For nearly two decades, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (more commonly known as just the ‘Evo’) has been the benchmark sports sedan around the world. It might have arrived a bit late in the American market, only going on sale in 2003 with the Evo VIII model, but it has well-established itself as a giant killer...
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With the release of Ford’s electric Focus hatchback around the corner, Ford is looking to educate consumers on eco-friendly vehicles. They’ve teamed up with SHFT.com, a website developed by actor Adrian Grenier (from Entourage) and film producer Peter Glatzer to promote green and eco-consciousness to younger consumers. Ford is chipping in by funding a series...
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Honda is moving ahead with plans to deliver a higher performance version of the CR-Z. In fact, according to a report by Temple of Vtec, CR-Z project leader Norio Tomobe-san has confirmed the car is already in development. The first rumors of a CR-Z “Type R” came from Honda itself, with the release of the...
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Lexus was one of the first premier automakers to introduce a series of hybrids in its line-up. In 2009, Lexus launched its first dedicated hybrid model, the HS 250h. However, due to a failure to meet market expectations, Lexus has reportedly decided to end its run. Although a time frame has yet to be officially...
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Toyota has announced its three-man tea of pro racers, who will pilot the brand’s hybrid LMP1 car in the 2012 Le Mans and other races. The list includes former F1 driver and winner of the 2009 24 Hours of Le mans (under Peugeot) Alex Wurz, Team Oreca pilot and last year’s 12 Hours of Sebring...
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Japanese car firm Toyota is already a world leader in hybrid technology. Now it seems, Toyota wants to have a similar strangle hold of the fuel-cell market. According to vice-president of product planning and marketing for Toyota Europe, Alain Uyttenhoven, Toyota is planning on selling a few thousand fuel-cell vehicles starting in 2015. Sales are...
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In the world of motorsports, it’s nearly impossible for a new team to come out of the box and be competitive. So what is a novice group that is looking for success to do? Simple, partner with one of the most successful teams in the sport. That is exactly what Toyota is doing by partnering...
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California told 85,000 hybrid drivers to move over, literally. Now everyone is feeling the sting. Starting last July the yellow stickers allowing hybrid owners to drive alone in the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane expired. The move came in preparation for an anticipated increase in electric vehicles on the road that will be allowed...
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A new continuously-variable transmission, a supercharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine and an front-drive hybrid system should all arrive on the new Nissan Altima for 2013, helping Nissan stay competitive in an increasingly tough segment. The hybrid drivetrain will be similar to that used on the Infiniti M Hybrid, but adapted for front-wheel drive vehicles. The new...
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Although our German isn’t too great, Auto Motor und Sport, the automotive publication of record in Germany, is reporting that the Hyundai i30, also known as the Elantra Touring, will get a plug-in hybrid version in 2013. Hyundai has hinted at a competitor to the Toyota Prius before, and the i30, designed with the ultra-competitive...
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2012 is going to be a big year for Ferrari, with two major product launches at the upper-end of the Italian supercar manufacturer’s model range. Ferrari will be bringing out replacements for its now defunct Enzo supercar and its 599GTB grand tourer. The Enzo successor will have carbon fiber construction and a midship V12, as...
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Just as news of BMW‘s plans to offer a hybrid variant for the upcoming 3 series hit the net, the German automaker has announced the ActiveHybrid 5, completing hybrid trims across the core BMW four door sedan line-up. Based upon the BMW 535i, the turbocharged inline-six gets an additional 55-hp electric motor with 155 lb-ft...
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Lexus intends to drum up excitement across its 2012 lineup by offering a series of limited edition models. Lexus has massaged its LS flagship with a sport-tuned air suspension as well as a 19-inch 10 spoke wheels and Brembo brakes. The interior receives sport seats at the front and a two tone leather trim throughout....
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The walls of BMW headquarters whispered rumors of a BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid model, according to Autobild. If a 3 series hybrid is in the works, expect technologies from the big brother ActiveHybrid 7 series to be mated to BMW’s staple straight six engine. A compact electric motor will provide the hybrid with an additional...
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Toyota has finally released pricing for the all-new Prius Plug-in Hybrid, setting the retail rate at $32,760 – a roughly $8,000 premium over the conventional model. At $32,760, Prius Plug-in provides more standard features like heated front seats, Entune, LED daytime running lights, an enhance keyless entry system as well as a remote start air...
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When I first laid eyes on the Chevrolet Miray concept, I thought: this is what the Batmobile would look like if it was small, silver, and Korean. A product of GM Korea, the Miray (Korean for “future” first debuted at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year but made its European debut at the Frankfurt...
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Ford‘s designs have come a long way over the last decade, with practically their entire lineup looking sharp and attractive – but the Ford Evos Concept has just managed to move the bar substantially higher. Revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Evos looks like something that would have a V12 under the...
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If you’re a die-hard environmentalist, then you’re going to love the Brahms Plug-in Hybrid Hearse. You can rest in peace knowing that even in death you did your part to help save the planet. Brahms Electric Vehicles, a UK engineering firm, is looking for buyers for its new line of electric plug-in hybrid hearses. Traditional...
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We’re sure there are legions of fans excited to hear that the 2013 Lexus GS450h will bow at September’s Frankfurt Auto Show – maybe not. Either way, the GS450h should be an important product for Lexus, as both the originator of the luxury hybrid segment, and a critical new introduction in a market that is...
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Kia Motors is participating in an 8,000 mile trip with the 2011 Optima Hybrid sedan in an effort to break the Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption in a hybrid car. Drivers Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius will drive through 48 states in 16 days. Both drivers are experienced fuel economy drivers and the 2011...
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Audi has just released official details on a new hybrid version of its A8 luxury flagship sedan, powered by a 4-cylinder engine. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (what else?) is mated to an electric motor and makes a total of 245-hp with 345 lb-ft of torque while achieving an average fuel consumption of 36.75-mpg (on the...
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Hyundai is continuing to enter new product segments, including upscale niche markets, but will continue to update lower priced models over the next three years. Three vehicles the Korean automaker wants to launch sometime soon include a dedicated plug-in hybrid sedan (a Prius rival), a sporty sedan to compete with the BMW 3-Series and more...
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Ford and Toyota shocked the automotive world with the announcement that the two companies will join forces to create a new hybrid system for light trucks and SUVs. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding, and will do further research and studies regarding the project. The new system is said to be rear-drive based, and...
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In 2010, Volkswagen took a twenty-percent stake in Suzuki, and virtually no progress has been made from the alliance since then. Neither side has been thrilled with the coalition and the two automakers have even stated cultural differences as being a factor in the failed relationship. Both automakers had different goals: VW wanted to expand...
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