Posted April 29th, 2010 by Janice
Toyota Prius Minivan
Nikkei newspaper in Japan recently reported that Toyota will indeed be producing a hybrid minivan wearing the Prius badge. This e-vehicle is set to carry the first lithium-ion battery pack that was produced in-house by Toyota. Secondly, the electric vehicle will be a seven-seater which means that it will also be the first family-oriented electronic vehicle in the market. The price tag also reveals a friendly 20 thousand dollar range.
With these factors established, Toyota might just possibly pioneer an entirely new breed of hybrid vehicles out there. After all, people have been looking for ways to transport 5 to 7 people more efficiently for some time now. The new Prius minivan might just be the answer.
The Prius badge on the minivan also confirms reports that family-oriented vehicles are being built around the nameplate. Producing a Prius vehicle that’s not “standard Prius” is a huge leap for Toyota. There are also reports that more Prius variations should be anticipated.
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Tags: hybrid cars, Minivan, Toyota, Toyota Prius
Posted March 29th, 2010 by Heather
Who says all hybrids have to be boring?
Well, no one really. At least, no one quite dares to say that anymore.
There was a time, of course, when most if not all hybrid models were a little bit bland, if not downright ugly.
As we continue looking for alternative ways to get around, however, and as more and more automakers jump onto the hybrid train, we are seeing a lot of luxury.
For instance, expected this season, BMW will be releasing the ActiveHybrid 7, a luxury sedan which can see five people.
Keep your eyes out, folks — but beware, the MSRP is likely to be over a hundred grand.
Tags: BMW, hybrid
Posted March 28th, 2010 by Heather
Lovers of going green and of luxury will certainly be happy to hear about this.
It is estimated that, at some point in 2010, Mercedes Benz will be coming out with the ML450 Hybrid.
It will be a five seater SUV, but in the midsize category.
However, it has to be said that there seems to be a lot of issues with this particular vehicle. Although a hybrid, there have been problems with getting available batteries for it.
Never a good thing, you know?
Still, it is hoped that Mercedes will have the problems ironed out by the time the SUV hits full distribution. So all hope is not lost — provided you can afford something around the area of $55k.
Tags: hybrid, Mercedes
Posted March 20th, 2010 by Heather
Choosing a hybrid is something that is very, very difficult. I mean, there are so many choices out there, it can be extremely hard to choose not just the right hybrid but the one that you absolutely want to have. You want to make sure that the car not only fits within your lifestyle, but you also want something affordable.
That is what we are going to explore in the next couple blogs, how to find the right hybrid that not only fits with your style but also is affordable for you. Face it, cars are expensive and if you are one of those people that are constantly trying to find an affordable car, you want to make sure that you are doing your research.
Researching the automakers as well as the cars themselves is a fantastic idea, that way you know what you might be getting yourself into.
Tags: cars, choosing a hybrid car, hybrid, hybrid cars, new cars
Posted March 19th, 2010 by Heather
Ah the rumors. The rumor mill has hit me and I can tell you for sure that the brand new 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid and the S generation in general is going to go all hybrid … which is something that I love! Mercedes-Benz is one of those automakers that is certainly trying to ensure that they stay with the green and that is the reason for the switch.
Personally, I think that the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is certainly a good choice for anyone that is looking for a luxury car that is not trying to cut corners but that are definitely trying to ensure that the car is helping the environment as well.
In the next blog though, we are going to explore how you can make a difference and go about changing on over to a hybrid car!
Tags: 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, cars, hybrid, hybrid cars, new cars
Posted February 27th, 2010 by Heather
For those of you that are not familiar with SEAT as an automaker, I can tell you for sure that they are coming up with some of the best hybrid cars out there – seriously! Take the SEAT IBE Concept for example. While this is just a concept car right now, they are actually looking to make it sort of like a VW, small, compact and with a heck of a lot of power behind it.
To be honest, I think that the SEAT IBE Concept is going to be one car – if it goes through that is definitely going to make waves. If you want a car that is chic, stylish and eco-friendly, the SEAT IBE Concept is going to be it!
Personally, I can not wait to see if this one goes though but … at the Geneva Motor Show, it is going to be shown!
Tags: cars, concept cars, hybrid cars, SEAT IBE Concept
Posted February 26th, 2010 by Heather
One thing that I have noticed about the Smart car is that they are making waves … everywhere. While they are HUGE overseas, it seems that they are also huge in the states as well and now, Smart is getting ‘smart’ with their designs and they are switching out colors for actual designs.
To me, this is something that I love. It is extremely artistic and certainly different than any other car that I have seen. The cool thing about this is that there are supposed to be about 50,000 different styles … while that many might not make it through, 50,000 ideas were submitted.
For just an additional cost, you can customize your car and truly make it your own!
Tags: cars, electric cars, hybrid cars, smart cars
Posted February 8th, 2010 by Heather
Ah, German efficiency. In the world of automobiles, what do you think of when you imagine an efficient automobile? For many people, some type of Volkswagen typically comes to mind — and if that is not the case for you, it might well be after you hear a little bit about the new Volkswagen Touareg.
The second generation of this SUV line, it is much improved over its forebear as far as efficiency goes, thanks in part to being both lower and lighter.
In addition, the new version will, for the very first time ever, have the option of a hybrid drivetrain. In this case, the V6 TSI powerplant well known from VW will be paired with a fantastic 34kW “E-Motor,” which will result in even more fuel economy, not to mention better performance both on the road and off.
Tags: hybrid, Touareg, VW
Posted February 7th, 2010 by Heather
Do you know what is really awesome? Hybrid vehicles. Do you know what is even more awesome than that? Stylish hybrid vehicles. And do you know what is even more awesome still? European hybrid vehicles — with style.
That being said, take a look at Citroen’s new concept, the DS High Rider. In addition to many other fantastic features, this concept features the kind of fuel efficiency that can only be achieved when diesel engines are paired with electric vehicles.
You see, this compact crossover does just that. Not only is it sleek, stylish, and sophisticated, but its diesel engine works in perfect conjunction with its electric motor, the latter of which can be found on the rear axle.
And when the right circumstances come to pass, each of the engines work together to provide even more power.
Tags: Citroën, concept, High Rider, hybrid
Posted January 30th, 2010 by Heather
When you break it down – even though Toyota has been getting a lot of flack about their recent recall, they are still the leader in the hybrid market and when they came out with the brand new Toyota FT-CH at the Detroit Auto Show – it wowed everyone … including me!
Not only is the Toyota FT-CH a little cousin to the Pruis, but it looks neat and certainly looks like it will fit into this world of small, compact cars. This small little car is only about 68.5 inches wide and is not very tall at all but it was definitely making waves at the Detroit Auto Show just a few short weeks ago.
If you are looking for a small hybrid car that is extremely cost-efficient, this is the car for you people!
Tags: hybrid cars, Hybrids, new cars, Toyota, Toyota FT-CH
