Saturn Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic And Other Models – A Review
The Mechanism of Toyota Hybrid Cars And Other Vehicles
It is an undeniable fact that air pollution is largely caused by vehicle engine combustion. The burning of a petroleum-based fuel is the culprit behind dark fumes. Is this fact inescapable? Cars have been with us for more than a century and up until recently, fossil fuels were the only known way to supply power to a car since Karl Benz’s first engine propelled a vehicle. Yet, with hybrid engine technology, emissions can be reduced to almost zero.
There are two classifications of hybrid automobiles offered in the car market today. Foremost is the “series hybrid”. A “series hybrid” automobile is power-driven by battery-powered electric engine. However, a series hybrid car is also powered by a gas-motor. The gas motor energizes the car generator. In return, the car generator charges the electrical engine batteries.
During the whole period the car is running, the electric engine is constantly functioning as well. But as for the gas motor, an option to leave it on or off is dependent on the necessities of the hybrid car. Series hybrid vehicles are great for city traffic as they supply better fuel mileage.
The “parallel hybrid” is another classification of hybrid cars retailed in the car market today. It comes in the same gasoline-and-electric-engine package of the series hybrid. Both engines can function to run the transmission and run the hybrid vehicle. What makes the parallel different from the series is the utilization of the electric engine to amplify the parallel hybrid when there is a need to boost the speed of the car. If series hybrids are for city traffic, parallel hybrids are better fitted for open highways.
Toyota Hybrid Cars
Toyota hybrid cars are the most revered hybrid car models today. Its Prius is the top performing and touted as the best hybrid car in the US market, not the mention has the most reasonable price.
Aside from Prius, the pride of Toyota is its hybrid minivan, the Sierra hybrid and Estima hybrid. These minivans are the most sought after hybrid models since they are spacious and runs with a 4WD.
Honda Hybrid Cars
Honda hybrid cars are also making waves with its Honda Civic hybrids. Hybrid Civic cars are gorgeous yet efficient, too. We all know that when it comes to the looks department, Civic is at the topmost. This is the reason why a large percentage of young professionals are considering Honda Civic hybrids among others.
If you are in the hunt for reasonably priced yet offers luxury, comfort and safety at the same time, Saturn hybrid cars are the perfect hybrids for you. It has a sleek look, with headlamps that will make you think of jewels. It’s a handsome car, less the price.
As for Ford, it has the new 2008 Escape and Mercury hybrids are still full-hybrids. These Ford hybrids can completely function on 100% electric power approximately at 30MPH. Thus, allowing hybrid drivers to save more on fuel consumption. The 2008 Escape and Mercury hybrids can instantly changeover between complete electric power, complete gas, or even mixed power-driven to take full advantage of performance and fuel-efficiency.
Continuing Research on Hybrid Cars
We all know that the earth is getting more polluted every minute – the air that we breathe, water that we drink, and food that the eat – it seems like there is nothing pure or pristine anymore. The only thing we can do as a co-inhabitant of earth is to at least not be a source of pollution; we should, in fact, participate to the preservation of our home planet, the only home that we’ve got.
This “keeping the world green” concept is what has propelled car makers to create an efficient, cost effective, yet environment friendly vehicle that we can use. Thus, the birth of hybrid cars.
Today, big names in the car industry continues their research, studies, tests and creation of hybrid prototypes so as to perfect the hybrid technology that has been started already. We can therefore expect in the future a vehicle that will be totally independent from fossil fuel.
When such a time arrives, hybrid cars, as exemplified by Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and the Saturn hybrid, will be the conventional mode of transport. And as for our dirty, smoke emitting cars, they will, in turn, form part of history.
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Toyota Hybrid Cars: The Future Is Here
In 1997, Toyota introduced the Prius hybrid car. So overwhelming was the response to this gasoline-electric car that Toyota mass-produced it and it became an instant best seller. It led to the conviction that car-lovers are beginning to think of their cars in terms of environmental impact. Since then, Toyota has been fast-tracking its research and development of hybrid technology.
Toyota’s venture in the world of hybrids was not an accident. It is a corporate dream espoused by their President Katsuaki Watanabe who wanted cars that run on limited fuel and do not leave toxic emissions along the way. That dream of the future of cars is becoming true today, with Toyota hybrid cars paving the way to the realization. Toyota’s use of alternative fuels is the first thrust to include hydrogen and bio-fuel, and electricity.
Fuel Economy
Not only in reducing the use of fossil fuel, but even in the use of alternative fuel, the second thrust and overriding principle is fuel consumption economy that reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Alternative energy source and reduced emissions point toward the third thrust of Toyota’s dream – improving air quality.
Toyota hybrid cars, and even non-hybrid conventional-fuel ones, consider the above principles to ensure minimum impact to the environment. That is why from development up to production, environment-friendly materials go into both hybrid and non-hybrid cars. Some Toyota spare parts contain natural and recycled plant materials. Disposed-of parts from first to final test runs are recyclable and minimize waste disposal. Toyota aims to be environment-friendly every step of the way.
The Present Array is Impressive
From Prius’ entry in 1997, the world of hybrids has never been the same. Prius may have started it but Toyota has come a long way. Its newest best seller in America, the Camry, already has its hybrid version. The Camry Hybrid uses the hybrid synergy drive on battery and gasoline. Loaded with impressive features, the Camry Hybrid can run either on gas alone or on electricity alone. Then again, when push comes to shove and the unit wants more power, it can combine both. Fuel-efficient, low emitting, safe and smooth driving, the Camry Hybrid delivers the expectations that the Prius lovers have. (more…)
Hybrid Pickups On Mild-Hybrid Technology
General Motors’ entry into the hybrid pickups scene rides on pickups utilizing the mild-hybrid technology. While full sized pickup trucks like Silverado and Sierra went hybrid as full-sized pickup trucks packed with all the power that trucks need, GM is set to follow these up with milder pickup versions in the hybrid Tahoe and Yukon SUVs. These hybrid pickups will come in 2007 and will live up to the standards of economy and efficiency of their bigger brothers the Silverado and Sienna.
How well did the Silverado and Sierra fare as far as their mild-hybrid technologies are concerned? EPA estimates pegged Silverado’s performance at 17mpg on city driving and rose to 19mpg on the highway. This is while EPA ratings for conventional models were at 15 and 19 for city and highway driving, respectively. With the mild-hybrid adoption by GM, fuel savings for these models are expected to move higher for these hybrid pickups.
Going Mildly Hybrid
GM’s mild-hybrid pickups go like this: Firstly, these guys had their starters replaced by a starter-generator, electric-run, that courses the power from the engine to the transmission through compact coils. This starter generator is the point man in the mild-hybrid system. It starts the engine quietly but quickly. During cruising or coasting, electricity is further generated and the battery duly charged through regenerative braking.
This means that fuel is saved significantly as the hybrid pickups start easily with the least engine revolution. The engine fuel valve is shut off when the unit is coasting as the electric drive kicks in. Each time the driver applies the brake pedals, kinetic energy is captured through the regenerative braking system which in turn recharges the battery pack. (more…)
Hybrid Car Prices: A Good Buy?
Before we talk about hybrid car prices, it will be best if we know first the nature of hybrid cars so we can be fully informed if we will be getting our money’s worth. First, most of us generally know that the usual car brands that we encounter are powered by diesel or gasoline. However, because of the inception of the hybrid car technology, hybrid cars are now equipped with rechargeable batteries.
Hybrid cars can also lessen deadly smoke and fog for up to ninety percent and can promote a much better fuel economy than a normal car engine. If people will just realize the great efficiency that hybrid cars can bring, then people will have lesser worries about gas prices inflating or rising and global warming and pollution worsening.
Hybrid Car Prices
Now that we know the general nature of hybrid cars, it is time to find out the best hybrid car prices around. Most car manufacturers have their own lineup of hybrid cars anyway so people are not limited in terms of exploring their options of which particular hybrid car to use, if ever they consider buying.
The projected release of 2008 Ford Escape is something to anticipate and currently, it has a price range between twenty-five to twenty-six thousand dollars, one of the those expensive hybrid car prices. It features state-of-the-art hybrid car technology, with engines that boast of double efficiency and produce lesser harmful smoke for the environment. It also has a great car structure, and the projected color of the car upon its release is black.
Mercury Hybrid Car Price
The 2008 Mercury Mariner is another hybrid car to anticipate. Among the currently released hybrid cars, this particular car has the highest price so far. Its estimated price ranges between twenty-five to twenty-seven thousand dollars. This silver-colored hybrid car has more additional features than the Ford Escape and its overall specifications are still being developed and tested to give the future of hybrid car technology a whole new statement or look.
Next in the list is a much lighter hybrid car, the 2007 Saturn Aura. This black to gray colored hybrid car has one of the cheapest hybrid car prices. If you follow the MSRP price, then consumers only have to pay approximately twenty thousand and five hundred dollars. But if one will choose to look at the invoice price, then it will just be slightly lower than twenty thousand, a little over nineteen thousand dollars. This car, which will be finally available this year, has user-friendly features fit for families and business professionals who value great car style and design quality.
Those who are anticipating the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Car should at least get some hints from its predecessor. The 2007 Ford Escape has a much higher price, and also has one of the most expensive hybrid car prices to date this year. The price range is currently between twenty-five to twenty-seven thousand dollars, and is expected to gradually decline in the coming months.
Toyota Prius Prices
And for every car lover, who would not want to dream owning the very technological and classy 2007 Toyota Prius? Yes, this particular hybrid car is one of the latest introductions of Toyota to the world of hybrid car technology and will soon be one of the classical additions to their growing list of car products.
This silver-colored car features great qualities of its exterior and interior without letting the car efficiency and performance down. Many will also be surprised that for this year, it only sells at around twenty to twenty two thousand dollars, also one of the cheapest hybrid car prices around.
Honda Hybrid
If Toyota has a hybrid car product, then so does Honda. This year, Honda will introduce its hybrid Honda Civic car, a red-colored vehicle that features great modifications as compared to the previous car product releases of the said company.
And among hybrid car prices, it is among those that are medium-priced and is just appropriate for its wonderful design and quality. The price range is between twenty to twenty two thousand dollars, and one will surely save more than two thousand dollars if one will pay the invoice price instead of the MSRP.
Wise Buy
The hybrid car products mentioned above are just a few of the hybrid car products available so far. And as we see the great prospect of hybrid car technology to the world, we must always consider choosing the hybrid car that best suits our tastes and lifestyle, and also the hybrid car prices that will comfortably fit within our budget.
Hybrid Vans Are Moving People
Hybrid vans are said to be the next big thing in the world of hybrid vehicles. After the release of four-door sedans, SUV car makers got into the picture. But only relatively few people do desire the big trucks, being that they are too expensive for them. At the same time, some car buyers find sedans to be too small for their needs.
Due to these factors, hybrid vans are starting to gain a great buzz and many people, hybrid lovers or not, have been eyeing and awaiting the release of hybrid vans for the US market.
Clamor for Hybrid Vans
People want to know more about hybrid vans because they have heard that the prototype hybrid vans and minivans that Toyota is creating are as cost-effective as small sedans, yet as spacious as SUV’s.
The Toyota prototype can run fast and efficiently even when the fuel is low. The reason is that it can switch to battery mode and obtain energy from the electricity charged battery pack. As for its fuel saving feature, hybrid vans or minivans can run 35 long miles with just a gallon of petroleum, gas or diesel, depending on the model and make.
In fact, this clamor for hybrid vans was voiced out through a signature campaign via a website. Hybrid enthusiasts are calling for people to join them in their signature campaign to bring Toyota’s Sienna hybrid and Estima hybrid to the United States.
Hybrid Vans and Minivans
As shown by the online petition to bring Japanese made minivans into the US, it is undoubtedly clear that there is a large demand for hybrid vans and minivans. However, currently only a few car manufacturers offer hybrid vans; and those few do not mass produce hybrid vans for US consumers. The popular lines of hybrid vans come from Toyota, Chrysler (GM), and Ford.
Toyota’s Estima hybrid and Sienna hybrid are the most popular hybrid vans around. The reason is that these two hybrid vans are handsome to look at and have superb performance.
Sienna hybrid is actually a minivan. Yet don’t let this tiny piece of work fool you. Although tiny as it is, it has a large and spacious interior that can seat 7 persons comfortably. Its engine is powerful too, but doesn’t consume fuel as much as an SUV. (more…)
Hybrid Convertible In The Stockholm Motor Show
Many car manufacturers have always targeted and dreamed of releasing to the public hybrid convertible cars that will promote the same or better features compared to the standard hybrid cars. One car company that managed to achieve this goal is Saab, a global car-manufacturing giant based in Sweden and in many other parts of world. In a recent Stockholm Motor Show, it unveiled to the eager public its new car innovation branded as BioPower Hybrid 9-3 Convertible Concept. Once totally manufactured and released, this will be the first hybrid convertible car ever that is fossil-fuel-free.
How it Works
The whole hybrid convertible car combines a two hundred sixty horsepower and two-liter BioPower combustion engine that is capable of operating on pure ethanol fuel appropriate for front-wheel driving. This particular mechanism also features dual electric systems and motors that drive the rear and front wheels. This particular hybrid convertible car also has a new SIDI direct injection mechanism, a first for the company of Saab, which permits the switch to convert blended or mixed ethanol or gasoline to pure ethanol, even during cold weather.
It is because of the combination of these engine features that the 9-3 system of this hybrid convertible will propel the car to reach speeds of up to one hundred kilometers per hour in less than seven seconds. At the other end of the line, this hybrid convertible will only run using electricity under Zero-Mode at speeds reaching up to fifty kilometers per hour. The combustion engine instantly operates to its maximum performance if the battery runs down or if the force applied is increased.
Saab Press Release
It was in the press release of Saab that all the specific features of this BioPower hybrid convertible car were discussed. Apart from total zero emission of fossil fuels, one distinct feature that makes this particular hybrid convertible special is that it will pair a turbo-charged engine to a battery-operated and charged full hybrid drive mechanism that promises to deliver astounding car performance and great gas mileage.
Zero Mode, Zero Emission, Zero Consumption
When you use the Saab Hybrid Convertible car, the driver can press Zero Mode button and he or she can then drive electrically with speeds reaching up to fifty kilometers per hour. The powerful turbo-charged batteries have the capability to drive ten to twenty kilometers without necessarily utilizing the combustion engine… (more…)