2011 Hyundai Equus Review & Prices

The Equus has been highly anticipated by many Chicago Hyundai Equus enthusiasts because it has many of the same features as a high-end luxury vehicle with a price anywhere from $12,000 - $35,000 less. The leather is soft. The seat is plush and comfortable, and the headliner is made from of Alcantara suede, just like that in an S65 AMG. The 2011 Hyundai Equus even has French stitching on the leather-wrapped dash.

This full-size, rear-drive luxury sedan will give Hyundai a budget alternative to a Mercedes S-Class, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ or other top-notch sedans. The Equus rides on a 5-link suspension (front and rear) featuring lightweight aluminum control arms while Hyundai has worked in partnership with ZF-SACHS to develop an air-suspension that is electronically governed to minimize body roll, nose-diving and other undesirable characteristics.

Other notable highlights include the standard Vehicle Stability Management which integrates the Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety System, Third Generation Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and other sub-systems, as well as the addition of a Knee Air Bag for the driver that brings the total airbag count to nine.

Hyundai says the price of the 2011 Equus should start at $50,000-$60,000 and the vehicle will be extremely well-equipped, meaning the Equus would undercut prices on comparable competitor vehicles.

2011 Nissan Altima Review

 In 2009, Nissan sold 203,568 Altimas, which earned it the bronze medal behind the Toyota Camry (356,824 units sold) and Honda Accord (290,056), but put it only a scant 20,000 units ahead of the Ford Fusion. So, when changes to America's number-three-selling midsize family sedan were announced, we knew we had to see firsthand whether Nissan improved its car -- and potentially, its position on the sales podium.

Now the changes aren't huge. The Altima received a head-to-toe redesign back in 2007,which was largely responsible for those strong sales numbers. To keep things fresh without losing the formula, Nissan product planners have wisely kept this update subtle.

The biggest change the 2010 Altima receives is to its front end. The one-piece front-bumper fascia receives understated chrome edging to the three slats of its tweaked grille. Vertical creases now break up the intake area of the lower fascia into three separate parts and give the Altima a beak reminiscent of a VW Jetta's. The hood has been reshaped to include a bump in the center and is now straight at its leading edge. More noticeable is that the headlights have lost their large amber reflective element.

2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review

The best-selling passenger car in America for 8 striaight years, the Toyota Camry, is now available for the 2011 model year as a fuel-saving hybrid sedan at Carson Toyota. This new Camry Hybrid is rated at 31/35 MPG (33 combined), and provides power via both the gas engine and the electric motor, or both.

The 2011 Camry Hybrid model owes its outstanding efficiency to Hybrid Synergy Drive, which produces a combined 187 horsepower and varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed. The first part of Hybrid Synergy Drive consists of a 147-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine coupled with an electronically- controlled planetary-gear continuously variable transmission.

The second part combines a small high-torque 40-hp electric motor, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery and a transaxle to seamlessly combine power from the electric motor and gasoline engine. Because there are situations in which the gasoline engine in a Toyota hybrid shuts completely off, air conditioning and power steering systems are driven electrically.

Los Angeles Toyota shoppers can further reduce energy by using Camry’s “ECO” button which limits energy consumption by the climate control system, and under certain conditions can actually help improve fuel economy. Special attention was also paid to vehicle underbody aerodynamics, including the use of wheel spats and underbelly pans, which help yield a coefficient of drag of just 0.27.

The 2011 Camry Hybrid is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and is one of just a handful of cars that meet this strict standard. It produces over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car

2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid Review

The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid ranks 3 out of 8 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 18 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2010 Silverado 1500 Hybrid combines improved fuel economy with decent truck capabilities. However, it may take you a while to recoup the extra cash you'll lay out for the Silverado Hybrid's price premium over the gas-only Silverado.

Full size pickup trucks have long been a target for green-based complaints but the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid makes that target a little harder to hit.   While the fuel economy isn't going to set Al Gore's heart aflutter, the Silverado Hybrid and its corporate cousin, the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid, is the most fuel-efficient truck you can buy -- and buying it requires little sacrifice in terms of capabilities. Motor Trend says, "Despite the eco-friendly gasoline-electric drivetrain and miserly (for a truck, at least) fuel economy that goes with it, this is a legitimate full-size pickup."

However, the Silverado Hybrid starts at the high end of the full size pickup class (though it does come very well equipped for the money). Even with an available $2,200 tax credit for buying the truck, the Silverado Hybrid's price tag means it doesn't make sense for every buyer. People who drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic are likely to get the most benefit from the Silverado Hybrid, because it can run on electric power alone at slow speeds, and its engine shuts off when it's stopped in traffic, which saves a lot of fuel. Still, even with the tax credit, if gas prices stay below $3.00 a gallon it should take about four years to save enough on gas to cover the Silverado Hybrid's price premium.  Of course, if you spend more time in traffic or gas prices go back up, the payoff comes a lot sooner.

Compared to the gas-only Silverado, the Silverado hybrid has a 40 percent increase in city fuel economy, and achieves gas mileage similar to a midsize sedan's. At the same time, it has a comfortable and roomy cabin and a useful cargo bed.  While it may not be able to out-tow or haul a gas-only truck, its capabilities are certainly in line with what most buyers need, and its fuel bills are in line with what most buyers want.
Other Trucks to Consider

The Silverado Hybrid has similar capabilities to the conventional Silverado, but if you frequently tow or haul large loads, the gas-only Silverado may make more sense.  At its beefiest, the Silverado can tow over 10,000 pounds, while the Silverado hybrid tops out at just over 6,000.  If your truck needs are more than the Silverado Hybrid can handle, you should also check out the Ford F-150.  The F-150 can out tow and haul the Silverado Hybrid, and while it only uses gasoline for power, it does have an ultra-efficient (for a truck) SFE trim that maximizes fuel economy. The Silverado is also available in a non-hybrid, super efficient XFE trim. Both the Silverado XFE and F-150 SFE get 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway.

Details: The Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

The Silverado Hybrid is available in two trims: the work truck-oriented HY1 and more luxurious HY2. Unlike most other trucks, it is only available in one configuration: a four-door crew cab with a six-foot short bed.  A 6.0-liter V8 is standard.  The Silverado Hybrid was introduced in 2009.  For 2010, it gains flex fuel capabilities.

Luxury Hybrid SUV Lexus RX 400h Review

Lexus RX 400h is world's first luxury gas electric hybrid SUV car. The hybrid car would be powered by V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It will also be rated as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle which is one of the toughest emission rating in auto Industry.

The other attraction for this hybrid car will be its Vehicle Dynamic Management or VDM. Its functionality is that it would anticipate whenever the vihicle tends to skid or slide and it also helps in controlling the situation by brakes and throttle control.

The 3.3-liter, V6 engine and 400h hybrid powertrain with powerful electric motor improves the fuel efficiency and low and mid acceleration. It could operate on gas or electic motor or combine both to have great fuel efficiency. The fuel consumption for this car is approximately 27.6 mpg. 0-60 km speed could be reached at sub-8 second time.

The  Lexus RX 400h Hybrid car charges batteries by reclaiming energy at the time of braking popularly known as regenerative braking system. When the brakes are applied electri motor acts as generator which in turn captures kinetic energy and convert it to electric energy which is lost in conventional cars in the form of heat through brakes.

Specifications for 2005 Lexus RX 400h hybrid car

`` Powertrain: Engine - 3.3 liter V6
`` Electric motor(s) - Permanent magnet
`` Estimated total horsepower - 270
`` Expected EPA emissions rating - Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)
`` Transmission - Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
`` Length: 186.6 in.
`` Width: 72.6 in.
`` Height: 66.1 in.
`` Wheelbase: 106.9 in.

Hybrid car. How It Works. Some Basics About Hybrid Cars

Hybrid Car

Let us first see how conventional and electric cars work. The conventional cars uses gasoline powered internal combustion engine which is and the car gets its all the power from this. An electric car gets its power from batteries. The Hybrid cars is one which can run on electric motors or gasoline powered engines or combination of both which creates higher mileage possibility.

The basic features of hybrid cars are:

Smaller engine:
The smaller engine provides enough power to car to run on free way but when the car needs to run uphill batteries comes to its rescue and the car runs on both batteries and gasoline engine. There is no effect in performance and driver could be unaware of the shift from battery to gasoline or vice versa.

Engine shutof:
When car puts brakes or when the car reaches red light the engine shuts down and car is powered by gasoline without driver knowing it

Efficiency:
The efficiency of the hybrid cars is achieved by
# Using lightweight materials for making body of car.
# Recovering energy and storing it in the battery
# Using advanced aerodynamics to reduce drag
# Using low-rolling resistance tires
# Engine shut off at redlight and when car pauses for a while.

Electric Car - History. Second Part

On 1971 the Lunar Rover was driven on the Moon, it was used electrical vehicle, because there is no oxygen to burn gas. Vehicle was developed by Boeing and Delco Electronics. Rover was driven by DC motor in each wheel with non-rechargeable batteries.

It seems that there was no chance to bring back electric car. But price of oil extremely increased in 70s and 80s. Consumers wanted to have car with minimal fuel cost fluctuation. Car companies again started to think about electric car motor and created prototypes. And in 1990 General Motor presented the GM Impact electric car concept and promised to sale electric cars widely.

The government agencies like U.S. Environmental Protection Agency impressed by impact electric car concept obliged car makers to reduce car emission and start to produce zero-emission cars like electrical vehicle. But unfortunately car companies made self-sabotages and tried press on agency using lobbyists and lawsuits, because producing of electric cars was not profitable comparing with gasoline analogues. U.S. Environmental Agency had to cancel car makers’ obligations.

Big car companies went out from electric car industry. Therefore new small companies were designing and producing electric car. The good example is Indian REVA electric car company, which sells its car mostly on Europe market.

Americans more like sport utility vehicles which are affordable only with low gas prices and car companies interested produce big cars, because they brings more money. But 2000s energy crisis again renewed interest in hybrid and electric car motors. Sport utility vehicle is not in favor today. Chevrolet Volt is hybrid car with ability to work on electricity and charge the batteries from gasoline engine was announced of the 2010 release. Also Nissan announced in 2009 Nissan Leaf midsize electric car, which can be available for sale in 2010.

Car Tires - How To Prolong Life

 
Paramount importance to ensure safety when driving a car has a condition of his tires. There are some "golden" rules under which you can achieve maximum mileage, increase safety and significantly extend the life of his tires.
 
1-e rule. Regularly check your tire pressure car. Because of the unequal pressure in the tires can be a bad handling car. In addition, uneven tire pressure can lead to uneven wear their protectors.

wear on outer edges

2-e rule. Need to regularly swap car tires. Thus, it is necessary every 5-10 thousand kilometers swap tires that are on the front wheels, the rear wheels. This procedure must be performed due to the fact that the tires on different axles of the car wear out in different ways. When moving the tires need to be sure to check the pressure in them.

3-e rule.Third rule. Need to check the installation of tires on rims in the direction of their rotation. This direction is usually indicated on the sides of tires. If you set the bus in the opposite direction, their characteristics are not optimal in all modes and conditions.

4-e rule. Drive the car to gently and quietly. For example, sudden braking and drifting on turning significantly reduce tire life. This is especially manifested in the studded tires.

5-e rule. In carrying out the replacement tire must pay attention to their deterioration. If this wear on the tires evenly, then it means that their working conditions are optimal. If there is uneven wear their protectors, you should always check the corners and the steering wheel to balancing on a service station.

What is Xenon?

It is known that more than half of accidents on the roads due to poor visibility. That's why quality lighting is one of the most important factors on the road to ensure safety and comfort.

How to achieve this increase in brightness? One possible option - to put additional or more powerful lights. Give it to us more light? Certainly willing, but it still gives an extra load on the generator due to greater consumption of electricity.

And, you can put a metal halide discharge (HID-Lamp), or, as they are called in the people - xenon light, which is 2-3 times brighter than a conventional halogen lamp, and power consumption almost in half below. The driver, using xenon in his car at night driving sees more clearly the details of the road, pedestrians, cyclists, counting on the roads, so, manages to keep up with the situation if necessary. The car, in turn, becomes more economical, by reducing the load on the generator, which in turn lowers fuel consumption.

What is a Xenon lamp? This lamp is composed of the bulb encasing a capsule with two electrodes, filled with xenon (an inert gas) with the addition of mercury salts. To get light, uses an electric charge of high intensity. First, the lamp is supplied a charge capacity of 25,000 volts to arc inside the lamp appeared. After the appearance of the lamp arc, is supply voltage of 80 volts.

Safety, comfort and prestige of xenon proved in theory and in practice, and it certainly makes him a leader in lighting technology on the roads.

Electric Car – Informed Decisions

An electric car uses an electric motor for propulsion and is the best known alternative to expensive gasoline driven vehicles.  The electric car motor makes use of electrical energy to produce mechanical energy, or in other words movement.  Electric motors make use of the electrical energy to rotate and anything attached to the motor automatically harnesses that rotating movement.  Electric motors are not only limited to cars, you can find the smallest ones in watches and the largest ones are used to propel ships.

The electric car motor involves rotating coils of wire driven by a magnetic force that is exerted by a magnetic field on electric current.  This is how electrical energy is transformed into mechanical energy.
The principle behind alternating current or the AC motor is that every single second it is changing direction of the flow several times.  For this reason the current that runs through the electromagnet is AC, with the north and south poles on the electromagnet alternating as well.  This keeps the electromagnet spinning.

The DC electric car motor is actually a very good one and the Advanced Series is a best seller.  However you will need to consider the following carefully before you opt for a DC motor for your car.  Will you need to carry heavy loads and go up hill frequently?  If the answer to both is yes, then you will be better off choosing an electric AC motor.

If on the other hand these are not really important concerns, then a DC motor will be a good choice.  They provide very good torque right from the start and give the driver a good smooth ride.

Remember that with the electric car motor you definitely get what you pay for, so research well and seek the advice of a professional before you make a final decision.  Electric motors are not cheap and you cannot just go out and buy another if you make a mistake, it will prove to be a very costly mistake!