Important Facts About Hybrid Cars

Diposting oleh Unknown on Rabu, 20 Juli 2011

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Hybrid cars are unique types of vehicles. This is not because their body structures, sizes, and designs are different from the conventional gas-powered cars since they actually look similar. This type of vehicle is unique because the components found under its hood are different from the ordinary expensive and cheap new car models that most car finders would purchase either on a cash basis or through auto financing.

Hybrid cars do not only rely on the gas engine as the power source, but they also have an alternative power source such as an electric motor. In fact, hybrids are currently using three major types of technologies to propel them. The first type is the so-called "parallel hybrid system" that uses electric motors, gas engines or the combination of these two as power source.

The second type is referred to as the "mild hybrid system" that uses an electric motor to support the gas engine in specific conditions. However, the electric motor in this system is not capable of propelling the vehicle all by itself.

The third type is commonly known as the "plug-in hybrid system" that makes use of electric motors to power the vehicle. This type of hybrid has battery packs that store electrical charges when the vehicle is charged. These batteries would then release the stored charges when the vehicle is driven. Most of the time, this type of hybrid has gasoline engines that propel the vehicle in the event that the batteries are drained along the way.

Although these are just the existing technologies found in almost all hybrid vehicles, car makers still continue to search and develop other technologies that could support the overall function of this type of vehicle. As a matter of fact, there are car makers who are now using the regenerative-braking systems that helps hybrids extra charges when the vehicle brakes.

Due to these technologies installed on hybrids, they become more fuel-efficient. The extra source of power such as the electric motors allows the hybrid to consume lesser fuel since the vehicle does not run on just gasoline alone. In short, the additional power source cuts the total fuel consumption down.
The size and the need for space is not an issue for hybrids. This is because hybrid cars are offered in different options. In fact, you can easily choose a hybrid car that suits your need for space. In case you need the space provided by an SUV or a sedan, you can easily look for hybrid versions of these vehicles since they usually have their own hybrid counterparts.

However, the only problem that you could possibly encounter when you look for a hybrid car is the price. Hybrids are currently sold at higher prices since their production costs are also high. But this would probably last for long since more and more car manufacturers are planning to mass produce more hybrid versions of their vehicles.
 
Marty Bay is an Automotive Journalist and publisher, widely known as a contributor writer, editor, and publisher for some well-known Automotive Properties in the US like Car Finder, Auto Financing, and AboutCar to name a few. His expertise is in writing news and publishing content that would help New Car Finders, and buyers seeking information about Auto Financing and other New Car related offers, deals, and changes in the industry. He also specialises in producing and publishing New Car Buying Guides for various automotive websites in the United States.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marty_Bay
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Concept vehicle design by Turi Cacciatore

Diposting oleh Unknown on Senin, 11 Juli 2011

Super work by our friend Turi Cacciatore. Check out conceptships.



























Keywords: concept automotive truck semi vehicle sketches illustration art design renders by concept artist turi cacciatore lamborghini fiat works high definition hd big resolution drawing downloads car within car concept bike motorcycle chopper sled
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Scoop: 2012 Mercedes A-class

Diposting oleh Unknown on Selasa, 05 Juli 2011


Mercedes is turning the new 2012 A-class into a high-quality, sporty mainstream rival for forthcoming BMW 1-series and Audi A3 replacements, leaving the next-gen B-class to fill the role of the small MPV.

The biggest change for the production Mercedes A-class over the three-door Vision A concept is the addition of rear doors. The roadgoing model retains the show car’s narrow glasshouse and sharply raked front windscreen and A-pillars. The roofline is not as steeply angled as the near-coupĂ©-like slant of the concept’s, although it is a world apart from the boxy styling of the previous two A-class models.

At the recent Shanghai motor show, Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener described the Vision A concept as “realistic” next to the production car. “Obviously, the real thing is a five-door,” he said. “We will make changes to the window line, headlights and grille, but that’s it.”

The core engine will be a 2.0-litre petrol unit, which the Vision A previewed in 204bhp hot hatch form. It will be mated to a dual-clutch gearbox, which replaces the CVT that is used in today’s A-class and B-class. Cooking versions of the petrol model are likely to develop closer to 150bhp.

Diesels will be centred on Merc’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder unit, with power ranging from 130bhp to 180bhp.

Power for the new A-class family will initially come from the existing range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines used in the C-class, but modified for a transverse installation.

Mercedes is placing great emphasis on interior quality, with plastics, trim and switchgear borrowed from the C-class.

The new A-class is understood to feature an all-new platform, known as the MFA, with strut front suspension and a multi-link rear.

The new A-class and B-class will also be joined by a compact four-door sports saloon, previewed by Merc’s F800 concept.

Spy pics of the next-generation Mercedes A-class:















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