If you have wanted to enter the field of luxury cars, but haven’t purchased one yet because you’ve been waiting for a ‘green’ car, then here is what you’ve been waiting for: the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
When people think of American luxury cars, there is Cadillac and there is Lincoln. Lincoln has a long reputation in the field of luxury cars. It makes sense that they would get around to offering an entry-level, luxury hybrid sedan.
Great Gas Mileage
The Lincoln MKZ hybrid is based on the Fusion hybrid from Ford, but it has a distinctive look and personality of its own. The large front grill announces that something special is right behind it. This car is more than eye candy however, and gets 41 miles per gallon in the city and an estimated 36 on the highway. Other than plug-in types of hybrids, the MKZ gets the best gas mileage to comparable hybrids of its type.
The great gas mileage can mean significant savings. For example, a person driving the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid who travels 1,000 each month can save about $1000 per year (at around $4.37 per gallong) when compared to the same gas-powered only luxury sedan in the same class. And, J.D. Power and Associates ranked the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and the gas-only MKX among the top three in their class for durability.
The Power Plant
The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is powered by a 2.5 liter Duratec Atkinson-Cycle inline-4 Hybrid engine with 16 valves, and an electric motor that is powered by a nickel-hydride battery. The combination offers 191 horsepower. The MKZ also offers power steering, front-mounted rack-and-pinion steering. Sitting on great 17-inch, machined aluminum wheels with 9-spokes and painted pockets, the MKX also offers power disc brakes on all four-wheels with an anti-lock braking system and electronic distribution of brake force and regenerative braking. You’ll also find a rear electronic parking aid with ultrasonic sensors and rear window defogger.
Amenities
On the inside, you’ll find yourself in the lap of luxury. The cockpit includes wood accents and seats five adults with a roomy 37.8 inches of headroom, 42.3 inches of legroom in the front, and 42.3 inches in the back. The front bucket seats recline, have leather seating surfaces and are heated and cooled, which compliments the automatic zone climate control in the front. Other amenities include AM/FM radio, 6-disc CD changer, 9 speakers, an MP3 player and six months of Sirius Satellite radio.
Other standard features of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid includes luxurious power windows, power door locks, 2 power outlet in the front, delayed power retention (for putting up windows after the ignition is turned off), tilt-steering, trip computer, cup holders, reading/map light, lighted vanity mirror, a remote tailgate release, and heated side mirrors. With awesome features of Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, everyone is going to love the luxury car.
March 2, 2012
Many people are not sure what the difference is between a hybrid car and an electric car. The confusion is understandable, since both types use electricity to propel the vehicle. A hybrid vehicle, however, uses a small conventional engine plus an electric engine. An electric car has only an electric engine and needs to be charged through an electrical outlet. There are also other kinds of ‘green’ cars as well. There are solar and natural gas powered vehicles, although they have not become as widespread as hybrid vehicles. Currently the most popular hybrid cars are the Honda Civic, Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius.
If you have been thinking of buying a hybrid vehicle, here are some points that you might want to check into and not believe everything you’ve heard about this kind of vehicle.
1. Hybrid batteries will freeze easier at low temperatures.
Actually, the opposite is true. The nickel-hydride batteries in most hybrid cars are more resistant to cold and work better than the average car battery at low temperatures.
2. When driving a hybrid car in reverse, the gas engine does not work.
When moving in reverse, the electric motor is what is doing the work.
3. Hybrid cars get astronomically high gas mileage.
Although hybrid cars do get better gas mileage than autos with conventional engines, it depends on how you drive, too. Hybrids get better mileage when driving short distances, around town for instance. Mileage drops when you hit the freeway. Most hybrids boast around 40 miles per gallon but your mileage will probably be somewhere below that since we all don’t drive under controlled situations, like the EPA does.
4. Hybrid car batteries don’t last very long and have to be replaced.
Hybrid batteries do eventually have to be replaced, just as a conventional battery does. The majority of hybrid cars come with an 8-year warranty, or 100,000 miles from the manufacturer. Hybrid cars in California are required to cover 10 years or 150,000. Driving an average of 10,000 miles a year, that’s doing to be 10 years. Most people don’t keep their car that long.
5. Hybrids have to be plugged in and charged overnight.
As mentioned earlier, only fully electric cars need to be charged. The battery of a hybrid is charged by the action of the brakes. It’s known as regenerative braking. Each time the brake peddle is pressed it charges the car’s nickel-hydride battery.
6. Hybrids are ‘gutless’ and have no horsepower.
While this may have been the case in earlier models, technology has greatly improved performance in hybrid cars. Horsepower runs from 440 to 98 horsepower. While they may not win any speed races, when you want to merge onto the highway or pass a truck, the power will be there when you want it, even with ‘only’ 98-horsepower.
March 2, 2012
For those who are looking for an eco-friendly vehicle this year, there are some great cars on the market. The benefits of these cars are astounding, and you’ll feel better for being one of the people responsible for changing the way the world works today. Read the following information to find the right eco-friendly ride for you.
Honda Civic Natural Gas: This is named the 2012 Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal of 2012. It has a short wheelbase, which leads to increased low-end torque so it is very fun to drive. It remains smooth at highway speeds, and with this car, you are eligible for using it in the HOV lane in may states. Also, it is a very low-cost vehicle as you only have to buy natural gas for it.
Nissan Leaf: According to halogenTV.com, this car has a top speed of 90 mph and a good amount of torque. It is said to have solid braking. This makes it a good choice for metro-bound consumers, as well as eco-friendly drivers.
Ford Focus Electric: This is Ford’s first all-electric passenger car. It has a top speed of 84 mph, but has limited range. To combat this, you can get a MyFord Mobile navigation app that allows the owner to remotely locate charging stations, preheat or cool the car, and start and stop the car.
VW Passat TDI: This is a clean diesel-powered vehicle. It is great for the highway driver because it handles road irregularities well and is very smooth and quiet. It doesn’t drive as well in the city because it doesn’t handle as well as other cars, but the brake system is very responsive. It has great fuel economy and only an 18.5 gallon tank.
Mitsubishi i: This car feels more stable than most small cars when cornering. The car tops out at 81 mph and has a range of 75 miles on a full charge. This car is said to be a very in-town efficient vehicle, and it has a very distinctive style.
Toyota Prius V: This car feels very safe and handles well. It has three distinct driving modes, or power modes, for regular driving, passing situations, and hill climbing. It is also much roomier than past models.
Lexus CT 200h: The Lexus CT is has a design similar to the Prius. However, its key feature is its Sports mode, which allows you to drive at good speeds, and adds sharpened steering and full throttle to your ride. Driving it in sport mode cuts down on its fuel efficiency, however.
Chevrolet Volt: When driving this car in all-electric mode, the ride is quiet and smooth. It is stable, solid, and has a five-star safety rating. The car has a 300-mile long range, but of course this means it costs more too.
Honda Insight EX with Navigation: Hondas have had a good overhaul this year, which makes it a good time to buy. This model is getting a lot of attention for its improved navigation system. It is also quiet in spite of having a 98-horespower engine.
Ford Fusion Hybrid: This car easily transitions between gas and electric power. If you keep the car on electric mode, you can go 47 mpg. It has also has 700-mile range. It has also been reviewed as being incredibly smooth.
February 29, 2012
The following cars were ranked as this year’s best hybrid cars by U.S. News. They were selected from hybrid cars and sedans that were generally priced between $20,000 and $30,000. Their rank is a result of in-depth analysis of all published ratings, reviews, and test drive information. The seven best on the list are as follows:
7. 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid has decent ratings on the fuel economy it provides, although it has been criticized for looking too “bland” both inside and out. It also is losing out because it generally ‘doesn’t feel as refined’ as the cars offered by competitors.
6. 2012 Toyota Prius V
Buyers looking for great fuel economy should look closely at this hybrid. It is basically a more “family oriented” form of the 2012 Toyota Prius. It has more cargo space and backseat legroom, child-safety features, and seats five.
5. 2012 Toyota Prius
This year’s Toyota Prius is the fastest and best-handling car this year. Its excellent fuel economy ratings have also made it one of the hottest cars on the market right now. This year it has had quite a few revisions to its exterior and has more standard equipment. Its new multimedia system is also winning it some attention.
4. 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry Hybrid of 2012 has had a total overhaul, which now makes it one of the best midsize hybrid cars on the market. This car is said to have beaten the #1 on our list, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, in both efficiency and drivability.
3. 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
This model of car is highly ranked thanks to its good fuel economy and smooth transmission. It also has a long list of standard features. One of the best benefits is that the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is that it comes with a lifetime battery warranty.
2. 2012 Chevrolet Volt
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt is has been chosen as one of the most impressive cars on the market because of its excellent fuel economy. This may be the best car to choose if you live in California. Residents in the state can drive solo in the state’s high-occupancy vehicle lanes with this car because of its low emission features, and the residents can also qualify for a $1,500 dollar rebate for this year’s model.
1. 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid
This car was given the rank of “2012 Best Hybrid Car for the Money” and “2012 Best Hybrid Car for Families.” According to TheCarConnection.com, the transitions between electric and gas power are very smooth, and it is possible to coax almost 700 miles out of one tank of gas in this car.
February 29, 2012
The CAFE regulations are used in America to set the fuel efficiency and pollution standards that automakers must meet. By 2025, most cars will have to meet an average mpg of 54.5. The regulations are not so intense for trucks, but automakers must improve their performance as well. Most automakers believe that hybrid technology is the true path to fuel efficiency, so it only makes sense for Toyota to move into the hybrid truck market.
Toyota is working with Ford Motors to produce the technology needed for a hybrid pickup truck. The head of Toyota’s global research and development, Takeshi Uchiyamada, told reporters recently that the two firms hope to finish the hybrid pickup system by the end of 2012. It may appear in mass production as early as the 2014 model if final development goes smoothly. The current plan is for Toyota to release its version first, then Ford will follow later in the same model year. Currently, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 both offer a hybrid option.
A hybrid Toyota Tundra is a great answer to detractors who believe that hybrid cars Toyota Prius are small and underpowered; not meant for use as tough everyday work vehicles.
February 27, 2012
Whether it is a Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, or Honda Civic, your hybrid needs regular maintenance to perform as expected and last throughout the life of your loan. There are several items that you can take care of yourself and avoid a cumbersome repair bill.
The first place to start is to know what needs regular maintenance. Try looking at a repair and maintenance manual from Bentley Publishers. These manuals include step-by-step directions, real-world practical repair and maintenance procedures, along with full color technical training. Why not take the mystery out of maintenance?
One oft overlooked part is the air filter. Nothing robs fuel efficiency like a dirty air filter. K & N filters offer racing quality equipment for improved air flow. The higher airflow rate can actually boost fuel efficiency by a small percentage. These filters are also reusable. Less waste and high quality in one product.
That takes us to the spark plugs. Pulse spark plugs have been road and lab tested to demonstrate their ability to improve fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide output by a quarter ton per year. Enough said.
With regular maintenance, it is not unreasonable to expect your hybrid to last for at least 200,000 miles. The last place you can afford to save money is in your car’s maintenance.
December 31, 2011
2012 Toyota Prius V
Toyota listened to customer feedback and built a larger Prius. The 2012 Toyota Prius V adds room in the passenger cabin as well as the cargo area, while offering the same performance as the hybrid that you have all come to love. Just like the previous incarnations of the Toyota Prius, the ride, handling, and fuel efficiency of your Prius V can be improved with a few after market modifications.
All three: ride, handling, and fuel efficiency; can be addressed by adding sway bars to your 2012 Toyota Prius V. Front and rear sway bars are made of high carbon content steel for rigidity and longevity, then powder coated for additional weatherization. These bars add rigidity to the chassis, which reduces chassis flex and reduces body lean during turns and lane changes. The reductions in sway and chassis flex allow you to have better steering wheel response and traction. When the car is able to hold the road more easily, the engine does not work as hard, thus saving fuel.
Adding a set of front and rear sway bars to your 2012 Toyota Prius V will not boost fuel efficiency over 60 mpg or make your car handle like a Ferrari, but will give you a crisper response and could realistically add 1-2 mpg.
December 20, 2011
Concept of 300 hp Toyota Prius
When was the last time anyone promoted the
Toyota Prius as anything other than an Earth friendly gas miser? Can’t remember? That’s because it has never happened before. The whole world is abuzz with the news that Toyota will be entering the SuperGT GT300 series with a Prius based race car instead of using the more logical GT 86 platform.
The planned 300 horsepower Prius will replace the current Toyota Corolla Axio that is running in the GT300 series. Toyota is expected to make its formal announcement in January of 2012. As of now, there have been no details released about the powerplant and drivetrain. Given that the stock Prius is known for its less than blazing 98 horsepower engine, it is easy to understand how extensive the makeover is going to have to be.
The Toyota Prius will not be the only hybrid vehicle running in the GT300 class. Honda announced its intention to field a CR-Z Sports Hybrid. 2012 maybe the year that hybrid vehicles stop having a negative connotation when performance junkies talk and race fans begin to show some due respect.
December 8, 2011
2012 Honda Civic
All some people may want for Christmas is their two front teeth, but for Civic enthusiasts nothing less than
Honda Civic parts will do. You have to realize that your family may know you are into your car, but that does not mean that they know what parts to buy you. Why not make a list of the Honda Civic parts that you are most interested in.
You may have to be subtle when you are dropping hints. Leave a catalog of Honda Civic parts open to something like a headlight assembly from Anzo. Don’t feel sheepish about circling it in red ink so whoever looks at gets the idea.
Another clear, but not so subtle, way to get the Honda Civic parts you want is to clearly and concisely mention them while your relatives are in the car with you. Say something like, ”Man, I wish I had those all-weather floor mats to keep the mud and water off my carpets.”
Then there is the hit ‘em over the head approach to getting the Honda Civic parts that you want. Walk up to them, hand them a catalog and say ”I want a hood protector for Christmas.”
You can chuckle as you read this if you want and maybe it sounds a little bit materialistic, but do you want another tie, some aftershave, or, even better, a new sweater?
November 30, 2011
Yeah, it’s just Thanksgiving, but Black Friday is tomorrow and Cyber Monday is around the corner. Both are big shopping days across North America and offer plenty of opportunities for you to control what presents you get for Christmas. A few well placed suggestions and you might get the Prius V accessories you have been wanting without having to spend a dime of your own cash. Here are a few Prius accessories that you can name drop to your relatives.
Let’s start with something simple. Everyone has been annoyed by a glare from the sun on their navigation system. The simplest, and maybe the cheapest, way to eliminate that is to add a NavCap. This is a sun visor for your navigation system. Just clip it on and no more glare.
Are you a smoker that drives a Prius V that does not have an ashtray? It gets a little annoying having to drive around with the window down just to get rid of ashes. Why not hint to a family member that you would really like to have a Prius V ashtray cup? It is exactly what it sounds like. It fits into your cup holder and features a hinged lid to cut down on odor and free flying ash.
Alright, neither of these Prius V accessories is essential to the function of your car, but they are inexpensive gift ideas that make sense to most people. Who doesn’t sympathize with you about the annoying glare on their nav screen and any smoker will understand the need for an ashtray.
November 24, 2011
Next page
Previous page
If you have wanted to enter the field of luxury cars, but haven’t purchased one yet because you’ve been waiting for a ‘green’ car, then here is what you’ve been waiting for: the 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
