Based on the S350, The S400 BlueHYBRID has a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine mated to a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with reprogrammed management software for the hybrid application. It also has a new auxiliary oil pump for transmission lubrication even when the engine is switched off.
The 2009 S400 BlueHYBRID will be Mercedes-Benz’ first hybrid passenger car and also the first mass-production hybrid with a lithium-ion battery that’s been specially developed for automotive use. The S Class hybrid will go sale in Europe in June 2009 and be available in the U.S. three months later.
The S400 BlueHYBRID’s motor acts as a generator when braking to keep the Li-ion battery charged. Besides saving fuel, regenerative braking saves brake wear and tear since brakes are only activated when the driver applies heavy pressure to the pedal. Otherwise, braking is provided by engine compression and regenerative braking alone.
Mercedes-Benz says the S400 BlueHYBRID is the world’s most economical luxury sedan that uses a gasoline engine. Compared to the S350, fuel economy is improved by up to 2.2 liters per 100 kilometers for an overall rating of 7.9 liter/100 km (30 mpg). Overall CO2 emissions are reduced by 21 percent to just 190 grams per kilometer, for the world’s lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class.

Who says only four-wheelers can take the lead in the green vehicle technology?

Established in 1996, eCycle produces a line of advanced brushless motors and generators, which have a wide range of applications in commercial, industrial, and consumer markets worldwide, particularly for mobile applications. Now, it is introducing its new hybrid motorcycles.

Using an 8kW permanent magnetic brushless CMG motor / generator (which can output 400 amps) and a 4-stroke gasoline engine, the eCycle Hybrid Motorcycle delivers 0-60 in just 6 seconds with a top speed of 80 mph. it also delivers up to 180 mpg fuel efficiency.

Redesigned from the 2001 model (which then featured a 219 cc diesel-electric hybrid power system), the new eCycle weighs only 230 lbs and features lower, more relaxed seating position, making the platform ideal for entry-level riders and commuters and the rear suspension sports a Penske Racing Coil-Over Mono-Shock.

The eCycle Hybrid Motorcycle transmission is a 2-speed, constant mesh, 3-shaft design utilizing ball and needle bearing construction with custom rolled gears. Low gear features an over-running clutch for smooth shifting and safety.

The eCycle Hybrid is more than a motorcycle; it is practical and has low impact on the environment. So, take a spin for a cleaner and greener future.

The 2008 Toyota Prius was given a very good reception during its release — rating one of the top green cars. The only challenge for the 2009 model is whether it can surpass its predecessor.

But that would barely be a question since Toyota is on a mission for the 2009 Prius to: drive the economy ratings skyward, and cut the associated costs by 20-30 percent.

Shocked by the news that Honda is lowering the price for the Fit Hybrid for 2008 with the price differential just 200,000 yen (some $1,700) more than the regular gasoline version, Toyota is planning to slash R&D costs and halve its current hybrid differential of 500,000 yen (some $4,240) to compete.

Sources say the next Prius will also be able to run longer and faster in pure electric mode, up to a sustained 30 mph, which will significantly extend its zero-emissions range.

The current model is hitting North America at present. So, what more if the 2009 version will be released with better economy and value?

Although not rated as a supercar like the Lamborghini or Maserati, the Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept Car will be priced ranging from $30,000 and above.
 
Designed by Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, (who took an entire year of drafts to come up with the aggressive eco design), the FT-HS comes with a lot of unique and advanced features.
 
One of the unique features of the Toyota FT-HS includes a carbon-fibre Kevlar retractable roof that pulls into the backseat area and turns this 2+2 four seater into a 2-seat convertible with the touch of a button. Pretty radical, right? There is more: the steering wheel has an outer ring that moves around an inner ring for smoother handling and side-to-side movement of the vehicle.
 
Combining the power from an internal combustion engine and an electric motor can also serve to compound the horsepower and speed of the vehicle. This makes the FT-HS perform faster – an essential in the sports car industry.
 
Typically, sports cars are not the environmentalist’s dream. But thanks to hybrid technology, Toyota is planning to change that through the FT-HS which is yet to be produced. We just hope it will be soon enough.

During the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda created a milestone by creating the first and only rotary hybrid car in the world.

The Mazda RX-8 Renesis has an electronically-controlled direct-injection rotary engine with a high-pressure hydrogen fuel tank. It also runs on gasoline as well – this is what we mean by a rotary hybrid car.

According to Mazda, “The RENESIS Hydrogen Rotary Engine incorporates an electronically-controlled hydrogen injector system (the hydrogen is injected in a gaseous state). The system draws air from the side port during the induction cycle and uses dual hydrogen injectors in each of the engine’s twin rotor housings to directly inject hydrogen into the intake chambers. By virtue of its construction, with separate chambers for induction and combustion, the rotary engine is ideally suited to burn hydrogen without inviting the backfiring that can occur when hydrogen is burned in a traditional piston engine. The separate induction chamber also provides a safer temperature for fitting the dual hydrogen injectors with their rubber seals, which are susceptible to the high temperatures encountered in a conventional reciprocating engine.”

Like what you expect from a hybrid, the Renesis provides less impact on the environment: has low emissions, is fuel efficient, and has an outstanding fuel economy. It includes regenerative braking, idle-stop systems and electric acceleration assistance systems. It also employs a couple of other eco-friendly features like using a water-based paint, applied wet three times, which reduces the emission of organic solvents, speeds drying time and reduces CO2 gases. The RX-8 also uses plant-based plastic parts on the interior that are not derived from petroleum unlike other plastics.

The new rotary engine used by the RX-8 Renesis is a positive addition to Mazda’s hybrid vehicles. We can bet other automakers will be developing their own one in time.

Who says hydrogen fuel cell cars are slow?

Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 recently broke the land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats at a speed of 207 miles per hour (333 km/h). According to Ford, the Fusion is the world’s first and only fuel cell technology production based race car.

The result of a partnership between Ford, the Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research, Ballard Power Systems and Roush Racing, the Fusion was developed after 10 years of R&D into hydrogen vehicle technology and over a year of specific design and development of the 999 model.

Although more aerodynamic than a standard race car, the Fusion Hydrogen 999 has an exterior similar to the latter but it is closer to the ground, has no side mirrors and since there is no radiator, it lacks a grille to let air in. Weighing 6,700 pounds (over 3 tons) with a driver and a fully loaded cooling system, the 999 is twice as heavy as a normal race car.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is novel to the race car industry. Ford might have made a milestone with its Hydrogen 999 speed record. Only time will tell how much further this new technology will go.

The Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV is said to be the Toyota Highlander’s ‘fraternal twin’. It has everything the Highlander is popular about. The only thing is that: it is MORE luxurious.

The ‘400’ in the RX400h means it performs like a 4-liter engine, with acceleration from 0 – 60 in just 7.3 seconds just like the Highlander.

And similar with the Highlander, the RX400h also comes with a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM), which monitors vehicle and road conditions to help drivers avoid accident and improves smoothness of handling.

But what the Highlander does NOT have is the RX400h’s new and sleeker design. Not only does it have integrated fog lamps and wind-tunnel aerodynamics, but also sports 18-inch alloy wheels. It also offers standard DVD entertainment and navigation systems plus a Mark Levinson Premium Audio System. The RX400h also concentrates on reducing noise. Engine mounts have been moved forward to minimize vibration, the air intake system has been redesigned to reduce noise and insulation has been added to the body panels, wheel wells, and even inside the windshield all in an effort to make this the quietest ride possible.

With these features, we can expect the Lexus RX400h to start the trend in luxury SUV’s. It is making the Highlander dull as dishwater by comparison.

The sleek and unique outer design might deceive you. But the Hyundai Portico Concept Crossover can easily seat six easily as both front and rear doors swing open from opposite ends with pillar-less design, allowing the most possible space in which to enter and exit the vehicle. All of the rear seats can slide back independently into the cargo area, adding room to those in the back.

“The Portico is an example of the new market segments Hyundai is exploring – in this case, the next generation of family transportation. Portico features seating for six passengers and roomy, flexible cargo space – previewing the types of attributes we’ll be adding to our growing Hyundai lineup in the U.S.”, says Hyundai’s Vice President of Product Development and Strategic Planning, John Krafcik. In addition with its ‘family friendly campaign’, the Portico has a panoramic roof that can be darkened in relation to the sunlight needed. It also features a DVD entertainment center for those in the back and a navigation screen and overhead console for those in the front.

The Portico also provides more power than your average ‘sensible’ car. This is thanks to Hyundai’s new, high-tech 24-valve, DOHC Lambda V6 engine, along with a six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. It also has a hip futuristic image which quite opposes its name that literally means ‘porch’ in Italian.

The Portico also offers front and back electric motors and all-wheel drive – quite different from many other hybrids. The front electric motor generates 110 kW (136 horsepower) and the rear electric motor supplies 60 kW (83 horsepower) to the wheels. This gives the vehicle more power and fuel efficiency but with lower emissions.

Hyundai may just be a player in the hybrid marketplace with this cross-utility vehicle.

“Hybrids have always been seen as niche products, and hybrid car design has mostly been based around practicality and versatility”, says Environment Manager at Honda (UK) John Kingston, “The CR-Z Concept looks stunning, and shows that green cars can be sexy and exciting – but also minimize environmental impact."

Introduced as a concept vehicle as a concept vehicle during the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda announced publicly that the CR-Z will go into production as early as 2009.

This mid-engine V6 vehicle is also equipped with a 6-Speed Sequential transmission.

At this point, Honda has not yet released any other information about the CR-Z like the gas mileage, types of batteries, top speed, zero to 60 mph acceleration, and other specifications. They are relying more on the visual stupefaction of the vehicle to suffice.

What is apparent now is that Honda will be selling approximately 250,000 hybrids in 2009. That is more than a little help with regards to minimizing environmental impact among vehicles.

In the late 1800’s, Henry Ford revolutionized modern transportation. About a century later, ‘Fordism’ took, yet again, another step up with its new aim: going green.

Although to the hybrid car market late, they nonetheless are demonstrating their eagerness to go green. “Ford is releasing more new clean air vehicles than any other automaker. More Low Emission Vehicles (LEV), Super Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV), Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) and hybrid products will begin hitting showrooms this month and next”, says California marketing manager Lewis Echlin.

As the 4-cylinder version of the 2006 model Fusion car and rated as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in California, the Fusion Hybrid is already the fourth full-hybrid vehicle by Ford.

The Fusion’s design is inspired by one of Ford’s popular concept cars, the Ford 427 concept: its optional charcoal-black leather-trimmed interior with contrasting oatmeal-colored seat stitching, bold three-bar grille and multi-element projector-beam headlamps.

This 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan is available in 7 trims, ranging from the I4 S to the V6 SEL AWD. It comes standard with a 2.3 liter four cylinder engine.

Ford has dedicated itself to producing more green vehicles. We can bet that it can create another milestone in the years to come.