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Hybrid CarsDodgle Durango Hybrid
 Description:If you are on the lookout for a typical SUV, that will work as hard as you want, will run as you instruct, the Dodge Durango is the best bet for you… if you have deep enough pockets, that is. The primary reason people are opting in for SUVs is because of high fuel costs and the worry that there are hardly any reserves of precious gasoline left. While they do want to go in for vehicles that run on alternative fuel so that they too can help to stop polluting the world, the primary reason for switching over to SUVs is to ease the burden on the wallet. At 13 miles per gallon the Dodge Durango will not be able to solve that problem, rather it will create a greater dent in your wallet. It is keeping these things in mind that the Durango Hybrid was created. It is expected that this vehicle will be able to provide its owners with fuel economy ratings in the range of 18 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. This is a huge improvement over the hemi model that is powered by gas. This SUV is expected to hit the showrooms in the summer of 2008. As of date there are no details about its price. The Dodge Durango Hybrid will add some electric motors to the Hemi V8 5.7 liter offering of Chrysler. There is no need to do any guesswork… this is a Hemi hybrid. The one two combination of electric and Hemi drive is expected to produce about 385 horsepower. Apart from this, the technology that will be used in the Dodge Durango Hybrid is the `2 mode’ hybrid one. It is similar to the one being used in the GMC Yukon hybrids and the Chevrolet Tahoe. The main advantage of this particular hybrid is that it does not compromise with towing capacity. This is unlike some of the competing hybrids that lay more stress on system rather than the towing capacity. If this is not enough, the Dodge Durango Hybrid, which tips the scales at 5,500 pounds offers owners a useful 4-wheel drive vehicle that uses the single speed transfer case. Depending on the road conditions and the requirements of the vehicle, the rear-biased mechanism can provide the back wheels with up to 100% of power. The total resulting factor is towing capabilities of 6,000 pounds. While this might not be able to compete with the non-hybrid Durango’s 8,950 pounds towing capability, it is not bad either. Initially the Dodge Durango Hybrid was scheduled to launch in 2003 and at that time the plans were to launch a mild version, capable of utilizing electric power when at a standstill. The 2009 version of the Dodge Durango Hybrid, with the hemi, is far more robust from every angle. This vehicle is practicable, capable, and powerful. Yes, it saves on your gas bills too even though it might not offer the exact mileage like some of its competitors. Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
 Description:One should not mix two things together since the outcome is never predictable. They might end up being something great or can just fall flat on their face. At times they might cause confusion too. This was the case with the initial hybrid offerings of Chrysler, the Chrysler Aspen & the Chrysler Dodge Durango that shall punch a hybrid gas-electric system along with a dominant Hemi engine, which is used in racecars. Diehard fans of hybrid cars might get offended at this offering that goes against the basic ideals. They will not accept the unnecessary horsepower, approximately 350, that has been merged into Chrysler’s 5.7-liter V8 Hemi hybrids that provides just 13 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway. It is doubtful that these vehicles will be able to break the 20 miles per gallon barrier. The average Prius provides far more. Ever since General Motors and DailmerChrylser started collaborating for development of the gas-electric technology, they have set their sights on producing hybrid vehicles that are both powerful and big. These two have christened their innovative hybrid system as a `two-mode’. This signifies the usage of a 2nd set of gears that are specially configured to move heavy vehicles competently at high speeds. Deactivating the cylinders, 4 of which shut down under favorable conditions like highway cruising, does this. The underlying principle of improving the fuel efficiency of big sports utility vehicles might make sense and the technology to make this possible is inspiring, but it is useless if targeted goals in the form of car sales are not achieved. The owners of hybrid cars are a highly aggravated bunch and they will be pleased about the benefits of an increase in mileage from 16 miles per gallon to 20 miles per gallon. On the other hand, SUV purchasers will have a doubt before going in for their first hybrid, and pay a premium price for the same, just because their new purchase offers them an increase of 4 miles per gallon. In fact they might consider that these hybrid badge is doing injustice to their trucks. It is high time that manufacturers of big SUVs like DaimlerChrysler ned to address the issue of fuel economy of their vehicles and push it ahead of the mid-teens that they are currently offering. Releasing two Hemi hybrids triage is just a type of technological separation. This is the type of green consumerism that is being throttled down the gullets of the consumers. Until the gap is covered and a mid path found out, it might be difficult for these specialty vehicles to prove themselves in the market. As it is Chrysler has joined the green brigade quite late. It needs to offer something special that the others have not, at a price that will make consumers smile all the way to the bank. Until this means are achieved, it might be difficult for Chrysler to penetrate the green vehicle segment. Are they going to provide something different from the pack or…? Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
 Description:Among the 1st vehicles to use the advanced 2-mode powertrain that has been developed by the team of General Motors, Daimler Chrysler and BMW are the Yukon Hybrid and the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. The launch of this vehicle ushers in a new range of full size SUVs that are considerably greener when compared to their gas powered cousins. However, it is surprising to note that the title of “Green car of the Year” was conferred on the Tahoe Hybrid at the Los Angeles Auto Show for the year 2007. The panelists might have been a bit too quick to react since the Tahoe Hybrid does not even comply with the CAFÉ (corporate average fuel economy) standards. The heart of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid consists of General Motors 6 liter Vortec V8 along with cylinder deactivation technology. This means that this engine can turn off 4 of its 8 cylinders when the additional power is not required thus saving fuel. A 300 volt battery lies hidden below the 2nd row seats and the Tahoe Hybrid’s 2 electric motors are located within its transmission. This hybrid vehicle can run on two different modes to enable it to run at peak efficiency. For low impact and low speed driving the Tahoe Hybrid works just like the other hybrids. Whenever possible, this hybrid stops the V8 engine permitting it to be powered by either one or both the electric motors. The 2nd mode is useful when one is driving on the highway and in this mode either one or both electric motors can run simultaneously with the V8 engine whenever a power boost is required. The dual mode transmission holds the key to the entire system which tries to keep the engine of the vehicle running at optimum rotation per minute to permit low consumption of fuel. Basically it maintains a balancing act between the electric motors and the V8 engine. The transmission is also accountable for making the changes between the 2 different modes smoothly and seamlessly. The result of this technology is visible in the 25% improvement in fuel economy on the whole, over the gas-powered cousin of the Tahoe Hybrid. The 40% improvement while driving in the city is impressive too. The 2 wheeled drive model of the Tahoe Hybrid has got an EPA rating of 21 miles per gallon while driving in the city and 22 miles per gallon while driving in the highway. This is far better when compared to the standard Tahoe that provides 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. It seems unbelievable, but the CFE (city fuel economy) of this huge SUV is equal to a 4 cylinder Toyota Camry. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid uses several other methods to achieve its goal of maximum green motoring. It uses an innovative air conditioning unit that conserves power, it boasts of low-resistance lightweight aluminum wheels along with a tire pressure monitoring system that comes as part of standard equipment. . Cadilac Escalade Hyrbid
 Description:Do yourself a favor and stand in front of the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. If you are a normal sized human being, you’ll observe that the characteristic hybrid logo of General Motors is at chest level. This logo is in the form of a huge green colored H chrome letter in the fender vent. Check out the fact sheet of this vehicle that proclaims the “Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV.” And this is a truthful statement. In an age when SUVs are getting smaller to help reduce weight and thereby fuel consumption, you will be amazed at the huge size of the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. This vehicle was officially launched in August 2007 and its 17 foot long frame can easily accommodate 8 persons. Given the huge size and weight of this vehicle, it is amazing to observe that is provides 20 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway. Though these figures cannot be compared with the Toyota Prius, yet the city mileage that the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid provides is 50% higher than non-hybrid vehicles of the same build. If you are trying to compare this car with the Toyota Prius, try to find a Prius that can haul 5,800 pounds effortlessly which the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid can. This huge SUV vehicle is an optional package in its hybrid avatar that includes a plethora of options that are offered in the lesser Escalades. These options include a remote starter; 22” wheels made out of chrome aluminum, cooled and heated front seats covered with fragrant leather along with an AM/FM/XM/CD radio that can also play your MP3 collection. This radio also boasts of a six disc changer and a 10 speaker Bose Studio Surround. Sounds amazing, does it not? Only a few options are available for the Escalade Hybrid that includes the power running boards and 4 wheel drive. The latter is useful for tall persons. Taking all things into consideration one must say that this vehicle offers a decent value for price. With the prices of fuel escalating like never before it is high time that you switched over to hybrid vehicles that will protect both your wallet and the environment in the future. The days are not far away when there shall be no natural fuel reserves left in the world and hybrids will be the only alternative vehicles. Apart from this fact, you shall also be protecting the environment of the earth when you drive hybrids like the Cadillac Escalade. Considering the luxuries like the sound system this vehicle offers and viewing the fact that it offers 50% better mileage that comparable vehicles running solely on vehicle, it makes sense that you opt in for this vehicle which goes one up on the Prius with its capability to haul 5,800 pounds. You can be rest assured your neighbors will be envious to see you at the wheels of the world’s primary hybrid large luxury SUV. 2010 Toyota Prius
 Description:Ever since the second generation Toyota Prius was launched in 2003, this midsize hatchback has been raking in countless awards. More number of Toyota Priuses have been sold than all the other hybrids combined. The 3rd generation Prius, will be formally revealed to the public at the January 2009 Detroit car show. It will be more powerful and bigger than its predecessors with the engine growing from 1.5 liters to 1.8 liters thereby increasing its horsepower from 110 to 160. The body of this car will be 1 inch wider and 3 to 4 inches longer. Instead of switching over to lithium ion batteries this new Prius will still employ nickel metal hydride cells and shall not have plug-in capabilities. One look at the exterior will reveal why this car has such a following. There are noticeable changes in the 2010 Prius. The logo has been shifted to the peak of the grille from the hood. One will notice that the fold in the door has been shifted downwards and a more evident angle have been added on top of the door handles. The idea is making the car stand taller and not squat and rounded like the previous versions. Keeping the future generation in mind, this car has deliberately given a separate space-age profile. Check out the big, diamond-cut headlights and snub-nose front-end and you will agree that this car looks more like a flying saucer. Its angled hood flows seamlessly into the windshield and from there to a low and sleek flowing roofline. There is no doubt that not all persons will approve of this kind of looks, hence there are mixed reviews of the 2010 Toyota Prius. In fact many persons think that this car looks too gimmicky. However, there are some who understand the aerodynamics behind the design of the car and know that such designs help to reduce oil consumption. The achievement of this car can be attributed to its capability to combine immense fuel efficiency while retaining practicality. Boasting of seating capabilities for 5 persons, this car also has a cargo space of sixteen cubic feet. The split back seats can be flattened to provide a huge cargo space, useful when you need to accommodate big boxes and other things that cannot be normally accommodated. Both tall and short drivers will feel uniformly comfortable with this car and the rear seat provides extra legroom compared to its Civic hybrid. The audio system provided with this car is adequate with easy to navigate functions, but not something worth boasting about. Quite a number of features that this car boasts as standard are either unavailable or are available as optional on similarly priced vehicles of the same category. The standard features of this car includes micron-filter, cloth seating, power windows, air-conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless access and door lock. Those interested in hands free calling while on the move should check out the Prius’s discretionary navigation system, considered to be the best in the market. Why not take this beauty for a test drive and find out more?  |
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