Toyota Prius C

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnSu5lXW3WbwligSmPNZITiaxIYlcFhwwAVp-e_eSuYF7kCeRnAovXPpis717wsDKm7iFYLpuMuBleyaAzWSUfGDEBIzptGnO1dYBHa5O43QwOtHlQyETvNjnxNgoxwFCi3xXPU2hCwU/s1600/Toyota-Prius-C-Feature-1213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnSu5lXW3WbwligSmPNZITiaxIYlcFhwwAVp-e_eSuYF7kCeRnAovXPpis717wsDKm7iFYLpuMuBleyaAzWSUfGDEBIzptGnO1dYBHa5O43QwOtHlQyETvNjnxNgoxwFCi3xXPU2hCwU/s640/Toyota-Prius-C-Feature-1213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="introduction"> <br /></div> <div class="introduction"> Timing is often everything in the automotive world. As gasoline prices again spiraled upwards, Toyota’s launch of the Prius c in mid-March couldn’t have been better timed. With a price starting at $18,950 and an EPA city fuel economy estimate of 53 mpg, it should be no surprise that the smallest Prius tallied 1,201 units sold within three days of its launch. Through the end of May, sales totaled 12,379, numbers that aren’t far removed from the Honda Insight’s 15,519 units for all of 2011.</div> The diminutive c is the fourth hybrid to be tagged a Prius and joins the conventional midsize Prius (now referred to as the Liftback), the more spacious V and the Plug-in model. While based largely on the Toyota Yaris platform—it’s about four inches longer than the Yaris—the c is remarkably similar to the original Prius. Both have a 100.4-inch wheelbase, the same 66.7-inch width and employ a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the Prius c is some 12 inches shorter than the first Prius, and is 265 pounds lighter. But the big difference is fuel economy: The Prius c clocks in at 53 mpg city/46 highway and 50 combined compared to the first model’s 42/41/41 rating.<br /> And just what does that “c” stand for? Cute, compact and cheap come to mind, but Toyota says it represents “city” and is designed to function as an urban-friendly vehicle aimed at millennial buyers. That prompts two questions: Does it not function in small towns or rural areas and, are Baby Boomers excluded as potential buyers?<br /> <br /> Until now, the Prius design has been undeniable and, for many owners, the distinctive look sends a message which declares that steps must be taken to reduce our voracious thirst for oil—with all its negative consequences in terms of the environment and geopolitics.<br /> Up front, the c does exhibit the familiar Prius nose bump with a Toyota logo badge below. However, the small upper grille opening is a slot rather than the elongated V shape with a chrome insert found on the larger models. And, although the headlamps on the c sweep upwards toward the front roof pillar, they look too large in proportion to the car’s size and aren’t as sleek as those on the other Prii.<br /> <br /> Like the grown-up Liftback and V Prii, the instrument panel is placed in the center of the dash below the windshield rather than the more orthodox—and easier to see—location behind the steering wheel. Readouts always include the digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear selection, odometer, average fuel economy and time. With a steering wheel mounted button, the driver can toggle different information that is displayed on the bottom section of the screen, such as: a graphic of the power distribution between the battery, engine, electric motor and wheels; a real-time battery charge gauge; scoring that measures economical driving; and fuel cost per mile. Want to compare the cost of driving the Prius c with another vehicle, say the gas guzzling Toyota Sequoia SUV (13 city/17 highway)? You can do that, too. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin43uFOVbNG0qc-q3JmvJtQeguUj6iTjFP9RB3FNON1WNFm4OW5wWqcij59xjLkqpTisbMt7-ajrckYy9JEb72MI9_WlRJgkBQ7jgq0Z8u41Do-NqNFR0_WIXgOS0QWvPT7gz84u92ze8/s1600/2012-Toyota-Prius-C-Action-Rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin43uFOVbNG0qc-q3JmvJtQeguUj6iTjFP9RB3FNON1WNFm4OW5wWqcij59xjLkqpTisbMt7-ajrckYy9JEb72MI9_WlRJgkBQ7jgq0Z8u41Do-NqNFR0_WIXgOS0QWvPT7gz84u92ze8/s640/2012-Toyota-Prius-C-Action-Rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> There are certainly other subcompact hatchbacks that are more fun to drive that cost less—the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Chevrolet Sonic and Hyundai Accent come to mind. However, if you’re a city-centric greenie, the Prius c is the car for you. Don’t stray too far from its natural urban habitat and it will most likely exceed your expectations. And, if you have a gotta-be-connected personality, well, this little fuel-sipping hatchback has you covered.<br />

Toyota Prius C

Timing is often everything in the automotive world. As gasoline prices again spiraled upwards, Toyota’s launch of the Prius c in mid-...

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Tesla Model S

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfR3F4DMbqMB6hIne-u9VlYKNSJc7fcqjAB7SfztYRzivXB9YaLvtLaKpHFotrymyynf5scnMAy9onjBKDtuoflk1_iuxvg5v-kWcd_ejd0As82D9luHrtvUrdfkbCdvb4UdFstOk8fI/s1600/Tesla-Model-S-Feature-1213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfR3F4DMbqMB6hIne-u9VlYKNSJc7fcqjAB7SfztYRzivXB9YaLvtLaKpHFotrymyynf5scnMAy9onjBKDtuoflk1_iuxvg5v-kWcd_ejd0As82D9luHrtvUrdfkbCdvb4UdFstOk8fI/s640/Tesla-Model-S-Feature-1213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="introduction"> <br /></div> <div class="introduction"> Tesla Motors is the drama queen of the auto industry. But if you can look beyond the company’s histrionics—lawsuits, financial struggles, exaggerated promises, repeated delays, and inflated egos—the brilliance of its vehicle design shines through. So far, the best example of its ingenuity is the <i>Tesla Model S</i>—a bright vision of what a practical and desirable all-electric sedan should and might be.</div> The Department of Energy gave a powerful endorsement of the Model S in June 2009 when it awarded Tesla with a $465 million loan to build the all-electric sedan and the battery packs needed to make it go. Tesla is promising to begin production in 2011, and ramp up to 20,000 units per year by 2013. With the money in hand and the deadline set, Tesla could deliver a winner—if the company and its executives stay focused, avoid controversy, and deliver on the big promise of the <a href="http://neohybridcars.blogspot.com/2013/05/tesla-model-s.html">Tesla Model S</a>.<br /> <br /> What makes the Model S so cool? First of all, the visual design is gorgeous. <i>The New York Times</i> compares it to the striking Maserati Quattroporte sedan, which sells for more than six figures. Second, it seats five—or seven if you count the two side-facing rear seats for small children. The key to the design according to Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla design chief, is a flat floor that houses batteries, motors and the electronic module. “It’s an awesome clean sheet of functionality and available space,” said von Holzhausen. The company fondly repeats the talking point: It can fit a surfboard, a 50-inch television and a mountain bike in the car at the same time (presumably with rear seats slid forward and using the front storage compartment).<br /> If the visual design, spaciousness, and relative affordability of the Model S break ground, the specs on the electric drive are a bit more familiar. The driving range will be approximately 160 miles, with a full recharge time of about five hours. The battery will have a useful life between five and seven years, after which a new battery pack will cost “well under $5,000,” according to Elon Musk, the company’s chief executive. (Considering the size of the battery pack, the cost is more likely to be $10,000 to $15,000.) Electric drive vehicles are known for speed off the line—expect the Model S, with its single-speed transmission, to deliver 0-to-60 mph performance in less than 6 seconds. Musk says that Tesla is “aspiring to have the best handling sedan on the road” with the S. <br /> <br /> You might expect that a revolutionary list of attractive features would be enough to promote the <b>Tesla Model S</b>—but as late night infomercial hucksters say, “That’s not all.” Tesla is suggesting that it could offer quick charging in 45 minutes, and an option to extend driving range to 300 miles. But these things, and a number of other futuristic features, are examples of Tesla getting ahead of itself. We’re more than two years away from the first customer accepting delivery of the Model S.<br /> The biggest doubts relate to timing. Unlike the Roadster, which Tesla heavily relied on UK’s Lotus Cars to create, the Model S is a completely original ground-up design that will be manufactured in-house. The company is promising delivery—from prototype to release—in about 30 months. Neil describes that breakneck production pace as “an audacious timeline that makes many in the car industry roll their eyes…And people inside Tesla are leery.”<br /> <br /> You should raise your eyebrows when Tesla suggests a 45-minute charging time or the notion that battery swapping might be built in. Don’t count on it. But again, that’s okay. We were already sold at “sleek spacious $50,000 five-seat all-electric sedan.” Bring it on.

Tesla Model S

Tesla Motors is the drama queen of the auto industry. But if you can look beyond the company’s histrionics—lawsuits, financial struggl...

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Toyota RAV4 EV

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuclC8ySpJTFDe6Cpcknsf604HkdSHi8ZhXJqEPWdukGfFqolTZdDppvSEK002ocCwMqx5DUPlrjB2s5XXl83QugkWY272NxdRTqZNVhj4R6Tc_C6oLKnCid72-eleCsAlO_m5w46UVo/s1600/2013-Toyota-Rav4-EV-Action-Left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuclC8ySpJTFDe6Cpcknsf604HkdSHi8ZhXJqEPWdukGfFqolTZdDppvSEK002ocCwMqx5DUPlrjB2s5XXl83QugkWY272NxdRTqZNVhj4R6Tc_C6oLKnCid72-eleCsAlO_m5w46UVo/s640/2013-Toyota-Rav4-EV-Action-Left.jpg" width="640" /></a>Toyota’s 2013 RAV4 EV is the automaker’s second go round of converting its small gasoline powered sport utility to an electric vehicle. From 1997 to 2003, 1,484 RAV4 EVs were leased or sold. Of those, Toyota says approximately 449 are still on the road.<br /> This time, rather than develop the electric RAV4 on its own, Toyota joined forces with upstart Silicon Valley electric carmaker Tesla Motors to co-develop and co-engineer the latest all-electric RAV4.<br /> Toyota was responsible for the vehicle’s design, ride and handling, safety systems and its human-machine interface. Tesla supplies the RAV’s electric drivetrain, including the battery and electric motor, which it shares with <a href="http://neohybridcars.blogspot.com/2013/05/tesla-model-s.html">Tesla’s base Model S luxury sedan</a>.<br /> Developed in a remarkably short 22 months, production is completed at the RAV4’s plant in Ontario, Canada.<br />   <br /> Based on the 2012 RAV4 – not the all-new 2013 model – Toyota says only 2,600 units will be made, with production halting at the end of 2014.<br /> The battery-powered RAV4 is available for sale only through select dealers in California’s major metro market areas of Los Angeles / Orange County, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego and Sacramento.<br /> With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $49,800 plus $845 destination charges, <b>RAV4 EV</b> customers have the option of a purchase or lease program. The vehicle is eligible for a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit and qualifies for California’s $2,500 rebate through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program as well as that state’s white sticker program, allowing a single occupant to drive in HOV lanes.<br /> <br /> Like the first <a href="http://neohybridcars.blogspot.com/2013/05/toyota-rav4-ev.html">RAV4 EV</a> this latest edition is indeed produced to comply with California’s ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mandate, a requirement that a certain percentage of vehicles sold in the Golden State must meet.<br /> But Toyota says the electrified RAV is not just a compliance vehicle.<br /> “The Zero Emission Vehicle mandate has been a fact of life in California for over 20 years. It’s nothing new,” said Jana Hartline, environmental communications manger for Toyota.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr3-nFslsz4FGwt-QC_RPE0AXqUwhigeUPZfcpZhSbl-sTBb0hG78JZGGNGFrMVyTGUlozp2lTk4DmaPto-oUW_iHVLRw6ozdF6C0iTUCEiXamLF2OTrRtZUlnyZFKriuAgEkW99CPZI/s1600/2013-Toyota-Rav4-EV-Rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIr3-nFslsz4FGwt-QC_RPE0AXqUwhigeUPZfcpZhSbl-sTBb0hG78JZGGNGFrMVyTGUlozp2lTk4DmaPto-oUW_iHVLRw6ozdF6C0iTUCEiXamLF2OTrRtZUlnyZFKriuAgEkW99CPZI/s640/2013-Toyota-Rav4-EV-Rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> With little fanfare, in 2008 the company formed a research division to develop “revolutionary batteries.” It aims to commercialize solid-state batteries that will be up to four times more powerful than today’s lithium-ion batteries, followed by lithium-air batteries that will be five times as powerful. Those numbers project a driving range of multiple hundreds of miles on a single charge. Unfortunately, these new batteries aren’t expected until around 2020.<br /> Until then, those who are giving serious thoughts about purchasing a battery-powered vehicle for the first time, as well as EV devotees, should seriously consider the <i>RAV4 EV</i>. With its SUV body style it offers an elevated driving position plus, generous space for passengers and cargo.<br /> And, even though my time behind the steering wheel was short, I came away convinced that it delivers the longest driving range of the current crop of EVs. Except the Tesla Model S, of course.

Toyota RAV4 EV

Toyota’s 2013 RAV4 EV is the automaker’s second go round of converting its small gasoline powered sport utility to an electric vehicle. Fr...

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Audi Q5 Quattro Hybrid

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnQwAygf-KVrTBDnhaQsgJKJSU2TBX4VA5ZGH2XLHfrZ0ixZ4zXoROIQXdmVpXkdbQ2QvMZP0pTGQSC1mDnEbqzZl5UvB3z4boQ3riUmcWocwiHG_a8tQvIYaB5UqcpberfrZAGkpIwQ/s1600/Q5120030_large__mid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnQwAygf-KVrTBDnhaQsgJKJSU2TBX4VA5ZGH2XLHfrZ0ixZ4zXoROIQXdmVpXkdbQ2QvMZP0pTGQSC1mDnEbqzZl5UvB3z4boQ3riUmcWocwiHG_a8tQvIYaB5UqcpberfrZAGkpIwQ/s640/Q5120030_large__mid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> For the first time in the U.S. market, Audi will launch a hybrid model. The vehicle to receive the honor is an addition to its popular Q5 SUV line, and is called the 2.0 TFSI hybrid Prestige. This car with quattro all-wheel-drive will take its place alongside gas-powered siblings.<br /> Aside from a 2.0T and 3.0T siblings which are also getting a mid-cycle refresh this year, the quattro hybrid now resides at the top of the model range, and is priced accordingly in a well-equipped package starting at $50,900. The 2.0T starts at $35,900, and the 3.0T starts at $43,900. An $895 destination fee is also charged for Q5 on top of the sales price plus options.<br /> <br /> So, what kind of motive power does <a href="http://neohybridcars.blogspot.com/2013/05/audi-q5-quattro-hybrid.html">Audi’s premier Q5</a> model get? It’s a full parallel hybrid based around a 2.0-liter TFSI engine which itself delivers 211 horsepower and 258.15 pounds-feet torque. Adding to the power is an electric motor rated at 54 horsepower and 154.89 pounds-feet torque.<br /> <br /> Total system power is rated at 245 horsepower and 354.03 pounds-feet promising acceleration to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.<br /> The electric motor is powered by a 266-volt, 72-cell lithium-ion battery pack which Audi’s engineers were gratified to report did not need to occupy trunk volume to house, and otherwise do not sacrifice usable space in the vehicle.<br /> Fuel economy is 26 mpg combined according to the EPA cycle, and the power output from the four-cylinder plus electric motor is enough to make a driver not miss the V6 turbo that is also available.<br /> <br /> Audi’s attempts to make the driving more enjoyable and easy include adaptive cruise control with “stop & go” and “brake guard” capability. This can detect stationary vehicles and apply full braking at less than 19 mph.<br /> <br /> Another aid is Audi side assist, a form of blind spot detection to alert drivers of vehicles approaching along side, out of immediate view.<br /> <br /> “Audi drive select” actively adjusts steering, suspension, engine and transmission settings. The driver can select among comfort, auto, and dynamic and customize each setting in an Individual mode.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq4WGJTsIrLbeyhKfkAXL2WNQ0O6CuItR2KGvKSD6o2D0T1w4K5a3t-wnGXb-5gbBCwsQF-QaHQmc3lIjskNpVW4rk-nn0gJwtbseGHJhHSGyCQIJImqi36WSt9kr6x2LOGh-T4nZXdg/s1600/Q5120080_large__mid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq4WGJTsIrLbeyhKfkAXL2WNQ0O6CuItR2KGvKSD6o2D0T1w4K5a3t-wnGXb-5gbBCwsQF-QaHQmc3lIjskNpVW4rk-nn0gJwtbseGHJhHSGyCQIJImqi36WSt9kr6x2LOGh-T4nZXdg/s640/Q5120080_large__mid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br />  The vehicle also has an industry first factory installed wireless Internet access. Audi calls this infotainment system Audi connect. It features onboard Audi MMI Navigation plus which utilizes Google Earth’s mapping service and real-time SiriusXM Traffic information. Also included is localized weather info, news, and real-time fuel price info. Google local search is included as well to search for things like restaurant or hotel info, etc. The vehicle is also a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing and lets to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices use the wireless connectivity simultaneously.<br /> <br /> The <i>Audi Q5 Quattro Hybrid</i> delivers the highest torque output of all variants – 354 pounds-feet, compared to 258 peak for the 2.0T and 295 for the 3.0T.<br /> <br /> Its net horsepower is a bit less than the 3.0T, and the hybrid’s 0-60 time is slower by .8 seconds compared tro the 3.0T’s 6.0 seconds. The Q5s are not lightweight either, and the hybrid weighs the most – 86 pounds more than the 3.0T, at 4,431 pounds.<br /> <br /> Top speed for all the Q5s is rated at 130 mph.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbEhGddmQyJ600BfvvtiDWrz-QuxcYvz7hkv6gqK257kpfetT1qWrE6RZZHwnMFmexEfLelyemjckE158HaVTzQqo0xvzZgjKllmmCetZNhD_rL3h3pBt4Dn-J6XcETgSoQThX9SQrtk/s1600/Q5_EPA_numbers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZbEhGddmQyJ600BfvvtiDWrz-QuxcYvz7hkv6gqK257kpfetT1qWrE6RZZHwnMFmexEfLelyemjckE158HaVTzQqo0xvzZgjKllmmCetZNhD_rL3h3pBt4Dn-J6XcETgSoQThX9SQrtk/s640/Q5_EPA_numbers.jpg" width="518" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The <b>Audi Q5 Quattro Hybrid</b> is a solid option for those wanting an SUV with performance, style, and refinement with marginally improved fuel efficiency.

Audi Q5 Quattro Hybrid

For the first time in the U.S. market, Audi will launch a hybrid model. The vehicle to receive the honor is an addition to its popular ...

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