Official: 2010 Prius Pricing Confirmed to start at $21000

Toyota has just announced the official prices for the five (!) trim levels for the new Prius that will go on sale in late May. The bare-bones version (which must be pretty bare, since Toyota isn't saying yet what's included) will be just $21,000. On the other end of the spectrum, the top trim level starts at $27,270 (add $750 to both prices for delivery and all that). The most you can pay for a 2010 Prius this spring will be $32,520 for the Prius V trim with the Advanced Technology Package (ATP).
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Raser Technologies working on 100mpg Hummer H2 plug-in hybrid

Raser Technologies is working in conjunction with powertrain company FEV and its new E-REV is being designed for application in any number of large vehicles, including SUVs and light trucks.


A prototype for the 100mpg SUV is being prepared for its debut at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit later this month, and while the exact specs about the electric drivetrain are still being kept secret we do know that it will run in a similar fashion to the Chevrolet Volt's plug-in hybrid drivetrain.


Hummer may have been one of the most demonized vehicle brands of the decade, with both poor sales figures and a terrible environmental reputation - but now Utah’s Raser Technologies is using the iconic Hummer H2 as a base for its new electric technology, which it claims can give the Hummer a fuel-economy of around 100mpg.


According to Raser Technologies, the SUV will make use of their E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) powertrain and will be able to drive up to 40 miles per day on pure electricity alone. Once this barrier has been reached, petrol in a small four-cylinder combustion engine connected to the electric motor will generate electricity, much the same way that the Volt does.


Whether or not the technology will be sold in consumer applications is unclear as many manufacturers are already developing their own electric vehicles, however, Raser Technologies has already inked a contract with Pacific Gas & Electric to supply that company with two E-REV trucks, with a view to purchasing more. Other commercial contracts may follow, especially considering the need for many businesses to run large vehicles in their fleets as well as the need to cut costs and be seen doing environmentally positive things.
via:motorauthority



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Sigma Motorworks creates electric sportscar based on Ford Mustang

That would be true, assuming the GTE ever makes it into production, which is an awfully big assumption. Automakers like Tesla Motors have shown just how difficult it is to enter the established auto market, even with vehicles as highly desirable as the Roadster and the new Model S -- not mention fistfuls of cash. Of course, we wish them nothing but the best of luck. They're going to need it.


Major components like the front and rear differentials are sourced from Ford, and the GTE's entire cockpit was yanked from an older Mustang. Twin DC electric motors offer up about 100 horsepower each and provide all-wheel drive. A lithium ion battery puts out 144 volts and is said to provide up to 100 miles of range. With a claimed top speed of around 145 mph, Steve Kase, head of development at Sigma Motorworks, says the GTE will be one of the fastest electric cars in the world.


We've caught wind of yet another hopeful American automaker with plans to launch a new electric sportscar in 2010. According to Matias Gorfinkiel, head of operations at Sigma Motorworks, "[The Sigma GTE] is a test bed for a commercial high performance sports model we will bring to the market by early 2010, when we expect to sell 500 cars."
via:autoblog




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Kia Unveil Dramatic Wind-Assisted Aero-Soul

In a dramatic move aimed at delivering environmental benefits without expensive ­technology Kia has revealed its new Aero-Soul concept that reduces fuel consumpt­ion and exhaust emissions with a simple and low-cost system called Air Propulsio­n and Retardation Installation Line.

Although unveiled on the company’s stylish and fun cross-over Soul the pat­ented system can be easily extended to all the company’s vehicles and will­ even be available as a bolt-on accessory for vehicles already in use.

The system relies on small sensors built into the front and rear bumpers which m­onitor external wind speed and deploy panels when the wind is sufficient to prov­ide additional directional impetus according to the car’s behaviour.

So at cruising speeds if the wind behind the car is strong – such as in wi­nter gales – the panels will harness wind power to provide forward motion.­ If the car is slowing or under braking the panels will deploy to provide additi­onal retardation effort. Additionally a small electrically powered baffle can be­ lowered just behind the exhaust pipe under harsh braking to provide the kind of­ “reverse-thrust” normally associated with aircraft during landing &­ndash; this element will only be available as a factory-fitted device.


This system does not just work when the car is running at speed. When braking or decelerating the panels also pop out like drag chutes to help slow the car down. Also part of the system is a reverse thruster that drops down from behind the exhaust pipe to reduce the strain on the brakes.

From her Mabuk, Korea, office, Kia green-technology engineer Avril Babo said, "The big problem with most emission reduction systems is that they are expensive. We wanted to come up with an answer that didn't cost the earth and could be retrospectively applied to cars already on the road."

Testing in Nong Dam shows that fuel efficiency can be increased by 25%, with emissions reduced by as much as 40%. When using the system while on a severe downhill slope, fuel use and CO2 emissions drops to almost nothing. The system is even beneficial if you live in a calmer environment. Just using the system to help braking can reduce fuel use by 10%, decrease emissions by 15%, and extend brake-pad life by nearly 50%.

The Kia Aero-Soul concept, with the Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line, or A.P.R.I.L., will be available shortly. Pricing will be revealed closer to the release date.
Source: Kia via: community.mocca




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Kia unveils Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in South Korea

Kia has introduced Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), it’s first mass production hybrid car, to the South Korean consumers yesterday. In addition to that, Kia also unveiled its new eco-friendly sub-brand, Eco-Dynamics, an initiative which will bring a host of new eco-friendly technologies and models to the international markets.

The Forte LPI hybrid electric vehicle is powered by an economical mild-hybrid drive system consisting of 1.6L gasoline engine and electric motor. The Liquefied Petroleum Injected (LPI) engine generates 114 horsepower, while electric motor brings additional 20 hp. Equipped with this kind of hybrid system and continuously variable transmission, the Forte achieves a very competitive fuel economy rating of 17.2 kilometers per liter of LPG fuel (41 MPG US), which is equivalent to 21.5 kilometers per liter fuel economy in terms of gasoline, the company said.

To differentiate the Forte hybrid from it’s non-hybrid variants and improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics, some changes have been implemented to the existing exterior design. In front, you will notice a slightly different corporate Kia grille and a restyled front bumper with larger air intake and attractive fog lights design, while at rear, Forte now features a radically redesigned rear bumper and LED equipped taillights. On the inside, Forte LPI hybrid features a Super Vision instrument cluster for hybrid system data and a navigation display.
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Driven: Ronn Motor Company Scorpion, the world's first 'green' supercar

Driving prototypes is practically useless. It's next to impossible to get a feel for what the production version is capable of and you rarely get a chance to explore the limits. Our time with the Ronn Motor Company Scorpion didn't change that fact, but it did give us a glimpse into the upstart's future and how its program is progressing since the concept's introduction at last year's SEMA show.

Tooling around Sacramento in the V6-powered, hydrogen-injected roadster, the unmuffled exhaust made us almost as uncomfortable as the lack of seat-belts. But to the company's credit, the Scorpion is a rarity in the show-car world – a concept that actually drives. So when the call came from Texas to get some wheel-time in the Scorpion, we jumped at the chance. Hell, Arnold Schwarzenegger personally invited the Ronn Motors crew to the Capitol to get a closer look. Who are we to deny court with the Governator?
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Ford celebrates production of 100,000th hybrid SUV

The Ford celebrates a new milestone in the life of its hybrid SUV platform as the 100,000th vehicle rolls down the assembly line at the Blue Oval's Assembly Plant in Kansas City. This production total includes all Ford Escape Hybrids, Mercury Mariner Hybrids and Mazda Tribute Hybrids produced since 2004, the year that Ford launched its first-ever fuel-saving gas/electric model.



Maybe now would be a good time to remind our readers, Ford hit the 60,000 mark mixed at the fourth quarter of 2008, which means that car manufacturers federal hybrid tax credit will be reduced by half beginning in April this year. Buyers to take full advantage of the tax rebate will be required to make their purchase before the end of this month.


Even though the market is now up in the past 5 years, the Ford hybrid SUV is still the most fuel-efficient 'utes on the market with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated that the evaluation of 34 city, 31 highway. Sensory memories? According to a breakthrough in the past, Ford's Escape hybrid commended eyes tears.
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Vauxhall Ampera Confirmed for UK by General Motors

Electric car thing, we all have been yearning for from a fairly long period of time. In India, the SLRRP has a lovely small car has attracted a lot of concern, is expected to be exported to other countries. Even the mini-electric version will be known as Xiao-dong


Now, GM Europe has the word Vauxhall Ampera will soon hit the United Kingdom. The announcement was made at the Geneva Motor Show. You can count on the right hand drive version of the 4 5 Ampera, which will go into production in 2012.

Vauxhall Ampera about the operation of electricity up to 40 miles. Power is stored in a 16-kilowatt-hour, lithium-ion battery. The company said GM Europe's automotive carbon dioxide emissions to zero. And what will happen, if the battery exhausted? All right, then the on-board engine generator to take over and expand its scope of power of more than 300 miles.


Carl Peter Forster, President GM Europe are. He said, "Ampera further demonstrates GM's leadership at the electrification of automobiles. Voltec its groundbreaking electric propulsion system is a change in the rules of the game in the automotive industry's technology needs to address energy and environmental challenges."

According to GM's mini-car Ampera use any 240V household outlet charging. However, the company said they are exploring options with the energy companies, including Iberdrola of Spain.
via:autorama



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Opel released Ampera Geneva show

Opel Ampera features GM's Voltec plug-in hybrid system with a 60 km range running solely on the batteries


Ampera Opel will be the European version of the Chevrolet volts. GM and Opel but survived long enough to perform the conversion and any one of a model to the market.

There is a joke Ampera image because this will be the first time on March 3 (two Press Days) at the Geneva Motor Show. (Exhibition open to the public March 5.)

The Ampera are five, four-seat hatch from GM's plug-in hybrid Voltec power system is said to have run 60 kilometers within the scope of the only lithium-ion battery. Internal combustion engine as a generator to recharge the battery GM / Opel claims that will enable the car to extend an impressive range of 500 kilometers. The battery can be re-Ampera charge any 230-volt power outlet.

Designed Ampera the production version will most likely close to what we see images, has been released, the current spy voted a few weeks ago. It is worth noting that the obvious design cues from the concept of Flexstream, as well as the Opel badge one of the end of last year the European Automotive Award shows Ampera goals are worthy of the name characteristic Opel style makes it far less likely to be regarded as just a re-registration Chevrolet volts.

The Ampera scheduled for listing in Europe, in 2011.
via:World Car Fans



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More on TAC Motors' Stark raving awesome Brazilian bomber in Video

It's not the love child of a Smart Fortwo and a Jeep Wrangler -- it's the TAC Motors Stark 4X4. While we're not entirely sold on the looks of its four-piece composite shell, this off-roader is now aequipped to handle whatever terrain you might happen to encounter.

Previously available with an ethanol-burning Volkswagen engine, power now comes from a 2.3-liter turbodiesel making 220 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a five-speed synchronized transmission that sends power through a Borg Warner transfer case back to a stout Dana 44 rear axle. A set of skidplates looks to keep it all protected.
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First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Once again, this time-honored dictum is proving true as pickup trucks regain their rightful place at the top of the U.S. sales charts following a precipitous fall from grace last summer.

As you've undoubtedly noticed, the cost of gasoline has dropped to a more manageable level, with an average gallon of regular-grade fuel going for half the price it was less than a year ago. So is it back to business as usual? Not quite. As we found out (again) in 2008, the volatile nature of gasoline stocks means that the market price for a barrel of crude can and will change on a whim. Does anyone really think fuel is going to stay cheaper than bottled water forever? Not likely.

However, America's love affair with the pickup truck will continue to burn bright even though the status quo is changing. All vehicles, regardless of type, must travel more miles on each gallon of gasoline. Enter GM's latest duo of fuel-saving pickups: the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra Hybrids.


These two workhorses were first announced at the LA Auto Show in late 2007, though the 2009 editions are just now beginning to show up at dealerships across the country. For the new model year, GM has made a few tweaks to its range of heavy haulers, most notably switching to a new set of hydraulic body mounts to compensate for the extra weight of the large battery pack. Are there any good reasons to consider these hybrid trucks over their highly-respected standard siblings? To find out, we strapped ourselves behind the wheel of each, followed a route through the streets of San Antonio, Texas, and recorded our mileage along the way.
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New Holden Cruze Debut in Melbourne

The new Holden Cruze headlines a list of 25 vehicles that the Australian automaker will be showing off in Melbourne. Also on the stand will be Holden's EcoLine range of vehicles, including two Commodores (one sedan and one Ute) running on liquefied petroleum gas and another two vehicles featuring Active Fuel Management, which switches the V8 engine into a V4 when full power isn't required.


Attendees at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show will be greeted by a nice surprise at the Holden tent as GM's Australian arm has announced it will be bringing what appears to be a production-ready Holden-badged Cruze to display. After taking a brief look at the pics, it's easy to see that nothing much has changed from the Chevy version of the Cruze besides a switch to right-hand drive and, of course, a fresh set of Holden badges all around.

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Hybrids take priority over performance for Toyota in the U.S.

It wasn't that long ago that Toyota stood for more than just reliable, appliance-like transport. With roots that include the delectable 2000GT, the Celica all-trac and three generations of both the Supra and MR2, Toyota had – until recently – carved out a nice niche for itself populated by enthusiasts looking for something outside the performance mainstream.


What that means for the Subaru/Toyota FR coupe's future in the U.S. remains to be seen, but it's doubtful that we'll be seeing a Supra successor in the near term. Ideally – or maybe more appropriately, idealistically – we could hope for something the melds both performance and green technology, like a production version of the FT-HS coupe concept that debuted in Detroit two years ago. But judging by the tone of the industry, and Carter in particular, we doubt that Toyota is ready to make that kind of segment-defying leap just yet. Maybe it'll take a hit from Honda to change Toyota's tune.


But in the past six years, the Priusification of ToMoCo has created an automaker whose soul focus has shifted from creating compelling products to the automotive equivalent of Maytag or KitchenAid. According to Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter, don't expect that concentration to change.


Carter told Automotive News that Toyota will put more of its efforts towards hybrid vehicles in the U.S., saying that Stateside consumers are more interested in "high-quality, fuel-efficient, low-impact-environment products." Carter went on to say that, "Personally, I would love to have a sporty car, but it is pretty clear what the market is looking for right now."
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Geneva preview: Opel Ampera Spied Completely Uncovered

The Ampera makes its official debut at GM's Geneva press conference on March 3.

The Ampera is scheduled to go on sale in 2011, and shares GM's "Voltec" plug-in hybrid system that's set to be introduced in the Chevrolet Volt. Propulsion is provided by a full-time electric motor, with a small gasoline engine/generator aboard to charge the lithium-ion batteries when needed. GM says that the Voltec system will propel the Volt and Ampera up to forty miles (65 km) on a single charge. The engine/generator increases the range to about 500 miles (800 km). Recharging is expected to take 2-3 hours from a standard 230-volt European outlet.


How's that for fast? Hot on the heels of the first computer renderings of the Opel Ampera, we've got actual spy photos of the car, captured during a closed video shoot just prior to its debut in Geneva next month.



Design sketches of the Ampera, which is the European-market version of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, leaked to the web just yesterday. The Ampera prototype caught in photos looks production-ready and it's possible this white car is in the process of being shot for the press kit. The styling, a blending of the Insignia sedan and Flextreme concept car, is clearly similar to that of the computer-rendered drawing, though the actual car shows a deeper chin spoiler and a taller body than the design sketch. While the car in the sketches looks like a four-door sedan, the production Ampera will be a five-door.
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GM, the U.S. prepare for the Volt

That means a very concrete example, that there must be points where flow "refueled" can be. For example in a terraced house with garage lives will still be able to charge home. However, away from home it would be nice to the battery of the Volt's power needs.


Thus, General Motors, together with San Francisco, Washington and other "early adopters" to build the infrastructure to make that possible. In offices, but also in public places must allow the Volt (and other plug-in hybrids) to recharge.


It will also look at measures on the purchase of plug-in hybrids by governments and commercial organizations to promote. Consumers with a plug-in car to buy, get a tax benefit of $ 7500, -.
Source:autoblog.nl



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