The word ‘hybrid’ means a combination of two systems working as one unit. Similarly, a hybrid car is one that uses two (or more) power sources to run the vehicle, for higher efficiency and better performance. Technically called the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), this car works on an integrated system of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The internal combustion engine is a gasoline engine which is not used for running the car, but is employed in charging the electric motor.
Power sources for hybrid cars include: Rechargeable energy storage system(RESS); compressed air; coal and other solid fuels; solar, wind, waste heat and other such alternative energy.
The biggest advantage of hybrid cars is pollution reduction as these cars produce less emissions compared to their petrol/diesel counterparts. Besides, hybrids offer better mileage and are symbols of luxury that the extravagant spirit would love to flaunt.
1. Lexus GS 450h Full-Hybrid Sedan
Well, we will not hear any car aficionados sing Green Day’s hit single, because Lexus shall launch its new full-hybrid sedan at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, come September 13th. The car is supposed to be fast, powerful, aggressively dynamic, luxurious and sleek.
The new GS measures 190.9 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width and 57.3 inches in height. The car runs on a 3.5 liter V6 engine making 306-hp at 6,400 rpm with a torque of 277 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. The new Lexus also debuts the Lexus Drive Mode selector, offering three driving modes namely ECO, Sport S and Sport S+.
The interior is just as exciting as the exterior. It includes the Lexus multimedia with DVD audio and video compatibility, 5.1 surround sound and 12.3 inch high-resolution multi-media screen. Now here’s something you should look out for.
2. Chrysler 300 Hybrid Sedan
A hybrid version of the 2011 Chrysler 300 is rumored to be out at the Detroit Auto Show in 2013. It is expected to run on the V-6 engine with the automatic transmission, developed by ZF.
Interestingly, the 2011 Chrysler was also launched at Detroit. The dual engine of the hybrid comprises of the 3.6 liter Pentastar engine that can dole out a whooping 290 HP and a 5.7 liter HEMI that can give out 363 HP.
Looks like this release is going to be refreshing for Chrysler after the failed attempts at launching the hybrid Dodge Ram and the Chrysler Aspen.
3. Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Grand outside with a highly efficient interior, this mid-sized Sedan is one of the most aerodynamic among cars of its size. It is slated for a 2013 launch.
Accessorized with variable wipers and rear defogger, the car boasts of a 73 inch width, 57 and a half inch height and 107.8 inches of wheel-base. The vehicle is powered by a strong 2.4 – liter double overhead cam (DOHC), inline 4 cylinder engine which can pump 170 lb of torque at 4,900 rpm.
According to the EPA estimation, it accomplishes 26 mpg on city streets and 38 mpg on highways. The front head room of is 39.0 inch and the front hip room is 55.7 inch.The front leg room is a comfortable 42.1 inch.
The car keeps you entertained with an OnStar telecommunication service, Bluetooth wireless data link for hands,both free phone, and wired. Not called ‘World Car’ for no reason!
4. Audi A8 Hybrid
Slated for a 2012 release, the Audi A8 hybrid has a 245 hp system output, fuel expenditure of around 6 liters per 100 km and a 4-cylinder gasoline engine, efficient electric motor and lithium-ion battery to serve its dual function.
The sedan can travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h on electric power alone, and cover three kilometers without any emissions, at a decent speed of 60 km/h which allows the driver the choice of three modes of the EV characteristic map, which is responsible for the electric drive. The D mode efficiently controls the engine and the electric motor, while the S mode and the tiptronic gate help provide the experience of a sporty, driver-friendly car for your pleasure.
Additional features include hybrid badges and special finish paint. The metallic finish, three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED lights and the Bose sound package are delightful to know about.
The hybrid is extraordinary in its property of being one of the lightest sedans in the market. Its body is composed of aluminum metal, while the hardtops are of made of steel. The car weighs merely 231 kilograms, almost half the weight of an ordinary car.
With the construction of the car and its swiftness, the mantra is to ”keep it light,” both in body and spirit.
5. Jaguar XJ hybrid
One look at it, you see a bold, black, dynamic package of hot wheels. When you inspect carefully, you see strange tape marks on the left. One marks the location of the gas flap.The other, we guess, is a recharging port for this eco friendly sedan.
The most striking feature of this car is its silence. The diesel engine is supposed to offer a 2 liter mileage. No such engine is offered in the XJ series, even with the diesel engine being quieter and better than ever. The Jag sedan could run on absolute electric power before its internal companion comes in, to run it as a hybrid.
The top speed is estimated to be over 200 mph and the 0-to-60 mph time would not take more than a mere 3 seconds.
Jaguar has announced that it will release the car within 2 years,for 1.1 million dollars. Bold in appearance, silent in performance.That’s our ideal car, that’s our Jaguar XJ hybrid.
