March 21, 2009

Toyota Prius Hybrid


Toyota Prius Hybrid

Exclusive summary about Prius Hybrid by Thomas Jones

Any consumer looking to purchase a hybrid vehicle knows the name Toyota Prius Hybrid, and knows that it is the foremost and oldest hybrid vehicle on the market. This particular hybrid was the first released to the public in 1997, and has remained one of the more distinctive, well-known hybrids.

An initial look at the Prius shows the car's unique upright headlights, the interestingly functional and trendy bonnet and bumpers, showing just how unique the vehicle is. The very history of the Toyota Prius is quite interesting. It wouldn't be until December of 1997 that the Prius Hybrid was ready for production, and the vehicle premiered to a market that was desperately seeking an eco-friendly car.

In Japan, the Toyota Prius took off as an immediate hit, and that prompted the company to decide that marketing the hybrid in offshore markets would be much more profitable, as countries, especially the U.S., were looking for eco-friendly vehicles. Technically using a marketing perspective, the car was a financial success, as well as leading the way for other hybrid vehicles.

With a 1.5-liter engine, the Prius uses both the engine and battery pack under the very seats of the car to create an eco-friendly, fuel-efficient vehicle. Before you start getting too excited about the Prius's features, though, understand that this car is not a vehicle built for speed.

The Prius is able to hit its top speed at around 106 mph, and in accelerating, the vehicle takes 10.9 seconds to hit 62 mph. The car clings to the road very well, but there is nothing of specific notability about the handling or speed in the car.

While at lower speeds, the vehicle runs smoothly, while quickly, utilizing the electric motors to generate enough power. Finally, the Prius is a very light vehicle. The hybrid has a gasoline tank made of resin, and instead of the heavy steel used in conventional vehicles, aluminium is used to maintain a lightweight vehicle.

Fuel-Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness

The Toyota Prius hybrid was developed specifically to be an eco-friendly vehicle, and with so much time to perfect the design, don't be surprised that this particular vehicle can boast to be one of the best vehicles in low consumption of gasoline.

Initially, there was concern that the batteries of the Prius hybrid would be an environmental concern, which prompted Toyota to begin a program where in they recycle the old batteries.

Other Features:

1. The EV mode can allow 1.25 miles while at a speed of 30 mph.

2. There is an electric-inverter compressor that has been built into the system and allows the AC to run completely independent of the engine, on top of reducing the amount of gas you use.

3. There actually is an electronic brain in the core of the vehicle that is used to coordinate all of the systems in the vehicle, which increases the reliability of the vehicle while you're driving.

4. Once again, the car keeps getting smarter and smarter, as now the newer version of the hybrid uses a voice recognition system that can control your GPS, air conditioning and audio system.

5. The airbags are located on the driver, passenger, front side and curtain of the car, and the stability control in the vehicle keeps the balance steady.

6. The Toyota Prius is sold at around $21,000 to $27,000, which is around the same price range internationally for hybrids, if not cheaper.

March 16, 2009

Ford Escape Hybrid


Ford Escape Hybrid

Exclusive summary about Ford Escape Hybrid by Thomas Jones

The Escape SUV Hybrid is Ford's only hybrid, but truly one of its kind. The Escape Hybrid comes in 4-wheel drive, or full-wheel drive models. It really is a family style hybrid.

You can always have add-ons to the Escape Hybrid through the optional Premium Packages. The 4-wheel drive and Full-wheel drive models differ in highway and city miles per gallons ratings, however.

The Full-wheel drive Hybrid has a fuel economy rating of 34 miles/gallon in the city, and only 30 miles/gallon on the highway. Ford has just one hybrid on the market, but the company might include pick-up trucks and other vehicles in their hybrid.

We hear there may be hybrid compact cars and sedans soon in their hybrid Expedition models. So if you are searching for a hybrid car or SUV, make sure you do not let the Ford Escape hybrid pass you by.

In terms of performance the Ford Escape Hybrid, equipped with an electric motor that pushes out 94hp and an I-4 fuel engine that produces 133hp results in a very powerful vehicle. Considering that Ford's preference of engines in its Escape all-fuel models is the usual V6 motor which outputs 200hp the Ford Escape Hybrid can be relatively compared.

Environmental Impacts and Fuel Mileage

With the Ford Escape Hybrid as the most cost-efficient SUV boasted by Ford Motor, it would raise phenomenal interest from car buyers particular when keeping in mind the soaring prices of fuel. The idea Ford Motor introduced is a step ahead, proving that even for a car of its magnitude the Ford Escape Hybrid is an economic and dynamic vehicle.

Other Features

The battery pack supplied with every Ford Escape Hybrid weighs around 50kg.

The Ford Escape Hybrid acquired a four out of five star rating in the NHTSA crash test on front-side impact. Car buyers may review the warranties provided before purchasing to note that the Ford Escape Hybrid includes 3-year bumper-to-bumper coverage. Being one of Ford's bestsellers, the Ford Escape Hybrid had been hugely produced in 2004 as opposed to originally-proposed figures.