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.

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

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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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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.

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

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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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A._Adoreno

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Electric and Hybrid Cars - The Wave of The Future

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

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Toyota Believes in the Future of Its Hybrid Vehicles

By Katrien Tans

By 2020 Toyota expects hybrid vehicles to be 20% of global car market

Takeshi Uchiyamada, a top engineer for car make Toyota, made some interesting predictions this week. He expects that hybrid vehicles, including extended-range plug-in hybrids, will become 20% of all global car sales by 2020.

You might be wondering what these predictions are based on. Well, the Toyota's executive vice president overseeing R&D and engineering pointed out that hybrid car sales are already 20% of annual vehicle sales in Japan, but that most of the developing world is at or below 10 % in hybrid sales. But obviously he believes that these markets will develop in the same way the Japanese market has.

What will Toyota's market share in hybrid vehicle sales be?

What car manufacturer Toyota's market share of the hybrid car market pie would be, is something the Toyota engineer refused to expand on though. Up until a shirt while ago, Toyota's market share in hybrid vehicle sales in the United States had been as high as 80%. However, it has slipped a little bit since new competitors have entered the market.

Toyota does plan to continue its successful run with its high hybrid car sales and hopes to further expand its hybrid presence in all vehicle markets, including in the United States with the Prius V, Prius C and Prius Plug-In by the middle of next year.

According to Takeshi Uchiyamada, the automotive company also hopes to double the U.S. sales volume of the Toyota Camry to about 50,000 units in 2012. On the European car market, a hybrid version of the redesigned Yaris will be released.

Toyota production management in relation to hybrid car sales growth?

For the car manufacturer to be able to meet the expected rise in demand, the production process needs to be adapted. That is why car maker Toyota is looking into using suppliers outside Japan to build hybrid components. After the March earthquake in Japan, it became clear to the company that it is too dangerous to rely on a single source for key components.

Toyota engineer's predicts grim future for electric vehicles

Up until now, Toyota has concentrated on building hybrid cars and plug-in hybrids to live up to the increasing demand for 'green vehicles'. Electric cars have not been a priority for the car brand. So it doesn't come as much of a surprise that Uchiyamada doesn't predict a positive future for electric vehicles.

He expects that electric vehicles will fall short of their hype. "Based on the current data, the targets announced by other players show they are not on track," Uchiyamada said. "Compared to the target, it's pretty disappointing for them."
 

I'm currently work as an SEO specialist and copywriter for an online car auction company that sells used cars. For this company I also write a blog with automotive news.

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

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Top 5 Hybrid Cars 2011

By Lakmal D Wijerathna

A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. Hybrid vehicles are popular because they appeal to a wide range of consumers. The environmentally conscious can appreciate the ultra-low to zero emissions and amazing fuel economy, while the economically minded can appreciate the low vehicle depreciation and savings in costs at the gas pump. I have listed the Top 5 Hybrid Cars List below and you can decide what is the best hybrid car to you.

1. Toyota Prius Hybrid
Toyota Prius is the third best selling gas-electric hybrid model in the United State. The Toyota Company has produced their first Prius Hybrid car in 2003. Toyota has begun selling their third generation of Toyota Prius in 2009. When they are selling third generation, other companies are starting to introduce their first Hybrid car.
Specifications
Bigger and more powerful than previous models, The four-cylinder engine grew in displacement from 1.5 liters to 1.8 liters, Combined with a 36 kW electric motor, Reduction in zero-to-60 time by a full second, Boosts horsepower from 110 to 134, MPG: 51 cities / 48 highways.

2. Honda Insight Hybrid
This new, five-passenger Insight continues to use Honda's conventional, mild hybrid system called Integrated Motor Assist. While it is less expensive than the Toyota Prius, it is also less roomy and rear access is awkward. The ride is stiff and choppy and road noise is pronounced. Handling lacks agility and can be tricky at the limits. Stability control is glaringly absent in the base LX version, but is standard on the EX. Crash-test results are impressive.
Specifications

Automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, manual driver's seat height adjustment, AM/FM/CD audio system with two speakers, auxiliary audio input, and unique seating fabric. All Insight models are equipped standard with electronic stability control for 2011.

3. Ford Fusion Hybrid
The Ford Fusion Hybrid launched to the United State market in March 2009 as a 2010 model, together with its twin the Mercury Milan Hybrid. This is a gasoline-electric hybrid powered version of the mid-size Ford Fusion sedan developed by the Ford Motor Company. The Ford Fusion Hybrid establishes a new benchmark in hybrid technology. It marries a seamless, sophisticated hybrid powertrain to the outstanding Fusion platform-positioned solidly in the middle of the mainstream market.
Specifications
10-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, keyless entry, power windows, mirrors, and locks, capless refueling, traction control, and ABS. Also included are six-speaker stereo, eco-responsible seats, 17-inch wheels, traction control and a reverse sensor.

4. Honda CR-Z Hybrid
Honda's latest foray into the hybrid realm, the CR-Z, is a new take on the hybrid question. Honda is marketing the CR-Z as a sport hybrid, rather than a purely eco-minded car. CR-Z stands for 'Compact Renaissance Zero,' which likely plays on its new approach to the use of a hybrid engine to give a blend of sport and economy. But no matter how Honda explains how they ended up with the CR-Z name, the car is an obvious successor to the popular CRX hatchback of the 1980s and early 1990s
Specifications

Heated mirrors, fog lamps and HID-projector headlamps inside, this hybrid gains Bluetooth, available navigation, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals and polished interior accents, a six-speed manual transmission with an aluminum shift knob, and ambient lighting. heated mirrors, fog lamps and HID-projector headlamps. Inside, this hybrid gains Bluetooth, available navigation, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals and polished interior accents, a six-speed manual transmission with an aluminum shift knob, and ambient lighting. CR-Z stands for 'Compact Renaissance Zero,' which likely plays on its new approach to the use of a hybrid engine to give a blend of sport and economy. But no matter how Honda explains how they ended up with the CR-Z name, the car is an obvious successor to the popular CRX hatchback of the 1980s and early 1990s

5. Lexus RX 450H Hybrid
Lexus has timed the introduction of its latest RX450h to perfection, coming at a time when ecological issues are grabbing the headlines and buyers at all price points are looking closely at fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions. Where this generation takes a big step forward is in those hard figures, delivering a claimed reduction in fuel consumption of 28 per cent. Lexus' RX model has been on sale since 2001 and has always offered a comfortable road-biased take on the SUV sector.
Specifications

Gas Mileage is 32 mpg City/28 mpg Hwy, Engine type - Gas/Electric V6, 3.5L, EPA Class - 2WD Sport Utility, Style Name - FWD 4dr Hybrid, Drivetrain - Front Wheel Drive, Passenger Capacity - 5, Passenger Doors - 4, Body Style - Sport Utility.
More Top 5 Lists

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Toyota Camry Hybrid 2010

Introduction

The Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan brings the quality and reliability of the Camry together with increased fuel efficiency.

The Camry Hybrid is a front-wheel drive four-door sedan that seats five passengers. Available in one well appointed trim it comes standard with Hybrid Synergy Drive, a combination electric motor/gasoline engine fitted with an efficient, continuously variable transmission. The standard warranty for hybrid-related components is 8 years/100,000 miles. A moonroof, navigation system, leather seats and heated front seats are optional. Standard safety features include stability and traction control, seven-airbags, and a tire pressure monitor.

The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been redesigned.

You'll never get accused of recklessness for buying a Toyota Camry. In the Toyota Prius, the hybrid system was a bold move into unknown technology. The first half of the Camry Hybrid drivetrain is a 147 horsepower version of the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. The battery pack consists of 34 nickel metal hydride modules, each of which contains six 1.2-volt cells. Run it all through a continuously variable transmission, and it adds up to 192 horsepower, versus the standard Camry's 158 hp. Toyota employs the full regimen of safety features for the Camry Hybrid, from the standard Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which orchestrates antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, and steering boost—to the Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design found in the Prius.

Toyota set the price for the Camry Hybrid at $25,200. The first set of Camry Hybrids was all produced in Japan. In 2007, Toyota began producing approximately 4,000 Camry Hybrids per month in its Georgetown, KY, plant, where it currently turns out Camrys at the rate of 30,000 per month.

Toyota plans to sell 60,000 Camry Hybrids, or 15 percent of all Camry sales. Naysayers believe gas-electric hybrids will reach the limit of their market potential when the East Coast and West Coast fringe have bought their Priuses. The Camry Hybrid will test that premise like never before.

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test

NHTSA rates crash-tested vehicles by assigning them one to five stars, with five stars indicating the most injury protection and one star indicating the least protection

Exterior

On the outside, the redesigned 2007 Camry trades a conservative image for what Toyota calls "a more stylish, athletic, modern image." That means a pinch of Lexus styling added to the same old Camry: a sleeker shape, two-inch longer wheelbase, fancier instrument panel, and other features like a tilting-telescoping steering wheel. The hybrid gets dressed up a bit more with a matte-chrome grille, blue-tinted headlight reflectors, LED tail lamps, and the hybrid badges.

Toyota earned its reputation for quality by its attention to detail. Expect the same with the engineering and layout of the 2007 Camry. For example, they reduced internal friction and enhanced the Camry engine block's rigidity to improve fuel economy and reduce noise and vibration. In the hybrid version, they added wheel spats and underbelly pans to improve the aerodynamics (down to an impressive 0.27 drag of coefficient.) They also managed to retain the 60/40 rear-seat folding split, which is lost in Honda hybrids to make room for the extra hybrid components.

Interior

The Camry Hybrid is loaded with cool standard features including a tire-pressure monitoring system (very helpful for optimizing fuel economy), halogen headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity, a 440-watt premium audio system (MP3 and WMA compatible, with auxiliary input for iPod), smart keyless entry, push-button starting, and dual climate control. The list of options includes a moonroof, voice-activated navigation system, leather-trimmed interior, and heated seats. The in-dash multi-function trip computer display is standard on the hybrid.

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Hybrid: Toyota vs Honda

It took 10 years for Toyota to sell its first 1 million hybrids globally. The Nikkei reported last month that Toyota plans to double its global production of hybrids vehicles from the 2009 level by 2011. Toyota expects US car sales to rise 10 percent this year to about 11.4 million vehicles.

(Picture left: Toyota FT-CH) Toyota currently makes the Camry Hybrid in the United States, at its Georgetown, Ky. plant. Honda, the second largest global hybrid producer, made less than 150,000 hybrids in 2009.

Toyota currently sells more than 10 hybrids, including dedicated models such as the Prius and Lexus HS 250h—as well as the Toyota Sai, a sister model to the HS 250h only sold in Japan. Toyota plans to boost production of these existing vehicles in addition to launching new hybrid minivans, subcompacts and luxury cars, according to the report.

No details are available yet on the Toyota hybrid minivan.

Toyota introduced its first-generation Prius hybrid in 1998 to the Japanese market. Honda's HEV features the company's innovative Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system that was detailed in Green Car Journal's Fall 2004 issue.

Toyota uses its sophisticated Hybrid Synergy Drive system to power todays Prius, a follow-on to the first-generation Toyota Hybrid System. Both automakers are now offering their second generation hybrid vehicles. Both the Toyota and Honda hybrids are parallel configurations, with wheels driven by both their internal combustion engine and electric motor. The Honda IMA systems electric motor/generator supplies additional power to the gasoline engine when needed for acceleration or when driving demands are greater, such as when climbing grades, thus the designation motor assist. The Honda gasoline engine always provides propulsion.

Things are reversed with Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive, which finds the Prius starting out on battery electric power. The gasoline engine seamlessly starts up to provide additional power during acceleration, at higher speeds, or when driving up grades. Hondas hybrids cannot do this.

The Prius uses a four-cylinder, 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine. The four-stroke Atkinson cycle, invented by James Atkinson in 1882, is different than the Otto cycle engine were used to driving in very distinct ways. Restricting throttle opening results in large pumping losses and greatly reduced efficiency. Effectively, the use of the Atkinson cycle allows the Prius engine to operate quite efficiently at relatively low power levels while still having sufficient power for climbing hills at freeway speeds.

The Prius uses the same basic 1.5 liter engine as the Toyota Echo, where the engine is rated at 108 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Variable intake valve timing (VVT-I) reduces cylinder pressure to eliminate knocking, important because the engine has a 13:1 compression ratio. The aluminum, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve engine produces 76 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 82 lbs-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine earns an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating, is a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), and has an EPA rating of 60 mpg city/51 mpg highway, for a combined estimated 55 mpg fuel economy rating.

The permanent magnet, AC (alternating current) synchronous motor produces 67 horsepower (50 kW) at 1200-1540 rpm. A built-in transformer converts some of the hybrid batterys power into 12 volts DC to operate vehicle accessories. In the latest generation Prius, the high voltage converter system increases battery voltage from 202 volts to 500 volts for driving the electric motor. This Power Split Device allows the engine to operate in its most efficient load and speed range most of the time. The planetary gear system connects the engine, generator, and motor together, allowing operation in a parallel hybrid mode with the electric motor and gasoline alone or together powering the car. It can also operate like a series hybrid when the gasoline engine operates independently of the vehicle speed to charge the battery or provide power to the wheels.

This advanced hybrid vehicle shares virtually nothing with other Toyota models. Hybrid Synergy Drive is quite scalable, so expect to see it used in other Toyota and Lexus models. Other Toyota hybrid models will be sure to follow.

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Accident Involving Prius

The California Highway Patrol officer who responded to an emergency call about a runaway Toyota Prius described the driver as visibly shaking and said he "appeared to be in shock" once the car came to a stop, according to the police report released Wednesday.

The Prius' driver, Jim Sikes, called 911 on March 8 after he said his accelerator became stuck as he tried to pass a slower vehicle. In the police report, responding Officer Todd Neibert said he "could smell the heated brakes which indicated they had been used extensively" and said he saw the brake lights periodically illuminate as he came upon the car.

Prius Accessories:

Prius Chassis Stiffener Kit (Fits 2004 to 2009)

Prius Rear Bumper Protector (2004-2009) Toyota OEM

Prius Electric Only Mode Option for (Prius 2004-2009)

Eventually, Neibert used the patrol car's public address system to instruct Sikes to apply the brakes and the emergency brake at the same time. "The driver ... was visibly shaking and breathing deeply," the report said. Upon searching the car, Neibert found "a large amount of brake dust and brake pad material in and around the wheels," the report said.

David Justo of Toyota Motor Sales headquarters, described in the memo as Toyota's residential hybrid expert, said that if the gas pedal of the car was stuck to the floor, and the driver applied the brake, the engine would shut down.

The memo said before Sikes' vehicle could be tested, technicians had to replace rotors, brakes and pads, as the pads and rotors were worn down.
Early evidence points to driver error as the reason a 2005 Prius sped into a stone wall on March 9, according to federal investigators.
The statement suggests the driver may have been stepping on the accelerator, instead of the brake, as she told police.

Investigators from Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration inspected the wrecked 2005 Prius on Wednesday and extracted data from the car's event data recorder.

No other cars were involved in the accident. Police said the driver, whose name has not been released pending the investigation, has a clean driving record.

A team of six inspectors from Toyota and two from NHTSA spent several hours taking photos, measurements and downloading the black box data from the car, which has been at the Harrison Police Department since the accident.

The 2005 Prius was part of Toyota's November recall to address the risk of pedal entrapment in the floor mat.

Summarized from CNN

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Toyota Complain: Doubting the Prius?

NHTSA said that it has received nine new complaints alleging fatal crashes caused by sudden acceleration in Toyota cars since Jan. 27. As of Feb. 3, when NHTSA launched its investigation into problems with the hybrid vehicle, the agency had 124 complaints on file. "The agency is quickly gathering more data on all of these additional complaints to help guide our examination of sudden acceleration, the Prius braking system, as well as other safety issues."

Cindy Knight, a Toyota spokeswoman said the company is responding "more aggressively and more quickly" to customer complaints.

"We are taking steps to implement more stringent quality controls, investigate customer complaints more aggressively, keep open lines of communication with safety agencies and respond more quickly to safety issues we identify."

Since November, Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles, including 8,000 Tacoma trucks and over 400,000 of the popular Prius hybrids, for problems ranging from brakes and acceleration issues to faulty manufacturing in other areas.

The Toyota Prius is a car that, right from its 1997 launch, came veiled in a frosty penumbra of disbelief, of incredulity. Yeah. Toyota said one thing. Now there is a Prius recall, something to do with brakes that don't brake. Not simply because Prius sounds like pious. First, make people hate it.

(Taken from the CNN)

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Prius and It’s Cruise Control

The Toyota Prius sometimes accelerates while in cruise control, rocketing past the set speed and sending drivers on wild rides, according to some owners and auto safety experts.

The computer guru blamed the problem not on floor mats or a sticky accelerator pedal, as Toyota has maintained, but on bad software. An exasperated Wozniak expressed frustration with his efforts to contact Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Clarence Ditlow, the executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, a Washington-based group focused on car safety, said his group has received about 10 cruise-control complaints from Prius owners -- roughly 5 percent of the overall complaints his organization has received about the hybrid.

The Prius is among the 8.5 million Toyota vehicles recalled in recent months for problems related to gas pedals and brakes. Just this week, Toyota recalled hundreds of thousands of 2010 Priuses for problems associated with its brake system.

CNN spoke with several owners of previous Prius models who say they were experiencing the same problem: When they resumed cruise control, the car took off as if it had a mind of its own and resisted when they slammed on the brakes. A spokeswoman for NHTSA refused comment for this story, saying the government agency is looking at the Prius braking system but not potential cruise-control problems.


Feds and Toyota too close?

Towns asked in a February 3 letter to Toyota CEO Yoshimi Inaba.

Grover Walton repeatedly slammed on the brakes of his 2008 Toyota Prius on a road trip to visit his granddaughters in South Carolina last October. The car lurched back and forth, and gained speed.

The incident began, he said, when he hit the "resume" button on his cruise control, thinking he'd speed back up to around 63 mph. The car got up to 75 mph.

The car wouldn't shift into neutral. The car came to a stop on the shoulder of the road. Many automakers have had cruise-control problems over the years, including Ford, which last October added 4.5 million older model vehicles to a recall over a faulty cruise control switch that could overheat.

It's not surprising to him to hear of Prius owners complaining about possible cruise-control problems. Hybrid vehicles are among the most complex. The cars have separate electric and gasoline engines and a regenerative braking system that uses energy from the car's wheels to help charge its battery.

Finding the root cause of the problem, Friedman said, gets tricky. "If you test them independently, they all work perfectly well."


Owners: It's not the floor mat

Barbara Walton never uses the cruise control any more, and she stays in the right lane just in case she needs to pull over quickly.

The dealership that fixed the car blamed the problem on floor mats. "Initially, we thought Toyota would be pretty receptive," her husband said. The problem has not resurfaced.

(Taken from CNN: By Christina Zdanowicz and Wayne Drash)

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A Dead Prius Battery Used to Equal $3500 - Up Until Now

By Mike Lynch

If you have a dead Prius battery, you know exactly what I am talking about. Chances are, you have taken to your local shop and you have been told that it is going to cost you upwards of $3500 for a new battery. And of course, this probably does not include labor!

In the past, Prius owners would have to simply pay the thousands of dollars to replace the dead Prius battery. There was no alternative! You either buy the battery or you get rid of your car. Now a majority of the Prius batteries that are failing are model years 2001 through 2003. Can you take a quick guess as to why these batteries are so expensive?

It is simply supply and demand - that is it!

As these model year cars get older, more of the batteries are starting to fail. This gives the manufacturers the ability to charge this kind of money to replace a dead Prius battery. There is some good news however. Prius owners are no longer forced to buying a new battery. The technology exists that will allow you to rebuild your battery!

Is that not good news!

It works like this -

1. Diagnose the problem. This is the process of determining what exactly is wrong with your battery.

2. Purchase the parts needed. This is where you identify the parts that you are actually going to need to rebuild the battery (this is actually REALLY easy!)

3. Remove you old battery from your car.

4. Rebuild the battery. For this, you are going to want some instructions on how to exactly do this both safely and properly.

5. Re-install your rebuilt battery.

You see, inside your dead Prius battery are what we call cells. These are essentially individual power sources (think of them of just little batteries). As your Prius gets older, these cells begin to fail. And as you can imagine, the main battery will too fail as the cells start going bad.

What can be done is simply "swapping out" those bad cells with good cells. That is it! Not only are you saving thousands of dollars on a dead Prius battery, but you are also keeping another battery out of the garbage dump!

DO NOT buy a new battery! A dead Prius battery is something that YOU can repair yourself! To learn just how you can do this, visit http://www.ReplacementPriusBattery.com/.

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

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A Replacement Prius Battery - The Most Expensive Replacement Battery You Will Ever Buy!

By Mike Lynch

If you are reading this, chances are you are thinking that you need a replacement Prius battery. That can spell bad news for you and your Prius. Do you know how much these Prius batteries cost? Let's say that if you can find a USED replacement Prius battery for under $3000, then you are lucky! I am pretty sure that this is not what you want to read, I'm sorry.

First, how do you know whether or not you need a new battery? Here are some of the signs to look for when diagnosing the problem -

Slowed Acceleration

Of course you know your Prius better than anyone else. Have you noticed if the car has a slower acceleration rate? Basically you can floor the gas petal, but the car feels more like a golf cart than a car. This could be a sign that the battery is starting to go. Remember, a majority of the power comes from the battery.

The battery Does Not Hold a Charge

This is a symptom shared by just about all batteries. As a battery gets older, it has a more difficult time holding a charge. Just think of a laptop or a car battery. These batteries do last for a while, but eventually they need to be replaced. It is no different with your Prius. The charge will no longer hold as well as it did in the past. At this point, it is time to start looking for a replacement Prius battery.

Poor Fuel Economy

This is the other tall-tell sign that your battery is starting to go. Has your fuel economy started decrease? This is a major symptom because your Prius is now burning more fuel than it would when the battery is functioning properly. The basic concept of a hybrid car is that the gasoline gets the car running and then the electricity maintains the speed, etc. This is how you get such great fuel economy. If that fuel economy starts to go, it usually means the battery is not doing its part.

So what do you think? Is it time for a replacement Prius battery? I want to let you in a little secret. The Prius batteries are typically only under warranty for about 96 months - or eight years. Coincidentally, the lifespan of the Toyota Prius battery is only about seven or eight years.

How convenient, right?

If I told you that there was an alternative to getting a replacement Prius battery, would you be interested? You many not have to spend the thousands of dollars for a new battery, rather you can just rebuild the one you have! This of course is something that your Toyota dealer is not going to tell you.

They want you to buy the replacement Prius battery. If you want to save thousands of dollars on your replacement Prius battery, you must visit http://ReplacementPriusBattery.com/.

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

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Tokyo Motor Show rolls out hot wheels

By Yoko Wakatsuki, CNN

Tokyo, Japan (CNN) -- Take a glimpse of the near future. Electric vehicles and other types of eco-friendly cars are taking center stage at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, which runs through November 4.

Following the commercial success of Toyota's hybrid car Prius, Japanese car makers introduced their latest line up of eco-friendly cars. Electric vehicles are believed to be the next wave of automobile powered by alternative energy sources.

The governments of many developed economies have introduced scrap incentives for eco-friendly car purchases to kick-start moribund economies, accelerating the sales of alternative energy cars such as Prius.

The biannual automobile showcase took a hit from the global recession, counting only 109 auto and auto parts makers' participation, less than half of that in the last show in 2007.

The Tokyo Motor show is one of the world's five biggest motor shows, but only three non-Japanese car makers -- Lotus and Caterham of the U.K. and Alpina of Germany -- participated this year, compared with 26 firms in 2007. Car makers are shifting focus to emerging markets, such as those of China and India.

Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer of Nissan, introduced the company's first electric vehicle, ''Leaf,'' for the mass market. It will be sold starting in late 2010 in Japan, U.S. and Europe.

'The race for zero emission has begun," he said. "The world is eager to address the concerns about global CO2 emissions and we are proposing solutions to meet the environmental challenges.''

Organizers are expecting one million visitors to attend the show.

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Prius Tops Japan's Car Sale Chart

Taken from BBC

Toyota's Prius has become the first hybrid car to outsell all other vehicles in Japan, figures show.

It sold 22,292 Prius vehicles in June, from 6,231 in the same month a year earlier and from 10,915 in May said the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.

A new model had helped bolster sales, analysts said.

In May the Prius had already become the top-selling car - a category that excludes popular mini-vehicles with engines of up to 660cc.

Honda's Fit was the second most popular vehicle in the June, with sales of 13,016 vehicles. The firm's Insight, a hybrid marketed as a cheaper alternative to the Prius, was ranked fourth.

Tax breaks

Hybrid cars are powered by both by petrol and electricity.

High oil prices and growing concern about emissions blamed for global warming has encouraged Japanese carmakers to lead the global development of hybrids.

The sale of fuel-efficient vehicles has also been helped by the government making them tax free.

The car industry hopes that hybrid cars will re-energise the flagging market, which has suffered in the global economic downturn.

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An Introduction to 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid

By Eshwarya Patel

While everyone is well aware of consequences of global warming, hybrid cars have been proved to be a great step in keeping the environment safe. Toyota, with the advent of 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid, boasts of its elegant and stylish look and great comfort as available in other regular Toyota models.

This new model is a 5 passenger, 4 door family car. Right now, only one trim of this model, 4-Door Sedan, is available in the market. It consists of 2.4 liter, 147 hp, I4 standard hybrid engine that offers a maximum of 34-mpg speed on highway and 33-mpg in the city.

It comes with all standard security features like anti-lockout, anti-theft, child safety door locks, power door locks, and selective locking etc. For braking and traction control, this models offers 294-mm front and 279-mm solid rear disc brakes. Breaks are electronic and offers break force distribution to provide good breaking mechanism. For entertainment, in consists of In-Glass Antenna, Radio with 6 speakers, and CD/MP3 player with Auxiliary Input Jack.

AC ducts are available at front and rear ends for heating and air-conditioning. The car can be put at automatic climate control mechanism. This model can be purchased in metallic color for a few extra dollars. Headlights are halogen and with projector beam. As far as Instrumentation is concerned, it offers cruise control, engine start stop button facility, digital clock, tachometer, tire pressure monitor, external temperature monitor, and warning lights etc.

Overall, this car gives you as comfort as any other expensive Toyota model will. This environment friendly model is designed to offer maximum comfort and style to be an ideal car for a family.

If you are interested to know more about latest or old Toyota Models and get a detailed analysis of them, you can refer to Toyota Cars For Sale - The Free Online Toyota Guide

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

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Toyota, Mazda to form tie-up on hybrid

Toyota is in final discussions on providing its smaller rival Mazda with its key hybrid technology through a business tie-up, a respected business daily reported Thursday.

Under the plan, Toyota Motor Corp. would supply the key components of its hybrid cars for Mazda Motor Corp., allowing Mazda to enter the green car market as early as 2013, with an initial sales target of 100,000 units, the Nikkei business newspaper said.

Mazda had approached Toyota for a dal, and Toyota is nearing a final decision to accept it, the Nikkei said, adding that an official announcement was expected soon.

Both Toyota and Mazda said they had no immediate comment. Mazda spokeswoman Yukari Hara said officials were currently verifying the report.

The deal would allow Toyota to ct costs of hybrid components through mass production, while earning profits from Mazda, the Nikkei said.

Green cars are gaining in popularity in Japan thanks in part to tax breaks from the government.

The Associated Press

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The Lexus GS 450h, LS 600h, LS 600h L, and LS 460.

Lexus is the luxury division of Japanese automobile manufacturers Toyota. Lexus has been making luxury cars and have since 2005 added two lines of cars that offer hybrid variants along with the petrol engines. The Lexus GS 450h is the hybrid version of the Lexus GS. The car is packed with devices and ensures a very comfortable and smooth ride.

The electric motor along with the petrol engine means the car delivers wonderful performance with very low emissions. Just like all luxury cars, the engine is full-sized and powerful. A 3.5L petrol engine along with an electric motor powers the GS 450h. The Lexus LS is a luxury four-door saloon that is really spacious and comfortable. The Lexus LS hybrid again presents a petrol and electric power combination, which makes it a great powerful car with very low emissions. The Lexus LS was one of the first hybrid cars developed by Lexus.

It's at speeds greater than thirty miles per hour the petrol engine kicks in and gives the Lexus LS the power required to move this huge luxury car. Like all luxury cars, the drive and ride of the Lexus LS is outstanding. Both the Lexus GS and the LS are offered in pure petrol engines or in hybrid variants. The hybrid versions save on fuel use and decrease emissions.

The petrol engines on these cars are somewhat thirsty. This is logical as these are big, heavy luxury cars. The third hybrid car offered by Lexus is the Lexus RX. This luxury car only exists as a hybrid. The Lexus RX was the first hybrid car manufactured by Lexus. The third generation Lexus RX is a fantastic luxury car, which delivers an exceptional performance.

The hybrid engine combination makes the Lexus RX a very fuel-efficient car, and for this reason, most of the companies favor this car for their executives. The Lexus RX offers a comfortable and luxurious passage. Furthermore, that is what clients expect from a top quality executive car. Lexus has used a unique design in powering its hybrid cars.

There is the petrol engine that is assisted along with an electric motor under the hood. A second electric motor is fitted at the back, and this provides extra power to the car. The batteries for the electric motors are placed in a lower compartment of the car. These electric motors decrease the power requirements of the petrol engine without compromising on their performance.

The hybrids are not gas-guzzlers, as one would expect in such big luxury cars. However the cars are heavy, with fabulous interiors and passenger comfort. Lexus is frequently trying to improve on its hybrid cars and will be adding more hybrid cars to its lineup of luxury cars.

Trendy, classy and voguish with a mesh of eco-friendly attributes that is what the Lexus LS Luxury High Performance Saloon is. It is a luxury car with no finest luxury qualities omitted. This car comes in three models: LS 600h, LS 600h L and LS 460. LS 600h is the main car of the lot and delivers significantly low carbon dioxide emanations; in fact, just about 219 gram for every kilometer. LS 460 renders acceleration from zero to 62 mph in an even shorter time, that is, 5.7 seconds.

Lexus LS is a hybrid drive. As a matter of fact, it is the world's most powerful hybrid car. It holds a five-liter petrol engine joined with an electric motor.
The car works on electronic power alone at low speeds and readily shifts into the V8 engine as speed increases. LS 460 come with the world's first 8-speed automatic transmission. This increases fuel efficiency. The interior of the car is just as remarkable. The centre console displays the touch-screen control panel. The intelligent parking assist option directs the driver park in a rendered space.
The car's capable system reckons the amount of space and parking angle and then controls the steering to park at same time the driver controls the car's speed and brakes. The car has a brilliant sound system, which is very well suited to the car's acoustic properties. You can also use touch screen or voice control options to make use of the intuitive navigation control of the car.

Lexus LS even comes with safety arrangements to minimize the chance of accidents. It offers highly developed obstacle detection, driver monitoring system, lane-keeping assist and all around air bag protection. Hybrid cars have emerged to be a well-liked and alternate option to usual vehicles. Hybrid cars are recognized for their environment friendly operation and least expenditure of natural resources i.e. gasoline.

There is a great variety of hybrid cars presented in the UK market. Luxury sedans of Lexus, branded under Lexus LS 600h sell like hot items due to their tremendous driving record and less releases.

Test-driving a Lexus LS 600h requires some smart approach from your side.
You can look into the braking power and transmission system of the car. Try applying sudden brakes in a succession and changing gears rapidly to understand the dynamics of the car. LS 600h cars have a firm, but comfortable steering wheel that is very easy to navigate. Also, the automatic transmission shows that you will have minimum disturbance in driving the vehicle.

Another thing to search for in a test drive is the fuel economy. These cars are installed with highly sophisticated fuel trackers that enable you in obtaining information about the total amount of fuel utilized and remaining. As you will be driving a hybrid vehicle, it would be a superb idea to switch quickly to electric mode. After all, hybrid cars are meant to be driven on electric driver-motors in most cases. You can examine the power of these batteries by taking a longer test drive and fully utilizing the electric system to find more about the vehicle. You can test the speed, acceleration, brakes, and transmission system while on the electric mode.

You should not panic or return the car quickly. Test drives are meant to be the actual litmus test before buying a vehicle.

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Toyota's third-generation Prius

Toyota's third-generation Prius, due at dealerships this spring, will have an optional solar panel on its roof. The panel will power a ventilation system that can cool the car without help from the engine, Toyota says.

But it's a long way from the 2010 Prius to a solar-powered car, experts told CNN. Most agree that there just isn't enough space on a production car to get full power from solar panels.

"Being able to power a car entirely with solar is a pretty far-reaching goal," said Tony Markel, a senior engineer at the federal government's National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, Colorado.

In the new Prius, the solar panel will provide energy for a ventilation fan that will help cool the parked car on sunny, hot days. The question is, how much gasoline can solar power offset? According to recent articles in Japan's Nikkei newspaper, Toyota has bigger plans for harnessing power from the sun. Nikkei reports that Toyota hopes to develop a vehicle powered entirely by solar panels. Motorists don't have to wait for a 2010 Prius to drive a solar-enhanced car, however. Greg Johanson, president of Solar Electric Vehicles in Westlake Village, California, said his company makes a roof-mounted panel for a standard Prius that enables the car to travel up to 15 additional miles a day.

The system delivers about 165 watts of power per hour to an added battery, which helps powers the electric motor, Johanson said.

"Solar panels really need a lot of area," he said.

Leonhardt thinks Toyota's new Prius is a good first step toward using renewable energy. Johanson of Solar Electric Vehicles said he'd like to see Toyota bring the weight of a Prius down from 3,000 pounds to 2,000. He also hopes for a small gasoline engine and a larger electric motor. In the meantime, Solar Electric Vehicles sells its version of a plug-in Prius, with a solar panel installed, for $25,000, Bautista said.

Toyota is the largest automaker to incorporate solar power into a mass-produced car. But its solar panel is not the first for a car company. The Eclectic model costs $30,000, looks like a souped-up golf cart and uses roof-mounted solar panels to help power an electric engine.

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