2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

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2010-Mercury-Milan-Hybrid2

Specs:

Engine: 2.5 liter Atkinson Cycle I-4 hybrid engine with late intake valve closing and processor technology.
Permanent magnet electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride battery.
Combined power 191 hp.
Mileage 41 city 36 highway.
0-60 in 8.7 seconds.
Regenerative braking system.

Milan Hybrid Overview:

The Mercury Milan Hybrid comes in only one trim level. This level includes 17 inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and fog lamps. The vehicle is equipped with cruise control as well as keyless entry and a keypad code exterior access. The climate control system is dual zone and automatic. The steering wheel is leather wrapped, tilt and telescoping.

Both front seats are power, the driver seat is eight way controllable while the passenger seat is six way controllable, the upholstery on all seats is cloth.

The navigational system is hard drive based and voice activated, it includes DVD audio and video capability, 10 gigs of digital music storage and a Sirius Travel Link that provides real time traffic, weather and other information.

The ‘Driver’s Vision’ package adds a blind spot warning system as well as a rearview camera and a cross-traffic alert. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are also an option.
People that look for the comfort of a sedan enjoy the Mercury Milan, it is efficient in size and space while still making the occupants feel comfortable. The Hybrid version of this vehicle is being met with curiosity and eagerness by the car buying public.

2010 Ford Fusion

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2010-ford-fusion-hybrid

Specs

  • Engine: 2.5 liter Atkinson Cycle 1-4 sequential multi port electronic fuel injection.
  • Permanent Magnetic AC Synchronous Motor powered by 275 volt nickel metal hydride.
  • 191 combined hp.
  • Electronic Continuously variable transmission.
  • Mileage 41 city 36 highway.

2010 Ford Fusion Overview:

The Fusion Hybrid comes with Electric Power assist steering and a regenerative braking system. It also has a very handy reverse sensing system. The Fusion hybrid is available in three different trim levels.

The Fusion is filled with all sorts of conveniences including multiple storage spaces, drink holders and comfortable seating that is constructed of Earth-friendly cloth fabric made from 85 percent post-industrial materials which are polyester fibers that would otherwise have ended up in landfills The driver seat is eight way power adjustable, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable. There is optional leather trimmed heated seats available for those that are very comfort minded. It even features a 110 outlet for a regular power plug.
The car buying public is being presented with so many different choices in the hybrid market these days that they’re not positive which way to turn. The Fusion is meeting with positive reactions from consumers as they trade in their non energy efficient models for these well appointed, well made environmentally friendly vehicles.

Click here for the Ford Fusion homepage.

Nissan Altima Hybrid

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nissan-altima-hybrid

Specs

  • Engine: 2.5 liter DOHC 16 valve four cylinder with Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) on intake valves.
  • 158 hp at 5,200 to 6,000 rpm.
  • Electric motor: Permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor with 650 Volt and 40 hp maximum output, powered by a Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery.
  • Maximum combined 198 hp.
  • Gas Mileage 35 city 33 highway.
  • 0-60 in 7.6 seconds.

Altima Hybrid Overview:

The Nissan Altima Hybrid is a sedan vehicle that is available in only one trim level. This level includes 16 inch alloy wheels and full power accessories. It is equipped with a tilt/telescoping steering column and a keyless ignition and entry system. The climate control is dual zone and automatic.

The sound system contains six speakers and a CD player with an auxiliary audio jack. The instrumentation found in this vehicle is unique to the hybrid model.

Options available for this vehicle come in three major packages. The Convenience Package includes an eight way adjustable power driver’s seat, automatic headlights, a rear spoiler and a leather wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls for the audio system. The Connection Package includes turn signals that are integrated into the outside mirrors, leather heated front seats and rear air conditioning vents.

The Audio Package features a Bluetooth connectivity and a nine speaker Bose audio system with an in dash six CD/MP3 changer and satellite radio. The Technology package includes a navigation system with real time traffic information, a rearview camera and a hybrid energy and fuel flow readout. The only major stand alone option is a sunroof.

The Altima already has a strong following and many of these people are preparing to take the next step in environmentally sound transportation. Along with these people are many that are ready to trade their non hybrid sports sedan in for this comfy alternative.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

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Specs

Specs on this vehicle are somewhat still speculative but here are the basics.

  • Engine: direct-injected Audi 3.0-liter V6.
  • Electric motor: 240-cell nickel-metal-hydride battery that produces a peak 288 volts.
  • Another electric motor functions as a starter/generator and will mount between the engine and transmission.
  • The transmission: 8 speed automatic without torque converter.
  • The vehicle will be equipped with what Porsche calls the ‘hybrid manager’ that coordinates the power sources.
  • The transmission/clutch assembly will drive all four wheels.
  • This vehicle is expected to go 0-60 in 6.5 seconds with combined gas mileage of 27 mpg.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid Overview:

The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid isn’t available as of yet, however the vehicle layout will be front engine, all wheel drive, set up for five passengers as a 4 door SUV. Under normal acceleration, the vehicle responds basically just like the standard Cayenne. If the vehicle is not pushed, then it moves forward silently under electric power, more throttle makes the combustion engine kick in.

Through the navigation display you will see whether you are running on electricity, gasoline or a combination of both. As the vehicle drives, the charge level will shift a bit as it self charges while the engine is engaged or the vehicle is going down hill.
To the Cayenne enthusiasts, it remains to be seen whether this vehicle will stand up to the standards set by the gas powered Cayenne they are already driving. The consumer public is holding its opinions, probably until after they get that first test drive.

Honda Civic Hybrid

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Specs

  • Engine Type: In line 4 cylinder aluminum alloy 8 valve SOHC i-VTEC with multi-point fuel injection putting out 110 hp at 6000 rpm.
  • Electric motor: Permanent Magnet Motor outputting 20 hp powered by a Nickel Metal Hydride battery outputting 158 volts.
  • Continuously variable transmission.
  • Mileage is 40/45/42.
  • 0 to 60 in 13.5 seconds.

Civic Hybrid Overview

The engine in this little vehicle is so efficient that it isn’t scheduled for a first tune up until it has covered one hundred thousand miles. It is a front wheel drive vehicle that comes standard with a direct ignition system with immobilizer.

This little car isn’t going to impress you with how it plasters you in your seat when you press down on the gas pedal, but that’s not the point of this vehicle.
The Civic Hybrid features an automatic climate control system and has an available satellite linked voice recognition navigational system with Bluetooth hands free link. Standard are the power windows with an automatic up and down on the driver’s window. It comes with power door locks and an auto-lock feature. If the available leather upgrade is ordered, the steering wheel will get a perforated leather-wrapped treatment. The steering wheel also has wheel mounted control systems, it tilts and is also telescopic. This little car has many comfort and convenience features standard and there are also upgrades available to customize your vehicle to your desires.
Honda has built a large base of loyal customers that wouldn’t think of purchasing anything but a Honda, these folks are happily signing up to purchase their first Honda hybrid. They are confident that this little vehicle will stand up to the quality and reliability they are used to in Honda products.
Click here for the Honda Civic Hybrid homepage.

3rd Generation Toyota Prius

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Specs

  • Engine: Aluminum double overhead cam 16 valve (with variable valve timing intelligence) 4 cylinder gasoline engine, 1.8 liters.
  • Power output is 98 hp @ 5200 rpm.
  • Electric power provided by a pair of Permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motors (one for propulsion, the other for electrical systems generator).
  • Propulsion motor puts out 80 hp.
  • The Prius clocks 0-60 in 10.1 seconds.
  • MPG city and highway 51/48.
  • Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

Overview

The third generation compact vehicle classified Prius comes as a four door sedan in multiple colors for either interior or exterior. It is equipped with an ll.9 gallon gas tank and has seating capacity for five.

The 3rd generation Prius is available in four trim levels, the levels are II through V respectively. The II will receive 15 inch alloy wheels and full power accessories, keyless ignition, cruise control and a few other accouterments. The III adds Bluetooth and an eight speaker upgraded stereo with six CD changer. The IV adds exterior locking buttons for keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver lumbar adjustment and auto dimming mirror. The V adds on 17 inch alloy wheels, foglamps and LED headlamps with auto-leveling and washers. There are even more options available for this vehicle, depending on how much money you’d like to spend.
The Prius, having already been on the road for a while has garnered both loyal customers and jaded owners. Many Prius owners are ready to hand in the keys to their old Prius in favor of the all new, feature packed new Prius. The market has gotten tougher so many people are doing their homework before running out and putting money down on this familiar vehicle.

Click here for Toyota’s Prius homepage.

Ford Escape Hybrid

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Specs:

  • Engine: 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine.
  • Two permanent magnet AC synchronous motors powered by 330 volt nickel metal hydride battery.
  • Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable.
  • 153 hp at 6,000 rpm.
  • Front Wheel Drive rated at 24/31 mpg.
  • Four Wheel Drive rated at 30/27 mpg.
  • 177 combined hp.

Ford Escape Hybrid Overview

This has been and continues to be the most fuel efficient SUV hybrid on the market. When the vehicle is in full acceleration, both power sources are utilized while under stop and go traffic conditions, the vehicle is able to alternate between power sources. The only real down side to this vehicle is that the air conditioning compressor cannot run while the vehicle is in all electric mode.

This vehicle comes in many different optional configurations and colors. It actually registers as being slightly quicker than it’s fully gas propelled four cylinder counterpart. The main difference between the Escape Hybrid and the regular gas powered Escape is that the hybrid carries 300 pounds more in weight and you can feel it in the response times.

When it comes to the hybrid SUV market, the Escape doesn’t really have much in the way of competition, for that reason, green conscious SUV enthusiasts are waiting with trade-in keys in hand in order to get hold of the new Escape Hybrid. The Escape is already receiving all sorts of positive attention from the SUV buying public because of it’s reliable past and promise of the future.

Click here for Fords Escape Hybrid homepage.

Honda Insight

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Specs:

  • Engine: 1.3 liter four cylinder gas engine producing 88 hp.
  • Electric motor powered by nickel metal hydride battery pack producing 13 hp.
  • Tops out at 98 hp.
  • 0-60 in 10.9 seconds.
  • Rated at 40/43 mpg.

Honda Insight Overview

The 2010 Honda Insight EX earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2009 “Top Safety Pick” award, the organization’s highest honor. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job in their class of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in IIHS crash tests.

The Insight is a four door hatch back that is available in two trim levels. The base level is LX and the higher level is the EX. The LX comes standard with 15 inch steel wheels and full power accessories, it has automatic climate controls, tilt and telescoping steering column and height adjustable driver’s seat as well as a four speaker CD system.

The EX replaces the steel wheels with 15 inch alloy wheels and adds side mirror mounted turn signal indicators, stability control, cruise control and variable intermittent wipers. It also adds steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and a six speaker audio system with a USB port and fully integrated iPod connection. An option available for the EX only is a voice activated navigation system with Bluetooth connectivity.

Many people that were considering purchasing a Prius have switched their attention and curiosity towards the Honda Insight. This car is garnering a lot of attention from green minded consumers that are looking for alternatives to Toyota’s hybrid.

Click here for Honda’s Insight homepage.

Chevrolet Volt 230

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Overview:

This compact classified vehicle will hit the sales floor as a four to five passenger sedan with front wheel drive and a plug in electric propulsion system coupled with the help of the 3 cylinder turbo charged engine. The car will come standard with a silver exterior with an emerald hue. They are currently running a contest to name the color.

The Chevy Volt will combine the sleek swooping lines of a coop with the convenience of a four door sedan. The body is aerodynamically designed to slip through the wind and low to the ground for stability.

Chevy is ushering this new vehicle in amid all sorts of conjecture and speculation from the consumer public. Many are waiting impatiently, with checkbook in hand, to experience the first year of this ground breaking vehicle, while others will hold back and patiently wait to see if this vehicle delivers on all of its promises.

Specs:

  • Construction is of an integral structure with composite exterior panels and roof.Battery Power supplied by lithium-ion battery.
  • Voltage is 320 to 350 Recharge time is 6 to 6.5 hours.
  • Drive is direct. Type is a 3 cylinder turbo charged engine. Size is 1 liter.
  • Nominal speed is 1500 to 1800 rpm Max speed is 3200 rpm.
  • Fuel tank holds twelve gallons.
  • Electrical power is plug in 110/115 amp.
  • Horsepower is 160/120.
  • Electric mode range is 40 miles and fuel economy is 50 mpg during charge sustaining operation.
  • Mileage varies by amount of miles traveled.
  • Top speed 120 mph, limited duration.

Click here for Chevrolet’s Volt page.

The New Metro Buddy: One Tiny Electric Car

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386390_smart_carSneak peaks are one of the main reasons we browse the web every day. This new electric car is sure to catch some attention and cruise along among the buzz-worthy bloggers. The Metro Buddy, a pocket-sized electric car (OK, not really that small), was revealed at EVS-24. The Norwegian Minister of Transportation, Liv Signe Narvasete, got to visit the electric car maker’s factory and was able to get a sneak preview.
Some people from ElectricAid were also on available to make a little video, which is available online. It keeps the same simple form as the original Kewet Buddy, but there are some major changes under the hood and beneath the frame. The new version will be able to store electricity in lead-acid, nickel metal halide or lithium batteries giving it a range of 50 to 75 miles (80 to 120 kilometers).
The car looks amazing. Like something conceptually designed for a senior thesis. But it’s real. And it’s small. A simple two door machine, almost a cube on wheels, it must be able to park in extremely small spaces. The front window comes with one windshield wiper (more would be overkill). The windshield itself is at the same angle as the hood, creating a perfect slope down the front end. It’s cute. It’s petite. It’s perfect.

$100 Million Bond Default – Aston’s Parent Company in Trouble

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220903_aston_martinThe Aston Martin, one of the world’s most beloved cars, may be in trouble. Aston’s Parent company, Investment Dar, the Kuwaiti firm that owns part of Aston Martin, has defaulted on payment for a $100 million Islamic bond which was due on April 27. Bloomberg says it is now the first Persian Gulf company to default on an Islamic bond.

In the month of December in 2008, Dar was thinking about selling a 20- to 30% stake in Aston Martin in order “to profit financially or technically.” They say it was trying to refinance its short-term debt, to use banks for 200 to 300 million Kuwati dinars ($691 million-$1 billion U.S.).

Yet, Dar remains open to selling peripheral assets to keep up its position and it is working with Credit Suisse.
The Aston Martin is popular among James Bond fans, as Bond is notorious for driving his beloved Martin. This car is a beautifully designed, sleek machine that roars perfectly for the silver screen. An expensive car, it looks like a luxury vehicle and an Indy 500 car combined. The Aston Martin grill is the icing on the cake and a signature design recognizable a mile away.

The 2010 Opel Astra: Revealed Early on the Web

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416374_speedometerA beautiful new car has been revealed early on the web. You may have recognized its look with a different symbol on the front. Or maybe you didn’t. But this next generation model is really a baby of the Saturn car company.

In Europe, the Opel Astra 2010 is already available for a peek online. It’s sleek exterior give it that soft aerodynamic look, definitely a step in the direction of the future. It’s compact enough to truly be a European car, and it emanates an aura of fuel-efficiency. The Opel Z logo on the front brands this machine accurately; the car looks like a lightning-bolt.

It’s unsure if there will be an American version of the Opel Astra any time soon. The Astra will be available with a 1.4-liter gasoline inline-four, but turbocharged variants will also be available, giving between 120- to 140 horsepower and 175 to 200 Nm of torque (129 – 148 pound-feet). More power will reportedly come in the form of a 180 hp 1.6-liter turbo motor. Because of its European nature, a range of diesels will also be available, including 1.3-, 1.7- and 2.0 –liter variants. A particularly cheap ecoFLEX variant is also expected in 2010.

According to CarScoop, the Astra will hit showrooms in Autumn, with a new three-door GTC Coupe to follow shortly afterwards.

Have Hatchbacks Been Forgotten? Remembering the Top Ten

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837158_spotr_carOh, the hatchback. The name sounds like an insult, or perhaps something from a French story of the Notre Dame.

Although some hatchbacks were successful throughout US auto history, many were not. There are dozens of failed attempts to get the public enthused about the hatchback. After the dust has settled, there remains a list of the top ten hatchbacks that should never be forgotten (or maybe they should, you decide).

The list begins with the Chevy Corsica Hatchback, a horrible car that lasted two years between 1989 and 1991. We continue with the Fiat Strada, and then the Mercury LN7. The Mitsubishi Cordia comes next, the name a combination of cordite and diamond. Another Mitsubishi, the Precis (pronounced precious?). Followed by the Oldsmobile Firenza (I actually like this one). The famous Pontiac Grand Prix comes next, with its new Aerocoupe body shell for use in NASCAR. Then the Renault Encore, and the Sterling 827. Last, and most definitely not least, the Subaru GL.

Some like the VW golf and the Toyota Prius have made their mark, brilliantly, and in good form. But many have failed. As cars get smaller with time, we may see new inventive ways of using the hatchback.

Not as Many Chrysler Ads: Obama Slashes the Automakers Ad Budget by Half

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We all heard the news: Chrysler is bankrupt and needs help from Uncle Sam. That’s never any fun. Now, the Obama administration has decided to cut Chrysler’s Ad budget 50 percent.812370_chrysler_building_top

Judge Arthur Gonzalez says “Idle Plants? Why Market?” Meanwhile the company argues that in touch ties such as bankruptcy, the company needs to market just as much to keep them from falling on harder times and eroding the already battered Chrysler image.

The people at Chrysler say that they need to keep spending on Advertising to stress that it’s business as usual and “demonstrate a bright future ahead for Chrysler.” Yet some people consider “business as usual” as a bad thing. Business as usual is what got them to be bankrupt in the first place.

In an industry where economical, fuel-friendly, and functional cars are not only necessary but intelligent, Chrysler has fallen by the way-side unable to compete with the Japanese, German, and Korean cars that have been known to be reliable and cost-efficient. Arguably, when a company declares bankruptcy, they are asking to be saved by the government. When the government is giving a helping hand, can they really complain about how they decide to spend their money?

Some people say Chrysler needs to re-invent itself before it starts marketing a product that shouldn’t be on the streets and that can’t compete.

VW’s New Polo is Already Taking Orders Ahead of Launch

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There are already well over 10,000 orders for the new Polo, before it’s even launched. The new Volkswagen Polo for 763710_green_beetle2010 if brand new, and early orders prove there is a lot of interest in the small European hatchback. VW says there are 13,000 pre-orders for the B-segment five-door. This beauty of a car is perfectly designed to be both aesthetically pleasing, modern with creative edges and lines, and small enough to be parked easily and drive smoothly with an incredible fuel-efficiency.

The news of the early orders is making the VW owners very happy. Although the Polo has been in production since about March, it won’t officially hit showroom floors until June. But there are plenty of pretty pictures of this car online. I prefer it in red.

The United States will probably receive two versions of the Polo within the next two or three years. I can’t wait. If the models come through, they will likely receive VW’s new 1.2-liter TSI gas engine. Direct injection and turbocharging help the little four-banger reach 103 hp and 42.8 mpg (U.S.) combined.

With a BlueMotion diesel that’s capable of up to 61.9 mpg, in Europe the compact Polo will be very successful and we’ll be seeing them all over the road.

The Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition: A Serious Shelby

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Perhaps one of the greatest cars in American motorsports history, the Shelby Daytona Coupe has an aerodynamic body and can travel just under 200mph. This car, faster than a Ferrari, is like no other car in the world. It looks like 427136_toy_carstwo cars in one, the front and back half of two separate vehicles glued together. The large, sturdy wheels look like theycould handle abrupt 90 degree turns on a dime. And the dual sets of headlights guarantee that this car means business.

Although buying one of the original six racecars is virtually impossible, there is a much more affordable option. Southern California-based Exotic Auto Restoration has developed a new version of the legendary and beautiful Shelby called the Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition. Based on the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe built by Superformance, the Le Mans Edition package looks a bit more modern and slightly more pumped up.

Fender flares, wider 18-inc wheels and tires, heavy-duty suspension, billet aluminum hood vents, Alcantara seating, and aircraft style toggle switches, this car is a rocket on the road. And powertrain options include any Ford V8 based on the Windsor 351 block. There’s also a racier Daytona Coupe that Exotic Auto Restoration is also offering which has a track-oriented version that also gets a 6-point roll cage, A/C and carpet delete, quick-release steering wheel and much more.

Those Warranty ‘Robocalls’ May Stop: The Feds Are Investigating

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1171276_retro_robotMy grandmother doesn’t even own a car and she gets plenty of annoying Ford and other warranty offers in her voicemail. These “robocalls” are notorious and aggravating, and they need to stop. It’s a telephone version of spam.

Finally, United States Senator Charles Schumer of New York has himself gotten one of those annoying robocalls and now vows to put an end to them. According to an article by The Associated Press, there were more than 140,000 complaints to the Better Business Bureau before it got the attention of Sen. Schumer. Several states that have already taken it upon themselves to go after these scam artists.

It’s difficult to say if any action will seriously help defeat these scammers. It’s hard to locate exactly where they are coming from, and the calls are pre-recorded. But there has supposedly been some progress made, and one company has already been sued by Missouri officials.

These robocalls are blatantly illegal because many of them violate the Federal Do Not Call Registry. They are annoying because they because not only waste people’s time, the extended warranties the companies are selling are almost always impossible to use, according to one attorney general. Three states, Connecticut, New Jersey and Iowa have even teamed up to investigate these illegal activities.