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Japanese cars Hybrids - ZCars

AIMS preview: Toyota Hybrid X concept

September 8th 2008 04:35

The Australian International Motor Show in Sydney will be held between October 9-19 and will see Japanese car maker Toyota provide a vision for the future (of hybrid cars) when it unveils the Hybrid X concept car at the show in Darling Harbour.

First unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the Hybrid X proposes a new design language for Toyota’s hybrid models while also acting as a technology showcase for future hybrid cars - the next-generation Prius is tipped to gain many of its styling cues from the Hybrid X.

This spacious four-door, four-seat concept was created and developed by Toyota’s European styling centre ED² in the south of France, and has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm.

As the latest concept to demonstrate Toyota’s world-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, the Hybrid X is at the core of the company’s strategy to develop the ultimate eco-car.

Futuristically styled, the body shape is dominated by two ‘U’ shapes created by the upper glass frame area and the unconventional A and C pillars while the view from above gives the impression of a large X - hence the name of the concept. At the front, LED headlamps are integrated into the dashboard and are now part of the interior of the car and can communicate information such as safety distances, acceleration and braking to other drivers and pedestrians.

The customised 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/40 R20 tyres are unlikely to make its way onto any production version.

The futuristic theme extends to the interior with the driver allowed to set the ambience within the car, controlling sight, sound, touch and even smell. A drive-by-wire steering pad features a central screen to relay information to the driver about the energy flow path, fuel consumption and gear position.

Space-saving seats are formed using injected foam techniques, which create comfort while reducing weight. The two independent rear seats can swivel by 12 degrees to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery or conversation.

The Hybrid X Concept will be on show at the Toyota stand at the Australian International Motor Show.

[Source: Toyota; AIMS]

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Posted By: charles - Category: Japanese cars, Pictures, Toyota, Hybrids, Australian International Motor Show AIMS

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Paris preview: Honda Insight Concept Hybrid Vehicle

September 5th 2008 05:30

Honda's highly-anticipated new hybrid vehicle will wear a familiar nameplate when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2009.

The new hybrid, pictured here in concept form, marks the revival of the Insight name in both Australian and global markets and shares styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle and even its main competitor, the Toyota Prius. Scheduled for a debut at next month's Paris Motor Show, the Honda Insight Concept is aerodynamically designed with a low centre of gravity and a generous five-passenger cabin.

The original Honda Insight was introduced in 1999 but failed to find its foot in the local market due to a number of factors, namely, its awkward design and price. Both of these detrimental factors have been addressed in the latest version with the new Insight set to become the most affordable Hybrid vehicle when it is released.

The Official Honda Press Release:

Honda Insight Concept Hybrid Vehicle to Debut at Paris International Auto Show

Honda will reveal a concept version of its new small hybrid vehicle, to be named Insight, at the 2008 Paris International Auto Show, October 2, the company announced today. The new Insight Concept shares styling cues with the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle and will provide an early look at the highly-anticipated five-passenger hybrid vehicle.

Going on sale in the U.S. next spring, the all-new purpose-built Insight will come to market at a price significantly below hybrids available today. From this unique position in the marketplace, the Insight will advance the affordability and accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.

"The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda's commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency," said Takeo Fukui, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO. "This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value."

The Insight Concept defines a new stage in the evolution of hybrid technology by utilizing a more cost-efficient version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) hybrid technology, resulting in a new level of affordability for hybrid customers worldwide. Evoking the innovative styling cues first seen in the FCX Clarity, the Insight Concept is designed with a low center of gravity and a generous five-passenger cabin, offering the kind of driving pleasure and roomy interior that customers have come to expect from Honda. While the Insight Concept's aerodynamic design clearly identifies its fuel efficient purpose, its five-door access and folding rear seats speak to functionality that is designed to meet the needs of customers with an active lifestyle. The Insight Concept is a small, fuel efficient hybrid car that delivers big style and functionality with a healthy dose of fun.

Honda achieved a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components which should make Insight the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. The production Insight will be offered as a five-door, five-passenger hatchback. Numerous technologies, including a function to assist customers in achieving more fuel efficient driving habits, will be applied to achieve a further improvement in real world fuel efficiency. With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan.

The Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 in North America. Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. All together, Honda's global sales of hybrids should increase to approximately 500,000 units a year, or more than 10 percent of its total worldwide annual automobile sales.

The original Honda Insight was introduced in December 1999 as America's first gas-electric hybrid car. The first vehicle to break the 70-mpg fuel economy barrier, Insight was designed from the ground up to demonstrate the ultimate potential for fuel-economy in a two-seater subcompact automobile.

A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda introduced the first low-emission gasoline vehicles; America's first gas-electric hybrid car and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX. In 2007, Honda was named "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.

[Source: Honda]

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Posted By: charles - Category: Japanese cars, Wallpapers, Honda, Hybrids

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Nissan Hybrid Electric Vehicle

August 11th 2008 04:25

Japanese car maker Nissan is well and truly on its way to launching their first production hybrid car with the recent unveiling of their lithium-ion battery powered all-electric and original hybrid electric prototype vehicles developed under the NISSAN GT 2012 business plan - 2012 being the target year for the availability of these vehicles on a global scale

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Posted By: charles - Category: Japanese cars, Pictures, Nissan, Hybrids

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Record sales for Lexus hybrid luxury vehicles

June 13th 2008 00:15

With Toyota Australia's announcement that a locally built Camry Hybrid will emerge in 2010, the Japanese car giant's luxury arm Lexus have reported record sales levels for its luxury hybrid models

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Posted By: charles - Category: Japanese cars, Pictures, Lexus, Hybrids

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Toyota Prius 'Peace of Mind' package

June 3rd 2008 00:15

With petrol prices tipped to reach the $2/litre mark by the end of the year, those that already think the current $1.60/litre prices are eye-watering will need to think again - or switch to hybrid cars

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Posted By: charles - Category: Japanese cars, Pictures, Toyota, Hybrids

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