Fisker Karma
The Fisker Karma is built around the notion that a car could be produced with sustainable products, achieve high fuel efficiency, and still deliver
power and style. Three years after its concept debut, the Karma is on the verge of delivering on every front.
Building with as many sustainable components as possible is a main goal of Fisker. To achieve that goal the Karma uses zero fuel for the first 50 miles of every trip and all of the interior trim is made of sustainable materials and eco-friendly composites. The roof is a series of solar cells, the body is aluminum, and the bumpers are plastic. All recyclable materials.
Enough about the sustainability of the Fisker Karma. How does it perform? It is powered by a 260-hp GM four popper that powers the generator. Like a Nissan Leaf, the Karma only uses electric power all the time. The gasoline engine only serves to power the generator. The generator in turn supplies power to twin AC motors that saddle the rear axle, delivering 402 horsepower to the differential. If you turn on the ”sport” mode, the gasoline engine engages along with the battery power and you can run a smooth 0-60 in 5.9 seconds. Unfortunately, the Karma is build for fuel efficiency over top speed, so the initial burst is not sustained.
The Fisker Karma is designed to obtain in the 90+ mpg area in full electric mode and 38 average mpg with the gasoline engine running. No definite numbers have been released by the EPA yet. The initial run of the Karma will be limited and each car will cost $100,000. There are already 3,000 pre-orders for the Karma. Fisker is planning a second model, the Nina, which will be more affordable and designed to reach a wider buying market. Still, the Fisker Karma stands as an important milestone in the green car industry.
October 5, 2011
2012 Toyota Prius C concept
Way back, oh, about 10-12 years ago, a new concept was released. The Toyota Prius offered the best in class fuel efficiency that many Americans could not live without. Over the ensuing years the Prius remained true to its original concept, improving on fuel efficiency and adding a few comforts here and there. The
2012 Toyota Prius has been revamped and a few siblings have been added to the family.
2012 Toyota Prius V
The Prius V is a wagon version of the Prius. It is 6 inches longer and three inches taller than a Prius hatchback. It also has a longer wheelbase, which seems to improve the comfort of the ride. This version offers 44 city/40 hwy mpg. The downside could be its higher MSRP, but you will regain most of that difference at the pump.
2012 Toyota Prius PHV
The PHV stands for plug-in hybrid vehicle. Toyota is the logical company to merge plug-in technology with a hybrid car. The PHV is capable of driving 13 miles without use of the gas engine, unless you hit the pedal too hard. According to official reports from Toyota, the PHV lacks the acceleration of the other Prius models. It has a 0-60 of 11.3 seconds compared to 9.8 for other versions.
2012 Toyota Prius C
The Prius C is aimed directly at crowded urban markets. It is scheduled for launch in the spring of 2012. It is smaller than a standard Prius by 20 inches, but offers greater fuel efficiency and a lower price tag. Toyota is being close-lipped about the exact numbers on mpg, but estimates the Prius C will come in around $19,500.
The 2012 Toyota Prius is a whole lot more than your mother’s Prius was ever intended to be. Toyota has added safety features as well as creature comforts. This may be the end of the image that a fuel efficient car is cheaply appointed.
September 29, 2011
2012 Toyota Camry
The Toyota Motor Corporation quietly replaced its slow selling Corona with the Camry in 1983. Offering front wheel drive, a small 4 cylinder engine, and very little else, the Camry has gone on to become one of the top selling cars around the globe. In the process, Camry has helped Toyota cement its position as a top automaker internationally.
The 2012 Toyota Camry marks the seventh generation of a car that has been the top seller in America 13 out of the last 14 years. The Hybrid Synergy powertrain in the new Camry offers 200 horsepower while delivering 41 combined mpg. Add those numbers to the stylish exterior and the comfortable interior and you may wonder how to make your Camry stand out from the rest. Here are a few tips to do just that.
Chrome and more chrome. A chrome billet grille, chrome mirror covers, and chrome door handle covers. The norm is to blend every aspect of the car by using a single color. Chrome gives an eye-catching contrast that will make your car standout wherever you go.
Under the hood, you can add TRD race ready parts. Radiator caps, oil caps, and oil filters from TRD can give your engine compartment the beefed up look that you want.
The Toyota Camry has come a long way from its 1983 origins. It has evolved from an underpowered subcompact into a well appointed ride with the hybrid availability that acknowledges the future.
September 21, 2011
2011 Lexus CT 200h
Historically, hybrids have had several strengths. Fuel economy is tops on the list. The
2011 Lexus CT 200h adds engaging handling and an affordable MSRP. The 200h is related to the HS 250h and shares a powertrain with the Toyota Prius. That is where the similarities end. The 200h is designed specifically for better handling than either model by giving it a lower stance and special suspension components. The CT is also upgraded with drive modes. In Sport mode throttle and steering are modified for quicker response. Once you own a CT 200h, you may want to make it your own. Here are a few ways to do just that.
Unfortunately, the 2011 Lexus CT 200h comes with a standard antennae that does nothing to add to the aesthetics of the car. Your best bet to improve that, is to add a shark fin antennae. There is very little work to be done. The shark fin will screw into the original equipment base and, then covers it.
Another unfortunate aspect of owning a premium hybrid is that they are on the top of the governments list of the most stolen cars. You can protect your 2011 Lexus CT 200h by adding wheel locks. At least if someone takes your car, you can keep them from getting all of the parts that they want.
Edmunds.com says that the 2011 Lexus CT 200h offers ”a driving experience that’s sharper and more enjoyable than you’ll find in most other hybrids.” All you need to do is personalize yours to make it stand out even more.
September 15, 2011
2011 Hyundai Sonata
The
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is manufactured with an aggressive stance and stylish interior. Despite, or perhaps because of, this many Sonata hybrid owners want to personalize their car to help it further capture the imagination of their passengers. There are plenty of products to buy to do that. Here are three that put function in front of frivolity.
The rear bumper of your Sonata hybrid is one of the first areas to show wear from loading and unloading luggage, groceries, and whatever else you carry around. Putting a rear bumper protector on your car will keep the paint in showroom condition.
Murphy’s Law says that some time in the first month you own your car, someone will scratch your Sonata hybrid with a grocery cart or the door of their car. You can prevent that by adding body side moldings.
The third way to personalize your Sonata hybrid is to add a Hyundai first aid kit. The kit includes everything you might need in an emergency and fits into a durable case emblazoned with the Hyundai logo.
Personalizing your Hyundai Sonata hybrid should be practical before it becomes about added style. After all, why gild the lily if it isn’t necessary.
September 10, 2011
2010 Honda Insight
When you think about
Honda hybrid parts, the first thing that might come to mind are performance parts. While there is nothing wrong with improving the performance of your car, you may want to think about protecting it from everyday wear and tear, as well.
The two most essential Honda hybrid parts to use to protect your car’s interior are all weather floor mats and cargo liners. Nothing eats away at your carpet like mud and road salt. That’s not to mention what standing water can do to the floorpan area. Also, many Honda models do not come with exterior trim along the doors. Body side moldings can protect your Honda from grocery carts and carelessly opened doors.
Alright, let’s skip past the practical and into the Honda hybrid parts that will help your car perform better. Why not start by lowering your car, then adding a carbon fiber hood for weight reduction. You can always put a hood scoop on top of the new hood to finish the look.
When you are in the market for Honda hybrid parts, shop around. Look for the parts that are custom fit for your model and come with a guarantee. Buy smart and you will save.
September 2, 2011
Lexus RX450h
The Lexus RX450h hybrid is a comfortably appointed vehicle. It is hard to imagine that you can improve on your car, but it can be done both quickly and inexpensively. There are a wide variety of
Lexus RX450h hybrid accessories on the market, but these three will add style, while improving the value or performance of your car.
Topping the list of must have Lexus RX450h hybrid accessories are body side moldings. Whether you prefer the painted moldings or the chrome insert variety, they will protect your hybrid from many of those incidental dings that can make your car look like a heap.
Still concentrating on the exterior condition of your car, next on the list of Lexus RX450h hybrid accessories is a custom fit car cover. Just because you do not have a garage does not mean that you can not protect your paint job and keep your windshield free from dirt, mud, or snow.
Your 450h hybrid is already getting above average gas mileage. Why not boost that from above average to great. A K&N Performance air filter offers superior filtration and airflow. These filters can add 4 ponies to your performance while offering an additional 2-3 mpg. The boys driving Indy cars use them, why wouldn’t you?
These three Lexus 450h hybrid accessories will add style, value and performance to your car. Adding all three will cost you less than $550 total and they will pay for themselves in retained value.
August 24, 2011
Shark fin antenna
On a lot of the newer Japanese models, especially hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight, one of the first things that catches your eye is the outlandishly long antenna. It is intended to give a more European look to the cars, but fails to interest most American buyers. The best way to fix the antenna debacle is to install a shark fin antenna.
You do not need mechanical aptitude or a large assortment of tools to install a shark fin antenna. Your old antenna should screw right off as one piece. The most important thing to remember is to use 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner/3M Prep Solvent 70 or Dawn liquid dish soap to remove all of the wax from the area where you are going to install the shark fin. If you leave wax, the antenna will come loose in a matter of days. Once the area is clean, all you have to do is align your new fin correctly and stick it to your car with the adhesive gasket provided.
People think of modifying their cars all the time. Replacing the horse whip antenna with a shark fin antenna should be part of any modification process to complete the new, sleeker stance of your car.
August 20, 2011
No one wants to think about the coming snow and wintery weather. Despite your hesitation to think of the chilly weather, now is the best time to install a Toyota remote engine start.
The logic behind installing now is simple, it’s warm out. Really, who wants to install a new accessory or do repairs in the cold? It is not even particularly fun in a heated garage. A Toyota remote engine start makes sense for summer use if you leave your air conditioner running. Imagine getting into a comfortable car year round.
Installing a Toyota remote engine start during the warm weather is purely a comfort measure. Sure, you can put one in anytime and it only takes a matter of minutes, but why not do it when you can be the most comfortable?
August 11, 2011
A nicely lowered CR-Z hybrid
Improving the performance of a
Honda CR-Z hybrid can mean different things to different people. Some want better gas mileage through engine upgrades and handling, while others want to improve cornering and their speed in the slalom and short track. Here are ways to do both.
Let’s start with improving the handling of a CR-Z hybrid. It is mostly about chassis bracing to give your car a more controlled sway during turns and lane changes. You can add strut tower braces in the front and rear of your car. These connect, well, to the struts. An additional upgrade can be a lower arm brace. Both prevent chassis flexing and force sway action into the springs and struts to be effectively dealt with.
Fuel efficiency, handling, and speed can all be upgraded with a few other CR-Z hybrid body modifications. How about coil overs or lowering springs to start. Both offer a shorter stroke and effective lowering, which improve aerodynamic drag. Next, you could look at front and rear spoilers for additional wind diversion. Oh, yeah, when your going faster and cornering harder, you will need upgraded brakes.
Juicing your Honda CR-Z hybrid does not have to cost thousands of dollars. You can start with small, inexpensive upgrades before moving into the engine and weight reduction aspects.
August 3, 2011
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