Toyota has released a teaser of a new concept called the FT-Bh Concept. The concept is an “ultra-lightweight, full hybrid vehicle study, designed to achieve low emissions within an economically viable production framework.”

Toyota wasn’t afraid to say that the process and the main concept behind the FT-Bh was to avoid the use of expensive materials or complex development and use only those materials that are commonplace in the automotive industry.

THe Toyota FT-Bh Concept will be making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month.

- By: Omar Rana

The Umberto Palermo Design Vittoria Concept is a sleek and aggressive looking sports car that measures 4,750 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,250 mm tall. It also gets sloping roofline, LED taillights at the rear and a ‘cheese grater’ grille.

No word on complete technical details but Umberto Palermo Design says that the Vittoria uses a hybrid V8 setup for maximum performance and fuel-economy.

No word on when or if it will enter production.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WCF

Check out more news on the Toyota Prius C.

The 2012 Toyota Prius C will be available in four grades with each carrying a Hybrid Synergy Drive 1.5-liter DOHC engine with VVT-i, a 60 hp permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, and a 144 volt nickel-metal hydride battery which generates 25.9 hp of electric propulsion for a total system net output of 99-hp. Obviously 0 to 60 mph will take you about 2 days but you’ll be managing some strong fuel-economy numbers.

The Price C One comes standard with  automatic climate control, tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, multi-information display and Bluetooth hands free phone controls; and remote keyless entry with illuminated entry, a 3.5-inch full color TFT multi-information display and USB port with iPod connectivity.

Check out the full pricing sheet after the jump.

The 2012 Prius C Two will add a 6-speaker audio system, auto windshield wipers, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with adjustable headrests, cruise control, engine immobilizer, center console with armrest and storage compartment, and a cargo area tonneau cover.  Getting a little more interesting, the Prius C Three will add a Display Audio system with Navigation and Entune with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Sirius XM Satellite Radio capability, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging, USB port with iPod connectivity and control, vehicle information with customizable settings, and advanced voice recognition. It also gets color-keyed outside door handles with touch- sensor lock/unlock feature, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio, climate, Multi-information Display, Bluetooth hands free phone and voice command controls, a Touch Tracer Display, and a Smart Key System on the front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry. 15-inch alloy wheels are also aded along with tilt/slide moonroof.

Last but not least the Prius C Four adds 15-inch, 8-spoke alloy wheels, Softex-trimmed heated front seats, color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and integrated fog lamps.

2012 Toyota Prius c Pricing Sheet

2012 Prius c Options and Packages

Available for Prius c Three:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
• 15-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P175/65R15 tires- MSRP $390

Available for Prius c Four:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $850
• 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires – MSRP $300
• 16-inch Alloy Wheel Package: combines 16-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels with P195/50R16 tires and power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade – MSRP $1,150

Available Exterior Colors:

• Habanero
• Blue Streak Metallic
• Summer Rain Metallic
• Absolutely Red
• Black Sand Pearl
• Magnetic Gray Metallic
• Classic Silver Metallic
• Moonglow
• Super White

- By: Omar Rana

“First-time luxury buyers tend to place a high value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues, and that’s what we have created with the new Acura ILX,” said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. “The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market.”

Power for the 2013 Acura ILX comes from three powertrain choices including the brand’s first-ever gas-electric hybrid. The base model features a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine making 150 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, the ILX 2.0L returns an EPA estimated 24/32 mpg (city/highway). For those that want more power, the Acura ILX also comes with a 2.4 liter 4-clyinder making 201-hp at 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission, the ILX 2.4L will deliver an EPA estimated 20/29 mpg.

Check out more news on the Acura ILX.

The 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid features Honda’s 1.5 liter engine and the Integrated Motor Assist electric motor. Fuel to the 20-hp electric-motor comes from a lithium-ion battery pack. Working together, the system produces 111-hp at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft between 1,000-3,000 rpm. Mated to a CVT transmission, the Acura ILX 1.5L Hybrid averages a nice 35/38 mpg.

Interior features includes a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and push-button start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function. Buyers can opt for a Premium Package and the Technology Package. The Premium Package gives you leather heated seats, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system, a rear view camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin. The Technology Package adds an ELS Surround audio system, AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps. There is also an onboard 60GB hard drive.

The 2013 Acura ILX will go on sale later this year. Keep your eye out for the pricing information.

- By: Omar Rana

Fisker is in a little bit of a bind with its loan from the Department of Energy. As a result, production for the brand’s new Project Nina lineup at the Fisker Automotive plant in Wilmington, DE and 26 workers were laid off.

This comes after a rework of Fisker Automotive’s $529 million loan, which was prompted after agreements with certain deadlines and milestones weren’t met as part of the loan’s terms and conditions.

“DOE loan-modification negotiations are fairly standard procedure,” Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher said. “We have to deliver on certain milestones, and we didn’t hit all our targets with the Karma. This is a relatively ordinary series of events.”

In Fisker’s defense, Ormisher also stated that the Delaware plant was pretty much on schedule for the Nina Project, but more assembly equipment needs to be installed.

“Project Nina is already well advanced,” the company said in a statement. “Much of the engineering, design and development is near complete, and we expect to ramp up operations again quickly.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoWeek

GM North America President Mark Reuss has admitted that the Chevrolet Volt sales numbers have significantly dropped for the month of January due to the bad publicity currently surrounding the model.

Reuss sites the government investigation of the Volt crash test fire is “definitely a component” that contributes to this month’s dip in sales. In contrast, December was the model’s best month, with roughly 1,530 unit sold out of the entire year’s 7,700 total.

Currently, GM is changing courses with its marketing for the Volt to attempt to build the model’s reputation back up. Airing a new commercial dubbed “Morning in Hamtramck” is one of the first steps, which is an ad that emphasizes the car’s Detroit roots that will run for a month.

Another approach GM has taken is the “open letter to America” thanking those that stand by the car, written by CEO Dan Akerson, along with his testimony Wednesday during the Volt fire hearing. Akerson still claims the Volt is a safe vehicle, and Ray LaHood, Transportation Secretary, agrees. LaHood also denies any government interference in the investigation of the Volt fire and believes the releasing the information on the investigation was premature.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: DetroitNews

This bit of news is sure to be a bit upsetting to the purist. Reports are saying that BMW is planning on introducing their first ever MPV/people carrier/minivan crossover…or whatever you may to call it. BMW? Minivan? You can’t be serious…!

BMW insiders have apparently told some reporters that they’ll be expanding the “i” lineup, even before the original i3 and i8 have reached production. Supposedly called the i5 MPV, the new addition is said to be powered by a small three-cylinder gas engine that acts as a “range extender” and a rear-mounted electric motor.

Click here for more news on the BMW i3.

But before this new i5 comes about, the i3 is said to be on track with its launch next year, followed by the gas-electric hybrid i8 sport sedan.

Other details were withheld, but the last hint for the i5 was that its starting price could hover around $65,000.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: InsideLine

In Sept. 2011, the new 360-hp Infiniti M Hybrid set the Guinness World Record for the world’s fastest hybrid by running the standing quarter mile in 13.9031 seconds. Infiniti is now banking on that move with a new commercial released yesterday called ‘The Duel.’

The commercial shows the Infiniti M35h Hybrid going head-to-head with the 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

“‘The Duel’ is an exciting way to remind everyone that the Infiniti M Hybrid is the world’s fastest accelerating full-hybrid with 360 horsepower and 32 miles per gallon,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “At Infiniti, we believe that luxury should always thrill and inspire.”

Refresher: The Infiniti M35 Hybrid will be powered by a single electric-motor/twin-clutch arrangement, mated to a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6. Together the system makes 360-hp. The first-clutch is installed between the V6 engine and the electric motor, which Infiniti says allows for a more responsive drive. Infiniti said that the M35 Hybrid, which will carry a lithium-ion battery pack, has the ability to run solely on electric-power under certain driving conditions. 0 to 62 mph comes in 5.5 seconds with an EPA-rated fuel-economy of 27/32 mpg (city/highway).

- By: Omar Rana

The production model is milder in appearance then the concept, but remains very similar to the original design with its bold front grille.

Power for the Yaris Hybrid is shared with the Prius C’s 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and electric transaxle, motor, battery back and inverter, which combined puts out 98hp.

After rearranging the fuel tank and hybrid battery placements, and scaling down the size of other critical parts, Toyota was able to provide the same interior space in the Hybrid its other variants.

The model is expected to hit showroom floors sometime later this year in Europe.

- By: Alexandra Koken

In just 10 short weeks, the Toyota Prius v managed to outsell the Chevrolet Volt that was available for all of 2011.

GM sold 7,671 units in 2011, and 7,997 in its first 13 months, while the Prius v hit dealers in October 2011, and by the last week in December 8,399 had rolled off Toyota’s lots.

With a 220,000 unit sales goal for all Prius variants, Toyota is looking to boost its sales by 60% from last year. Missing its goal by 10,000 units last year, GM struggled with production and availability, along with crash fire investigations. In addition to these issues, the Prius starts at $26,400, while the Volt has a price tag of $39,145, another contributing factor to the quick success of the Prius.

Overall, Hybrid sales make up just 2.2% last year’s auto sales, down from the previous year’s 2.4%. While Nissan missed its sales goal of 10,000 units for last year, 9,674 Leaf models were still sold.

Check out the vehicle’s mentioned in this article:

• Toyota Prius V
• Chevrolet Volt

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Free Press

The concern evolving around hybrid cars has always been the life and durability of their battery packs, which stemmed from the fact that batteries inevitably die out at some point. And despite Toyota’s Prius and Ford’s Escape proof that hybrid batteries can stand the test of long-term use and time, Hyundai still insists on providing prospective buyers some piece of mind by offering a lifetime warranty for 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid batteries.

“We can afford the program because the failure rate is so low,” said Hyundai’s CEO, John Krafcik. And in the same sentence, Krafcik also claimed that Hyundai has tested the Sonata Hybrid’s drivetrain for more than 300,000 miles with no apparent signs of degradation.

Krafcik didn’t explain the specifics of the warranty, but in the same interview, his crew apparently confirmed that Hyundai is working to up the ante with transmissions by introducing, not a nine-speed cog swapper, but ten…TEN gears.

“We confirmed that it (the ten-speed) is a ‘go project’ for development,” said an undisclosed Hyundai representative.

Other than the confirmation, no other details were given.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

Pitched as the car with the highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug-in function, the Prius c is capable of returning 53 mpg city and 46 mpg highway, thanks to a smaller 1.5L version of the Prius’s normal 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-pot and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, which produces a total of 99-hp.

In lieu of the concerns for lithium-ion battery packs, Toyota retained a nickel-metal hydride battery back that produces 144-volts.

Keeping with Toyota’s reputation for value, the Prius c comes standard with a series of in-car multimedia features such as a standard 3.5-in full-color TFT infotainment display, complete with Bluetooth phone capability, USB port iPod connectivity and Toyota’s optional Display Audio System with navigation and Entune systems.

With a starting price just below $19,000, the new Prius c subcompact will be available in March of 2012—making it the cheapest Prius available.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

Based on the BMW 535i, the ActiveHybrid 5 mates the 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine to an electric-drive system and a 8 speed automatic transmission that pushes out a combined 335-hp.

Click here for more news on the BMW ActiveHybrid 5.

The 2012 BMW Active Hybrid 5 can drive in all-electric mode up to a speed of 37 mph, for zero emissions and the lithium-ion battery can store enough energy to provide a all-electric driving range of up to 2.5 miles at an average speed of 22 mph. Even though the ActiveHybrid 5 is a hybrid sedan, it can still run from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds.

The 2012 ActiveHybrid will go on sale in spring 2012.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

Similar to the diesel Jetta, 45 mpg happens on the highway and the hybrid Jetta gets 30 % better than the gas powered variant in the city. A downsized four banger chucks out 150bhp/184 ft-lbs plugged into a electric motor responsible for 27 more horsepower. Apparently, that also allows to be the fastest compact hybrid in-class with an estimated 0-60 mph in less than 9.0 seconds. The Jetta Hybrid comes with a seven speed dual clutch automatic as standard.

Premium features include LED taillights and Daytime Running Lights, bi-xenon headlights, RNS 315 navigation system, a rear-view camera and Volkswagen’s exclusive Fender Premium Audio System, heated front seats.

Sales of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid start in the end of 2012.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Kicking off the press conferences earlier this morning at the 2012 North American International Auto Show was Ford Motor Company and the world debut of the all-new, 2013 Ford Fusion mid-sized sedan

Fully redesigned using Ford of Europe’s now tested and proven global design language, which they familiarly call Kinetic Design, the new Fusion is a huge improvement over the previous generation. Heck, I’m tempted to say that it looks as good as the Jaguar XF at some angles.

For the first time ever as well, the all-new Fusion is the first American sedan to offer a full range of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Unfortunately however, no longer is there a V6 option for this new hybrid, which could be a little disappointing for those of us who like power.

The base engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5L inline-4 that’s good for 170hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Next is a turbocharged 1.6L EcoBoost four-banger that produces 179 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque and the top performance mill would be the turbocharged 2.0L EcoBoost four-pot good for 237 hp and a pretty hefty 250 lb-ft of torque.

Check out more news on the Ford Fusion.

The hybrid is powered by a 2.0L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder mated to an electric motor powered by an all-new lithium-ion battery pack and is expected to return best-in-class fuel economy figures of 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.

But the biggest achievement with this new Ford Fusion is the all new Fusion Energi, which is Ford’s first ever attempt at a plug-in hybrid and a car that the Dearborn make says will be the most fuel-efficient midsized car in the world. The Fusion Energi plug-in is expected to return 100 MPGe, about 8 more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 more than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid’s projected rating.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

Looks wise the 2013 Ford Fusion is quite an outstanding looking sedan and is worlds away from the Fusion we’ve come to know and sort of like. This time around, Ford opted for a more sleek silhouette with a fresh face and an aggressive stance – we almost want to say that it’s closer to Jaguar’s design theme. Either way, Ford has definitely changed the game in terms of looks for the mid-size sedan segment.

Check out more news on the Ford Fusion.

“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what One Ford stands for,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. “We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with groundbreaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result.”

In the U.S., the standard Ford Fusion will be available in S, SE and Titanium trims – while in other parts of the world it will be known as the Mondeo. The gasoline powered Fusion is dropping is V6 for an all 4-cylinder engine lineup including a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 with 170-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also available will be a 1.6 liter EcoBoost turbo 4-cylinder making 179-hp and 172 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0 liter EcoBoost making 237-hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Both will be mated with a 6-speed automatic, however, the 1.6 liter model can be had with a 6-speed manual. All Ford Fusion models come with front-wheel-drive as standard but the 2.0 liter EcoBoost can be ordered with all-wheel-drive.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets a new 2.0 liter Atkinson 4-cylinder – replacing the 2.5 liter unit – and is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel-economy of 47/44 mpg (city/highway). It also get a new lithium-ion battery and increases its electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph.

The 2013 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid will go on sale later this year while the Mondeo will arrive next year in Europe.

- By: Omar Rana

A $10,000 lawsuit has been filed against Honda Motor Co. by a Los Angeles woman who claims her Civic Hybrid doesn’t meet its gas mileage outlook.

The claim was filed on Tuesday in American Honda headquarters city of Torrance, CA small claims court by 46 year old Heather Peters. Peters claims that the 50 mpg that her 2006 hybrid used to get has been reduced to 30 mpg, and sites battery deterioration as the cause. The former lawyer is looking to be reimbursed for additional fuel costs and the difference in purchase price between the hybrid and petrol Civic models.

While several class-action suits are being filed on behalf of Honda hybrid owners for the same reason, Peters decided the $200 cash payout and $500 – $1,000 towards a new Honda the suits are offering wasn’t satisfactory.

Click here for more news on the Honda Civic.

Prior to Peters filing her lawsuit, she notified Honda in a letter of her intentions if she received no response from the automaker. After several attempts and no response, she proceeded to file, although according to Honda, no contact had been made until late November.

In addition to her suit, Peters also started a website, dontsettlewithhonda.org to encourage people in her situation do act as she has.

The case will be ruled by Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Douglas Carnahan this week.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoNews

Power continues to come from a 2.4 liter Atkinson 4-cylinder hybrid engine mated to a hybrid starter-generator and a permanent magnet high-power density motor. The motor gets its fuel from a 270V lithium polymer battery.

Click here for more news on the Hyundai Sonata.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid delivers 40 mpg highway fuel-economy rating and 35 mpg city. Combined EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at 37 mpg.

Prices start at $25,850.

Check out the complete specs after the jump.

Sonata Hybrid

Leather Package ($1,500 MSRP):

• Leather seating surfaces
• Heated front seats and rear seat bottom cushions
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass

Ultimate Package ($5,500 MSRP) – Includes Leather package contents plus the following:

• Panoramic sunroof with tilt & slide
• 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels with unique finish
• Navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display
• Rear backup camera
• Infinity® premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier (400-watt)
• HD Radio® Technology with multicasting
• SiriusXM, NavTraffic, NavWeather and Sports & Stocks w/ 90-Day Trial
• HVAC multi-mode button
• Premium door sill plates
• Glossy black door surround and outside mirror housing

- By: Omar Rana