Entries Tagged 'hybrid' ↓

Seeing that the 2009 Detroit Auto Show was dominated by electric car technology, I lucked out to score the second of my two interviews with Nancy Gioia, Ford’s Global Director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs. My goal was to look into what the coming years will bring with specific regard to Ford’s electric car efforts. As with other automakers, electrification has a past (the Ford Electric Ranger), a present (the current Ford electric-hybrids), and a future. Our conversation was inspiring. As it turns out, a full-fledged market-ready Ford electric car is neither far-fetched, nor far off …

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There’s no better time then the dead of winter to test AWD gas mileage. (As I write this, I’m in the midst of reviewing an AWD 2009 Mazda CX-7 GT. While the official estimates are par for the course, I’ve been able to exceed the numbers on the window sticker.) Unfortunately, AWD gas mileage is nearly always lower than the FWD variant … when all four wheels are driven, fuel economy always suffers. It comes down to simple physics. Even the best gas mileage AWDs top out in the 30 mile per gallon (MPG) highway range.

A good number of the current AWD gas mileage champs use hybrid technology. I’ve put the Lexus 400h, Ford Escape Hybrid, and Toyota Highlander Hybrid to the gas mileage test over the past year and have achieved excellent results with each vehicle.
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In a historic year, automakers produced an array of 2008 hybrid models, from the trend-setting Toyota Prius through the stealthy Nissan Altima Hybrid and utilitarian Ford Escape Hybrid. Where the pickings were once slim, there’s now a bounty of choices.

MPGomatic had the good fortune to review most of the 2008 hybrid cars and SUVs over the course of the year, and we’ve come away with some interesting observations. There’s little doubt that 2008 set a high-water mark on an ever-rising tide, as hybrid technology clearly moves into the mainstream.

While it’s tough to pick a single favorite among the 2008 hybrids, a number of models stood out from the crowd. Although the Prius continued as the most fuel-efficient car sold in America, the Honda Civic Hybrid was close behind. The Toyota Synergy Drive technology in the Prius captured the top spot due to its ability to glide under pure electric propulsion at lower speeds.

Among the five-seat 2008 hybrid SUVs, the Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid took the honors for highest highway mileage, while the Ford Escape Hybrid grabbed the crown for city mileage. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was unchallenged as the most fuel-efficient seven-seat SUV.

All-in-all, a very good year that sets the stage for an even-higher level of hybridization in 2009.

Hybrid Reviews:

• Chevy Malibu Hybrid Review
• Ford Escape Hybrid Review
• Ford F-150 Hybrid (prototype)
• Ford Fusion Hybrid: Quick Cruise
• Honda Civic Hybrid Review
• Lexus RX400h Hybrid Review
• Nissan Altima Hybrid Review
• Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid Review
• Toyota Camry Hybrid Review
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review
• Toyota Prius Hybrid Review

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While the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid won’t start rolling off assembly line until late winter, I had the chance to drive a pre-production version yesterday at a Ford media event. The ride was brief, but eye-opening. With temperatures hovering in the twenties, I was able to coax 40.5 miles per gallon (MPG) out of the Fusion Hybrid in my first (and only) twenty minutes or so of driving through the suburbs and highways around Dearborn, Michigan.

Seeing that the Fusion Hybrid will glide under electric power up to 47 miles per hour, I’d reckon that I’ll be able to get a production version into mid-forty MPG range with ease. A bit more time in the saddle and I’ll have it figured out. (To prove my numbers weren’t a fluke, my co-driver — a two-time Prius owner — was able to top my result by a mile or so, after discovering a simple technique to provoke electric drive.)

The competition for the Toyota Camry Hybrid just got a whole lot tougher. The Fusion Hybrid has a sporty edge to it, with crisp lines and an industry leading dashboard display that takes economical driving to the next level.

It’s not just good. It’s really good.

For everyone that wants to put Detroit down for not keeping up with the times … they simply haven’t seen or driven the Ford Fusion Hybrid … yet.

- by Daniel Gray

Looking for the best SUV for your family? While the economic climate has changed dramatically, America has not stopped buying SUVs. For big families, it’s either an SUV or a minivan, and for those in colder climates, it’s the SUV that gets the nod. While determining which SUV best suits your family’s requirements needn’t be a drawn out process; it does take a bit of time and an open mind. The best SUV for your needs might not be the one you have your heart set upon.

The good news is that the recent drop in gasoline prices and the glut of SUVs on dealer lots has created a buyers market. I chatted with an old friend of mine earlier this evening. His marital situation is changing and he’s ready to buy a new SUV, but he’s not sure exactly which model to choose.

Joe Cool: Hi Dan. I have a bit of a dilemma in the car department and am hoping you can help me out.

Dan Gray: Hey there, old friend, tell me about that dilemma.

Joe Cool: I’m coming out of a divorce and will end up with two cars, neither of which I want. The first is a Toyota Prius. It’s from the first year of the second generation of the car, and it’s good, but it’s too small and definitely doesn’t handle poor weather well.
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