Ferrari 599 Hybrid Eco-friendly Supercar

The current trend of motor vehicles today is “green”, the only problem is creating an eco-friendly hybrid car that can actually deliver high levels of performance while still being fuel efficient.

Ferrari is the latest manufacturer to enter into the ring by showcasing its first eco-friendly supercar at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland.

Powering the Ferrari 599 hybrid is a 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine that produces 463 kW, the petrol engine is joined by Ferrari's newly developed electric motor which features a super slim 20 mm lithum-ion battery pack and is good for around 75 kW this boosts the total power output figure to 538 kW.

As seen in most hybrid cars of late is the use of brake force regeneration, the Ferrari 599 hybrid is said to use its own KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) from Ferrari's Formula One cars. Under braking the vehicle uses the kinetic energy produced to recharge the batteries.

To help keep fuel economy in check and CO2 emissions low, the Ferrari 599 hybrid makes use of a new start-stop system which works with the hybrid powertrain. This combination is said to reduce CO2 emissions from 415g/km to around 250g/km, while fuel economy improves from 14.8-litres per 100km to 10.6-litres per 100km, making the 599 hybrid more efficient than the standard car.

The Ferrari 599 hybrid's Formula One roots are apparent in that the electric motor automatically kicks in during acceleration, providing instantaneous torque when moving away from a standstill and during overtaking manoeuvres.

Ferrari says drivers will be given the option of a steering wheel-mounted button to boost performance when required, similar to Porsche's E-Boost which is used in their 918 Spyder Concept.

But, eager customers will have to wait, as a production version of the 599 Hybrid is not likely to hit the streets before 2015.

Lexus RX 450h Luxury Hybrid Car

RX 450h is everything you'd expect from a luxury SUV hybrid car.

The visionary new RX crossover seamlessly blends luxury, versatility and sophisticated performance in an intriguing design. Offering more power, greater efficiency and innovative technology throughout, the RX 450h is the most advanced hybrid utility vehicle in the world.

The second-gen RX 450h uses a 3.5 liter V6 gas engine (Atkinson cycle) and an upgraded inverter for a total of 295 hp in a luxury SULEV package. Its so luxury you can read the blindingly bright heads-up display even in direct sunlight, Lexus claims.


Full hybrid technology intelligently combines electric and petrol engine power for breathtaking performance with significantly lower emissions.
CO2 Combined (g/km)                           148
Combined mpg (l/100km)                  44.8 (6.3)
Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)                  7.8
Maximum Speed (km/h)                      124 (200)

PERFORMANCE
Along challenging roads, the new RX engages like a Lexus sports saloon, yet it demonstrates unshakeable composure over more rugged terrain.

Intelligent full hybrid technology delivers outstanding power with improved fuel economy, significantly lower emissions and exceptionally quiet running. Lexus Hybrid Drive seamlessly combines two powerful electric motors with a V6 petrol engine to produce 299 DIN hp (220 kW) with just 148 g/km of C02 emissions.
Unique to Lexus in the premium market segment, full hybrid technology enables the RX 450h to run in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode – realizing zero emissions performance. EV mode is used whenever possible in slow moving urban traffic – no fuel is burnt, progress is near silent and free of all CO2, NOx and particulate emissions

As speed increases, the V6 petrol engine seamlessly takes over. At cruising speeds and when braking, surplus energy is recovered and converted into electric power to re-charge the battery. Accelerate firmly and the electric motors instantly supplement the V6 engine with a dramatic surge of power.
The new full hybrid RX 450h: Breathtaking performance, with improved fuel economy and significantly lower emissions.
INTERIOR
The visionary cabin design seamlessly blends sumptuous comfort, versatility and futuristic information technologies.

Futuristic ergonomics ensure the “dual-zone cockpit” in the new RX significantly reduces the information overload so often experienced by drivers today.
The "display zone" features an 8" colour LCD multi-display screen set back in the dashboard for improved visibility and a multi-information display, featuring crisp white Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology. The driver uses the “operation zone” to seamlessly interact with the new RX. Intuitive access to, and control of, extensive vehicle information is provided via the multi-information toggle switch on the steering wheel and the Remote Touch system.

The design of the new RX reflects a highly refined sense of hospitality – one which strives to create a warm and lasting impression on driver and passengers alike.

The interior of the new RX is highly luxurious, very spacious and also exceptionally versatile. Take the seating combinations, for example. The rear seats can split 40/20/40 – and there’s a “One-Touch Tumble” mechanism that lets you quickly fold them all down at once. For added flexibility, the rear seats can also be moved backwards and forwards, whilst the backrest can be reclined for enhanced comfort on longer journeys.

Please note: Remote Touch is not standard on all RX models.SAFETY
Featuring an array of highly advanced safety features and world-first innovations, the new RX is an extraordinarily safe car in which to travel.

The highly advanced Lexus Pre-Crash Safety System (PCS) can help the driver of the new RX avoid a collision. But if impact is inevitable, PCS can employ state-of-the art technologies to reduce collision damage and injury.
When fitted with the optional Pre-Crash Safety System, a millimetre-wave radar sweeps the road ahead of the RX detecting certain obstacles and continually calculates impact-risk. If a high-risk situation is detected, PCS immediately alerts the driver with a warning buzzer and a red BRAKE! Signal. It also activates Pre-Crash Brake Assist, which can provide the driver with increased brake pressure.

Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management integrates all of the RX’s powertrain and electronic control systems within an intelligent network. VDIM acquires data from a host of sensors strategically placed throughout the RX. Information provided includes wheel rotation speed, brake pressure and vehicle body movement. State-of-the-art software continuously processes this data and prompts VDIM to seamlessly apply varying degrees of corrective adjustments.
This Lexus innovation of integrating the vehicle’s stability and control systems ensures a level of intervention which is far smoother and refined than if the systems acted independently.

The new RX provides the very highest levels of safety. In addition to impact-absorbing crumple zones and an exceptionally rigid passenger safety cell, a class-leading shield of ten strategically positioned airbags helps protect you.

The Intelligent - Adaptive Front-lighting System (I-AFS) can automatically swivel the RX's powerful headlights into approaching corners to significantly enhance night time visibility.

10 Best Eco Friendly Hybrid Cars For 2010

Some of these cars have yet to be released; however, if they stand up and perform the way they have been touted, they will well and truly have earned their spot on this list.

Chevy Volt

The upcoming Chevrolet Volt 230 will be the chart topper as it is said to give you 230 miles per gallon in the city. This number can be played with due to the interaction of the electric and gas portion of the car. For the first 40 miles of the charge, the car will run completely on electricity, after that, the gas power kicks in more and more as the mileage ticks off. If you drive less than forty miles a day, this car could definitely be your new best friend

3rd Generation Prius

The next car on the chart is the 3rd generation Toyota Prius, this car will be much more attainable than the Volt. It retains its familiar shape though it has been sleeked up a bit and is essentially the same size. The gasoline engine is a little stronger than the predecessor and there have been other upgrades also that gives this car a 51/48 mpg respectively. Toyota has addressed the faults of the previous year, giving the vehicle a more rigid chassis and upgraded electric assist steering. The new Prius also has an optional self parking system. Solar powered ventilation systems are also available on some models, an affordable car that continues to work hard towards eco-friendliness.

Honda Insight

Eco friendly car number three is the Honda Insight. The fully loaded Insight EX that includes all sorts of goodies such as a navigation system, costs only slightly more than the bare bones Prius. This little car sports an Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system that starts with a 1.3 liter four cylinder gasoline engine with 88 horsepower and 88 pound feet of torque. The electric motor generates another 13hp and 58 pound feet of torque, this will move the Insight up to 30 mph without the help of the gas engine. When the gas engine does kick in, it’s a seamless transition that doesn’t cough and rumble. The braking system also acts as a recharging system, sending charge to the battery whenever the brakes are applied. This car gets approximately 40/43 respectively.

Ford Escape Hybrid

Coming up next in line is the Ford Escape Hybrid which is the first SUV style eco friendly vehicle on the list. The Escape Hybrid has been on the market for five years now and those five years have filled Ford with experience and knowledge that is in turn rolled back into the next version of the vehicle. This is another vehicle that will have a ‘park assist’ system which automatically steers the vehicle into a suitably sized parking space. The fuel economy for this vehicle is 34 in the city and higher on the highways, this makes it the most fuel efficient SUV on the market. What this vehicle is fighting is the Honda CR-V fully gas powered and the Toyota RAV4 fully gas powered which are all around better vehicles and turn in a respectable 20mpg combined fuel economy at a much lower ticket price.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Honda Civic Hybrid is the next one to step up as one of the first members of the Honda Hybrid lineup. This is a small family sedan and serves well for a couple with young children. This little sedan is powered by a 1.3 liter i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine with integrated motor assist and a permanent magnet electric motor, producing 110 horsepower and 45 mpg on the highway, controlled by a continuously variable transmission. It is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system to ensure your tires are always at the correct inflation to give the best gas mileage.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

The 2010 Ford Fusion is the first US hybrid that sports a fully functional gasoline-electric powertrain, the Fusion can even run in full electric mode with the air conditioner on. This little family sedan delivers 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway driving. This spunky little sedan is equipped with a 2.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine producing 156 horsepower and is paired with an electric motor that raises the horsepower to 191. Power is transferred to the wheels by a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Lexus HS 250h

In the luxury field you could have guaranteed that Lexus would have their bid in and they do with the HS 250h. This little luxury sedan delivers 35 mpg combined driving through a powertrain that is from the Camry Hybrid though it’s platform is unique to it alone. When you drive this vehicle you will have no doubt you are driving a luxury car, it’s ride, lack of cabin noise and nimble handling combined with just about every luxury feature possible as either standard or optional, will leave you with no doubts.

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

If you have a need for even more luxury and you have the pocketbook healthy enough to support it, you may want to take a look at the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. This sporty little hybrid is due to be released some time in 2010.

Mercury Milan Hybrid

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid is available sporting two gas/electric engine options, one being a 2.5 liter in-line four and the peppier 3.0-liter V6 version. On electrical power alone this vehicle can hit 47 mph which is the fastest electric only speed for any hybrid currently on the market. It is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission and delivers 41/36 mpg city, highway respectively.

Nissan Altima Hybird

The last car on the list and quite possibly the least is the Nissan Altima Hybrid. This vehicle is Nissan’s first bid to run in the hybrid race. Equipped with a NiMH batter pack designed by Panasonic, the Altima is currently a bit of a mix and match concoction of parts and pieces from Ford and Toyota. This hybrid has limited availability which will make getting parts harder than the rest as well as making service in general a bit harder to come by. The overall design of this vehicle is basically the same as the non hybrid Altima. There is a rumor that the 2012 Altima will have a completely new design so you may want to wait for the 2012 model before considering this vehicle.

Eco Friendly Hybrid Cars

While having a car is a necessity, it converts into luxury as the fuel consumption is sky rocketing and accelerating. Due to this many people are now getting frustrated with their usual gasguzzling conventional car and are actively looking for alternative modes of travel. People are turning to public transportation - bus, trains - braving even the worst of weather simply to save on the everincreasing fuel costs. However there are some who simply need their car due to job nature or family obligations.

These days more and more people are turning to hybrid cars because of their promise of lesser fuel consumption and environmental friendliness.
Hybrid cars produce fewer pollutants than conventional cars. This means that not only will you cut fuel consumption by more than half, you will also decrease the level of pollution that is poisoning the environment and people. With hybrid cars, everyone can benefit from it.

The concept of the hybrid car is quite simple. Hybrid cars combine electricity, which is the cleanest energy source available, and internal combustion gasoline engine to run the car.

In simple words, hybrid cars utilize both electricity and gasoline energy to power the car. Firstly when your hybrid car is started and in idle mode or not running, the gasoline engine is automatically shut off. You car is then purely running on electricity. That explains the reason behind why hybrid cars are very quiet. This is also the reason why it can effectively conserve fuel consumption. Once you step on the accelerator, the internal combustion engine will automatically start up again.

There are also hybrid cars that can run purely on electric mode. This is very useful if you are only using the car for local travels. You virtually don’t even need to put gasoline in the car.

Most hybrid cars developed today no longer need to be plugged in like the electric car. The used kinetic energy when you are braking will be the one to recharge the battery.

This is how simple a hybrid car works.

In short hybrid cars promises to provide efficiency, economy, convenience and sustainability.