Honda Adds Accord Hybrid Production to Ohio Plant

By Matthew Keegan

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

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

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.
 

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 Monroe Shocks and PIAA Lights.

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Tech Specs of the Lexus ES Hybrid

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.
 

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 Magnaflow Exhaust and H&R Springs.

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The Most Promising Midsized Family Sedan: Nissan Altima!

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

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?

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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.
 

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

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