Full Throttle

Pros: Clean energy, high mpg

Con: Not powerful enough

Whether in hybrid form or alone, electric propulsion will lead the way out of the petroleum era

TECH: Hybrid cars, which mate battery-powered electric motors with internal-combustion engines, are available now from Honda, Toyota, and Ford, and most other manufacturers have models on the way. All-electric cars, including the Tesla Roadster are having a harder go of it, mostly because of the limitations of current battery technology. The Chevy Volt concept, unveiled this year, cleverly straddles the fence between hybrid and all-electric cars. The Volt uses a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine only to charge a lithium-ion battery pack (yet to be developed) that powers the 120-kilowatt (160-horsepower) motor. Owners could also charge the Volt using a household outlet.

GREEN BENEFITS: The Toyota Prius, a conventional hybrid, gets between 45 and 50 miles per gallon and produces half the amount of greenhouse-gas emissions of 30mpg sedans. If GM’s Volt happens (battery technology won’t be ready until at least 2010), it could drive on electricity alone for about 40 miles. That 40-mile-or-less drive describes 78 percent of American commuters. Even if the Volt drew its power from the dirtiest coal-fired plants, it would still produce less than the half emissions of a typical new car.

ECONOMICS: Over 15,000 miles, the Prius costs an estimated $650 to fuel, compared with $1,300 for the 27mpg Toyota Camry. Driving the Volt 15,000 miles on electricity alone would cost only about $300 on the electric bill. Owners who drove 60 miles a day would see 150 miles per gallon and an average annual fuel cost of $116. But delivering a family car like the Volt at a price people could swallow – figure $25,000 in today’s dollars – will be an enormous challenge.

OUTLOOK: The first plug-in hybrids won’t arrive before 2011; lithium-ion batteries have to get stronger, smaller and much cheaper to make the Volt viable and affordable for the masses. In the meantime, conventional hybrids will continue to dominate the alt-fuel market.    

We all know that SUVs or the Sport Utility Vehicles are s kind of tough vehicles but they are not good in fuel economy. With the fast increase in gas prices, many people who own SUVs are feeling their budgets shrivel consistently whenever they hit the gas stop. Before, an SUV can be filled up 25 gallons of gas which cost $50. However, nowadays, it’s way different because now the price of gas is much higher. In fact, the price to fill up that same tank can jump to $75 and even higher. This typically computes to $100-$125 per month more in gas expenses. As to this, it seems it’s more practical to start considering vehicles that are capable of attaining best gas mileage rather than impressing you with its specific features and engine performance.

For those of you with large families, life without an SUV is practically impossible. Good thing, these days, you can find SUVs on the market that have better gas mileage than ever before. Great thanks to car manufacturers who listen to the SUV lovers of the world who have been asking for years to have a more fuel efficient SUV. The new SUVs that boast good fuel efficiency are averaging approximately 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

I actually made a sort of list of SUVs that offers better gas mileage which you can choose from.

Ford Escape Hybrid
This SUV actually is one of the best fuel efficient SUVs available on the market. It gets an amazing 36 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway in the front-wheel-drive model. The four-wheel-drive Ford Escape Hybrid gets 33 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It has excellent cargo space and drives comfortably.

Mazda Tribute Hybrid
Exceptional mileage makes the Mazda Tribute a king among hybrids. The Escape is a very nice hybrid utility vehicle and is better priced than the Escape. Mazda is known for their sporty handling, which is also blunted in the Tribute. Mpg are a 21 in the city and 31 in the highway. Acceleration is sufficient.

Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Like its corporate twins, the Tribute Hybrid and Escape Hybrid, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid offers class-leading fuel economy and low tailpipe emissions. Mariner Hybrid combines the spaciousness, style and functionality of the Mercury Mariner with the ultra-clean emissions and impressive fuel economy of a gas-electric vehicle. Mercury Mariner Hybrid delivers an impressive 32 Miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Saturn Vue Hybrid
The Saturn Vue Hybrid’s affordable price makes it one of the true bargains of the hybrid bunch. So far, it is the most affordable hybrid sold on the market today. It gets 32 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Performance and fuel economy achieve harmonious coexistence in this sterling Toyota. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is included in the best fuel-saving SUV available in the market right now. The EPA fuel economy for this SUV hybrid is 27 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Lexus RX 400h
The RX 400h is expensive, but it offers all the quickness and luxury you’d expect from a Lexus. Actually it is a gas-electric hybrid version of the RX 350 crossover vehicle. This handsome SUV gives any greeny with expense taste, or successful executive with green aspirations, something that no other vehicle line offers: a SUV luxury hybrid utility. The all-wheel-drive model rates at 26mpg in the city and 24mpg in the highway.

Nissan Rogue
Turn to the Rogue for a carlike driving experience and a well-crafted cabin. This Nissan Rogue is a very good choice for those who enjoy an elevated driving position and occasionally need the utility and available all-wheel drive of a compact crossover. It boasts good fuel efficiency approximately 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg in the highway (EPA).

One good thing about buying a fuel efficient SUV is that you can be able change the way you drive to improve your fuel mileage.

As oil prices increasingly climbing up, it seems reasonable to start considering a fuel economy vehicle if you are buying your next vehicle. Naturally, this uncomfortable reality has begun shaping our vehicle purchases. Actually, nowadays, most consumers are now eyeing at the most fuel efficient vehicles that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comes up with every year. This list pertains to cars that are capable of attaining the best gas mileage due to their specific features and engine performance.

Here are some of the vehicles I picked which I also think that they are effectively fuel efficient vehicles. These vehicles are greatly available in the market.

Note: They are not arranged in ranking.

Honda Civic
Behold the mighty Civic, titan of the small-car category. Its longstanding popularity comes on the strength of its spacious cabin, poised handling and superb safety ratings.

Honda Civic Hybrid
The Civic Hybrid features electric motors that maximize the potential of its small 1.3-liter engine. It is another one of Toyota Prius’ direct competitors when it comes to rankings for the most fuel efficient cars. With an overall fuel economy rating of 42 mpg, one can easily surmise how it came to figure on the list for most fuel efficient.

Honda Civic GX
One of the main reasons why this particular Honda model has made it to the list of most fuel efficient cars is that it uses compressed natural gas unlike other vehicles. It has a fuel economy rating of 28 miles per gallon (of compressed natural gas). It comes with an at-home pump that you can use to tap into your home gas line to fill it up before you leave your home.

Honda Fit
The Fit’s compact size means that parking in tight urban spaces is never a problem. Its reasonably sporty handling means that driving is never a chore.

Kia Rio
The universally competent Rio has done a lot in terms of upgrading the image of both the Kia brand and economy cars in general. Its fuel-efficiency is icing on the cake.

Nissan Altima Hybrid
The Altima Hybrid uses practically the same technology that the Toyota Camry Hybrid has but with a couple of different features. It also has an overall fuel economy rating of 34 mpg making it another one of the most efficient cars among compact sedans. Altima is great to use for city driving.

Nissan Versa
The Versa is one of the more impressive recent entrants in the subcompact category. For a starting price of just over $12K, it offers amenities usually found in luxury cars costing thousands more.

Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Camry Hybrid has a fuel economy rating of 34 mpg which barely made it to the list of most fuel efficient cars today. Its battery pack, while a bit bulky compared with other models, is one of the main features that have made it figure in this roster of the most fuel efficient . It also features a fuel economy gauge that lets the driver know when its average mileage rises.

Toyota Corolla
With over 30 million models sold, the Corolla holds the distinction of being the best-selling car on the planet. It’s also one of the most fuel-efficient.

Toyota Prius
Prius has always made it at the top of the list for the most fuel efficient cars from EPA. It has an overall fuel economy rating of 46 mpg, one of the lowest in the market these days. The mid-sized sedan features a spacious interior which has made it a crowd favorite as well. As one of the most efficient cars in the market, Prius has an estimated annual fuel cost of $1019.

Toyota Yaris
Yaris sedans start at just over $12K, making them bargains both in terms of price and fuel-efficiency. The car’s hallmarks are the versatility of its interior and its amenable handling.

After making its debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, this 2010 Camaro has been the talk of the town. It has been featured in many different auto shows as well as movies since then. This vehicle features a fascinating interior design. The round speedometer and tach are contained in two rectangular chrome-edged bezels behind a 3-spoke steering wheel. The center stack containing the sound system and climate controls is a rounded, organic design, while below are four retro-inspired auxiliary gauges also surrounded by rectangular bezels. While the original cluster included the fuel and coolant temperature gauges, those critical readouts have been relocated to the main instrument cluster. Now, the four console-mounted gauges are for oil temperature, oil pressure, voltage and a new readout showing engine torque output.

Schedule to out in the first quarter of 2009 as an early 2010 model, this vehicle is expected that will be offered in three trim levels. These are the LS, LT and SS. The base LS may be powered by 3.5-liter pushrod V-6 making about 220 bhp. While the LT models would use the overhead-cam direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 developing upward of 300 bhp. And the SS trim will be powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8, similar to the Corvette, tuned to produce around 400–405 bhp. A year after launch, Chevy will introduce a convertible version and after that a high-performance Z28 model with a super-charged 6.2-liter sibling to the Corvette ZR1’s LS9 motor known as the LSA. That engine would make somewhere in the neighborhood of 480–500 bhp and is similar to the engine used in the upcoming Cadillac CTS-V.

In addition, the 2010 Camaro will also offer a choice of 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions. With muscular gearchange levers and baseball-size shift knobs, in the automatic-equipped car we didn’t see any provision for a sequential-shift mode on either the shift gate or on the steering wheel or column. Camaro also offers a fully independent suspension. Despite the added cost of the independent rear, Chevy is looking to keep base prices in the $20,000–$30,000 bracket, while the SS model could be in the mid- to upper- $30,000 range.

For more info, visit:

Motor Authority

Townhall-Talk.Edmunds.Com

Q: Who should buy this car?

A: A person looking for a competent family sedan providing a touch of fun.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart is a five passenger front-wheel drive midsize sedan and is powered by a 3.8 liter MIVEC V-6 engine teamed to a 5-speed Sportronic transmission that develops 258 hp at 5,700 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,500 rpm. It is capable of accelerating from zero-to-60 mph in about six seconds, making it one of the best performers in its segment.

The Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system helps optimize power and engine efficiency across a broad engine speed range. As an example of MIVEC’s benefits, the large-displacement V-6 is already producing 220 lb.-ft. of torque at just 2,000 rpm, giving the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart forceful off-the-line response.

Equipment exclusive to the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart includes a sport-tuned suspension, new 18-inch alloy wheels, special exterior styling and a wide array of luxury features and convenience item such as a dashboard screen to display audio settings, outside temperature, trip information, and compass, including leather upholstery. This vehicle also equips with standard traction control that helps prevent wheel spin by monitoring and controlling the speed of each front drive wheel. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that can immediately alert the driver to a sudden loss or change in tire pressure. The Rockford Acoustic Design™ premium audio system is also came standard for the Ralliart.

This 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart also features its own sport-tuned suspension with higher-rate springs and dampers and a 21-mm rear stabilizer bar. Its 235/45R-18 all-season tires are mounted on new 18 x 8-inch seven-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. IN addition, it also features large front and rear discs than the other models.

For more information on this vehicle, just visit these sites:

Iguida.Com

Terato.Com

FamilyCar.Com

Q: Who should buy this car?

A: A person who wants a small sedan with spunky looks and great value for the money.

This 2008 Suzuki SX4 Sport is powered by a 2.0 liter, DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine the developed 143 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque. It is equipped with a Bosch ABS, six airbags, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and remote keyless entry. It is also the automotive cousin of the SX4 Crossover and is designed to ease the day-in, day-out urban grind for its drivers.

Powertrain
Built in Japan, the SX4 Sport features a sophisticated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC engine matched to a five-speed manual transmission or an available specially tuned four-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter engine delivers 143 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque with an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway with automatic transmission.

Dynamic Handling
The SX4 Sport features a rigid steel unibody underpinned by a confidence-inspiring chassis that was fine-tuned in Europe to provide good stability on the highway along with crisp and responsive handling and braking and minimal body roll. Its rigid structure, along with reinforced suspension mounts, allows the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam suspension to work to their full potential. KYB shock absorbers and standard stabilizer bars enable dynamic handling. The combination of wide track and a large 17-inch wheel-and-tire package help optimize the ride-and-handling balance. The SX4 Sport also features large four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment.

Safety Features
It offers customers an extensive array of standard safety features. Active safety features include daytime running lights, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Passive safety elements include a safety-reinforced body with front and rear crumple zones designed to help absorb impact energy. Six airbags are standard on the SX4 Sport: driver and front passenger advanced airbags and side-impact airbags; and side curtain airbags designed to provide additional protection for outboard front-and-rear-seat passengers. It is also fitted with front three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, three-point emergency locking retractor rear seat belts, ISO FIX-compliant child seat anchors and a high-mounted stop lamp.

If you are interested to this vehicle, visit FamilyCar.Com for more info.

Forget those super exotics that you see spoilt rich brats drive up in front of the club with two birds in tow, while you and your group of friends curse your down and out luck at not having a bottomless bank account and having to rely on public transport to get around town. Enter the Talon Performance - this is a street legal quad that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, and yet is sleek enough to draw more stares from folks compared to a Ferrari. I suppose the number of stares received is for a very good reason - this is hardly seen around, and they’ll probably wonder what kind of eclectic character would drive a vehicle such as this, especially on a Saturday night. Check out the specifications after the jump.

• Engine KFX 700: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke V-twin, SOHC, four valves per cylinder with wet sump
• Displacement: 697cc
• Bore x Stroke: 82 x 66mm
• Carburetor: Dual Keihin CVKR-D32
• Starting: Electric
• Transmission: Kawasaki Automatic Constant Velocity Transmission with forward, reverse and neutral
• Final Drive: Shaft
• Frame Type: Double cradle, racing type, high tensile 1.25″ tubular steel
• Suspension: Front: Dual A-arms, coil-over shocks
• Rear: Linkless swingarm, billet aluminum gas-charged shock
• Tires: Dunlop 205 40 ZR17
• Brakes: Front: Dual discs with two-piston calipers
• Rear: Sealed, oil-bathed, multi-disc
• Overall length: 107 inches
• Overall width: 59 inches
• Overall height: 43 inches
• Wheelbase: 63 inches
• Ground clearance: Center of chassis 6 inches
• Lighting: Dual L 35W /H 75W halogen headlights, LED tail light/brake light
• Dry weight: 765 lbs
• Fuel capacity: 3.2 gal. optional 7 gal.

Granted, this won’t be smoking any vehicle on the road anytime soon and woe to you when you bring a hot date on the Talon Performance and the unforgiving skies decide to fool around with you and ruin a seemingly perfect evening.

The Jet-powered bicycle. Who’s going to cycle this? Ironman? It’s available in eBay with a start bid of $650. With its 50-pound weight engine, it is capable of shooting up to 75 mph. Instead of gas, it runs on kerosene.

Want to feel the rush? Why not try to ride on this bike. But before you do it, maybe its best if you give your insurance agent a call if you want to take it out for a spin. This unique two-wheeler is capable of hitting its maximum stride of 75mph.

“When you’re on a motorcycle going 50 mph, you don’t think anything about it,” Maddox said, an artist and cabinetmaker in Medford, Ore., has been tinkering with pulse jet engines for seven years now. He’s recently started bolting them to old-school cruiser bicycles and selling them on eBay and a video of him riding one is bouncing around the blogosphere. “But on a bicycle, it feels way too fast.” He added.

Q: Who should buy this car?

A: A person who wants a safe, convenient around-town car; an affordable entry-level car with great mileage; a roomy 2-person car with funky style.

“How safe is it?” most ask question whenever this vehicle is seen. Though this vehicle is literary small, but when it comes to safety it ranks big. The 2008 Smart Fortwo is actually a micro vehicle and is considered as the smallest car for sale in the U.S. market. Despite to its compactness, this vehicle offers a good level of safety, according to new crash tests conducted by the insurance industry.

Smart Fortwo only measures about 8-foot, 8-inch but it received the highest rating of good in front-end and side-impact testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, helping address some concerns that consumers may be more vulnerable in the tiny two-seater.

The 2008 Smart Fortwo vehicle is a division of Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz brand, has arrived in U.S. showrooms this year as consumers deal with rising fuel prices. The automaker has received more than 30,000 reservations for the vehicle — which has a base price of more than $12,000 with destination charges included and more than $17,000 for a fully loaded Smart passion convertible.

If the idea of buying a Mercedes-Benz for below cost is irresistible, well then the Smart Fortwo is that.  The car, built by Daimler-Benz in France. Depending in the model the price varies. The “coupe” has a base price of $11,590, a well-equipped price of $13,590. And a convertible is available for $16,590.

What’s it like to drive?

First thing that occurs to you when you get in a Smart Fortwo is that it doesn’t seem so small, despite the fact that it’s only 8 feet, 10 inches long, on a 73.5-inch wheelbase, little more than half the length of a full-size car.  And many compact cars have a wheelbase as long as the Smart Fortwo overall length – keep that in mind as we continue.  There’s excellent headroom and the width is enough, so the two occupants, if average size, shouldn’t be the least bit cramped.

Are you ready for this futuristic vehicle?…

Well, sad to say it is just created purely as a design project by GMC Motors as its entry in the “California Design Challenge” at the Los Angeles Auto Show late 2005 and won as the grand price winner. It isn’t necessarily meant to be a realistic vehicle. GMC has absolutely no plans to produce a prototype PAD, much less a production version for sale to the general public.

The GMC PAD is a futuristic-looking, diesel-electric powered urban loft with mobility, a creature comfort-filled concept for living in the ever-changing cultural landscape of Southern California or a modern alternative for those financially locked out of Southern California ’s escalating housing market. It’s a home ownership concept that enables cultural and geographic freedom for the modern city dweller and provides a new answer to the problem of urban sprawl.

But what would the GMC PAD be like if it did exist?

With the PAD, your LA Adventure is your next stop. It’s where you live, where you work, or merely where you want to be. Whether located in walking distance from your job, spending a couple evenings along PCH, or wintering at Mammoth, with the GMC PAD, home is where you want it. And commuting is what other people do. But enough of that wishful thinking, back to reality, ok?

If this Pad will be materializes surely it would cost a bundle. This new high-end motor homes can cost in the range of $800,000 to $1 million, and models that are more modest can still reach $250,000. The PAD is certainly a high-end machine, with its “infotainment” gadgets, LCD screens, solar cells and hybrid engine. At minimum, its price would have to be a few hundred thousand dollars. You’d have to live in it for many years to make up that difference in rent savings, and that doesn’t take into account fuel costs or considerations about where you’d park your PAD. Motor homes aren’t generally allowed to stay long-term in parking lots or parked on the street, and connections to fill up the water tanks aren’t free, either. None of these concerns are addressed in the PAD design document.

The general idea of living in a motor home instead of a house is not a new one, but if prices in some real estate markets continue to rise, that might be the only choice left for some people. However, living in a motor home is not easy. It requires some ability to repair the mechanics and systems of the vehicle. It also requires adherence to a strict budget for food, fuel and other expenses. The living space in the PAD as shown would be very cramped. It looks more like a fancy lounge than somewhere you’d actually want to live. So the PAD wouldn’t be for everybody, but if you are one of those who desire a new lifestyle and like to live on the cutting edge, the PAD might be a glimpse into the future.

The GMC PAD features a Diesel-Electric hybrid system, which acts as a generator for the onboard power grid as well as propulsion for DriveMode. With the PAD’s resource management technology, onboard fuel & water supplies would last for weeks or even months on end. During daylight hours, the PAD’s SkyDeck features 6 M-Sq of photovoltaic cells that collect and store the sun’s natural energy. An electromagnetic suspension aids in leveling & stabilization when the PAD is being used in the LifeMode as well as remarkably easy handling while in DriveMode.

Direct TV, OnStar, XM Satellite Wi-Fi and are continually online to provide an endless variety of entertainment, information and security options and the PAD’s LCD interior architecture creates a media rich environment unlike any other. Electronically variable exterior glazing means privacy is always at your fingertips. The PAD’s rearmost area is devoted to a personal spa created in conjunction with Kohler. The food prep / kitchen area features a full suite of PAD-specific appliances developed by Thermador. For outdoor living, the PAD features an integrated SkyDeck for enjoying the sights & sounds of LA culture.

For more information on the GMC PAD and related topics, check out these links:

How Stuff Works

World Car Fans

Car Body Design

Architecture List