The Most Interesting Hybrid Cars of 2010

Although hybrid cars have slowly been gaining in popularity around the world, a very small percentage of consumers have actually switched to them. This is largely because they have remained much more expensive than traditional cars. It is unlikely that this will change in 2010, but prices on hybrid vehicles have been steadily coming down. 2010 offers more cars than ever before. Here are a few of the newest options.

 1. Chevrolet Volt

The Chevy Volt has been hotly anticipated ever since it was announced, and it is expected to finally be released in 2010. This car operates on Chevy's Voltec technology. The first 40 miles of a car trip are powered by the onboard lithium-ion battery. After that, a gas engine will power the vehicle for 300 more miles. Even better, it can be charged via a standard household power outlet. The price is expected to be around $32,500.

2. Fisker Karma

The Fisker Karma is a sleek sports car made by Fisker Automotive. Like the Volt, the first 50 miles are powered by an electric battery. Fisker claims that you only need to refuel this car once per year as long as you drive less than 50 miles per day. You can even opt for an option to have solar panels installed on the roof of the car, which can provide about 5 more miles per week of free driving. Although it is an electric hybrid, this car packs some serious power. Its top speed is 125 mph, and it can jump from 0 to 60 in 5.8 seconds. The price is pretty steep, at $87,900.

3. Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata is a popular line which Hyundai has been producing since 1985. Starting in March 2010, they will begin selling a hybrid version. This new car will be powered by a lithium polymer battery and will be based on their Blue-Will (another hybrid car from Hyundai) concept. Pricing has yet to be released, but traditionally Sonatas have been priced under $20,000.

4. Honda CR-Z

This new model from Honda features a hybrid gas and electric system. Although a six-speed manual transmission is standard, an automatic transmission is also available. Sales for these vehicles began in select countries in February 2010, and they are expected to become available in the United States in mid-2010. The current price in England is 16,999 British Pounds, which translates to about $25,250.

5. Toyota Auris

The Auris is a new hybrid car from Toyota. Similar in style and design to the Corolla, the Auris HSD Full Hybrid is slated for release in the second half of 2010.

6. Persu Hybrid

The Persu Hybrid is a very interesting vehicle which is being developed by Persu Mobility. You may have heard of this car when it was being developed under its previous name, the VentureOne. This vehicle looks like a car until you scrutinize it more carefully. Then you'll notice that it only has three wheels. As such, it is officially classified as a 3-wheel motorcycle. This plug-in hybrid vehicle is capable of making 45 degree turns, and it is scheduled for an exclusive California release in late 2010.

7. Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

The Prius has thus far been the most widely known and celebrated hybrid car of all time. Beginning in 2010, they are introducing their first plug-in model. This car will be able to travel 14.5 miles on battery power before the gas engine kicks in. The great news is that it only takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery. The not so great news is that is won't be offered worldwide until 2011, and it is expected to cost $48,000.

Hybrid Cars Go Stylish

Hybrid cars are taking the world by storm - figuratively, literally. And here are just two of the latest hybrid cars that avid car fans and buyers are sure to love.

If you want an eco-friendly hybrid car that not only drives like a dream but is a weight off your conscious too, then you must see the PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG. This nifty little hybrid car will run on bio gas making it essential in today's fight against global warming.

You may be forgiven for thinking that hybrid cars are going to end up looking, well, ugly. This is simply not the case where the PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG is concerned. Looking at the car's rounded edges and the sleek design you may as well be looking at one of the top sports cars in the world. With a soft top to boot, you can make sure your next luxury car is a hybrid one.

The PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG has been developed by BRA GmbH. This company has been at the very forefront of the development of hybrid cars for well over ten years now. They are based in Germany and they have developed not only environmentally-friendly hybrid cars but cars that have excellent style and design, as well.

The car itself isn't due to be released until March 2008, but you can be sure it will open to a fanfare of utter amazement! The car is only likely to cost around 48,000 Euros making it not only environmentally-friendly but also friendly on your pockets, as well.

The Cadillac Provoq concept

America has realized that the gas-guzzling, environment-harming vehicles are not going to save the world any time soon. The eco-drive and style brought by hybrid cars have finally found their way to America and they have managed to do it in amazing degree... Not that we expected anything less of course.

As the flag bearer of hybrid cars, the Cadillac Provoq concept car has two main points. On the one side, it clearly shows the style, class and beauty that is renowned with Cadillac cars. It also has in its favour the hybrid car technology that is actually making the car a sure heart-stopper.

The Cadillac Provoq concept car is made to appeal to the luxury car owners; it oozes class and style and is sure to stand up in its own right against other luxury cars. If it is luxury next to hybrid car technology that you are looking for then you need not look any further.

The Cadillac Provoq concept hybrid car has wheels that are powered by the car's 94bhp motor, which of course is electric. The car's rear wheels have the 54bhp motor each. These features enhance the Provoq's mileage for every small amount of gas it consumes - saving the planet and your pocket from hundreds of dollars spent on fuel. This is something that Cadillac Provoq owners would be very much proud of.

The PGO Cevennes Turbo-CNG and the Cadillac Provoq concept will fit right into any city or town and with their sporty look and sleek design they are simply head turners.

Best Hybrid Cars of 2009 and 2010

The best hybrid cars of 2009 are even better in 2010. The qualities that make a car the best depend on what your specific area of concern is, mostly centering on fuel economy and performance on the road.

If you focus on simply getting the best fuel economy, the Toyota Prius is absolutely the best hybrid car for you. At 48 mpg, it has the best fuel economy of any car available in the United States. Some drivers report that, with very careful driving, a light foot, use of cruise control whenever possible, minimal use of the AC and heat, and in optimal weather conditions, they can get up to 70 miles per gallon. The amazing fuel efficiency is offset by its sluggish pick-up, but even so, it's a great commuter car if you can tolerate staying in the 55-65 mph range and it gets pretty good mileage in-town too, in the 40s even with stop-start city driving.

If you're more focused on performance than fuel efficiency, the Toyota Hybrid Camry feels more like a conventional car, and still manages to get a respectable 34 miles per gallon. It's expensive at $26,150 compared to $19,395 for the basic conventional Camry which advertises 22-33 mpg. The interior is nice and roomy, and driving it is similar to driving the conventional Camry.

If you wouldn't mind splitting the difference between power and fuel economy, the Mercury Milan Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid are cool with attractive styling, around 40 mpg in-town, and a great driving experience. The 2010 editions of the Fusion and its Mercury cousin, the Milan, are updated, more stylish than their predecessors, with updated instrument panels and the Sync voice-activated entertainment and communication system. The instrument panel sports a "green" leaf-sprouting display when you are saving fuel. The switch-over between the gas engine and the electrical system is said to the most seamless of any car on the road, making virtually no noise and no jolt that has become rather typical for these cars. At around $30K, both cars are somewhat steep buys, but the cool styling and peppy performance are worth the price.

Other possibilities in your search for the best hybrid cars might include the Chevy Malibu Hybrid, advertised as getting 29 mpg and going for $22,800, the Honda Civic Hybrid, at $22,600, the Honda Insight, selling for $19,800, with a promised 41mpg, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, advertising 34 mpg at $26,800, or perhaps the 2010 VW Touareg, for which the specs are not yet out. Test drive them all, and get a feel for hybrids. Everybody's getting into the field, and there's no time like the present.

If qualification for hybrid tax credit is considered as a factor in the competition for best hybrid cars, then some of the favorite models, such as the Prius, Camry and Civic, will no longer qualify. This is the qualifying 2009 hybrid car tax credit chart from the IRS site:

Chrysler Aspen Hybrid-- $2200 tax credit
Dodge Durango Hybrid-- $2200 tax credit
Ford Escape Hybrid, 2 WD-- $ 3000 tax credit
Ford Escape Hybrid, 4 WD-- $1950 tax credit
Mazda Tribute Hybrid, 2 WD-- $3000 tax credit
Mazda Tribute Hybrid, 4 WD-- $1950 tax credit
Mercury Mariner Hybrid, 2 WD-- $3000 tax credit
Mercury Mariner Hybrid, 4 WD-- $1950 tax credit
Nissan Altima Hybrid-- $2350 tax credit

The Best Hybrid Car In The Market - A Green Quandary

The envelope is in, and the winner is...? The judges are getting their honoraria's worth with the kind of decision they need to make to come up with in their selection of the best hybrid car there is. But it seems they'd really have a hard time deciding, what with the array of hybrid cars that are now on offer to, competing to be the top car in terms of safety, fuel efficiency, emission, comfort and technological innovations.

 

The Criteria

In choosing a hybrid car, what considerations will you look at? Of course one will not opt for a hybrid if not for the fuel efficiency, otherwise, any other stylish sedan notwithstanding how much gallons of fuel it consumes will be a candidate for one's choice. So the kind of fuel consumption savings and efficiency will definitely be a prime consideration. Relative to this, the best hybrid car will have to have the lowest, if not zero, emission of toxic waste gases. So this criterion is in.

But how will we choose the best hybrid car then? We can probably start by segregating these hybrids, say separate the coupes and sedans from the SUVs and vans. Then segregate them further by dividing the cars into compacts, mid-sized sedans, and so forth. Segregate the pickups from mid- to full-sized trucks. Separate the vans from the mini-vans. The lists goes and on just as the list of available hybrid cars continues to lengthen.

Then you can probably go to the level of body styles, drivetrains, engine power, transmission size and drive, and a host of performance criteria to look for.

Price may be farther down the list, as hybrid cars will almost surely compensate for the initial higher cost through fuel savings and other economy features.

The Semi-Finalists

Some say the Toyota Prius actually started the race and all, and as such a pioneer deserves a place in the hall of fame of hybrids. The Prius starts at a suggested retail of $22,175, and comes with a savings bonus as an ECO-nomic car of around $2,000. Then there are tax benefits, too, for choosing an environmental-friendly car. EPA estimates come in at 55 miles per gallon for combined city and highway driving, and the AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) rating.

What about the mid-size sedans, with more room than the Prius? There is the 2007 Hybrid version of Toyota Camry, which starts at around $26,000. Although the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid are also in the running, the Toyota Camry consistently figures in surveys made of satisfied hybrid users. The Camry Hybrid attains 34 miles to the gallon as far as EPA ratings go.

Let us go now to sport utility vehicles. The Ford Escape Hybrid is great, but price considerations and its full-SUV features make it less popular than the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, a more compact contemporary, that's priced reasonably at around $23,000, not to mention the tax benefits it gets for being a "green" SUV. Surveys show that this hybrid is comparable to other same-sized SUVs in terms of fuel efficiency and emission-levels.

Compare the Ford Escape Hybrid now to another Toyota SUV, and you get the 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid winning by an edge, if car reviews are to be believed. Reviewers say the performance and efficiency of the Highlander makes it a number one contender for the best large-type SUV of the hybrid kind. At estimated price of $32,500, the EPA ratings of 25 or 26 miles to the gallon for city and highway driving are manageable, if one looks at the long-term fuel savings.

Hybrid Car For Sale - A Review Of The Different Models

Want to ride on the wave sweeping the car market during these times of climate change and global warming? Go green, by riding environmental-friendly, fuel-saving hybrid vehicles. A lot of models are available in the market, from several car makers, each one suitable to your budget, your size, your preference. There's always a Nissan, Honda, or Toyota hybrid sedan out there waiting for you. The list for hybrid car for sale is long; it's up to you which suits your fancy.

Nissan Hybrid

Nissan redesigned its Altima sedan and combined Toyota's hybrid technology with this sedan to rate an advanced technology partial zero-emission rating. This car was introduced in 2007 with an improved rating for the model in as far as environmental protection standards are concerned. This sedan incorporates hybrid technology and standard Nissan features to come up with this affordable hybrid version of the Altima.

Honda Hybrid

The Accord and Civic hybrids are two of Honda's entries in the hybrid car for sale market. The 2007 Civic Hybrid is features a lightweight 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC. A direct current electric motor complements the engine. A compact battery pack stores power for the motor and comes with an 8-year warranty. The Civic Hybrid comes with maneuverability and efficiency rolled into functionality and features. City driving uses about 49 miles to the gallon, and 51 MPG on the highway.

The Honda Accord Hybrid attains 25 miles to the gallon at city driving, up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway, and around 28 miles per gallon combined.

Toyota Hybrid

Another choice on the list of hybrid cars for sale is the Toyota Camry Hybrid. This compact hybrid has a reasonable price and achieves 39 miles per gallon in combined city and highway travels. It goes as high as 40 miles per gallon for city driving and 38 miles per gallon for highway running. Combined, that's around 39 miles per gallon.

GMC hybrid

The GMC Sierra Hybrid is a 2-wheel drive pickup priced from a base of 31,000 dollars. GM's lines of hybrid car for sale are not that many as of today, but the company aims to catch up with its rivals.

Lexus Hybrid

Lexus offers two hybrid models, the GS 450h and the RX 400h. The GS 450h is sports car without the gas-guzzling, as it is reasonably efficient fuel-wise, not to mention the EPA standards-achieved hybrid emissions.

The Lexus RX 400h is good for city and highway driving at 33 MPG in the suburbs and 28 miles to the gallon in the freeway.

These are but a few of the hybrid cars for sale available in the market. Of course there are a host of other hybrids - from SUVs to pickup trucks to transit buses. Ford has its Escape Hybrid SUV. GM has its hybrid buses and pick up trucks.

Whichever manufacturer you choose, the overriding concern in the choice of the hybrid you acquire will be its environmental impact in terms of fuel efficiency and particle emissions, its safety features, its long-term wear considering the hybrid technology incorporated, and the cost considerations. Find one hybrid that's reasonably priced yet power-packed in fuel efficiency and safety features and you go green not only vehicle-wise, but in your pocket just as well.

Electric Hybrid Car

Time to get started on this topic. Take a few moments to read every aspect of this paper hopefully it will be of great help.

There are unlike modes of travel that people use. Among these is the alternative of the electric Hybrid car. The diverse Hybrid car brands allow people the alternative of having a fashionable sounding vehicle which at the same time preserve fuel. In addition the surroundings is kept pollution free by these Hybrid electric cars. The diverse cars which you will see included in the range of Hybrid cars will include the popular SUVs, sports cars and pickup trucks.

You will have the chance to see the newest Hybrid cars which are due to come on to the market. As there are many types of Hybrid cars you should see if there are any performance reviews available. This information will help you in the conclusion fashioning process of which electric Hybrid car to pick out from. You will need to acquire that some of the Hybrid cars will not be that well-situated to repair nor have their parts replaced.

There is one component that you should keep in mind when you are shopping for the right electric Hybrid car

that you want. There will be multiplication when you will not be able to find the accurate car model that you want. To keep this frustration out of the way, make a list of several dissimilar Hybrid car types. Include the known best Hybrid car types. You may also want to list down other qualities that you are looking for from a Hybrid electric car.

While you can call in any of the car showrooms to see the electric Hybrid car of your choice, you may identify seeing what kind of cars are useable before you purchase one. As there are times when you will not see all of the cars which can be bought you should find some way of getting this opportunity.

Of the many dissimilar n-ways that you can look at the diverse electric Hybrid car the Net can provide you with pictures, descriptions and reviews of unlike cars types. You can access data for the current crop of Hybrid Honda cars or the previous models. Among the many details that you can find are the seating, safety and engine specifications of these cars.

There are as we know many dissimilar types of Hybrid cars that can be bought. These will for the most part be well car brands. You will find that Honda which is a known producer of cars also has their version of a Hybrid car. The electric Hybrid car is one such Hybrid that people like to buy.

The assorted ways and substance to finding the right electric Hybrid car can be difficult as there are many choices with which to overpower you...

I'm glad you have found this article I hope you found the information useful.

Future of Hybrid Cars

There are many design concepts being considered for maximum public exposure and benefits on the drawing board of car designers today that look to the future hybrid car needs and considerations that will serve the public well in the course of the next century. Many of these hybrid car designers are taking past and proven sales performers and have begun reworking their designs from the ground up.

Instead of a front wheel drive platform, there are automobile designers that are building on a rear platform design for one of the nation's best selling and widely recognized car frames in America and worldwide. The hybrid car designs of the future are including sports car models that have been all-time favorites with the world in the past and are now being revived with the brand new hybrid engine in mind.

There is an aggressive training program in place at one of Americas largest car manufacturing companies that is preparing their technicians to repair the growing styles and variations of hybrid cars that are emerging onto the automobile market.

With the extreme difference in battery features and dramatic variance in voltage levels, there is a void that needs to be filled by someone who is equipped with the necessary battery cabling devices that can handle 270 volts instead of the normal 12 volt battery systems. Regular car technicians are typically capable of handling battery recharging requirements, but with the futuristic applications that are applied in hybrid battery design, the best service these car technicians can provide at present is that they can still provide oil changes and tire rotations should the need arise.

With a mindset of grasping and expanding the propulsion features that are somewhat limited in today's hybrid car designs, there are retro styling efforts that are focusing on providing hybrid cars with optional V8 engine capacities.

There are considerations in place to use solar cells in the framework of hybrid automobiles. The electrical power will be produced through the boot lids and bonnet placement of these solar cell modules. Through the use of solar cells it will then be possible to utilize the battery charging capabilities when the car is not turned on or in motion to replenish batteries that have been depleted through the use of air conditioning or through continuous operation when the hybrid automobile is delayed in traffic jams at different times of the day. This lightweight body structure design would benefit the energy savings to the consumer and make the car more manageable on the highway.

There is an effort in hybrid car design that is turning the out of the ordinary hybrid vehicle into a replica of what is parked in the driveway every day of our life. This blending in effect is meant to bring the hybrid full circle into the acceptable graces of the American public.

The future hybrid car will need to focus more on greenhouse gases that negatively effect the environment as well as a hybrid car that will be even more fuel efficient. Without these changes, the production and sales of any type of vehicle will not be possible due to the degradation of our atmosphere.

There are many views about hybrid cars in the futures that will change its fuel source from the heavy duty batteries in use today, to hydrogen-power fuel cell. This will take away the need for hybrid cars to have to use gasoline completely in order to transverse down the major highways.

Hybrid Cars - What You Need to Consider When Choosing One

Almost everybody these days knows about the Toyota Prius which really put hybrid cars into the mainstream, but there are lots of other options of hybrid cars around now that can help you get started on your way to lowering your effect on the environment. Some of them are even starting to look as good as supercars! Hybrid cars even have a whole episode of South Park devoted to making fun of them so you know they've started to get people's attention!

The first petrol electric hybrid came about in 1916. This would shock a lot of people who thought that Toyota came up with the first one with the Prius. But I have to say that I assumed that too! It soon started to lose popularity though along with the electric car as the internal combustion engine (ICE) won the popularity race with the emergence of cheap oil after the World War. The hybrid car only really came back when people started realising the harm burning so much fossil fuel does to the environment and started trying to find an alternative.

We constantly get told that hybrid cars are going to save our planet and everyone who drives one is doing so much good, but are they really that great? Lots of people argue that the new small diesel cars out there are just as, if not more efficient than most hybrid cars. To be honest a lot of it actually depends on the hybrid though. I mean, if you have a big SUV that barely gets 20 miles to the gallon, you're not going to get much better mpg than a small car with a modern diesel engine if you make that SUV a hybrid. They would, however, get a much better mpg than a similar type of car which isn't a hybrid, so a lot really depends on how you look at things.

Plug-in hybrid cars are a great step in the right direction to all-electric vehicles. A plug in hybrid is basically a hybrid that can be charged from the socket as well as having the motor charged by the engine. One car company that's making a name for itself with plug-in hybrids are Fisker who have a great looking plug-in hybrid sports car which should be out soon. Toyota is also making a plug-in version of the Prius which is supposed to be out in early 2010.

If you're wondering who actually makes hybrids at the moment there are surprisingly quite a few big names out there who are wakening up to the reality that environmentally friendly cars are what people want right now. Toyota have the Prius, Lexus make three different types of hybrids at the moment including an SUV, Honda also have the Insight hybrid and even Ford has a hybrid called the Fusion and there are countless more. Some of the smaller companies who are getting in on the action are Aptera (who also make an electric version of their hybrid) and Fisker.

We know they're supposed to be great for the environment and that they've got an engine and use electricity somehow but I want to know more about what goes on inside don't you?

Well here are some of the basics of how they work:

    Most hybrids like the Prius are parallel hybrids and work so that when you are going below a certain speed like when you're taking off or stopped in traffic you only use the electric motor to power the car but when you go above that speed or when the battery runs down the ICE kicks in and you start burning petrol again. The ICE then recharges the motor when you're using it for the next time you need the electric motor. All this saves a lot of petrol as all that time you're using the motor adds up over time.
    There is also another type of hybrid like the Chevy Volt, a series hybrid, which is due to be out in 2010. This type uses the electric motor exclusively up to any speed and only uses the petrol engine when the battery runs out. This means that you could spend some days not even burning any petrol at all.

Hybrid cars are also becoming increasingly available as rental cars. This means someone who would want to ease their way into the idea of buying a hybrid could just rent one pretty easily and get a feel for them and see the difference themselves. They're available more and more in some of the bigger hire car companies and there are even specialist companies around devoted to just hiring hybrids now. I don't know if I'm properly decided on hybrid cars yet although I can see they do have many advantages. A plug-in hybrid especially could be a good step on the way for me and my family to an all-electric car.

Take a Ride to the Future In A Hybrid Car

Utilizing the latest in advanced technology, hybrid cars might just provide a glimpse into the future of automobiles. Hybrid cars sport sleek and futuristic looks, but these cars aren't just for show. These scientific marvels make use of both electric and gas power to make for a cleaner, more cost efficient, and environmentally friendlier car.

As the world's supply of oil inevitably runs out and the prices of gasoline continue to skyrocket to staggering new heights, more and more people have begun to look for an alternative way to power their cars, as well as to save some money. Thankfully, the rise of hybrid cars are providing a much needed solution to these problems and more. The popularity of hybrid cars continue to grow as more people begin to realize the many advantages that hybrid cars hold over conventional ones.

So, what is a hybrid car and how does it work?

As the name suggests, hybrid cars utilizes a combination of different technologies. Hybrid cars use an electric propulsion system together with of a gas propulsion system to great effect.

Hybrids cars consist mostly of the same basic parts as normal gas cars. They contain a gasoline engine, a fuel tank, batteries, and a transmission. The difference is that hybrid cars also contain an electric motor and in some cases a generator, that work in conjunction with the gasoline engine to run the transmission.

A hybrid car can work in different ways.

In a parallel hybrid system, both the gasoline engine and the electric motor are connected to the transmission. The car alternates between the two and sometime uses them together. It typically works by using the electric motor to power the car at lower speeds and once the car reaches a certain speed, the car will automatically switch to the gasoline engine to give it extra power.

Other cars use what is called a series hybrid system. In this method, the gasoline engine is used to power a generator. The generator is responsible for charging the batteries that power the electric motor, which in turn, turns the transmission causing the car to move. The gasoline engine in a series hybrid never actually runs the car directly.

Some of the later hybrid models have a feature that stores up the kinetic energy that is built up when braking and uses it to further charge the car's batteries.

The biggest advantage of a hybrid is that it uses a lot less fuel than normal cars. Hybrid owners will be very

happy with the mileage that these cars are capable of.

It also helps that hybrid cars tend to be built with lighter materials like aluminum and plastic. The engine is also typically smaller and specially designed to consume less fuel.

Environmentalist will also be very pleased with hybrids seeing as how they emit far less air pollution. Using a hybrid car helps makes our world a cleaner and more beautiful place to live in.

The government is also very fond of hybrid cars. So much so that they're offering buyers tax incentives and other benefits. In some states, hybrid car owners can drive their hybrids in the high occupancy lane, even if they're all alone in their cars.

The earlier hybrid car models tended to have unique and special designs, but as more and more manufacturers are catching on to the hybrid craze, they have begun to create hybrid versions of their normal cars. The Honda Civic Hybrid for example, looks more or less exactly like a regular Civic.

Buying a hybrid car will inevitably cost more than a regular one. However, the money that is saved from the lower fuel consumption, along with the tax deductions will eventually make up for the extra cost of a hybrid. Those who drive frequently will be the ones that benefit most from this.

With all the of the benefits that hybrid cars give, it's no wonder that they're so quickly gaining in popularity. Hybrid owners figure that it's an excellent way to save money on gas and it gives them a good feeling, knowing that they're making a difference in the environment.

So those who are in interested should go seriously consider owning one and join the ever growing number of people who are stepping into the future with hybrid cars.

History of the Hybrid Car

Some people do believe that hybrid vehicle started in the early 1900's. In fact, hybrid vehicles have been around longer than you think they are. The start of the hybrid technology was believed to be in 1665, when Ferdinand Veriest and Jesuit priest began to work on a plan to create a simple four wheeled vehicle that could run by steam of pulled by a horse. Then in 1769 when steam-powered carriage was invented. Although this carriage does have the speed of six miles per hour, it is still hard to maintain enough steam for a long distance ride.  It was then improved when British inventor Golds worthy Gurney built a steam car that successfully completed an 85 mile round trip journey in ten-hour times. Then in 1893 Moritz Von Jacobi sailed an electric boat on the Neva, using an electromagnetic engine of one horse power.  And in or about that year is when Robert Anderson of Aberdeen, Scotland built the first electric vehicle. However, the vehicle brought lots of problems like the limited range and a battery power that was difficult to recharge.  It was later then improved by David Salomon in 1870 when he developed an electric car with a light electric motor, but still faced problems creating a battery that could easily be recharged.

Then in 1879, the first electric railway was built by Dr. Werner Von Siemens. The wheels on the vehicle were driven by an electric motor drawing its electricity from the rails which were insulated from the ground and connected to a generator.  And also in that decade, year 1886 the business investors in London gained interest in developing an electric taxicab. The design was powered by a 28 cell batter system that would drive a small electric motor. Even so, this one did not come into regular use.  It then came year 1888, a company built a four passenger carriage for the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire it is powered by a one horse power motor and a 24 cell battery.  And on that same year, Ma nus Vol in Brighton, England made a three wheeled electric car.

Then in 1897, the London Electric cab Company began to provide the city with a regular service, using a cab powered by a 40 cell battery and a three horse power electric motor. It was called the "Betsey Cab" after its inventor, Walter Betsey. The cab can go up to fifty miles before the battery had to be recharged.  Come year 1897 where the Pope Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut, built around electric cars over a two year period.

Then after that year came 1898, the year where the first world's first hybrid car the Loonier Porsche petrol electric "mixed",  which was built by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche of Germany. Porsche gave the nickname "Aunt Eulalie" to the first series of hybrids, but it was officially named as Simper Viv-us, which means "always alive. The first hybrid car can travel a distance of forty miles on a battery power alone. This car used a petrol engine rotating at a constant speed to drive a dynamo, which charged a bank of accumulators. The accumulators then fed current to electric motors contained within the hubs of the front wheels. Therefore, there was no need of drive shafts, transmission, gears, straps, chains, or clutch. And because of the hybrid car quickly success thousands of hybrid cars were produced by companies such as Kroger, Lonee Porsche, and Auto Mixtec in the year between 1902 and 1920.

In 1900 the creation of gas and electric hybrid cars has been seen in Belgium. It was developed by Pie per, a Belgian car-maker.  He introduced a three and a half horsepower motor which the small gasoline engine was joined to an electric motor that is found under the seat. The electric motor was, in effect, a generator that recharges the batteries while driving. Nevertheless, when the car needed some extra power to make its way up to a steep incline, the electric motor would kick in and provide a boost to the gas engine. And because of the popularity of electric hybrid cars the Electric Vehicle Company built 2000 taxicabs, trucks, and buses, and set up a subsidiary cab and car rental companies from New York to Chicago in early 1904. In 1905 an American engineer named H. Piper filed a patent for a petrol-electric hybrid vehicle. His idea was to use an electric motor to assist an internal combustion engine, mainly to add the ICE to let the vehicle accelerate to 25 miles per hour in 10 seconds, Instead of the usual 30 miles per hour. Then after three and half years the patent was issued. By that time, the engines had become powerful enough to achieve this kind of performance of their own.

In 1910, a company by the name of Commercial Built Truck, which used a four cylinder gas engine to power a generator, eliminates the need for a transmission and Battery Park. This hybrid was built by company in Philadelphia until 1918. Steamers and electric hybrid cars were almost completely wiped out in 1913. Sales of electric cars dropped to 6,000 vehicles, while over 180,000 gasoline cars were sold. Lots of car makers who still believe in the idea of hybrid car still try their best to put the hybrid cars back to the production. Like Baker of Cleveland and Woods of Chicago two prominent electric vehicle makers offered hybrid cars that can reach a maximum speed of 35mph and achieved fuel efficiency of 48 mph. And the Woods Dual Power was more expensive and less powerful than its gasoline competition, and therefore sold poorly.

And it then considered that the year 1920 to 1965 become the dormant period for mass produced electric and hybrid cars. However, Hybrid vehicle technology did not disappear and its development continues. Lots of people still believe in the hybrid technology. Hybrid vehicle technology becomes the answer for most of the global problems. Just like in 1966; U.S Congress introduced first bills recommending use of the electric vehicle as a means to reduce air pollution. After a long quiet period, hybrid cars show up again in 1969. On that same year  General Motors 512 was designed, it runs entirely on electric power at a speed under ten miles per hour. The vehicle ran on a combination of electric power and gas combustion from 10 to 13 miles per hour. Arab oil embargo became a huge problem in 1973. The price of gasoline soared, which created new interest in electric vehicles. The U.S Department of Energy ran a test on many electric and hybrid vehicles produced by various of manufacturers this includes the hybrid known as the Volkswagen Taxi which was produced by Volkswagen in Wolfs-burg, West Germany. The Volkswagen Taxi was shown at auto shows throughout the United States and Europe. It used a parallel hybrid configuration allowing flexible switching between the gasoline engine and electric motor and logged over 8,000 miles on the road. Volkswagen Taxi is considered to have the higher range of efficiency than any hybrid had ever exhibited up to that time.  In 1974, engineers Victor Wok and Charlie Ros-en were part of the Federal Clean Car Incentive Program, created a prototype hybrid gas electric vehicle using a Buick Skylark body. The vehicle was tested and certified to meet the strict guidelines for an EPA clean air auto program by The U.S Environmental Protection Agency, but later been rejected. The American Motors developed a fleet of electric powered vans and delivered 352 electric vans to the U.S Postal Service, which they tested extensively. Unfortunately, the project did not meet with the level of success that everyone had hoped.

The years 1976 to 1980 were the year that hybrid technology has been a good help. The Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1976 and U.S Congress enacted Public Law 94-413 were among  the law's  objective to work with industry to improve batteries, motors, controllers and other hybrid electric components. And General Electric was chosen to construct a parallel hybrid sedan. And Toyota built a small sports car with a gas turbine generator supplying current to an electric motor, which makes it the first hybrid car for Toyota.  Audi introduced the first generation of the Audi Duo experimental vehicle in 1989. It is based on the Audi 100 Av-anti Quarto. It has a 12.6 horsepower electric engine, which drove the rear wheel instead of the propeller shaft. And also use a nickel cadmium battery to supply the energy. Two years after that, Audi unveiled the second generation Duo, which is also based on the Audi 100 Av-anti Quarto. Toyota came back by introducing the Pris in 1997, which is exclusive to its Japanese market. On that year, the Pris sold 18,000 cars and seemed to be the first significant mass marketed the hybrid vehicle in the world. Then Honda introduced the Insight, a lightweight hybrid two door model that cracked the American market in 1999. The vehicle could demonstrate a rating of 61 miles per gallon in the city and 70 miles per gallon on the highway.

It then came 2000 the door of the new century is open for the hybrid technology. Lots of companies and car maker introduce and release lots of new and improve the hybrid vehicle of their own. Toyota released the first hybrid four door sedans available in the United States in 2000. And Honda introduces Honda Civic Hybrids, its second available hybrid gasoline electric car. The car appearance and provability was and still is identical to the conventional Civic.  And in 2004 Toyota release the Toyota Pris II which won 2004 Car of the Year Awards from the Motor Trend Magazine and the North American Auto Show. The demand for Toyota Pris II was surprising, that they pumped up the production from 36,000 to 47,000 for the United States market. Lots of interested buyer's waited up to six months to purchase the 2004 Pris. Furthermore, on September of that year, the Ford released the Escape Hybrid, the first American hybrid and the first SUV hybrid.

The sudden increase of the oil product in 2007 had been a huge crisis all over the world. And because of that the production of hybrid cars and vehicle had increased. Lots of car companies and car makers around the world came up with lots of different kinds of hybrid vehicles. Some even convert their ordinary cars to hybrid cars. Lots of taxi cabs in the Philippines now a day's had been using Auto-gas, used as an automotive transportation fuel or LP gas as an alternative to powered gasoline gas. The development of this kind of hybrid cars does help a lot of people who are having a problem with the oil price increase and become the answer to the oil price increase the problem in air pollution.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon

2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon

Base Price: $57,075

As Tested: $66,890

Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; AWD, seven-speed automatic

Output: 268 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 2,400-5,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,213 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 19/21.8 mpg

Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid

So we already apperceive a lot about the Porsche 918 Spyder Amalgam now. According to what Autocar reports, assembly at the Pebble Beach accident acknowledge that the aggregation affairs to access both the ability and displacement of the petrol agent for the assembly archetypal of 918 Spyder. The car will appropriately be added able than its 500 bhp V8 petrol agent and electric motors that aftermath a accumulated achievement of 712 bhp.

The concept’s 22-inch alloys are absurd to accomplish to the assembly model.

Also the Porsche 918 Spyder Amalgam will get a touch-screen infotainment arrangement and ancillary mirrors will be replaced by the cameras, with the images actualization on the apparatus cluster.

Porsche appear a video of the 918 Spyder's aboriginal North American afar afore assuming it off to the chic all-embracing car set at Pebble Beach aftermost weekend.

The afresh green-lighted Spyder reportedly has a continued account of absorbed buyers will to angle over the advancing $650,000 for a 500 application 3.4-liter V-8 amalgam that gets 78 mpg.

2011 Audi Q5 Review and Photo

2011 Audi Q5 Review

For 2011 Audi leaps into the amalgam SUV affray with a new adaptation of its accepted Q5 affluence crossover. While the 2011 Q5 will still action an accomplished 3.2-liter gas agent as accepted equipment, the big account is the availability of a abounding alongside amalgam drivetrain, an Audi first. While appraisement and added capacity are bare at the moment, Audi has said the 2011 Q5 amalgam will be accessible in backward autumn 2010 and will affection a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas agent akin to an electric drive system.

First offered stateside in 2009, the Q5 has becoming aerial acclaim for its chic autogenous and accomplished active dynamics. Competing in a awash affluence crossover bazaar abounding with added pint-size entries like BMW’s X3, Mercedes’ GLK, and the anew downsized Cadillac SRX, the Q5 has succeeded in establishing itself as a hot-selling bazaar force. The Q5 3.2 Quattro (as the V6 adaptation is known) appearance accepted all-wheel drive (AWD) and a six-speed automated transmission. The Q5 shares its unit-body belvedere with Audi’s class-leading A4 sedan, benumbed on the aforementioned 110.6-inch wheelbase while jacking up the ride acme to fit the SUV profile. As mentioned, Audi’s accomplished Quattro AWD arrangement is standard, application the now accustomed TORSEN (TORque SENsing) cogwheel to seamlessly address ability to all four wheels. A array of cyberbanking adherence and absorption aids abetment the Quattro arrangement in carrying limpet-like traction.

Power is baffled through a six-speed automated gearbox, the alone manual offered. In the affluence crossover segment, abounding offerings bang a poor antithesis amid administration and ride comfort. Body angular is able-bodied managed, and the brittle variable-assist council allows for accomplished maneuverability. Three trim levels will be offered for the 2011 Q5. Premium (base) trims appear accepted with covering upholstery over ability advanced seats, 18-carat copse trim, and automated altitude control. Stepping up to the Premium Plus trim akin nets buyers Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, forth with a ample panorama sunroof and acrimonious seats. The range-topping Prestige trim gets Audi’s accomplished MMI aeronautics arrangement interface, forth with a parking camera and thermal cupholders that can accumulate your Starbucks balmy all day.

Space up advanced is generous, but the somewhat awkward rear bench alone grudgingly accommodates adults. In accession to antilock brakes and cyberbanking adherence control, Q5 Prestige trims appear able with a blind-spot admonishing system. Front, side, and blind airbags are standard, with rear-seat ancillary anatomy accoutrements alternative for 2011. The accession of an earth-friendly amalgam drive arrangement will set the Q5 added afar from the accretion basin of affluence crossovers. It’s a abashment that Audi’s artefact planners debris to acceptation a trim abiding to win over leadfoots and eco-warriors alike: the turbocharged, diesel-powered, seven-speed Q5 3.0 TDI.

The new Audi Q5 is able with a turbocharged 2.0 Liter, four butt engine. The affluence agent additionally appearance an 8 acceleration Tiptronic automated transmission. Quattro all caster drive is addition affection and Audi will affection a amalgam adaptation in 2011, as well.

The agent is calmly maneuvered with capricious abetment steering. The anti-lock braking arrangement on all four auto comes standard. This accurate archetypal additionally appearance an 8 acceleration Tiptronic manual with the four cylinder, but six acceleration Triptronic automated manual with the V6 engine.

Some of the Audi Q5’s most notable safety features are listed below for the consumer’s review:
Braking Guard
Side Impact Airbags-Standard
Side Curtain Airbags – Standard for both rows of seats
Electronic Stability System – Standard
Rear Side Impact Airbags – Optional
Blind Spot Warning System
Lane Departure Warning System
Automatic Low and High Beam Control
Swiveling Active Xenon Headlights
If the driver is approaching a vehicle or object, the device will warn the driver by flashing warning lights and emitting a sound. If no response from the driver, the automatic braking system will employ.
The body style bears resemblance to the Audi Q7. The vehicle features 19 inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, S-line exterior trim, heated mirrors, roof rack and adaptive headlights.
The vehicle will accommodate 5 passengers.

2011 Jeep Wrangler Review

based automobile manufacturer, released the images of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. The interiors of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler includes a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. The increased acoustical treatment in the new models has reduced interior noise. The 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models has a body-color hard top, which the company says will provide more premium appearance. You can also go for different colors including Detonator Yellow, Deep Cherry Red, Sahara Tan, Cosmos Blue and Bright White for the new 2011 Wrangler models.

Once known for its rugged looks and Spartan interior, the Jeep Wrangler was the proletariat dream.

The 2010 Jeep Wrangler 4-dr I recently drove was actually pretty modern with its touch-screen navigation unit. The new Chrysler is slowly breaking out of its shell. (For a recap, visi our auto crisis hub.) There have been teaser shots of the new Dodge Durango, and now, the updated 2011 Jeep Wrangler makes an appearance.

The biggest changes on the legendary and popular Wrangler happen on the interior. The Wrangler's new interior is brighter than before, thanks to bits of silver trim on the doors, the passenger's grab handle, and all four air vents. Climate controls have been updated and a "Jeep, Since 1941" inlay is mounted onto the passenger grab handle.

2011 Corvette Stingray Concept Car Video

Look at this 2011 Corvette Stingray Concept car. Mmm mmm. Everyone got their first glimpse of the 2011 Corvette Stingray Concept in the movieTransformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen portraying the Autobot Sideswipe..

SIDESWIPEThe design is influenced by the original Stingray race car, introduced in 1959, but also draws on Corvette heritage cues from other generations. So now we are all hoping that the 2011Corvette Stingray Concept will go into production. General Motors used the Chicago Auto Show to introduce the world to its latest concept vehicle, theCorvette Stingray, which will be featured in the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie on June 26th. In robot mode, the Corvette Stingray Concept will take the form of SIDESWIPE, who will reportedly be a skater with wheels for feet.
The Corvette; such an iconic GM vehicle. The car that can compare with rivals costing far more; that car is the Corvette. Our hardest vehicle, in the hardest lineup. Things like a swooping downward character line add drama and excitement to the car, while still retaining that unmistakable Corvette look.

2011 Mazda 2 Touring

2011 Mazda 2 Touring

Base Price: $16,985

As-Tested Price: $16,985

Drivetrain: 1.5-liter I4; FWD, four-speed automatic

Output: 100 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 98 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 2,359 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 30/29.1 mpg

Options: None

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Picture

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Front View

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Rear View

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Interior View

2010 Honda Accord EX Sedan Detail:

Base Price: $31,855

As-Tested Price: $31,855

Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; FWD, five-speed automatic

Output: 271 hp @ 6,200 rpm, 254 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,583 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/25.3 mpg

Options: None

2011 Honda CR-Z EX

2011 Honda CR-Z EX with Nav

Base Price: $23,310

As-Tested Price: $23,310

Drivetrain: 1.5-liter DOHC I4; FWD, six-speed manual

Output: 122 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 128 lb-ft @ 1,000-1,750 rpm

Curb Weight: 2,654 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 34/36 mpg

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

Nissan replaced its aging 350Z Roadster with the redesign 370Z in 2009. Bucking the trend of incrementally increasing size, the wheelbase is nearly four inches shorter (100.4 inches versus 104.3 inches) and overall length is reduced by 2.6 inches (167.2 inches versus 169.8 inches). The new Z Roadster features an aluminum hood, door panels and trunk for reduced weight. At the same time, the body structure was extensively revised, improving rigidity and stability. The 370Z Roadster includes additional structural reinforcement (over the 370Z Coupe), including in the A-pillars and side sills.

The base model 370Z Roadster -- complete with six-speed manual transmission -- lists from $37,690 (including destination) with the car's optional seven-speed automatic bumping that price to $38,990. The up-level Touring model carries a price tag of $40,520 with a manual box and $42,540 with the automatic gearbox.

The new Z convertible gains 26 horsepower and 2 pound-feet of torque over the previous model. It delivers 332 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm, compared with the previous 3.5-liter V6's 306 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 268 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Along with its larger displacement, the 3.7-liter engine gives better power delivery all the way to the 7,500 rpm redline, improved low-end power and more high-end torque.

The car is offered with a choice of two new transmissions: a close-ratio 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic. The 6-speed manual is available with SynchroRev Match (included in the optional Sport Package), which allows drivers of any skill level to experience expert-like gear shifts. The SynchroRev Match function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the exact speed of the next gear position, essentially "blipping" the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. Similarly, the available 7-speed automatic includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode.

2010 Audi A6 3.0T

While the 270-hp 3.2-liter FSI V6 remains in the base A6, and the optional 340-hp 4.2-liter FSI V8 is the hot-rod of the group, there’s now a new middle-of-the-road offering. The 3.0T badge may confuse some into thinking this model is turbocharged, but the new engine is really a supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 that puts out 300-hp and 310 ft-lbs of torque.

Strangely, both the V8 and 3.0T do the 0-60 mph run in almost identical times, with the supercharged six posting 5.9 seconds and the V8 a 5.8 second run.

In reality, the new engine is significantly lighter than the old V8 – helping the middle model to weigh in some 200 lbs. less. Not only does that aid acceleration, but fuel mileage as well, with the 3.0T averaging 21 mpg to the V8’s 18. Audi rates the car at 18-mpg city and 26-mpg highway. Otherwise, both share the same six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, and quattro all-wheel drive hardware

2010 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic

The 2009 S-Class is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, or luxury sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the S550 to the S600. Without a doubt one of the most amazing cars ever to roll out of a Mercedes dealership. Drives great, extremely comfortable and roomy and performs like a dream. and the 4MATIC is amazing in the snow and I am totally comfortable driving in any weather. I have 2 young kids as well and they are totally comfortably riding in the back for hours and we can take a road trip with no problems whatsoever. Also, plenty of trunk space. The steering can be a little bit wobbly sometimes but for a car that size it drives unbelievably anyways so just a few steering issues is really nothing. The cold weather package is sometimes a pain in the neck to try and sync up all the seats to heat and to get the inside a right temperature but compared to our other cars it's really not so bad! It's also an extremely safe car, although fortunately we haven't had to see that side of it yet. As for the low reliability rating I gave it, we had a few general problems with the car as soon as we hit 40,000 miles, just problems with the engine cooling systems and the air conditioner, but they were under warranty and didn't cost us anything to repair, but it was kind of annoying having a $100,000 car not be 100% working. Anyways, overall it's an unbelievable car and I would recommend it to anybody

Upon introduction, the S550 is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V8, 382-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 7-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The S600 is equipped with a standard 5.5-liter, V12, 510-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 17-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Pros
Absolutely everything
Cons

Steering can be a little iffy and the cold weather package is kind of complicated to warm the car up Purchased As New

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI Two-Door

Volkswagen actually re-christened the car "Rabbit" from 2006-'09, evoking the original U.S.-market Rabbit hatchback of a few decades ago, but for 2010 the Golf is back -- and if you'll forgive the cliché, it's better than ever. Perhaps the biggest news is under the hood, where the carryover 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is joined by the excellent "TDI" turbodiesel four-cylinder from the Jetta sedan. Paired with one of two six-speed manuals -- a conventional unit or a dual-clutch automated version (DSG) -- the TDI delivers a punchy 236 pound-feet of torque and an estimated 34 mpg in mixed driving. The sixth-generation Golf also features a redesigned interior with even nicer materials than before, along with subtly altered sheet metal that clearly conveys the car's sophisticated character.

Underneath, the two- or four-door Golf shares its 101.5-inch wheelbase and basic suspension layout with the previous-generation car, but that's fine with us. The Rabbit already had some of the most sophisticated driving dynamics of any compact car, thanks to a stiff body structure, a multilink rear suspension and autobahn-bred confidence on the highway. The Golf TDI enjoys an edge in this department thanks to its standard sport suspension, which improves the base Golf's rather soft stateside tuning. Inside, the TDI also offers a few exclusive optional luxuries, including xenon headlamps, a Dynaudio sound system and a navigation system.

The Golf's principal competitor is the Mazda 3, the only other compact car that offers comparable performance, four doors and a hatchback body style. This race is too close to call -- the Mazda has more responsive handling and a nice interior in its own right, but the Golf counters with its excellent diesel option and superior solidity and refinement. Also of note are the Mini Cooper and its Clubman variant, both stout rivals to the two-door Golf. Other compact sedans may merit consideration due to the Golf's steep price, particularly in TDI trim. But like the sport, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf offers a unique array of virtues that justify its added expense.

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWD

Mitsubishi has announced the addition of a new model to their Outlander line-up: the new 2011 Outlander Sport. On the US market the new model will be offered in two trim levels: ES and SE, and both in 2WD and 4WD versions.

The 2011 Outlander Sport is powered by a 2.0-Liter inline-4 engine that delivers a total of 148 hp @ 6000 rpm and 143 lb.-ft. of torque at a lower 4200 rpm. The SE model comes with a Sportronic ® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and the ES version gets a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The list of standard equipment includes air conditioning with pollen filter, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, and a 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with steering wheel controls and 4 speakers. Adding to the stereo components are the digital signal processor, equalization control, and speed compensated volume.