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2008 Maserati GranTurismo at Geneva
2007-10-10 03:39:00
The 2008 Maserati GranTurismo, a two-door coupe to complement the Quattroporte sedan, is yet another Italian beauty, this one penned by Pininfarina's Jason Castriota. Successor to Maserati's Guigiaro-designed coupe and spyder, the upcoming GT is built on a shortened version of the Quattroporte's chassis....
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2008 BMW M3
2007-10-10 03:30:00
Officially, this M3 is still a concept. Looking beyond that description, however, the car revealed here officially for the first time is pretty much what you can expect to see when it goes on sale in North America next year. Insiders tell us that this E92 coupe is the first of a whole lineup of models from BMW's M division, including an E90 M3 sedan, E93 M3 hardtop convertible and (for the first time) an E91 M3 wagon....
More About: 2008

Toyota Hybrix X
2007-10-04 07:45:00
Toyota's Geneva press conference was packed. It might have had something to do with the fact that the company's stand is in an awkward corner of Geneva's Palexpo with little room for seating. But there's no getting around the fact that juggernaut Toyota is a big deal right now. And the Toyota Hybrid X isn't just another funky hybrid concept car. We think it's a pretty good look at what the third-generation Toyota Prius could be, courtesy of Toyota's European design studio....
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2008 Audi A5 at Geneva
2007-10-04 03:03:00
If you're looking to trace the Audi A5's genealogy within the Audi lineup, good luck. Although this sleek-bodied coupe looks a lot like the Nuvolari concept, which had a scaled-down version of the A8's aluminum space frame, Audi says the production car has an all-new chassis design that will underpin several future models....
More About: Geneva , 2008

Tips for Drivers of Hybrid Cars
2007-10-02 23:17:00
Maintenance Tips for Hybrid Cars Hybrid cars tend to have long warranties. The Honda Insight comes with an 8 year/80,000 mile warranty that includes most of the powertrain, including batteries, and a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on the rest of the car. The Toyota Prius has an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty on the hybrid and battery systems, and a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on everything else.Batteries and electric motors in these hybrid cars don't require any maintenance over the life of the vehicle. The gas engine doesn't require any more maintenance than the gas engine in a conventional vehicle. In hybrids with regenerative braking, the brake pads may last longer than those in other cars.Battery systems in hybrid cars are pretty spendy with a several thousand dollar price tag. By the time the warranty expires though, that price may have decreased.Gas Mileage Tips for Hybrid Cars By using the same driving habits that result in better fuel efficiency in conventional vehicles, you...
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The Hybrid Car Tax Credit
2007-10-02 23:14:00
If you buy a new hybrid car, you could be eligible for a one-time federal income tax deduction of as much as $2,000.Several models of hybrid car placed in service by the end of 2005 are eligible for a clean fuel deduction of $2,000. Those put in use during 2006 could be eligible for a $500 federal income tax deduction.Under current legislation vehicles purchased after 2006 will not be eligible for a deduction. If you purchased a hybrid car before 2005, you can submit a claim for the deduction by filing an amended tax return for the tax year in which the vehicle was purchased.The following requirements must be met for your hybrid car to qualify:- You must purchase the car new and for your own use. Cars purchased for resale do not qualify.- You must drive the vehicle "mostly" in the United States.- The vehicle must meet all federal as well as state emmissions requirements.- Government agencies, tax exempt organizations, and foreign entities are not eligible for the deduction.- If a...
More About: Credit , Hybrid , Hybrid car , Tax credit

State Incentives for Hybrid Vehicles
2007-10-02 23:08:00
Some states offer tax (or other) incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles. Here is a breakdown of what each state offers.Colorado - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Credit:For tax years beginning on or after July 1, 1998, Colorado income tax credits are available for the purchase of an alternative fuel vehicle, for a motor vehicle that is converted to use alternative fuel, or for the replacement of the power source with a power source that uses alternative fuel. To qualify, the vehicle must be titled and registered in Colorado.For more information see http://www.revenue.state.co.us/fyi/html/i ncome09.html, where specific credits are cited for specific models of hybrid vehicles.Connecticut - Sales Tax Exemption:Prior to July 1, 2008, new hybrid vehicles with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy rating of at least 40 mpg are exempt from sales tax. For more information see http://www.ct.gov/drsFlorida - High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Decal:An Inherently Low Emissions Vehi...
More About: Hybrid , Vehicles , State , Hybrid Vehicles , Incentives

New Technology Could Result in 250 MPG Hybrid Cars
2007-10-02 23:06:00
With current manufacturers of hybrid cars boasting about 45-50 miles per gallon, a 250 MPG car may seem a bit far-fetched. But privately-held AFS Trinity Power Corporation has been developing exactly that, and believes they can achieve 250 miles per gallon fuel economy in a sedan and 200 miles per gallon in a SUV.The Extreme Hybrid drive train technology is expected to cut emissions, dramatically lower driving costs, and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. AFS Trinity Power expects to deploy this technology in a DOT hybrid bus demonstration project next year. Development of the passenger hybrid car drive train is expected to begin this year, should be ready for demonstration in a prototype vehicle in two years, and be ready for licensing to auto manufacturers in three years. One of the primary differences between this vehicle and the current standard hybrid cars is that the Extreme Hybrid drive train derives most of it's power from electrical power grid, and not a gasol...
More About: Technology , Cars , Hybrid Cars , Result

How Hybrid Cars Work
2007-10-02 23:04:00
Many consumers aren't satisfied to know that hybrid cars achieve excellent fuel economy and reduced emmissions, but also are also curious about how they work. Three primary components are integrated to make a hybrid: an internal combustion gas engine, an electric motor and a high-powered battery. A process called regenerative braking is used to capture energy and charge the battery. This is energy that would normally be lost during coasting or decelerating. The battery which is continuously recharged through this process provides power to the electric motor. If necessary, power from the gasoline engine may also be diverted to charge the battery. These charging strategies create an electrical power system that never needs to be plugged in to charge from an external source.Those are the basics of hybrid cars in general. We will divide hybrids into two categories to examine further how the three components work together. Each category of hybrids incorporates the three component...
More About: Cars , Hybrid , Hybrid Cars , Work

How do Hybrid Vehicles Get Such Great Gas Mileage?
2007-10-02 23:02:00
It?s not by accident that many of the most fuel efficient vehicles for the 2005 model year were hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), also known as hybrid vehicles, or simply hybrids. Hybrid vehicles are built in a variety of configurations to achieve different objectives. They combine an electric motor with the best features of the internal combustion engine and are capable of significant improvements of fuel economy without giving up performance or driving range. Some hybrids are also configured to supply power for power tools or other electrical devices.Hybrid vehicles are powered primarily by an internal combustion engine, just like conventional vehicles. However, they also convert energy normally wasted during braking and coasting into electricity. This energy is stored in a battery until it is needed by the electric motor. Internal combustion engines are least efficient in low-speed driving conditions, and when hill climbing or accelerating. This is where the electric motor k...
More About: Great , Vehicles , Hybrid Vehicles , Mileage

History of the Hybrid Car
2007-10-02 23:00:00
The history of the hybrid car begins in 1899 when Ferdinand Porsche engineered the first successful hybrid-electric vehicle. Hobbyists have continued building hybrids since that time, but no major auto manufacturers put a hybrid car into mass production until late in the twentieth century. The widest utilization of hybrid technology during that interim period was actually in diesel-electric submarines. They essentially operate in the same manner as a hybrid car, however the goal in submarines was to economize oxygen rather than fuel. Submarines have since evolved to nuclear power though several nations still rely on diesel-electric technology.The introduction of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius in the 1990s marked the first true success of hybrid car technology. Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles were developed in the 2000s. The PHEVs can be recharged by plugging in to the electrical power grid, and for short trips can operate without conventional fuel. Renault released the fi...
More About: History , Hybrid , Hybrid car

Ford Escape Hybrid Endures Commuter's Nightmare
2007-10-02 22:49:00
The Ford Esca pe Hybrid (the first hybrid SUV) was run through a grueling "commuter's nightmare" road test at the New York International Automobile Show. During the road test, the Ford Escape Hybrid averaged over 38 miles per gallon in a nonstop 37-hour drive in and around New York City.The hybrid SUV started the test with one 15-gallon tank of gas. That one tank of fuel and a 330-volt electric battery kept the Ford Escape Hybrid running for 37 consecutive hours of city driving in the grueling urban congestion of Manhattan, for a total of 576 miles. The resulting fuel economy of the hybrid version of the Escape is a 75 percent improvement over the 20 mpg that the Environmental Protection Agency rates the conventional Ford Escape V-6 at.An electric motor powered by a 330-volt nickel-metal battery pack and a conventional gas internal combustion engine are combined to run the Ford Escape Hybrid. When driving, the system chooses whether to use power from the electric motor or the ga...
More About: Nightmare

Move Over, Robocop!
2007-10-02 22:35:00
This cop was at the corner of 9th & Cocker in Des Moines. If you look closely, it almost looks like he's wearing an iPod. I'm pretty sure it wasn't, though.Source: Rwest
More About: Move , Robocop , Robo

Comparison Test of Two 2006 Hybrid SUV Models
2007-10-02 22:14:00
The hybrid SUV has proven to maintain all of the power and utility of the traditional SUV, while also providing previously unheard of fuel economy and greatly reduced emissions. Toyota and Lexus are both offering 2006 hybrid SUV models, which were put through 1,000 mile road tests under all conditions for the following comparison.1. 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid The Highlander Hybrid SUV is a seven-passenger vehicle that doesn't sacrifice comfort for fuel economy. The hybrid model is just like the gas Highlander. It handles just as well, has a simple cabin design, and maintains the same 81 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The difference is that it achieves much greater fuel economy while being more powerful. Yes, you may go back and read that again. The hybrid version of the Highlander is actually MORE powerful than the gas model.Toyota used the same 3.3 liter V6 in the hybrid SUV that it uses in the gas Highlander. They recalibrated it and added three electric motors. One of t...
More About: Models , Test , Comparison

Basic Technology of Hybrid Vehicles Explained
2007-10-02 21:53:00
Petroleum-based fuels are ideally suited for internal combustion engine technology, which has powered most cars and trucks for over a century. Burning fossil fuels for over a hundred years however has done some serious damage to the ecology of the planet. Enter the electric vehicle with lower emissions, but correspondingly lower power. Finally, both technologies have come together in hybrid vehicles, also known as hybrid electric vehicles or HEVs.Present-day hybrid vehicles are equipped with both gas internal combustion engines and electric motors. The gas engine produces power through small and continuous controlled explosions that push pistons which turn a rotating crankshaft. The force created by the rotation crankshaft is transmitted through a number of components and ultimately turns the vehicle's wheels. The electric motor is powered by a battery which creates energy through a chemical reaction. The battery is continually recharged by a generator that is powered by the...
More About: Technology , Hybrid , Vehicles , Basic , Hybrid Vehicles

Mazda Hakaze Concept at Geneva
2007-10-02 20:39:00
Nagare and zoom-zoom are both catch phrases that Mazda uses to describe its evolving design language, evident in a series of unusual show cars, including the new Hakaze concept that will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March....
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2008 Smart Fortwo Brabus at Geneva
2007-10-02 20:38:00
2008 Smart Fortwo made its first auto show appearance in Geneva before it goes on sale early next year.
More About: Brabus , 2008

Ford GT Rally
2007-10-02 20:37:00
It really hits you as you watch the 80th Ford GT pull into Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. If the thought of Ford producing a Ferrari-beating exotic sports car seemed extraordinary back in 2002, the fervor caused by the Ford GT once it hit showrooms and enthusiast publications in the fall of 2004 has proven unprecedented.Now, standing under the largest Blue Oval on the planet while basking in the guttural roar of more than 80 GTs screaming around Ford's glass tower, the full weight of what Ford has created becomes apparent....
More About: Rally , Ally

2009 Acura NSX
2007-10-02 20:34:00
Earlier this year, Acura finally fessed up and admitted it's working on an all-new NSX. Other than confirming it will have V10 power, Acura announced few additional details. So we decided to do a little digging, consulting our contacts in Japan and a well-connected designer in Europe. With their help, we were able to put together this exclusive video slide show on the next-generation NSX. It may not be exact, but until the car debuts in a couple of years it's as close as you're going to get....

Ford GT Hot Lap at Laguna Seca
2007-10-02 20:33:00
Edmunds' Inside Line gives you a real time, turn-by-turn look at one of America's most famous tracks in one of the world's most famous supercars, the Ford GT.
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2008 Scion xB
2007-10-02 20:32:00
The 2008 Scion xB reminds you of what was accomplished by the first 2004 xB, a car so shocking that the entire Scion brand still revolves around it.

2007 Mazda CX-7 AWD Grand
2007-10-02 20:29:00
Mazda isn't really comfortable with the C-word. Oh sure, the company refers to the all-new 2007 Mazda CX-7 as a "crossover" all the time in public. But it doesn't really think the term is entirely appropriate. Crossing between what and what else, one might ask? Instead it boldly proclaims that the CX-7 is an SUV with the "soul of a sports car." Check out this Edmunds Inside Line video to find out more....
More About: Mazda , Grand

Dodge Challenger Super Stock
2007-10-02 20:28:00
Edmunds' Inside Line takes you on an exclusive drive of the Dodge Challenger Super Stock Concept down the drag strip in Vegas.
More About: Dodge Challenger , Halle

Nissan Skyline GT-R Z
2007-10-02 20:26:00
Nearly two years after Nissan phased out the GT-R due to stricter emissions laws, Nismo, the company's motorsports arm, has brought back the R34 for one last encore performance. Only this time, it's standing ovation material....
More About: Nissan Skyline , Skyline

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
2007-10-02 20:25:00
Edmunds Inside Line gives you a sneak peek of the upcoming 2008 Mitsu bishi Lancer with this exclusive Spy Video.

2009 BMW 7 Series
2007-10-02 20:24:00
Here's something you don't see every day....Edmunds Inside Line shows you exclusive spy footage of the 2009 BMW 7 Serie s drifting around Germany's famed Nurburgring.
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2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
2007-10-02 20:06:00
Get a close-up look at this Italian exotic with Edmunds Inside Line's road test of the 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.
More About: Allard , Lard , Lamborghini Gallardo

2006 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H
2007-10-02 19:50:00
Edmunds Inside Line fires up the engine and smokes some tires on this exclusive road test of the 2006 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H.
More About: Ford Mustang , Tang

2007 New York Auto Show
2007-10-02 09:06:00
Edmunds Inside Line gives you an inside look at the 2007 New York Auto Show , with such featured vehicles as the Subaru Impreza WRX, the Mercedes CLK63, and the Infiniti G37.

2007 Porsche GT3
2007-10-02 09:00:00
Inside Line takes you for a spin in the mighty 2007 Porsche GT3, one of the best performing vehicles we have ever tested.