Mazda to Lease Hybrid Drivetrain Technology from Toyota

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Mazda announced today that it reached an agreement with Toyota in order to lease hybrid drivetrain technology.

Although it could easily chose its longtime U.S. partner Ford Motor Co, Mazda decided that Toyota is the best choice , due to the fact that the Prius, which was launched last year and is the world’s most popular hybrid vehicle. The new electric-gasoline powertrain will make its debut in 2013 in a new vehicle build by Mazda exclusively for the Japanese market. Mazda did not announce any plans for overseas versions but according to a spokesman a hybrid car for North America is a possibility. The new technology will help Mazda to meet its goal to improve fuel economy 30% by 2015 while for Toyota this deal this is a proof that its hybrid technology closer to becoming a global standard.

[Via: 4WheelsNews]

Hyundai Reveals First Teaser Shot of the Sonata Hybrid

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Next Wednesday at the New York Auto Show, Hyundai will unveil its first U.S. market hybrid model based on the just released Sonata sedan. Unlike the Fusion and Camry hybrids which are barely distinguishable from their conventional counterparts, the Sonata Hybrid gets a completely new front fascia. The new look adds a massive lower grille inspired by the Blue-Will Concept that shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

We believe the Sonata hybrid will retain the same 2.4-liter direct injected inline-four found in the sedans that are on sale now. However, it may be re-tuned to operate on the more efficient Atkinson cycle like other hybrids. Unlike the gas-electrics from Ford and Toyota, Hyundai’s system is expected to use a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox in conjunction with a 30 kilowatt electric motor.

The Sonata hybrid and a range-topping gasoline 2.0-liter turbo model will both be revealed during a live video webcast on HyundaiMediaLive.com at 1:35pm on Wednesday, March 31. Following the presentation, CEO John Krafcik and sales VP Dave Zuchowski will be online to answer questions from the audience. You can submit your questions now at the site and tune in Wednesday for answers.

[Via: Hyundai]

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

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At the 2010 New York Auto Show will be where the all-new 2011 Porsche Cayenne will make its North American debut. What this means is that this technically advanced Cayenne S Hybrid will arrive in local showrooms before the year ends.

Typically, the situation had been that the US doesn’t get the ‘niche’ models like hybrids and diesels. US fans who were waiting for the Cayenne Diesel to arrive will be disappointed as there are still no plans for its arrival but maybe the almost-as-efficient Cayenne S Hybrid will be sufficient. There’s no doubt though that the Cayenne S Hybrid is the highlight of the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne lineup.

The model has a sophisticated parallel hybrid drive system that combines a supercharged 333hp 3.0-liter gasoline V-6 with a 47hp electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries. This means that the engine is not much different from a V-8. It is capable of delivering 380hp and 427 pound-feet of torque, which is available from a low 1,000 rpm.

Driving conditions would determine if the supercharged V-6 or electric motor operates independently or together. The two drive units are connected by a decoupling clutch. To make the transition among various driving modes seamless, a hybrid controller coordinates their interaction and electronic management of the clutch.

Similar to most hybrids, the Cayenne S Hybrid can go short distances on electric power alone. It can go as fast as nearly 40 mph. Of course, these cars don’t have emissions and noise. The Cayenne S Hybrid also has this unique ability to cruise at high speeds on electric power alone. Drag forces exerted by the engine are eliminated because its gasoline engine can be completely switched off and disengaged from the drivetrain at speeds of up to 97 mph.

Study Shows Buyers Want More Then Fuel Efficiency From Hybrids

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While interest in alternative vehicles may be growing, consumers do not see ‘green’ as the only purchasing factor and are demanding more from automakers, according to a recent study by Accenture.

Accenture’s survey showed that six out of 10 consumers are more likely to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle only when it is superior to gasoline-only models in every way, so while automakers are increasingly focused on addressing the demand for greater fuel efficiency and economy they should also address those areas that continue to influence the consumer. ‘Green’ is not enough by itself.

In-vehicle services which satisfy different customer needs including commerce, entertainment, safety, maintenance, communication and infomobility (i.e., navigation) will not only be key influences on consumer choice but will also play a key factor in the development of more fuel efficient vehicles.

“Our study suggests that while consumers are increasingly embracing and understanding the value of alternative vehicles they still want models that represent a new phase in the evolution of the automobile. In-vehicle services will play a key part in this and car manufacturers have an opportunity now to ramp up their capabilities in this area to achieve competitive differentiation.” said Luca Mentuccia, managing director of Accenture’s Automotive group. “Both OEMs and suppliers need to start building strategic partnerships that will lead to distinctive capabilities, particularly around safety, environmental protection and entertainment.”

The Accenture study surveyed more than 1,800 consumers and indicates that interests in attributes other than fuel efficiency is increasing, as just 36 percent of respondents cited higher gas prices as a reason to buy a green car. Moreover, those that have driven a hybrid or electric vehicle rate fuel efficiency as being very good to excellent, but most rate the ride, performance, style and maintenance as good at best.

Forty-two percent of the respondents said they are likely to buy a hybrid or electric auto in the next two years. (This rose to a high of 62 percent in Italy). Most of these (80 percent) are more likely to buy hybrids than all-electric vehicles.

Lexus CT200h

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The new Lexus CT 200h is the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment. Entering production in late 2010 and set for sale worldwide, the full hybrid model will provide a new gateway to the Lexus range and attract new, younger customers to the brand.

The CT 200h was designed and developed with the European market in mind. Lexus’s first five-door compact car, its size, packaging, full hybrid technology and low emissions fully address the requirements of discerning, environment-conscious customers in a key market sector. At the same time, it does not compromise the quality, refinement and driving pleasure that are the hallmarks of every Lexus.

Exterior and interior design

The production-ready CT 200h retains strong visual links to the LF-Ch concept Lexus unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Its styling marks a powerful evolution of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy with a distinctive, sharp-edged look that sets it apart from its premium compact rivals.

The exterior is styled for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and minimum wind noise. The strong front grille, directly referencing the LF-Ch concept sits over a full-width bumper and air dam. The headlamp units, positioned higher than the grille (a signature feature of L-finesse design), incorporate LED daytime running lights.

In profile, the steeply raked windscreen, long, flowing roofline and Lexus slingshot window graphic combine to create an elegant and distinctive silhouette. The front and rear corners have been pulled in tight and the wings are styled to improve airflow down the sides of the vehicle.

At the rear, the trailing edge of the roof overhangs a wide, wraparound rear window to create a seamless, integrated spoiler. A pronounced step in the tailgate section flows from the shoulders of the rear wheelarches and is anchored by a tail lamp design that displays the L-shaped motif that Lexus first introduced on the current LS model.

The interior combines superior ergonomics with extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft-touch surfaces.

Lexus has retained the asymmetrical dashboard design seen in the LF-Ch show car. Based on the Future Lexus Interior concept, the dashboard is split into an upper Display Zone, with an eight-inch LCD multi-display screen; and a lower Operation Zone, with the shift lever and other controls such as Lexus’s Remote Touch multi-function controller.

In keeping with the car’s performance, the driving position is set low, with a highly supportive driver’s seat. The instrument binnacle houses large, twin dials; in SPORT mode, the hybrid indicator in the binnacle functions as a tachometer and the ambient lighting turns from blue to red. The two-mode switch ring and a spotlight in the centre cluster also light up in red, changing the whole atmosphere of the cabin.

In spite of its compact, efficient design, the CT 200h offers a roomy interior. The 2,600mm wheelbase allows for front and rear passenger accommodation that is among the most spacious in the segment. Luggage capacity is 345 litres, increasing to 700 litres with the rear seats lowered.

Lexus Hybrid Drive

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the CT 200h combines a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine with a powerful electric motor. Drivers have the choice of four selectable drive modes: ECO and NORMAL place the emphasis on efficiency and comfort, while SPORT focuses on dynamic performance.

Unlike mild hybrid systems used by other manufacturers, the CT 200h also has an EV (electric vehicle) mode that allows for ultra-quiet running on the electric motor alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and CO2, NOx and particulate emissions. The car is capable of running in EV mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 28mph.

Chassis and suspension

The CT 200h is built on a new platform with a dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system. It has been developed specifically to combine the ride comfort expected of a Lexus with superior driving involvement and handling agility.

Several elements in the MacPherson strut design have been exclusively developed for the mode, including the coil springs and shock absorbers, and a new front anti-roll bar has been designed to deliver improved roll rigidity.

The double wishbone rear suspension is exclusive to the CT 200h and incorporates a lightweight trailing arm. The springs and shocks are positioned separately to minimise intrusion into the loadspace floor.