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Archive for December 5th, 2009
When did Toyota pull the plug on plug-in hybrids?
Author: adminDecember 5, 2009
Toyota the plug-in naysayer?During a period of more than 3 years Toyota tested about 150 lithium-powered plug-in Prius hybrids – a fleet still larger than GM’s current Chevy Volt fleet – logging more than 1 million real world miles in almost every type of driving condition imaginable. The lithium batteries used proved safe and reliable, but still cost-ineffective.
Next month, Toyota will produce another 350 plug-in hybrids, followed by another 150 early next year, for further testing. This time however, the goal isn’t based on safety and reliability. Instead, Toyota’s new goal is to provide the most cost-effective plug-in hybrid package based on real world driving needs and conditions.
Over the last few years Toyota has claimed that they would produce plug-in hybrids as soon as the technology was ready, and for Toyota ‘ready’ means cost-effective in addition to safe and reliable. Coincidentally, Toyota knows a little something about the cost-effectiveness of new technologies.
Today, about 70 – 80 percent of new car customers are interested in purchasing hybrid cars, a segment dominated by Toyota. With such high interest, why is market share still only about 3 percent? According to consumer surveys it all boils down to costs, and consumer surveys on plug-in hybrids tell a similar story.
So, why is Toyota bashed for stating the obvious?
Finish: When did Toyota pull the plug on plug-in hybrids?
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December 5, 2009
Discover what independent front suspension actually means. Mechanic explains how to diagnose steering knuckle, control arm, and ball joint problems.
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Audi A1: Rendered preview
Author: adminDecember 5, 2009
Nice rendered preview here of the Audi A1. Enjoy!
The new word is that the A1 is aiming to deliver a "MINI-like" experience, which, as expected, puts the A1 plainly in competition with BMW’s small offering. Accordingly, that means pricing and performance targets will aim squarely at the MINI as well, which could further explain the rumored choice to eschew available quattro all-wheel drive.
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Audi A8: Q&A with Audi’s head Rupert Stadler
Author: adminDecember 5, 2009
Very interesting Q&A here with Audi’s head Rupert Stadler about the new Audi A8.
What about a four cylinder A8?
Why not? But this is not a question for engineers, it’s a question for the customer. I’ve driven a four-cylinder A8, so it’s possible, but customers are also asking for a 12-cylinder version. In the current A8 we made a 199 g/km version, but it hasn’t been attractive to customers.
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Audi R8: V10 vs. V8
Author: adminDecember 5, 2009
Nice comparison here of the Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro against the Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro.
There was lots of automotive eye candy to behold at the recently-held 2009 International Auto Show in San Francisco, but one particular car definitely caught an extended gaze of my eye. My vision honed in a shiny white and black sports car, sitting in a "hands off" section of the showroom floor. To my
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VW up! Lite: Official pictures
Author: adminDecember 5, 2009
Here are some official pictures of the VW up! Lite.
The Up Lite! is openly based on many of the production parts of the forthcoming 2011 Up range, dubbed New Small Family. Originally, the Up had been engineered to be rear-engined and rear-drive, but the matrix has swapped to a more conventional front-engine, front-drive layout.
This particular Up is also the biggest one yet: at 3840mm long,
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VW New Beetle: New model coming 2011, carrying new name
Author: adminDecember 5, 2009
VW will introduce a new VW New Beetle by 2011.
Volkswagen of America CEO Stefan Jacoby announced at the L.A. auto show that we can expect a replacement for the New Beetle to arrive in 18 months. Yes, that means the current model is finally on its way out—a 2010 Final Edition series limited to 1500 coupes and 1500 convertibles (shown above) will mark the end of the run. However, Jacoby added that
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Porsche Cayenne: Next generation barely disguised
Author: adminDecember 5, 2009
We found new spy shots showing a barely disguised next-generation Porsche Cayenne.
Prototypes for Porsche’s next-generation Cayenne have been spotted testing in Germany on several occasions, revealing crucial details for the new SUV which is expected to go on sale by May 2010. First and foremost, we know the next Cayenne will be smaller than the current model although it will still share a
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Porsche Boxster Spyder: Sunday Morning Drive video
Author: adminDecember 5, 2009
Great driving video here with the Porsche Boxster Spyder called "Sunday Morning Drive". Make sure to watch!
Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Porsche Boxster Spyder
Source: The German Car TV
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Bentley Continental Supersports: How can a car that weighs so much go so fast so quickly?
Author: adminDecember 5, 2009
Nice review here of the Bentley Continental Supersports.
This is the first modern Bentley I’ve ever been excited about. Part of the appeal of the Supersports we’re testing lies in the fact that virtually everything on the car is black, that the seats feature manual adjustments, and that the materials covering every inch of the interior are as soft and luxurious as it gets. The rest of the
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