Do you know the difference between a mild hybrid like a 2010 Honda Insight, and a full hybrid like the 2010 Toyota Prius? Or what happens to all hybrid vehicles when the weather gets cold?

If you do, you’re probably well versed in green cars, and you may already be a hybrid vehicle owner. If not, though, we respectfully suggest the video below.

In under five minutes, our editor goes through five basic points on hybrid vehicles. we borrowed a 2008 Toyota Prius from a friend as a demonstrator; you can see it in some of the footage.

The video comes from our colleagues at About.com, who recently asked High Gear Media to do a set of videos that would educate their users on the basics of hybrid cars.

To provide basic green-car knowledge–which is, after all, what this site is all about, we thought the “Five things About Hybrids” video was most applicable.? For other videos, see here:

• Driving Tips For Hybrid Cars (Toyota Prius Included)

Please let us know what you think in the Comments, below.

VIDEO: Five Things About Hybrid Cars That You Should Know – Green Car Reports

VIDEO: Five Things About Hybrid Cars That You Should Know – Green Car Reports is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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As its name indicates, it has a 2.5 litre engine. The V6 205bhp engine is the same unit that powers the IS 250 saloon. The IS 250c has an automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle control. The engine is extremely smooth, and quiet.

The Lexus IS 250C is a perfect blend of a sports car and a luxury car. It gives you an enjoyable driving experience to remember. All the giants of car industry have their convertibles out in the market, and they are quite well-liked by the drivers, but Lexus IS 250 C outdoes every convertible in the market today, with its outstanding engine performance, comfortable level and fuel economy. Lexus provides you the best overall package in terms of price and performance, in comparison to its major competitors like BMW, Volvo and Mercedes Benz.

The Lexus IS 250c does not have the super exhilarating racy performance that people look for in this category. It takes 9 seconds to go from zero to sixty-two miles per hour. It is an excellent long distance cruiser, and two people can ride very comfortably in it. Lexus compulsion to minimise exterior noise is immediately noticeable in the IS 250c. With the roof in place, the ride is extremely quiet in the cabin.

The Lexus IS 250C has the capacity to seat 4 passengers; however, five passengers can be accommodated comfortably. The interior of this convertible is spacious and comfortable. The car also features unparalleled safety performance and aerodynamics.

The interior of the IS 250c is leather and wood trimming. The central console has an array of buttons, which require some getting used to. Driving a Lexus IS 250c is an experience in refinement. With the roof up, the boot is quiet spacious. With the roof down, a golf bag can be carried in the boot.

Even when Lexus IS 250 C is compared to its competitors, it remains the preferred and the best choice due to its smooth and effortless driving in every road context. It definitely beats all the other convertibles in luxury department.

The Lexus IS 250c is truly a remarkable and very well equipped car. It is meant to be driven as a luxury coupe, and not as a sports car. Drivers will enjoy the easy handling, and remarkably quiet and smooth ride of the car.

For more information about the Lexus IS 250c range, visit the Lexus website.

Great Driving Experience With Lexus IS 250c is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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The best from Lexus, CT200h is an exciting and stunning, ready to catch users and drivers attention. It is stunning and valuable, well-known and stylish because it is latest. It is just like Prius but unique as well. It is a Japan only car, which means that it is erected on the Blade platform.

Lexus has not yet revealed complete performance details, but they do say that the motor is powerful. Nickel metal hydride batteries are used to deliver the high voltage required for propulsion. This is a front wheel drive car and the power is delivered to the front wheels via an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, or E-CVT for short.

The car retains the original configuration of the show car, a very sleek five-door. The front and back overhangs hint at sporty and there is a very smartly placed rear spoiler. The car is to have LED rear lighting, now becoming a very common occurrence in the new cars being manufactured.

The driver’s seat has been placed low to give the driver a sportier feel while driving. The interior is of course well done and luxurious, as would be expected from Lexus. As the CT 200h was designed for European markets, the boot space is twelve cubic feet and increases to twenty five cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The exterior design is all about making the car look unique and have a minimum drag coefficient. The high grille and headlamps with daytime running LED lights are in line with Lexus L-finesse design philosophy. The raked back windshield, inclined roof and slingshot windows all fit into the Lexus design philosophy, including the Lexus symbol taillights.

Then there are the snazzy features we have come to expect from Lexus. The CT 200h instrument panel features high visibility gauges that change for different driving modes. Normal, ECO, and EV modes have blue ambient lighting, and Sport mode turns the hybrid power meter to a tachometer as the blue ambient lighting turn’s red. It is not all show, Sport mode modifies the hybrid system power and steering settings to yield a faster response to the driver. The CT 200h offers an HDD Navigation System with a Remote Touch controller.

Lexus CT 200h has a unique combination of refined use of technology as well as high level involvement of driving. It has the speciality that does not make its drivers bore and tiresome. It covers all the facilities of any luxury car as well as the demands of several rich people.

Detailed information about the Lexus CT200h is availiable. Why not book a test drive now!

Stunning CT 200h-The Best From Lexus is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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In both types of hybrid cars, the petrol engine required to power the car is smaller. This makes the car more fuel efficient and it emits less emissions. After the success of the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid, Lexus the luxury division of Toyota launched their series of hybrid cars. Now other car manufacturers have joined the race in producing hybrid cars. The American car makers have only now decided to manufacture hybrid cars.

Nowadays, a modern hybrid car features a small fuel efficient petrol engine combined with an electric motor that provides assistance to the engine when accelerating. The electric motor is powered by a bank of batteries that constantly recharge as you drive. The electric motor is also used as a charger for the batteries when braking. This is called regenerative braking and I will explain a little more on this later.

People are aware of global warming, increase in pollution, depleting fossil fuel resources and rising cost of fuel. A number of celebrities and politicians have started driving hybrid cars to show they care about the environment.

Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from smaller and more efficient petrol engines. Regenerative braking as mentioned earlier is the process where the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a recharging generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.

When standing at a traffic junction the hybrid car does not idle and the electric motor is turned off. It’s when you cross a certain speed the petrol engine starts up and takes over. When a burst of power or extra power is required the electric motor kicks in. If you pull away from a traffic light and cross the speed limit where the petrol engine takes over, the fuel saving is going to be marginal. This is no fault of the hybrid; it’s the driver who is to be blamed.

Some people think that hybrid cars are unsafe because they carry high voltage batteries and in an accident people can get electrocuted. This is absolutely wrong as the Toyota Prius has got a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP. Car makers have ensured that the hybrid cars they make are safe. No car maker wants to get sued for making unsafe cars.

With more hybrid cars being made, the price of hybrid cars is bound to reduce and they will compete with conventional car prices. For people who want an economical and environment friendly car the hybrid car will be a good option.

Detailed information about the Lexus IS 250c is availiable. Why not book a test drive now!

Why Hybrid Cars? is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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About Tax Credit

Tax credit for hybrid car credits simply means that qualified vehicles that were purchased on or after January 1, 2006 are eligible for a tax credit ranging from $400 to $3,400 based on fuel economy. This tax credit may not last long, however, and really does depend on the demand for new hybrid cars or other vehicles. Now what this means is that tax credits may phase out much quicker than expected once manufacturers hit a particular number of hybrid units sold. Less popular brands, of course, will be affected to a lesser extent if sales do no rise too fast.

Qualified Models

The IRS has produced a list of all hybrid cars that have the possibility of being qualified for a tax credit. This list is comprised of automobiles that are sold after January 1, 2006 as well as those payable in 2008. Relevant tax credit totals are listed in the following document:

2007 Chevrolet Silverado (2WD): $250.00 2007 Chevrolet Silverado (4WD): $650.00 2007 Ford Escape 4 WD Hybrid: $1,950 2007 Ford Escape Front WD Hybrid: $2,600 2007 GMC Sierra (2WD): $250.00 2007 GMC Sierra (4WD): $650.00 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid AT: $1,300 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid Navi AT: $1,300 2007 Honda Civic GX compressed natural gas vehicle: $4,000 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT: $2,100 2007 Lexus GS 450h: $1,550 2007 Lexus RX 400h 2WD and 4WD: $2,200 2007 Mercury Mariner 4 WD Hybrid: $1,950 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid: $2,350 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line: $1,300 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line: $650 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid: $2,600 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2WD and 4WD: $2,600 2007 Toyota Prius: $3,150

Only The New

Of course, this tax credit does not apply to all hybrid cars. There are limits. One of these limits includes that the hybrid car you purchase must be brand new. This means that used hybrid cars are not qualified for tax credits. Hybrid cars must also only be purchased for personal or business use and not for resale.

The thing about acquiring the tax credit for hybrid car goods is that your income tax liability will be lessened. Furthermore, any surplus cannot be passed on to the succeeding year. What all this information means is that, the government is practically encouraging the purchase of automobiles that are more energy-saving and environmentally friendly by giving buyers the benefit of saving money on gas. Additionally, the government is allowing buyers of hybrid cars to save through tax breaks.

For a more updated list of hybrid car prices and more news on tax for hybrid car, log on to Anton Rowd’s website on hybrid cars.

Tax Credit For Hybrid Car is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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The life cycle of hybrid cars depends on the technology used; whether the car is a full hybrid or a mild hybrid. A full hybrid utilizes the electric motor power to deliver power at low speed, like in city driving. At a higher speed, the petrol engine kicks in and takes over. It is like employing a different power source when cruising.

People have become more aware of the things that are causing damage to the environment; therefore, they are buying and using things and methods that are more energy-efficient and environment friendly. One of these things is a hybrid car.

A hybrid car is energy-efficient as well as an environment friendly car. This car has two sources of power, an electric motor that runs on battery and a fuel engine. Therefore, the fuel is consumed less, and fewer amounts of harmful gases are released into the air. More and more people are moving towards buying and using this car. Therefore, they are very interested in getting a lot of information about it.

Another myth related with hybrid cars, is that they need to be dispelled is their safety. People assume that a hybrid car uses high voltage to power the electric motors. In case of an accident the exposed wires of the car can cause an electric shock. This is absolutely wrong, as hybrid cars have got a five star test rating in Euro NCAP safety tests.

Very few car owners in the UK like to keep their cars for a prolonged period; that is unless it is a luxury or a classic car; or the car owner grows so fond of the car that he or she refuses to replace it. Therefore measuring the life cycle of any car; conventional, hybrid or electric can be quite a task.

The life cycles span also encompasses the recycling and disposing. Toyota hybrid cars, for example, do have a comprehensive battery recycling program in place and has been recycling nickel-metal hydride batteries since the RAV4 Electric Vehicle was introduced in 1998. Each part of the battery including its precious metals, plastic, plates, steel case and the wiring is recycled. Toyota has also given a toll free number along with every battery to call for recycling and disposing information.

Thus, the life cycle of the hybrid cars is generally increased by installing new batteries. However, the biggest barrier in the hybrid cars is its high price, which has a greater part of the cost of the batteries used. Therefore, may be in near future, the price of these cars will become reasonable so that they can be bought by more people.

Discover more about Lexus Hybrid Cars, visit the Lexus website for more information and to book a test drive.

Life Cycle Of Hybrid Cars is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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The engineering team’s chief objective was to preserve the IS sedan’s driving presentation while ensuring a grand experience for the driver, whether the top is up or down. It is a durable-top convertible with inclined doors and an exclusive design. The inclined-doors may be quite weighty, but they make a superior notion for the car. Amazingly, the only body panel the IS convertible shares with its sedan brother is the hood; all additional panels were shaped exclusively for the convertible, including the two huge doors. In addition, the superficial look of the car, the interior is also rather inspiring. All the switchgears of this convertible are simply available and easy to find; the satellite map-reading system works quicker and the over all updates give the car an enhanced look.

The predominant attribute of this car is its hard convertible top that is segmented into 3 parts. This can to fold down in a mere 20 seconds approximately. This is rather a record in terms of any convertible in the history of vehicles as it is considered to be the fastest of all. The hard top is made of aluminium and therefore, is light weight and permits rapid movement of the roof top.

The compact roof design has other benefits as well. It gives more space in the boot area and allows easy access to the rear seat. Due to this fact, the rear passengers are allotted a generous seating capacity for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

The exterior of the car is redesigned and made curvaceous, which simply adds to its splendour. It gives minimum turbulence during top down drive. Its exterior design gives enhanced torsional stiffness that ensures a controlled and comfortable ride even on rough and bumpy roads.

This Lexus also contains other features such as, for security, it has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), four safety airbags, ABS brakes with EBD and BA, engine immobilizer and turn over protection. It has a 2500cc V6 engine, logically desired orientation, six-speed automatic broadcast, fuel tank capacity of 65 liters, 553 liters cargo capacity, and weighs about 1730 kilograms.

In Lexus IS 250c, the driver is facilitated with every sort of luxuriant feature. For instance, he is secure with the airbags around him, has every control over the climate control system, there is a high quality Mark Levinson sound system fitted as auditory installed equipments and this makes the driving experience ultimate. The car is fitted with abundant safety characteristics and therefore, the steering wheel is automatically aligned, diminishing any emerging chances of any accident.

The Lexus IS 250c has these three models in its range; the Prestige, Sports and Sports Luxury. It is confident to give an unexpected thrilling driving experience and is an indulgence for the eyes as well. All these great features and high tech provisions have made it to take the bazaar by the rant and rave.

For more information about the Lexus IS 250c range, visit the Lexus website.

The Lexus IS 250c – A Luxury Convertible is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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The Lexus IS 250C combines the ageless attraction of an open-roof car with the modification and all-season functionality of a magnificent car. What made it so exclusive from other convertibles is its three-part retractable roof that functions in only 20 seconds.

The standard vehicle dynamics integrated management system handles the handling systems of all the vehicles. The traction control, anti brake locking, brake assist, vehicle stability control, is governed by the management system and gives the vehicle seamless high dynamic capabilities. The system also interfaces with the electronic throttle system. The IS 250c has large, ventilated disc brakes with anti-brake locking, electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist. It has 11.65 inch front and 12.20 rear rotors. They have four piston aluminium callipers that help in heat dispersion

Besides the feature of the front seat airbags, this model also contains new and large head seat mounted head and torso airbags. For the driver as well as the front seat passengers, there are knee airbags.

In addition to the front seat airbags, the Lexus supplemental restraint system includes new and large head seat mounted head and torso airbags. There are knee airbags for the driver and front seat passengers. The front passenger seat airbag has two chambers which help to protect the occupant.

The slope steering, cruise control and the telescopic steering lines are fixed in an unvarying manner. Likewise, the air conditioning, security and safety features, anti-theft lock are alike as compared to other Lexus cars, though it does not endow with the feature of rear side air bags, which are fixed in some of the other Lexus models like ES350 and GS 450h.

The driver can keep the key in a pocket or purse; thanks to the smart access keyless entry system and the push button start/stop system.

Both the navigation as well as the non-navigation versions of the IS 250c are available in the market with the safety connect service. Features are inclusive of four systems, automatic collision warning system as well as the location of the vehicle (in case it gets stolen), emergency assistance button, along with an improved roadside assistance.

Auditory glass for the windscreen has been used to reduce the wind noise. IS 250C is being documented by the auto-critiques as a new leading light for future Lexus Sports cars.

Discover more about Lexus Hybrid Cars, visit the Lexus website for more information and to book a test drive.

Safety & Security Features Of The Lexus IS 250c is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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When you think of investing in a hybrid car, there are certain factors that you should consider. The first factor is what type of hybrid car you want to buy. Hybrid cars are available in two versions. You can either opt for a full hybrid or a mild hybrid. A full hybrid uses two power sources, a petrol engine and an electric motor. At low speeds, the car runs only on electric power. At higher speed, the petrol engine takes over. The electric motor or motors only provide extra power when needed at high speeds, like when overtaking or going up an incline.

With the passageway to time, the automobile business has gone through many stages of development, and it is still developing. The automobiles are also being made in a more nature-friendly way; hybrid automobile is one such type.

Hybrid cars cost more than conventional cars, and there could be a waiting period before your car is delivered. The main and most costly component in a hybrid car is the batteries that drive the electric motor or motors. A hybrid may have a single electric motor or up to three electric motors. This depends on the make and model of the car. The batteries of a hybrid use regenerative braking power and the coasting power of the petrol engine to charge the batteries. You do not have to plug in a hybrid to recharge the batteries.

Also consider waiting for the new electric vehicles to come in for use by the public in the years to come. If you do not need a hybrid urgently, why not wait and see the upcoming vehicles.

Check out the warranty of cars. The loner the warranty, the more reliable the car is. Look for tax rebates, concessions etc. Always deal with a reliable car dealer when getting a hybrid. Read up reviews on the particular hybrid you are considering. Go to forums and talk about the model in particular in which you are interested. Compare different models. Some of the popular options are Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius, with Accord Hybrid by Honda and Escape Hybrid by Ford following closely.

In order to purchase a hybrid automobile, you should primarily think about your needs. Hybrid automobiles are usually smaller in dimensions, so if you have a big family unit then probably it is not the right car for you.

If things go well, who knows that by 2020, hybrid cars by hybrid leaders such as Toyota and Honda will be seen on roads, in garages and parking lots?

For more information about Hybrid Cars and book a test drive, visit the Lexus website.

What To Look For While Purchasing Hybrid Cars? is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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What the escalation in both reputation and range means is that quite a few issues that have come up in the progression of the hybrid car are being transacted with in the age old entrepreneur way of rivalry.

Hybrid cars have for all time lived up to their publicized efforts to save gas, but if your heart is tinted green, this was not essentially of any profit to the standard buyers. Most hybrid cars end up charging more than their average engine counterparts over the stretched term, mainly due to their preliminary cost. In count, hybrid parts can be hard and costly to get hold of.

These are some key matters that require being determined from a consumer’s viewpoint in order to make huge buy of hybrids by the community a certainty. It should come as no bombshell that in terms of the long term cost, the original producer of the hybrid, Toyota, is far ahead of its opponents when it comes to dealing with the buying needs of patrons. This is at present the only replica that over time will truly save a consumer some dollars due to gas savings. Here are some other models of hybrid cars slated for debut in the next few years.

Toyota Prius: Still the gold set for hybrids, the Prius 2007 model is now being publicized for sale and is in the batch of a dealership near you. The model boasts a hard to believe 110 miles to a single gallon. It is also predictable that Toyota will carry on to set the standard when it comes to momentum for the hybrid (which has been another thump on hybrid automobiles, although they can uphold a lawful speed along with any other model of vehicle just well as the 2004 model was intended to reach speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. It costs about $20,875 US dollars.

Ford Escape: The 2005 is the newest model in the Ford hybrid procession, and is enormous for both household car fanatics and those who are adamant on having a sports utility means of transportation. The Escape offers 50 miles to the gallon (keep in mind that it is an SUV) and all the lavishness of a standard model car. It costs about $27,000 USD.

In addition to the fuel economy, the next generation hybrid vehicles ensure to take care of the other technical and structural features. The vehicles opt to equip the car interior with a multi-display panel, remote controlled air conditioning system, Touch Tracer Display features, ECO indicator, and comfortable seats with air bags, security and parking system panels and much more.

With the grand success of hybrids, others are following and we will soon see promising new hybrid cars on the roads and in the show rooms.

Discover more about Lexus Hybrid Cars, visit the Lexus website for more information and to book a test drive.

categories: Hybrid Cars,IS 250c,Lexus LS 600h,RX 450h

The Future Of Hybrid Cars is a post from: Car performance and tuning news

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• The Lexus IS 250c – A Luxury Convertible