new car model review

How Do Hybrid Vehicles Work?

2020-10-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hybrid info

By Gray Rollins

How many times have you pulled up to the pumps lately only to be shocked at the price of gasoline? Suddenly your $25 tank of gas is costing $40. Have you considered trading your vehicle in for something that gets better fuel economy? How about a Hybrid vehicle? If you've ever wondered "how do hybrid vehicles work?" read on.

Hybrid vehicles address two issues - global warming by reducing emissions and reduced fuel costs. There are lots of different hybrid designs showing up on the market, so understanding how they work is very important to getting the best value for your money.

If you have ever owned a moped, you can proudly consider yourself a first generation hybrid owner because they combine pedal power and gasoline. Hybrid vehicles really aren't that new a concept. You'll find them all around you in commercial use. Giant mining trucks, submarines, buses, and even train engines all have a fuel source and an electrical source of power.

Most of the hybrid vehicles we are seeing on the market are gasoline and electric hybrids. This means they use both gas and electricity to power them.

The two power sources can be combined in different ways. The parallel hybrid has a fuel tank which supplies fuel to the engine and a set of batteries which supplies power to the electric motor. Both sources are able to turn the transmission.

The series hybrid is a little different. The gasoline engine turns a generator which can either power the electric motor that drives the transmission or charge the batteries. In this type of hybrid the gas engine never directly powers the vehicle.

With a hybrid car the gas engine can be a lot smaller than in a conventional car so it can be a lot more efficient. Acceleration requires a larger engine to produce the power needed, but by using a smaller engine and combining it with the assistance of an electrical motor that is operating at peak load the acceleration needs of a vehicle can be met.

more info here

Mercedes-Benz car

2009-07-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2009)

2009-07-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz B-Class (2009) specification

Trims: mini MPV	B200 (mini MPV 5-dr manual)	B200T (mini MPV 5-dr manual)
Standard Engine
Engine	2.0 L in-line4 (2)	2.0 L in-line4 (1)
cc	2,034	2,034
Fuel type	premium unleaded	premium unleaded
Power
Maximum power kW	100	144
Maximum power hp/PS	134	193
rpm for maximum power	5,750	5,000
maximum torque Nm	184	279
maximum torque lb ft	136	206
rpm for maximum torque	3,500	1,800

Mini car list

2009-07-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Mini Clubman John Cooper Works (2009)

2009-07-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

2009 MINI John Cooper Works Specifications

Transmission - Getrag 6-Speed manual
Final Drive Ratio - 3.647:1
Layout - Front Engine, FWD

Engine
Engine Type - Twin Scroll Turbocharged 4 Cylinder
Displacement - 1.6 Liters
Bore X Stroke - 3.03 x 3.38 in.
Horsepower - 208 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque - 192 lb-ft. @ 1850 rpm

Exterior
Tires - 205/45 R17 84W RSC
Wheels - 7J x 17 alloy
Wheelbase - 97.1 in.
Length - 146.2 in.
Width - 66.3 in.
Height - 55.4 in.
Body Type - Fixed Roof Coupe

Mitsubishi

2009-01-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

Mitsubishi Colt 5-door (2008)

2009-01-29T17:33:00.000-08:00

Mitsubishi Colt 5-door (2008) Description
With 205,561 cars (3-door, 5-door and coupé-cabriolet included) sold between the initial launch of Spring of 2004 and May 2007 - therefore covering three successive fiscal years - Mitsubishi Colt has successfully re-established the "Colt" nameplate in many a major European market, like Italy (9,122 units for CY2006 / + 8% in Europe's largest B-segment market) or Germany (20,129 sales for CY2006 where it commands a 3.5% market share in the segment).

With most of these sales being conquest - since Mitsubishi Motors did not have any model in this sector before - Colt's performance (81.504 sales for CY2006 or +12.7%) is even more remarkable. More so as the B-segment is one the toughest in Europe, involving all the mega-budget big players and driven by the introduction of new models.

As a further evidence, in B-segment-orientated Southern Europe, Mitsubishi Colt sales increased in Spain by 24.3% during CY2006, with the sporty 3-door variant representing 45% of the total.

Nissan car lists

2008-12-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

Nissan Altima Coupe (2008)

2008-12-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

Nissan Altima Coupe (2008)
The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe is obviously much more than an Altima sedan minus two doors. Its sleek fastback shape brings to mind the Infiniti G35 coupe, the Nissan 350Z and the recent Nissan GT-R concept car. It aims to do battle with the Honda Accord Coupe and Toyota Solara, which is the coupified version of the Camry.

Peugot car lists

2008-12-19T19:40:00.001-08:00

Peugeot 207 SW (2008)

2008-12-19T19:34:00.000-08:00

Peugeot 207 SW (2008) review
Standard equipment on all models includes: power steering, driver / passenger and side airbags, curtain airbags, remote control central locking with deadlocks, three rear three-point inertia reel seat belts, “one touch” electric front / rear windows, two thirds / one third split folding rear seat, steering column adjustable for reach and rake, radio / single CD player, passenger seat height adjustment, driver seat height adjustment, body-coloured door mirrors, ABS with EBFD and EBA, trip computer, electrically operated / heated door mirrors, manual air conditioning, front fog lights, aluminium roof rails, Cielo glass panoramic roof with electric sunblind, opening rear tailgate glass, 16” Outdoor alloy wheels, Sports front seats, leather steering wheel/gear knob, Narbonnais grey wheel arch extensions / sill mouldings, washable floor mats and dark tinted rear side glass / tailgate glass.

Porsche list

2008-11-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

TechArt Porsche Cayenne Magnum

TechArt Porsche Cayenne Magnum (2008)

2008-11-30T19:37:00.001-08:00

TechArt Porsche Cayenne Magnum Review

The TECHART Magnum rear apron with integrated diffuser reduces lift on the rear axle and provides the perfect backdrop for the TECHART stainless-steel sport exhaust system with two chrome tailpipes on either side.

The body conversion can be rounded out with moldings for front and rear lights, as well as with a new hood that features two air outlets that optimize heat balance in the engine bay.

The Magnum also features custom-tailored wheels and tires. The largest possible version features TECHART Formula II light-alloy wheels in size 10.5Jx22 in front and in size 11,5Jx22 in the rear. For optimal tires TECHART chose ContiCrossContact UHP tires in sizes 295/30 ZR 22 and 335/25 ZR 22, which are approved on the Cayenne for a top speed of 300 km/h.

proton list

2008-11-19T06:19:00.001-08:00

Proton Gen 2

proton Gen 2

2008-11-19T06:16:00.000-08:00

Engines and Transmissions

The Proton GEN-2 is available with a choice of either a 1.3 (hatchback only) or 1.6 litre 16v Lotus developed CamPro petrol engine. All manual transmission models have a five-speed gearbox and a four-speed automatic option is available on 1.6 models.

Underneath the bonnet is a CamPro 4-cylinder 16v Multi-Point Injection engine developed in collaboration with Lotus. As you'd expect from a company that designs and builds high performance cars, this is an engine that packs a serious punch; with the 1.6 range delivering a max speed of up to 118mph, with 110bhp and 109lb/ft of torque.

Testing of the engine was conducted on both engine rigs and dynamometers as well as on the road with running prototypes already having completed rigorous tests all around the globe and accumulating more than 27,000 hours.

While the main proving ground for the CamPro was Malaysia, the engine has been put through the hot and engine onboard diagnostic tests in Australia. Hot and high altitude testing was conducted in Spain, high speed testing run at Millbrook in the United Kingdom and cold weather testing conducted in Sweden. A HVAC cooling test was also performed on the GEN-2 in Japan as Proton and Lotus engineers worked to create an engine designed for reliability, durability, longevity, fuss free and affordable maintenance, and performance.

subaru car list

2008-10-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Impreza WRX STI

2008-10-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

new car review
Impreza WRX STI specification

Standard Features:

* 305-hp 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine
* 290 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm
* Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
* MPG: (manual) 17 city / 23 highway^
* 18 x 8.5-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels
* Brembo® performance brake system
* STI high-performance-tuned exhaust system with quad stainless-steel outlets
* High-performance sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension
* XM® or SIRIUS™ satellite radio capability
* 80-watt 10-speaker audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA capability and SRS Circle Surround Automotive™ audio enhancement
* Auxiliary audio jack
* STI-design instrumentation with aluminum gauge trim rings, center-mounted tachometer, gauge needles full-sweep on start-up and adjustable tachometer red-line warning with audible indicator
* Leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with audio system and cruise control buttons
* STI-design front seats with fixed integrated head restraints and embroidered STI logos

suzuki car list

2008-10-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

Suzuki Splash

new car review - Suzuki Splash

2008-10-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

new car review
Suzuki Splash specification

Model Reviewed
Suzuki Splash 1.2 GLS+

Body Type
5-Door Hatchback

Colour
Grey

Performance ~ manufacturers figures

0 - 62 mph
12.3 Seconds

Top Speed
109 mph

Transmission
5-Speed Manual

Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

toyota car list

2008-10-15T00:08:00.000-07:00

Toyota Sequoia

new car review - Toyota Sequoia

2008-10-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

new car review
Toyota Sequoia specification

Engine:
4.7-liter DOHC 32-valve i-FORCE V8 with VVT-i; 273 hp @ 5400 rpm; 314 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm
5.7 DOHC 32-valve i-FORCE V8 with dual independent VVT-i; 381 hp @ 5600 rpm; 401 lb. - ft. @ 3600 rpm

suspension
Front high-mounted coil-spring independent double-wishbone front suspension with low-pressure gas-filled shock absorbers and hollow stabilizer bar; rear coil-spring independent double-wishbone with low-pressure gas-filled shock absorbers and hollow stabilizer bar

Volkswagen car list

2008-10-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

- Volkswagen Passat CC 2009

new car review - Volkswagen Passat CC 2009

2008-10-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

new car review
Volkswagen Passat CC 2009 specification

Base Price
$27,000-$40,000 (est)

Vehicle layout
Front-engine, FWD/AWD, 4-pass, 4-door sedan

Engine
2.0L/200-hp (est)/207-lb-ft (est) turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4 , 3.6L/280-hp (est)/265-lb-ft (est) DOHC 24-valve V-6
Transmission
6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Curb weight (dist f/r)
3400-3900 lb (mfr)

Wheelbase
106.7 in

Length x width x height
188.9 x 73.1 x 56.0 in

0-60 mph
6.6 - 7.4 sec (mfr est)

EPA city/hwy fuel econ
16-20 / 24-29 mpg (est)

CO2 emmisions
0.83-1.03 lb/mile (est)

On sale in U.S.
September 2008

new car review
Volkswagen Passat CC 2009 specification

volvo car list

2008-10-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

- Volvo C30 DRIVe 2009

new car review - Volvo C30 DRIVe 2009

2008-10-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

new car review
Volvo C30 DRIVe 2009 specification
2009 Volvo C30 Handling

2009 Volvo C30 Performance

Turbo compressor

2,521 cc 2.5 liters in-line 5 front engine with 83.0 mm bore, 93.2 mm stroke, 9.0 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder B5254T7

Premium unleaded fuel 91

Multi-point injection fuel system

15.9 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 13.2

Power: 169 kW , 227 HP SAE @ 5,000 rpm; 236 ft lb , 320 Nm @ 1,500 rpm

2009 Volvo C30 Handling

Four-wheel ABS

Brake assist system

Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs

Electronic brake distribution

Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management

Immobilizer

Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel

Stability control

Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

Alfa Romeo car list

2008-10-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

- Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 2009

new car review - Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 2009

2008-10-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

new car review
Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 2009 specification

Brakes & Tires
Front Suspension 245/35
Rear Suspension 285/35

Engine
Displacement cu in (cc) 4700 cc
Horsepower 450 CV at 7.000 rpm
Maximum Torque 7.500 rpm
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM N/A
Transmission 6-Speed F1
Type 4.7-liter V8 engine

Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Height N/A
Length N/A
Wheelbase N/A
Width N/A
Performance
0-60 mph N/A
Top Speed mph (km/h) N/A

new car review
Alfa Romeo 8C Spider 2009 specification

Acura car list

2008-10-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

- Acura TL 2009

- Acura RL 2009

new car review - Acura TL 2009

2008-10-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

new car review
Acura TL 2009 spec

2009 Acura TL Performance
-
3,471 cc 3.5 liters V 6 front engine with 89.0 mm bore, 93.0 mm stroke, 11.0 compression ratio, overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder J35A3
-
Premium unleaded fuel 91
-
Multi-point injection fuel system
-
17.1 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 14.2
-
Power: 209 kW , 280 HP SAE @ 6,200 rpm; 254 ft lb , 344 Nm @ 5,000 rpm

new car review
Acura TL 2009 spec

new car review - Acura RL 2009

2008-10-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

new car review
Acura RL 2009 spec

VEHICLE

EPA Classification
Mid-Size

ENGINE

Engine Type
Gas V6
Displacement
3.7L/224
Fuel System
PGM-FI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
300 @ 6300
SAE Net Torque @ RPM
271 @ 5000

TRANSMISSION

Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive
Trans Type
5
Trans Description Cont.
Automatic w/OD
First Gear Ratio (:1)
2.70
Second Gear Ratio (:1)
1.61
Third Gear Ratio (:1)
1.07
Fourth Gear Rato (:1)
0.69
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)
0.49
Reverse Ratio (:1)
1.89
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)
4.53

MILEAGE

EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG)
16
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG)
22

ELECTRICAL

Cold Cranking Amps @ 0� F (Primary)
- TBD -
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
130

COOLING SYSTEM

Total Cooling System Capacity (qts)
9.1

WEIGHT INFORMATION

Base Curb Weight (lbs)
4083

TRAILERING

SUSPENSION

Suspension Type - Front
Independent
Suspension Type - Rear
Independent
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Double wishbone
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Multi-link
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm)
- TBD -
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm)
- TBD -
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in)
1.18
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in)
0.75

BRAKES

Brake Type
Power
Brake ABS System
4-Wheel
Disc - Front (Yes or )
Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or )
Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)
12.6 x - TBD -
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)
12.2 x - TBD -

TIRES

Front Tire Size
P245/45VR18
Rear Tire Size
P245/45VR18

WHEELS

Front Wheel Size (in)
18 x 8
Rear Wheel Size (in)
18 x 8
Front Wheel Material
Alloy
Rear Wheel Material
Alloy

STEERING

Steering Type
Power Rack & Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall
16.1
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering)
3.0
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft)
39.7
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft)
- TBD -

FUEL TANK

Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal)
19.4

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase (in)
110.2
Length, Overall (in)
195.8
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in)
72.7
Height, Overall (in)
57.2
Tread Width, Front (in)
62.0
Tread Width, Rear (in)
62.4
Min Ground Clearance (in)
5.7
Liftover Height (in)
- TBD -

CARGO AREA DIMENSIONS

Trunk Volume
13.1

new car review
Acura RL 2009 spec