Hybrid Car Home. Com Learn More Add This Feed to Your Homepage
|
 |
Hybrid Car Home
|
| Hybrid Technology Develops as the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid by Jenny The company that popularizes the hybrid technology is producing the better hybrid vehicles year after year. Although Toyota starts the technology to their Prius in 1997, Honda produces, develops, and uses the technology continuously to their cars. Honda’s first hybrid car, the Honda Insight was released in the United States in 1999. This was soon followed by the Honda Civic which marked the radical change in the hybrid technology and changed the way people’s to a car. Hybrid cars use the combination of technologies such as internal combustion engines (ICEs), electric motors, batteries, hydrogen, and fuel cells. This saves a lot of gas fuel that becomes the preference of car buyers. The hybrid technology improves year after year as Honda’s hybrid vehicles become popular. Then, the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is by far the best Honda hybrid, or hybrid vehicle in the market. A 3.0l V-6 engine of the Accord is the biggest among its class. It is the first hybrid that can match or even surpass other gas-engine vehicles. With 255 horses pushing it, the Accord is the most economical V-6 vehicle. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid drives like the conventional gas-engine powered vehicle. And without the “hybrid” badges on the vehicle, you wouldn’t know the difference. This Accord uses the same automatic transmission like that of the gas-engine instead of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), Toyota and Ford uses to their hybrid. Its so the IMA or the integrated motor assist which always at the gas mode and kick to electric for additional power when needed, unlike Ford and Toyota which uses the electric as long as possible then switch to gas when needed. Fuel economy is not a question for the Honda Accord Hybrid. With 37 mpg fuel consumption on highway and 29 mpg in city, the Accord allows driver to save more money. Accord doesn’t need to be plugged in. It automatically recharge itself during braking and, if necessary, via the gas engine. To save more fuel, both systems automatically shuts off at stoplight and long stops. The only backslash of the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is its price tag of about $30,000 which is $3,400 more that its gas model. But for a vehicle that saves more fuel the regular vehicle, it is a better buy in the long run. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid can be seen on www.partstrain.com along with other Honda vehicles. For more information about the vehicle, and to purchase Honda part, visit http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA . |
| More Hybrid SUVs in 2005 by Jenny McLane More Hybrid SUVs in 2005 Jenny McLane It is common knowledge among car enthusiasts and car owners that the bigger the vehicle, the bigger the amount of fuel it consumes. With this in mind, several automobile producers have begun diverting a big chunk of their efforts to producing more hybrid 4x4s in the year 2005. Taking on the Fleet First. The big three - Ford, Dodge and General Motors have seemed to agree that 2005 is the perfect opportunity to introduce the hybrid versions of some very popular vehicles. Ford Introduces the Ford Escape Hybrid, the first vehicle to combine SUV capability with the outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact of a full hybrid. "Full" hybrid means it automatically switches between pure electric power, pure gasoline or diesel engine power or a combined operation to optimize efficiency and performance. The no frills Escape Hybrid drives normally, performs superbly and offers all the features youd expect from the SUV leader. The Hybrid Ford Escape features lots of room, comfortable seating for five, an adaptable cargo area, 1000-pound towing capacity, and an optional Intelligent 4WD System which produces the same all-weather grip and off-road competence available in conventional Escape models. Full hybrids can achieve 50% or more improvement in fuel economy during traffic induced stop-and-go type of driving, wherein the electric motor is most efficient. The Escape Hybrid delivers more than 75% fuel economy improvement in city driving when weighed against a conventional V-6 powered Escape XLT. The Escape Hybrid can travel more than 400 miles in city driving on a single tank of gasoline. Ford has already manufactured and sold the 4,000 units Ford Escape Hybrid in 2004 and its resounding success has prompted it to build a “modest” 20,000 more for 2005. Ford wants to make sure it is not just a fad and people would see the practical, economical and environmental impact a Hybrid vehicle can induce. The Escape Hybrid costs $3,300 more than the V-6 powered Escape. Dodge and General Motors follow suit. Ford has been the first to produce and set the bar in the large vehicle Hybrid market segment and Dodge and GM cannot afford to lag behind. General Motors and Dodge are not that far behind though. In the last quarter of 2004, General Motors introduced electric hybrid versions of its 2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The trucks were only available to those who are in Florida, California, Nevada, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. GM expects to produce about 2,500 units in 2005 - 1,875 Silverados and 625 Sierras - with the hopes of launching the vehicles on a national scale by 2006. Dodge manufactured only 100 diesel-electric 2005 RAM pickups, targeted for utility company fleets. The diesel will produce better fuel economy, with an additional 15% mpg boost over the conventional diesel Ram coming from the electric side. Diesels are generally considered more “environmentally disastrous” on the ecological front. The Dodge Ram Diesel Hybrid is expected to sell for around $40,000 a somewhat larger cost than the non-hybrid models. Heftier Price Tags. Although the price tags may vary from state to state, the average increase for the cost for a Hybrid option may run well up to $3,000. The GM versions of the Hybrid engine are soft-hybrids, which mean that an electric motor provides a boost up on accelerations. The GM version of a hybrid large vehicle has a stop-start system that turns off the gasoline engine at traffic lights. It possesses a 120-volt, 2,400-watt generator system that can provide power for electrical equipments. The Silverado and Sierra hybrids also serves as power generators, with two conventional, three-prong plug-ins that can be found under the rear seat, two extra plug-ins can also be found in the rear bed of the trucks. The four 120-volt, 20 amp electrical supplementary power outlets can supply power for electric coolers, electric ranges, sound systems video consoles and other electrical equipments that can be lugged around. The power supply can be utilized while the engine is running or even after the engine is cut and the keys are taken out of the ignition. Ground fault detection systems are installed in the power supply circuits so that overloads and short circuits can be prevented. According to General Motors, the new hybrid pickups could sustain enough power to last for up to 32 hours non-stop before needing to fill the tank again. This function new feature proved to be very useful when GM loaned some of their new Hybrids’ to hurricane stricken Florida when they were used for some relief operations, they were vital in some areas were electricity was incapacitated. The hybrid models of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks are foreseen to develop fuel savings of up to 10% over analogous trucks without the hybrid benefit. How exactly do Hybrids get such Fantastic Mileage HV’s Hybrid Vehicles are principally powered by an internal combustion engine, much like any ordinary vehicles. However, they also transform the energy that is normally wasted during stop and go operations into electricity, which is stored in a battery until the moment it is needed by the electric motor. The electric motor is utilized to support the engine when accelerating or doing some uphill driving and in low-speed driving operations where internal combustion engines are least efficient. Some Hybrid Vehicles also automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle is idling and restarts the internal combustion engine when the accelerator is depressed. This avoids exhausted fuel when the vehicle is not in motion. Unlike all-electric vehicles, HV’s that are being produced today do not need to be plugged into an external source of electricity to be recharged, the energy provided by the engine and the braking force charges the batteries. Is it worth the fuss and the costs It all boils down to one thing, Large Hybrid Vehicles cost more than their non-hybrid counterparts. Deciding on the advantages though is not that hard. You get better mileage, companies save on fuel consumption, electric motors are all the rage plus you get to help the environment. Also, the hybrid SUV’s pay for themselves in the long run, costs may be cut through tax incentives and decreased fuel consumption help to offset the price difference. Determining the cost-savings ratio would be one factor many car manufacturers will keep in mind while keeping close scrutiny in their products. Nevertheless a large hybrid vehicle may just be the thing the future needs.
About The Author Parts Train has been a leader in the online parts supplying industry for many years now. They have over 25 years of experience in dealing with cars and have been regarded as experts in their field. Available in their wide array of stocks are a variety of products that can help maintain, enhance, replace and repair any make and model of vehicle available in the market today. Call their toll-free hotline, 1-888-251-1214 for all your inquiries and comments. At partstrain.com they guarantee perfect fit and excellent quality. |
| Hybrid Sweeteners in Todays Health Market by D.S. Epperson Hybrid Sweeteners in Todays Health Market D.S. Epperson What is the advantage of these new half sugar and half synthetic baking sugars that are on the market These drink products made with ½ the sugar carbs and ½ synthetic sweeteners and foods marketed and eaten by our kids, does it really give the consumer that much more of an advantage There was a national news story on NBC Nightly News with Tom Brocaw 11.08.04 on the waters in Colorado not being so “clean”. High estrogen was found to be in the waters and streams, and it was changing the biology of the fish. In the report, the last statement was that they did not know what the long term outcome of this contamination would be in humans...let see, why are women who are susceptible to cancer told not to take birth control pills... could it be that high estrogen levels are a known contributer to breast cancer and suspected in other types of cancers as well Okay, so if our drinking water has this characteristic, what else has these characteristics Did you know that Sugar is a know estrogenic Why... Sugar, which breaks down to glucose, goes into the blood streams, and escorts estrogen to the heart muscle and to the other cells. Glucose is a companion to a lot of chemicals in the body, and to some chemicals that shouldnt be in the body in high supply. So if Glucose can escort estrogen, and you have an abundance of estrogen in the water that you drink, and the birth control pill that you take, and you are drinking and eating foods that have an abundance of elements that cause the glucose to rise in your blood, doesnt it stand to reason, that you would increase your chances and risks of cancer So, back to the original question, what is the advantage of a ½ sugar and ½ synthetic sweetener The sugar will spike your glucose levels, and the synthetic has a better escort system to make the body absorb chemicals it was never designed to absorb, for example, chlorine, or glutimates that increase the production of insulin. Both chlorine and glutamic proteins are found in the top synthetic sweeteners used in the United States by manufacturers. Add on top of this, processed flours to make the cakes, cookies, and pies taste better, and you have even more “sugar” going into your system. No one gains anything from these hybrid sweeteners, especially those who are already suffering from blood glucose issues and children. We dont know what these synthetic sweeteners will do to those who consume them for 20 to 30 years, but we do know that the probability of cancer is extremely high for each of us, including our kids, here in the U.S., where health of a food product is not necessarily an important factor in marketing.
About The Author D.S. Epperson is the top formulator for Home Blend Gourmet / South Pacific Health, a leader in the functional food industry in the U.S.. With 20 years of experience in Nutritional Biochemistry, she has written reference books on botanicals and manufacturing of medicines from botanicals, and published articles on health, fitness and foods. She has formulated over 240 formulas and inventions for health, the environment and agricultural uses, and continues to research and study microbial advantages in nutraceuticals and functional foods. For more information or to view the articles that she has written: http://www.sugarblend.com |
| 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Certified For Clean-Fuel Deduction by Richard A. Chapo If you are environmentally conscious and purchase a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid vehicle that combines a gasoline-powered engine with alternative power methods, you are in line for a nice tax deduction.Ostensibly, the government uses clean power tax deductions as a method to promote the use of vehicles that are less harmful to the environment. The clean-fuel tax deduction is based on the incremental cost of using a vehicle model that combines traditional gasoline-powered engines with electric motors. The deduction is only available if the manufacturer has submitted vehicle specifications that the IRS has agreed to qualify the vehicle as a "Clean-Fuel Vehicle". Once this has occurred, the IRS then certifies the vehicle as one that qualifies an owner for a tax deduction.On December 13, 2004, the IRS certified the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid as a "Clean-Fuel Vehicle" for the first time. If you purchased the Ford Escape in 2004 or 2005, you may claim a tax deduction of $2,000. You must comply with two requirements before claiming the deduction. Under current law, you must:1. Take the deduction in the year the vehicle was originally purchased,and2. Be the original owner, of the vehicle.Importantly, you do not have to itemize your deductions to take advantage of the Clean-Fuel deduction. If you are using the basic 1040 form for filing your taxes, simply write "clean fuel" on line 33 and take the deduction. Make sure you review the instructions for form 1040 to correctly claim the deduction. The process is exceedingly simple.It should be noted that the Clean-Fuel Vehicle deduction is a one-time deduction. Further, the deduction is only available on your federal tax return, not your state filing. Since the deduction will affect your adjusted gross income, however, you should see an additional saving on your state tax return since your adjusted gross income will be reduced. If you have already filed taxes for the year in which you purchased a clean-fuel vehicle, you should consider amending your tax returns to claim the deduction. About the Author Richard Chapo is CEO of Business Tax Recovery - Obtaining tax refunds for small businesses by finding overlooked tax deductions and credits through a free tax return review. |
| 2005 Honda Insight: America's First Hybrid and Fuel Efficient Vehicle with Top quality Honda Parts from Parts Train by Jenny McLane Since it was introduced back in 2002, Honda Insight's 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine and Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) motor-generator have been modified, and the CVT model's final drive ratio is considerably lower, at 5.69:1 compared to 3.21 for the manual, to take advantage of the CVT's wider-spread "gear'' ratios.Powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA™) system that pairs a 3-cylinder VTEC™-E engine with an electric motor, the Insight comes fully loaded with dual front airbags (SRS), power windows, mirrors and door locks, a remote entry system, AM/FM stereo cassette, alloy wheels and much more.Like a turbocharger, the IMA motor-generator is called to action when extra power is needed for acceleration and hill climbing, and feels like a low-pressure turbo. Unlike at turbo, the motor becomes a generator when braking or coasting, which recharges the nickel metal-hydride battery packThe Honda Insight gains efficiency not only by its drivetrain but by light weight and clean aerodynamics. Curb weight is less than 2,000 lbs even with the CVT and air conditioning (standard on the CVT model, optional with the standard transmission).Like other hybrids, the Insight's engine stops when the car is stopped at a light or in traffic, contributing greatly to fuel economy. The Insight achieves EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 60/66 (manual) and 57/56 (CVT) mpg, respectively.The 2005 2006 Honda Insight runs a 1.0-liter, I3, 67-horsepower, hybrid engine whose mileage specs are 61-mpg in the city and 68-mpg on the highway. Putting power to the wheels, Honda links a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive as standard equipment. The Hatchback with A/C and CVT is equipped with a standard 1.0-liter, I3, 65-horsepower, hybrid engine whose fuel-efficient configuration achieves 57-mpg in the city and 56-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.Standard features include alloy Wheels, AM/FM Radio, Anti-Lock Brakes, Anti-Theft Vehicle, Cassette, Driver Air Bag, Keyless Entry/Unlock, Passenger Air Bag, Rear Defogger, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Tachometer.The Honda Insight has safety-cage construction with front and rear crumple zones, side-impact protection, dual airbags and antilock brakes.You can now shop for discount car parts and accessories from Parts Train's online performance or OEM Replacement auto parts catalog at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA. In stock are thousands of Honda parts for all enthusiasts. Find OEM Honda auto parts, new aftermarket parts, Honda performance parts, and more. From engine and radiator parts to filters, wipers, auto body parts and trim and a whole lot more, you will find everything to repair and maintain your Honda. About the Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
| 2006 Lexus RX 400h: Arrival of Toyota's High Performance Hybrid by Jenny McLane Hybrid Synergy Drive reveals another virtue: Performance. Public viewing of the 2006 Lexus RX400 in early 2005 reveals combined fuel efficiency in the range of the current EPA average rating for a four- cylinder compact sedan. The RX400h will be a SULEV rated vehicle which means driving from Los Angeles to New York and back nine times (54,000 miles) yet produce less- smog forming emissions. The 2006 Lexus RX400h combines 3.3 liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric drive motors: a strong 120 kW (161 horsepower) motor positioned near the rear wheels. The new Hybrid System will deliver a peak output of 270 horsepower with a 20% increase compared to the non-hybrid RX330 power train. Much more impressive is the 30-50 mph passing acceleration of the high output electric motor that delivers a high burst of torque. Future Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drives hold the potential to operate even more efficiently using new types of batteries and fuels. According to Fujio Cho, President of Toyota Motor Corporation " Toyota's Hybrid System will make up the heart of our hydrogen fuel cell program of tomorrow". The advantage of a hybrid driveline is that it eliminates hardships associated with electric cars to provide breakthrough performance, exemplary fuel efficiency, very low exhaust emissions, and a high level of convenience. 2006 Lexus RX400h introduces a new era of enhanced performance dimension to the widely known hybrid advantages of excellent fuel mileage and low emissions. The RX 400h will be rated as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in California (Tier 2 – Bin 3 in other states), one of the most stringent emissions ratings in the industry. The Lexus RX 400h is defined as a "full hybrid," which means that it is capable of operating in electric-only or gas engine-only mode as well as a mode that combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor. In contrast, other hybrid technologies are not capable of running only on electrical power, but instead require constant gas engine operation. In making the transition to a hybrid power train, the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and AC compressor are no longer engine belt-driven. This is because the gas engine often shuts down—a fuel-saving benefit of the hybrid system—especially when the vehicle is stopped or driven slowly through traffic. Except for the alternator, which is replaced by motor-generators, all components are now electrically powered which means notably lower parasitic losses to the engine and improved fuel consumption. The Lexus hybrid technology also allows extended electric-mode operation during low speed or stop-and-go driving conditions. The permanent-magnet front electric drive motor (MG2) produces peak torque from zero-to-1,500 RPM, giving the RX 400h powerful and instantaneous response that will be especially felt and appreciated in low- and mid-speed performance and in merging and passing maneuvers. A regenerative braking system further boosts system efficiency. When the RX 400h is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries. With the RX 400h, Lexus also introduces a new generation of vehicle stability control systems known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). A vital component of VDIM is a new Electronically Controlled Braking system (ECB). The ECB system translates brake pedal stroke speed and pressure and generates the precise amount of combined electric regeneration and hydraulic pressure needed for virtually any driving condition. VDIM allows more optimized operation of the vehicle's dynamic handling systems that employ the brakes: ABS, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC). VDIM also interfaces with the Electronic Throttle Control system, allowing it to modify vehicle power when needed, and a new Electronic Power Steering system (EPS) to optimize steering assist for each situation. When the RX 400h is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries. This regenerative braking system further boosts system efficiency. To preserve the 2006 Lexus RX400 amazing performance, a one of a kind online store is here to provide you with super durable parts with equally impressive performance. Simply go to http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/TOYOTA and you're on your way to hassle-free online shopping for parts that will make this super car live up to its name.
About The Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. jenny@partstrain.com |
| 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Performance Parts by Jenny McLane The Mercury Mariner Hybrid uses both gasoline engine and electric motor, which gives a 50% increase in driving efficiency with a much lower emission. All this is achieved by the use of 6 powertrain components, which work in perfect unison. Ford motor has 40 patents in hybrid engine technology and 70 pending."The greatest appeal of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is that it satisfies both your environmental conscience and sense of style. Mariner Hybrid retains the clean, tailored appearance of the conventional Mariner," said Peter Horbury, Executive Director, North American Design.Being a full hybrid, the Mercury Mariner employs both series- and parallel-hybrid characteristics. The gasoline engine shuts down to conserve fuel during coasting, at stoplights, and at low speeds. The electric motor, drawing electricity from the battery, is able to drive the vehicle without assistance up to 25 mph.It has 2.3-liter DOHC Duratec four-cylinder engine with 2 ac electric motors with 250 D-size nickel-metal hydride batteries in a compact, rear-mounted, sealed package. The vehicle could go up to 25 mph with only electric power. The gas engine automatically shuts down at stoplights, during coasting or while vehicle is crawling at low speeds. 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid has a greater fuel economy in city driving where electric motor runs the vehicle up to as much as 25 mph.The Mariner hybrid has 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels wrapped with 235/70R-16 all-season tires and a discreet air vent in the driver's side rear-quarter window that helps cool the rear-mounted nickel-metal hydride battery pack. It has an all-new Intelligent 4WD System, which automatically transfers torque from front to rear as required by road conditions without driver intervention. Mariner powertrains include a 2.3-liter 16-valve I-4 and a 3.0-liter 24-valve V-6 Duratec engine. Both engines come with a standard 4-speed automatic transaxle. It also features a front end with the vertical, satin-aluminum-finished waterfall grille framing the floating Mercury emblem. The fascia features a stacked-element theme with complex refractor headlamps over inset fog lamps. A high-impact-plastic (HIP) aluminum-look bumper insert and U-shaped air intake below the bumper.Mariner has the latest level of the Personal Safety SystemTM, one of the most comprehensive and technologically advanced safety systems available in any vehicle in any class. Seat-mounted front side air bags and side air curtain air bags are optional."Mariner Hybrid fits perfectly with Mercury's design philosophy," says Richard Gresens, Mariner chief designer. "It's a stylish, elegant design with clean simple lines. It's an urban sport-utility, comfortable going to a club downtown, yet still possessing all of the capability and versatility of a sport-utility. At the same time, it's environmentally friendly." To continue Ford's tradition of offering environment friendly, outstanding value and class leading amenities, auto parts companies like Partstrain offers top of the line Ford Parts. The customer has a choice from a vast array of Performance Parts, Replacement Parts, Aftermarket Parts and accessories. It offers new and used Ford auto body and engine parts, headlights, transmission parts, taillights, radiators, wheels, rims, and more.You can shop securely for your Volkswagen parts with Parts Train's online store at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD The Ford OEM parts you need are in stock and ready to be shipped. About the Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
| 2007 Lexus GS 450h: Full Hybrid Technology Revs Up With Superior Toyota Aftermarket Parts by Jenny McLane The 2007 Lexus GS 450h is the world's first hybrid luxury sedan and the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear wheel drive.'Once again, we've applied our formula of no compromise engineering - this time to a luxury sport sedan which proves to us that hybrid power trains can work superbly in virtually any application,' said Lexus Vice President of Marketing Mark Templin. 'It's very important to continue pursuing substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while continuing to improve performance and driving pleasure. Our customers wouldn't have it any other way.It will be a rear wheel drive full hybrid making it able to travel at low speeds under electric propulsion alone. Lexus says the GS 450h will have gas mileage similar to the average 2-liter, 4-cylinder compact sedan.The Lexus GS 450h is a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. A SULEV-rated vehicle is 90% cleaner than the average new car.The GS 450h will have a 3.5-liter V6 engine combined with a high-output electric motor--all driving the rear wheels--to pack horsepower at the level of a V8 engine. Lexus says it will have horsepower equivalent to a 4.5 liter V8. 0-60 acceleration is expected to be less than 6 seconds. For perspective, the 2006 GS 430 has a 4.3-liter V8 that has 300 horsepower.It's built on the GS 430 platform and offers similar standard equipment and options, including a sunroof and perforated leather seats. It is visually identical to the GS 430, except for a large air dam on the front bumper to cool the electric motor, a power meter on the dashboard instead of an odometer, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels.Hybrid technology, driving dynamics, motoring comfort and generous space inside redefines the new Lexus GS450h. Featuring more powerful and fuel efficient engines, innovative assistance systems, a wide range of safety features, as well as a superior standard of equipment, the new Toyota Lexus of today need no less than superior BMW replacement parts when the need arises. This is where Parts Train comes in. Having a vast array of well crafted Toyota Replacement Parts, Performance Parts, Aftermarket Parts to choose from its online store at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/TOYOTA available 24 hours a day to serve your most demanding auto parts needs. Excellence is synonymous to service for all of Parts Train's customer service staff in dealing with all of your auto parts inquiries. About the Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
| All about the Hybrid Car by Taylor Bamber Efficient Hybrid cars have engines that run off of rechargeable batteries and gasoline opposed to just gasoline or diesel. Hybrid cars can reduce smog up to 90% and can get much better fuel economy then a normal engine. Efficient Hybrid cars have engines that run off of rechargeable batteries and gasoline opposed to just gasoline or diesel. Hybrid cars can reduce smog up to 90% and can get much better fuel economy then a normal engine. If it could be possible for everyone to use this fuel efficient transportation they would hardly be worry about rising gas prices and rising concern for pollution related climatic changes. Hybrid car engines run an electric motor when accelerating during this time the gasoline side of the engine is shut down. When the batteries need to be charged again the gasoline engine wills start again. When the hybrid car brakes it usually will return to the electric motor side because of the lower amount of power needed when braking for an extended amount of time. Hybrid cars are wonderful for the environment; they can get 55-60 miles per gallon in city driving. That is more than three times better then many SUV’s! Hybrid cars are much better than electric cars because there is no need to recharge them. Electric cars need to be recharged anywhere from 50-100 miles. The hybrid engine can recharge itself with the gas side of it. So long distance travel is never a problem for the auto enthusiasts with today’s hybrid motors. Also another disadvantage of pure electric cars is most of them can only do about 60 miles per hour when the hybrid engine is not limited to lower highway speeds. If you are looking for more information on these cutting edge cars I would start your research on the internet. On the net you can not only find some of the best information around you can also find some of the best prices on hybrid cars in your neighborhood. With net you browse hundreds of merchants with just a few key strokes. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
|
| Chevy Silverado Hybrid Pickup 2005 Revs It Up In Performance Parts at Partstrain by Jenny McLane Vehicles with bigger, less fuel-efficient engines will benefit more from hybrid technology, thus big pickup trucks, vans and SUVs are prime candidates for the gas-saving benefits of hybrid technology. The Chevy Silverado hybrid pickup feature GM's 5300 Vortec V-8 and Hydra-Matic 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission, coupled with hybrid technology that delivers 10 to 12 percent improved fuel economy over GM half-ton pickups. It features a powerful 42-volt lead-acid battery pack underneath the rear seat, an auxiliary starter-generator between the engine and the transmission, an electronic control module, and a regenerative braking system, which charges the battery while braking, and coasting.With an auxiliary generator capability, the truck's generator can operate when the truck is parked without a key in the ignition. The hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups could power tools or appliances for up to 32 hours non-stop. This design shuts the engine down before the tank is emptied, leaving enough gas to drive to a station for refueling. All power supply circuits are protected by a ground fault detection system to prevent overloads and short circuits. A compact electric motor that generates up to 14,000 watts of continuous electric power makes these pickup trucks more fuel-efficient. The main function of the three deep-cycle lead acid batteries is to assist the starter generator to instantly restart the engine. When the Silverado Hybrid comes to a stop while in Drive or Park, the engine will automatically shut off. When the driver takes his/her foot off the brake and puts it on the accelerator, the engine re-starts automatically and almost seamlessly.One feature of GM's Hybrid pickups that is likely to attract buyers is its two 120 volt power outlets inside the box near the tailgate, and another two 120 volt outlets inside the rear cab. These can be used for power tools, compressors, generators, heaters, appliances or any other electrical appliance. The outlets can be deactivated with a button on the dashboard to avoid any unauthorized use of the external 120 volts outlets.The Silverado Hybrid extended cab is a comfortable, smooth-riding pickup with a quiet, V8 engine, a roomy cab with good ventilation and excellent outward visibility, and a rugged durable chassis.GM's new gas-electric pickup truck, the Chevy Silverado Hybrid pickup, is the latest vehicle to take advantage of the gas-saving benefits of hybrid technology. At Partstrain, thousands of GMC Parts are in stock right at your fingertips. Just browse on http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/GMC and you can now search for your own GMC car parts, order them, and have it delivered directly to your door at half the cost other competitors charge. If your search for your GMC auto parts comes up short, just call one of its sales professionals to help assist you in finding the right car parts you need. Its GMC car parts online catalog is the largest state of the art catalog to use for looking up GMC auto parts. About the Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
| Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Performance by Jenny Mc Lane The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electric hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utility vehicle, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under rear cargo floor; electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. Maximum power output is 155 hp because gas and electric do not make their maximum power simultaneously. It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction electric motor, regenerative braking and a 330-volt battery pack. The combination provides performance on par with a V-6. The hybrid never has to be plugged in because the engine recharges the batteries, by the electric motor and by heat recovered as energy during braking."The Escape hybrid really "wants" to be an electric vehicle, but the gasoline engine adds power for acceleration, charges the batteries and powers the air conditioning," said Mary Ann Wright, Ford's director of Sustainable Mobility ProgramsUnlike electric cars, hybrids never need to be plugged into a recharger. Regenerative braking recharges the Ford Escape Hybrid, which converts electric motor into a generator to help refill the battery pack during stops; and by a recharging system powered by the gas engine.Designed to last for the life of the vehicle and can be found under the Escape's cargo floor, the battery pack, which contains 250 small batteries roughly the size of D cells mounted in series doesn't infringe on cargo space.The software and computerized controllers that make everything work effectively is the key to a hybrid. Small badges identify the Ford Escape as a hybrid. The instrument panel is a little different because it contains a gauge that shows when the electric motor is the source of power and when the gasoline engine is running. An optional LCD display in the center stack gives instant and average fuel economy as well as a pictorial representation of how the power is flowing at any instant.The Escape's hybrid engine shuts down at rest to conserve fuel. When driving resumes, the SUV's 70-kilowatt traction motor generator can launch the vehicle on electric power. When it's needed, the generator starts the gas engine without the increased emissions produced when a conventional engine is startedThe Escape Hybrid also produces as little as half the amount of carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) as a conventional gas engine. It produces 97 percent less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles meeting today’s required emission standards. That qualifies it for the Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards designation.Being the leader in the development of low emission vehicles, Ford continually develops projects that will someday result in practical hydrogen-powered vehicles with no greenhouse gas emissions.As zealous as Ford in continually upgrading its products to suit every client needs, Partstrain is always looking for superior and quality workmanship for its product lines. Only the finest Ford auto body parts comprise its stock. Find, compare and buy Ford Automotive Parts, Accessories, and other Car products atIts online store http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD We supply discount ford parts for the Ford Courier, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Ford Econoline Van, Ford Expedition, Ford Taurus, Ford Maverick, Ford Falcon, Ford Thunderbird, Ford Fairlane, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford F-series pickup and many other Ford models. About the Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowaand has a knack for research on cars and anythingand everything about it. She works full time as aMarket Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliersin the country today. |
| Ford’s Hybrid Car: A Giant Step towards the Reduction of Oil Consumption and Air Pollution by Jenny McLane Ford’s Hybrid Car: A Giant Step towards the Reduction of Oil Consumption and Air Pollution. Today’s financial crisis comes as a main concern with the price hikes of main commodities and the tremendous raise in petroleum prices. More and more people—interest groups, government administrators, consumers and the industry are bothered by these. Since one cannot do away with transportation utilities, alternatives to the conventional gasoline engine are a current issue to both consumers and auto manufacturers. The United States ranks as the world’s largest consumer of oil. Transportation is responsible for roughly 65 percent of petroleum use not to mention that it is likewise the major cause of air pollution. The Department of Energy sees the transitioning to vehicles which are fueled by less oil thereby yielding to higher gas mileage as the solution to the dependence on the already dwindling and too expensive resource that may lead to the reduction of pollution. Hybrid cars are on the watch list. Several government leaders from all over America recommend the use of hybrid cars since they combine gas and electric fuel sources. Hybrid cars integrate a gasoline engine with both an electric motor and a powerful battery to continuously recharge and store energy therefore the configuration it produces allows less energy to be lost and holds a high gas mileage. Practicality and technology speaks for the hybrids. Several manufacturers started coming up with their hybrid concepts to respond to the consumer and the present time’s call. Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, as Plato puts it. Ford is basically spurred by a sense of necessity, practicality, inevitability, and the reality that it is the ultimate relief to today’s downtrodden economy. Ford Escape Hybrid is the very first vehicle to combine SUV capability with an outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact. True to the qualities possessed by an SUV leader, Ford’s Escape Hybrid drives normally, performs superbly, and contains no compromise features expected of an efficient SUV. "When we began work on Escape Hybrid, we made a commitment to delivering a no-compromise, authentic Ford SUV that's fun to drive, spacious, comfortable and capable, with substantially lower fuel use and emissions," said Mary Ann Wright, director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs, Ford Motor Company. "Mission accomplished! It's wonderful to see the vehicle we originally envisioned resonating so strongly with customers," she added. Escape Hybrid has earned the highest fuel economy numbers for an SUV as certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with its 36 mpg city/31 mpg highway/33 combined in front-wheel-drive configuration; 33 mpg city/29 mpg highway/31 mpg combined for the four-wheel-drive model. It is certifiably a clean vehicle to run and operate producing 97% less hydrocarbon and oxides of nitrogen emissions than vehicles that meet the nationwide Tier I emissions standard. No wonder Ford Escape Hybrid has been named "North American Truck of the Year" for 2005. Ford owners need not worry of their Ford aftermarket parts for it’s just a click away. Check out http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/FORD for affordable and the largest array of Ford auto body parts to choose from. Try it out and see for yourself the superior quality replacement and aftermarket parts catered by Parts Train. Why wait? Give yourself the enticing experience of shopping for nothing but the best!
About The Author Jenny McLane works as a Market Analyst for one of the country's leading auto parts distributors. She has been in the auto parts industry for over ten years now. jenny@partstrain.com |
| GMC Sierra Hybrid 2005 Accentuated with GMC Parts from Parts Train by Jenny McLane A standard Vortec 5300 5.3-liter V8 engine powers the Sierra Hybrid and a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission coupled with the full-size truck segment’s first hybrid propulsion technology for improved fuel economy. The Sierra hybrid uses electric power even less frequently. Its gasoline engine can shut down when the car is stopped (actually, when it's braking to a stop, below 13 mph or so) and-that's it. The batteries (three 14-volt units plus the standard 12-volt) cannot power the truck at low speeds. Nor do they help out the gasoline engine, which therefore can't be any smaller. It's the same 5.3-liter V-8 GM pickup buyers know and love. Because of the limited nature of this hybrid system, the benefits are mild: roughly 2 mpg in city driving and 1 mpg during the EPA's highway cycle.The system replaces the traditional starter motor and alternator with a compact 14-kw electric induction motor or starter generator integrated between the engine and transmission. The starter generator provides fast, quiet starting power and allows the gasoline engine to automatically start and stop under certain conditions to conserve fuel. The Sierra Hybrid also offers four 120-volt/20-amp electrical auxiliary power outlets located under the rear seat and in the pickup bed. Because the 5.3-liter V-8 is the same as that in non-hybrid pickups, its power and torque outputs are the same (295 horsepower, 325 pound-feet of torque). Acceleration, towing, and payload are undiminished. The extra hybrid gear takes up very little space-the biggest component, the three extra batteries, is under the rear seat. One interesting feature of the hybrid trucks are its four, 120-volt 20-amp AC power outlets in the cargo bed and the rear seat; but the engine must be running in order to use them.As in hybrid cars, the gas engine shuts off at stoplights to save fuel, and an electric motor restarts the engine when the gas pedal is pushed. Unlike most hybrids, the electric motor does not help propel the vehicle. The system does include a unique feature aimed at commercial users and picnic tailgaters: a generator that provides 120-volt power for running electrical accessories.Available in California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Nevada and Florida, the Sierra Hybrid delivers up to 10 percent better fuel economy with the same power and performance as the 5.3-liter V8. In fact, that same engine powers the Hybrid, developing the same 295 horsepower and 335 pound-feet of torque.GM is not to be outpaced in this hurried race for the development of producing fuel cells. With all these amazing technological breakthroughs in the automotive industry, Partstrain stands by its commitment of delivering excellently engineered GM performance parts, replacement auto parts to go with GM's efforts of sustained production of environment friendly vehicles. Browse through http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/GMC for all of your GM auto body parts needs and have a choice in its stock of high quality and well-crafted GM accessories and performance parts. Excellent customer service awaits you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Partstrain adheres to rigid tests for utmost quality control and sees to it that their GM Parts do not diminish the performance of your car. About the Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
| Honda Environmental Technology Advances with Honda Accord Hybrid and Honda Fuel Cell Stack by Jenny McLane Employing Variable Cylinder Management technology (VCM), Honda Accord Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle to deactivate three of its engine's six cylinders in certain conditions like highway cruising for greater fuel efficiency without affecting its performance. The new 2005 V6 Accord Hybrid integrates the fuel economy of a four cylinder compact Civic and high-level performance.Combining VCM with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology, Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid captured four of the top five slots in the EPA 2004 fuel economy ratings. In 2005, Honda-developed fuel cell stack featuring increased performance and fuel efficiency, reduced cost and the capability to start in below freezing temperatures.Leading the pioneering efforts for the development and application of leading edge environmental technologies including the first Low Emissions (LEV) and Ultra-Low Emissions (ULEV) vehicles and the first commercially certified fuel cell vehicle, Honda now again has proven its innovative ideas.FCX fuel vehicle powered by the Honda FC stack is the realization of Honda's long held effort of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Honda FCX then on its launching will be the first and only fuel cell vehicle certified by the EPA and California Air Resources Board for regular commercial use.Starting and operating a vehicle in cold weather and freezing temperatures is a daunting technical barrier to the mass-market application of fuel cell technology. Honda's answer to this problem is the Fuel Cell stack with its newly developed electrolyte membranes and stamped metal separator structure for improved efficiency, recycle ability, and operation over a greater range of temperatures.Prior to the FC stack's introduction in the Honda FCX, public road evaluations in the U.S and Japan is on going. Make Honda parts shopping hassle-free and satisfying for you. Partstrain offers the best prices to save you on your next Honda parts purchase. We give you the best value and superior quality Honda parts. Buy from http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA and expect fast & reliable shipping of your Honda parts orders. About the Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
| Honda Replacement Parts That Fit the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid by Jenny McLane After a long wait, now comes a hybrid car that delivers more power and less gas, the 2005 omatic climate control system, leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats and a driver's seat with 8-way power adjustment. Honda Accord Hybrid makes it in the right time when there is a worldwide clamor for fuel efficiency and clean air.The Honda Accord again made it to the prestigious 2005 "10 Best" list award of Car and Driver Magazine for suitability, intended purpose and the ability to satisfy discriminating drivers. In January 2005, Autobytel has also awarded the Accord with the "2004 Consumer Choice Award" for being the most requested by Autobytel's online automobile shoppers during the year. According to Autobytel's Web site, "Few other vehicles have captured the combination of practicality, fun, value and affordability as successfully as the Accord."The Accord has a powerful, 255-hp, 3.0-liter, i-VTEC® V-6 engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA™) , dual-zone hybrid autIts exterior has exclusive black chrome front grille. From the rear, the unique tailgate design and new XM® antenna are both attractive and functional, while the exclusive lightweight alloy wheel design provide sporty look to this visually captivating, four-door sedan. An exclusive rear spoiler and aerodynamic 16-inch alloy wheels give you the sporty look you need for a car built on performance. A look at the Accord's interior treats you to leather seats; automatic climate control system, remote entry system and an 8-way power driver's seat. It is also equipped with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition as an option.Safety features include a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS), standard dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) as well as front side and side curtain airbags. To aid in stability, there is a Traction Control System (TCS), too. But the biggest difference with the Accord Hybrid is the Instant Mobility System (IMS), which acts in place of a spare tire to reduce weight and improve gas mileage. The system includes a compressed sealant and air compressor to help easily repair and re-inflate a damaged tire.Partstrain like Honda has been, through the years, synonymous with integrity and dependability serving clients with the highest-quality Honda auto replacement parts. Top caliber Honda product lines and first class service define Partstrain. Its certified secure online store http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA has first rate Honda body parts with greatly reduced prices. Durable and highly reliable Honda parts with excellent customer service await you. Contact its knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives if you need any help with your Honda auto parts order. All its genuine quality Honda fuel tank, spoiler, radiator, electrical parts, engine parts, hood, hubcaps, condenser, bumper, catalytic converter, exhaust, fender, grille to name a few are available to you in great discounts and wholesale deals. About the Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
| Hybrid cars with 250 mpg fuel mileage by Ansh Shukla Hybrid cars with 250 mpg fuel mileageIs it possible to have 250-mpg mileage with hybrid cars? Yes, Bellevue auto visionaries’ thinks so. The people owning Toyota Prius and Honda hybrid cars are eyeing for an mpg of 40 to 50 then how a automaker claims to have technology that can give this high mileage. What technology they are using? Let us try to look at answers of these questions.20 member team at AFS Trinity Power Corp claims to make this possible with their plug in hybrid car. On technology front, they are going to use flywheel to create and store power. Conventional cars use gasoline engine to power the vehicle whereas hybrid cars use gasoline engine with battery support. However, the claimed car will use gasoline engine, battery source with flywheel or a capacitor. The power load is shifted among these sources according to the requirement. The flywheel will help the car in two ways i.e firstly it will help the car in the time of acceleration and secondly it will absorb the power which is being wasted while braking. It will also help the car to use lesser number and lighter batteries. This will collectively help to reduce the overall weight of the car. Flywheel or capacitor is said to absorb power efficiently and quickly.In future, the gasoline engine could also be replaced with more fuel-efficient hydrogen fuel cells. It is estimated that these cars would cost $3 to $7 for gas and $4 for electricity per week, which is much lower, then $14 for hybrid cars and $36 for conventional cars.As the environment is degrading each day and fuel is depleting even faster, these types of technology could help stabilize the situation largely. Let us see if dreams of Bellevue auto visionaries come live. Think of a situation if oil imports from Middle East stops due to some reason. About the Author |
| Hybrid Hype and a Small Price Hike by Michael Walker Drive by any car lot in the United States and ask to see the latest hybrid car models. Don’t be stupefied if eight out of ten tell you that they can’t seem to keep them on the lot—that they’re just selling too fast! There is reasoning behind the hype: consumers believe in one (or all) of three things, that they’re going to be getting a better deal once gas prices hit $2.50 a gallon, that they’re not sacrificing performance and that they’re helping the environment. Let’s first take a look at how these cars are put together. First, we have to understand the concept of “hybrid”. A hybrid car might be defined as any vehicle that uses two or more sources of energy to propel itself. Seems simple enough. Hybrid machinery is all around us in the form of diesel-electric, such as city buses, and nuclear-electric, such as those used on many US submarines. So, the idea and the technology have been around awhile—it’s just now that another energy scare like that of the 1970s, that we start becoming resourceful and a little ingenious. Hybrid power is on the up-rise (and in-demand) only because the two different types of propulsion possibilities (gasoline/diesel and electric) standing alone have proven an ineffective means to get both power and efficiency in one package. But, working together, there is promise.A hybrid car, in modern terminology, is usually referring to any car that has a combination of an electric and a gasoline (or diesel) motors. These cars use kinetic energy (referred to as regenerative breaking), absorbed by your breaks when you slow down to a stop, to recharge batteries that in turn push the electric motor. All of this is combined into one finely tuned schematic—the result being power to the transmission and propulsion power (i.e. wheel movement).All hybrids contain a gasoline engine, an electric engine, a generator (mostly on series hybrids), fuel storage container, batteries and a transmission. There are basically two different types of hybrid engines. The first is a parallel hybrid. This sort of hybrid actually contains both a gasoline and electric motor that both operate independently to propel the car forward. It’s designed to have two power sources working with one goal in mind. In many ways, they are still “connected”.The second hybrid is often referred to as a series hybrid. In a series hybrid, the gas or diesel powered engine doesn’t connect to the transmission directly, meaning that it doesn’t actually propel the car by itself. It actually works indirectly, powering a generator, which in turn (controlled by computer monitoring systems) either feeds power to the batteries or directly feeds power to an electric motor that connects to the transmission.As stated above, hybrid buyers are looking for the combination (and compromise) of power and energy that these cars seem to provide. Many gas-powered cars have a lot of horsepower. This is useful for modern driving experiences. No one wants to be doing the minimum 45 mph on the interstate and stopping to “refuel,” as with purely electric motors. Plus, there’s no need to feel like you should have placed your slow-moving reflective magnet on the trunk. However, many gas-powered cars are truly “wasteful” resources because out of those 175 horses, you’ll only have to use less than half that power for everyday driving. We don’t even have to get into the harmful environmental factors of pure gasoline engines. We are just now starting to see the results of our apathetic attitudes on this subject.The engines in hybrid automobiles are usually much smaller (except in some brand new V-6 models). While this reduces fuel consumption, it means that for the extra “power” that drivers are looking for has to come from somewhere else. That’s where the electric motor and batteries come into play. In some models, sensors detect that the car is in need of extra energy for going up hill, for example. That’s when the “hybrid” half of the engine kicks in. It will do a dandy job of giving the engine that extra oomph or boost that it needs, without using any more gasoline.Newer hybrid models do a lot of extra tricks so that your car gets as many miles to the gallon as possible. For example, when you’re stopped at a traffic light, another sensor will trigger the gasoline engine to idle down to a complete stop, while the car stays “running” solely on its electric power. Did I mention ingenious?Since the idea behind the hybrid powered car is reduced fuel consumption without the loss of speed or power, many cars are being designed to move through the streets with the utmost in aerodynamic form; meaning that a hybrid will create less “drag,” simply due to its body structure. Many also use much lighter building materials, reducing weight and pull. Some models even have wheel covers and no mirrors (replaced with cameras and navigation equipment), which saves an enormous amount of energy.Hybrids don’t seem to be a fad or some social experiment. Consumers and car enthusiasts alike are enjoying what they’re seeing in the market. Everyday it seems a better designed, lighter; more fuel-efficient and powerful hybrid enters. Recently released models are even beating their gas-powered counterparts. One boasts a 255 hp engine with other capabilities such as being able to shut down half the cylinders (without notice) while in motion to conserve fuel and energy.Hybrid-engineered cars cost a bit more too. Usually the price difference is around 3,000 bucks. And, it may take a few years (depending on gas prices) for you to actually make the savings in fuel worthwhile. However, it’s still better for the environment, and that lingers (and makes it worthwhile) in some consumers’ minds. And, if you are still one to wholeheartedly grip the stick of your V-8 without budging, you might take into mind that newer hybrid models are gaining on those petal-to-the-metal peelers of yesteryear. Hybrid models are inching nearer to (and even beating!) gas powered cars in 0 to 60 mph road tests.So, when you decide that a new car might be a viable option in the near future, don’t expect to see too many hybrids in dealers’ lots. You may have to do some across-the-state driving to find a choice. Do some preliminary searching on the Internet and find out what model may benefit you and your lifestyle the most. Keep in mind all that we’ve mentioned and perhaps—in the future—you’ll have no other choice than a hybrid, which at this time seems to be by far the best choice around. About the Author Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics such as JDM engines, used engines and engine swapping. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast. |
| Hybrid Technology Develops As The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid by Jenny McLane The company that popularizes the hybrid technology is producing the better hybrid vehicles year after year. Although Toyota starts the technology to their Prius in 1997, Honda produces, develops, and uses the technology continuously to their cars. Honda’s first hybrid car, the Honda Insight was released in the United States in 1999. This was soon followed by the Honda Civic which marked the radical change in the hybrid technology and changed the way people’s to a car. Hybrid cars use the combination of technologies such as internal combustion engines (ICEs), electric motors, batteries, hydrogen, and fuel cells. This saves a lot of gas fuel that becomes the preference of car buyers. The hybrid technology improves year after year as Honda’s hybrid vehicles become popular. Then, the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is by far the best Honda hybrid, or hybrid vehicle in the market. A 3.0l V-6 engine of the Accord is the biggest among its class. It is the first hybrid that can match or even surpass other gas-engine vehicles. With 255 horses pushing it, the Accord is the most economical V-6 vehicle. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid drives like the conventional gas-engine powered vehicle. And without the “hybrid” badges on the vehicle, you wouldn’t know the difference. This Accord uses the same automatic transmission like that of the gas-engine instead of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), Toyota and Ford uses to their hybrid. Its so the IMA or the integrated motor assist which always at the gas mode and kick to electric for additional power when needed, unlike Ford and Toyota which uses the electric as long as possible then switch to gas when needed. Fuel economy is not a question for the Honda Accord Hybrid. With 37 mpg fuel consumption on highway and 29 mpg in city, the Accord allows driver to save more money. Accord doesn’t need to be plugged in. It automatically recharge itself during braking and, if necessary, via the gas engine. To save more fuel, both systems automatically shuts off at stoplight and long stops. The only backslash of the 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid is its price tag of about $30,000 which is $3,400 more that its gas model. But for a vehicle that saves more fuel the regular vehicle, it is a better buy in the long run. The 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid can be seen on www.partstrain.com along with other Honda vehicles. For more information about the vehicle, and to purchase Honda part, visit http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA . About the Author: Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. Source: www.isnare.com |
| Hybrid Vehicles Makes a Turn for the More Powerful Vehicles in the Auto Industry: by Jenny McLane It is common knowledge among car enthusiasts and car owners that the bigger the vehicle, the bigger the amount of fuel it consumes. With this in mind, several automobile producers have begun diverting a big chunk of their efforts to producing more hybrid 4x4s in the year 2005. Taking on the Fleet First. The big three - Ford, Dodge and General Motors have seemed to agree that 2005 is the perfect opportunity to introduce the hybrid versions of some very popular vehicles. Ford Introduces the Ford Escape Hybrid, the first vehicle to combine SUV capability with the outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact of a full hybrid. "Full" hybrid means it automatically switches between pure electric power, pure gasoline or diesel engine power or a combined operation to optimize efficiency and performance. The no frills Escape Hybrid drives normally, performs superbly and offers all the features you'd expect from the SUV leader. The Hybrid Ford Escape features lots of room, comfortable seating for five, an adaptable cargo area, 1000-pound towing capacity, and an optional Intelligent 4WD System which produces the same all-weather grip and off-road competence available in conventional Escape models.Full hybrids can achieve 50% or more improvement in fuel economy during traffic induced stop-and-go type of driving, wherein the electric motor is most efficient. The Escape Hybrid delivers more than 75% fuel economy improvement in city driving when weighed against a conventional V-6 powered Escape XLT. The Escape Hybrid can travel more than 400 miles in city driving on a single tank of gasoline. Ford has already manufactured and sold the 4,000 units Ford Escape Hybrid in 2004 and its resounding success has prompted it to build a “modest” 20,000 more for 2005. Ford wants to make sure it is not just a fad and people would see the practical, economical and environmental impact a Hybrid vehicle can induce. The Escape Hybrid costs $3,300 more than the V-6 powered Escape.Dodge and General Motors follow suit. Ford has been the first to produce and set the bar in the large vehicle Hybrid market segment and Dodge and GM cannot afford to lag behind. General Motors and Dodge are not that far behind though. In the last quarter of 2004, General Motors introduced electric hybrid versions of its 2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The trucks were only available to those who are in Florida, California, Nevada, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. GM expects to produce about 2,500 units in 2005 - 1,875 Silverados and 625 Sierras - with the hopes of launching the vehicles on a national scale by 2006. Dodge manufactured only 100 diesel-electric 2005 RAM pickups, targeted for utility company fleets. The diesel will produce better fuel economy, with an additional 15% mpg boost over the conventional diesel Ram coming from the electric side. Diesels are generally considered more “environmentally disastrous” on the ecological front. The Dodge Ram Diesel Hybrid is expected to sell for around $40,000 a somewhat larger cost than the non-hybrid models. Heftier Price Tags. Although the price tags may vary from state to state, the average increase for the cost for a Hybrid option may run well up to $3,000. The GM versions of the Hybrid engine are soft-hybrids, which mean that an electric motor provides a boost up on accelerations. The GM version of a hybrid large vehicle has a stop-start system that turns off the gasoline engine at traffic lights. It possesses a 120-volt, 2,400-watt generator system that can provide power for electrical equipments. The Silverado and Sierra hybrids also serves as power generators, with two conventional, three-prong plug-ins that can be found under the rear seat, two extra plug-ins can also be found in the rear bed of the trucks. The four 120-volt, 20 amp electrical supplementary power outlets can supply power for electric coolers, electric ranges, sound systems video consoles and other electrical equipments that can be lugged around. The power supply can be utilized while the engine is running or even after the engine is cut and the keys are taken out of the ignition. Ground fault detection systems are installed in the power supply circuits so that overloads and short circuits can be prevented. According to General Motors, the new hybrid pickups could sustain enough power to last for up to 32 hours non-stop before needing to fill the tank again. This function new feature proved to be very useful when GM loaned some of their new Hybrids’ to hurricane stricken Florida when they were used for some relief operations, they were vital in some areas were electricity was incapacitated. The hybrid models of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks are foreseen to develop fuel savings of up to 10% over analogous trucks without the hybrid benefit.How exactly do Hybrids get such Fantastic Mileage? HV’s (Hybrid Vehicles) are principally powered by an internal combustion engine, much like any ordinary vehicles. However, they also transform the energy that is normally wasted during stop and go operations into electricity, which is stored in a battery until the moment it is needed by the electric motor. The electric motor is utilized to support the engine when accelerating or doing some uphill driving and in low-speed driving operations where internal combustion engines are least efficient. Some Hybrid Vehicles also automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle is idling and restarts the internal combustion engine when the accelerator is depressed. This avoids exhausted fuel when the vehicle is not in motion. Unlike all-electric vehicles, HV’s that are being produced today do not need to be plugged into an external source of electricity to be recharged, the energy provided by the engine and the braking force charges the batteries.Is it worth the fuss and the costs? It all boils down to one thing, Large Hybrid Vehicles cost more than their non-hybrid counterparts. Deciding on the advantages though is not that hard. You get better mileage, companies save on fuel consumption, electric motors are all the rage plus you get to help the environment. Also, the hybrid SUV’s pay for themselves in the long run, costs may be cut through tax incentives and decreased fuel consumption help to offset the price difference. Determining the cost-savings ratio would be one factor many car manufacturers will keep in mind while keeping close scrutiny in their products. Nevertheless a large hybrid vehicle may just be the thing the future needs.Parts Train has been a leader in the online parts supplying industry for many years now. They have over 25 years of experience in dealing with cars and have been regarded as experts in their field. Available in their wide array of stocks are a variety of products that can help maintain, enhance, replace and repair any make and model of vehicle available in the market today. Call their toll-free hotline, 1-888-251-1214 for all your inquiries and comments. At www.partstrain.com they guarantee perfect fit and excellent quality. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
| Hybrid Vehicles Makes a Turn for the More Powerful Vehicles in the Auto Industry: by Jenny McLane It is common knowledge among car enthusiasts and car owners that the bigger the vehicle, the bigger the amount of fuel it consumes. With this in mind, several automobile producers have begun diverting a big chunk of their efforts to producing more hybrid 4x4s in the year 2005. Taking on the Fleet First. The big three - Ford, Dodge and General Motors have seemed to agree that 2005 is the perfect opportunity to introduce the hybrid versions of some very popular vehicles. Ford Introduces the Ford Escape Hybrid, the first vehicle to combine SUV capability with the outstanding fuel economy and low environmental impact of a full hybrid. "Full" hybrid means it automatically switches between pure electric power, pure gasoline or diesel engine power or a combined operation to optimize efficiency and performance. The no frills Escape Hybrid drives normally, performs superbly and offers all the features you'd expect from the SUV leader. The Hybrid Ford Escape features lots of room, comfortable seating for five, an adaptable cargo area, 1000-pound towing capacity, and an optional Intelligent 4WD System which produces the same all-weather grip and off-road competence available in conventional Escape models.Full hybrids can achieve 50% or more improvement in fuel economy during traffic induced stop-and-go type of driving, wherein the electric motor is most efficient. The Escape Hybrid delivers more than 75% fuel economy improvement in city driving when weighed against a conventional V-6 powered Escape XLT. The Escape Hybrid can travel more than 400 miles in city driving on a single tank of gasoline. Ford has already manufactured and sold the 4,000 units Ford Escape Hybrid in 2004 and its resounding success has prompted it to build a “modest” 20,000 more for 2005. Ford wants to make sure it is not just a fad and people would see the practical, economical and environmental impact a Hybrid vehicle can induce. The Escape Hybrid costs $3,300 more than the V-6 powered Escape.Dodge and General Motors follow suit. Ford has been the first to produce and set the bar in the large vehicle Hybrid market segment and Dodge and GM cannot afford to lag behind. General Motors and Dodge are not that far behind though. In the last quarter of 2004, General Motors introduced electric hybrid versions of its 2005 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The trucks were only available to those who are in Florida, California, Nevada, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. GM expects to produce about 2,500 units in 2005 - 1,875 Silverados and 625 Sierras - with the hopes of launching the vehicles on a national scale by 2006. Dodge manufactured only 100 diesel-electric 2005 RAM pickups, targeted for utility company fleets. The diesel will produce better fuel economy, with an additional 15% mpg boost over the conventional diesel Ram coming from the electric side. Diesels are generally considered more “environmentally disastrous” on the ecological front. The Dodge Ram Diesel Hybrid is expected to sell for around $40,000 a somewhat larger cost than the non-hybrid models. Heftier Price Tags. Although the price tags may vary from state to state, the average increase for the cost for a Hybrid option may run well up to $3,000. The GM versions of the Hybrid engine are soft-hybrids, which mean that an electric motor provides a boost up on accelerations. The GM version of a hybrid large vehicle has a stop-start system that turns off the gasoline engine at traffic lights. It possesses a 120-volt, 2,400-watt generator system that can provide power for electrical equipments. The Silverado and Sierra hybrids also serves as power generators, with two conventional, three-prong plug-ins that can be found under the rear seat, two extra plug-ins can also be found in the rear bed of the trucks. The four 120-volt, 20 amp electrical supplementary power outlets can supply power for electric coolers, electric ranges, sound systems video consoles and other electrical equipments that can be lugged around. The power supply can be utilized while the engine is running or even after the engine is cut and the keys are taken out of the ignition. Ground fault detection systems are installed in the power supply circuits so that overloads and short circuits can be prevented. According to General Motors, the new hybrid pickups could sustain enough power to last for up to 32 hours non-stop before needing to fill the tank again. This function new feature proved to be very useful when GM loaned some of their new Hybrids’ to hurricane stricken Florida when they were used for some relief operations, they were vital in some areas were electricity was incapacitated. The hybrid models of the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks are foreseen to develop fuel savings of up to 10% over analogous trucks without the hybrid benefit.How exactly do Hybrids get such Fantastic Mileage? HV’s (Hybrid Vehicles) are principally powered by an internal combustion engine, much like any ordinary vehicles. However, they also transform the energy that is normally wasted during stop and go operations into electricity, which is stored in a battery until the moment it is needed by the electric motor. The electric motor is utilized to support the engine when accelerating or doing some uphill driving and in low-speed driving operations where internal combustion engines are least efficient. Some Hybrid Vehicles also automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle is idling and restarts the internal combustion engine when the accelerator is depressed. This avoids exhausted fuel when the vehicle is not in motion. Unlike all-electric vehicles, HV’s that are being produced today do not need to be plugged into an external source of electricity to be recharged, the energy provided by the engine and the braking force charges the batteries.Is it worth the fuss and the costs? It all boils down to one thing, Large Hybrid Vehicles cost more than their non-hybrid counterparts. Deciding on the advantages though is not that hard. You get better mileage, companies save on fuel consumption, electric motors are all the rage plus you get to help the environment. Also, the hybrid SUV’s pay for themselves in the long run, costs may be cut through tax incentives and decreased fuel consumption help to offset the price difference. Determining the cost-savings ratio would be one factor many car manufacturers will keep in mind while keeping close scrutiny in their products. Nevertheless a large hybrid vehicle may just be the thing the future needs.Parts Train has been a leader in the online parts supplying industry for many years now. They have over 25 years of experience in dealing with cars and have been regarded as experts in their field. Available in their wide array of stocks are a variety of products that can help maintain, enhance, replace and repair any make and model of vehicle available in the market today. Call their toll-free hotline, 1-888-251-1214 for all your inquiries and comments. At www.partstrain.com they guarantee perfect fit and excellent quality. About the Author Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
| IRS Certifies 2006 Toyota Hybrid for Clean Fuel Deduction by Richard A. Chapo The Internal Revenue Service has certified the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid as being eligible for the clean-burning fuel deductio |