Volkswagen is set to launch a Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid in 2010. Like General Motors and Chrysler, VW is applying hybrid technology to one of its thirstiest vehicles, allowing it to get substantially better fuel efficiency while maintaining its SUV capabilities. The Touareg hybrid starts off with the new 333 hp supercharged 3.0L TSI V6 from the recently-announced Audi S4. A 38 kW electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and the all-new 8-speed automatic transmission. When the nickel metal hydride battery has sufficient charge, the total output from the powertrain is 374 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, enough to push the Touareg to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds. VW claims the hybrid delivers a 25 percent overall boost in fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 26.1 mpg (U.S.), slightly better than the 25.3 mpg (U.S.) achieved by the 3.0L TDI Touareg on the same European test cycle. [Autoblog]
Mercedes-Benz showcased its BlueZero E-Cell concept car at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. It is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 35 kilowatt hours (kWh). The car has an operating range of up to 200 kilometers. Recharging the empty battery only takes three to four hours. [AVING]
Fisker Automotive, an American manufacturer of premium green automobiles has introduced its 2010 Fisker Karma at the 2009 North American International Auto Show(NAIAS) in Detroit. Priced at $87,900, the car is scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter of 2009 through the Fisker Automotive Retail network. The car can accelerate to 96 km/h (60 mph) in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of a little over 200 km/h at a fully charged. The Karma is clearly a performance-oriented sedan.
[Auto123]
Honda’s all-new Insight concept car has been unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. This 5-passenger car is powered by a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor form the foundation of the Integrated Motor Assist(IMA) hybrid system. The electric motor is positioned inline between the engine and the continuously variable transmission, that adds power during acceleration and in certain cruising situations, and recaptures energy from the vehicle’s forward momentum during braking. [AVING]
BMW has recently showed off its new BMW 7 Series Active-Hybrid during 2008 Paris Motor Show. The car is powered by 8-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. Find out more detailed pictures on the gallery below. [AVING] More»
Honda today released the first official image of its new Insight hybrid. The car will make its global debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009. This five-seater car will be closely followed by a hybrid production version of the CR-Z concept sports car and a Jazz hybrid. [AVING]
