The year 2007 will be remembered as the one in which Toyota Motor Corporation nudged past General Motors to become the world's biggest automaker.It is expected to sell 9.36 million vehicles as against 9.2 million by G.M. It already was the world's most profitable and valuable car maker. But this has come at a price. Lexus, Toyota's luxury brand has slipped to 5th place from last year's first in new car predicted reliability. Toyota has also slipped to third place in overall safety ratings. G.M. on the other hand has turned in the most improved performance which goes to show that with sufficient attention to detail, the American car companies are in a position to hold their own against foreign competition.
Here is a look at some of the cars, apart from Toyota, that caught the eye in the year that has just gone by.
2008 Audi R8 : Audi unveiled the 2008 R8, its first ever mid-engine sports car. The car has a 420 hp V8 engine and all wheel drive. It uses the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform and is positioned against the BMW M6, Porsche 911 and Aston Martin Vantage. It goes from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds and sells for about $110,000.
2008 Cadillac CTS :The new Cadillac CTS may have been born and bred in Detroit yet it offers an alternative to more expensive foreign machines. It is rated as not just the best handling Caddy in history, but probably the best handling American sedan ever. Its top of the line 3.6 liter V-6 DI engine produces 304 hp and goes from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds.It is priced at about $47,000.
2008 Honda Accord :The all new 2008 Accord, both the sedan and coupe versions, have the look of high performance machines and the moves to back it up.Its sleek exterior has been completely re-designed with an aggressive, sportier look. It is powered by either a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine or a 3.5 liter V-6 engine. It comes with Honda's Variable Cylinder Management, which is a fuel saving cylinder de-activation technology. It goes from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and is priced at about $ 31,000.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu :The 2008 Chevy now looks as good as the Camry and Accord. The expensive version is powered by a 252 hp double-overhead-cam 3.6 liter V-6 engine. It goes from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. It may be the most satisfying mid- market mid size sedan from GM for a long time. For about $20,000 it is a steal.
2008 GMC Acadia :GM has finally got it right with a fine crossover SUV with its Acadia. Powered by a 3.6 liter V-6 engine which produces 275 hp, it can tow up to 4500 pounds when properly equipped. It is priced at about $37,000.
2008 Infiniti G37 :This new generation coupe from Nissan is an updated version of the G35 coupe. It is directly positioned against BMW's 335i.It is powered by a 3.7 liter V-6 engine producing 330 hp. It goes from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. It is priced at about $35,000.
2008 Volvo XC70 : The 2008 Volvo XC70 bridges the gap between a station wagon and an SUV.Powered by Volvo's latest 3.2 liter V-6 engine it produces 235 hp. Its off-road capabilities are improved and it has all of Volvo's trademark safety features. It is priced at about $35,000.
The year 2008 should be an exciting one as Toyota tries to cement its place as the world's number one auto maker while GM finally seems to be making the right moves to regain its lost position.
40% Hike In Auto Fuel Efficiency Likely By 2020.
After months of wrangling Democrat lawmakers wrapped up a deal on fuel efficiency standards Friday.Significantly the deal has been approved by John D. Dingell the auto industry's Congressional ally.As per the final version of the Bill the new auto fleet has to achieve average fuel efficiency of 35 miles per gallon by 2020, about 40% higher than current averages.At Dingell's insistence it has tougher standards for cars than light trucks. Fuel efficiency standards, known as corporate average fuel economy standards or CAFE were adopted in 1975 following the Arab oil embargo of 1974 and had set an efficiency standard of 27.5 mpg which has remained unchanged so far.
Democrats plan to make these proposals a part of the wider energy bill that the House of Representatives is expected to take up next week.The Bill is expected to contain a provision that would require the country's major utilities to generate at least 15% of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar power. This measure looks set to be opposed by the utilities who say this will cause a sharp increase in power prices in some parts of the country. The Bill also seeks to provide subsidies for biofuel production, a move opposed by the oil industry.
In a statement Saturday, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers chief Dave Mc Curdy said 'Upon adoption of this legislation, Congress will have established aggressive, nationwide fuel economy requirements, concluding a long standing debate.' The Alliance is the voice in Washington for the top automakers including Toyota.
Rick Wagoner CEO of General Motors said the new rules would ' Pose a significant technical and economic challenge to the industry.' He said GM would tackle the changes ' with an array of engineering, research and development resources.'
The bill is expected to boost plans by automakers to adopt more fuel efficient technologies for conventional engines and alternatives such as gas-electric hybrids and vehicles running on biofuels. Manufacturers are set to receive credits for vehicles running on biofuels for the first time.
Interestingly a bill containing similar standards approved in June by the Senate was opposed by automakers who said that it would restrict the choice of vehicles, threaten jobs and push up costs. The companies had suggested a standard of 32 mpg by 2022 instead. Chrysler had estimated that it could add $ 6,700 to the cost of each Chrysler vehicle.
But the new plan gives the industry more flexibility to plan new vehicles. It contains separate standards for cars and trucks, extends credits for producing vehicles running on biofuels, and allows automakers to receive separate credits for exceeding the standards which can be applied to other model years.
Dingell also secured extension of the 1.2 mpg credit for the production of each flexi-fuel vehicle which can run on ethanol blends of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol till 2020. They were due to expire by 2010.
The deal is expected to keep the United Auto Workers union happy as well because it discourages the shifting of production of small cars overseas as the fuel economy credits could be applied to larger, less efficient models.
The flexibility provided in the Bill seeks to set at rest concerns about safety standards as it was feared that rigid efficiency standards would not only restrict the choice of vehicles but also compromise safety, as automakers shifted to lighter materials in an attempt to maintain fuel economy.
Environmental groups estimate the new standards would save 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2020 besides reducing pressure on gasoline prices. It seems to be a win-win situation for everybody if it goes through.
Democrats plan to make these proposals a part of the wider energy bill that the House of Representatives is expected to take up next week.The Bill is expected to contain a provision that would require the country's major utilities to generate at least 15% of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar power. This measure looks set to be opposed by the utilities who say this will cause a sharp increase in power prices in some parts of the country. The Bill also seeks to provide subsidies for biofuel production, a move opposed by the oil industry.
In a statement Saturday, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers chief Dave Mc Curdy said 'Upon adoption of this legislation, Congress will have established aggressive, nationwide fuel economy requirements, concluding a long standing debate.' The Alliance is the voice in Washington for the top automakers including Toyota.
Rick Wagoner CEO of General Motors said the new rules would ' Pose a significant technical and economic challenge to the industry.' He said GM would tackle the changes ' with an array of engineering, research and development resources.'
The bill is expected to boost plans by automakers to adopt more fuel efficient technologies for conventional engines and alternatives such as gas-electric hybrids and vehicles running on biofuels. Manufacturers are set to receive credits for vehicles running on biofuels for the first time.
Interestingly a bill containing similar standards approved in June by the Senate was opposed by automakers who said that it would restrict the choice of vehicles, threaten jobs and push up costs. The companies had suggested a standard of 32 mpg by 2022 instead. Chrysler had estimated that it could add $ 6,700 to the cost of each Chrysler vehicle.
But the new plan gives the industry more flexibility to plan new vehicles. It contains separate standards for cars and trucks, extends credits for producing vehicles running on biofuels, and allows automakers to receive separate credits for exceeding the standards which can be applied to other model years.
Dingell also secured extension of the 1.2 mpg credit for the production of each flexi-fuel vehicle which can run on ethanol blends of 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol till 2020. They were due to expire by 2010.
The deal is expected to keep the United Auto Workers union happy as well because it discourages the shifting of production of small cars overseas as the fuel economy credits could be applied to larger, less efficient models.
The flexibility provided in the Bill seeks to set at rest concerns about safety standards as it was feared that rigid efficiency standards would not only restrict the choice of vehicles but also compromise safety, as automakers shifted to lighter materials in an attempt to maintain fuel economy.
Environmental groups estimate the new standards would save 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2020 besides reducing pressure on gasoline prices. It seems to be a win-win situation for everybody if it goes through.
All New Nissan GT-R Coming To US
The 40th Tokyo Motor show opened to the public last month, in Chiba City and will run through November 11th.What's special about this year's show is that upgraded special events that involve audience participation and experiences have been offered to generate excitement about vehicles. On display are the latest space age designs, eco-friendly cars and the usual 'muscle cars' designed with scant regard either for mileage or the environment.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the all new Nissan GT-R. The original Nissan Skyline GT-R hit the street in 1969, but it was not until 1990 that the GT-R became famous. This was after Nissan introduced the first of three twin-turbocharged all wheel drive and all wheel steering cars R32, R33 and the R34. It was never officially sold by Nissan in the US which earned it the nickname Godzilla.However importing one was not difficult and hundreds of them found their way to the US. Its reputation got a further boost when in the 2003 film, 2 Fast 2 Furious, the film's hero raced one through the streets of Miami.
At the2006 New York Auto Show, Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan announced that the GT-R36 would be sold in the US through Nissan.
The Nissan GT-R has a front mounted, 3.8L twin-turbo 6 cylinder V6 engine producing 473 horsepower. It has a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with three driver selectable modes.It accelerates from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 193 m.p.h. GT-R Test mules have been spotted at various places, frequently alongside a 2006 Porsche 911 Turbo, speculated as being used by Nissan as a benchmark car.
Nismo, the motor sport arm of Nissan will be entering the Nissan GT-R in the super GT500 class for the 2008 season.
Its launch in the Japanese market is scheduled for December 2007. The US launch will follow in May/June 2008 and the European by the end of 2008.
The car is not cheap with the base version expected to cost around $70,000.Further the engine and rear mounted Dual Clutch gearbox are built by hand, limiting production to around 1,000 cars a month. This car will be followed by a more powerful GT-R Spec V, which will be available in the US as a 2010 model.
It is expected that the GT-R will live up to its hype.The most expensive car Nissan has sold in the US will certainly be worth its price.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the all new Nissan GT-R. The original Nissan Skyline GT-R hit the street in 1969, but it was not until 1990 that the GT-R became famous. This was after Nissan introduced the first of three twin-turbocharged all wheel drive and all wheel steering cars R32, R33 and the R34. It was never officially sold by Nissan in the US which earned it the nickname Godzilla.However importing one was not difficult and hundreds of them found their way to the US. Its reputation got a further boost when in the 2003 film, 2 Fast 2 Furious, the film's hero raced one through the streets of Miami.
At the2006 New York Auto Show, Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan announced that the GT-R36 would be sold in the US through Nissan.
The Nissan GT-R has a front mounted, 3.8L twin-turbo 6 cylinder V6 engine producing 473 horsepower. It has a 6-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with three driver selectable modes.It accelerates from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 193 m.p.h. GT-R Test mules have been spotted at various places, frequently alongside a 2006 Porsche 911 Turbo, speculated as being used by Nissan as a benchmark car.
Nismo, the motor sport arm of Nissan will be entering the Nissan GT-R in the super GT500 class for the 2008 season.
Its launch in the Japanese market is scheduled for December 2007. The US launch will follow in May/June 2008 and the European by the end of 2008.
The car is not cheap with the base version expected to cost around $70,000.Further the engine and rear mounted Dual Clutch gearbox are built by hand, limiting production to around 1,000 cars a month. This car will be followed by a more powerful GT-R Spec V, which will be available in the US as a 2010 model.
It is expected that the GT-R will live up to its hype.The most expensive car Nissan has sold in the US will certainly be worth its price.
Toyota's 50th Birthday In The US Nears
On 31st October 1957 Toyota set up a dealership in Hollywood. In 1958 it launched its first car in the US market called the Toyopet Crown. That year it sold 288 of them and also one Land Cruiser. Its performance in the first few years was so bad that it seriously thought of quitting the US market.
But instead of doing that it sat back and analyzed the reasons for its failure. It quickly understood that the ugly looking and underpowered vehicle would never sell in the US and it eventually withdrew it from the market.
All this is now history. In its 50th year in the US Toyota is on track to sell 9.34 million vehicles worldwide, surpassing GM to become the largest car manufacturer in the world by numbers. It had already become the most profitable car manufacturer several years back. Today its market capitalization is greater than the Big Three put together plus Honda plus Nissan! The Big Three plan to close down 26 plants over the next five years and to shed thousands of jobs.Toyota on the other hand is opening a new plant in Texas this fall and another in Ontario in 2008. Today 60% of the cars Toyota sells in America are made here. It is not outsourcing to make profits. It is creating jobs in the US. It's offering union wages and health benefits. Above all it is selling cars made by Americans to Americans at a profit.Its cars have a 'retail turn rate'-that is the number of days a dealer has to keep a car before selling it of 27 days. For Ford it is 82, GM 83 and for Daimler Chrysler it is 107 days.(figs. for 2006).
Toyota has successfully challenged the American model of manufacturing and management. There are several, by now familiar, reasons for it. The first is the belief in 'kaizen' or continuous improvement, and in 'jidoka' or not letting a defect go from one machine to the next. Then there is the secret designation for certain projects known as 'irei' which roughly means 'not ordinary' and refers to vehicles which the company will go to any lengths to perfect. In the early 1990's, the Prius enjoyed this designation. Toyota plans decades in advance and is not unduly concerned with quarterly and annual balance sheets. True, it enjoys certain cost advantages, like lower health care costs, but what people overlook is the huge cash reserves it has built up and the massive amounts it is spending every year on research and development. Of late it has been hit by vehicle recalls due to manufacturing defects and has recently lost the top spot of being the safest car, slipping to third place, but it is still the clear leader of the pack. It is currently able to sell all the cars it produces in the US, and with the US having more cars per household than drivers, it should be able to do so in future as well.
But instead of doing that it sat back and analyzed the reasons for its failure. It quickly understood that the ugly looking and underpowered vehicle would never sell in the US and it eventually withdrew it from the market.
All this is now history. In its 50th year in the US Toyota is on track to sell 9.34 million vehicles worldwide, surpassing GM to become the largest car manufacturer in the world by numbers. It had already become the most profitable car manufacturer several years back. Today its market capitalization is greater than the Big Three put together plus Honda plus Nissan! The Big Three plan to close down 26 plants over the next five years and to shed thousands of jobs.Toyota on the other hand is opening a new plant in Texas this fall and another in Ontario in 2008. Today 60% of the cars Toyota sells in America are made here. It is not outsourcing to make profits. It is creating jobs in the US. It's offering union wages and health benefits. Above all it is selling cars made by Americans to Americans at a profit.Its cars have a 'retail turn rate'-that is the number of days a dealer has to keep a car before selling it of 27 days. For Ford it is 82, GM 83 and for Daimler Chrysler it is 107 days.(figs. for 2006).
Toyota has successfully challenged the American model of manufacturing and management. There are several, by now familiar, reasons for it. The first is the belief in 'kaizen' or continuous improvement, and in 'jidoka' or not letting a defect go from one machine to the next. Then there is the secret designation for certain projects known as 'irei' which roughly means 'not ordinary' and refers to vehicles which the company will go to any lengths to perfect. In the early 1990's, the Prius enjoyed this designation. Toyota plans decades in advance and is not unduly concerned with quarterly and annual balance sheets. True, it enjoys certain cost advantages, like lower health care costs, but what people overlook is the huge cash reserves it has built up and the massive amounts it is spending every year on research and development. Of late it has been hit by vehicle recalls due to manufacturing defects and has recently lost the top spot of being the safest car, slipping to third place, but it is still the clear leader of the pack. It is currently able to sell all the cars it produces in the US, and with the US having more cars per household than drivers, it should be able to do so in future as well.
2008 Volvo C30-A Cool Car
The all new Volvo C30 two door hatchback goes on sale in the US later this year as a 2008 model. Unlike the usual Volvo family car which typically appealed to buyers above forty, Volvo has given the C30 more style and more speed and also a sporty look with which Volvo hopes to attract younger customers.
The C30 utilizes the S 40 T5's power train-a 2.5 liter 218 horsepower turbocharged inline-5 and it has a six-speed manual transmission(a five speed automatic will be optional). It generates 216 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 236 pound -feet of torque between 1,500 and 4,800 rpm.The C30 is quick, going from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds.It has a top speed of 146 mph(149 mph for the manual version).
It seats four with individual bucket style back seats that are moved a bit towards the center to provide forward visibility around the front seats.The front as well as rear seats are comfortable. However cargo space is somewhat limited, only 8.2 cubic feet with the seats up. but with the rear seats folded it increases to 30.9 cubic feet.
The interior will be familiar to Volvo drivers. The distinctive 'floating' console is present as part of the design.In addition to standard front, side ,and side curtain airbags, the C30 protects with seat belt pretensioners for all four seats,a whiplash protection system(WHIPS), a side impact protection system(SIPS), and dynamic stability traction control(DSTC).
Car audio enthusiasts are certain to appreciate the Volvo C30's standard 160 watt stereo system. Also available is a Premium sound system with a digital 5 x130 W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio. Total output for the Premium Sound System is 650 watts.
The C30 offers a Custom Build ordering process with 17 different exterior colors and 12 interior combinations. Its starting price is around $23,000. It has been designed under the supervision of Peter Horbury and was his last car for Volvo before he left to join Ford in North America.
The C30's nearest competitor in the US is likely to be the Volkswagen GTI, which is similarly priced and has similar specifications as well. Other competitors are the Audi A3, Mazda 3, and the Mini Cooper S.
The car is already on sale in Europe and will be available from this month in the US as a 2008 model.Volvo says its compact dimensions are suitable for driving and parking on cramped city streets. Although fuel economy could have been better, the features it offers, along with the Volvo quality are likely to make the car a winner.
The C30 utilizes the S 40 T5's power train-a 2.5 liter 218 horsepower turbocharged inline-5 and it has a six-speed manual transmission(a five speed automatic will be optional). It generates 216 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 236 pound -feet of torque between 1,500 and 4,800 rpm.The C30 is quick, going from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds.It has a top speed of 146 mph(149 mph for the manual version).
It seats four with individual bucket style back seats that are moved a bit towards the center to provide forward visibility around the front seats.The front as well as rear seats are comfortable. However cargo space is somewhat limited, only 8.2 cubic feet with the seats up. but with the rear seats folded it increases to 30.9 cubic feet.
The interior will be familiar to Volvo drivers. The distinctive 'floating' console is present as part of the design.In addition to standard front, side ,and side curtain airbags, the C30 protects with seat belt pretensioners for all four seats,a whiplash protection system(WHIPS), a side impact protection system(SIPS), and dynamic stability traction control(DSTC).
Car audio enthusiasts are certain to appreciate the Volvo C30's standard 160 watt stereo system. Also available is a Premium sound system with a digital 5 x130 W ICE Power amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish loudspeaker manufacturer Dynaudio. Total output for the Premium Sound System is 650 watts.
The C30 offers a Custom Build ordering process with 17 different exterior colors and 12 interior combinations. Its starting price is around $23,000. It has been designed under the supervision of Peter Horbury and was his last car for Volvo before he left to join Ford in North America.
The C30's nearest competitor in the US is likely to be the Volkswagen GTI, which is similarly priced and has similar specifications as well. Other competitors are the Audi A3, Mazda 3, and the Mini Cooper S.
The car is already on sale in Europe and will be available from this month in the US as a 2008 model.Volvo says its compact dimensions are suitable for driving and parking on cramped city streets. Although fuel economy could have been better, the features it offers, along with the Volvo quality are likely to make the car a winner.
Detroit Auto Show Braces For Upcoming Chinese Invasion
A record number of Chinese companies will be exhibiting their products at the Detroit Auto Show in January next year. The show will feature the following Chinese manufacturers:
1. Changfeng Motor Group
2. BYD Auto Co.
1. Changfeng Motor Group
2. BYD Auto Co.
3. Geely International Corp.
4. China America Automotive Inc./ZXNA
5. Li Shi Guang Ming Auto Design Co.
The show will be open to the public 19th January through January 27th.Nissan Pivo The Cute Little Car!
Nissan unveiled the Pivo concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. At first sight it appears to be another of those futuristic cars.But a closer look reveals a very interesting vehicle.It is an electric car with a unique revolving cabin which can turn 360 degrees.The advantage of this design is that it eliminates the need for reversing and parking is not a problem anymore because you have wheels that can turn 90 degrees.Whatever you do you can always be looking forward while doing it.This makes it much safer to drive also.The driver's cabin is bubble shaped which eliminates blind spots and gives perfect visibility.This is the new Nissan Around View Technology. Its engine The Nissan Super Motor is powered by a Compact Lithium-ion battery which has zero emissions and gives you one of the most environment friendly cars available.
The Pivo seats three. the driver sits in front in the center and two passengers sit side by side in the rear.The name Pivo is derived from the word pivot. Whenever you need to reverse or to park you simply pivot the entire cabin and do it while looking forward.This is possible because of Nissan's advanced drive by wire technologies which eliminate the need for mechanical connections between the cabin and the chassis.
Cameras mounted on the outside of the car feed an accurate image of the surroundings on to a dashboard monitor. These cameras are located at the front, rear and both the sides of the car. An image processing technique synthesizes these images into a single bird's eye view.
An infra red commander allows drivers to operate the navigation and audio systems without taking their eyes off the road.Because of Nissan's Horizontal Display information is displayed along the bottom of the windshield allowing drivers to concentrate on the road ahead.
Now Nissan has unveiled the Pivo 2.This car also features a robot which sits on the dashboard and warns the driver when it senses that the driver is getting sleepy.It also nods and shakes its head which cheers up drivers.Unlike the first Pivo this car has no axles.Instead it has four electric motors which power each wheel separately.This vehicle will be exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. In Japanese the Pivo is called 'Kawaii' or cute. Nissan hopes that this car will be particularly attractive to female drivers. Let's see whether this car is a hit or not.
The Pivo seats three. the driver sits in front in the center and two passengers sit side by side in the rear.The name Pivo is derived from the word pivot. Whenever you need to reverse or to park you simply pivot the entire cabin and do it while looking forward.This is possible because of Nissan's advanced drive by wire technologies which eliminate the need for mechanical connections between the cabin and the chassis.
Cameras mounted on the outside of the car feed an accurate image of the surroundings on to a dashboard monitor. These cameras are located at the front, rear and both the sides of the car. An image processing technique synthesizes these images into a single bird's eye view.
An infra red commander allows drivers to operate the navigation and audio systems without taking their eyes off the road.Because of Nissan's Horizontal Display information is displayed along the bottom of the windshield allowing drivers to concentrate on the road ahead.
Now Nissan has unveiled the Pivo 2.This car also features a robot which sits on the dashboard and warns the driver when it senses that the driver is getting sleepy.It also nods and shakes its head which cheers up drivers.Unlike the first Pivo this car has no axles.Instead it has four electric motors which power each wheel separately.This vehicle will be exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. In Japanese the Pivo is called 'Kawaii' or cute. Nissan hopes that this car will be particularly attractive to female drivers. Let's see whether this car is a hit or not.
2008 Nissan Rogue Arrives In Style
Nissan has been an active player in the SUV market with models like Pathfinder, Xterra and Armada.This will be Nissan's first entry in the crowded small crossover SUV field. It will be in direct competition with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Its counterpart called the Quashqai has already been introduced in Europe in early 2007.First exhibited at the Detroit Auto Show the Rogue is built on the same 'C' platform as Nissan's Sentra. The Global 'C' architecture has been developed jointly by Nissan and Renault.
Both the base Rogue and the upgraded Rogue SL have a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine matched with Nissan's trademark continuously variable transmission (CVT) producing 170 horsepower. The Rogue's engine gives it more power than most of its competitors.
The Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features including front seat mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof mounted curtain supplemental air bags. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are also there.
The Rogue offers many high tech options like heated leather seats, keyless ignition, Bluetooth phone connectivity, Bose audio system, malfunction trip computer and Xenon headlights. These options will take your cost closer to $25,000 from the base price offer of $20,000.
"With Rogue, we have targeted drivers in their early thirties, whose responsibilities and functional needs have changed but who don't want to leave behind the person they've always been-someone who enjoys driving, who values style and design and who wants to retain his or her individuality", said Bill Bosley, Vice President and General Manager, Nissan Division. "The Rogue name was chosen to reflect its positioning, though we certainly believe that all buyers, regardless of age of life stage, will positively respond to Rogue's fun to drive, all climate performance and aggressive styling".
How the Rogue will impact the market is tough to guess. Experts feel that though it is a good car it is a latecomer to this segment and without any standout quality it will find it tough to beat the competition.
Both the base Rogue and the upgraded Rogue SL have a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine matched with Nissan's trademark continuously variable transmission (CVT) producing 170 horsepower. The Rogue's engine gives it more power than most of its competitors.
The Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features including front seat mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof mounted curtain supplemental air bags. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes are also there.
The Rogue offers many high tech options like heated leather seats, keyless ignition, Bluetooth phone connectivity, Bose audio system, malfunction trip computer and Xenon headlights. These options will take your cost closer to $25,000 from the base price offer of $20,000.
"With Rogue, we have targeted drivers in their early thirties, whose responsibilities and functional needs have changed but who don't want to leave behind the person they've always been-someone who enjoys driving, who values style and design and who wants to retain his or her individuality", said Bill Bosley, Vice President and General Manager, Nissan Division. "The Rogue name was chosen to reflect its positioning, though we certainly believe that all buyers, regardless of age of life stage, will positively respond to Rogue's fun to drive, all climate performance and aggressive styling".
How the Rogue will impact the market is tough to guess. Experts feel that though it is a good car it is a latecomer to this segment and without any standout quality it will find it tough to beat the competition.
2008 Ford Taurus Wins Crash Safety Award
The Ford Taurus was first introduced in December 1985 as a 1986 model.It was a front wheel drive automobile and was a milestone design not just for Ford but the entire American automotive industry. Between 1992 and 1996 it was the best selling car in the US, losing this status to the Toyota Camry in 1997.Sales declined thereafter but the Taurus continued to be a favorite of car rental companies.This further depressed the residual value of the cars and Ford finally stopped producing it in October 2006. Ford had hoped that the Ford Five Hundred and the Ford Freestyle would be worthy successors of the Taurus . However these two cars went almost unnoticed due largely to their unattractive styling and underpowered engines.
As it became clear that the Five Hundred and the Freestyle would have to be upgraded substantially, CEO Alan Mullaly decided to revive the Taurus name for the new models and the Five Hundred became the new Taurus and its mechanical twin the Freestyle became the new Taurus X. Clearly Ford is banking on consumer awareness of the Taurus name to help it come up with a winner.
But the name is not all that Ford is banking upon. The new car is powered by a 3.5L Duratec V6 engine that generates 263 horsepower compared to the 153 horsepower of the old Taurus and 203 horsepower of the Five Hundred. The car is not fast, about 7.6 seconds to 60 but it does'nt lag too far behind the competition.The vehicle is styled to reduce aerodynamic drag and to cut out noise. Interior noise is greatly reduced, partly by using a new sound absorptive material called Sonosorb.
Where this car has done particularly well is that it has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's(NHTSA) highest five star rating for not only the front crash test (driver and passenger) but also the side crash test (front and rear outboard passengers).It is also the 'Top Safety Pick' of the Insurance Institute of Highway safety (IIHS). It provides as standard equipment the Safety Canopy System with rollover sensors and side curtain airbags, the Personal Safety System featuring dual- stage front airbags plus side impact airbags.
It has attractive styling with a new chrome grille and new taillights. It is also amongst the roomiest cars available with a huge trunk in which to carry your golf bags.Although the mileage could have been better, experts consider it to be a good car.
Although it does not promise to be a bestseller it certainly deserves a second look.
As it became clear that the Five Hundred and the Freestyle would have to be upgraded substantially, CEO Alan Mullaly decided to revive the Taurus name for the new models and the Five Hundred became the new Taurus and its mechanical twin the Freestyle became the new Taurus X. Clearly Ford is banking on consumer awareness of the Taurus name to help it come up with a winner.
But the name is not all that Ford is banking upon. The new car is powered by a 3.5L Duratec V6 engine that generates 263 horsepower compared to the 153 horsepower of the old Taurus and 203 horsepower of the Five Hundred. The car is not fast, about 7.6 seconds to 60 but it does'nt lag too far behind the competition.The vehicle is styled to reduce aerodynamic drag and to cut out noise. Interior noise is greatly reduced, partly by using a new sound absorptive material called Sonosorb.
Where this car has done particularly well is that it has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's(NHTSA) highest five star rating for not only the front crash test (driver and passenger) but also the side crash test (front and rear outboard passengers).It is also the 'Top Safety Pick' of the Insurance Institute of Highway safety (IIHS). It provides as standard equipment the Safety Canopy System with rollover sensors and side curtain airbags, the Personal Safety System featuring dual- stage front airbags plus side impact airbags.
It has attractive styling with a new chrome grille and new taillights. It is also amongst the roomiest cars available with a huge trunk in which to carry your golf bags.Although the mileage could have been better, experts consider it to be a good car.
Although it does not promise to be a bestseller it certainly deserves a second look.
Hydrogen Cars Set To Revive The US Auto Industry
A couple of news headlines in the last few days have once again brought into focus two of the most pressing problems facing every nation on this earth today.They are the price of crude oil touching $84 a barrel and that the arctic ice is vanishing at an alarming rate.The former threatens to derail economic growth worldwide and the latter is a warning that we are on the brink of an environmental catastrophe with yet unforeseen consequences.This is exactly why hydrogen powered vehicles become so important.
Most people think that US automakers have surrendered technological leadership to their Japanese rivals for good.If one were to consider sales of conventional vehicles and the latest hybrids then nobody would have a choice but to agree.But fortunately things are not so bleak for the US auto industry as they may appear at first sight.
People tend to overlook the fact that one of the major reasons why US automakers have lagged behind in the development of hybrid technology is that they have concentrated on developing electric and hydrogen powered vehicles.
So how do hydrogen powered vehicles work?They work in two different ways.The first is that hydrogen is burnt in internal combustion engines in the same way as in conventional autos.The second is to use hydrogen to power fuel cells.Here hydrogen is reacted with oxygen to produce electricity which is used to power an electric motor through a battery.
Hydrogen can be produced from a multiplicity of sources such as natural gas ,converting coal into gas,biomass and other waste products apart from water.It is estimated that supplies of hydrogen are unlimited.
Presently there are about 200 hydrogen powered vehicles on the road in the US mainly in California.Companies have started offering hydrogen powered cars to customers but there are a couple of problems.For one the cost of the vehicle is very high and secondly the fuel is not easily available.However it is expected that mass production will lead to significant reduction in costs.
Although hybrid cars cut down emissions significantly, only hydrogen cars offer zero emission, the only emission being water vapor.Moreover these cars will drastically reduce the nation's dependence on imported oil.The US government is actively supporting this initiative and President Bush has allocated almost $2 billion to this program.Since one fifth of the nation's cars are sold in California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is trying hard to put in place an infrastructure which would ensure easy availability of hydrogen.Once costs come down and fuel is easily available there is no reason why hydrogen cars will not replace gasoline cars very quickly because performance wise hydrogen cars are a match for their gasoline counterparts.Moreover they are more efficient and give two to three times the mileage of gasoline vehicles per equivalent measure of hydrogen.
Hopefully it won't be very long before hydrogen vehicles are a common sight on the highway.
Most people think that US automakers have surrendered technological leadership to their Japanese rivals for good.If one were to consider sales of conventional vehicles and the latest hybrids then nobody would have a choice but to agree.But fortunately things are not so bleak for the US auto industry as they may appear at first sight.
People tend to overlook the fact that one of the major reasons why US automakers have lagged behind in the development of hybrid technology is that they have concentrated on developing electric and hydrogen powered vehicles.
So how do hydrogen powered vehicles work?They work in two different ways.The first is that hydrogen is burnt in internal combustion engines in the same way as in conventional autos.The second is to use hydrogen to power fuel cells.Here hydrogen is reacted with oxygen to produce electricity which is used to power an electric motor through a battery.
Hydrogen can be produced from a multiplicity of sources such as natural gas ,converting coal into gas,biomass and other waste products apart from water.It is estimated that supplies of hydrogen are unlimited.
Presently there are about 200 hydrogen powered vehicles on the road in the US mainly in California.Companies have started offering hydrogen powered cars to customers but there are a couple of problems.For one the cost of the vehicle is very high and secondly the fuel is not easily available.However it is expected that mass production will lead to significant reduction in costs.
Although hybrid cars cut down emissions significantly, only hydrogen cars offer zero emission, the only emission being water vapor.Moreover these cars will drastically reduce the nation's dependence on imported oil.The US government is actively supporting this initiative and President Bush has allocated almost $2 billion to this program.Since one fifth of the nation's cars are sold in California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is trying hard to put in place an infrastructure which would ensure easy availability of hydrogen.Once costs come down and fuel is easily available there is no reason why hydrogen cars will not replace gasoline cars very quickly because performance wise hydrogen cars are a match for their gasoline counterparts.Moreover they are more efficient and give two to three times the mileage of gasoline vehicles per equivalent measure of hydrogen.
Hopefully it won't be very long before hydrogen vehicles are a common sight on the highway.
Lamborghini Builds $1.4 Million Car!
One day Feruccio Lamborghini,a tractor manufacturer and a car enthusiast went to meet Enzo Ferrari at the Ferrari factory to complain about the clutch in the Ferrari he owned.Enzo Ferrari told him to go away and drive a tractor because he was not fit to to drive cars.Lamborghini went back to his factory, had his Ferrari's clutch dismantled,and fixed the problem.
Encouraged by his success he decided to go ahead and build a sports car to his liking.The Lamborghini 350GTV made its first public appearance at the Turin Auto show in 1963.A string of successful cars followed and the company entered the small world of super car manufacturers.
In 1972 the company suffered a major blow when a large tractor order for a South American country was canceled causing large financial losses and forcing Feruccio to sell part of his tractor business.The car division flourished however and became profitable.The same year Lamborghini sold his interest in the car division a well and retired to pursue his hobby of wine making.
In the 1970's the oil crisis hit sales of expensive high performance cars and Lamborghini was no exception.Since it had a two year wait list many customers simply got fed up waiting for it.It also had reliability problems and needed expensive maintenance.The US also prescribed strict emission norms for automobiles. Unable to cope Lamborghini declared bankruptcy in 1978.
The company got a new lease of life after it was taken over by Chrysler in 1987.Today Lamborghini is owned by Volkswagen, and these cars are among the most powerful, expensive and exclusive cars on the road today.
Continuing the tradition of building exclusive, super expensive cars Lamborghini has unveiled the 'Reventon' at the Frankfurt international auto show.This is the most expensive car it has ever built and it costs $1.4 million to own one.It has already sold the 20 cars it proposes to build.It took them just four days to do it. The latest news is that ultimately 100 cars may be built.Most of the buyers are rumored to be businessmen from the US.Powered by a Lamborghini V12 engine the Reventon has a displacement of 6496cc. and delivers a top speed of 309km/h.The Reventon promises to be one of the most exciting Lamborghini models ever.
Encouraged by his success he decided to go ahead and build a sports car to his liking.The Lamborghini 350GTV made its first public appearance at the Turin Auto show in 1963.A string of successful cars followed and the company entered the small world of super car manufacturers.
In 1972 the company suffered a major blow when a large tractor order for a South American country was canceled causing large financial losses and forcing Feruccio to sell part of his tractor business.The car division flourished however and became profitable.The same year Lamborghini sold his interest in the car division a well and retired to pursue his hobby of wine making.
In the 1970's the oil crisis hit sales of expensive high performance cars and Lamborghini was no exception.Since it had a two year wait list many customers simply got fed up waiting for it.It also had reliability problems and needed expensive maintenance.The US also prescribed strict emission norms for automobiles. Unable to cope Lamborghini declared bankruptcy in 1978.
The company got a new lease of life after it was taken over by Chrysler in 1987.Today Lamborghini is owned by Volkswagen, and these cars are among the most powerful, expensive and exclusive cars on the road today.
Continuing the tradition of building exclusive, super expensive cars Lamborghini has unveiled the 'Reventon' at the Frankfurt international auto show.This is the most expensive car it has ever built and it costs $1.4 million to own one.It has already sold the 20 cars it proposes to build.It took them just four days to do it. The latest news is that ultimately 100 cars may be built.Most of the buyers are rumored to be businessmen from the US.Powered by a Lamborghini V12 engine the Reventon has a displacement of 6496cc. and delivers a top speed of 309km/h.The Reventon promises to be one of the most exciting Lamborghini models ever.
Buying A New Car? Consider A Hyundai!
When one plans to buy a new car the name Hyundai doesn't come readily to mind.Hyundai motors America is headquartered in Fountain Valley California.Hyundai vehicles are sold throughout the US through more than 755 dealerships nationwide.
Hyundai entered the US market in 1986 and has had a fair amount of success since then.This year it hopes to sell 500,000 cars and it has a market share of 3.1% which puts it ahead of better known rivals such as Mazda.BMW and Volkswagen.
The Hyundai models have improved a lot over the last few years.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) gave five-star crash test ratings, the highest government rating under the agency's New Car Assessment Program, to the all new 2007 Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe for both frontal and side impact crash tests.The 2007 Elantra also scored five stars for frontal crash performance and Veracruz earned four stars for rollover performance.Sixty-three
models were assessed.
The Veracruz SUV utilizes the latest in active and passive safety technologies,including standard Electronic Stability Control, Anti Lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, anti whiplash passenger cabin and six airbags.The Veracruz has engineered crumple zones and a host of other safety devices including a Tire Pressure Monitoring system which alerts drivers if any of the tires is under inflated.In the area of safety the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe ranked above the Toyota RAV4 and the Elantra beat out the Toyota Prius model in the compact car segment.
The Hyundai models perhaps lack the polish of their US and Japanese counterparts but they are darn close and if you consider that they cost about 20% less to buy, the difference becomes narrower still.In fact you no longer have to buy a Hyundai to save money.If you feel like saving money while buying something that is functionally as good and is a well conceived machine in its own right then a Hyundai is worth a second look.
The South Korean giant has aggressive growth plans and hopes to increase its US sales volume to more than 700,000 cars annually by the end of 2010, a 40% increase.Next week it plans to launch a new $150 million campaign in an effort to improve the Hyundai brand image.Its aim is to get rid of the image of being a value brand which sells only because of lower sticker prices.Experts acknowledge that its a brand issue and unless people have a good enough reason to change brands,they simply won't.With this in mind Hyundai plans to sell its total package rather than its price to consumers.Among other things it plans to offer attractive warranties and roadside assistance programs which are very important today to the consumer.
If this strategy clicks then we just might see more Hyundai cars on US roads in the near future.
Hyundai entered the US market in 1986 and has had a fair amount of success since then.This year it hopes to sell 500,000 cars and it has a market share of 3.1% which puts it ahead of better known rivals such as Mazda.BMW and Volkswagen.
The Hyundai models have improved a lot over the last few years.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) gave five-star crash test ratings, the highest government rating under the agency's New Car Assessment Program, to the all new 2007 Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe for both frontal and side impact crash tests.The 2007 Elantra also scored five stars for frontal crash performance and Veracruz earned four stars for rollover performance.Sixty-three
models were assessed.
The Veracruz SUV utilizes the latest in active and passive safety technologies,including standard Electronic Stability Control, Anti Lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, anti whiplash passenger cabin and six airbags.The Veracruz has engineered crumple zones and a host of other safety devices including a Tire Pressure Monitoring system which alerts drivers if any of the tires is under inflated.In the area of safety the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe ranked above the Toyota RAV4 and the Elantra beat out the Toyota Prius model in the compact car segment.
The Hyundai models perhaps lack the polish of their US and Japanese counterparts but they are darn close and if you consider that they cost about 20% less to buy, the difference becomes narrower still.In fact you no longer have to buy a Hyundai to save money.If you feel like saving money while buying something that is functionally as good and is a well conceived machine in its own right then a Hyundai is worth a second look.
The South Korean giant has aggressive growth plans and hopes to increase its US sales volume to more than 700,000 cars annually by the end of 2010, a 40% increase.Next week it plans to launch a new $150 million campaign in an effort to improve the Hyundai brand image.Its aim is to get rid of the image of being a value brand which sells only because of lower sticker prices.Experts acknowledge that its a brand issue and unless people have a good enough reason to change brands,they simply won't.With this in mind Hyundai plans to sell its total package rather than its price to consumers.Among other things it plans to offer attractive warranties and roadside assistance programs which are very important today to the consumer.
If this strategy clicks then we just might see more Hyundai cars on US roads in the near future.
And Now Hybrid Trucks!
Although hybrid cars have been around for a while,since 1997 in Japan and 1999 in the US, the history of the hybrid truck is fairly recent.
Since the pick up truck forms perhaps the most important segment for GM it was but natural that they should try and build a hybrid in this segment.Moreover this is the most rapidly growing segment in hybrid vehicles as well.Trucks are expected to account for 60% of all hybrid sales by 2008.
The first hybrid trucks were from GM and Chrysler.The first full size pick up hybrids were the Chevy Silverado and the Dodge Ram which went on sale in the US in 2004.
These vehicles have now reached a stage of development where you can drive a powerful pick up truck or a SUV without feeling guilty about either damaging the environment or using up limited oil reserves.These new hybrid vehicles combining conventional gasoline engines with electric power allow you to do just that.The savings on gas could be as high as 60% and emissions be cut by up to 97%.
The first trucks were initially available to only fleet operators but are now available to all kinds of buyers,and have been an instant hit.
Hybrid trucks being used by utilities are gaining in popularity because they operate much more silently than their conventional counterparts.Often operating at night or early in the morning they are able to do their work without waking up the entire neighborhood.The 60% saving on gas is an added bonus.
Amongst new developments Kenworth Truck Company has introduced a hybrid electric truck for municipal fleets and utility companies.PACCAR together with Eaton has announced plans of developing a hybrid truck.But it is again a Japanese company,Mitsubishi,which has launched the most efficient diesel hybrid truck. the Canter Eco Hybrid.Since modern diesel engines are more efficient than petrol engines and also equally clean it is a huge success.
However it is an American company GM which has undertaken the most interesting development in this class of vehicles.It is developing a new diesel hybrid truck for the military.Apart from savings on fuel and being cleaner they offer a huge tactical advantage in battle conditions.They are more silent and therefore more difficult to detect.They also give off less heat and are less likely to be picked up by heat sensors of the opposition.
Presently these vehicles do have some disadvantages.Although they have four wheel drive it is not as efficient as the 4WD of a regular gas based vehicle ,especially in off road conditions.Moreover hybrids are not good at towing trailers over a long distance.
But there are many advantages of owning a hybrid.There are state purchase incentives for hybrids as well as federal tax breaks.Some companies too give incentives to employees to buy hybrids.You would also do well to remember that no training is required to drive a hybrid.It drives the same as your old gasoline vehicle.they are also perfectly safe.And what is more they are improving with each passing year.
Since the pick up truck forms perhaps the most important segment for GM it was but natural that they should try and build a hybrid in this segment.Moreover this is the most rapidly growing segment in hybrid vehicles as well.Trucks are expected to account for 60% of all hybrid sales by 2008.
The first hybrid trucks were from GM and Chrysler.The first full size pick up hybrids were the Chevy Silverado and the Dodge Ram which went on sale in the US in 2004.
These vehicles have now reached a stage of development where you can drive a powerful pick up truck or a SUV without feeling guilty about either damaging the environment or using up limited oil reserves.These new hybrid vehicles combining conventional gasoline engines with electric power allow you to do just that.The savings on gas could be as high as 60% and emissions be cut by up to 97%.
The first trucks were initially available to only fleet operators but are now available to all kinds of buyers,and have been an instant hit.
Hybrid trucks being used by utilities are gaining in popularity because they operate much more silently than their conventional counterparts.Often operating at night or early in the morning they are able to do their work without waking up the entire neighborhood.The 60% saving on gas is an added bonus.
Amongst new developments Kenworth Truck Company has introduced a hybrid electric truck for municipal fleets and utility companies.PACCAR together with Eaton has announced plans of developing a hybrid truck.But it is again a Japanese company,Mitsubishi,which has launched the most efficient diesel hybrid truck. the Canter Eco Hybrid.Since modern diesel engines are more efficient than petrol engines and also equally clean it is a huge success.
However it is an American company GM which has undertaken the most interesting development in this class of vehicles.It is developing a new diesel hybrid truck for the military.Apart from savings on fuel and being cleaner they offer a huge tactical advantage in battle conditions.They are more silent and therefore more difficult to detect.They also give off less heat and are less likely to be picked up by heat sensors of the opposition.
Presently these vehicles do have some disadvantages.Although they have four wheel drive it is not as efficient as the 4WD of a regular gas based vehicle ,especially in off road conditions.Moreover hybrids are not good at towing trailers over a long distance.
But there are many advantages of owning a hybrid.There are state purchase incentives for hybrids as well as federal tax breaks.Some companies too give incentives to employees to buy hybrids.You would also do well to remember that no training is required to drive a hybrid.It drives the same as your old gasoline vehicle.they are also perfectly safe.And what is more they are improving with each passing year.
Japanese vs.US Hybrid Cars-Why the Difference?
Hybrids are the fastest growing segment of the American car market.In 2006 the sales of hybrids rose to 1% of total car sales ,an increase of 22%over the previous year.This high rate of growth looks set to continue with the public growing increasingly concerned about depleting world oil resources and the environmental impact of fossil fuels.
The figures speak for themselves.Hybrids can cut fuel consumption by up to as much as 40%.As far as cleaner environment goes the new Ford Escape Hybrid produces less than one pound of smog producing pollutants in a 15,000 mile drive.Its significance can be understood only when you consider that for non hybrid passenger vehicles the corresponding figure is 67 pounds!
It was Toyota which first demonstrated the hybrid-electric concept at the Tokyo Auto Show in 1995.At that time Toyota set an aggressive development schedule to bring the Prius to the Japanese market in two years time in an effort to be the first car company in the world to offer a production hybrid-electric car for sale.And succeed they did.The Prius was offered to the Japanese public in 1997 before the signing of the Kyoto Protocol.
The Prius went on sale in the US in 2000 and was an instant success.The first hybrid electric model in the US market,however, was the Honda Insight in 1999.The Honda Civic hybrid went on sale in 2002.
The year 2004 will be remembered for the launch of the second generation Prius.In addition the first full size pickup hybrids the Dodge Ram and the Chevy Silverado as well as the first SUV hybrid the Ford Escape hit the streets this year.
The success of the 2004 Prius led some experts to call it the most successful car model of all times.At one time it sold at a premium of $2000 over its sticker price!Even today the Prius sells more than all the other models combined.
So what did Toyota and the other Japanese automakers get right which the US automakers got wrong?Nothing really because it was just a question of focusing on a particular area.US automakers concentrated all along on pure electric cars and hydrogen fuel cars.While electric cars were introduced in the market they did not become popular because of limitations of size,speed and range.The hydrogen fuel car is still under development although GM hopes to introduce it in the market by 2010.
Of late the US manufacturers have sought to duplicate the success of the Prius.Encouraged by the success of the Ford Escape they have directed their energies into developing an American hybrid.But unlike the Ford escape which has been built under a licensing agreement with Toyota,GM's forthcoming Chevy Tahoe hybrid is st to be a very important event for the American auto industry.
Why so?The Prius recharges its battery pack through deceleration and regenerative braking.Thus while it improves fuel economy significantly in the city its results are not so spectacular on the highways.The USA is a huge country with a vast highway network.The Tahoe hybrid and all GM dual mode hybrids offer some additional tricks on the highway, which is very important in the US.
The year 2008 therefore promises to be an interesting one for the US hybrid industry.While none of the models are going to match the efficiency of Toyota,US automakers are clearly back in the reckoning.
The figures speak for themselves.Hybrids can cut fuel consumption by up to as much as 40%.As far as cleaner environment goes the new Ford Escape Hybrid produces less than one pound of smog producing pollutants in a 15,000 mile drive.Its significance can be understood only when you consider that for non hybrid passenger vehicles the corresponding figure is 67 pounds!
It was Toyota which first demonstrated the hybrid-electric concept at the Tokyo Auto Show in 1995.At that time Toyota set an aggressive development schedule to bring the Prius to the Japanese market in two years time in an effort to be the first car company in the world to offer a production hybrid-electric car for sale.And succeed they did.The Prius was offered to the Japanese public in 1997 before the signing of the Kyoto Protocol.
The Prius went on sale in the US in 2000 and was an instant success.The first hybrid electric model in the US market,however, was the Honda Insight in 1999.The Honda Civic hybrid went on sale in 2002.
The year 2004 will be remembered for the launch of the second generation Prius.In addition the first full size pickup hybrids the Dodge Ram and the Chevy Silverado as well as the first SUV hybrid the Ford Escape hit the streets this year.
The success of the 2004 Prius led some experts to call it the most successful car model of all times.At one time it sold at a premium of $2000 over its sticker price!Even today the Prius sells more than all the other models combined.
So what did Toyota and the other Japanese automakers get right which the US automakers got wrong?Nothing really because it was just a question of focusing on a particular area.US automakers concentrated all along on pure electric cars and hydrogen fuel cars.While electric cars were introduced in the market they did not become popular because of limitations of size,speed and range.The hydrogen fuel car is still under development although GM hopes to introduce it in the market by 2010.
Of late the US manufacturers have sought to duplicate the success of the Prius.Encouraged by the success of the Ford Escape they have directed their energies into developing an American hybrid.But unlike the Ford escape which has been built under a licensing agreement with Toyota,GM's forthcoming Chevy Tahoe hybrid is st to be a very important event for the American auto industry.
Why so?The Prius recharges its battery pack through deceleration and regenerative braking.Thus while it improves fuel economy significantly in the city its results are not so spectacular on the highways.The USA is a huge country with a vast highway network.The Tahoe hybrid and all GM dual mode hybrids offer some additional tricks on the highway, which is very important in the US.
The year 2008 therefore promises to be an interesting one for the US hybrid industry.While none of the models are going to match the efficiency of Toyota,US automakers are clearly back in the reckoning.
2008 Honda Accord: All-New With More Space, Safety, Power
Set to go on sale in mid-September, the all-new 2008 Honda Accord moves the world of mainstream transportation in a refined, dynamic and sophisticated direction with an expanded range of innovative technologies designed for more power, greater efficiency and enhanced safety across the entire lineup of sedans and coupes.
Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan styling theme expresses a powerful presence with sharp and strong character lines. The coupe is further individualized with an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor.
"The all-new Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined with a new level of engineering sophistication," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor *** Inc. "As the Honda brand's flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations with premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord."
An available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268-horsepower - the most ever for any Accord - while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV1) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/292 miles per gallon (Accord Sedan V-6).
Also new for Accord, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes and more.
The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT).
Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Sedan LX and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Sedan EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord Sedan EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine). Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Coupe LX-S (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Coupe EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord Coupe EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).
Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan styling theme expresses a powerful presence with sharp and strong character lines. The coupe is further individualized with an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor.
"The all-new Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined with a new level of engineering sophistication," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor *** Inc. "As the Honda brand's flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations with premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord."
An available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268-horsepower - the most ever for any Accord - while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV1) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/292 miles per gallon (Accord Sedan V-6).
Also new for Accord, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes and more.
The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT).
Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Sedan LX and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Sedan EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord Sedan EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine). Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Coupe LX-S (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Coupe EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord Coupe EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).
Interior
Premium quality with a simple, modern and spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord's interior. The larger Accord Sedan total interior volume of 120.0 cubic feet (+3.3 cubic feet compared to 2007) moves the EPA classification from the midsize sedan class to the large sedan class. The additional space is intended to provide "equal" seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches (+0.4 inches) approaches the impressive second row legroom of the Honda Pilot SUV (37.4 inches). The wider interior (+1.5 inches) allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a wide center console more commonly associated with the finest luxury vehicles.
The Accord interior is designed for a dynamic, intuitive and upscale presence, starting with an easy-to-read information display on every vehicle. A zone styling approach separates operation-related instruments (top) and information-related instruments (lower). At night, the controls are further separated by color to distinguish between climate controls (aqua green) and audio controls (white). Classically-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer are perfectly round (instead of being truncated at the bottom). Steering wheel audio controls are standard on every Accord. Careful attention was paid to the symmetry of the exterior and interior of the vehicle - including sight lines related to the dashboard height and the visual presence of the hood to the driver.
Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord's sporting side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility; the sedan includes a lockable pass-through.
Three impressive audio systems are available - all with MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system features 160 watts, a single-disc CD player and six speakers. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type and programming information.
The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer. The premium audio system, which comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, has a six-disc CD changer, 270 watts total amplification and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Satellite Radio is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.
The latest-generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation (available on EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink.
Exterior
Intended to convey a prestigious presence, the Accord Sedan embraces a traditional three-box shape that emphasizes both a dynamic and athletic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan's overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models, V-6 models add 0.2 inches for front spoiler lip) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model. The width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller. Even though the size is larger in every dimension, the vehicle's torsional rigidity has increased by 20 percent as a result of advanced body construction that uses 48 percent high-tensile steel - the most high-tensile steel by volume of any Accord to date. A significant benefit to the advanced body construction is that total vehicle weight increased only by approximately 5 percent despite the larger size, greater rigidity and added features.
The Accord Coupe styling radically breaks from the sedan with a uniquely aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and a heightened agility compared to the sedan. Dimensionally, the Accord Coupe's overall length of 190.9 inches is 3.2 inches longer than 2007 model, its width of 72.8 inches is 1.2 inches wider, and its height of 56.4 inches is 0.6 (LX-S) to 0.7 (EX, EX-L) inches higher. Compared to the 2008 Accord Sedan, the Accord Coupe is 3.2 inches shorter in length, 1.7 inches shorter in height and 0.1-inch wider.
Chassis
A performance-inspired double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension are designed to provide world-class chassis dynamics. The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively. The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.8 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). Ultimately, the suspension design with wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard Vehicle Stability Assist is intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance.
The 2008 Accord Sedan also comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on model. (The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, with 18-inch aluminum wheels available on the Coupe V-6). The 17-inch wheels are the first for a four-cylinder Accord and the Coupe's available 18-inch wheels are the largest ever for a Honda car.
Powertrain
All 2008 Accord engines deliver increased horsepower across the board, along with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. In total, these power plants represent the most powerful and advanced technologies of any Accord in history, and are also projected to deliver excellent real-world fuel economy performance. All engines only require regular unleaded fuel. Powertrain highlights include:
2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (Sedan LX, LX-P)
- 177 horsepower at 6500 rpm, 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm
- 5-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission
- Estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/31 mpg City/Highway2 (Sedan, Automatic)
- PZEV1 or ULEV-2 emissions
Accord Sedan EX, EX-L; Coupe LX-S, EX, EX-L includes :
- High-flow exhaust system with variable-valve silencer
- 190 horsepower at 7000 rpm, 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm
3.5-liter, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine (Sedan EX V-6, EX-L V-6; Coupe EX-L V-6: 5AT)
- 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm, 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- V CM for improved fuel efficiency
- Estimated EPA mileage of 19/29 mpg City/Highway2 (Sedan)
- PZEV1 or ULEV-2 emissions
3.5-liter, SOHC, VTEC V-6 engine (Coupe EX-L V-6: 6MT)
- 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm, 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
- 6-speed manual transmission
- VTEC provides two intake cam profiles for increased low- and mid-range torque
- Estimated EPA mileage of 17/25 mpg City/Highway2
- ULEV-2 emissions
Safety
Through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of its cars and trucks, regardless of size or price, as well as increased compatibility with other vehicles as part of the Safety for Everyone initiative introduced in 2003. Consistent with the Safety for Everyone initiative, every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes the ACE body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's dual-chamber side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS).
Additionally, the Accord has active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include VSA, a four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution (EBD), front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.
Press release via Honda
2008 Honda Accord: All-New With More Space, Safety, Power
Set to go on sale in mid-September, the all-new 2008 Honda Accord moves the world of mainstream transportation in a refined, dynamic and sophisticated direction with an expanded range of innovative technologies designed for more power, greater efficiency and enhanced safety across the entire lineup of sedans and coupes.
Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan styling theme expresses a powerful presence with sharp and strong character lines. The coupe is further individualized with an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor.
"The all-new Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined with a new level of engineering sophistication," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor *** Inc. "As the Honda brand's flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations with premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord."
An available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268-horsepower - the most ever for any Accord - while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV1) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/292 miles per gallon (Accord Sedan V-6).
Also new for Accord, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes and more.
The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT).
Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Sedan LX and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Sedan EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord Sedan EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine). Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Coupe LX-S (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Coupe EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord Coupe EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).
Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan styling theme expresses a powerful presence with sharp and strong character lines. The coupe is further individualized with an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor.
"The all-new Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined with a new level of engineering sophistication," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor *** Inc. "As the Honda brand's flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations with premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord."
An available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268-horsepower - the most ever for any Accord - while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV1) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/292 miles per gallon (Accord Sedan V-6).
Also new for Accord, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes and more.
The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT).
Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Sedan LX and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Sedan EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord Sedan EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine). Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Coupe LX-S (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Coupe EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord Coupe EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).
Interior
Premium quality with a simple, modern and spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord's interior. The larger Accord Sedan total interior volume of 120.0 cubic feet (+3.3 cubic feet compared to 2007) moves the EPA classification from the midsize sedan class to the large sedan class. The additional space is intended to provide "equal" seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches (+0.4 inches) approaches the impressive second row legroom of the Honda Pilot SUV (37.4 inches). The wider interior (+1.5 inches) allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a wide center console more commonly associated with the finest luxury vehicles.
The Accord interior is designed for a dynamic, intuitive and upscale presence, starting with an easy-to-read information display on every vehicle. A zone styling approach separates operation-related instruments (top) and information-related instruments (lower). At night, the controls are further separated by color to distinguish between climate controls (aqua green) and audio controls (white). Classically-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer are perfectly round (instead of being truncated at the bottom). Steering wheel audio controls are standard on every Accord. Careful attention was paid to the symmetry of the exterior and interior of the vehicle - including sight lines related to the dashboard height and the visual presence of the hood to the driver.
Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord's sporting side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility; the sedan includes a lockable pass-through.
Three impressive audio systems are available - all with MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system features 160 watts, a single-disc CD player and six speakers. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type and programming information.
The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer. The premium audio system, which comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, has a six-disc CD changer, 270 watts total amplification and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Satellite Radio is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.
The latest-generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation (available on EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink.
Exterior
Intended to convey a prestigious presence, the Accord Sedan embraces a traditional three-box shape that emphasizes both a dynamic and athletic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan's overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models, V-6 models add 0.2 inches for front spoiler lip) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model. The width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller. Even though the size is larger in every dimension, the vehicle's torsional rigidity has increased by 20 percent as a result of advanced body construction that uses 48 percent high-tensile steel - the most high-tensile steel by volume of any Accord to date. A significant benefit to the advanced body construction is that total vehicle weight increased only by approximately 5 percent despite the larger size, greater rigidity and added features.
The Accord Coupe styling radically breaks from the sedan with a uniquely aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and a heightened agility compared to the sedan. Dimensionally, the Accord Coupe's overall length of 190.9 inches is 3.2 inches longer than 2007 model, its width of 72.8 inches is 1.2 inches wider, and its height of 56.4 inches is 0.6 (LX-S) to 0.7 (EX, EX-L) inches higher. Compared to the 2008 Accord Sedan, the Accord Coupe is 3.2 inches shorter in length, 1.7 inches shorter in height and 0.1-inch wider.
Chassis
A performance-inspired double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension are designed to provide world-class chassis dynamics. The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively. The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.8 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). Ultimately, the suspension design with wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard Vehicle Stability Assist is intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance.
The 2008 Accord Sedan also comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on model. (The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, with 18-inch aluminum wheels available on the Coupe V-6). The 17-inch wheels are the first for a four-cylinder Accord and the Coupe's available 18-inch wheels are the largest ever for a Honda car.
Powertrain
All 2008 Accord engines deliver increased horsepower across the board, along with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. In total, these power plants represent the most powerful and advanced technologies of any Accord in history, and are also projected to deliver excellent real-world fuel economy performance. All engines only require regular unleaded fuel. Powertrain highlights include:
2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (Sedan LX, LX-P)
- 177 horsepower at 6500 rpm, 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm
- 5-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission
- Estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/31 mpg City/Highway2 (Sedan, Automatic)
- PZEV1 or ULEV-2 emissions
Accord Sedan EX, EX-L; Coupe LX-S, EX, EX-L includes :
- High-flow exhaust system with variable-valve silencer
- 190 horsepower at 7000 rpm, 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm
3.5-liter, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine (Sedan EX V-6, EX-L V-6; Coupe EX-L V-6: 5AT)
- 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm, 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- V CM for improved fuel efficiency
- Estimated EPA mileage of 19/29 mpg City/Highway2 (Sedan)
- PZEV1 or ULEV-2 emissions
3.5-liter, SOHC, VTEC V-6 engine (Coupe EX-L V-6: 6MT)
- 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm, 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
- 6-speed manual transmission
- VTEC provides two intake cam profiles for increased low- and mid-range torque
- Estimated EPA mileage of 17/25 mpg City/Highway2
- ULEV-2 emissions
Safety
Through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of its cars and trucks, regardless of size or price, as well as increased compatibility with other vehicles as part of the Safety for Everyone initiative introduced in 2003. Consistent with the Safety for Everyone initiative, every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes the ACE body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's dual-chamber side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS).
Additionally, the Accord has active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include VSA, a four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution (EBD), front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.
Press release via Honda
5 Tips - Save Money On Gas
Gas prices keep going up, and our wallets keep getting thinner. These tips will go a long way in reducing your gas bills.
1. Avoid Idling: While idling, your car gets exactly 0 miles per gallon. Although starting the car used to use a lot of gas, it's now the same as idling for about 30 seconds. Idling to warm up is particularly bad, as the engine needs extra fuel to warm up. After start up, allow your car to idle 15-30 seconds, then drive conservatively until it reaches normal operating temperature. Park your car and go into the restaurant rather than idling in the drive-through. Idling with the air conditioning on also uses extra fuel.
2. Plan your trips: This can prevent wasting fuel and wasting time. Plan to use alternative routes. Often back roads can prevent you from stopping at traffic lights and more importantly sitting in traffic jams.
3. Drive at a consistent speed: Avoid high acceleration and hard braking. Use cruise control when you can.
4. Check the pressure of your tires: Buy an inexpensive air pump and an accurate tire gauge (not a pencil gauge as they are not accurate). Keep all tires inflated to the pressure as recommended for your car. Go by the tire wall; the sticker on the door frame, fuel filler flap, or manual is for comfort, not fuel efficiency. Generally speaking, a slightly higher pressure will improve fuel mileage and handling, but too high will degrade traction and wear the tires rapidly.
5. Don't overload your car: If you have heavy objects in your car that you don't need, remove them. If your car is lighter, it will use less fuel to get where you're going.
1. Avoid Idling: While idling, your car gets exactly 0 miles per gallon. Although starting the car used to use a lot of gas, it's now the same as idling for about 30 seconds. Idling to warm up is particularly bad, as the engine needs extra fuel to warm up. After start up, allow your car to idle 15-30 seconds, then drive conservatively until it reaches normal operating temperature. Park your car and go into the restaurant rather than idling in the drive-through. Idling with the air conditioning on also uses extra fuel.
2. Plan your trips: This can prevent wasting fuel and wasting time. Plan to use alternative routes. Often back roads can prevent you from stopping at traffic lights and more importantly sitting in traffic jams.
3. Drive at a consistent speed: Avoid high acceleration and hard braking. Use cruise control when you can.
4. Check the pressure of your tires: Buy an inexpensive air pump and an accurate tire gauge (not a pencil gauge as they are not accurate). Keep all tires inflated to the pressure as recommended for your car. Go by the tire wall; the sticker on the door frame, fuel filler flap, or manual is for comfort, not fuel efficiency. Generally speaking, a slightly higher pressure will improve fuel mileage and handling, but too high will degrade traction and wear the tires rapidly.
5. Don't overload your car: If you have heavy objects in your car that you don't need, remove them. If your car is lighter, it will use less fuel to get where you're going.
Gasoline Cars vs Hybrid Cars - Which is Cheaper?
Today people are queuing up for hybrids for a host of reasons. More mileage, cleaner emissions, less dependence on imported oil and the likes.
So how do conventional cars really match up to hybrids. Well here's a look.
As far as fuel efficiency goes the odds are clearly in favor of hybrids. You could get savings of 20%-25% on your gasoline bills if you are driving a hybrid. But before you get rid of your gas guzzler and rush off to the nearest Toyota/Honda dealer there are some things you must consider.
There is a lot of hype about the fuel efficiency of a hybrid. In fact the mileage that you actually get may be lower than what is advertised. This is because driving conditions in which the battery of a hybrid gets recharged fastest is by deceleration and regenerative braking. This simply may not always happen, resulting in a noticeable difference between the advertised and the actual mileage.
Then there is the premium that you pay for a hybrid: It shouldn't be anything less than $2,000 . If you consider the fuel that you save then at the current gas prices you will need to drive about 150,000 miles before you recover the initial difference in cost. If you don't drive too much it could be at least a ten year wait. What's more hybrid's store energy in large battery packs. These are costly to replace, more than $2,500. Although they last a long time, the cost of replacement is certain to drive down the resale value of used vehicles.
Again mixing of electric power and traditional internal combustion engines requires a lot of fine tuning. Then there are risks associated with handling powerful batteries. Small hiccups may mean a trip to sophisticated garages rather than the mechanic round the corner. The result, more money spent on maintenance.
However inspite of these apparent drawbacks it seems hybrids will win in the long run. As their production increases, prices are bound to come down because of economies of scale. Then the federal government offers a tax credit for buying a hybrid, which is about $2,000 for a 2007 Honda Civic. Additionally some companies also offer cash incentives to employees buying hybrids.
All in all, no matter what your calculator tells you now , hybrids are the cars of the future. Even today the extra dollars spent on one are a small price to pay for preserving the environment.
So how do conventional cars really match up to hybrids. Well here's a look.
As far as fuel efficiency goes the odds are clearly in favor of hybrids. You could get savings of 20%-25% on your gasoline bills if you are driving a hybrid. But before you get rid of your gas guzzler and rush off to the nearest Toyota/Honda dealer there are some things you must consider.
There is a lot of hype about the fuel efficiency of a hybrid. In fact the mileage that you actually get may be lower than what is advertised. This is because driving conditions in which the battery of a hybrid gets recharged fastest is by deceleration and regenerative braking. This simply may not always happen, resulting in a noticeable difference between the advertised and the actual mileage.
Then there is the premium that you pay for a hybrid: It shouldn't be anything less than $2,000 . If you consider the fuel that you save then at the current gas prices you will need to drive about 150,000 miles before you recover the initial difference in cost. If you don't drive too much it could be at least a ten year wait. What's more hybrid's store energy in large battery packs. These are costly to replace, more than $2,500. Although they last a long time, the cost of replacement is certain to drive down the resale value of used vehicles.
Again mixing of electric power and traditional internal combustion engines requires a lot of fine tuning. Then there are risks associated with handling powerful batteries. Small hiccups may mean a trip to sophisticated garages rather than the mechanic round the corner. The result, more money spent on maintenance.
However inspite of these apparent drawbacks it seems hybrids will win in the long run. As their production increases, prices are bound to come down because of economies of scale. Then the federal government offers a tax credit for buying a hybrid, which is about $2,000 for a 2007 Honda Civic. Additionally some companies also offer cash incentives to employees buying hybrids.
All in all, no matter what your calculator tells you now , hybrids are the cars of the future. Even today the extra dollars spent on one are a small price to pay for preserving the environment.
Hybrid Cars - Are They Safe?
Although hybrid cars offer great savings on gas and are more environment friendly than their conventional counterparts, they do pose certain risks.
Because of their giant sized, high voltage batteries they do pose a risk of acid spills and electric shocks especially during accidents. To minimize these risks stringent safeguards are in place.
The giant battery is placed at the back of the vehicle and the structure of the vehicle and its location is such that it is well protected from any shock.
Certain technological advances made ensure that even if the battery is damaged in an accident the acids won't spill out like in a conventional lead acid battery. Conventional batteries contain an acidic liquid electrolyte but in a hybrid giant battery, technology is used to ensure that this liquid remains as a sort of "paste," thereby minimizing the spill.
Further concerns arise out of the risk of electric shock. The giant battery pack at the rear can pack a punch of up to 300 volts. If the cables which connect this battery to the engine were to rupture or to leak for some reason then they could deliver a nasty wallop. However there are safeguards like automatic cut offs when a leakage is detected, which are designed to protect the passengers.
However hybrids are clearly here to stay. With technology improving rapidly and attention clearly focussed on passenger safety hybrid cars are going to be a pleasant and profitable driving experience in the years to come.
Because of their giant sized, high voltage batteries they do pose a risk of acid spills and electric shocks especially during accidents. To minimize these risks stringent safeguards are in place.
The giant battery is placed at the back of the vehicle and the structure of the vehicle and its location is such that it is well protected from any shock.
Certain technological advances made ensure that even if the battery is damaged in an accident the acids won't spill out like in a conventional lead acid battery. Conventional batteries contain an acidic liquid electrolyte but in a hybrid giant battery, technology is used to ensure that this liquid remains as a sort of "paste," thereby minimizing the spill.
Further concerns arise out of the risk of electric shock. The giant battery pack at the rear can pack a punch of up to 300 volts. If the cables which connect this battery to the engine were to rupture or to leak for some reason then they could deliver a nasty wallop. However there are safeguards like automatic cut offs when a leakage is detected, which are designed to protect the passengers.
However hybrids are clearly here to stay. With technology improving rapidly and attention clearly focussed on passenger safety hybrid cars are going to be a pleasant and profitable driving experience in the years to come.
Hybrid Cars - Their Mileage
1. Honda Accord
Mileage: 30/37 MPG
2. Honda Civic
Mileage: 50/50 MPG
3. Lexus GS 450h
Mileage 25/28 MPG
4. Nissan Altima
Mileage 41/36 MPG
5. Toyota Camry
Mileage 43/37 MPG
6. Toyota Prius
Mileage 60/51 MPG
Mileage: 30/37 MPG
2. Honda Civic
Mileage: 50/50 MPG
3. Lexus GS 450h
Mileage 25/28 MPG
4. Nissan Altima
Mileage 41/36 MPG
5. Toyota Camry
Mileage 43/37 MPG
6. Toyota Prius
Mileage 60/51 MPG
Car Theft - 4 Tips to Prevent Car Theft
You often come across people who say "No one would want to steal my car." Well, they could be wrong. Most stolen cars aren't brand new. Usually, they are slightly old. Common cars don't stand out and can be easily sold. The most stolen cars are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and the Honda Civic.
The statistics are an eyeopener. There is a car stolen every 26 seconds in the US. Around 65% of all stolen vehicles are recovered, most of them in a damaged condition or with their vital parts removed. The number of arrests made is about one in eight. Most of the thefts occur on Friday's or Saturday's.
There is a misconception that insurance covers the entire cost of theft. It doesn't. The insurance company will finally shell out only the depreciated value of your car and not the replacement cost. Nevertheless, it is best to be properly insured.Whether or not they pay for repairs depends on the type of policy you have taken.
There are some practical ways to minimize the chances of your car been stolen. They are:
1. Lock your car properly when you leave it. Close all windows and the sunroof as well.
2. Don't leave valuables in the car in plain view. This attracts thieves and vandals who will simply smash your window and steal whatever they can.
3. Park your car in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or when possible in attendant lots.
4. Use your alarm and other anti-theft devices.
Registering with the National Vehicle Identification Program is free. They also help the police in tracking down stolen vehicles.
These small tips will go a long way towards protecting your car from being stolen.
The statistics are an eyeopener. There is a car stolen every 26 seconds in the US. Around 65% of all stolen vehicles are recovered, most of them in a damaged condition or with their vital parts removed. The number of arrests made is about one in eight. Most of the thefts occur on Friday's or Saturday's.
There is a misconception that insurance covers the entire cost of theft. It doesn't. The insurance company will finally shell out only the depreciated value of your car and not the replacement cost. Nevertheless, it is best to be properly insured.Whether or not they pay for repairs depends on the type of policy you have taken.
There are some practical ways to minimize the chances of your car been stolen. They are:
1. Lock your car properly when you leave it. Close all windows and the sunroof as well.
2. Don't leave valuables in the car in plain view. This attracts thieves and vandals who will simply smash your window and steal whatever they can.
3. Park your car in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or when possible in attendant lots.
4. Use your alarm and other anti-theft devices.
Registering with the National Vehicle Identification Program is free. They also help the police in tracking down stolen vehicles.
These small tips will go a long way towards protecting your car from being stolen.
How to Prevent Car Theft ?
You often come across people who say "No one would want to steal my car." Well, they could be wrong. Most stolen cars aren't brand new. Usually, they are slightly old. Common cars don't stand out and can be easily sold. The most stolen cars are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and the Honda Civic.
The statistics are an eyeopener. There is a car stolen every 26 seconds in the US. Around 65% of all stolen vehicles are recovered, most of them in a damaged condition or with their vital parts removed. The number of arrests made is about one in eight. Most of the thefts occur on Friday's or Saturday's.
There is a misconception that insurance covers the entire cost of theft. It doesn't. The insurance company will finally shell out only the depreciated value of your car and not the replacement cost. Nevertheless, it is best to be properly insured.Whether or not they pay for repairs depends on the type of policy you have taken.
There are some practical ways to minimize the chances of your car been stolen. They are:
1. Lock your car properly when you leave it. Close all windows and the sunroof as well.
2. Don't leave valuables in the car in plain view. This attracts thieves and vandals who will simply smash your window and steal whatever they can.
3. Park your car in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or when possible in attendant lots.
4. Use your alarm and other anti-theft devices.
Registering with the National Vehicle Identification Program is free. They also help the police in tracking down stolen vehicles.
These small tips will go a long way towards protecting your car from being stolen.
The statistics are an eyeopener. There is a car stolen every 26 seconds in the US. Around 65% of all stolen vehicles are recovered, most of them in a damaged condition or with their vital parts removed. The number of arrests made is about one in eight. Most of the thefts occur on Friday's or Saturday's.
There is a misconception that insurance covers the entire cost of theft. It doesn't. The insurance company will finally shell out only the depreciated value of your car and not the replacement cost. Nevertheless, it is best to be properly insured.Whether or not they pay for repairs depends on the type of policy you have taken.
There are some practical ways to minimize the chances of your car been stolen. They are:
1. Lock your car properly when you leave it. Close all windows and the sunroof as well.
2. Don't leave valuables in the car in plain view. This attracts thieves and vandals who will simply smash your window and steal whatever they can.
3. Park your car in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or when possible in attendant lots.
4. Use your alarm and other anti-theft devices.
Registering with the National Vehicle Identification Program is free. They also help the police in tracking down stolen vehicles.
These small tips will go a long way towards protecting your car from being stolen.
Top Hybrid Cars - Their Costs and Fuel Consumption
1. Honda Accord
Base MSRP Approx. $30,000
Mileage: 30/37 MPG
2. Honda Civic
Base MSRP Approx. $21,850
Mileage: 50/50 MPG
3. Lexus GS 450h
Base MSRP $55,595
Mileage 25/28 MPG
4. Nissan Altima
Base MSRP $24,400
Mileage 41/36 MPG
5. Toyota Camry
Base MSRP Approx. $30,000
Mileage 43/37 MPG
6. Toyota Prius
Base MSRP Approx. $22,000
Mileage 60/51 MPG
Base MSRP Approx. $30,000
Mileage: 30/37 MPG
2. Honda Civic
Base MSRP Approx. $21,850
Mileage: 50/50 MPG
3. Lexus GS 450h
Base MSRP $55,595
Mileage 25/28 MPG
4. Nissan Altima
Base MSRP $24,400
Mileage 41/36 MPG
5. Toyota Camry
Base MSRP Approx. $30,000
Mileage 43/37 MPG
6. Toyota Prius
Base MSRP Approx. $22,000
Mileage 60/51 MPG
Toyota Raises Prices of 2008 Models
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2008 Avalon full-size sedan, Prius gas-electric hybrid, Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), FJ Cruiser off-road SUV, 4Runner mid-size SUV, Tacoma pickup and Sienna.
All eight models begin arriving in dealerships in late July and throughout the month of August.
1. 2008 Avalon
The total Avalon average MSRP increases $201 or 0.6 percent.
2. 2008 Prius
The total Prius average MSRP increases $150 or 0.7 percent.
3. 2008 Yaris
The total Yaris average MSRP increases $150 or 1.2 percent.
4. 2008 RAV4
Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.
5. 2008 FJ Cruiser
The FJ's base MSRP ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13
6. 2008 4Runner
The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.
7. 2008 Tacoma
The Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models.
8. 2008 Sienna
The total Sienna average MSRP increases $35 or 0.1 percent.
All eight models begin arriving in dealerships in late July and throughout the month of August.
1. 2008 Avalon
The total Avalon average MSRP increases $201 or 0.6 percent.
2. 2008 Prius
The total Prius average MSRP increases $150 or 0.7 percent.
3. 2008 Yaris
The total Yaris average MSRP increases $150 or 1.2 percent.
4. 2008 RAV4
Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.
5. 2008 FJ Cruiser
The FJ's base MSRP ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13
6. 2008 4Runner
The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.
7. 2008 Tacoma
The Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models.
8. 2008 Sienna
The total Sienna average MSRP increases $35 or 0.1 percent.
Totyota raises price of 2008 models
Toyota announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices today for the 2008 Avalon full-size sedan, Prius gas-electric hybrid, Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle FJ Cruiser off-road SUV (pictured), 4Runner mid-size SUV, Tacoma pickup and Sienna.
Avalon, the flagship of the Toyota passenger car lineup, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2008, Avalon receives a new six-speed automatic transmission and a braking system upgrade for improved stopping distance, reduced fade and pedal firmness.
Exterior changes - include a new aggressive design for the headlamps, front bumper and radiator grille, in-key remote keyless entry and tinted tail lamps. New 17-inch alloy wheels are offered on the Touring and XLS models. The Limited model also receives chrome door handles.
Interior changes - include a new dark wood grain trim and eight-way power front passenger's seat with power lumbar support on XLS and Limited models. The Touring model features a new aluminum-style interior trim.
The 2008 Avalon also has an updated AM/FM/CD changer with nine speakers, MP3 playback capability and auxiliary audio input jack as a standard feature.
The base manufacturer's suggested retail for the 2008 Avalon ranges from $27,075 for the XL model to $34,415 for the Limited model. The total Avalon average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $201 or 0.6 percent.
The fuel-efficient 2008 Prius is a better value this year with an expanded lineup to include a lower-priced, new standard model. The base manufacturer's suggested retail for Prius ranges from $20,950 for the newly introduced standard model to $23,220 for the Touring model. The total Prius average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 0.7 percent.
The Yaris subcompact carries over unchanged for 2008 except for the addition of a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all models. The 2008 Yaris also gains the all-new Liftback Sport model. The Yaris Liftback Sport features several exterior enhancements, including color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels, and is equipped with standard features such as driver and front passenger sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, tachometer with amber illumination, 15-inch wheels, rear window defroster, rear window wiper, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA capability and auxiliary audio input jack.
The five-speed manual transmission Liftback carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $11,300 and the Sedan with automatic transmission carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,900. The Yaris Sport Liftback with five-speed manual transmission will carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,975. All Yaris vehicles arrive in August and the total Yaris average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 1.2 percent.
The RAV4 maintains all interior and safety enhancements for 2008. All models now feature driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor as standard equipment. RAV4 models carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail that ranges from $21,100 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $26,670 for the 4WD Limited V6. Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.
The FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature a number of key upgrades, including an anti-theft system, an illuminated entry system, side-curtain airbags for both rows and sun visors with vanity mirrors. The FJ's base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13
4Runner will improve its numerous standard safety features on all models with the addition of driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor. For 2008 the manufacturer's suggested retail will increase $380 for SR5 and Sport Edition models and $350 for Limited models. The 4Runner manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $28,015 for the 2WD SR5 V6 to $38,735 for the 4WD Limited V8. The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.
For 2008, the Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models. The base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $14,280 for the 2WD four-cylinder with a manual transmission to $26,115 for the Double Cab 4WD V6 automatic long bed. The total Tacoma average manufacturer's suggested retail increases 0.5 percent.
Sienna offers new product enhancements and Extra Value Packages. New standard features include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and rear disc brakes on all models. Also, Bluetooth? is now on all models featuring standard or available JBL audio. The Sienna manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $24,340 for the 2WD CE to $37,665 for the AWD Limited model. The total Sienna average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $35
Avalon, the flagship of the Toyota passenger car lineup, continues to set the standard for performance, luxury, and value in its class. For 2008, Avalon receives a new six-speed automatic transmission and a braking system upgrade for improved stopping distance, reduced fade and pedal firmness.
Exterior changes - include a new aggressive design for the headlamps, front bumper and radiator grille, in-key remote keyless entry and tinted tail lamps. New 17-inch alloy wheels are offered on the Touring and XLS models. The Limited model also receives chrome door handles.
Interior changes - include a new dark wood grain trim and eight-way power front passenger's seat with power lumbar support on XLS and Limited models. The Touring model features a new aluminum-style interior trim.
The 2008 Avalon also has an updated AM/FM/CD changer with nine speakers, MP3 playback capability and auxiliary audio input jack as a standard feature.
The base manufacturer's suggested retail for the 2008 Avalon ranges from $27,075 for the XL model to $34,415 for the Limited model. The total Avalon average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $201 or 0.6 percent.
The fuel-efficient 2008 Prius is a better value this year with an expanded lineup to include a lower-priced, new standard model. The base manufacturer's suggested retail for Prius ranges from $20,950 for the newly introduced standard model to $23,220 for the Touring model. The total Prius average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 0.7 percent.
The Yaris subcompact carries over unchanged for 2008 except for the addition of a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all models. The 2008 Yaris also gains the all-new Liftback Sport model. The Yaris Liftback Sport features several exterior enhancements, including color-keyed front and rear under-bumper spoilers and side rocker panels, and is equipped with standard features such as driver and front passenger sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, tachometer with amber illumination, 15-inch wheels, rear window defroster, rear window wiper, AM/FM/CD player with MP3/WMA capability and auxiliary audio input jack.
The five-speed manual transmission Liftback carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $11,300 and the Sedan with automatic transmission carries a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,900. The Yaris Sport Liftback with five-speed manual transmission will carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail of $12,975. All Yaris vehicles arrive in August and the total Yaris average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $150 or 1.2 percent.
The RAV4 maintains all interior and safety enhancements for 2008. All models now feature driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor as standard equipment. RAV4 models carry a base manufacturer's suggested retail that ranges from $21,100 for the base model 2WD four-cylinder to $26,670 for the 4WD Limited V6. Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.
The FJ Cruiser, the most capable off-road SUV in the Toyota line-up, will feature a number of key upgrades, including an anti-theft system, an illuminated entry system, side-curtain airbags for both rows and sun visors with vanity mirrors. The FJ's base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $22,545 for the 2WD automatic to $24,13
4Runner will improve its numerous standard safety features on all models with the addition of driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first- and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor. For 2008 the manufacturer's suggested retail will increase $380 for SR5 and Sport Edition models and $350 for Limited models. The 4Runner manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $28,015 for the 2WD SR5 V6 to $38,735 for the 4WD Limited V8. The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent.
For 2008, the Tacoma pickup truck will receive a price increase of $100 or 0.5 percent for all models. The base manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $14,280 for the 2WD four-cylinder with a manual transmission to $26,115 for the Double Cab 4WD V6 automatic long bed. The total Tacoma average manufacturer's suggested retail increases 0.5 percent.
Sienna offers new product enhancements and Extra Value Packages. New standard features include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and rear disc brakes on all models. Also, Bluetooth? is now on all models featuring standard or available JBL audio. The Sienna manufacturer's suggested retail ranges from $24,340 for the 2WD CE to $37,665 for the AWD Limited model. The total Sienna average manufacturer's suggested retail increases $35
Toyota Plug-In Hybrids Hit The Road In U.S., Japan
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., (TMS) announced this month that it will provide Toyota plug-in (PHEV) hybrid prototypes to the Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), as part of its on-going sustainable mobility development program with the two UC campuses.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has also announced that the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has certified prototype plug-in hybrid vehicles for use of similar testing on Japan public roads.
Toyota has a long history of working collaboratively with both universities on the development of advanced technology and alternative-fuel vehicles, including demonstration and research programs involving fuel cell vehicles, gas-electric hybrids and pure electric vehicles. This next phase of its sustainable mobility partnership involving plug-in hybrid vehicles will be conducted in conjunction with the Alternative Fuel Incentive Program jointly developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC). The goal of this program, which was authorized under California Assembly Bill 1811, is to incentivize the use and production of alternative fuels and vehicles.
"Our goal with this program is to evaluate various advanced vehicle technologies, as well as key factors such as infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, and urban design," says Dave Illingworth, senior vice president and chief planning officer for TMS. "The Toyota Prius convinced mainstream consumers on the merits of hybrids. Although there is much work to be done with plug-ins, we see this pilot program as a significant step in the advancement of the technology."
A conventional gas-electric full hybrid system, such as that found in the Toyota Prius, is powered by both an electric motor and a gas engine. The system operates in pure-electric mode, pure-gas mode, or a combined gas-electric mode. The electric motor is powered by a dedicated battery pack that is kept charged by electricity generated by the gas engine and the vehicle's re-generative braking system. The fact that the hybrid battery never needs to be plugged-in to a recharging station has been one of the primary selling points with mainstream consumers.
Based on the current-generation Prius, the PHEV prototypes will be powered by oversized packs of nickel-metal hydride batteries that effectively simulate the level of performance Toyota expects to achieve when it eventually develops its own more advanced, compact and powerful battery systems.
The prototype PHEV system is designed to operate in a similar manner to the current Prius, switching from pure-electric mode, to gas-engine mode to a combined gas-electric mode. The big advantage is that the PHEV's prototype battery pack is capable of storing significantly higher levels of electricity, supplied by "plugging into the grid" for periodic recharging sessions. With significantly more electric power in reserve, the vehicle will be capable of operating in pure-electric mode for longer periods of time and at much higher speeds than the current Prius. This will result in substantial gains in fuel economy and a major reduction in total tailpipe emissions of smog-forming gases, over current conventional hybrid systems.
Given its commercial success, it's no surprise that the further advancement of hybrid technology is a top priority for Toyota. As of the end of May 2007, cumulative sales of Toyota hybrid vehicles worldwide topped the one million mark, a global sales number the company hopes to hit annually in the early 2010s.
The U.S. market accounts for more than half of Toyota's first million hybrid sales -- 604,693 vehicles from the first Prius sold in 2000 through June 2007. And despite decreasing tax credits, demand continues to climb.
An analysis by The Detroit News showed Toyota accounted for 80 percent of the U.S. hybrid market in May, a month that saw TMS' hybrid sales jump more than 100 percent over the previous May. The company's hybrid sales for the first six months of 2007 are up 69 percent over the same period last year.
"The cost-benefit of hybrids is becoming more apparent with climbing gas prices," says Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. "We anticipate combined sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrids in the United States to reach a quarter million units this year."
The price of gas isn't the only reason people purchase hybrids; many are concerned about reducing dependence on foreign oil and tailpipe emissions. A recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory says hybrids have saved close to 215 million gallons of fuel in the United States since their introduction in 1999.
Additionally, Toyota estimates that over the past decade, hybrids worldwide have emitted approximately 3.5 million fewer tons of CO2 than gas-powered vehicles of the same class.
SOURCE: Press release via Toyota
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has also announced that the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has certified prototype plug-in hybrid vehicles for use of similar testing on Japan public roads.
Toyota has a long history of working collaboratively with both universities on the development of advanced technology and alternative-fuel vehicles, including demonstration and research programs involving fuel cell vehicles, gas-electric hybrids and pure electric vehicles. This next phase of its sustainable mobility partnership involving plug-in hybrid vehicles will be conducted in conjunction with the Alternative Fuel Incentive Program jointly developed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC). The goal of this program, which was authorized under California Assembly Bill 1811, is to incentivize the use and production of alternative fuels and vehicles.
"Our goal with this program is to evaluate various advanced vehicle technologies, as well as key factors such as infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, and urban design," says Dave Illingworth, senior vice president and chief planning officer for TMS. "The Toyota Prius convinced mainstream consumers on the merits of hybrids. Although there is much work to be done with plug-ins, we see this pilot program as a significant step in the advancement of the technology."
A conventional gas-electric full hybrid system, such as that found in the Toyota Prius, is powered by both an electric motor and a gas engine. The system operates in pure-electric mode, pure-gas mode, or a combined gas-electric mode. The electric motor is powered by a dedicated battery pack that is kept charged by electricity generated by the gas engine and the vehicle's re-generative braking system. The fact that the hybrid battery never needs to be plugged-in to a recharging station has been one of the primary selling points with mainstream consumers.
Based on the current-generation Prius, the PHEV prototypes will be powered by oversized packs of nickel-metal hydride batteries that effectively simulate the level of performance Toyota expects to achieve when it eventually develops its own more advanced, compact and powerful battery systems.
The prototype PHEV system is designed to operate in a similar manner to the current Prius, switching from pure-electric mode, to gas-engine mode to a combined gas-electric mode. The big advantage is that the PHEV's prototype battery pack is capable of storing significantly higher levels of electricity, supplied by "plugging into the grid" for periodic recharging sessions. With significantly more electric power in reserve, the vehicle will be capable of operating in pure-electric mode for longer periods of time and at much higher speeds than the current Prius. This will result in substantial gains in fuel economy and a major reduction in total tailpipe emissions of smog-forming gases, over current conventional hybrid systems.
Given its commercial success, it's no surprise that the further advancement of hybrid technology is a top priority for Toyota. As of the end of May 2007, cumulative sales of Toyota hybrid vehicles worldwide topped the one million mark, a global sales number the company hopes to hit annually in the early 2010s.
The U.S. market accounts for more than half of Toyota's first million hybrid sales -- 604,693 vehicles from the first Prius sold in 2000 through June 2007. And despite decreasing tax credits, demand continues to climb.
An analysis by The Detroit News showed Toyota accounted for 80 percent of the U.S. hybrid market in May, a month that saw TMS' hybrid sales jump more than 100 percent over the previous May. The company's hybrid sales for the first six months of 2007 are up 69 percent over the same period last year.
"The cost-benefit of hybrids is becoming more apparent with climbing gas prices," says Jim Lentz, TMS executive vice president. "We anticipate combined sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrids in the United States to reach a quarter million units this year."
The price of gas isn't the only reason people purchase hybrids; many are concerned about reducing dependence on foreign oil and tailpipe emissions. A recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory says hybrids have saved close to 215 million gallons of fuel in the United States since their introduction in 1999.
Additionally, Toyota estimates that over the past decade, hybrids worldwide have emitted approximately 3.5 million fewer tons of CO2 than gas-powered vehicles of the same class.
SOURCE: Press release via Toyota
Some Risks of Hybrid Cars
Although hybrid cars offer great savings on gas and are more environment friendly than their conventional counterparts, they do pose certain risks.
Because of their giant sized, high voltage batteries they do pose a risk of acid spills and electric shocks especially during accidents. To minimize these risks stringent safeguards are in place.
The giant battery is placed at the back of the vehicle and the structure of the vehicle and its location is such that it is well protected from any shock.
Certain technological advances made ensure that even if the battery is damaged in an accident the acids won't spill out like in a conventional lead acid battery. Conventional batteries contain an acidic liquid electrolyte but in a hybrid giant battery, technology is used to ensure that this liquid remains as a sort of "paste," thereby minimizing the spill.
Further concerns arise out of the risk of electric shock. The giant battery pack at the rear can pack a punch of up to 300 volts. If the cables which connect this battery to the engine were to rupture or to leak for some reason then they could deliver a nasty wallop. However there are safeguards like automatic cut offs when a leakage is detected, which are designed to protect the passengers.
However hybrids are clearly here to stay. With technology improving rapidly and attention clearly focussed on passenger safety hybrid cars are going to be a pleasant and profitable driving experience in the years to come.
Because of their giant sized, high voltage batteries they do pose a risk of acid spills and electric shocks especially during accidents. To minimize these risks stringent safeguards are in place.
The giant battery is placed at the back of the vehicle and the structure of the vehicle and its location is such that it is well protected from any shock.
Certain technological advances made ensure that even if the battery is damaged in an accident the acids won't spill out like in a conventional lead acid battery. Conventional batteries contain an acidic liquid electrolyte but in a hybrid giant battery, technology is used to ensure that this liquid remains as a sort of "paste," thereby minimizing the spill.
Further concerns arise out of the risk of electric shock. The giant battery pack at the rear can pack a punch of up to 300 volts. If the cables which connect this battery to the engine were to rupture or to leak for some reason then they could deliver a nasty wallop. However there are safeguards like automatic cut offs when a leakage is detected, which are designed to protect the passengers.
However hybrids are clearly here to stay. With technology improving rapidly and attention clearly focussed on passenger safety hybrid cars are going to be a pleasant and profitable driving experience in the years to come.
Porsche demonstrates Cayenne SUV hybrid prototype
Porsche this week demonstrated a Cayenne SUV hybrid prototype, providing a glimpse of what the company will offer to consumers by the end of the decade. The Cayenne Hybrid features a full-hybrid design where the hybrid module (clutch and electric motor) is positioned between the combustion engine and the transmission. The design will improve acceleration and engine flexibility compared to a conventional Cayenne and Porsche is targeting average fuel consumption figures of 9.8 liters/100 kilometers in the New European Driving Cycle and about 24 miles per gallon in the US FTP cycle for the Cayenne Hybrid, and hopes future developments may allow it to push towards a consumption figure of 8.9 liters/kilometer (approximately 26 miles per gallon).
Coordinating the car’s three main components – the combustion engine, the electric motor and the battery – is the Hybrid Manager, the heart of the Cayenne Hybrid. The Hybrid Manager, which oversees some 20,000 data parameters as compared to only 6,000 data parameters for a conventional engine, is one of the most powerful technologies found in any hybrid vehicle.
Other unique features of the Cayenne Hybrid designed to decrease fuel consumption include the power steering and vacuum pump for the brakes, as well as the air conditioning, which operate on electric power. Technical components, such as the oil pump in the Cayenne’s automatic transmission, have been replaced by electrically powered units. The Cayenne Hybrid’s electro-hydraulic steering – a first for a vehicle of its kind, will ensure the Cayenne Hybrid drives like a Porsche with predictable and safe handling characteristics and the agility that is expected of a Porsche SUV.
Porsche plans to introduce similar hybrid technology in a version of its Panamera four-door Gran Turismo. The Panamera will debut in 2009, with a hybrid to follow.
Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 213 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.
Ford posts surprise $750m profit
US carmaker Ford has posted its first quarterly profit since 2005, crediting cost-cutting and the sale of its Aston Martin business for its progress.
It made $750m (£367m) between March and June, as against a loss of $317m in the same period a year ago.
The news came as Ford said that it was talking "in greater detail" to parties interested in buying its UK Jaguar and Land Rover divisions.
Analysts believe a private equity buyer is most likely to buy the marques.
Ford did not name the contenders, although they are thought to include India's Tata Motors.
It also said that a strategic review of its Volvo business would probably be completed by the end of the year.
Selling assets
Ford's return to profit surprised Wall Street because, like other US carmakers, it has struggled to compete with Asian rivals.
Rising petrol prices have boosted Asian firms in recent years, as buyers opt for more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Most US carmakers have suffered from the decline in demand for so-called "gas-guzzling" sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and trucks.
Ford has been selling assets such as Aston Martin to offset heavy losses - and the proposed disposal of Land Rover and Jaguar is seen as a continuation of this policy.
The firm needed to offload its luxury car brands to secure the rest of the business, analysts have said, and it is estimated that the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover could raise as much as $1.5bn (£750m).
The two businesses employ about 16,000 workers in the UK and Ford said that it "fully understands its responsibilities, not only to its employees but also to its local communities".
Land Rovers are made at Solihull, while Jaguar has a site at Castle Bromwich - both in the West Midlands.
The two also share a site at Halewood on Merseyside.
Among the investment firms expected to bid is Cerberus Capital Management, which bought the Chrysler Group from DaimlerChrysler in May.
Ripplewood Holdings, a group headed by former president of Chrysler, Thomas Stallkamp, is also reported to be interested.
Earlier this month, Ford denied that it was in talks about selling off its Swedish carmaking division Volvo, which it bought in 1999.
Hybrids: Appearance Matters More Than Mileage
Toyota's hybrid Prius is selling. On the other hand, most of the other hybrid vehicles, regardless of the manufacturer, are not. At least, in any big numbers.
Our take? Is it good or bad? We say it's good. The consumers are offered a variety of technology and will ultimately reward the automakers who offer the mostest.
In June alone, 17,756 Priuses were sold. That contributes to a total of 94,503 units sold for the first six months of the year. Although Toyota offers other hybrid models such as the Camry hybrid or Lexus GS, the Prius accounts for two-thirds of the company's sales in hybrid vehicles.
Other automakers did not fare so well. Sales of the hybrid Honda Civic for six months are fewer than Prius sales just for the month of June. The company has dropped the Accord hybrid. And only 11,444 Ford hybrid Escapes have been sold during a six month period. A total of 2,028 Mercury Mariner hybrids were sold.
So, what's happening here? Why is Prius doing so well when the rest of the hybrids are lagging?
Some say the style of the Prius is what is attracting consumers. It has its own distinct look. Other hybrids, on the other hand, are just versions of non-hybrid models.
The dilemma of hybrids that sell or don't sell is opening up the fuel efficiency market to all sorts of alternatives. For example, General Motors and Chrysler will be offering full-size SUV hybrids. There will be plug-in electric hybrids. The automakers are also turning to diesel. Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors will be offering diesel pickups in the near future. GM plans to offer diesel Caddies and Saturns by 2010. Finally, Honda plans to sell a small car in the U.S. that features a four-cylinder diesel engine.
Then there are the more high tech cars with fuel cells or the twin turbo technology from Ford.
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