Detroit 2011: Toyota Prius C Concept is higher efficiency in a smaller package
The Toyota Prius V may be the newest production-ready addition to the automaker’s hybrid line, but the family of Prius vehicles will continue to grow in the coming years. Toyota gave us a preview of what to expect by showing the Prius C Concept at the Detroit Auto Show – a car that will come to life in the first half of 2012. Toyota promises that it will be the most fuel-efficient hybrid (that doesn’t need a plug) and will be the most “value-oriented hybrid” in the United States. You’ve been warned, Honda Insight.
It might look like a cartoon frog from certain angles, but what strikes us as odd is that the smaller C Concept keeps the Prius’ five-door design. We were originally tipped to believe this model would be a coupe or hatchback, but even so, we aren’t too put off by this five-door concept. It’s pretty cute, and once its concept-spec lines are toned down for actual production, we’re sure it’ll fit right in with the rest of the Prius clan.
Categories: Auto Show, Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Detroit Motor Show, Hatchback, Hybrids/Alternative, Toyota Tags:
Detroit 2011: Porsche 918 RSR racer is a single-seat dream
Porsche has rolled out a race-bred version of the company’s 918 Spyder Concept at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Packing the same drivetrain as the track-proven 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car, Porsche says that the 918 RSR will bring a whopping 767 combined horsepower to the party when it shows up in the paddock. A total of 563 of those ponies are provided by a 6.2-liter V8 that revs to an atmospheric 10,300 rpm. Porsche has partnered its beastly eight-pot with two electric motors capable of 75 kilowatts of juice positioned at each front wheel.
The 918 RSR stores braking energy in a flywheel accumulator stationed where the passenger seat would traditionally rest, and the tech allows the driver to summon up an extra bump in power for passing or acceleration. The pilot can command the boost in grunt for up to eight seconds.
Like the 918 Concept, the bones of the 918 RSR are built of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the body was penned to pay respect the legendary racers like the 917 short-tail. Hit the jump for the press release.
Categories: coupe, Detroit Auto Show, Detroit Motor Show, Hybrids/Alternative Tags: Detroit Auto Show
LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,12
BMW took advantage of California’s proclivity for greenwashing to give its ActiveHybrid models their North American debuts at the LA Auto Show. Just for good measure they also brought along the incredible Vision Efficient Dynamics sustainable supercar concept. While we know a great deal about BMW’s first true hybrid, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, from our first drive, we still had to admire its incredible combination of horsepower and technology, even if the mileage isn’t really spectacular enough to warrant a truly green halo.
The BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a mild hybrid with the electric motor filling one of three roles while in motion. It alternates between being a motivator, a generator and a booster depending on load and demand. It can go 37 mph on the motor alone, it gets 20% better overall mileage than the straight gas engine, and it does the 0-60 trot in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. BMW’s Peter Miles did add one bit of information to the Active 7 equation when he announced pricing. The regular wheelbase model will start at $103,125 while the long-wheelbase “L” model will start at $107,025.
Categories: BMW, Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, LA Auto Show, LA Motor Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles Motor Show, Sedans/Saloons Tags:
Quick Drive:2010 Mercedes ML450 Hybrid
The 2010 Mercedes ML450 Hybrid is the first full hybrid vehicle from Mercedes and, to better understand the experience of owning one, I sat in horrendous Los Angeles traffic for an hour.
Having driven the ML320 in diesel trim, I’ve never been convinced of the need for something like a hyrbid in the lineup. But it’s what buyers want and the ML is a good platform for the company to test out their first full system.
This is an Atkinson cycle V6 with 279 HP and a pair of electric motors. Total power output is a robust 340 HP, giving it V8-like juice with a considerably better 21/24 MPG; the 2010 ML350 BlueTec diesel returns 18/25. The only trim this is available in is 4MATIC permanent AWD, which hurts it in terms of fuel economy but responds to market desires in this segment.
Categories: Hybrids/Alternative, Mercedes-Benz Tags:
