According to Autocar (UK), Saab is working on a hybrid version of the new 9-5. A small gas engine will be mated to an electric motor in order to increase the fuel efficiency of the turbocharged 1.4 litre sedan.
The hybrid engine looks like a mild version, which means the 9-5 won't be able to travel on electric alone. Instead, the electric motor will 'assist' the gas motor during acceleration and most likely allow it to use start-stop technology.
The mild hybrid has the advantage of costing less since the battery can be a lot smaller, but the fuel efficiency gains are usually a lot less, too. Other mild hybrids that have placed electric motors in with V-6 engines to increase fuel efficiency end up comparing unfavorably to the 4 cylinder version of the same model.
Yes, you get eight cylinder power for four cylinder fuel efficiency, but the customers interested in fuel efficiency are probably not interested in the power in the first place. So, why should they pay extra when they can be the vehicle with the smaller engine in the first place?
Friday, 11 September 2009
Thursday, 10 September 2009
Lexus Releases 'Real' Photos of LF-Ch Compact Hybrid
The LF-Ch will be on hand at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and will also be appearing at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.
The LF-Ch, while just a concept vehicle, is being used by Toyota to demonstrate the possibility of a hybrid sports luxury vehicle. The concept hybrid delivers low emissions and high fuel economy while still looking great, and presumably, delivering what you would expect from a luxury sports sedan.
Press Release Follows
As the latest concept hybrid vehicle from Lexus, LF-Ch offers dramatic style, premium features, an innovative drivetrain with low emissions, and impressive fuel economy in a sporty yet versatile five-door package.
“Lexus has been leading the luxury hybrid market ever since we came out with the RX 400h in 2005,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. “To continue raising the hybrid benchmark, we need to continue exploring hybrid technology in different segments. The LF-Ch concept gives us the opportunity to gauge consumer reaction and help us determine whether or not this would be viable for production.”
The LF-Ch concept was designed by Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota’s North American-based research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif., and will allow the brand to study the needs of young urbanites and consumer values in a compact luxury vehicle.
Designers created an intriguing contrast between the powerful, machine-like surfaces, fluid forms and details that appear hand-sculpted.
The exterior of the LF-Ch concept exudes strength and simplicity with a wide stance, broad and high-shoulders, an arching roofline that flows into the rear spoiler, and sheer surfaces wrapped in a contemporary yellow paint. To give the sporty five-door concept the illusion of a sleek coupe, designers cleverly blackened the B-pillar and hid the rear door entry button in the chrome molding.
An aggressive grille with a wide front bumper and air dam gives the hybrid concept a powerful personality in keeping with its dynamic lines. Efficient and bright LED taillights and headlamps also add to the vehicle’s personality. The concept is marked with hybrid details including its blue Lexus logo, which is shared across the Lexus family of hybrids, and hybrid side badging.
Inside, designers created an elegant cabin that is contemporary, and functional with metal and leather trim. Metal surfacing stretches the length of the asymmetric dashboard and blends with leather trim to provide a luxuriously handcrafted and soothing environment. The artistic leather, and metal detailing is also visible on the door panels, instrument panel and seats.
A blue headliner light, that borders the roof and contrasts with the yellow exterior, turns on to reveal an ambient pattern reminiscent of a sophisticated lounge. A wide grip steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters makes for a spirited driving experience. The instrument panel features two, large twin dials with a uniquely embellished turbine blade design.
The LF-Ch is powered by the latest generation of Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. A drive mode-switch allows the driver to select between four modes: Normal, Eco, and EV plus a Sport mode that amplifies throttle response for the most enthusiastic drivers.
Lexus’ Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback, also currently found on the 2010 HS 250h hybrid and RX luxury utility vehicles, allows the driver or front passenger to operate the navigation, audio and climate systems.
The LF-Ch has four sport seats that feature trim lighting along the cushion’s edge for cabin illumination. Rear passengers can enjoy headrest-mounted iPhone® docking capability for audio and video entertainment. In addition, the LF-Ch has storage in the rear seat armrests for small items such as iPods®, PDAs and cell phones.
“We look forward to hearing feedback on the LF-Ch,” said Templin. “We hope consumers like what they see so we can change the luxury hybrid marketplace again.”
Automakers Promise Fuel Cell Vehicles by 2015
Filed under 'interesting but vague,' automakers released a joint statement promising electric vehicles with fuel cell development and market introduction through a Letter of Understanding (LoU).
The automakers are Daimler, Ford, GM/Opel, Honda, Hyundai/Kia, Renault, Nissan and Toyota. "These companies have built up remarkable know-how in fuel cell technology and thus, the signing marks a major step towards the serial production of such locally emission-free vehicles."
The automakers believe that from 2015, 'a quite significant number' of electric vehicles powered by fuel cells will be commercialized. Of course, the timeline could be even earlier, based on the individual automakers development.
The whole statement is very vague and certainly hard to interpret. Some have pointed to the possible reduction in funding for fuel cell vehicle development as the impetus for the statement.
The automakers are Daimler, Ford, GM/Opel, Honda, Hyundai/Kia, Renault, Nissan and Toyota. "These companies have built up remarkable know-how in fuel cell technology and thus, the signing marks a major step towards the serial production of such locally emission-free vehicles."
The automakers believe that from 2015, 'a quite significant number' of electric vehicles powered by fuel cells will be commercialized. Of course, the timeline could be even earlier, based on the individual automakers development.
The whole statement is very vague and certainly hard to interpret. Some have pointed to the possible reduction in funding for fuel cell vehicle development as the impetus for the statement.
Prius Plug-in Hybrid Coming to US
The demonstration fleet will be placed in 'strategic clusters' to create and evaluate various driving scenarios. The clusters will also be chosen based on a consideration of communications and charging structures. Toyota will be gathering customer feedback on their expectations and evaluations on how their plug-in does in 'real world' driving.
The plug-in hybrid Prius will have 12 miles of all electric range, after which the plug-in will become just another Prius. The 12 miles of all electric range are powered by an (overnight) full charge from plugging in and powering up a lithium-ion battery pack.
That 12 mile range may be considered low, when you consider the Chevy Volt is supposed to get up to 40 miles of all electric range. But the 12 mile range will most likely allow the plug-in Prius to be sold at a much lower price. A recent study shows consumers would seriously consider a plug-in if it comes in at 12% over the current prices.
The Volt will most likely be priced at $40,000, which puts that way over that 12% limit. The Plug-in Prius then, with a smaller battery pack, is more likely to appeal on a financial basis.
Toyota is still evaluating the use of lithium-ion battery packs. According to the press release, part of the demonstration fleets purpose is specifically to evaluate lithium-ion battery's durability, reliability and performance. You can add an evaluation of the safety risks involved in using lithium-ion battery packs as well.
The 2010 Prius Plug-in will be on hand at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
"Although we like to be first to market with these technologies, it’s more important that we are best to market," said Irv Miller, TMS group vice president, environmental and public affairs. "This demonstration program will ensure that the vehicles we bring to market will not just meet customer expectations, but exceed them."
Hybrid Truck Research Bill
The house has passed a bill to create a grant program targeted at heavy duty hybrid trucks. The Senate has introduced a companion bill.
"Hopefully we can get some movement on this measure this time around," said Paul Tonko , D-N.Y. "By enhancing the Department of Energy’s research program in heavy duty hybrid trucks, this bill draws much-needed focus to a very critical component of the transportation sector — that being commercial trucks."
Source: CQ Politics | House Passes Bill to Encourage Hybrid Trucks
$3 million a year would be set aside for the research program. The first phase would allow one year for the recipients to produce an advanced heavy-duty hybrid vehicle, while the second/third year would be used to produce 50 trucks.
The heavy duty hybrids would have a gross weight of 14,000 - 33,000 pounds.
"Hopefully we can get some movement on this measure this time around," said Paul Tonko , D-N.Y. "By enhancing the Department of Energy’s research program in heavy duty hybrid trucks, this bill draws much-needed focus to a very critical component of the transportation sector — that being commercial trucks."
Source: CQ Politics | House Passes Bill to Encourage Hybrid Trucks
$3 million a year would be set aside for the research program. The first phase would allow one year for the recipients to produce an advanced heavy-duty hybrid vehicle, while the second/third year would be used to produce 50 trucks.
The heavy duty hybrids would have a gross weight of 14,000 - 33,000 pounds.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Lexus LF-Ch
The compact hybrid concept from Toyota will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. It demonstrates Toyota's plans to build a more compact, premium, full hybrid (maybe a Lexus vehicle for the future?).
TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2009) – Lexus today announced the LF-Ch compact hybrid concept, which will have its world premiere on September 15, 2009 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, will be on display for the first time in North America at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.
As the latest concept hybrid vehicle from Lexus, LF-Ch offers dramatic style, premium features, low emissions, impressive fuel economy and the performance expected of a sporty yet versatile five-door package.
“Lexus has been leading the luxury hybrid market ever since we came out with the RX 400h in 2005,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. “To continue raising the hybrid benchmark, we need to continue exploring hybrid technology in different segments. The LF-Ch concept gives us the opportunity to gauge consumer reaction and help us determine whether or not this would be viable for production.”
The LF-Ch concept was designed by Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota’s North American-based research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif., and will allow the brand to study the needs of young urbanites and consumer values in a compact luxury vehicle.
“The LF-Ch concept is the next evolution of the compact luxury vehicle,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty. “We were able to create a beautifully designed hybrid with a deep sense of mystery and intrigue.”
Designers created an intriguing contrast between the powerful, machine-like surfaces, fluid forms and details that appear hand-sculpted.
The exterior of the LF-Ch concept exudes strength and simplicity with a wide stance, broad and high-shoulders, an arching roofline that flows into the rear spoiler, and sheer surfaces wrapped in a contemporary yellow paint. To give the sporty five-door concept the illusion of a sleek coupe, designers cleverly blackened the B-pillar and hid the rear door entry button in the chrome molding.
An aggressive grille with a wide front bumper and air dam gives the hybrid concept a powerful personality in keeping with its dynamic lines. Efficient and bright LED taillights and headlamps also add to the vehicle’s personality. The concept is marked with hybrid details including its blue Lexus logo, which is shared across the Lexus family of hybrids, and hybrid side badging.
Inside, designers created an elegant cabin that is contemporary, and functional with metal and leather trim. Metal surfacing stretches the length of the asymmetric dashboard and blends with leather trim to provide a luxuriously handcrafted and soothing environment. The artistic leather, and metal detailing is also visible on the door panels, instrument panel and seats.
A blue headliner light, that borders the roof and contrasts with the yellow exterior, turns on to reveal an ambient pattern reminiscent of a sophisticated lounge. A wide grip steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters makes for a spirited driving experience. The instrument panel features two, large twin dials with a uniquely embellished turbine blade design.
Lexus’ Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback, also currently found on the 2010 HS 250h hybrid and RX luxury utility vehicles, allows the driver or front passenger to operate the navigation, audio and climate systems.
The LF-Ch has four sport seats that feature trim lighting along the cushion’s edge for cabin illumination. Rear passengers can enjoy headrest-mounted iPhone® docking capability for audio and video entertainment. In addition, the LF-Ch has storage in the rear seat armrests for small items such as iPods®, PDAs and cell phones.
“We look forward to hearing feedback on the LF-Ch,” said Templin. “We hope consumers like what they see so we can change the luxury hybrid marketplace again.”
TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2009) – Lexus today announced the LF-Ch compact hybrid concept, which will have its world premiere on September 15, 2009 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, will be on display for the first time in North America at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.
As the latest concept hybrid vehicle from Lexus, LF-Ch offers dramatic style, premium features, low emissions, impressive fuel economy and the performance expected of a sporty yet versatile five-door package.
“Lexus has been leading the luxury hybrid market ever since we came out with the RX 400h in 2005,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. “To continue raising the hybrid benchmark, we need to continue exploring hybrid technology in different segments. The LF-Ch concept gives us the opportunity to gauge consumer reaction and help us determine whether or not this would be viable for production.”
The LF-Ch concept was designed by Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota’s North American-based research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif., and will allow the brand to study the needs of young urbanites and consumer values in a compact luxury vehicle.
“The LF-Ch concept is the next evolution of the compact luxury vehicle,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty. “We were able to create a beautifully designed hybrid with a deep sense of mystery and intrigue.”
Designers created an intriguing contrast between the powerful, machine-like surfaces, fluid forms and details that appear hand-sculpted.
The exterior of the LF-Ch concept exudes strength and simplicity with a wide stance, broad and high-shoulders, an arching roofline that flows into the rear spoiler, and sheer surfaces wrapped in a contemporary yellow paint. To give the sporty five-door concept the illusion of a sleek coupe, designers cleverly blackened the B-pillar and hid the rear door entry button in the chrome molding.
An aggressive grille with a wide front bumper and air dam gives the hybrid concept a powerful personality in keeping with its dynamic lines. Efficient and bright LED taillights and headlamps also add to the vehicle’s personality. The concept is marked with hybrid details including its blue Lexus logo, which is shared across the Lexus family of hybrids, and hybrid side badging.
Inside, designers created an elegant cabin that is contemporary, and functional with metal and leather trim. Metal surfacing stretches the length of the asymmetric dashboard and blends with leather trim to provide a luxuriously handcrafted and soothing environment. The artistic leather, and metal detailing is also visible on the door panels, instrument panel and seats.
A blue headliner light, that borders the roof and contrasts with the yellow exterior, turns on to reveal an ambient pattern reminiscent of a sophisticated lounge. A wide grip steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters makes for a spirited driving experience. The instrument panel features two, large twin dials with a uniquely embellished turbine blade design.
Lexus’ Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback, also currently found on the 2010 HS 250h hybrid and RX luxury utility vehicles, allows the driver or front passenger to operate the navigation, audio and climate systems.
The LF-Ch has four sport seats that feature trim lighting along the cushion’s edge for cabin illumination. Rear passengers can enjoy headrest-mounted iPhone® docking capability for audio and video entertainment. In addition, the LF-Ch has storage in the rear seat armrests for small items such as iPods®, PDAs and cell phones.
“We look forward to hearing feedback on the LF-Ch,” said Templin. “We hope consumers like what they see so we can change the luxury hybrid marketplace again.”
Almost Half of Consumers Want a Plug-in Hybrid
A poll run by Pike Research shows that 48% of those surveyed would be 'extremely' or 'very' interested in purchasing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a 40 mile charge.
Pike polled 1,041 U.S. consumers through an online poll. The executive summary is available on their website.
Since 85% of those surveyed feel that fuel economy would 'be an important factor when choosing their next vehicle' and 82% drive under 40 miles a day, that's not surprising. But the expectations were a little bit out of line. Although 65% were willing to pay a premium to buy a PHEV, the average premium they expect was only 12%. Given that the Chevy Volt is going to cost $40,000 (although there will be a $7,500 tax credit available if you qualify), the 12% premium is definitely out of touch.
Pike notes that 79% would be interested in investing in a fast-charging outlet for their home.
Pike polled 1,041 U.S. consumers through an online poll. The executive summary is available on their website.
Since 85% of those surveyed feel that fuel economy would 'be an important factor when choosing their next vehicle' and 82% drive under 40 miles a day, that's not surprising. But the expectations were a little bit out of line. Although 65% were willing to pay a premium to buy a PHEV, the average premium they expect was only 12%. Given that the Chevy Volt is going to cost $40,000 (although there will be a $7,500 tax credit available if you qualify), the 12% premium is definitely out of touch.
Pike notes that 79% would be interested in investing in a fast-charging outlet for their home.
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