Vrooooom.

The 403 horsepower Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) took a lap around the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races.

The vehicle reached 100 mph and used zero gasoline! The vehicle has a zero to 60 time of six seconds and a top speed of 125 mph. The vehicle can also achieve more than 100 mpg, according to the manufacturers. There are currently no vehicles with a 100 mpg fuel efficiency rating from the EPA but General Motors is hoping to have the first one with its 230 mpg Chevy Volt.

“The Karma has a range of 50 emission-free miles on a full charge of its Lithium-ion battery, and a total range of 300 miles thanks to an on-board generator coupled to a traditional but efficient 260hp, four-cylinder gasoline engine.” Source: PR Newswire

Fisker recently received $85 million in venture capital, has expanded its retailer network, and was a finalist for the Green Car Vision Award.

Photo courtesy of PRNewsFoto/Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.

Subscribe

Add Comment »

Filed Under: Luxury Hybrids, PHEV

The Lexus HS 250h, the first hybrid-only luxury vehicle, is expected to hit American dealerships later this summer. The vehicle is already on sale in Japan and according to UK-based The Green Car Website, sales are 17 times higher than Toyota projected upon launch. Toyota produced 2,000 HS 250h models in July but there are still 8,600 orders left.

The vehicle has been compared to the wildly popular third-generation Prius, but Toyota assures its customers that the HS 250h is not just a jazzed up Prius. All hybrids made by Toyota (including the full Lexus hybrid lineup) use the same hybrid system, but that is where the comparison between the Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h should stop.

The following is from an August 3, 2009 Toyota press release:

“The HS 250h is based on the European Toyota Avensis platform and uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine compared to the Prius, which is on another design platform and uses a 1.8-liter engine. The hybrid transmission, motor generators and electronic control systems are also different.

Specially designed for the luxury buyer, HS 250h has a double-wishbone rear suspension while the Prius uses torsion beam. All components of the front suspension are different too. The HS has more spot welding and has anti-vibration front and rear suspension members for a quieter and smoother ride.“

As is the case with most luxury vehicles, the Lexus HS 250h also comes with a variety of premium upgrades including intelligent high beams, a navigation system with a 40GB hard drive, Bluetooth, and a Mark Levinson Audio Sound system.

The Lexus HS 250h has an MSRP of $34,200 and EPA fuel efficiency ratings of 35mpg city, 34mpg highway, and 35mpg combined.


For more information on vehicle availability, contact your local Lexus dealership.

Subscribe

Add Comment »

Filed Under: Lexus, Luxury Hybrids

The 2009 Geneva International Motor Show has begun and the AutoWeek Editors’ Choice Awards are in. The Infiniti Essence Concept has been named Best in Show for the 79th annual motor show. The specs on this concept are amazing, especially for those of us who like a little pep in our engines.

“The Essence is the best car in the Geneva show by a wide margin,” said AutoWeek Managing Editor Roger Hart. “Infiniti calls the two-seat, 600-hp, rear-drive hybrid the ‘essence of the brand in one car.’ The heart of the beast is Nissan’s venerable 3.7-liter, V6 engine, fitted with twin turbochargers for the concept. The engine is rated at a whopping 434 hp. It is spectacular.” (Source: PR Newswire)

You read that right; this is a hybrid! I am a former Infiniti owner myself; I traded in my G35 Coupe for a more family friendly model that gets better gas mileage but I miss the zip of the engine. Although the Essence is just a concept car, I can only hope that it makes it to market with a respectable fuel efficiency rating.

For more information, view the Infiniti Essence press release.

Subscribe

1 Comment »

Filed Under: Auto Shows, Luxury Hybrids

The Fisker Karma S Plug-in Hybrid hardtop convertible concept was revealed at the North American International Auto Show this week and the car is a beauty. The sedan version of the vehicle, the Fisker Karma, was revealed at the Detroit show in 2008 and is a finalist for the 2009 Green Car Vision Award. Henrik Fisker has wowed NAIAS attendees again this year with the Karma S (Sunset).

“The open-air Fisker Karma S concept shares its aluminum spaceframe architecture and clean Q-DRIVE® powertrain with the Fisker Karma sedan. Designed and engineered by Quantum Technologies exclusively for Fisker Automotive, Q-DRIVE® provides 50 emission-free miles on a single charge to its lithium-ion battery pack, and up to 403hp from two electric motors. The power retractable hard top, a first for Fisker, glides neatly into the trunk and a unique design language sets the Karma S concept apart.” (Source: Fisker Automotive)

Subscribe

Add Comment »

Filed Under: Auto Shows, Luxury Hybrids

Toyota has released the luxury counterpart to its bestselling Toyota Prius, the Lexus HS 250h. The vehicle made its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show now underway in Detroit.

“As is appropriate for the first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, the HS 250h includes proactive adoption of plant-based, carbon-neutral “Ecological Plastics” or bio-plastics in specific interior areas. Overall, approximately 30-percent of the interior and luggage area is covered with Ecological Plastic. Over the estimated lifecycle of the vehicle, the HS 250h will have approximately 20-percent fewer carbon-dioxide emissions as a result of utilizing the Ecological Plastic trim pieces.” (Source: Lexus)

The vehicle has earned a SULEV emissions rating but no fuel efficiency figures were released at the debut. The HS 250h luxury hybrid sedan seats five and joins the 2010 Lexus RX 450h and the other models in the Lexus Hybrid lineup.

Subscribe

1 Comment »

Filed Under: Auto Shows, Lexus, Luxury Hybrids

Excitement is in the air as the start of the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show draws near. The Green Car Journal is poised to announce its choice for the 2009 Green Car of the Year, controversy is brewing surrounding the 150mpg SUV by AFS Trinity and now Lexus has announced that it will premiere the 2010 Lexus RX 450h at the show.

Although the show doesn’t official start until November 21, Lexus will be premiering the 2010 RX 450h as well as the 2010 RX 350, 2009 LS 460 and LS 460L in a press conference slated for November 19. According to a PR Newswire press release, “The next generation RX models will raise the bar above the current best-selling products by offering outstanding luxury, comfort, technology, safety and efficiency.” Images of the 2010 RX 450h will be available after the press conference.

The RX450h will be the newest addition to the Lexus luxury hybrid line. Current models in the company’s hybrid lineup are the Lexus RX 400h, GS 450h and LS 600h L hybrids.

Subscribe

2 Comments »

Filed Under: Auto Shows, Lexus, Luxury Hybrids

Consumer Reports is known for ranking the quality, value and reliability of products ranging from vacuums to televisions and refrigerators to automobiles. The organization has released the results from its 2008 Annual Car Reliability Survey and nine hybrid models rated above average. The results will appear both on the Consumer Reports website and in the December issue of the magazine that will be available on November 4, 2008.

The following hybrid vehicles all scored above average in the “predicted reliability” ratings: Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Lexus GS 450h Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Escape/Mercury Marine Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid. In addition to the above average rankings for these popular hybrid models, several vehicles with above average fuel-efficiency scored well including the Honda Fit, Scion xD, Smart ForTwo and Toyota Yaris.

“Consumer Reports Annual Car Reliability Survey is used in determining which makes and models are recommended to consumers by CR. Consumer Reports recommends only models that have performed well in tests conducted at its 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut, and that have average or better predicted reliability based on its annual survey. In addition, vehicles must perform well in government or insurance-industry crash and rollover tests, if tested, in order to be recommended.” (Source: PR Newswire)

Subscribe

3 Comments »

Filed Under: Chrysler, Lexus, Luxury Hybrids, Mazda, chevy, honda, toyota

Continuing the history of debuts and reveals from the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Audi has released details on its A1 Sportback Hybrid. The five-door concept seats four and features a 1.4-liter engine pumping out 150 horsepower. Additionally, a 20 kW electric motor will help give the vehicle a bit more juice during acceleration by adding up to an extra 110 lb-ft of torque.

“The electric motor is furthermore capable of powering the vehicle alone for zero-emission driving in residential areas, for instance. The capacity of the lithium-ion batteries gives the vehicle a range of up to 100 km (62.14 miles) in pure electric mode; the motor can be recharged from any power socket.” (Source: Audi of America Media Site)

In other news, the next generation Toyota Prius is expected to be redesigned to look a bit sportier. The current snub-end vehicle is distinct; hopefully Toyota does not take away the Prius’ character during its sporty design. In addition to the next-gen Prius, a new Lexus hybrid based off the Prius is expected to be available in Europe sometime in 2010.

Subscribe

1 Comment »

Filed Under: Audi, Auto Shows, Lexus, Luxury Hybrids, toyota

Today is going to be “spy photo” day on The Green Motorist.  The folks over at BMW Blog have posted up a photo of the BMW X6 Hybrid via GlobalMotors.net.  On Sunday, Seyth Miersma at Next Autos.com posted spy photos of a Jaguar XJ which may just be the luxury motor company’s first hybrid. 

BMW X6 Hybrid

The BMW X6 will be the first hybrid BMW to hit the market.  Although expectations are that this vehicle will be initially released in Europe but hopefully the X6 will make it to the US market.  The X6 was initially revealed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.  According to the official BMW website, the X6 is “a concept vehicle that showcases innovative BMW ActiveHybrid technology in the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé. On the road, the BMW X6 Concept ActiveHybrid is as agile and enjoyable as it is efficient, leaving conventional hybrids far behind in the driving pleasure stakes.”

The ActiveHybrid technology has a goal of reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 20% over comparable non-hybrid vehicles.  The key parts of the ActiveHybrid system consist of an internal combustion engine and a transmission which will have either one or two electric motors.  Although the X6 is the only current concept, BMW engineers plan to use this technology in future hybrids.

Jaguar XJ

NextAutos.com has published a series of spy photos of a next generation Jaguar sedan.  Although nothing is set in stone yet, the website is theorizing “This next generation XJ could also be the first Jaguar car ever to be offered with a hybrid engine option to go along with an entry-level V-6 mill, several V-8s, as well as diesel choices.”  Although it will likely be years before we see a hybrid Jaguar on the road, it would be a step in the right direction for luxury hybrids.

Although BMW and Jaguar won’t be the first to offer luxury hybrid vehicles, the two companies will be a great addition to the existing luxury hybrid market.  Other luxury lines that I’d like to see enter the market include Audi and Bentley – what I wouldn’t give for a nice new Bentley Continental GT Hybrid.

Subscribe

1 Comment »

Filed Under: BMW, Jaguar, Luxury Hybrids

As gas prices have risen over the last several months, more consumers across the United States have been researching hybrid vehicles.  While the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic are popular, some people are looking for luxury accommodations in their hybrid.  Lexus has three models to satisfy even the most refined driver.

RX Hybrid

The Lexus RX-series utility vehicle was one of the first luxury hybrid vehicles to be released.  The RX hybrid allows SUV/crossover fans the experience of a premium ride with a more environmentally-friendly engine.  The 2008 RX Hybrid prices start at $41,580 for a 3.3 liter Hybrid V6, 268 horsepower and the option of part-time AWD.

GS Hybrid

The Lexus GS series combines a luxury sedan with the styling of a sports car.  Starting at $55,800, Lexus GS 450h owners can choose from numerous high-end options including a premium sound system by Mark Levinson Surround Sound and a voice-activated navigational system. 

The GS series of sedans have been known for their meaty engines.  The GS 450h boasts a 3.5 liter, 340 HP engine with a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds.  For those drivers who like some serious get up and go in their hybrid, the Lexus GS 450h should be their first choice!

LS Hybrid

From its inception, the LS sedan has been known for offering only the best and most unique options for sophisticated drivers.  The Lexus LS 600h L is not your everyday hybrid.  With a base price of $104,900, the Lexus LS 600h L is the hybrid of choice for only the most refined of drivers.

While the base model comes with a bevy of luxury options, the Executive-Class Seating Package II is the granddaddy of Lexus hybrid upgrades.  For a mere $12,570 (the price of a good used Prius), this package offers drivers a four-zone automatic climate control system, the Lexus Rear-Seat Entertainment System (RSES), a hidden rear-seat table trimmed in wood and of course upgraded tires and wheels.

If you’re used to riding in the lap of luxury but want to do your part and drive a hybrid, do not despair.  One of these three Lexus luxury hybrids is sure to meet your every want and need.

Subscribe

3 Comments »

Filed Under: Lexus, Luxury Hybrids