Audi Stopped A4 Hybrid for US
Posted by bensto in Audi on 04 12th, 2008
Last year, Audi had confirmed that the German automaker would be introducing an A4 hybrid variant in about 2.5 - 3 years. They confirm that the structural design of the A4 was already designed to easily incorporate a hybrid system.
After stoped the plans to bring a Q7 hybrid to the U.S. by 2009 due to the value of the dollar, it seems like the A4 hybrid will unfortunately follow the same fate.
“The cost of the hybrid system on both vehicles would not offset the anticipated sales of the hybrids” said communications director Jeff Kuhlman. As a result of estimated low-volume and the crappy exchange rates, the price would be too high to move the two hybrids out of the showroom.
Though, Audi is still planning on offering a 3.0L diesel V6, the same unit used in the Q7 and the Volkswagen Touareg. The engine has already been certified and makes business sense for Audi.
read comments (0)BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Car
Posted by bensto in BMW on 03 7th, 2008Finally BMW revealed info of that have been hearing about for the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Marking the world premiere of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics, the concept will showcase an X5 equipped with mild ActiveHybrid technology combined with a twin-turbocharged diesel engine.
According BMW, the concept delivers the best fuel-economy and lowest emissions of any large SUV currently on sale. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics gets 43.5mpg (converted to 36mpg U.S.) and delivers just 172g/km of CO2 emissions.
With Powered by a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics produces 204 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. 0-62mph comes in at 8.9 seconds. The engine is combined with a mild hybrid system that delivers a further 20 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque under acceleration.
Volkswagen Diesel electric Hybrid
Posted by bensto in Volkswagen on 03 1st, 2008
The Germany Volkswagen is to unveil a diesel-electric hybrid Golf capable of returning an astonishing 83.1mpg and emitting just 89g/km of carbon dioxide.
This isn’t Volkswagen’s first hybrid: it experimented with a trial petrol-electric fleet in the early 90s and it has been developing diesel-electric units for some years (one took part in the 2004 Challenge Bibendum eco-car rally in Shanghai).
This is the first near-production example, however, and the first of many.
New technology will be used in a many of Volkswagen Group models, including the Jetta saloon - which sells in greater numbers in the US than the ‘Rabbit’ - and the Audi A3.
The diesel-electric powertrain has been developed specifically with the US market in mind, and California in particular.
As well as the Euro 5 emissions criteria, it will meet the US BIN 5 requirements for sale in all 50 states.
Volkswagen will launch the production-ready Scirocco coupe in Geneva, alongside an E85-compatible Passat Ecofuel and a low-consumption Sharan Bluemotion.
The Passat CC will also be seen in Europe for the first time.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Posted by bensto in Chevrolet on 02 22nd, 2008
Review the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid gave us a complete Information. We read the accolades accorded to the gas-only version, the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, after its launch late last year, which reminded us of the good press received by the Saturn Aura the year before. And the Malibu Hybrid, with its belt alternator starter (BAS) hybrid system, reminded us of the mild hybrid system of the Saturn Aura Green Line. It seems that GM pioneered a good car launch story with the Aura, and chose to repeat it with the Malibu this year. We’ve started taking bets around the office whether GM will repeat the strategy with Buick or Pontiac later this year.
From a tech point, the Malibu Hybrid doesn’t stand out. The hybrid system doesn’t progress the emissions rating and only carry out a small economy boost. The cabin electronics rely on OnStar for most of their functionality. We like the stereo interface, which is simple but functional. The Malibu Hybrid works mainly as a value proposition, giving you a lot of car for relatively little money.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid with no options. The car comes in with an inexpensive base price of $22,140. Add on the $650 destination charge, and our total was $22,790, making it one of the cheapest hybrids you can get. But you get what you pay for, and, as we’ve pointed out, we aren’t terribly impressed with this hybrid system. For a comparably-sized hybrid, you would get a much better, and more expensive, tech car with either the Toyota Camry Hybrid or the Nissan Altima Hybrid. Both alternatives use a much more capable hybrid system and have excellent tech options. GM has started rolling out its more capable two-mode hybrid system in its SUVs, and we hope to see this system appear in sedans like the Malibu.
