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Report: BYD to unveil Lexus RX-influenced S6 hybrid in Detroit

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, China, Crossover, Electric

BYD S6 DM

BYD S6 DM – Click above for high-res image gallery

Whenever we hear that a Chinese automaker is working on a vehicle that’s “influenced” by some other successful model from an established global company, we wince a little. After all, we’ve seen quite a few less-than-convincing attempts to go along with a few couldn’t-tell-the-difference carbon copies. And neither of those options are acceptable.

From what we can tell, BYD’s S6 (shh – don’t tell Audi) DM crossover could be considered a little of both. From the profile, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a couple-year-old Lexus RX. From the front, we see clear influence from General Motors’ European arm, Opel. That said, it appears to be a passable effort on the styling front, and it’s what’s underneath that derivative skin that’s what really counts.

The DM in the ‘utes name stands for Dual Mode, as in a hybrid that can be powered by electricity only or a combination of the electric motors and gasoline engine. The drivetrain consists of a 14-horsepower electric motor that powers the front wheels and a 102-horsepower gasoline engine powering the rears. That’s not a lot of power, but at least the two systems can work together to offer all-wheel drive.

We’ll be on the lookout for this machine at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show next week. In the meantime, check out a few images in our gallery below.

Gallery: BYD S6 DM

BYD S6 DM

[Source: China Car Times]

Report: BYD to unveil Lexus RX-influenced S6 hybrid in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hypermiling Hyundai Sonata Hybrid crosses America in under two tanks [w/video] *UPDATE

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Videos, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Cross Country Blue Drive – Click above for image gallery

You’ve got to hand it to Wayne Gerdes. He knows how to go the distance in production passenger cars on very little gasoline. In April of 2009, he worked with a team to go 1,445 miles in a Ford Fusion Hybrid on a single tank of gas*. In June of 2010, he went 1,065 miles in a non-hybrid 2011 Hyundai Sonata. His most recent trip was in a Sonata Hybrid, which he drove 2,269.3 miles from San Diego, CA to Jekyll Island, GA on less than two tanks of fuel – a claimed average of 59.58 miles per gallon.

That’s mighty impressive, but for those of us who have been following Gerdes’ recent hypermiling drives, the obvious question is, why was he able to get 66.285 mpg in the regular, gas-powered non-turbo Sonata when the hybrid “only” got 59.59 mpg? (and Fusion Hybrid managed 81.5 mpg.) In part, this can be explained because the trip in the regular Sonata took place in the summer from Chicago to New York, while the hybrid ride was a winter time trek through the mountains – and it was over twice the distance.

In any case, Gerdes has once again showed that it’s quite possible to handily beat the fuel efficiency ratings on a car’s window sticker. In this case, the EPA thinks you will get 40 mpg on the highway, but clearly a lot is left on the table for those whose sole goal is to eke out every last drop of gas.

Just as importantly, we’re not sure if Gerdes and his compatriots employed some of the more radical and dangerous hypermiling staples (drafting semi trucks for lower drag, etc.), but we’ve got a call in to Wayne to learn more about his techniques. In any case, a short video of the Sonata’s mpg display after the first tank is available after the jump.

*UPDATE: Autoblog has been reminded by a reader that in contrast to the Sonata Hybrid’s transcontinental drive over the mountains in the winter, Gerdes’ 1,445-mile run in the Ford Fusion Hybrid was conducted in spring at a lower average speed,and the vehicle was essentially driven in a large circle for more than 69 straight hours, beginning in Mount Vernon, Va and finishing in Washington D.C. In short, none of these drives or their resultant fuel economy findings are true apples-to-apples comparisons, and in order to draw a conclusion about which hybrid achieves the best mileage, these vehicles will need to be tested side-by-side under identical conditions. As always, your mileage may vary.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue Drive

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hypermiling Hyundai Sonata Hybrid crosses America in under two tanks [w/video] *UPDATE

Hypermiling Hyundai Sonata Hybrid crosses America in under two tanks [w/video] *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford expanding stop-start technology to non-hybrid models

Filed under: Technology, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer Blue Oval grllle badge

Given the multifaceted approach to making more efficient vehicles favored by Ford, an automaker that employs everything from EcoBoost to hybrids, pure electrics to less thirsty gas models – it’s not that surprising to learn that the company is announcing that it is expanding use of stop-start technology to more U.S. vehicles in 2012. Stop-start, you’ll recall, is a technology that allows an engine to shut off automatically at stop lights to avoid wasting fuel while idling. As far as the green race goes, stop-start is a no-brainer: it’s not all that expensive to implement – especially compared to technologies like hybrid powertrains – and according to Ford, it can result in a jump in fuel economy of up to 10 percent.

Ford is following BMW, Fiat and other automakers in bringing stop-start to its vehicles, but along with Porsche, it is taking a leadership role with the technology here in the U.S. for non-hybrid vehicles. Ford notes that it has sold over 170,000 hybrids with stop-start in North America in the last six years, and 2012 will mark the first time it will be found on Ford’s “conventional cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America.” European Ford drivers are familiar with the technology, and Ford says stop-start “eventually will be offered in all of Ford’s global markets.” Thus far, however, the Blue Oval isn’t saying which non-hybrid models will be the first to receive the technology.

Stop-start technology has become an easy and effective way for automakers to register substantial economy gains in European models, but don’t expect official mile per gallon figures to budge much on America’s EPA-mandated test cycle. As of yet, the U.S. government’s testing methodology simply doesn’t reflect the benefits of stop-start, so while the effects of the technology may be self-evident in real world driving, they won’t necessarily be reflected on a vehicle’s window sticker in dealer showrooms. In other words, Ford is likely to have some consumer educating to do.

To school yourself a bit further on the Blue Oval’s stop-start initiative, check out their official press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford expanding stop-start technology to non-hybrid models

Ford expanding stop-start technology to non-hybrid models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus ‘ES 300h’ trademark filing suggests lux’d up Camry Hybrid on the way?

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Lexus, Rumormill

2010 Lexus ES 350

2010 Lexus ES 350 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Toyota Camry-based Lexus ES isn’t exactly the most exciting product in the automaker’s range. The entry-level luxury front-driver just received a slight refresh for the 2010 model year, but based on a filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office discovered by Car and Driver, an electrified ES hybrid may be in the cards for the sedan’s next generation.

Like the rest of Lexus’ hybrids, the numerical part of the ‘ES 300h’ nomenclature doesn’t really hold any sort of significance in terms of engine displacement. We’d hardly be surprised to find the Camry Hybrid’s 2.4-liter mill under the Lexus’ hood, though we won’t rule out the possibility that output numbers could be tweaked for use in the ES 300h.

The move to hybrid-ify the ES sedan makes sense, as Lexus has long said that it wants to broaden its gasoline-electric offerings. The automaker currently has the CT 200h, HS 250h, GS 450h, RX 450h and LS 600h L, but adding a sixth hybrid car would further strengthen the brand’s appeal to eco-minded luxury customers. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus ES 350

[Source: Car and Driver]

Lexus ‘ES 300h’ trademark filing suggests lux’d up Camry Hybrid on the way? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid priced from $25,795*

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

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

Hyundai has garnered quite a bit of praise with its all-new 2011 Sonata sedan, with its most recent accolade being named to the finalists of the North American Car of the Year. In addition to the naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions, the Korean automaker is offering up the eco-friendly Sonata Hybrid with tweaked styling and the ability to achieve up to 35/40 miles per gallon, city/highway. The first Sonata Hybrids will go on sale this January, and the automaker has just announced that the car will carry a base price of $25,795 (*not including $750 in destination charges).

In addition to the more efficient powertrain, the Sonata Hybrid comes standard with things like LED headlight accents, LED taillamps, fog lights, iPod/USB connectivity, Bluetooth and automatic headlamp control. Adding the $5,000 premium package adds things like a panoramic sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a rear backup camera, HD radio, leather seats and an Infinity premium sound system.

Compared to its American rival, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Sonata undercuts the Ford’s price by just over $3,000, though the Blue Oval’s claim to fame is its 41-mpg city fuel economy number. Still, we’re big fans of the Sonata Hybrid’s styling and refinement and we suspect it will make a big splash within the mid-size hybrid sedan segment. Follow the jump for Hyundai’s official release.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Second Drive

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid priced from $25,795*

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid priced from $25,795* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dismal hybrid, electric vehicle sales in China concern automakers

To say that sales of alt-energy vehicles in China have been dismal would be an understatement. Despite investing million into advanced alternative fuel powertrains, the Global Times reports that many Chinese automakers are facing the tough decision to either ditch their green car plans or continue on with sales that are far below expectations.

Due to poor sales volume, Changan Auto has pulled the plug on its hybrid Jiexun. According to the company, not a single Jiexun was sold during the last year. BYD faces similar struggles, reporting that it has sold only 54 E6 electric vehicles and just 290 F3DM plug-in hybrids between January and October of this year. Even Toyota admits that Prius sales volume, which has been at less than 4,000 for each of the past three years, is below the company’s expectations.

Many Chinese automakers have voiced concerns and are calling upon the government to help boost sales of advanced-technology vehicles. So far, however, buyers have shown little interest in purchasing the high-tech rides that often come with steep price tags.

Source: Global Times]

Dismal hybrid, electric vehicle sales in China concern automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delay means no $1,300 tax credit?

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hyundai, Earnings/Financials

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 mid-size sedan was to officially hit the market before the end of the year and the first 60,000 buyers who plopped down some coin for the Sonata Hybrid would’ve walked away with that juicy credit in their pockets. However, there’s a hitch: the Sonata Hybrid has been delayed and its release date pushed back until January, and GreenCarReports.com indicates that that will dash any hopes of receiving the credit, which expires on December 31.

Even so, the Sonata Hybrid still remains one of only a few mid-size hybrid sedans capable of achieving great fuel economy – 36 miles per gallon city and 40 mpg highway – and many of its competitors like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid either no longer qualify for the tax credits or aren’t available for purchase. The Sonata Hybrid is a capable car and one of the most compelling new vehicles in the mid-size segment, so missing out on the credit probably won’t affect sales dramatically, but its delay will mean that early adopters won’t have an extra $1,300 in their couch cushions next year.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

[Source: GreenCarReports]

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delay means no $1,300 tax credit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi bringing plug-in hybrid in 2014

Filed under: Audi, Electric

Audi e-tron concept

Audi e-tron concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

By the year 2020, Audi hopes to be the “leading premium seller of electric vehicles,” Franciscus van Meel, the automaker’s manager for electric mobility, told AutoWeek during a recent technical workshop at the company’s headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany. In addition to launching a number of hybrid vehicles (including the A8 and Q5) over the next few years, Audi plans to debut a plug-in hybrid in 2014.

Exactly what sort of plug-in hybrid we’ll actually see hasn’t been disclosed just yet, but the whole business is part of Audi’s e-tron division – the folks that gave us beauties like the R8-based e-tron supercar (pictured above) that debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Furthermore, Audi’s board member for technology, Michael Dick, says that by 2020, he wants to see the automaker’s internal combustion engines improve efficiency by 30 percent, with 5 percent of the brand’s lineup to be purely electric. That’s a tall order, indeed, but with parent company Volkswagen AG aiming to be the number one producer of hybrid and electric cars before the end of the next decade, the four-ringed automaker’s quest for electrification isn’t as far-fetched as you might think.

Gallery: Audi e-tron Concept

Audi e-tron Concept

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Audi bringing plug-in hybrid in 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: NHTSA reviewing Honda Accord Hybrid sudden acceleration claim

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Safety, Honda

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a preliminary investigation in to mid-2000s Honda Accord and Civic hybrid models after receiving a complaint that originated from a fatal crash in July of 2005. In this instance, the driver of a 2005 Accord Hybrid said that she was driving over rumble strips on the side of a highway, and when she tried to apply the brakes, the car sped up and caused her to cross into oncoming traffic. NHTSA reports that the resulting accident caused the Accord’s passenger to die, while the driver sustained disabling injuries.

It’s no surprise that NHTSA is being particularly careful these days when receiving complaints citing unintended or sudden acceleration, especially after the series of Toyota recall fiascoes earlier this year. Using NHTSA’s crash database, the Accord driver found 22 other incidents similar to hers, all of which involved Honda Accord and Civic hybrids. NHTSA plans to further research this individual complaint before starting an official investigation into these Honda vehicles. Hat tip to Frank W!

Gallery: 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

2005 Honda Accord Hybrid

[Sources: Bloomberg, AutoWeek]

Report: NHTSA reviewing Honda Accord Hybrid sudden acceleration claim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid coming in 2013

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Japan, Technology, Mitsubishi

Mitsubish PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid

Mitsubish PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

AutoWeek reports that Mitsubishi will wade into plug-in electric waters in 2013. The automaker’s head of electric vehicles, Yoshikazu Nakamura, said the vehicle will be an SUV similar to the 2009 Px-MiEV Concept and that the production version is already nearing the final stages of development. The concept got its pep from a tiny 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine working in coordination with two electric motors and a battery pack. Mitsubishi pegged the Px-MiEV as being able to travel for up to 30 miles one pure electric go-go, so there must be some pretty hefty battery technology onboard as well.

Whether or not the production SUV will use a similar drivetrain remains to be seen. We can say with some certainty that Mitsubishi is likely to simplify the vehicle’s name considerably. The automaker has already scrapped the i-MiEV moniker for the somewhat more palatable name of “i powered by MiEV” in the States. We can’t wait to explain that one to the fine people of the DMV.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid coming in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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