BMW 5-series hybrid joining 2012 U.S. line-up
German auto giant BMW has just expanded their line-up of hybrids with the launch of the all-new BMW 5-series-based hybrid, dubbed ActiveHybrid 5.
German auto giant BMW has just expanded their line-up of hybrids with the launch of the all-new BMW 5-series-based hybrid, dubbed ActiveHybrid 5.
A Kia Optima Hybrid has set a new Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption in a hybrid gasoline vehicle (which is a new category) by driving through 48 adjoining U.S states. In order to qualify, the Optima was required to achieve a minimum of 4.53 litres/100 km.
While most manufacturers these days are too busy either refining their V8 engines for maximum efficiency, or refining the interior appointments by increasing the size of their in-dash touchscreens, Ford seems to be heading for a different dimension altogether as evident in their latest Evos Concept.
So it is the Lexus LS600h L Landaulet that is in limelight here, and not the wedding ceremony of H.H Prince Albert II of Monaco for which the LS600h L Landaulet was exclusively designed and prepared. Just as the fate of the German makers of the only other Landaulet model is hanging on a thin strand of cobweb, Lexus marches in boldly with their finest piece of engineering till date.
So here comes another visual treat for the hardcore Honda fanboys from Mugen, Honda’s racing arm. And this time it isn’t a boring Accord or a Civic sedan, but a more purposeful CR-Z hybrid coupe, Mugen’s version being dubbed the CR-Z Mugen.
Lexus has unveiled the all new LF-Gh hybrid concept at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. According to Lexus, this concept is designed to be a high-performance luxury grand touring sedan while also being able to deliver supreme driving experience, and being as efficient and as “green” in its emission levels as possible.
The first affordable hybrid has landed in the UAE. The Lexus CT 200h is the first hybrid in the GCC that actually fulfills the purpose that hybrids were created for — to save fuel. The rest of the hybrids in the market are overpriced oversized vehicles that do nothing but inflate egos of those who want to appear to be “doing something” for the environment.
Rumours persist that Toyota wants to bring back its iconic sports car, the Supra. Not to be mistaken with company’s upcoming model, FT-86, the plan was initially to release both side by side, although now it looks like it will possibly happen further down the line.
For those not in the know, a hybrid is a car with a petrol engine that also has an electric motor attached that provides additional power when needed and recharges its battery as the car moves, all while saving petrol, saving the environment and saving the whales. The theory goes that petrol is cheap in the GCC, so no one cares about hybrid cars. While that is definitely true, we live in the UAE, which boasts the highest petrol prices in the region and is proudly increasing prices further to match international market rates eventually. Suddenly, a hybrid doesn’t seem like a bad idea after all.
Lexus is doing something completely out of character in this region by going ahead and launching the first hybrid hatchback in the UAE, at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Motor Show. The CT 200h, originally designed for the European market, will become the cheapest hybrid car to be sold in the UAE, undercutting various manufacturers who have only been bringing in ridiculously-priced high-end models here.