Honda has just recently achieved a new milestone. In 1999, the brand jumped on the hybrid-electric bandwagon and after 12 years of selling hybrids, Honda surpassed the 800,000 sales mark for total worldwide sales.

The first ever hybrid sold by the brand was the Insight, which was first launched in the Japanese domestic market. Since then, they introduced a series of other hybrid automobiles with just as much success. Though Toyota still leads with a total of 1 million Prii’ after last April.

When the original Insight was released, it delivered a very impressive 82.3 mpg, which Honda claims was the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered model of its time.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CarScoop

After egmCarTech’s trip to the 2012 North American International Show, we walked away with a little bit of an epiphany. But before I get to that, we were expecting there to be a huge influx of new cars with alternative powertrains. In other words, I personally was expecting every make to be pitching their push forward towards electric and hybrid powertrains.

But to my surprise, there weren’t. And that raised some questions. Ever since Chevrolet introduced the Volt and Nissan brought about the LEAF, I thought I’d be confronted with a great number of concepts with brands bragging about how EVs are the future and how everyone was jumping on the bandwagon. But some countering examples include Mazda, who just unveiled the CX-5 crossover, which is said to get up to 35 mpg on the highway. Then Ford’s stand was heavily pitching their EcoBoost lineup, both of which were suggesting that greater fuel economy is still better achieved by gas engines instead of alternative powertrains. Does this mean that the electric car craze was short lived? And apparently, we’re not the only ones wondering where electric cars are going now that they’ve been on the playing field for almost a year. Some journalists think that the electric car craze is “fading into the background.” Analyzing the current situation is one of egmCarTech’s latest additions, Sawyer Sutton, with his piece of mind.

Check out his two cents after the jump. And of course, we here at egmCarTech encourage our readers to engage in discussions and debates in the comment section below. So, without further adieu…

With expected sales of the Nissan Leaf to approach the tens of thousands in the coming years and direct injection gasoline engines, I cannot help but jump into the EV versus gas brouhaha. As we’ve seen at the Detroit and LA Auto shows, many gas powered cars are impinging on economy formerly reserved for hybrids. Naturally some journalists are lauding the success of gas engines (a well-established method) over electrics (a perceived novelty). It isn’t that simple.

First, the argument that gas engines trump hybrids and electrics from an economic standpoint is a bit provincial in nature: the rest of the world knows about diesel engines, which are far and away much more efficient than gas engines. Diesels are comparable if not more efficient than most hybrids. There is an issue with this though that I will get to soon. The closest we as Americans have come to a small, efficient diesel commuter car is the original Honda Insight Hybrid (70 mpg). Little VW Lupos etc. grow on trees in Europe and get similar results.

Why aren’t they offered here? A), the Lupo is not safe enough to sell in an American world of SUVs, light trucks and semis. B), if we couple the unsafe factor with the artificially high cost of diesel in the US, it’s tricky to see why VW would sell them here. C), this is a bigger issue than the Lupo, or the lot of tiny cars on sale everywhere else: there is not enough diesel in the world to allow the US to switch to diesel.  Pretend you are making a loaf of bread and have poured oil, maple syrup and water into a glass bowl, there are of course three layers according to the different densities. When heated and refined, crude oil behaves the same way: one of the many layers is gasoline, one is diesel, one is kerosene etc. The long and short of it is that the US uses 40% of the world’s gasoline supply, and the oft-quoted 25% of greenhouse gases. There is no capacity for that to switch to diesel, so in an effort to keep fuel prices down, there are transitional solutions like hybrids and EVs to chip away at the expanding demand.

Second, the additional wrench to be thrown into this mess is that China’s quickly emerging car culture/market is heavily gasoline based. Meanwhile finite oil resources are being mined quicker than ever, making companies like BP who make solar panels and gasoline resort to environmentally damaging and frankly expensive technologies like tar sands oil extraction.
I think you might see where this is heading: gasoline engines whether you love them or not have a limited time on this planet whether you live in the US or Uganda.

Third, EVs and hybrids have their own set of perhaps equally damning issues the least of which is not the fact that the car has traveled half a million miles around the world before it is assembled and in the hands of a consumer before it gets thrown away at 250,000 miles. Sure, Americans are much more guilty of treating their cars like disposable cameras than most developed cultures, but the cost/benefit of refilling a hybrid with batteries every 7 years or so is questionable. The added complexity of the hybrid powertrain does add efficiency, but it also means another $3-$5 thousand lump to be replaced like one might replace an engine or transmission. Volvo has a 124 mpg diesel hybrid costing over $70 grand because at this point it’s a marketing experiment. Is this too part of the solution? Maybe if we find a way to make bio diesel from algae (one of the most efficient ways).

Four: Electric cars are powered with essentially laptop batteries (lithium ion), if you have replaced the batteries on your laptop or even your smartphone, it is not cheap. There is a good reason for that and it doesn’t have to do with profits: disposal of batteries is only a little bit more fun than disposing of spent nuclear fuel rods, totally unrenewable and unsustainable. That is their Achilles heel, but if gasoline jumps to $15/ gallon in the future, electric owners aren’t going to be the ones fretting.

Coming back to the original argument of electrics being a novelty; they aren’t, they are here to stay in some form or another. The argument itself is very narrow minded because it covers a small gap in our automotive history. Extracting hydrogen is tricky and while it is not a silver bullet that will save us all, it may play a significant role in the future. Fuel cell hydrogen cars are at some level of course, electric.

So where does that put us? Our lifestyle needs to change significantly. The US fixation on conspicuous gasoline consumption has done no favors to the cost of air travel, something that really needs fossil fuels at this point. Battery powered planes, hydrogen powered planes or nuclear planes, no thanks, it’s just like having a plane with no human pilot. Your Aston Martin that you drive 1,000 miles a year is not killing polar bears in the Arctic, nor is the fetid snowmobiler that pulled right in front of my car as I was driving down the snow covered hill today, it’s our lack of legitimate public transportation and our unwillingness to walk and ride bikes when it is reasonable. I know this makes me sound like I am a bearded vegan socialist from Vermont who enjoys using a fair trade and organic composting toilet only after grazing over crunchy granola and lightly killed soy milk, but the fact of the matter is that my ideal garage would be filled with massive earth moving equipment, old European cars and prewar American cars. I am merely being realistic in terms of our environment and how much it costs to continue our car culture.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

- Introduction by: Chris Chin

Prompt Source: AutoNews

While you may be surprised there are man instances where German and Japanese automakers work together to cut costs, speed up development and of course, please the governments by producing fuel-efficient vehicles. Daimler AG has already linked up with Nissan and now new reports suggest that BMW and Toyota are planning to collaborate on clean engine technologies.

According to a report by J.P. Morgan’s Tokyo office, the partnership between the two will give Toyota access to BMW’s diesel engines, while BMW will get hybrid technologies in return.

“We see this as positive for Toyota in that it could lower costs by boosting production of hybrid systems, enhance research and development efficiency … and boost European sales by expanding Toyota’s diesel-engine lineup,” said J.P. Morgan analyst Kohei Takahashi.

He went on to say, ”We think the company needs to address this not only through technology partnerships, but also in every other conceivable way,” including by transferring more production from Japan to local regions.”

No official word has been given from either automaker.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

The 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist, which starts at $29,960, delivers up to 37 mpg highway fuel-economy. The new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco will also utilize the eAssist system 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection 4-cylinder.

According to sources, GM’s popular crossovers, the Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain, will soon get eAssist technology. When? The eAssist system will be offered on the 2014 Equinox and Terrain and will be the same system used by the LacRosse and Malibu.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: GMI

As I’ve just before, this whole trend and push to make cars more economical has resulted in a decrease in driving fun. But at the same time, it’s inevitable since times are changing. For example, a research poll conducted by Opinion Research Corp. and commissioned by the Consumer Federation of America showed that 62% of Americans support Obama’s mandate requiring manufacturers to meet a 60 mpg standard by 2025. The survey was based on 2,000 Americans with a margin of error of minus-plus two percentage points.

“Rising gas prices nationwide have ratcheted up support for stricter standards and electric and hybrid vehicles,” said Mark Cooper, research director for the Consumer Federation of America, “The average household is expected to spend more than $3,000 on gasoline this year, compared with just under $2,000 in 2009.”

As a result, manufacturers have been resorting to introducing electric vehicles, which is not news to us. But they’re not going to be as prominent as their sales suggest since it’s estimated that electric and hybrid powertrained cars are only expected to make up less than 10% of sales in the US car industry through 2016, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

However, two-thirds of Americans also think that state governments should remain responsible for setting vehicle emissions standards instead of one federal standard.

To me, receiving this kind of information makes me ponder some questions. Is the enthusiast crowd really shrinking to such an extent that manufacturers no longer see a major market in it? Because lets face it, in order for cars to be more economical, they need to sacrifice performance and well, that kills the fun, especially since cars are becoming heavier and bigger. And if a supposed percentage of the population supports the fuel economy mandate, well, it sounds like our kind are slowly falling off the face of the Earth. At the same, 2000 Americans is a minute number compared to the mass population that is able to buy a car. Maybe I’m just stuck with a conservative mindset and don’t want to accept the fact that times are changing.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Detroit News

Toyota said that it expects the U.S. supply of its top-selling Prius model to come back to 70 percent of normal next month following a huge disruption by the March 11 earthquake in Japan.

Click here for more news on the Toyota Prius.

According to Bob Carter, Toyota U.S. unit should get at least 36,000 units of the Prius to sell form June through August. Carter said that the figure could grow if production in Japan rebounds faster.

Carter said that supply in the next three months will be in the “60 percent to 70 percent range. ”It’s much improved,” he said.

Click here for our Toyota Prius review.

Refresher: Power for the 2011 Toyota Prius continues to come from a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine making 98-hp / 105 lb-ft of torque. Total output with hybrid system comes in at 134-hp. That allows for 0-60 mph to come in 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 112 mph. EPA-rated fuel-economy comes in at 51/48 mpg.

Review: 2010 Toyota Prius:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

• Key Competitors: BMW ActiveHybrid 750i, Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, Audi A8 Hybrid.
• Power: 3.0L supercharged V6 engine making 333-hp is coupled with a 47-hp electric-motor.
• Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic S transmission
• 0 to 60 mph: 5.7 seconds.
• Top Speed: 167 mph.
• Fuel-economy: 34.5 mpg combined.
• Price: $95,000.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 750i starts at $102,300; the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid starts at $91,000; Falling in between those two is the new 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid – the brand’s second hybrid offering after the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.

While the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid averages a fuel-economy of 34.5 mpg combined, the hybrid sport-sedan still offers some impressive performance figures that will probably steal customers away from the ActiveHybrid 750i and the S400 Hybrid.

We think Porsche has definitely got a winner here.

Check out the live high-res images from the 2011 New York Auto Show after the jump.

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 New York: Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept

Today at the 2011 New York Auto Show, Lexus unveiled the new LF-Gh Hybrid Concept, a rear-wheel-drive  concept that is powered by a Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain. Speculation has it that the Lexus LF-Gh Concept hints at the next-generation Lexus GS sedan – however, Lexus says that the ‘premium grand touring sedan’ design features that will migrate to future vehicles.

Follow the jump for the live high-res gallery.

Click here for our original post on the Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept.

2011 New York: Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept:

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid

Hybrids tend to occupy vehicle bodies that are, for lack of better words, awkward and unstylish. Honda’s hybrid designers showed us that this likely always true with the design of the first and second-generation Insight. But the Japanese automaker is here to prove us wrong and show us that hybrid and ugly don’t always have to go hand-in-hand. Meet the 2011 CR-Z Hybrid – the first hybrid vehicle designed to entice a more spirited driver, as it is offered with a 6-speed manual transmission and a very sport design that is sure to attract the attention of performance enthusiasts.

The silhouette of the 2011 Honda CR-Z is reminiscent of Honda’s much celebrated CR-X sport coupe in design and proportion, but with the underpinnings and powertrain are taken from Honda Insight.  The questions remain however, which of these cars does the CR-Z try to emulate, and does it perform as good as it looks?

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid:

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Specifications:

• Base Price: $19,345.
• Price as Tested: $23,310.
• Engine: 1.5 liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC, Honda IMA electric-motor - 122-hp / 128 lb-ft.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic.
• Curb Weight: 2,637 lbs.
• 0 to 60 mph: 9 seconds.
• Top Speed: 122 mph.
• Fuel-economy (city/highway): 31/37 mpg w/ 6-speed manual; 35/39 mpg w/ CVT.

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid - Exterior

Exterior:

From no angle does the 2011 Honda CR-Z emanate your typical hybrid design.  The sporty 2-passenger coupe shares structural architecture with Honda’s Fit and Insight, but is ultimately smaller than it’s platform relatives, measuring in at 160.6 inches long, 68.5 inches wide, and 54.9 inches tall.

2011 Honda CR-Z - Lights

The secret behind the ultra-sporty look is what Honda calls the ‘One-motion Wedge’ concept, which features an elongated and lowered hood-line coupled with a widened stance, all of which combines for the sleek nature of the vehicle’s body.  Taking a design cue from the original ‘84 Honda CR-X, the rear of the car features Honda’s signature split-level glass hatch.  While the split hatch offers a great look, it hinders the driver’s visibility.

There is a little doubt that Honda has succeeded in demonstrating that hybrids can in fact be attractive, and not relegated to the ‘eyesore’ category.  The company has effectively shown that hybrids can be exciting, aggressive, and bold; aesthetically, this car definitely makes a statement without being shaped like a cheese wedge.

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid - Interior

Interior:

Like the original CR-X and Insight, the 2011 Honda CR-Z is a two passenger car; definitely not a family vehicle. It does differ from the above however, and most other hybrids for that matter, in that it features an exciting interior with textured black materials and aluminum-style accents.

The upper portion of the dash engulfs the cabin, creating a decidedly cockpit feel, and the high-quality silver mesh sport seats provide excellent support, even for the larger driver. The most dazzling interior design element however, is the bright instrument panel mounted right behind the steering wheel; it sports a vibrant blue color pallet and three dimensional imaging, which combine for a multi-layered interface.

The interior build-quality is noteworthy, especially for a relatively affordable car. This is one area Honda has been struggling a bit with as of late, but Honda CR-Z has not fallen victim to the inconsistent nature of recent Honda interiors.

The rear-space in the cabin is well-utilized, as Honda has outfitted a large, two-compartment cargo console just behind the seats, offering a hidden storage space for your laptop, iPad, or any other on-the-go items one might carry. Nonetheless, the 2011 Honda CR-Z sports a mere maximum 25.1 cu-ft of cargo space.

One thing this interior does really well is offer a visually engaging experience and versatile approach to interior space utilization that puts the driver front and center.  To the left of the steering wheel sits a cluster of controls which allow the driver to change driving mode (Econ, Normal, Sport), activate traction control, and adjust the side-view mirrors.  Climate, audi, and navigation controls are all housed in the center console which sits tilted toward the driver, effectuating convenient access. All of this puts the driver in close control of his instruments, while leaving the passenger seat open, spacious, and clutter-free.

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid - IMA Hybrid Powertrain

Performance:

The exterior and interior designs of the Honda CR-Z wet your appetite for performance.  Well, that’s where things get a little less exciting and that’s due to the lack of a turbo gasoline engine, something Honda enthusiasts are very much passionate about. However, we have to say, as a hybrid, the Honda CR-Z does have a little devilish side.

Even considering the hybrid nature of the powertrain, we can’t totally label the car as lacking a sporty factor.  There is a lot to be said about it being the first ever hybrid to be offered with a 6-speed manual, as well as the variable drive modes mentioned above.  When engaged in ‘Sport’ mode, much of the driving experience becomes enhanced; the engine throttle becomes more responsive, the steering firms up, and on the CVT equipped models, the transmission ratios are optimized to maintain higher RPMs and quicker acceleration.  When driving in ‘Sport’ mode, we definitely felt the difference and had a lot more confidence when over-taking other drivers and jumping off the line.  Obviously, we weren’t going to be sucked to the back of the seat, and we weren’t expecting to be, but we were blown away by the degree of which the orientation changes with ‘Sport’ mode engaged.

Being a hybrid, fuel-economy is essentially what matters most.  The EPA estimates 35/39 mpg and a combined 37 when mated to the CVT.  The sportier 6-speed manual equipped model brings those figures down to 31/37/34 mpg.  Our test Honda CR-Z 6-speed manual managed to average 31 mpg during a week-long test but that’s mainly because we never engaged the ‘Econ’ mode and stayed mainly in ‘Sport’. The ‘Econ’ mode will alter the car’s orientation for better efficiency, with the electric motor assist and air condition system reducing overall load on the engine. An option that is will save your wallet some grief when filling up.

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid - Rear 1/4 Angle

Overall:

The Honda CR-Z isn’t for everybody.  That is not to say however, that it isn’t for anybody. While many will be thrown off by the lack of performance, many still will be attracted to a vehicle that let’s them mind Mother Nature, yet still exhibit a bit of a rebellious side.

Pricing starts at $19,345 for a 6-speed manual equipped model, and $19,995 for the CVT option.  Those figures are pretty competitive for a hybrid that sports a little devilish side – emphasis on little.  If you’re a single twenty-something who is environmentally conscious and into stylish rides, than the CR-Z is for you.  If you’re married with kids and all the rest still applies, consider the Insight.

Review: 2011 Honda CR-Z:

- By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Omar Rana, Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

United States President - Barack Obama

Earlier this week, President Barack Obama announced that starting 2015, all new cars and trucks bought by the federal government will be either hybrids, EVs, and other alternative-fuel vehicles.

However, some federal vehicles for law enforcement and security purposes will be exempt from President Barack Obama’s directive – and that includes his very own Presidential Cadillac.

“Certain specialized vehicles including those with law enforcement and security specifications are not subject to this directive,” said Secret Service spokesman Robert Novy.

Makes sense – I mean you wouldn’t want your President rolling up in a Chevrolet Volt.

Currently, the United States government operates a fleet of more than 600,000.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

2011 Toyota Prius

Toyota announced today that it will soon resume production of the Prius and two Lexus hybrid models, while competitor Honda on the other hand has extended its Japan auto shutdown until early April. Many Japanese automakers suspended production after the March 11 earthquake due to damage to supplier factories in northeastern Japan and power shortages.

Toyota plans to restart production of the Prius, Lexus HS 250h and the CT 200h on Monday. The Toyota Prius was made at the company’s Tsutsumi factory in western Japan, while the Lexus hybrids are produced in the southern island of Kyushu.

Toyota said plant shutdowns as a result of the earthquake will last at least until Saturday. It will have lost production of about 140,000 units by then. Honda, on the other hand, said that the suspension of car production at its Saitama and Suzuka factories will be extended to April 3.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz is working hard to lower its CO2 emissions and plans on offering hybrid technology on every model in the next-generation C-Class lineup. The goal is drop the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup’s fuel consumption down to supermini levels, sources said.

According to one insider that spoke with AutoCar, the most frugal C-Class will be a diesel engined model that is targeting average emissions of 100g/km, while most gasoline version will come in between 110g/km and 120g/km.

Click here for more news on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz is currently testing early prototypes but there is still some debate whether the automaker will offer 3-cylinder engines. Also possible are 4-cylinder models equipped with cylinder deactivation technology, while will allow the engine to occasionally run on just two cylinders.

Whatever they do, we just hope the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG won’t go hybrid

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

2011 Honda CR-Z MUGEN

Last week, Honda confirmed that in-house tuner Mugen is working on a heavily tuned version of Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid hatchback, which will have Type R-like performance. According to Honda Research and Development chief Tomohiko Kawanabe, the company is also working on a high-performance CR-Z for the mass market. In an interview with AutoCar, Kawanabe admitted that development work on the more powerful two-door has begin and that  it will keep its IMA hybrid system.

“It’s true: we are working on a more powerful CR-Z,” he said. “Our problem with the car as it stands is that it looks very good, but it doesn’t have the performance some customers expect.”

Click here for more news on the Honda CR-Z.

While there is no word on what engine the hotter CR-Z will use, the more powerful hybrid hatch is expected to use Honda’s next-geneation IMA hybrid system, which will debut on the next Civic Hybrid.

“The decision on the engine hasn’t been made,” he said. “Turbocharging is an option, but a high-compression petrol engine would work better in tandem with a hybrid assist system.”

Refresher: The 2011 Honda CR-Z is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC mated to Honda”s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. It produces a total of 122-hp and a maximum torque of 128 lb-ft. When mated to a 6-speed manual, the CR-Z returns an EPA-estimated 31/37/34 mpg (city/highway/combined). With the CVT transmission, the CR-Z returns 35/39/37 mpg. Prices in the United States start at $19,200.

2011 Honda CR-Z MUGEN:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Mugen Honda CR-Z Type R

Honda’s in-house tuner MUGEN in Europe and Honda UK are currently developing a heavily tuned version of Honda’s new CR-Z sport hybrid. Being prepared for a world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, MUGEN Euro claims that the new model will deliver “Type R-like” performance with the potential of delivering better fuel economy.

The CR-Z MUGEN will have its 1.5L four-pot and the Honda IMA system enhanced to boost power and torque. The MUGEN will also feature a reworked suspension and brakes to improve chassis dynamics. Specific details pertaining to the enhancements to the powertrain have yet to be released.

Click here for more news on the Honda CR-Z.

Additionally, MUGEN will be adding some weight-saving materials such as a carbon fiber hood and special allow wheels to reduce unsprung mass. New fascias front and rear along with a new spoiler will help improve aerodynamics and aid in giving the CR-Z a sportier look.

“We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,” says Hiro Toyoda of MUGEN Euro. “It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all MUGEN projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.”

Refresher: The 2011 Honda CR-Z is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC mated to Honda”s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. It produces a total of 122-hp and a maximum torque of 128 lb-ft. When mated to a 6-speed manual, the CR-Z returns an EPA-estimated 31/37/34 mpg (city/highway/combined). With the CVT transmission, the CR-Z returns 35/39/37 mpg. Prices in the United States start at $19,200.

Mugen Honda CR-Z Type R:

2011 Honda CR-Z MUGEN:

- By: Chris Chin

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Just as things starting looking up for Toyota, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted on its website that it has opened an investigation into 43,941Toyota Highlander Hybrid models over concerns that their engines can stall or fail to restart.

The preliminary investigation began after the NHTSA received 32 complaints. It said that 21 of the incidents occurred at speeds of 40 mph or more; 26 reported that the vehicle could not be restarted or were towed to dealerships.

A spokesman for Toyota, Brian Lyons, said that the company would work with NHTSA: “We will cooperate fully with NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

Porsche Panamera

Diesels are becoming increasingly popular here in the United States. So much so that Porsche is considering selling diesel variants of the Cayenne SUV and the Panamera sedan here on the stateside, it’s largest single market. At the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche is expected to unveil a diesel and Panamera Hybrid.

Click here for more news on the Porsche Panamera.

According to Bernhard Maier, the brand’s sales and marketing chief, the models will help Porsche to meet demand for fuel-efficient cars that is growing among luxury car shoppers.

“We are discussing internally if we should introduce the Cayenne diesel in the U.S. this year. Also a Panamera diesel is an option,” Maier told Automotive New Europe. “We will make a decision soon.”

Click here for more news on the Porsche Cayenne.

The Porsche Cayenne diesel has been selling in Europe since early 2009. Last year, Porsche introduced a Cayenne Hybrid in Europe and the United States.

2011 Porsche Cayenne:

2011 Porsche Panamera:

2011 Porsche Cayenne:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News Europe

2011 Detroit: 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi

We’re not going to get to detailed here since these two electrifying vehicles made their debuts at 12:01 am this morning – but just in case you missed it – here is a quick run down with live images from Cobo Center in Detroit.

Click here to visit our Auto Show hub and see all the 2011 Detroit Auto Show news.

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi: Targets more than 500 miles of driving range using the battery and engine and aims at  AT-PZEV status while delivering better charge-sustaining fuel economy than Chevrolet Volt.

2013 C-MAX Hybrid: Targeting a better fuel economy than the 41 mpg Ford Fusion Hybrid, which the most fuel-efficient sedan in America today.

Both models will go on sale in North America in 2012 and 2013 in Europe.

Click here for our original post on the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid.

Check out the live high-res gallery after the jump.

2011 Detroit: 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi:

2013 Ford C-MAX Energi:

- By: Omar Rana

US President Barack Obama looks at the Chevrolet Volt

Its been talked about around Washington for quite some time now, and President Obama has officially signed a bill that will require ‘quiet cars’ to come equipped with sound emitting devices to help alert the blind and other pedestrians.

While many other automotive safety bill shave stalled out in the wake of the Toyota recall fiasco, this one was aggressively pushed through. Rep. Ed Towns, D-NY, the bills sponsor, said the following: “The trend toward putting more environmentally friendly, quiet vehicles on the road has unintentionally jeopardized the safety and independence of the blind and other pedestrians,”.

The law will require the NHTSA to establish requirements for the audible alerts, which will NOT be able to be controlled by the driver.

Both the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt come equipped with such devices, though the current Volt device is able to be controlled by the driver.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News