain and that it will be on sale within the next three years. Rumors…
Lexus CX300h Hybrid Crossover Under Consideration, Based on CT200h
Lexus is looking to expand its lineup with the addition of an all-new model based on the CT200h hybrid hatchback. This news coincides with past reports that the automaker is looking to offer a compact crossover below the RX, possibly called the CX300h. As the name suggests, like the CT, the CX would be a…
California Highway Congestion Worsened By Hybrids?
California told 85,000 hybrid drivers to move over, literally. Now everyone is feeling the sting. Starting last July the yellow stickers allowing hybrid owners to drive alone in the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane expired. The move came in preparation for an anticipated increase in electric vehicles on the road that will be allowed…
