Hybrid car news

Hybrid cars for Boca Police

Boca Raton City Council recently approved a purchase of 4 hybrid cars for city police department. The council is going to buy 4 2005 Toyota Prius cars at $86,060. This is a good move by Boca on the footsteps of Florida. As more and more state shows their commitment towards environmental cars by actually buying it, people will be more inspired to do so. However, Hybrid cars will not be used in chasing, but will be more used for serving papers and security patrols etc.

Free parking proposal for hybrid cars

A proposal is being discussed by Board of Aldermen to offer free parking in downtown New Haven to the owners of hybrid cars. If the proposal is passed people would be able to park their hybrid cars for free in the city's metered spaces. Promoting hybrid cars will certainly improve the air quality of the place, save cash for people and reduce over dependence on the fuel.

Electrocution from hybrid cars

The major drawback for hybrid cars that concern rescue workers is its high voltage batteries, which could give severe jolt when exposed during crash. Some precautions like shutting engine through keys or switch present in the rear of the car could prevent any mishap. Now automakers are also working on this problem. Some safety measures like automatic shutting down the engine in crash, heavy insulation of wires, distinct colors for the wires in the new models will go a long way in building confidence in rescue workers for hybrid cars.

Hybrids Cars History: A long journey to a commercial success

Hybrid cars are a craze today and are going towards a big commercial success, but it too had a long journey, which started in 1897. In this year, the first attempt was made to combine internal combustion engine with electric power.

After 13 years, an attempt was made by Pieper to make a true hybrid car. He developed 3.5 hp voiturette in which he used a small gasoline engine in conjunction to a electric motor. The car while running used electric motor used, acted as a generator to recharge the battery, but while climbing steep roads, battery power was used to assist the gas engine to give it a boost. The same technology in advanced form is used in Honda hybrid cars as IMA system.

Another try cam from Jacob Lohner, Porsche. He developed a car where two electric motors were used which used to run the two front wheels. But the cars made by these people have a major drawback, which did not allowed it to become commercial success. The batteries used in the cars were very heavy and the battery used was able to store only a small amount of energy.

Later Daimler Motors hired Porsche in 1906 and made Mercedes-Electrique-Mixte under his guidance. Would continue more to it soon.

2005 Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe

Jaguar displayed its new 2005 Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe at North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new Jaguar car is certainly a car for 21st century which is evident by its seductive exteriors and great features. 2005 Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe is designed under Design Director, Ian Callum. The car uses lightweight
aluminum architecture technology which was first used on XJ saloon.

The car could reach 0-60 mph in less the 5 seconds with a top speed of 180 mph packed with all driver friendly features which is one of the basic ingredient in the Jaguar cars. Jaguar Cars managing director says Bibiana Boerio

'This show car is a rallying call for Jaguar lovers the world over, who appreciate sporting luxury. We want them to know that we are committed to a product-led transformation of this company that will see us making Jaguars with great design and wonderful interiors that are fast, glamorous and evocative. A new Jaguar sports car is always an important event and we absolutely believe that the Advanced Lightweight Coupe demonstrates that the direction we are taking is the right one.'

Prices for the car would probably begin with just over $70,000

World's most fuel efficient cars

2006 Jeep Hurricane

2006 Jeep Hurricane unveiled at 2005 North American International Auto Show has simply raised the bar for jeep brand with its maneuverable and powerful capabilities. It has two 5.7-liter HEMI engines in the jeep one in front and other in back. Both the engines gives 335 hp each which sums up to 670 hp and 740 lb-ft of torque. The projected 0-60 miles per hour, speed is achieved in 5 seconds.

2006 Jeep Hurricane could be powered by 4, 8, 12 or 16 cylinders according to driver's requirements. This converts into tons of torque, which enables Jeep Hurricane to explore tough terrain and pass any type of obstacles. The vehicle has ground clearance of 14.3 inches with 37-inch tires.

The front and rear tires could turn inwards which enables this jeep a turn radius of absolutely zero. Another great feature is its ability to turn all the 4 tires in the same direction. It provides Jeep Hurricane, the ability to change direction in minimum space. Built with lightweight and high strength body, 2006 Jeep Hurricane is sure to impress all the jeep enthusiasts.

2006 BMW 530xi - The new 5 Series car from BMW

New xDrive, all wheel drive option, and a six cylinder engine, BMW has presented its 2006 BMW 530xi, something which is hard to overlook. BMW has replaced its older 2.2 and 3 litres engines with the new more powerful 2.5 liters in line six-cylinder engine.


Two models are available namely 530xi and 525 xi. According to BMW the car enhances traction, driving stability and agility by maintaining slow of power between axles. Another car that BMW unveiled is Mg convertible. The car is the most powerful in 5 series with 500 hp V10 engine, 7 speed Smg transmission, and rear wheel drive.

Nissan Azeal

Nissan Azeal concept car is targeted towards is an entry-level car and is targeted to young buyers. The car posses some looks of 350Z sports coupe. The car has 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

Nissan is trying to explore the entry-level car segment seriously as commented Jed Connelly, senior vice president of Nissan's U.S. sales arm. Currently Nissan has no plans for production of vehicle.

2006 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai new 2006 Sonata is an attempt from Hyundai to present a vehicle, which would give real value for money. 2006 Hyundai Sonata is priced at below $20,000. With lot of safety features like 6 air bags and a longer body then its earlier counterparts, 2006 sonata is going to make a niche in its segment. The car is placed in the Accord, Camry segment and Bob Cosmai, CEO and President of Hyundai North America was very confident while presenting the car.

2006 Hyundai Sonata does not actually fit into Accord, Camry segment due to its much larger size then them. The car will come with 237 horsepower 3.3-liter v-6 engine or 162 horsepower 2-liter 4-cylinder engine. The other new cars from Hyundai are Electra, Santa Fe's mini van, and Accent XG.

Ferrari Superamerica

Top speed of 199 mph, Ferrari Superamerica 12-cylinder convertible comes with a price tag of $305,000. The car has 540 horsepower engine, which is more powerful, then Maranello. The retracting roof is completely noiseless and in few seconds the roof could rest on top of trunk. The electrochromic glass used in the car is the first ever used. With a push of button, you could convert the glass from transparent to opaque.

Ferrari will make only 559 Superamerica as it is a limited-edition model.

2007 Saturn SKY roadster

An estimated $3 billion investment and Saturn's newest addition, a sporty roadster named as Sky is going to debut next week at North American International Auto Show for media preview. The car would be priced somewhere near to $25,000 and is scheduled for production in 2006 at GM's Wilmington, Del., assembly plant. The Sky was created at GM's Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England. The brand is going to expand its product offerings from current 3 to 6 by end of 2006.

Saturn current lineup has 3 models namely Relay minivan, Ion compact sedan and coupe and Vue SUV. The new brand is for sure going to boost the sales of Saturn in US. In 2004 sales for the car was down 22% from year ago. More about the vehicle will be known soon when it is unveiled at Detroit auto show this month.

2005 Ford Mustang Convertible (concept car)

Ford Mustang, one of the most loved car in the automobile industry history, same could be seen in 2005 Ford Mustang Convertible which will be available this spring with V-6, V-8-powered GT version. The convertible was designed to give it a rigid body without any increase of overall weight. It was designed and engineered with coupe in mind but it does not look like coupe at all.

The top which is fabric made is better then the previous models and gives a better rear view. The top has a solid and quite drop which is best as compared to previous models. Previous models with drop top had some shakes and rattles which is not there in 2005 Ford Mustang Convertible.

The car is priced at $24,495(starting) which is one of the lowest price in the V6 convertible segment where as V-8 powered Mustang GT is priced at $29,995.

Like the coupe V8 powered Mustang Convertible will be available in both 5 speed manual and 5 speed automatic versions. The 300 horsepower 4.6 litre V8 with a variable camshaft timing, a total of 320 lb-ft peaking out at 4,500 rpm makes its engine superior. The high rpm shows its superior overhead cam technology.

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has 303 horsepower 5.3L V8 with Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology (SS model) operation. The LS and LT models will have 211-hp 3.5L V6 operation. The engine would provide a fuel economy improvement of upto 12%. The car will have transmission as Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic with overdrive . There will be a sitting space for 4. The other important features will be sound damping, ABS electronic, Traction control and tire pressure monitor. 2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo safety features include Front-seat side-impact air bags which help reduce the risk of certain injuries to front-seat occupants in side impacts. The car will be available in 4 models namely LS, LT, LTZ, SS. As per the fuel economy SS model will have 17 mpg city, 27 mpg hwy. Fuel economy estimates based on GM testing. Official EPA estimates is not yet available.

2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will be available on fall of 2005.

2006 Chevrolet Impala

2006 Chevrolet Impala will receive 303 horsepower 5.3L small block V8 with Displacement on Demand (DOD) technology (SS model) operation. This technology is used for regulating between 8 and 4 cylinder operation which could save fuel of up to 12%. 2006 Chevrolet Impala engines for different make will be 3.9L V6 with variable valve timing (LTZ model) and 211-hp 3.5L V6 (LS and LT models). The transmission is Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic with overdrive. The key features of the car includes remote vehicle starter system, abs electronic traction control and tire pressure monitor control, independent suspensions and a large and spacious cargo capacity(18.6 cu. ft). There will be 4 models available namely LS, LT, LTZ, SS.

Standard features for distinct models:

2006 Chevrolet Impala SS:
All-new 303-hp 5.3L small block V8 with best-in-class horsepower and torque
Displacement on Demand (DOD) for greater fuel economy.
18-inch aluminum wheels with W-speed-rated Performance tires.
2006 Chevrolet Impala LTZ:
Heated front Nuance leather seating surfaces.
Innovative fl ip-and-fold-fl at rear seat for added versatility.
CD/MP3 player and Bose sound system.
3.9L V6 engine with variable valve timing.
Electronic Traction Control, ABS and Tire Pressure Monitor.
2006 Chevrolet Impala LT:
Dual-zone temperature controls.
Remote vehicle starter system.
Compass and outside temperature display.
2006 Chevrolet Impala LS:
211-hp 3.5L V6 engine.
Driver Information Center.
CD player.

The car will be available at the fall of 2005.