• Engine: Inline 4 Atkinson cycle aluminum block and heads, 2.4 liters, Dual cam 4 valves per cylinder with continuously variable valve timing with intelligence.
• Electric motor: front high output, permanent magnet electric drive.
• 187 combined hp.
• 0-60 in 8.4 seconds.
• Top speed (electronically limited) 112 mph.
• Fuel economy 35/34.
• Transmission is electronically controlled continuously variable.
• 0-60 at 8.7 seconds.

Lexus HS-250h Overview:

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h comes in two trim levels, the base and the premium. The base model comes with 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a sunroof. The side view mirrors are heated and there is a keyless ignition / entry system. This vehicle is equipped with full power accessories, leather upholstery and an automatic dimming rearview mirror. The front seats are power, ten way for the driver and eight way for the passenger. The steering wheel is both tilt and telescoping and contains audio controls. The climate control is dual zone and the speaker system is equipped with ten speakers and a six disk CD changer. Satellite radio and USB/iPod connections as well as Bluetooth are also all standard.
The Premium edition comes with even more creature comforts and the plus of being able to set all your personal settings with the touch of a button. The Audio system and hard drive navigation system are both top notch and there is even a technology package and camera package.
Lexus aficionados are already touting this little dream car. People are very excited about not only the comforts and technology of the car, but they are also excited about the environmentally conscious aspects of the car that will also go a long ways towards saving them on gas money.
Click here for the official Lexus HS 250h homepage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.