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Показаны сообщения с ярлыком hybrid. Показать все сообщения

Sneak Peak: The Saab 9-X Air Hybrid Speedster

Anticipated as the 2-door companion to the Saab 9-X Biohybrid sedan that debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in 2007, the Saab 9-X Air is two-door, four-passenger, convertible speedster. With a 200-hp, 1.4L Saab BioPower engine under the hood, the Saab 9-X air is engineered to run efficiently on E85 biofuel [85% ethanol, 15% gasoline] and is expected to average an estimated 107g/km in CO2 emissions. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the green machine is the Saab 9-X Air’s Targa-designed Canopy Top, which isn’t under the hood at all, yet makes a great contribution to the 9-X Air’s efficiency as a hybrid. Made out of lightweight fabric to reduce overall vehicle weight, and according to the press release, “folds neatly in three small sections under a rear tonneau cover in the trunk deck.” While not in itself a particularly noteworthy feature, a soft-top Saab is definitely a new design direction for the Scandinavian auto manufacturer, and I’d be very interested to see what a production model would look like.

Although this specific model isn’t guaranteed to ever see production, AutoBlogGreen reports that a variant of the 9-X Air might debut on GM’s Delta platform later, simultaneously lending its powertrain to the 2011 Chevy Cruze.



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Lexus HS 250h: Let The Strip Tease Begin! [Detroit Auto Show]

Rumors come and go, but as we told you back in August, this one has merit. Lexus is slowly letting the cat out of the bag about the HS 250h, its new dedicated-hybrid model.

We told you back in August that Lexus was developing its own dedicated hybrid model to sell alongside Al Gore’s favorite ride, the Toyota Prius. Months ago this was only rumor but now the Japanese giant has made the news official, by launching a new section on its consumer site this week. The site offers little detail about the new hybrid other than it will be called Lexus HS 250h and it’ll go on sale in the Fall of 2009.

If you can’t wait to get your hands on a luxury dedicated hybrid until then, don’t fret. Lexus will debut the HS 250h at the Detroit Auto Show on January 11th. While little detail is actually known about the earth-saving Lexus, we’re willing to bet our mother’s soul that it’ll be built upon the same platform and feature the same next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive as the next-gen Prius – also set to debut in Detroit. Toyota will soldier on with the nickel-metal hydride battery packs until the lithium-ion battery packs are validated, but will change the packs as a mid-cycle refresh rather than wait for an all-new vehicle.

We’re curious how the Lexus HS 250h will hold up against the much rumored Cadillac EFLEX that’s also making its debut in Detroit next month. Until then, we have an image of what the Lexus HS 250h could look like below.

[via Lexus, Hybrid Cars]



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CNG-Powered Toyota Camry Hybrid Concept Coming to LA

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Toyota has announced plans to display a CNG-Powered Camry Hybrid Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November.

In 1999, Toyota sold a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers, but since gas prices were much cheaper than they are now there wasn't much demand for the vehicle. The special refueling techniques and limited refueling infrastructure also hurt the program. Well now Toyota is unveiling a new Camry Hybrid that is powered by CNG. Currently there are 1,000 CNG refueling stations in the country, but less than half are open to the public.



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New Saab Concepts

The New Look of Saab
The New Look of Saab

What’s in a name?  The “car-speak” that is popular and current in the industry is always evolving.  SUV is out. Crossover is in.  What’s the difference between the two?  In some cases, not much.  So in that line of thinking, Saab has two concept models that they are developing that combine three popular themes.  X, as in “cross” and their XWD system.  Bio, as in bio-fuel.  And Hybrid, well, you know what that means. 

Saab Bio-Power and Bio-Hybrid Concepts
Saab Bio-Power and Bio-Hybrid Concepts

The Scandinavian company will probably produce both the 9-X BioHybrid and 9-4X BioPower concept vehicles in an effort to increase buyer interest in their line of vehicles.  Both share the Saab-esque styling themes of current models while integrating more efficient powertrain technology. The Saab 9-X Bio Hybrid is the likely look of the future compact car from Saab. Since that segment is populated mostly by younger buyers, the youthful design and performance, enhanced by innovative, ‘high-tech’ features such as easy access to in-car wireless connectivity.  The Saab 9-4X Bio Power Concept foreshadow’s Saab’s entry into the growing crossover vehicle segment.  It is focused on customers with outdoor leisure interests who seek a sporty driving experience, with the enjoyment of responsible performance.  (Responsible meaning adequate)  According to Saab, the bioethanol that powers the 2.0-liter, 300 hp engine produces reduced CO2.  This unique flex-fuel technology is now offered for Aero variants in both 9-3 and 9-5 product ranges. As part of the “leisure interests” Saab is targeting, the Bio Power concept also has unique ski stowage system developed with the Salomon ski company.

Saab Biohybrid Concept
Saab Biohybrid Concept

For those that want a taste of these innovations right now, Saab is also extending the availability of its innovative XWD into other models for 2009.  The  9-3 Sport Sedan and Sport Combi already feature XWD as an option for 210 hp, 2.0-litre turbo models, in addition to the top-of-the-range Aero 280 hp, 2.8 V6 turbo engine.  A rear eLSD and a sports chassis package can also be added as an option. The top-of-the-line Aero 2.8 V6 Turbo engine produces 280 horsepower and is offered with both front and all-wheel-drive (Saab XWD) in the 9-3 model.  A sports chassis set-up developed for the Turbo X Limited Edition, is also offered with XWD.



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Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Concept with 39 mpg Set to be Unveiled in Paris

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Hyundai has been slightly behind its major competitors with no hybrids in its lineup, but that is soon going to change with a new Sonata hybrid. Hyundai is also going to unveil the Santa Fe Hybrid concept this month at the Paris Motor Show.



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