What Are The Two Different Forms Of Hybrid Cars?

Currently, there is a lot of interest in hybrid cars due to the gas prices of recent years. There are two forms of hybrid cars. The first is a parallel hybrid, where there is both a gas and electric supply attached to the transmission of the car and the car is able to use both sources when running. The second is a series hybrid, where the gas portion powers a generator and the generator supplies electricity for the motor to run. These both improve the efficiency of the car, which is why hybrids are favored today. The only drawback for some consumers is the size.

The reason for this is that smaller cars help maintain the efficiency of the car. With a big car the engine is heavier and so when speeding or traveling up an incline, more energy is needed. Further more, because of the size, the hybrid car has an engine that requires less energy to perform its tasks. Then there is the cylinder displacement, which in a large vehicle takes more power. And in terms of cylinders, the smaller hybrid car doesn’t need as many to perform.

The Honda Insight is one of the smallest hybrid cars on the market. It was designed to carry two people. There is hardly any space for cargo or luggage. This design improves the fuel efficiency considerably, but the lack of space is a drawback.

The Toyota Prius has more space than the Insight. It can fit more than four people and the hatchback trunk can carry more cargo or luggage. This design has won Toyota awards and honors but for a family car, today’s consumers are used to having much more room.

Then there is the Honda Civic Hybrid. This car is the same size as a regular Honda Civic. The compartment spaces are maximized as much as possible in this model. Again, for the consumer who is used to driving an SUV or a minivan, this may still be not enough.

And for those consumers, there are some SUV and minivan hybrids available, however they don’t perform well. The efficiency has been compromised by the size. The price tag of these cars is a couple of thousands of dollars more than the regular models so in the end it may not be worth it in terms of gas mileage. So if you are buying a hybrid, it is best to go for the smaller cars and if you are looking for something larger, a hybrid may not be worth it.

About The Author

Jackson Porter is a staff writer at http://www.automobileenthusiast.com and is an occasioanl contributor to several other websites, including http://www.environmental-central.com.

Are Diesel or Hybrid Cars For You?

While everyone is looking to a greener planet, car makers are also doing their best to come out with newer environmentally friendly models. Technological advancement is what is propelling the automotive industry to come out with fuel efficient and zero emission engines, not forgetting the need to search for replaceable energy source as the new alternative power source.

Diesel has been a long time favorite for fuel efficient drivers. With the high compression engine and diesel having higher energy content, it has a potential of pitting against gasoline vehicles in terms of power over efficiency. This can be seen in Audi R10 being a diesel powered car winning the Le Mans 24 hour endurance race consecutively thanks to not having to pop in the pit stop to refuel as frequently as other competitors. Considering the smelly diesel puffs from buses ages ago, it might not be a good choice as an environmentally friendly car.

When we look at hybrid vehicle, we can only look at vehicles with two power sources being slapped together as one. Usually a combination of gasoline engine with an electric motor’s assistance. The green part of a hybrid vehicle is that the car is smart enough to switch off the gasoline engine and make use of the electric motor at certain time, reducing the petrol used. Although the theory sounds flawless, actual efficient driving on a hybrid requires a unique driving style in order to get more miles out of the engine. The promising hybrid vehicles are the topic of discussion these days. Already out there some of the hybrid vehicles such as popular Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, and numerous other common production cars with a ‘Hybrid’ or ‘H’ emblem stuck to the boot. The wonder of a hybrid is the energy balancing capability of both motors present in the car itself. Say for instance the car will use the petrol engine to propel the car from standstill and to a stage where the car is cruising, the electric motor will be driving the car, putting the pistons to rest. This intelligent concept also includes the regenerative braking capability that charges up the car’s battery so that the electric motor can use it for cruising.

On the other hand, diesel powered vehicles still works the same as a combustion engine. The only difference is newer diesel engines delivers higher power and torque rating thanks to technologies such as common rail diesel engines. With torque being the strong point of diesel cars, it needs a low rev to get to the highest torque compared to petrol engines. Take the Mercedes models for an example, with a CDI engine, some with smaller capacity diesel engine outperforms higher capacity petrol cars. The longer cruise range and low emission green engine makes it a selling point too.

Speaking of which, since hybrid vehicles are powered by a combination of electric motor and gasoline engine, why not a turbocharged common rail diesel engine slapped with an electric motor side by side? Diesel hybrids might be on the way soon once car manufacturers figure out how to balance the heavy gadget filled common rail diesel engine together with heavy battery packs to create a better hybrid. As the hybrid makers say, all they need is torque to move the vehicle from standstill – so why not use a diesel engine?
by: Brenda Williams

Hybrid Car Review: It’s A Baby Nissan Hybrid!

Nissan recently made public its first baby in the hybrid car industry with its 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid! Although it has not been priced yet at the moment, car enthusiast are looking out for its initial release into the hybrid auto market which will be in 2007. On the exterior, the new 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid will assume the similar look of the non-hybrid Altima and will also run on the same gas engine as its non-hybrid counterpart. But this newly-introduced 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Car will be boasting of its added hybrid electric system that helps reduce gas emissions and maximize its gas mileage with an expected fuel economy of 36 mpg - miles per gallon - for highway driving and 41 mpg - miles per gallon - for city driving.

Emission-wise, the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid has passed the standard of PZEV or the Partial Zero Emission Vehicle, classified as AT-PZEV, which means to say that this new baby will be ruling the roads of the eight states which has adopted the California standard for vehicle emission tests.

A peek under the hood will tell us that the new 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Car will have 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine with a power of 158 horsepower and with a CVT powertrain . Together with the hybrid system, it will have a total of 198 horsepower, net! The 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Car will run with a 40 horsepower permanent magnet synchronized AC motor. Its electric motor will have a 199 lb-ft, torque and a hybrid battery pack of 244.8 Volts.

Not a bad primi for Nissan. And if all goes well, we might expect more hybrid models from Nissan.

JB Anthony is the webmaster of http://www.hybridcars.hottestniches.com/ For more information on hybrid cars, latest hybrid car reviews and updates and links to hybrid cars, please visit http://www.hybridcars.hottestniches.com/

5 Buying Tips For Hybrid Cars

With the rising cost of gas, it is getting less and less affordable to own a car these days. As a result of this increase in cost, car manufacturers have lately been very aggressive in promoting their line of hybrid cars designed to save fuel.

While a hybrid car in general does saves you some money on gas, you may want to bear these points in mind when looking to buy a hybrid car.

1) Hybrid cars generally are more expensive than conventional gas powered cars. The price difference can be as much as $10,000. Hybrid cars are still new to consumers and may take a while before prices drop.

2) The batteries used in a hybrid car is different from a conventional car. The prices are much higher. They are about $2000 more expensive. However, hybrid car batteries have a longer life span as well.

3) The government has a tax deduction for hybrid cars owners. The hybrid car tax deduction varies from year to year but in general, you can save at least a couple of thousand dollars.

4) The cost of maintenance for a hybrid car is also higher. Also it has more complex systems and engine, a normal mechanic may not know how to repair it. In most cases, you need to send back to the hybrid car manufacturer for maintenance and repair and the cost is not cheap.

5) Hybrid cars use special tires that are wore out more easily than conventional cars. These hybrid car tires cost more and need to be replaced around 25,000 miles.

While the above points may seem that buying a hybrid car is more expensive, the fuel savings in itself is definitely worth it in the long run.

By: Ricky Lim, operates a hybrid cars site. Visit his site for more information on hybrid car battery and hybrid car tax

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Toyota Launches 2008 Highlander Hybrid

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) USA now releases the details, specifications, and manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the new 2008 Highlander Hybrid mid-size SUV that will roll out in Toyota dealer showrooms all over the U.S. this coming October.

As a hybrid model, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is equipped with Toyota's patented Hybrid Synergy Drive(TM). The 2008 Highlander Hybrid is equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine under its hood, featuring four-wheel drive with intelligence (4WD-i). This powertrain is capable of pumping out 270 horsepower and comes with a newly developed powertrain feature like the EV Mode, ECON Mode and Hybrid System Indicator. The EV Mode feature enables the driver to use only electric power within a limited distance and at low speeds. The ECON Mode allows the driver to have a smooth throttle response to limit excessive acceleration. This is acquired by activating a throttle-control program. Meanwhile, Toyota's Hybrid System Indicator allows the driver to have a visual guide regarding the car's fuel consumption and offers guides to maximize the car's fuel economy.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid comes with a host of interior features and amenities. Standard interior features on the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base model include AM/FM/CD with six speakers, leather-trimmed tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, and two rows of fabric-trimmed seats.

Like the GMC Acadia with GM bed mat , its competitor in the SUV segment, the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid also offers comfort and convenience for both the passengers and cargo. The flexible second-row seating features captain's chairs with armrests. This seating feature can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. The "Center Stow(TM)" seat can be hidden in a compartment on the front center console when not in use, adding more interior space.

For the well equipped 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited model, standard components include three rows of leather-trimmed seats, rear glass hatch, power rear door, multi-stage heated front seats, AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer, puddle lamps on outside mirrors, fog lamps and a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
In addition, both the Base and Limited models are equipped with a stand-alone backup camera with a 3.5-inch LCD screen and Smart Key System with Push Button Start.

As expected for a Toyota model, both the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base and Limited offer a bunch of active and passive safety systems. These include driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags, active headrests for the driver and front passenger, Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System, Toyota's STAR(TM) Safety system with Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will roll out in dealerships carrying a base MSRP of $33,700, while the Highlander Hybrid Limited carries a base price of $39,950.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/autos-articles/toyota-launches-2008-highlander-hybrid-202908.html

About the Author:Evander Klum is a Business Administration graduate who hails from Alabama. He enjoys extreme sports and he is also a car racing fanatic. At present, he works as a marketing manager at an advertising agency in Cleveland.

Avis to Add 500 Hybrids to Fleet By Anthony Fontanelle

Car rental company Avis will be expanding their fleet of eco-friendly vehicles. The company announced that 500 hybrid vehicles will be added to their fleet. According to information released by the car rental company, the 500 hybrids will be Nissan Altima units. These will be delivered to selected branches.

The addition of the 500 Nissan Altima Hybrid units will give customers of the company the choice between a Toyota Prius and the Nissan hybrid. Interestingly, the Altima Hybrid is designed using the powertrain design of the Prius. The Prius and the Altima Hybrid will be part of Avis’ Eco Rides selection.

The Altima is a midsize sedan while the Prius is a compact car. The difference between the two hybrid cars is the interior space. With the addition of the Nissan Altima Hybrid to the fleet, Avis is giving their customers a choice.

Incidentally, the Nissan Altima Hybrid was recently adjudged by Edmunds as the second best hybrid sedan in the market. According to the online source of auto information, the Camry Hybrid is better than the Altima overall. But in the fuel efficiency tests undertaken by test drivers for Edmunds, they found out that the Altima Hybrid is more fuel efficient than the Camry Hybrid on city driving. Overall though, the Camry has a better gas mileage when highway mpg is considered.

The choice of the car rental company of the Nissan Altima Hybrid may be because of its superior city driving gas mileage. The roomy interior of the Nissan Altima will also appeal to customers of Avis. This roomy interior is complemented by the high quality of materials used inside the car which includes the floor mats which are comparable to the Subaru cargo liner in terms of practicality. According to the company, the reason for the expansion of their hybrid car rental fleet is twofold.

Becky Alseth, the senior vice president of marketing for Avis Budget Group, Inc., explains: “In addition to consumers who wish to make their rental experience one with minimal environmental impact, we expect a substantial number of customers are thinking of purchasing a hybrid vehicle, and want to try the Nissan Altima or Toyota Prius for themselves to see how it performs.”

The purchase of the 500 units of Nissan Altima Hybrids will give the Japanese automaker a boost in promoting the hybrid car. With Avis’ wide reach, consumers will be exposed to the Nissan Altima Hybrid. The expansion will benefit both Avis and the automaker. With the promotion of the hybrid vehicles, Nissan can expect an increase in the number of visitors in their dealerships.

Aside from the Toyota Prius and the Nissan Altima Hybrid, Avis also offers other vehicles which is a part of their ‘Cool Cars’ collection. The collection includes the Eco Rides - the Prius and the Altima Hybrid. Other vehicles includes what the company labels as ‘Joy Rides’ - the Ford Mustang, Mitsubishi Spyder and Eclipse, Dodge Nitro and the Magnum. The ‘Ultimate Rides’ includes the Hummer H3, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300, Lincoln MKX, and the Chrysler Crossfire.

“All of our Avis Cool Cars can now be specifically reserved by individual make and model, and if that's the car you reserve, that's the car you will get,” said Alseth. “We look forward to adding more exciting and exotic vehicles to the Avis Cool Cars collection in the coming months.”

About the Author: Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

Kia Unveils Hybrid Car at Geneva Auto Show By KatieJones

Following the debate on stricter emission standards set by the European Union, car makers went into the 77th Geneva International Auto Show with green cars aplenty. Different car makers from different parts of the world showcased their contributions to the global effort of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Aside from Toyota which is already known for their hybrid vehicles, other car makers are joining the long line of car makers offering hybrid cars to the motoring public. One of these car manufacturers is the Korean contingent - Kia.

The Korean brand unveiled their Kia Rio Hybrid for the first time on European soil. The introduction of the Rio Hybrid to the European automotive scene is a celebration since Kia was commissioned to provide hybrid vehicles to the Korean Ministry of the Environment. Together with Hyundai, 3,390 units of hybrid cars will be delivered to the ministry for real world testing. The appearance of the Rio hybrid is also a show of force for the Korean brand. Although hybrid cars are not as famous in Europe as they are in the United States, Kia hopes to increase the popularity of hybrid vehicles in the European auto market.

The Kia Rio features a 1.4-liter 90ps gasoline engine coupled to a 12 kW, 95 Nm AC synchronized electric motor. The motor gives the engine an added boost during selected driving operations. The motor is located between the flywheel and the gearbox. It kicks into gear when the car is starting, accelerating or climbing. The battery pack of the hybrid car is continually recharged during braking. The car features a regenerative braking system which means that the energy given off during braking is recovered. The operation of the system may not be as simple as the operation of a Honda door handle , but it proves efficient on cutting down the amount of gasoline that needs to be burned to power the car.

Aside from the regenerative braking system and the electric motor, the Kia Rio is also equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In fact, the Rio hybrid is the first ever Kia vehicle to be equipped with this technology. The components used in the Rio hybrid are also designed to reduce the load on the engine and electric motor by using lightweight materials. By reducing the weight of the car, Kia engineers gave the Rio a respectable acceleration. Thanks to the high torque produced by the electric motor, the Rio can go to a hundred kilometers per hour from a standstill in just 12.2 seconds. The hybrid car can attain speeds of up to 180 kilometer per hour. The most awesome thing about the Kia Rio hybrid is that it can travel a hundred kilometers on just 5.29 liters of gasoline, in other words, or units, the Rio has a gas mileage rating of 53.4 miles per gallon.

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About the Author:Katie Jones writes for a local newspaper and her beat involves the latest updates in the automotive industry. She is also working on her book on cars during her spare time.

Driving The Nissan Altima Hybrid By John G. Anderson

"Nissan Altima Hybrid"

Nissan's first gas-electric hybrid vehicle is one of the best, but gas guzzling drivers don't make it any easier to share the roads. If you really want to annoy other drivers on the road, drive your hybrid as it's designed to be driven.

You'll hear a constant barrage of horns when you don't race off at the lights and most drivers will risk there lives to dodge around you when you keep to the posted speed limit.

It soon becomes obvious that most people still drive as if gas was still $2.00 a gallon and up until driving a hybrid, that included me. The Nissan Altima Hybrid, the company's first entry into the gas-electric hybrid market uses a 2.5-litre four cylinder engine from the conventional Altima, connected to a Toyota-sourced electric hybrid drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Altima can run solely on battery power, the engine also shuts off when at idle, so there is absolutely no emmissions when your stuck in a traffic jam. The electric motor restarts it, so there is also no conventional starter to wear out. The first question people always ask is "what's the replacement cost of the battery pack". The Altima hybrid system is covered by warranty for 8 years or 160,000km, if you need a replacement after that, Nissan estimates the cost at around $3,900.00.

I've driven many hybrid vehicles but I really like the Altima hybrid. The CVT transmission didn't have that rubber band feel and the handling was very crisp and accurate. If you are not willing to change your driving habits, you will have a harder time recovering the extra hybrid cost in your gas savings. If you live in an urban area with constant traffic you will immediately notice the benefits of a hybrid vehicle.

Nissan has always prided itself on sporty performance and the Altima hybrid does deliver. It's low end torque makes it feel like a V6 and the stiff platform handles the road admirably. But if you drive it like a sports car you will sacrifice the benefits of the hybrid system. The Altima hybrid is a great car and comes in top-of-the-line trim levels, including heated power adjustable cloth seats, automatic climate control, ABS, stability control and side & curtain airbags.

If you are in the market for a hybrid vehicle the Nissan Altima Hybrid is a serious contender.

John Anderson operates http://hybrid-cars.megawebpages.com an online information resource for news, reviews and discussions on hybrid vehicles.

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How To Make The Right Hybrid Choice For You By Gregg Hall

The modern hybrid vehicle comes in numerous makes and models, various colors and sizes. And as the desire and need for this trendy car grows, so will the options available to consumers. There are a variety of things that need to be considered in choosing a hybrid car. A smart buyer will do his homework and educate himself with the myriad of choices before making a final selection.

Design and size must be considered when deciding the hybrid car that is right for you. Take into consideration the number of passengers that you will normally be carrying in your vehicle. Also think of the types and sizes of objects you will typically be transporting. What about storage space?

Currently, hybrid cars come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. If you are looking for a smaller automobile, there is a two-passenger hybrid on the market. Need something for the family? Hybrid makers have also developed a compact sedan that can accompany up to five passengers. Sport utility vehicle (SUV) lovers also have a choice of this popular car. Manufacturers have created a larger hybrid designed for those in need of more passenger and storage space.

When purchasing any automobile, the cost plays a major role. When choosing to buy a hybrid car, you must realize that it will come with a hefty price tag; a higher cost is one of the only drawbacks to this automobile. The average hybrid and sport utility vehicle range from approximately $20,000 to $50,000 for standard models. If you would like extra features, the price will increase. At $20,000, the hybrid costs almost $5,000 more than your average non-hybrid vehicle. However, the hybrid owners save on fuel in the long run. Hybrid owners have also been given government take breaks for the past few years. So, while the initial purchase may be a large one, in the end, buying a hybrid is quite beneficial.

Whether we want to admit it or not, appearance does matter, even when choosing an automobile. While hybrids may be created differently, many have the looks and styles of traditional vehicles. However, it you would like something a bit extraordinary, hybrid manufacturers have developed a range of futuristic models, all available in an assortment of colors. For those who want a standard automobile look, compacts, sedans, and sport utility vehicles are also offered. The hybrid makers offer a wide variety of accessories for an added personal touch to your new hybrid automobile.

The gas mileage of any automobile should be checked for accuracy before purchase. Gas mileage is especially an important factor when deciding on the right hybrid to buy. Hybrids are known for their excellent fuel efficiency. Mileage is an average 8-10 percent higher on a standard hybrid vehicle. The amount of money that is saved in gasoline will usually pay back the extra money that was spent in the initial purchase of the car.

Many car buyers wonder if hybrids have automatic transmissions. The answer is yes. However, the automatic transmission in the hybrid vehicle enables manual gear changes when desired. When in drive, the hybrid operates as a standard automatic, but allows the driver to utilize an included shift lever to manually change the gears. The hybrid automatic has all the advantages of a manual transmission, including better engine speed control, with use of a clutch pedal. Hybrid cars also have traction control systems. In these systems, when your car accelerates from a stop, traction control works to guarantee the greatest possible contact between your tires and the road surface. Traction control systems are especially ideal on icy or wet roads, as they decrease traction.

As you finalize the hybrid purchasing process, here are some other things that should be taken into consideration. If you know of a new hybrid vehicle that will soon debut, it is best to order this car through a local dealership. When dealing with a salesperson, you must always have confidence in his knowledge of the hybrid. You should not commit to a purchase until you have confidence in your salesperson, and feel they are someone you can trust. Such a large purchase should never be taken lightly.

Source: Submit Articles at ArticlesBase.com

About the Author:Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get quality car care products for your car at http://www.5starshine.com/

Honda Civic Ima: Hybrid Doesn't Have to be Boring By Jerick Brooks

The call for eco-friendly vehicles has made automakers from the US and Japan to compete for the cash, hearts, and mind of the growing green car buyers. And presently it seems like the Japanese brands Toyota and Honda are leading the green vehicle department.

Honda maker of Honda exhaust system and Toyota have provided green car buyers with solutions in the shaped of modern design hybrid cars which were very much welcomed in both US and Japan reflected by the huge sales that these two hybrid brands have obtained. The success of hybrid vehicles has also reached other countries as a matter of fact the Irish government has responded positively to the arrival of hybrids in their market. It has given 50 percent Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) rebate on hybrids. This is the government’s way of encouraging the Irish people to purchase hybrid vehicles.

Despite the alluring tax incentive that the government is offering it is not enough to convince people to purchase a hybrid vehicle. People buy cars based on three factors and these are looks, performance, and price. Honda Civic and Toyota are very much aware of this and that’s why they have taken the effort to create the Honda Civic IMA and the Toyota Prius in accordance to the preference of their customers.

Honda hybrid cars make use of advanced Honda exhaust technology that lessens harmful emissions same with Toyota although it employs a different exhaust system but the end product is just the same. The new Civic IMA hybrid leads in terms of strict engine performance. Its 1.3 liter Honda engine and 10 kW electrical system revs up a total of 115 bhp while the 1.5 liter petrol Prius produces only 76 bhp. The Honda system compared to Toyota produces more torque and can achieve a higher forward speed.

On the other hand the Prius score much higher in terms of acceleration and economy. It’s almost half a second faster in terms of acceleration to Honda---11.5 seconds compared to the 12.1 seconds for the Civic IMA in a 0 to 100 km/hr race. The Toyota Prius is also more economical than the Honda Civic IMA that is despite the fact that IMA is rated as very clean with CO2 output level of just 109 g/km.

At the heart of the Civic IMA is the new Honda Hybrid System which is consists of a new 1.3 liter 3-stage iVTEC engine plus Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) ---which explains the IMA in its name. The new Honda Hybrid System makes use of intelligent engine functions plus it is said to give the performance similar to that of a 1.8 liter engine while improving fuel economy, achieving very low levels of exhaust emissions, and reducing the system size by five percent.

The Honda Civic IMA’s 3-stage iVTEC engine utilizes three hydraulic pathways to couple and uncouple five rocker arm assembles, providing three stages of valve control depending on the driving conditions---to achieve a combination of responsive driving and fuel economy. In times of deceleration when the cylinder are idle, the combustion in all four cylinders is stopped and sealed shut, which reduces pumping losses caused by the engine aspiration for a ten percent improvement in recovery of braking energy. Everything has been done on the IMA to reduce friction and that includes the use of aluminum die-cast pistons.

The electric motor system of Honda utilizes coils with high-density windings and high-performance magnets to achieve high output. The inverter that is used to control the motor speed is integrated with the motor’s EGU for more precise digital control which is said to contribute to an even greater motor efficiency and fuel economy.

The battery output of the IMA has also been increased by almost 30 percent. Honda also claims that the IMA’s more compact, custom-designed battery storage box provides better cooling performance as well as vibration resistance for long term reliability.

The regenerative braking system of the IMA is engaged hydraulically to allow optimum braking regeneration along with smooth deceleration that conforms to brake-pedal pressure. IMA’s air conditioner unit features a hybrid compressor that is powered by both the engine and the motor. In case rapid cooling is needed it is powered by the engine and the motor combined. Once the temperature is stable it runs off the motor alone for improved comfort and fuel savings.

The performance of both the Prius and Civic hybrids is almost similar however the Civic IMA is better in styling. Honda’s designers have ensured that the appeal of the IMA would match the tastes of modern audience.

About the Author:Jerick Brooks is a BS Computer Science graduate at Columbus State University. He has passion for anything car-related especially car racing. He loves writing and currently works as an IT consultant in a company based in Atlanta.

Five Toyota New Concept Vehicles: in Brief

Toyota proves to be still one of the most famous automobile brands in the industry. Five of its surely most awaited concept vehicles include the PM, NLSV, Hybrid X, FT-SX, and the FT-HS.

The PM is a personal mobility vehicle that fits car race. Its very small appearance makes it very sporty yet stylish. According to the Toyota website, the car’s cutting-edge vehicle-to-vehicle communications technologies are employed under the concept of "meeting, linking and hanging out together".

The NLSV meanwhile, features a huge, wireless electric sliding door on the passenger side and a flatter and wider floor. On the exterior, it has a narrow bumper, but the interior is exceptionally wide.

Toyota rewrites the rules for conceptualizing hybrid cars in its production of the Hybrid X. The company says Hybrid X might establish the norm in building hybrid cars in the future. A key concept on this vehicle is the Vibrant Clarity. It is a design establishing all design works in a unique and emotionally vibrant identity that definitely speaks of Toyota.

It offers sustainable mobility for modern families. Through this car, Toyota is making one step closer to its vision of a zero smog-forming emission future because of its environmentally advanced technology.

Inside the car, the driver sets the mood using an internal interface that controls lighting, and music. Complete driver control is experienced through technological innovations in interactive navigation, driving information and comfort control.

Resembling a tamed tiger, the FT-SX is an exploration of an entirely new genre of automobile. This car delivers complete function, luxury and sporty performance, and is conveyed visually by its imposing size and sleek silhouette. Making it incredibly versatile are the powerful V6 engine, all-wheel drive, 21-inch wheels, four doors, an inventive rear hatch and multi-functional glass roof.

Loading large and heavy objects is easy in this car. A loading tray that automatically extends when the lower hatch is opened makes the rear cargo area extremely user-friendly.

The interior has a sleek, sporty design of the exterior, with "flying speed board" gauge clusters. Added to this is the luxury of natural woods, soft leathers and durable metals.

Finally, the FT-HS -- according to Toyota, the
car answers the question “What sports car suits the 21st century concept?” The FT-HS is a mid-priced sports car that integrates ecology and emotion, pairing a potent hybrid power train with essential sports-car fundamentals.

Using a powerful V6 3.5L engine, the FT-HS is coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive to produce a target power output of approximately 400 horsepower and a projected zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range.

The roof has a distinctive scooped-out section designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and provide head room at the key areas.

The FT-HS's interior features “create a dedicated driver's cockpit” that includes a cross-car instrument panel structure and delta-wing driver pod. Creating an enclosed pod effect an integrated instrument panel surrounds the driver. When the roof retracts, the 4 seats are converted to a seat good for two. This is another milestone from Toyota.

Common among this 5 and the other new concept cars are the well enhanced Toyota mufflers .
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About the Author:Jerick Brooks is a BS Computer Science graduate at Columbus State University. He has passion for anything car-related especially car racing. He loves writing and currently works as an IT consultant in a company based in Atlanta.

Honda Civic Hybrid 2007-A Review By Arindam Chattopadhyaya

Makers and Designers of the Honda Civic Hybrid have been successful to bring out a car that is both extremely fuel efficient with cleaner fuel emissions. This hybrid car is a stunning car to match your lifestyle.

The car has been voted as a stunning car, to look at. The mileage that averages more than 50 miles per hour qualifies if for the ATPZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission) status in almost all states of America.

The slicked back windshield as known for waste of space, this space has been used by the designers for making a two-tier instrument rack that has been again, beautifully designed, thus making it something attractive in designing. The front and the outdoor design of the car have been designed stylishly and give it a very handsome look.

The machine of the Honda Civic Hybrid 2007 has the mode of deactivation when it is certain cruising modes, i.e. the machine deactivates all its cylinders, thus reducing the emissions from the engine to nil since the electric motor powers the vehicle. Again the machine allows opening and closing of cylinders to give the right amount of power to engine while accelerating.

The car uses more batteries that the previous versions of this car, and the more the batteries more the power that is provided by them. However, on the downside, these batteries have been stored behind the rear seats therefore, the rear seats do not fold like the earlier versions of Honda Civic Hybrid did.

Honda has effective and powerful breaking system which gives you more power when you brake since once you press the brake pedal the computer activates all the components that are required at the time of braking thereby reducing the pumping losses and gives a powerful breaking system.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is priced around $23000 to $24000 this makes it cheaper than many other models available in the market. This makes it an attractive buy. Since the car also allows a lot of safety and economy it can definitely give other car makers like Toyota a good competition.
So affordable, economical, good-looking are the new advantages given by the Honda Civic Hybrid making it the car to look out for. The colors available for this car are Opal blue and magnetic pearl along with many other options.

Hybrid car information provides excellent and easy to understand information on hybrid vehicle. Author is an auto engineer and she will be happy to answer your questions on hybrid car.

Article Source:

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Hybrid Cars – Hottest Trend on Wheels

The increasing popularity of Hybrid cars is a clear indication of increasing fuel prices and increased concern over air pollution levels. People are looking for safe fuel alternatives for running their cars. Hybrid cars are the perfect answer of both the problems. Let us understand what hybrid cars are and how efficient they are for helping solve the global environmental problem.

The term hybrid means a mixture of two things. As the name suggests, hybrid cars run on a combination fuel. The energy for hybrid cars comes from a combination of a gasoline/diesel engine backed by an electric motor. Batteries in turn power the electric motor. These batteries are recharged automatically by utilizing the energy that is lost during braking and slowing down of the vehicle. In hybrid cars, the electric motor acts as an electric generator by running backwards, when the car slows down thus recharging the batteries. Hybrid cars are more efficient in city traffic rather than long distance driving due to the increased use of the electric power source.

The engines in hybrid cars are smaller than those in a traditional gasoline powered car. Thus, they consume less gas and are more energy efficient. The extra power needed to accelerate the hybrid car, comes from electric motor and batteries. The gasoline engine of hybrid car runs at higher engine revolutions without using excessive fuel. In some hybrid cars, the engine shuts off when the car stops at a traffic signal, and starts on its own when the car is put in gear.

Today, the consumer is well aware of the environmental harm being done by gas/diesel engines. The ever-increasing price of gas can make you feel the pinch every time you go to refuel your car. The hybrid cars offer a combination of power and energy. The constraint before now with hybrid cars however, was that there was not much choice available. Now, increasing popularity of hybrid cars have resulted in availability of several different models of hybrid cars. Many leading car manufacturers such as Honda, Ford and Toyota have come up with their version of hybrid cars.

There is a wide choice of hybrid cars available to fit everybody’s style and need. The old limitations that seemed to exist for the buyers now seem to be fading into the past. High cost, low speed, limited choice, non-availability are all things of yesteryears. Now you can have a trendy looking hybrid car that is easy on your pocket not only when you purchase it but also when you run it.

Copyright © 2007 Will Jones
Will is a retired Research Food Technologist who worked over forty years with a major Fortune 500 food company in the Midwest. Product and process development of various types of foods were Will’s expertise. Will’s interests include reading, cooking, fishing, travel and golf.
Will is also a contributing editor for http://www.best-free-help.com/ a FREE Informational Website Portal that is dedicated to giving people expert knowledge of real value, to help people them decide!

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New Technology for Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles have become more and more popular in the U.S. since Toyota introduced the Prius. This fuel efficient vehicle is equipped with a small engine that is powered commonly by gasoline. Its fuel efficiency is due to the use of an electric motor which supplies the additional power to aid the engine.

While a small engine may not be suitable for some driving conditions, the electric motor powered by an on board battery pack makes the power produced by the small engine adequate enough. But designers and engineers in the auto industry are constantly looking for ways to improve the performance of a hybrid vehicle. Turbodyne Technologies Inc. is one of the companies looking for ways to improve the performance of hybrid cars. Recently, the company announced that they have developed a new technology which is aimed to help hybrid vehicles perform even better.

Turbodyne has improved the design of the Turbodyne TurboFlow™ electronic air injection system. The technology is aimed for use by hybrid vehicles. “It’s clear that hybrid vehicle production is experiencing significant growth,” says Al Case, the Chief Executive Officer of Turbodyne. “”The biggest challenge is maximizing engine output while maintaining fuel economy. That’s where the opportunity lies for the Turbodyne TurboFlow™ air injection system,” Case added.

The TurboFlow technology differs from turbochargers and superchargers by the absence of mechanical linkages. That is because the Turbodyne TurboFlow air injection system uses an electric motor to operate the air compressor which in turn supplies air to the engine.

By eliminating the mechanical linkages, the air injection system is made better than turbochargers or superchargers. Superchargers need power from the engine to operate the air compressor and this means that the power generated by the engine will be reduced.

Turbochargers, on the other hand, use gas exhaust to force air to the combustion chamber. This means that when there is significantly less exhaust gas, like for instance when starting a car, the turbocharger cannot help the engine. Both the engine power reduction and lack of take-off power problems are solved by the Turbodyne TurboFlow™ air injection system.

Since hybrid vehicles are known to have a good storage of electrical energy, it makes sense that the new air injection system for hybrid vehicles is powered by electricity. Since the Turbodyne TurboFlow™ air injection system is not dependent on the engine, it can be used throughout a driving cycle. It is specifically designed to provide air into small displacement engines like those used on hybrid engines.

This new technology will further increase the performance of the fuel efficient vehicles. This could mean that hybrid vehicles will be continuing their domination of the auto industry in the future. From the way things look, hybrid vehicles have become the bully dog in the yard of automobile industry.

With more and more developments like these, we can surely expect more and more hybrid vehicles roaming our streets.

About the Author:

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Source: Free Online Articles from ArticlesBase.com

Don't be Gas Dependent – Choose a Hybrid

Oil will not last forever!

Gas prices have sky-rocketed over the past 5 years. Due to the greatly increased prices, it can take as much as $50 and $60 dollars to fill a tank with gasoline, an amount never dreamt of a few years ago. Americans have been dependent on gas for many decades, and with supplies of this non-renewable resource diminishing and the pollution conventional vehicles put into the environment, the auto industry has had to look for solutions to the problems associated with gas dependency. The main solution is the hybrid car, a fuel-efficient, environmentally-safe vehicle. A hybrid car has two engines--a gasoline and electric engine.

Excellent Range

Hybrid cars are becoming more and more diverse. Those who are considering purchasing a hybrid car now have many options to choose from. Toyota, Honda, and Ford, among others, currently produce hybrid cars. Sales in the United States of hybrid cars made by Toyota and Honda have been certainly on the up over the past few years. The most recent Statistics suggest that nearly 8,000 hybrid cars were sold in 2004. This was almost 0.53% of the total U.S. car sales in 2004.

Significant Sales Increases predicted

It is also predicted that sales of hybrid cars will reach 535,000 in 2011, which would be over half of all U.S. auto sales. All major auto manufacturers like General Motors, Ford, Honda, Toyota and others, will be producing and releasing more hybrid cars and trucks and in coming years, the production of hybrid cars and trucks could match or exceed the production of traditional trucks and cars.

Why are hybrid cars becoming popular?

It's not just because of the rising gas prices, but also because of environmental issues and a need to reduce significantly Co2 emissions that hybrids are better for the environment. Hybrid cars use less gasoline and emit fewer pollutants in the air than traditional cars resulting in substantially less pollution in the air.

Don't be scared off – think long-term

Many potential hybrid buyers are scared off because of the higher hybrid price. . When you consider the fact that purchasing a hybrid will mean less money spent on gas and less pollution, the hybrid is well-worth the extra money initially spent. Also, most, if not all, hybrids in the U.S. qualify for a tax break that can shave thousands off the price of the hybrid.

An Example

Are you still not sure that hybrid car is right for you? Let's look at an example. A Honda Civic gas-based car costs $15,000 in the U.S. The Honda Civic hybrid car costs $19,000. That is a $4,000 price difference.

The Honda Civic gas-based car gets 36 mpg in the city. A Honda Civic hybrid car gets 48 mpg in the city. If the price of gas is roughly the same as it is now($2.20 a gallon), and the car racks up 15,000 miles a year, it will cost $4,900 less dollars for the Civic hybrid car than the Civic gas-based car. Essentially, you get back your money after a year, and every following year, you save more money. After factoring in the tax break, you're saving even more money. All of this makes the hybrid car very appealing.

Toby Russell & his website: http://www.hybridcarlatest.com offers news, advice and information covering this fast developing market.

Hybrid Car Review: It’s A Baby Nissan Hybrid! By JB Anthony

Nissan recently made public its first baby in the hybrid car industry with its 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid! Although it has not been priced yet at the moment, car enthusiast are looking out for its initial release into the hybrid auto market which will be in 2007. On the exterior, the new 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid will assume the similar look of the non-hybrid Altima and will also run on the same gas engine as its non-hybrid counterpart. But this newly-introduced 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Car will be boasting of its added hybrid electric system that helps reduce gas emissions and maximize its gas mileage with an expected fuel economy of 36 mpg - miles per gallon - for highway driving and 41 mpg - miles per gallon - for city driving.

Emission-wise, the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid has passed the standard of PZEV or the Partial Zero Emission Vehicle, classified as AT-PZEV, which means to say that this new baby will be ruling the roads of the eight states which has adopted the California standard for vehicle emission tests.

A peek under the hood will tell us that the new 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Car will have 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine with a power of 158 horsepower and with a CVT powertrain . Together with the hybrid system, it will have a total of 198 horsepower, net! The 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Car will run with a 40 horsepower permanent magnet synchronized AC motor. Its electric motor will have a 199 lb-ft, torque and a hybrid battery pack of 244.8 Volts.

Not a bad primi for Nissan. And if all goes well, we might expect more hybrid models from Nissan.

JB Anthony is the webmaster of

http://www.hybridcars.hottestniches.com For more information on hybrid cars,

latest hybrid car reviews and updates and links to hybrid cars, please visit http://www.hybridcars.hottestniches.com

Don't be Gas Dependent – Choose a Hybrid By Toby Russell

Oil will not last forever!

Gas prices have sky-rocketed over the past 5 years. Due to the greatly increased prices, it can take as much as $50 and $60 dollars to fill a tank with gasoline, an amount never dreamt of a few years ago. Americans have been dependent on gas for many decades, and with supplies of this non-renewable resource diminishing and the pollution conventional vehicles put into the environment, the auto industry has had to look for solutions to the problems associated with gas dependency. The main solution is the hybrid car, a fuel-efficient, environmentally-safe vehicle. A hybrid car has two engines--a gasoline and electric engine.

Excellent Range

Hybrid cars are becoming more and more diverse. Those who are considering purchasing a hybrid car now have many options to choose from. Toyota, Honda, and Ford, among others, currently produce hybrid cars. Sales in the United States of hybrid cars made by Toyota and Honda have been certainly on the up over the past few years. The most recent Statistics suggest that nearly 8,000 hybrid cars were sold in 2004. This was almost 0.53% of the total U.S. car sales in 2004.

Significant Sales Increases predicted

It is also predicted that sales of hybrid cars will reach 535,000 in 2011, which would be over half of all U.S. auto sales. All major auto manufacturers like General Motors, Ford, Honda, Toyota and others, will be producing and releasing more hybrid cars and trucks and in coming years, the production of hybrid cars and trucks could match or exceed the production of traditional trucks and cars.

Why are hybrid cars becoming popular?

It's not just because of the rising gas prices, but also because of environmental issues and a need to reduce significantly Co2 emissions that hybrids are better for the environment. Hybrid cars use less gasoline and emit fewer pollutants in the air than traditional cars resulting in substantially less pollution in the air.

Don't be scared off – think long-term

Many potential hybrid buyers are scared off because of the higher hybrid price. . When you consider the fact that purchasing a hybrid will mean less money spent on gas and less pollution, the hybrid is well-worth the extra money initially spent. Also, most, if not all, hybrids in the U.S. qualify for a tax break that can shave thousands off the price of the hybrid.

An Example

Are you still not sure that hybrid car is right for you? Let's look at an example. A Honda Civic gas-based car costs $15,000 in the U.S. The Honda Civic hybrid car costs $19,000. That is a $4,000 price difference.

The Honda Civic gas-based car gets 36 mpg in the city. A Honda Civic hybrid car gets 48 mpg in the city. If the price of gas is roughly the same as it is now($2.20 a gallon), and the car racks up 15,000 miles a year, it will cost $4,900 less dollars for the Civic hybrid car than the Civic gas-based car. Essentially, you get back your money after a year, and every following year, you save more money. After factoring in the tax break, you're saving even more money. All of this makes the hybrid car very appealing.

Toby Russell & his website: http://www.hybridcarlatest.com offers news, advice and information covering this fast developing market.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toby_Russell

Hybrid Car Buying Options By A Chatfield

The hybrid car market has built upon us slowly but steadily over the last decade ago. If you can remember back that far you’ll recall that gas was hovering around a dollar a gallon and we were in an economic boom, right on the edge of the dotcom bubble and the economic reality of the new millennium.

The last half decade or so has brought a few other realities as well, the most prevalent being the truth in global warming. The social effects are just now starting to be seen, right alongside the commercial effects. The evolution of the automobile has sidled right up to the plate as the next major development. For those interested in helping out by owning one of the new generation of the car, your choices were limited for a long time, but with each passing year a whole new slew of options open up as car companies hop onto the bandwagon, realizing that there is in fact money to be made in this market.

Until Ford finally announced their Escape model recently, the market has been dominated by Japanese automakers, and even now as more American companies get involved, they have nearly a ten year head start in the market.

Toyota Prius – The most popular and oldest of all hybrid models, the Prius is one of the cheapest models available as well as the most efficient with nearly 60 mpg. There is a downside to being the most popular however – a waiting list of two to nine months.

Honda Insight – Honda’s new entry, the Insight is a straight up competitor to the Prius, with a slightly lower price point and slightly higher mpg. It doesn’t have the establishment of brand name like Toyota’s machine, but the success of Civic and Accord hybrids in Honda’s line places them in a better position than any other car company to take Toyota on.

Ford Escape – The Escape Hybrid is the first time an American car company has offered a hybrid vehicle to the public. Their first entry is an attempt to pacify both markets at the same time, offering a more expensive SUV hybrid that gets significantly better mileage than most SUVs on the market, but still fails to come anywhere near the Toyota or Honda mileage standards.

Lexus and Toyota have offered their own entries into the SUV hybrid arena, with the Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander respectively. The popularity of the SUV being what it is, the price point is rendered partially if not entirely mute, as those on the cusp of buying an SUV because of gas mileage might reconsider when these options are presented.

With upwards of 10 new models supposedly being unveiled later this year, the list of hybrid cars available to the public is growing rapidly, finally catching up to the demand that Toyota and their over-stuffed order forms can attest to. What remains to be seen now is if the kind of technology race that this market needs is coming right behind.

***You may use this article on your website as long as the two URLs are hyperlinked.

Anthony Chatfield writes for Go Hybrid, where you can find information on hybrid cars, hybrid car batteries, and more energy-saving alternatives.

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

Hybrid Trucks Are Here and More On The Way! By L. Winslow

Did you know that there are Hybrid Trucks just like Hybrid Cars? They are taking the Trucking Industry by storm and the dealers cannot get enough of them and there are even waiting lists from businesses who want them to save fuel and/or the PR value to show that they are environmentally with the program.

Kenworth now has a Hybrid Electric Class 6 Truck (Kenworth T-270) that operates in Hybrid mode below 30 miles per hour combining diesel and electricity and then it simply operates like a normal diesel truck once above 30 miles per hour. The system requires nothing from the driver it automatically switches as needed.

The best part about this truck is that the fuel economy efficiency savings is just over 30%. Saving 30% on your fuel bill makes the extra cost very much worth it for operators and this unit will be in full on production sometime in 2008 and this is a great leap forward.

Since the Hybrid Truck uses electricity in combination under 30 mph the more stop and go traffic the better mileage it gets; perfect for a deliver truck in the city. The battery is charged during braking using "regenerative braking" strategies and the electricity helps during acceleration and makes the performance also quite good.

It appears that the US Truck Manufacturers are not allowing the foreign Truck Makers to steal the show and that is because this Hybrid Truck Market is way too Hot! Indeed these Hybrid Trucks cost a little more, but with fuel prices on diesel so high they easily pay it back in fuel savings in a relatively short amount of time.

L. Winslow is a Transportation and Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entreprenuer. Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.Calling-Plans.com and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=L._Winslow

Hybrid Cars for Sale on Ebay- Strategies for Buying Low
By George Christodoulou

Hybrid cars are good for the environment, they save drivers money on ever increasing gasoline, and they are, in many cases, more efficient than full gas powered cars. Sometimes though, these cars just cost too much for the average tree hugger. To help them out, (and more likely themselves) people began placing hybrid electric cars on eBay.

EBay is a great source for cars. You are safe when you buy cars from EBay. You can buy a Porsche 911 2008 Porsche 997 Twin Turbo Cabriolet Wicked-7 GTR-700 for 66k. That may not be a cheap price, but for this amazing car, you will be willing to give up the cash. Also, you can find yourself a brand new Lexus GS GS450H. If you are a Lexus car person you know that this model is hard to find with low miles and other extra accessories. For 57k it is a really good deal. Since its eBay, I’m sure you can lower that price a bit.

Now, here are the really great deals for those who can’t afford the really expensive cars. The Lexus and Porsche were the best of the best. Now take a look at the cars that are just great buys. Since eBay allows you to bid on cars, you can get a car priced at $13,000 for half or less than that. For example, there is a Toyota Prius hybrid with low miles in excellent condition for $17,000 with a bid for only $1,000. Then again, that car still has a week left.

A real deal would be one that has a low bid and no time left. If you are an eBay buyer, you know that people will fight at the last second for things they want so even if there is a day left on an auction and the price is still low, chances are it would increase to much higher levels. What you have to do is research what a car would cost new and used. Then you have to see the “buy now” prices on all the cars. Finally, check the price of the latest bid+ the number of bids. The more bids a car has the more chance it will have a ton of bids at the end. The perfect car would have half the cost, less than 24 hours left, and less than 5 bids. One such car is a Ford Escape Hybrid 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD. As you can see, there is only one such car like that at the moment. They are not often found but they do exist. Check every day for such cars.

George Christodoulou

Gas is costing you a small fortune annually! Learn how to run your car on water

visit http://run-my-car-on-water.com to learn more and stop being a slave to big oil.

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If you want more information about, Hybrid Cars for Sale on Ebay,

please visit http://electricvehiclesite.com for more information.

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