At the 2009 LA Auto Show early next month, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will make its U.S. debut alongside the fuel-sipping ML450 HYBRID SUV, the first hybrid SUV from Mercedes-Benz.

We’re hoping Mercedes-Benz will offer some pricing details on the US-spec Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Earlier this week, it was announced that 563-hp SLS AMG will carry a price tag of 177,310 euros ($265,513 USD) in Europe.

The Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID will make its U.S. debut with a 3.5L V6 engine mated to two-electric motors producing a total of 335-hp and a peak torque of 381 lb-ft. Mercedes-Benz says that fuel-economy is improved by 46 percent. The ML450 HYBRID SUV can also drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG:

- By: Omar Rana

Press Release:

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, ML450 HYBRID and Fuel Cell to Debut at L.A. Auto Show

All-New SLS AMG Supercar, Fuel-Cell-Powered F-Cell, and New Hybrids Share the Spotlight

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18 — The 563-horsepower Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell will be making their North American debuts at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, open to the public December 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Mercedes-Benz will also launch its first hybrid SUV — the ML450 HYBRID — as well as the impressive SPLITVIEW dual-content viewing technology.

All-New SLS AMG Supercar

The first-ever car designed and developed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, the new SLS AMG supercar features a lightweight aluminum space-frame body with gullwing doors and a 563-horsepower dry-sump V8 engine. With its front-mid engine and dual-clutch seven-speed, the compelling SLS AMG boasts ideal weight distribution and race-car-like handling.

F-Cell for Fuel Cell Electric Power

Essentially an electric car that makes its own power on board, the new Mercedes-Benz F-Cell will make its North American debut at the L.A. Show. The F-Cell car has a range of about 240 miles and, running on compressed hydrogen, boasts an equivalent fuel mileage of 86.6 city-highway combined miles per gallon. In 2010, 200 production F-Cell cars will be delivered to customers in the U.S. and Europe as part of a special lease program.

BlueTEC – The World’s Cleanest Diesels

Sharing center stage with the F-Cell and the SLS AMG, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTEC is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 diesel with 210 horsepower, an impressive 400 lb.-ft. of torque and approximately 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. Now with revolutionary AdBlue injection that makes diesel exhaust super-clean, the E350 BlueTEC will be available in all 50 states in Spring 2010.

S-Class Debuts SPLITVIEW Technology

Also at the L.A. Show is an S-Class equipped with SPLITVIEW — a single display screen that allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs at the same time. For example, the driver can view the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the front passenger can watch a movie.

ML450 HYBRID Boasts 46 Percent Better Fuel Economy

Making its West Coast debut at the L.A. Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, two electric motors and sophisticated electronics to produce more than 46 percent better fuel economy than a comparable V8-powered ML550 model. Integrated within the modified automatic transmission, each magneto-electric motor is dedicated to a specific purpose — one for pulling away under electric power, the other specifically for acceleration. With both electric motors, the ML450 HYBRID has a total system performance of 335 horsepower and 381 pound-feet of torque.

During parking and low-speed operation, the ML450 HYBRID runs on the electric drive only. The ML450 HYBRID can drive solely on electric power up to a maximum speed of 34 mph.

The electric motors are powered by a liquid-cooled, 288-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery that’s enclosed under the rear cargo floor.

- By: Omar Rana

We’ve heard about Rolls-Royce working on an electric version of the Phantom many times before. According to AutoCar, Rolls-Royce could have an electric Phantom on the roads within 12 months. That would be just in time for the car to make its debut at the 2012 London Olympics, which are being sponsored by parent company BMW.

Boss Tom Purvis has previously said that he wishes to produce an electric version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom to cushion the company from a possible future ban on big-engined sedans in urban areas and avoid tough CO2 regulations.

Insiders have said that the excess weight of a lithium-ion battery is the least of Rolls-Royce’s concerns since the Phantom already weighs close to three tons with its V12 engine.

Rolls-Royce is also reported to be working on an hybrid version of the new Ghost sedan, which should improve fuel-economy by 15 percent.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Here is some more Buick Regal news for you guys. According to Wards Auto, General Motors is planning a mild-hybrid version of the Regal sedan for launch in the later part of 2010. The model will be the first GM vehicle to make use of the company’s second-generation hybrid drivetrain. The hybrid Buick Regal sedan will improve fuel-economy by at least 20 percent over the base gasoline version.

The new hybrid system will feature a 120 V lithium-ion battery back by Hitachi, which takes up 24 percent less space, has 40 percent less mass, and has 33 percent more power than the current system found in the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid sedan.

The base 2011 Buick Regal will be powered by a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine producing 182-hp and a peak torque of 172 lb-ft. It will be mated to Hydra-Matic 6T45 6-speed automatic helping it deliver an estimated fuel-economy of 20/30 mpg (city/highway).

Click here for more news on the Buick Regal.

2011 Buick Regal:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Wards Auto (via GM-Volt)

According to a Japanese newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun, Toyota is planning to extend its Prius hybrid family with a larger variant. The model is reported to be a tall wagon or a crossover model and will be the first Toyota hybrid vehicle to use a lithium-ion battery pack.

The newspaper said that sales of the model will begin next year in Japan with pricing to start at an equivalent of $22,000.

It was reported last month that Toyota is planning a Prius coupe that will be later joined by a Prius MPV.

The 2010 Toyota Prius uses a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which is less powerful and larger than lithium-ion.

Click here for more news on the Toyota Prius.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Inside Line

There is no denying that electric vehicles are going to be extremely relevant in the automotive industry’s future. So much so that at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show organizers will include a 37,000 square-foot exhibit devoted exclusively to that segment o the market, reports Automotive News.

Electric Avenue, as the exhibit has been dubbed, will have about 20 cars, from both conventional and start-up automakers, on display right on Cobo Center’s main floor. The show’s chairman, Doug Fox told Automotive News that exhibit will demonstrate “the long-term viability of the auto industry using a subject that is top of mind globally these days.”

The exhibit sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. last year entitled EcoXperience, will also return to this years show which runs from January 11-24. Electric Avenue is sponsored by Dow Chemical Co., which is developing batteries to be used in electric vehicles.

A $665 million, 800,000-square-foot manufacturing plant is being built in Midland, Michigan as part of a joint venture between Dow and South Korean battery manufacturer Kokam Engineering Co. Ltd. The venture received a $161 million federal grant this past summer.

- By: Stephen Calogera

If you want one of the most powerful hybrids in the world, get ready to cash out close to $90,000. BMW has announced the price tag of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which will start at $89,725, including the $875 destination and delivery charge.

The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is powered by a reworked version of the 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 from the xDrive50i that now produces 400-hp and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft. BMW also took out the starter, alternator, or belt drive for the air-conditioning compressor. The dual-circuit cooling system has been modified for all-electric operation. The engine is then mated to electric-motors that have an output of 91-hp and 86-hp respectively, with a peak torque values of 192 lb-ft and 206 lb-ft.

Combined, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 produces a total of 480-hp with a maximum torque of 575 lb-ft. Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph comes in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. The ActiveHybrid X6 is BMW’s first full-hybrid vehicle that can run exclusively on electric-power at speeds of up to 37 mph. The combustion engine is activated automatically when required. Overall, fuel-economy is improved by roughly 20 percent.

Sales of the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 will begin later this year.

Click here for more news on the BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6:

Press Release:

BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

BMW ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE 2010 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID X6

At $89,725 the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 arrives just in time for the holidays.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 18, 2009… The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will arrive in US showrooms right on the heels of its North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The one-of-a-kind Sports Active Coupe featuring two-model hybrid technology will be available beginning December 5, 2009 with a base MSRP of $89,725, including destination and handling.

In addition to BMW’s interpretation of two-mode hybrid technology, mated to the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 the price includes a number of standard features which are optional on the X6 xDrive50i. These include a unique 7-speed automatic transmission, Extended Nappa leather (including the dashboard and center console), 20-inch Aero Wheels with mixed-sized performance tires, Rearview camera with Top View and Head-up display.

The full list of additional standard features is included below. In addition to the very extensive list of standard equipment, there are a handful of options to tailor the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 to individual tastes. These are also listed below.

BMW’s first-ever hybrid represents another important element of the company’s ongoing EfficientDynamics strategy.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 additional US standard over US X6 xDrive50i
* 7-speed automatic transmission
* Extended Nappa leather seats including dashboard and center console
* 20-inch Aero wheels with mixed-sized performance tires
* Rear view camera with Top View
* Head-up Display
* BMW Assist with Bluetooth phone connectivity
* Power tailgate
* Premium sound system
* 6-disc DVD Changer
* iPod and USB adapter
* Universal garage-door opener
* Comfort Access
* Soft-close doors
* 4-zone climate control
* Heated front seats
* Auto-dimmer rearview mirrors
* Digital compass mirror
* Anthracite headliner
* Ambiance lighting
* Privacy glass
* Running boards
* Storage package

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 optional equipment:
* Active ventilating seat package $1,100
* Cold Weather Package $900
* Rear side window shades $300
* Sport seats N/C
* Automatic high-beams $250
* Satellite radio $350
* Rear seat entertainment system $1,700
* Smartphone integration $150
* Enhanced premium sound system $700
* 19-inch wheels with all-season tires N/C

Chrysler Group LLC, which recently announced its 5-year product and business plan, has no plans to accelerate the development of a mass-market hybrid or a plug-in electric passenger car. The Auburn Hills automaker plans to rely heavily on small Fiat engines to improve the fuel-economy of its vehicle fleet.

Chrysler’s head of powertrain operations, Paolo Ferrero, said that future Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicles will use the MultiAir engines that will be offered in the Fiat 500 when it arrives next year. The MultiAir system delivers a mix of fuel and air to boost horsepower of smaller engines while improving fuel-economy. Chrysler will also use Fiat’s dual dry-clutch transmission, which will be introduced on the 2011 Chrysler 300.

A mass-market hybrid from Chrysler isn’t planned before 2015, even though the company’s 5-year business plan assumes that gas will return to $4 a gallon. The Dodge Ram 1500 light-duty pickup is the only model scheduled to get a mild-hybrid system sometime next year.

It was earlier this week that Chrysler has dismantled a team of engineers dedicated to developing a range of electric-vehicles under Fiat SpA.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Free Press

Now that BMW has released the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, what’s next for the German automaker’s hybrid lineup? According to the BMW ActiveHybrid X6’s project leader Peter Tuennermann, BMW’s third hybrid option will debut within the next 12 months.

He told AutoCar that “volume models like the 3-, 5- and 7-series are clearly more suited towards a mild hybrid set-up on the basis of their packaging and broad appeal.”

Based on some previous rumors we’ve heard, we’re putting our money on an ActiveHybrid 5 as BMW’s third hybrid model.

As for doing a diesel-electric hybrid, Tuennermann said that BMW is looking “at mating diesel engines with electric drive.” He said the main obstacle that remains is what layout best benefits the consumer.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

We’ve previously heard that Rolls-Royce is working on an electric version of the Phantom. Well, before the electric Phantom hits the streets, Roll-Royce will put out a hybrid version of the new Ghost. According to AutoCar, the Rolls-Royce Ghost will share its green-technology with the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Engineering the Ghost hybrid will be fairly straightforward since the F01 7-Series and the Ghost share the same rear-wheel-drive platform. Joining the Ghost’s 563-hp 6.2L V12 will be a new electric-motor with a mild hybrid application. No electric-only driving will be possible. The hybrid Ghost will also feature automatic start-stop technology that will save fuel in the future. The 20kW/155 lb-ft electric-motor will sit between the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption on the hybrid Ghost should be 15 percent better than its standard model, which manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg.

Click here for more news on the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Honda is ready to unleash its sporty CR-Z hatchback hybrid in the U.S. in 2010. In fact, it’ll be so sporty that it will be the first hybrid offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.

According to a report by AutoCar, Toyota is planning a Prius coupe that will go head-to-head with Honda’s CR-Z (can’t say that we didn’t see it coming).

The Prius will most likely use the same 134-hp 1.8L VVT-i hybrid powertrain and the same platform as that wagon version. However, a more aerodynamic body and possible weight savings would offer better fuel-economy and a more zippy drive.

AutoCar says that the Prius coupe will be later joined by a Prius MPV that would be based on the Honda Skydeck.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

After Honda’s hybrid Accord returned disappointing sales, Honda discontinued the sedan at the end of the 2007 model year. According to Automotive News, Honda will now be making a return to the large hybrid vehicle segment and unlike Honda’s current hybrid system, used in the Civic Hybrid and the Insight, the new hybrid system will use two electric-motors instead of one.

“That is one major initiative we are working on,” COO of automobile operations at Honda Tsuneo Tanai, told Automotive News. “The motor will have higher output. There will be dual motors, with a larger battery that enables the car to be driven in all-electric mode.”

Tanai did not say which Honda models will get the new hybrid system or when we can expect to see them in dealerships. A report by Japan’s Nikkei business daily says that Honda plans to add a hybrid minivan in 2011.

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda unveiled the Skydeck Concept, a 6-seater hybrid MPV that shows how the company’s IMA technology can be placed in a range of different vehicles. Honda’s compact CR-Z sport hybrid will hit U.S. shores next spring. A hybrid Honda Fit will follow in 2012.

Honda Skydeck Concept:

- By: Kap Shah

Chrysler Group’s Dodge Ram brand still has plans to roll out a hybrid version of its light-duty Dodge Ram pickup in 2010; however, a diesel variant is still in question. Plans for both a hybrid and a diesel light-duty Ram for 2010 were revealed last year.

Currently, the heavy-duty Dodge Ram is offered with a 6.7L 6-cylinder diesel, which 85 percent of customers choose over the 5.7L V8 gasoline option.

The hybrid Ram will use the two-mode hybrid technology that was developed by General Motors Co., BMW and Daimler.

According to Chrysler’s senior vice president of engineering Scott Kunselman there have been now changes in the time schedule for the hybrid Ram. However, he said that the diesel light-duty Ram is still in the works but refused to comment on when it would be made available.

On Nov. 4, Chrysler’s CEO Sergio Marchionne will unveil a 5-year business plan.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News

Toyota’s engineers in the land down under are hard at work on the new Australian-built hybrid Camry, which they say will be faster and sportier than its gasoline sibling. Even with more aggressiveness, the hybrid Camry will use less fuel than Toyota’s Yaris, says the man heading the car’s development.

Toyota Camry hybrid’s chief engineer Yukihiro Okane says that the hybrid sedan will debut on Australian roads in February next year and will be one second quicker than the gasoline Camry in terms of 0-62 mph. He said that the hybrid Camry will return as little as 38 miles to the gallon.

Okane said that the local improvements by Toyota’s Australian engineers will also mean that the car steers and handles better than the current Camry.

“We tuned the suspension and steering assistance only for the Australian market. It is much more stiff and sporty,” he said.

Can we please get those improvements on the stateside?

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Drive

Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn told Automotive News today that he has ruled out a stand-alone hybrid like the Toyota Prius.

“We don’t have this in our plans,” Ghosn said. “We are not intending to play a leadership role in hybrids. “One company already assumed leadership in the technology. We want leadership on EVs.”

Ghosn said that Nissan will offer hybrid variants of existing models in its lineup.

Nissan’s first in-house technology will be seen in the 2011 Infiniti M35, which will go on sale in the U.S. in spring 2011. Nissan’s hybrid system for the Infiniti M consists of a single electric-motor/twin-clutch arrangement, mated to a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6.

2011 Infiniti M:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Could tuning packages for hybrid vehicles create a whole new market for third-party and in-houe tuning firms? Apparently so – Mugen said that it could very well build a bespoke tuned version of the upcoming Honda CR-Z hybrid sports car.

Hiroki Toyoda, the firm’s European vice president, told AutoCar that “the hybrid powertrain would create a new set of tuning opportunities, with the electric motor acting as a kind of turbo at low speeds, to compensate for a lack of torque inherent in naturally-aspirated petrol engines.”

Honda has confirmed that it has no plans to add gasoline version of the CR-Z, keeping its new sports car a fuel-efficient option for hatchback lovers.

The Honda CR-Z will go on sale in the United States in the second half of 2010.

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

2009 Honda CR-Z Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Subaru has taken the covers off of its new Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept. Owner Fuji Heavy Industries says that the concept hints at the future design language for the Subaru brand. Separately, Fuji said that Subaru will add its first hybrid vehicle in 2012 as a version of an exiting model in its lineup, reports Automotive News.

Ikuo Mori, president of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., did not say when they hybrid model will come to the United States, but did say that the model will help the brand meet tougher U.S. fuel-economy standards that will take effect in 2016 year. He also declined to say which model will offer a hybrid option.

The Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept is powered by a 2.0L Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine mated to symmetrical AWD system and a unique hybrid two-motor system.

Tokyo 2009: Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept:

- By: Kap Shah

Honda has taken the wraps off its new CR-Z Concept at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. The Japanese automaker confirmed that the CR-Z will be introduced to the North American market in the second half of 2010 as a sporty, 2-seat hybrid model.

“The Honda CR-Z will expand our lineup of hybrid vehicles and reinforce the fun-to-drive values associated with the Honda brand,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of Automobile Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Beyond great styling and features, CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested a small car or a hybrid vehicle.”

Power will come from a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology. The engine will be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a optional CVT automatic. Honda said it has no gasoline variants of the CR-Z planned as of right now.

Honda confirmed that the production version of the Honda CR-Z will make its world debut at the January 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

2009 Honda CR-Z Concept:

- By: Omar Rana

As reported last month, Toyota has released the details on its new dedicated hybrid for the Toyota brand, the Sai sedan. Based on the Lexus HS 250h, which went on sale in the U.S. in mid-September, the Toyota Sai is virtually the same thing with some Toyota design touches.

Power for the new Toyota Sai comes from a 2.4L engine making 150-hp  and 138 lb-ft of torque. The engine is then mated to an electric motor (powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery) that makes an additional 140-hp and a peak torque of 199 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Sai uses both in the most efficient manner allowing for a total of 187-hp available to the driver. So yes, it should return a fuel-economy of 35 mpg just like the Lexus HS 250h.

Toyota plans on selling 36,000 units of the Toyota Sai annually with sales starting in Japan later this year. Prices are expected to start at 3,380,000 yen ($37,270 USD) for the entry level S version. The new 2010 Toyota Sai will be on display at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show later this week.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Toyota Sai:

- By: Omar Rana