Wednesday, January 4, 2023
The Smart Car Is Officially Dead in the U.S.
The Smart city-car brand will soon cease operations in the U.S. as its single model, the Fortwo, goes away after the 2019 model year.
Smart, which is owned by Daimler, had already stopped selling the gasoline-powered Fortwo in America, restricting the lineup to include only the electric model starting in 2017.
The 2019 Smart EQ Fortwo is still on sale for the time being, starting at $24,650, but won't be around for long.
Smart is officially exiting the U.S. market and will stop importing its all-electric Fortwo city car to North America after the 2019 model year. A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz said in a statement that the high cost of homologating the Fortwo for the U.S., combined with slow sales, led to the decision. Smart had already dropped the gasoline-powered Fortwo from its lineup in 2017, leaving only the electric Fortwo that was recently rebadged as an EQ model to correspond with Mercedes-Benz's new electric subbrand.
A subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz and parent company Daimler, Smart first arrived in the U.S. in 2008 and sold nearly 25,000 copies of the Fortwo in its first year. Sales have been on a steep decline since then, and the downward trend took a sharp turn when the gasoline models were dropped from the lineup. A paltry 1276 Smart vehicles were sold in the U.S. throughout all of 2018.
R.I.P.
these vehicles are dead for 2020
These Vehicles Are Discontinued for 2021
dead cars 2020
These Vehicles Are Discontinued for 2020
Mercedes-Benz says that dealerships will continue to provide service and parts for current owners of both gasoline- and electric-powered Smart Fortwo models. Smart's U.S. website currently lists 82 dealers nationwide that are authorized to service the cars, with 23 of those dealers listed as having Smart inventory.
this article can be found in its entirety at car and driver
Sunday, July 12, 2020
THE HONDA N360 THE CAR WITH A MOTORCYCLE ENGINE THAT GOT GREAT GAS MILEAGE
The Honda N360 is a small front-engine, front-wheel drive, two-passenger two-box automobile manufactured and marketed by Honda from March 1967 through 1970 in compliance with Japan's kei car regulations.
After a January 1970 facelift, the N360 became the NIII360 and continued in production until June 1972.[9] A larger-engined variant, the N600, was marketed through 1973. All models complied with Japanese kei car dimensional regulations, though vehicles with the 401 cc and 598 cc engines exceeded the kei engine displacement limits and were largely intended for international sales.
The N360 featured front wheel drive and an air-cooled, four stroke, 354 cc, 31 PS (23 kW; 31 hp) two-cylinder engine. This same engine was also used in the Honda Vamos, with a beam axle/leaf spring rear suspension.
With the N360 nameplate, along with its variants, Honda used the "N" prefix, designating "norimono" (translating from Japanese to English as "vehicle" ) — to distinguish the car from its motorcycle production.
In 2012, Honda introduced the Honda N-One, an homage inspired by the 1967–1973 N sedans.
Honda marketed the N360 as a two-door sedan, with a three-door wagon (considered a commercial vehicle in Japan, and therefore called a "Light van") called the LN360 arriving in June of the first year. It has a horizontally divided rear gate and boxier rear bodywork for maximum load capacity. The LN360 had the same 31 PS engine as the sedan, and a top speed of 105 km/h (65 mph). After a January 1970 facelift it became the LNIII 360, with a new non-reflective dash, bigger turn signals, and the same new front end as the sedan. The LNIII 360 was built until late 1971, when the Life Van took over.[10]
The N360 was an all new, clean-sheet product, and did not share its chassis with the Honda Sports roadster, or the Honda L700 commercial platform. The N360 was a new market segment for Honda, providing an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-maintain vehicle that had broad market appeal to private car ownership. The roadsters and trucks built up to then had specific, targeted appeal. The engine's technological specifications reflected engineering efforts resulting from the development of the larger Honda 1300, which used an air-cooled 1.3-litre engine. One of the primary differences between the N360 and the Honda Life that followed was the N360/600 had an air-cooled engine, and the Life had a water-cooled engine. The water-cooled engine was better able to comply with newly enacted emission standards in Japan, and reflected an industry wide move away from air-cooled as well as two-stroke engines. As does the original Mini, but unlike the succeeding Life, the N360/600 had its gearbox mounted in the sump rather than bolted on as a separate unit.
An upgraded 36 PS (27 kW) engine was added in October 1968 for the N360 TS, which was sold as the N360 Touring following a minor update in January 1969. The updated version is referred to as the NII. A 401.54 cc engine was used in the similar N400, a model sold in certain export markets beginning in late summer 1968. This occupied the narrow slot between the 360 and the 600; in most markets it was only sold as the N400 L with better equipment. The Hondamatic-equipped N360AT which appeared in August 1968 was the first kei car equipped with an automatic transmission.[11]
BY WIKIPEDA
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
The 2017 Chevy Volt Review
2017 Chevrolet Volt
Compact car
Range: 53 mi battery-only, 420 mi total
MSRP: From $33,220
Battery charge time: 13h at 110V, 4.5h at 220V
Horsepower: 149 hp
Battery: 18.4 kWh 300 V lithium-ion
Configurations
LT
$33,220
Premier
$37,5702017 Chevrolet Volt
Compact car
Range: 53 mi battery-only, 420 mi total
MSRP: From $33,220
Battery charge time: 13h at 110V, 4.5h at 220V
Horsepower: 149 hp
Battery: 18.4 kWh 300 V lithium-ion
Configurations
LT
$33,220
Premier
$37,570
This is what car and driver had to say about the VOLT:
Despite the Volt’s eco image, it’s actually fun to drive, without the range anxiety of pure electric vehicles. Its gasoline-hybrid powertrain offers impressive all-electric range, greater efficiency, and better acceleration. The all-electric range is 53 miles; after that, the gas engine starts up to recharge the battery and keep you going. In our testing, we recorded 59 MPGe. There are five seats, but the middle rear seat is almost unusable. Charge times are 13 hours on 120V and 4.5 on 240V.
The national average for regular gasoline recently dipped to $2.16 per gallon, more than half a buck lower than it was a year ago. That’s great for commuters but trouble for the fuel-sipping 2017 Chevrolet Volt reviewed here. When gas is cheap, new-vehicle shoppers’ thoughts drift toward plus-size SUVs and heavy-duty pickups. The few smart ones who hedge their bets know that a palace coup on the opposite side of the globe could spike pump prices.
The Volt’s clean-sheet redesign for 2016 confirms that General Motors is serious about its stake in the efficiency corner of the market in spite of temporarily cheap fuel. Born in 2010 as an “extended-range electric vehicle,” the Volt cleared a path for what we now call plug-in hybrids. The dozen or so plug-ins currently on the market range from the Toyota Prius Prime with an estimated base price of $30,000 to the $141,695 BMW i8. for the complete article go to: http://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/volt
This is what car and driver had to say about the VOLT:
Despite the Volt’s eco image, it’s actually fun to drive, without the range anxiety of pure electric vehicles. Its gasoline-hybrid powertrain offers impressive all-electric range, greater efficiency, and better acceleration. The all-electric range is 53 miles; after that, the gas engine starts up to recharge the battery and keep you going. In our testing, we recorded 59 MPGe. There are five seats, but the middle rear seat is almost unusable. Charge times are 13 hours on 120V and 4.5 on 240V.
The national average for regular gasoline recently dipped to $2.16 per gallon, more than half a buck lower than it was a year ago. That’s great for commuters but trouble for the fuel-sipping 2017 Chevrolet Volt reviewed here. When gas is cheap, new-vehicle shoppers’ thoughts drift toward plus-size SUVs and heavy-duty pickups. The few smart ones who hedge their bets know that a palace coup on the opposite side of the globe could spike pump prices.
The Volt’s clean-sheet redesign for 2016 confirms that General Motors is serious about its stake in the efficiency corner of the market in spite of temporarily cheap fuel. Born in 2010 as an “extended-range electric vehicle,” the Volt cleared a path for what we now call plug-in hybrids. The dozen or so plug-ins currently on the market range from the Toyota Prius Prime with an estimated base price of $30,000 to the $141,695 BMW i8. for the complete article go to: http://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/volt
Monday, April 16, 2012
Honda Civic HF 40 mpg ?
Small cars
40 mpg dollars and sense: Honda Civic HF may save fuel, but doesn’t really save money
After delaying the worldwide debut of its new Civic, Honda came to the current fuel-miser wars - a year late and 1 mpg short. The standard versions of the Civic, the LX and EX sedans, are rated at 39 mpg on the highway.
That’s pretty good, unless you’re facing a field of competitors, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Hyundai, advertising a nice, round 40. Incidentally, the last EX we tested in 2006 got 43 mpg highway. So Honda brought back its long-dormant Civic HF model designation, complete with special aerodynamic aids and low-rolling resistance tires that could bring it back to the top of the pack. The Civic HF sedan is EPA-rated at 29 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and a combined 33 mpg overall.
Interestingly, while Honda uses its proprietary variable valve actuation, it does not employ direct injection or turbocharging as other automakers do to achieve this level of fuel efficiency. It makes us wonder what Honda could achieve if it did employ the latest technologies. No doubt, we’ll eventually find out.
So if you’re in the market for a new Civic, should you buy an HF?
We took a look at the numbers and found the new model doesn’t really pan out. With power windows and locks, but no sunroof, the HF is most similar to a mid-level Civic LX. It also has an extra trunk spoiler, special wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, extra under-body shields, and a lower ride height. It sells for $20,225 with a standard automatic transmission--$800 more than a Civic LX automatic EPA-rated at 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and a combined 32 mpg rating. We’ll soon have our own fuel economy for the Civic we are currently testing.
We based our financial comparison on the assumption that you drive the national average of 12,000 miles a year and pay a round $4 for gas. Based on those factors, the HF would save you $45 a year in gas. At that rate the gas savings would take 18 years to make up for the extra cost of an HF over a Civic LX automatic.
True, Honda also offers the Civic Hybrid, with an even better 44 mpg city and highway fuel economy rating. But it costs $4,500 more than the HF. Even that gas savings won’t make up for the extra cost, although in the past we’ve seen that hybrids also have lower depreciation, which could make up much of the difference over time.
Honda Civic LX (auto) Honda Civic HF
MSRP $19,425 $20,225
Difference — $800
Fuel economy
City 28 29
Highway 39 41
EPA combined 32 33
Annual fuel cost $1,500 $1,455
Annual savings $45
Payoff years 18
Our advice to consumers: If you’re looking for a fuel efficient Honda Civic, check out the mainstream Civic LX, which gets very good mileage. Then if you want to invest the $800 you save in donating to an environmental cause, you may get more back in taxes than you’d save in fuel the first year.
And our advice to all automakers: Saving fuel is important, to the country, to consumers, and to you facing higher fuel economy requirements. Clearly, technology is successful in improving efficiency. Why not give everybody the best bang for their buck by eliminating modified versions and simply building the most fuel-efficient cars you can across the model range?
40 mpg dollars and sense: Honda Civic HF may save fuel, but doesn’t really save money
After delaying the worldwide debut of its new Civic, Honda came to the current fuel-miser wars - a year late and 1 mpg short. The standard versions of the Civic, the LX and EX sedans, are rated at 39 mpg on the highway.
That’s pretty good, unless you’re facing a field of competitors, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Hyundai, advertising a nice, round 40. Incidentally, the last EX we tested in 2006 got 43 mpg highway. So Honda brought back its long-dormant Civic HF model designation, complete with special aerodynamic aids and low-rolling resistance tires that could bring it back to the top of the pack. The Civic HF sedan is EPA-rated at 29 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and a combined 33 mpg overall.
Interestingly, while Honda uses its proprietary variable valve actuation, it does not employ direct injection or turbocharging as other automakers do to achieve this level of fuel efficiency. It makes us wonder what Honda could achieve if it did employ the latest technologies. No doubt, we’ll eventually find out.
So if you’re in the market for a new Civic, should you buy an HF?
We took a look at the numbers and found the new model doesn’t really pan out. With power windows and locks, but no sunroof, the HF is most similar to a mid-level Civic LX. It also has an extra trunk spoiler, special wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, extra under-body shields, and a lower ride height. It sells for $20,225 with a standard automatic transmission--$800 more than a Civic LX automatic EPA-rated at 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and a combined 32 mpg rating. We’ll soon have our own fuel economy for the Civic we are currently testing.
We based our financial comparison on the assumption that you drive the national average of 12,000 miles a year and pay a round $4 for gas. Based on those factors, the HF would save you $45 a year in gas. At that rate the gas savings would take 18 years to make up for the extra cost of an HF over a Civic LX automatic.
True, Honda also offers the Civic Hybrid, with an even better 44 mpg city and highway fuel economy rating. But it costs $4,500 more than the HF. Even that gas savings won’t make up for the extra cost, although in the past we’ve seen that hybrids also have lower depreciation, which could make up much of the difference over time.
Honda Civic LX (auto) Honda Civic HF
MSRP $19,425 $20,225
Difference — $800
Fuel economy
City 28 29
Highway 39 41
EPA combined 32 33
Annual fuel cost $1,500 $1,455
Annual savings $45
Payoff years 18
Our advice to consumers: If you’re looking for a fuel efficient Honda Civic, check out the mainstream Civic LX, which gets very good mileage. Then if you want to invest the $800 you save in donating to an environmental cause, you may get more back in taxes than you’d save in fuel the first year.
And our advice to all automakers: Saving fuel is important, to the country, to consumers, and to you facing higher fuel economy requirements. Clearly, technology is successful in improving efficiency. Why not give everybody the best bang for their buck by eliminating modified versions and simply building the most fuel-efficient cars you can across the model range?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
best hybrid suv's 2010
Hybrid SUV
2010-hybrid-suvs.jpgHybrid SUVs are fast becoming one of the most popular vehicles on the road today. In fact, online searches for a SUV hybrid in 2009 were among the highest for all hybrid cars. With ten models available now and several new ones scheduled to reach auto dealers later this year and in early 2011, we’ve set out to create the best hybrid SUV resource on the net. Whether you own a hybrid now or you’re planning to buy one in the future, we invite you to bookmark HybridSUV.com and check back for reviews, ratings, articles, and news. Compare SUV hybrids and reviews on our Hybrid SUV blog or find information via the sitemap.
Hybrid Ford Escape Hybrid Saturn Vue Hybrid Mazda Tribute Hybrid Mercury Mariner Hybrid Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Toyota Highlander
Escape Vue Tribute Mariner 450h Highlander
______________________________________________________________________________________
tahoe-hybrid.jpg yukonhybrid.jpg escalade-hybrid.jpg hybrid_cayenne.jpg future-durango-hybrid.jpg chrysler-aspen-hybrid.jpg
Tahoe Yukon Escalade Cayenne Durango Aspen
Locate the Hybrid Car You Want
Subscribe to Hybrid SUV
Hybrid Vehicle Gas Mileage Estimates (city/hwy)
(2009 & 2010 Hybrid SUV models)
34/30 mpg: 2009 Mazda Tribute (AWD)
34/31 mpg: 2010 Ford Escape (AWD)
34/31 mpg: 2010 Mercury Mariner (4WD)
30/27 mpg: 2010 Lexus RX 450h (AWD)
27/25 mpg: 2010 Toyota Highlander (AWD)
26/32 mpg: 2009 Saturn Vue (FWD)
21/24 mpg: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 (AWD)
21/22 mpg: 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe (2WD)
20/20 mpg: 2010 GMC Yukon (4WD)
20/20 mpg: 2010 Cadillac Escalade (AWD)
* Current green SUV availability includes the Ford Escape, Toyota Highlander, Mercury Mariner, Lexus RX 400h & 450h, Mazda Tribute, Saturn Vue Green Line, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, and Mercedes ML 450. The Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen are here as well, but production has was halted in December of 2008 and very few are on the market. A full-mode version of the hybrid Saturn Vue was due out in 2009, but got cancelled. We will wait which models reach car dealers in 2010. Rumored to be next in line for a hybrid model are the Audi Q5 and Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Lincoln MKX, BMW X5, Acura MDX, and possibly a hybrid from Volkswagen and Nissan. Looks like it is time to do a little hybrid comparison shopping.
HybridSUV.com In The Media/News
Based on our most recent search stats, people looking for upcoming “concept” hybrids appear to be most interested in a Honda hybrid SUV. In addition, the four wheel drive, 4 wd, 4X4, and crossover (CUV) models are near the top of the list, as well as those with good towing capacity and fuel economy/gas mileage. Also, the most popular 2009 hybrid SUV was the Ford Escape. Watch for future announcements and news here on the best Hybrid SUV’s available.
2010-hybrid-suvs.jpgHybrid SUVs are fast becoming one of the most popular vehicles on the road today. In fact, online searches for a SUV hybrid in 2009 were among the highest for all hybrid cars. With ten models available now and several new ones scheduled to reach auto dealers later this year and in early 2011, we’ve set out to create the best hybrid SUV resource on the net. Whether you own a hybrid now or you’re planning to buy one in the future, we invite you to bookmark HybridSUV.com and check back for reviews, ratings, articles, and news. Compare SUV hybrids and reviews on our Hybrid SUV blog or find information via the sitemap.
Hybrid Ford Escape Hybrid Saturn Vue Hybrid Mazda Tribute Hybrid Mercury Mariner Hybrid Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Toyota Highlander
Escape Vue Tribute Mariner 450h Highlander
______________________________________________________________________________________
tahoe-hybrid.jpg yukonhybrid.jpg escalade-hybrid.jpg hybrid_cayenne.jpg future-durango-hybrid.jpg chrysler-aspen-hybrid.jpg
Tahoe Yukon Escalade Cayenne Durango Aspen
Locate the Hybrid Car You Want
Subscribe to Hybrid SUV
Hybrid Vehicle Gas Mileage Estimates (city/hwy)
(2009 & 2010 Hybrid SUV models)
34/30 mpg: 2009 Mazda Tribute (AWD)
34/31 mpg: 2010 Ford Escape (AWD)
34/31 mpg: 2010 Mercury Mariner (4WD)
30/27 mpg: 2010 Lexus RX 450h (AWD)
27/25 mpg: 2010 Toyota Highlander (AWD)
26/32 mpg: 2009 Saturn Vue (FWD)
21/24 mpg: 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 (AWD)
21/22 mpg: 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe (2WD)
20/20 mpg: 2010 GMC Yukon (4WD)
20/20 mpg: 2010 Cadillac Escalade (AWD)
* Current green SUV availability includes the Ford Escape, Toyota Highlander, Mercury Mariner, Lexus RX 400h & 450h, Mazda Tribute, Saturn Vue Green Line, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade, and Mercedes ML 450. The Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen are here as well, but production has was halted in December of 2008 and very few are on the market. A full-mode version of the hybrid Saturn Vue was due out in 2009, but got cancelled. We will wait which models reach car dealers in 2010. Rumored to be next in line for a hybrid model are the Audi Q5 and Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Lincoln MKX, BMW X5, Acura MDX, and possibly a hybrid from Volkswagen and Nissan. Looks like it is time to do a little hybrid comparison shopping.
HybridSUV.com In The Media/News
Based on our most recent search stats, people looking for upcoming “concept” hybrids appear to be most interested in a Honda hybrid SUV. In addition, the four wheel drive, 4 wd, 4X4, and crossover (CUV) models are near the top of the list, as well as those with good towing capacity and fuel economy/gas mileage. Also, the most popular 2009 hybrid SUV was the Ford Escape. Watch for future announcements and news here on the best Hybrid SUV’s available.
Monday, June 21, 2010
top picks for hybrid vehicles for 2010
Hybrid cars complement gas engines with electric motors to improve gas mileage or to increase power through the use of a combined-propulsion system. Toyota and Honda are both major players in the hybrid space, but just about every other automaker is working on a hybrid model. We've picked our top hybrid cars based on great gas mileage and good performance.
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Editors' Choice - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Combining a highly efficient hybrid power train with top-notch standard and optional cabin tech, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is both a great tech car and a great value.
Price: $27,625.00 (check prices)
* 4.5 stars
Outstanding
Overall score: 9.2 (4.5 stars)
2010 Lexus RX 450h
Lexus' new cabin tech suite helps the 2010 RX 450h keep on par with other car tech leaders, but the hybrid power train gives it a greater edge, delivering superior fuel economy and low emissions.
Price: $42,110.00 (check prices)
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
2010 Honda Insight EX Editors' Choice - 2010 Honda Insight EX
While the 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation may not be as mileage-friendly as the Prius, it represents a much better value and is more fun to drive.
Price: $21,300.00 (check prices)
* 4.0 stars
Excellent
Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
2010 Toyota Prius Editors' Choice - 2010 Toyota Prius
The 2010 Toyota Prius is a better car than its predecessor, although there are some areas, especially in the cabin, where we would have liked to see more improvement.
Price: $27,270.00 (check prices)
* 4.0 stars
Excellent
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
2010 Lexus HS250h
We like that the HS250h packs a good deal of cabin tech and luxurious refinements, but we wonder if the decidedly average fuel economy is worth the additional complexity of the hybrid drivetrain.
Price: $34,200.00 (check prices)
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.2 (3.5 stars)
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid Editors' Choice - 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
As a tech car, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid hits all the right notes, providing comfortable and economical driving while offering an incredible array of convenience for the driver and passengers with its cabin tech.
Price: $27,855.00 (check prices)
* 4.5 stars
Outstanding
Overall score: 9.2 (4.5 stars)
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Although not the most modern rig for cabin comforts, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is economical and fun to drive.
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Although its cabin tech is behind the times, the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid provides an easy and comfortable driving experience while delivering excellent fuel economy and extremely low emissions.
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited
Urban dwellers will love the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited's great fuel economy and awesome Sync-based tech package, but freeway commuters will find its high-speed manners unsettling.
* 3.5 stars
Very good
for full reviews and more info visit; http://reviews.cnet.com/best-hybrid-cars/
2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Editors' Choice - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Combining a highly efficient hybrid power train with top-notch standard and optional cabin tech, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is both a great tech car and a great value.
Price: $27,625.00 (check prices)
* 4.5 stars
Outstanding
Overall score: 9.2 (4.5 stars)
2010 Lexus RX 450h
Lexus' new cabin tech suite helps the 2010 RX 450h keep on par with other car tech leaders, but the hybrid power train gives it a greater edge, delivering superior fuel economy and low emissions.
Price: $42,110.00 (check prices)
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
2010 Honda Insight EX Editors' Choice - 2010 Honda Insight EX
While the 2010 Honda Insight EX with navigation may not be as mileage-friendly as the Prius, it represents a much better value and is more fun to drive.
Price: $21,300.00 (check prices)
* 4.0 stars
Excellent
Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)
2010 Toyota Prius Editors' Choice - 2010 Toyota Prius
The 2010 Toyota Prius is a better car than its predecessor, although there are some areas, especially in the cabin, where we would have liked to see more improvement.
Price: $27,270.00 (check prices)
* 4.0 stars
Excellent
Overall score: 8.4 (4.0 stars)
2010 Lexus HS250h
We like that the HS250h packs a good deal of cabin tech and luxurious refinements, but we wonder if the decidedly average fuel economy is worth the additional complexity of the hybrid drivetrain.
Price: $34,200.00 (check prices)
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.2 (3.5 stars)
2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid Editors' Choice - 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid
As a tech car, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid hits all the right notes, providing comfortable and economical driving while offering an incredible array of convenience for the driver and passengers with its cabin tech.
Price: $27,855.00 (check prices)
* 4.5 stars
Outstanding
Overall score: 9.2 (4.5 stars)
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Although not the most modern rig for cabin comforts, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is economical and fun to drive.
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.7 (3.5 stars)
2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Although its cabin tech is behind the times, the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid provides an easy and comfortable driving experience while delivering excellent fuel economy and extremely low emissions.
* 3.5 stars
Very good
Overall score: 7.9 (3.5 stars)
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited
Urban dwellers will love the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited's great fuel economy and awesome Sync-based tech package, but freeway commuters will find its high-speed manners unsettling.
* 3.5 stars
Very good
for full reviews and more info visit; http://reviews.cnet.com/best-hybrid-cars/
Sunday, June 6, 2010
top 8 alternative fuels
The growing interest in alternative fuels for cars and trucks is motivated by three important considerations:
1. Alternative fuels generally produce fewer vehicle emissions that contribute to smog, air pollution and global warming;
2. Most alternative fuels are not derived from finite fossil-fuel resources; and
3. Alternative fuels can help any nation become more energy independent.
The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992 identified eight alternative fuels. Some are already widely used; others are more experimental or not yet readily available. All have potential as full or partial alternatives to gasoline and diesel.
1. Ethanol as an Alternative Fuel
Ethanol is an alcohol-based alternative fuel that is made by fermenting and distilling crops such as corn, barley or wheat. Ethanol can be blended with gasoline to increase octane levels and improve emissions quality.
Sponsored Links
Compressed Natural GasThe Best Alternative to Gasoline. Check Prices & Available Locations!CNGNow.com
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UPS Hybrid TrucksUPS, has the Largest Fleet of Low Emission Shipping Vehicles.www.sustainability.ups.com
2. Natural Gas as an Alternative Fuel
Natural gas is an alternative fuel that burns clean and is already widely available to people in many countries through utilities that provide natural gas to homes and businesses. When used in natural gas vehicles—cars and trucks with specially designed engines—natural gas produces far fewer harmful emissions than gasoline or diesel.
3. Electricity as an Alternative Fuel
Electricity can be used as a transportation alternative fuel for battery-powered electric and fuel-cell vehicles. Battery powered electric vehicles store power in batteries that are recharged by plugging the vehicle into a standard electrical source. Fuel-cell vehicles run on electricity that is produced through an electrochemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined. Fuel cells produce electricity without combustion or pollution.
4. Hydrogen as an Alternative Fuel
Hydrogen can be mixed with natural gas to create an alternative fuel for vehicles that use certain types of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen is also used in fuel-cell vehicles that run on electricity produced by the petrochemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined in the fuel “stack.”
5. Propane as an Alternative Fuel
Propane—also called liquefied petroleum gas or LPG—is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Already widely used as a fuel for cooking and heating, propane is also a popular alternative fuel for vehicles. Propane produces fewer emissions than gasoline, and there is also a highly developed infrastructure for propane transport, storage and distribution.
6. Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel based on vegetable oils or animal fats, even those recycled after restaurants have used them for cooking. Vehicle engines can be converted to burn biodiesel in its pure form, and biodiesel can also be blended with petroleum diesel and used in unmodified engines. Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable, reduces air pollutants associated with vehicle emissions, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
7. Methanol as an Alternative Fuel
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be used as an alternative fuel in flexible fuel vehicles that are designed to run on M85, a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent gasoline, but automakers are no longer manufacturing methanol-powered vehicles. Methanol could become an important alternative fuel in the future, however, as a source of the hydrogen needed to power fuel-cell vehicles.
8. P-Series Fuels as Alternative Fuels
P-Series fuels are a blend of ethanol, natural gas liquids and methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), a co-solvent derived from biomass. P-Series fuels are clear, high-octane alternative fuels that can be used in flexible fuel vehicles. P-Series fuels can be used alone or mixed with gasoline in any ratio by simply adding it to the tank.
1. Alternative fuels generally produce fewer vehicle emissions that contribute to smog, air pollution and global warming;
2. Most alternative fuels are not derived from finite fossil-fuel resources; and
3. Alternative fuels can help any nation become more energy independent.
The U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992 identified eight alternative fuels. Some are already widely used; others are more experimental or not yet readily available. All have potential as full or partial alternatives to gasoline and diesel.
1. Ethanol as an Alternative Fuel
Ethanol is an alcohol-based alternative fuel that is made by fermenting and distilling crops such as corn, barley or wheat. Ethanol can be blended with gasoline to increase octane levels and improve emissions quality.
Sponsored Links
Compressed Natural GasThe Best Alternative to Gasoline. Check Prices & Available Locations!CNGNow.com
Vote NO on Prop 16Prop 16 locks in higher rates by locking out community choice.www.NoProp16.org
UPS Hybrid TrucksUPS, has the Largest Fleet of Low Emission Shipping Vehicles.www.sustainability.ups.com
2. Natural Gas as an Alternative Fuel
Natural gas is an alternative fuel that burns clean and is already widely available to people in many countries through utilities that provide natural gas to homes and businesses. When used in natural gas vehicles—cars and trucks with specially designed engines—natural gas produces far fewer harmful emissions than gasoline or diesel.
3. Electricity as an Alternative Fuel
Electricity can be used as a transportation alternative fuel for battery-powered electric and fuel-cell vehicles. Battery powered electric vehicles store power in batteries that are recharged by plugging the vehicle into a standard electrical source. Fuel-cell vehicles run on electricity that is produced through an electrochemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined. Fuel cells produce electricity without combustion or pollution.
4. Hydrogen as an Alternative Fuel
Hydrogen can be mixed with natural gas to create an alternative fuel for vehicles that use certain types of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen is also used in fuel-cell vehicles that run on electricity produced by the petrochemical reaction that occurs when hydrogen and oxygen are combined in the fuel “stack.”
5. Propane as an Alternative Fuel
Propane—also called liquefied petroleum gas or LPG—is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Already widely used as a fuel for cooking and heating, propane is also a popular alternative fuel for vehicles. Propane produces fewer emissions than gasoline, and there is also a highly developed infrastructure for propane transport, storage and distribution.
6. Biodiesel as an Alternative Fuel
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel based on vegetable oils or animal fats, even those recycled after restaurants have used them for cooking. Vehicle engines can be converted to burn biodiesel in its pure form, and biodiesel can also be blended with petroleum diesel and used in unmodified engines. Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable, reduces air pollutants associated with vehicle emissions, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
7. Methanol as an Alternative Fuel
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be used as an alternative fuel in flexible fuel vehicles that are designed to run on M85, a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent gasoline, but automakers are no longer manufacturing methanol-powered vehicles. Methanol could become an important alternative fuel in the future, however, as a source of the hydrogen needed to power fuel-cell vehicles.
8. P-Series Fuels as Alternative Fuels
P-Series fuels are a blend of ethanol, natural gas liquids and methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), a co-solvent derived from biomass. P-Series fuels are clear, high-octane alternative fuels that can be used in flexible fuel vehicles. P-Series fuels can be used alone or mixed with gasoline in any ratio by simply adding it to the tank.
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