Peugeot and Total will showcase the new 208 HYbrid FE (Fun and Efficient) concept at this year's Geneva Auto Show.

Jointly-developed with French oil and gas company Total, providing an enhanced driving experience (0 to 62mph in just 8.0 seconds) and very low CO2 emissions (just 49g/km).

To achieve that they based the project on the 208 1.0-litre VTi 68bhp model that has an EGC gearbox as well as an "electric motor and a battery taken directly from the endurance programs."

The weight reduction will be a major contributor to the performance. In fact, the teams expect to achieve a 200kg (441 lbs) reduction in the weight of the vehicle less than the standard model.

The various stages of this project will be unveiled and can be followed from 5th March 2013.

Source: Peugeot

A few images of what looks to be the production 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder leaked of the production version have dripped their way on the internet via the leak-happy Chinese patent office.

If these provide an accurate look at what the hybrid supercar will look like, the car will have minor modifications over the prototypes that are currently undergoing test.

The Porsche 918 Spyder has finally received its door handles, a slightly different front bumper, indicator lights, mirrors, seat belts, redesigned air intakes in the front bumper and the headlamps located underneath the main beams.

Power comes from a 4.6-liter V-8 engine that develops 580 hp (432 kW) and more than 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The Porsche 918 Spyder the first real hybrid supercar in the world.

[alert style="green"] Porsche 918 Spyder photos (4 pictures) [/alert]

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[Photos by Car News China]

Plans to launch a production version of the Jaguar C-X75 supercar has been officially canceled because of the global economic crisis.

This decision has been confirmed by global brand director Adrian Hallmark admitted that it would 'not be appropriate to launch a car like this.

"We feel we could make the car work, but looking at the global austerity measures in place now, it seems the wrong time to launch an £800,000 to £1 million supercar," said Hallmark.

As a reminder, the Jaguar C-X75 concept has been officially presented to the public back at the Paris motor show in 2010. The car expected to make use of a supercharged and turbocharged 4-cylinder 1.6-liter engine.

Jaguar claimed the car would be capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 2.8 seconds, capable of reaching speeds in excess of 200 mph and it could also complete the 0-100mph sprint quicker than a Bugatti Veyron.

[alert style="green"] Jaguar C-X75 photos [/alert]

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[Via: autocar.co.uk]

The German carmaker is planning considering the Audi R10 diesel hybrid supercar, using Le Mans-developed hybrid technology.

The car will compete with the Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1 and Ferrari Enzo replacement, while the Audi R8 winning every race in the American Le Mans Series in its first year.

Very few details have come up on this new hyper car, but Audi hypercar could wear the R10 moniker and diesel-hybrid technology to the road.

“If we made this a diesel hybrid it could be a hot-seller. What always sells is performance - if it is quick, has low consumption and looks cool, I'm sure it would be a success,” Audi technical development chief Wolfgang Durheimer.

What is expected is a diesel no larger than a V8 power output of about 700 hp (522 kW) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque, and construction using either a bespoke carbon fiber tub.

If this diesel hybrid supercar gets the nod, the car to hit the road until 2017 at the earliest.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 became the fastest production car in the world in 2005, and now the French automaker has confirmed that the Veyron Super Sport successor will be debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013.

Chief Vehicle Engineer Jens Schulenburg told the British car site: "The big challenge will be reducing weight – we are looking at some incredible technologies, such as wheels made entirely from carbon fibre."

Bugatti will focus on lowering the vehicle's curb weight by 250 kg (551 lbs) and the car that will have 1,600 horsepower and hit 290 mph.

The new Bugatti Veyron Super will retain the impressive W16 quad-turbo engine, but capacity could be increased from 8.0 to 9.6 litres. Which will go from 0 to 62 mph in 1.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of almost 290 mph (446.7 km/h).

The 2013 Honda CR-Z hybrid will be going on sale later this week with priced slightly higher at $19,975 for the base model and $21,655 for the CR-Z EX, (*neither price including a $790 destination charge).

Exterior updates to the 2013 Honda CR-Z include a new front fascia; new brighter chrome plating on the headlights tinged with blue clearcoat; two new colors are now available; 16-inch alloy wheels; a new rear diffuser; Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

The new Honda CR-Z is powered by the same 1.5L four-cylinder engine mated to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system's DC brushless electric motor - produce 130 horsepower and 140 lb-ft.

Which is fueled by a new lithium-ion battery pack has a higher 15 kW output, a gain of eight horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque (4 lb-ft on CVT equipped models).

Overall, the CVT equipped the 2013 Honda CR-Z hybrid is rated at 36 / 39 / 37 mpg (a gain of 1 mpg city), while rating of 31 / 38 / 34 (gain of 1 mpg highway) combined on the 6-speed manual transmission models.

On the inside, the base Honda CR-Z revisions include new metallic trim on the door pulls and latches, LED running lights, automatic climate control, premium audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, rearview camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel and cruise control. Optional features include two-tone seats, a new Plus Sport System, Honda satellite-linked navigation system, the S+ button on the steering wheel, Pandora Interface and SMS text message function.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Honda CR-Z Hybrid photos [/alert]

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The Porsche Cayenne has been on the market for a few years, in 2014 the Germany automaker will update its Cayenne SUV with a plug-in hybrid variant which could be called the e-Hybrid.

The update will include the typical retouches to the bumpers, LEDs for exterior lighting with four distinct bright spots in each light unit and taillights standard across the lineup.

The 2014 Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid will likely be based on the standard hybrid but the electric motor will be upgraded to produce around 95 to 100 horsepower.

The same report also hinted that the Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid is matched to a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine producing 333 horsepower, paired with an electric motor sandwiched between the internal-combustion engine.

The battery will be a lithium-ion unit with a 10 kWh with electric range in the neighborhood of 15 miles. Porsche's e-hybrid system could return a fuel economy as high as 67 mpg.

[alert style="green"] 2014 Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid photos [/alert]

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The Honda Insight combines advanced technology moving its next-generation Insight hybrid down market has leaked with LeftLaneNews spy photographers.

The Honda Insight hybrid is a five-seat hatchback that's intended to beat the Toyota Prius in terms of price and just about every non-hybrid in terms of gas mileage.

The powertrain for the vehicle Honda 's latest 1.5L four-cylinder combined with a new seven-speed gearbox. With a 53 mpg combined rating and up to 59 mpg highway, and combined EPA fuel economy rating of 42 mpg.

The 2013 Honda Insight hybrid adds alloy wheels, gauge cluster, the Fit's center stack, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Given the Insight's disappointing sales this year, according to Reuters, have topped no more than 4,801, Honda is likely rushing this new model to market in 2014.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Honda Insight hybrid photos [/alert]

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Photos by LeftLaneNews

Lexus has released a new high specification Advance model to the CT 200h line-up in United Kingdom that brings additional equipment. The Lexus CT 200h Advance is available to order now at a price of £24,495, with first deliveries to begin end of the year.

The Lexus CT 200h Advance is equipped a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder VVT-i gasoline engine, the car generates 65 per cent less CO2 in its production than regular leather. Lexus has offer the option of a more compliant suspension setup also capable of 68.9 mpg and 94 g/km.

In addition to the features offered, the Lexus CT 200h other specifications featuring 17-inch alloy wheels; the satellite navigation system; fog lights; folding electrically-adjustable door mirrors; a new sat-nav system; Bluetooth; MoveOn satellite navigation; auto-dimming rear-view mirror with integrated parking monitor; dual-zone climate control and push button start.

[alert style="green"] Lexus CT 200h Advance photos [/alert]

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Honda Performance Development (HPD) brings a higher performance version of its CR-Z sport hybrid. Honda states that this concept is only an "exploration" of the performance potential of the CR-Z Supercharged.

Visual changes include a sport exhaust, Honda Genuine Accessory front and rear spoilers, 19-inch HFP wheels, an HPD rear diffuser and HFP badging.

HPD has upgraded the supercharged CR-Z with a sport exhaust, HPD sport dampers, sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes and high-performance tires.

The Honda Supercharged CR-Z concept makes 185 hp and 169 lb-ft of torque, break the 10-second barrier for the 0-60 mph run. There is little likelihood of Honda actually putting the HPD Supercharged CR-Z Concept into production, but we'd vote that they just break down and build the damn thing.

[alert style="green"] Honda Supercharged CR-Z Concept photos [/alert]

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One of the biggest Porsche 918 Spyder leaks occurred this weekend at rennteam.com via teamspeed.com. We received a few reports are indicating that the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid will have a starting price of £768,026 when fitted with the Weissach package costing £839,426.

As expected, the new details confirm that the 918 Spyder will be offered only in left hand drive and one combustion engine and two electric engines.

Weissach-package reduces the weight of 1.700 kg (DIN) / 1.775 kg (EG) of the standard car by approximately 35 kg and the time at the Nordschleife by approximately 2 seconds (standard: less than 7:22 min, Weissach-package: less than 7:20 min).

You can track the some data and prices for the Porsche 918 Spyder:

• High-Perfomance Hybrid-System with Plug-in-technology, one combustion engine and two electric engines with E-Boost function


• only available in LHD-version


• Combustion DFI-engine is a V8 with 4.593 ccm and 9.000 1/min


• maximum power more than 580 hp and more than 500 Nm


• Euro 5-classification


• 70 litre tank


• turning circle 12.7 m


• Combustion engine is rear wheel drive and will be supportetd by one electric engine


• second electric engine will be for front wheels, so called electric AWD, up to 235 kph


• maximum power of both electric engines is more than 245 hp, 116 hp for front wheels and 129 for rear wheels


• Lithium-ion-battery with 6.8 kWh capacity


• on board charger with 3.6 kW


• external Porsche-universal-charger


• combined power will be more than 595 hp


• maximum torque more than 780 Nm between 1.000 and 4.000 1/min in third gear


• 7-gear-PDK


• Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus)


• Electric Porsche Traction Management (ePTM): electric AWD-system


• Auto-Start-Stop and "Sailing"


• front wheels with 9,5Jx20 and 265/35 ZR20


• rear wheels with 12,5Jx21 and 325/30 ZR21


• PCCB front 410mm (6 piston calliper), rear 390mm (4 piston calliper)


• electric parking brake


• LED-front lights with four point DRL, LED-rear lights


• PCM with 7"-touch screen (multitouch) in centre console


• 8"-TFT-information display


• Burmester HighEnd Surround system with 11 speakers and more than 500 W

Weight reduction is achieved by the following:

• extended use of magnesium, CfK, titanium and ceramic-parts


• foil instead of paint for the car saves 2.5 kg


• no wiring for external quick charging station


• 918 Spyder magnesium wheels (same dimensions) saves 13.5 kg


• no air-condition


• no Burmester HiFi system


• flame-resistant cloth instead of leather for the seats


• CfK-paddles for PDK


• CfK-interior package


• special door interior panels without armrest and door pockets


• straps instead of door handles


• no glove compartment, no compartment in centre console


• no carpeting in leg room, no carpeting in boot


• 6-point-harness

And here are the prices:

• foil additional to the paint: 11.900


• liquid metal paint: 47.600


• liquid metal paint plus foil: 59.500


• 918 magnesium wheel: 29.750


• lifting system for front axle: 8.925


• external Porsche quick charging sytem: 20.230 (20 kW, reduces charging time from 2 hours to 0.5 hours)


• special leather "Authentic": 23.800


• interior carbon-package: 6.545


• electric comfort heating system: 5.950 (heating for interior when only electric engines are running)


• 6-point-harness: 2.975


• Luggage-set (five pieces): 17.731


• car pick up in Zuffenhausen: for free!


• car pick up in Leipzig: 6.545

[alert style="green"] Porsche 918 Spyder photos [/alert]

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The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 will get better fuel economy than its predecessor, again set new benchmarks in its class for performance, luxury, efficiency and safety.

Replacing the V8 engine with a new hybrid turbocharged inline-six the ActiveHybrid 7 gets 14 percent better fuel economy than the new BMW 740Li. The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 powertrain puts out 348 hp and 367 pound-feet of torque, can scoot from 0-to-60 mile per hour acceleration time of 5.5 seconds.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 can also go as fast as 37 miles per hour in all-electric mode and new model can also go up to 2.5 miles in EV model. EPA rating of 22-mpg city and 30-mpg highway.

The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 available only in long-wheelbase form, with pricing starts at $84,895.

[alert style="green"] 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 photos [/alert]

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EPA estimates for the 2013 Audi Q5 Hybrid are available, giving it a rating of 24/30 mpg city/highway. The automaker had announced earlier this year it would be bringing the Audi Q5 Hybrid to America and goes on sale this fall.

Those numbers are slightly less impressive that we'd imagined, and are improvements over the 20/28-mpg rating of the gasoline-only 2.0 TFSI model. The 2013 Audi Q5 estimates the hybrid crossover will accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.1 seconds, while the non-hybrid 2.0 TFSI takes 7.6 seconds.

Audi claims the diesel drivetrain will be good for a combined 37 mpg, which will pack a 245-hp, 428-lb-ft 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6. The 2013 Audi Q5 Hybrid starts at $51,795, about $15,000 over an entry-level Q5.

 

The Lexus LF-LC Blue Concept is now unveiling at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show held in Sydney. Created by the Lexus' Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California, new hue is inspired by a naturally occurring semi-precious opal stone of outback Australia.

The interior is a flowing mixture of organic shapes combined the blue exterior shade has given it a slight cosmetic makeover. Here, Auto Reviews found twin 12.3-inch LCD screens that provide information, seat adjustments, advanced technology trimmed in wood, climate controls and leather.

“LF-LC is part concept, part reality: the concept hints at what's to come from Lexus, while the reality has us actively studying how we can engineer and build a vehicle like this in the future,” Cramb said.

An elongated hood, which features an Atkinson cycle combustion engine mated to an advanced high-energy battery pack. Combined, the Lexus LF-LC Blue Concept ggasoline-electric hybrid powertrain develops 500 hp (372kW or 506PS), which is the most of any Lexus hybrid.

[alert style="green"] Lexus LF-LC Blue Concept photos [/alert]

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General Motors confirmed today that it will build its Cadillac ELR plug-in hybrid luxury coupe at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant in 2013. GM is investing $35 million to prepare the factory to assemble the new Cadillac ELR.

According to GM North America President Mark Reuss, "The ELR will be in a class by itself, further proof of our commitment to electric vehicles and advanced technology. People will instantly recognize it as a Cadillac by its distinctive, signature look and true-to-concept exterior design."

While the Cadillac ELR is expected to share underpinnings with the Chevrolet Volt, it will likely boast a greater electric-only range and benefit from both higher performance.

The Cadillac ELR is expected to use an updated version of the Volt powertrain and it will run primarily on electricity. On the other hand, a rear wheel-drive layout wit a T-shaped lithium ion battery, an electric drive unit and a four-cylinder engine-generator.

[alert style="green"] Cadillac ELR photos [/alert]

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The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has been EPA certified at 45 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway and will boast the highest fuel economy of any luxury vehicle in the U.S. market.

“The all-new MKZ Hybrid proves that thoughtful customers who prioritize fuel economy and reducing emissions do not need to compromise on luxury, driving quality or advanced technology,” said Jim Farley, group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service.

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is offered with three engines. When compared to its closest competitors, the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid more fuel efficient than the Lexus ES300h by 5-mpg city and 6 mpg highway.

Prices for the Lincoln MKZ start at $35,925 excluding an $875 delivery and destination charge (*), is scheduled to arrive at dealers later this year.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid photos [/alert]

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The new 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid is officially rated at 100 MPGe combined by the EPA has been afforded the title of America’s most fuel-efficient. Carrying a price tag of $29,995, Ford C-MAX Energi will go on sale in the U.S. later this fall including a $3,750 federal tax credit.

“Ford is giving customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy regardless of what type of vehicle or powertrain technology they choose. With $5-per-gallon gasoline, C-MAX Energi customers essentially will pay $1.25 per gallon for the same distance traveled compared with average vehicles estimated to achieve 23 mpg,” said John Davis, chief nameplate engineer, C-MAX Energi.

Besides the 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi, the Blue Oval mentions that over the course of five years customers can save nearly $7,000 in fuel comparison to an average new car. The Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid beat in the combined cycle compared to the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid by 5 MPGe.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi photos [/alert]

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OnStar is testing a new app that will tell Chevrolet Volt called EcoHub, allows users to compare the overall home energy and from OnStar by day, month or year. GM OnStar said it hopes to make the app available for Chevrolet Volt owners in the near future.

OnStar's new app uses an energy data source from the local electric company or a smart meter company, then aggregates usage data to show owners of the high-tech sedan exactly how much energy they consume daily, monthly and yearly. EcoHub also offers information on how much that energy cost based on current rates.

“For the first time we're able to put one of our Smart Grid solutions into the hands of actual consumers, thanks in part to our partnership with Pecan Street,” says Paul Pebbles, global manager-electric vehicle and smart grid services at OnStar.

Currently the app is only available for OnStar equipped EVs and also features a “Ticker” screen that tracks national values for total miles driven. GM and OnStar initially will test the app at the Pecan Street demonstration project, a smart grid community in Austin, TX-based research, Texas.

Volkswagen of America has finally announced pricing for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid when it goes on sale in the United States later this year. The Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is offered in four different trim packages ranging start at $24,995, up to the SEL Premium package for $31,180.

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid uses a direct-injected and electric motor, a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine output of 170 hp (127 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. Volkswagen is predicting respectable performance 0-60 mph should be around the 9-second mark, returning an estimated combined fuel economy of 45 mpg US (5.2 L/100km / 54.0 mpg UK).

Moving up to the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SE for $26,990 variant adds keyless entry, power reclining front seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, push button start and LED taillights.

Climbing further up the ladder, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SE has a sticker price of $29,325. Gets upgraded 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, six-way power driver’s seat, a navigation system, a sunroof and heated front seats.

Lastly, the range-topping Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium has a sticker price of $30,120. The features bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, a Fender audio system, a rear-view camera, an active front-lighting system and 17-inch alloy wheels.

[alert style="green"] 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid photos [/alert]

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The BMW Concept Active Tourer five-door hatchback with a plug-in hybrid system and four-wheel drive has pulled the sheet at the Paris Auto Show.

The BMW Active Tourer is provided by a plug-in hybrid powertrain which features a 1.5-liter TwinTurbo 3-cylinder engine works together with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The two motors provide 190 horsepower (140 kW) and 147 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque.

The concept can operate solely on electric power, driven in electric mode for 30 km (18 miles). The BMW Concept Active Tourer can complete the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in under 8 seconds and can hit a top speed of around 120 mph, the Active Hybrid has an average fuel consumption of less than 2.5 lt/100 km (94 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of under 60 g/km.

[alert style="green"] BMW Concept Active Tourer photos [/alert]

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