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Video: Porsche resurrects 1900 Semper Vivus full-hybrid for Geneva display

Filed under: Classics, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche, Specialty, Electric

1900 Porsche Semper Vivus hybrid

Porsche Semper Vivus hybrid – Click above to watch the video after the break

Think the Toyota Prius was the first hybrid automobile ever made? Think again. Honda Insight? Keep guessing. In reality, the world’s first hybrid was designed and built by none other than Ferdinand Porsche, founding father of the present-day Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart. That’s right, the same brain that brought us such ingenious machinery as the Volkswagen Beetle and the glorious Auto Union racers built the world’s first fully functional hybrid automobile.

Now that the modern-day Porsche brain-trust is once again showing interest in hybrid technology, the German company has decided to bring back the 1900 Semper Vivus, which literally means always alive. Although the technology behind hybrids has come a long way – Porsche’s first hybrid used about 4,000 pounds of lead acid batteries and could barely climb any kind of grade – the basic principles are actually much the same.

To wit, just like that original Semper Vivus, Porsche’s latest hybrid, the 2012 Panamera S Hybrid, features an engine (in this case a supercharged V6 putting out 333 horsepower), an electric motor (which adds another 47 horses) and a battery pack. All the major bits and pieces are the same, except with massive improvements in power and efficiency.

In celebration of 111 years of hybrid automobiles, Porsche spent the past four years recreating the Semper Vivus, and it will show off the fruits of its labor at the rapidly approaching 2011 Geneva Motor Show. In an effort to whet our appetites, the automaker has released a teaser video that you can see for yourself after the break, along with the requisite press release.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Video: Porsche resurrects 1900 Semper Vivus full-hybrid for Geneva display

Video: Porsche resurrects 1900 Semper Vivus full-hybrid for Geneva display originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delay due to modifications of virtual engine sound

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

In mid-October, Hyundai announced that its 2011 Sonata Hybrid would be eligible for a $1,300 tax credit. The electrified midsize sedan was scheduled to hit dealerships in late 2010 and the first 60,000 buyers in line to plop down some cash for the Sonata Hybrid would’ve pocketed that credit. However, there was a hitch: the Sonata Hybrid was delayed, dashing any chance of snagging the $1,300 credit.

What caused the delay? Well, according to Hyundai chief executive officer John Krafcik, a last-minute modification to the vehicle’s “virtual engine sound” system, made “amazingly late in the process” was the culprit. The automaker initially developed the Sonata Hybrid with a feature that would allow drivers to disable the vehicle’s pedestrian warning system, but after the Senate and House voted to approve a measure requiring hybrids and plug-in vehicles to automatically emit audible sounds at low speeds, Hyundai’s manual disable functionality had to be axed.

According to Green Car Reports, that modification required changes to the vehicle’s wiring harnesses, user-interface software and owner’s manual, which caused the lengthy delay. Hyundai delivered the first 2011 Sonata Hybrid in January.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Second Drive

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

[Source: Green Car Reports]

Report: Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delay due to modifications of virtual engine sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Infiniti M Hybrid priced from $53,700

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti is touting its 2012 M Hybrid as the “only vehicle in America to offer more than 350 horsepower and 30-plus miles per gallon.” If that sounds like an excellent combination, the Japanese automaker has just announced that the cost of entry is $53,700.

The 30-plus mpg figure is, of course, on the highway, with an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 32 mpg. The M Hybrid is rated at 27 mpg in the city and has a combined rating of 29 – not too shabby for a car with 360-horsepower on tap, courtesy of the 3.5-liter V6 mounted under the hood. $53,700 is a lot of scratch, but there’s not a lot of luxury sedans on the market that offer that much power while retuning that type of fuel economy. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: LA 2010: Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

[Source: Infiniti]

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2012 Infiniti M Hybrid priced from $53,700 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA probing 44,000 Toyota Highlander Hybrid crossovers over stall risk

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Government/Legal, Toyota

2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

According to The Detroit News, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has opened an investigation into almost 44,000 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles from the 2006 model year over stalling concerns. The agency has received a total of 32 complaints, with 21 of those incidents involving engine stalling at speeds of over 40 mph. A total of 26 of the reports said that the engine then could not be started again afterward. NHTSA says that the problem represents a growing trend, and that all but one of the incidents have occurred during the last year.

Toyota, meanwhile, says that the company will do everything in its power to cooperate with the government’s investigation. As The Detroit News reports, Toyota recently recalled 1.33 million Corolla and Matrix vehicles for stalling engines. That recall also included certain Pontiac Vibe models as well.

Toyota is just now beginning to recover from a rash of recalls associated with unintended acceleration. The Japanese automaker was recently vindicated by research conducted by NASA engineers who determined that there was nothing electronically wrong with the company’s throttle system.

[Source: The Detroit News]

NHTSA probing 44,000 Toyota Highlander Hybrid crossovers over stall risk originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Imperia GP struts its retro hybrid stuff in Belgium

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, MISC

Imperia GP

Imperia GP – Click above for high-res image gallery

The modern automotive era has seen more retro brands revived than we can remember. Marques like Bugatti, Spyker, Abarth and Mini are perhaps the most prominent among them – to say nothing of counteless resurrected model nameplates from the Volkswagen New Beetle to the Dodge Challenger – and each has brought its classic caché back from the dead with a modern take on the original. Imperia, however, plans on doing one better.

Active throughout the first half of the 20th century, Imperia is back with retro styling along the lines of a Morgan or Wiesmann, but with a decidedly modern twist: it’s a hybrid. Propulsion is provided by the combination of a 207-horsepowr 1.6-liter turbo four and a 134-hp electric motor. Such a small package driven only by the electric motor can hit 62 from a standstill in a solid six seconds, or just four with internal combustion kicking in.

The product of some three years of development, the first pre-production prototype was recently unveiled at its home Belgian Auto Show, and is set to hit the market shortly with a 90,000-euro price tag, or 120,000 euros for the first edition. Take a closer look in the gallery below and in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Imperia GP

[Source: Imperia via WorldCarFans]

Continue reading Imperia GP struts its retro hybrid stuff in Belgium

Imperia GP struts its retro hybrid stuff in Belgium originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video]

Filed under: Hybrid, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Volvo, Diesel

Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid – Click above for high-res image

While hypermilers debate the various advantages and drawbacks of diesels versus hybrids, Volvo is here to ask, “Why not have both?” As promised, the Swedish automaker is rolling into Geneva with what it’s calling “the world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid”.

Packaged into the svelte V60 wagon, the diesel hybrid packs two distinct drivetrains that can operate separately or in conjunction with one another. Up front is a 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel with 215 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque, while a 70-horsepower electric motor with a 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack twists the Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD).

At the touch of a button, the V60 hybrid can operate in Pure mode as an EV with a 32-mile range on electric power alone. In Hybrid mode, it emits less than 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer with a 746-mile range, and in Power mode, the powerplant acts as a boosted torque monster with a combined output at 472 lb-ft of twist for a 6.9-second sprint to 62 miles per hour. That may not seem too quick, but for a diesel wagon schlepping around that much Duracell, it’s relatively rapid.

The V60 Plug-In Hybrid is set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but if you want to see a brief video and delve further into the specs now, feel free to check out the full press brief after the jump.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video]

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid detailed ahead of Geneva debut [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #217: Chicago recap, Camaro ZL1, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Podcasts, Hybrid, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, Jaguar, Porsche

Autoblog podcast logo

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #217 is a little late. Blame Dan. That out of the way, Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert talk over their favorites from the Chicago Auto Show, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid. We wrap with your questions and comments, as always, and we’ll see you next week. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #217: Chicago recap, Camaro ZL1, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Infiniti Etherea Concept
Camaro ZL1
Chicago Auto Show
Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

In the Autoblog Garage:

2011 Jaguar XF
2011 Jaguar XK
2011 Dodge Durango Crew AWD
2011 Chrysler 200

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:01:00

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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
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Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #217: Chicago recap, Camaro ZL1, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche celebrates millionth Facebook fan with special 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Porsche, Racing

Facebook Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche is celebrating a unique social media milestone with a custom 911 GT3 R Hybrid. The company recently surpassed 1 million fans on Facebook, and to mark the occasion, designers have churned out the hybrid 911 racer with the signatures of over 27,000 Porsche fans. The vehicle is set to be on display at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart for all to see.

The German automaker says that it chose the 911 GT3 R Hybrid for the Facebook celebration because Porsche believes that the car is the future of racing. The machine packs 480 horsepower from a 4.0-liter flat six-cylinder engine and two electric motors capable of 80 horsepower each. Unlike most hybrids, Porsche has opted to store the vehicle’s energy in a flywheel accumulator that gets a boost during braking instead of a traditional battery pack. The technology recently proved itself as competition-capable during last year’s 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Facebook Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche celebrates millionth Facebook fan with special 911 GT3 R Hybrid

Porsche celebrates millionth Facebook fan with special 911 GT3 R Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover promises Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid for Geneva

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover, Luxury

land rover range_e plug-in diesel hybrid

Land Rover Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid is heading to Geneva – Click above for high-res image gallery

Land Rover is gearing up for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and it’s bringing new four models to show off, one of which shows the automaker is thinking a bit more green. The Land Rover Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid will be on display. Power for the electrified Range Rover Sport comes courtesy of a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as an electric motor. The Range_e’s driving range is said to be nearly 700 miles and it can drive approximately 20 miles on electric power alone, which should be good enough to get the SUV into the heart of London.

Also getting the bright light auto show treatment are the luxurious Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, Evoque in two and four-door guise and the 2011 Discovery/LR4 Landmark Edition. The Autobiography Ultimate is described as the most luxurious Land Rover ever produced and features yacht-inspired teak flooring and Apple iPad tablets for the rear passengers. The Evoque will be featured in a handful of trims that offer unique customization options for consumers. Finally, the limited-edition Landmark LR4 will be available in either a Black or a White theme with upscale interiors and unique color treatments.

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover promises Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid for Geneva

Land Rover promises Range_e plug-in diesel hybrid for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche to unveil full hybrid in Geneva

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche Crest

Porsche is wading even deeper into hybrid waters by showing off a new electrified model at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. According to the company, the vehicle will be a parallel full hybrid. Porsche says that the move to introduce another battery-laden model to the company’s stable was bolstered by the success of the Cayenne S Hybrid as well as the gaggle of hybridized race cars and concepts that Porsche has unveiled as of late. The most recent of those, the 918 RSR hybrid, debuted at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, but that’s not the only battery-operated vehicle to wear the crest.

Porsche famously campaigned its 911 GT3 R hybrid racer on the tracks of Europe last year, and the 918 RSR predecessor, the 918 Spyder concept, have all helped underscore the automaker’s commitment to the hybrid game.

The automaker’s unnamed hybrid isn’t the only new model headed to Geneva. Porsche says that it will also dust off the recently-unveiled Cayman R as well as the stealthy Black Editions of the 911 and Boxster. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

[Source: Porsche]

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Porsche to unveil full hybrid in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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