Paul Tan's Automotive News » Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

Meet Hiriko, the foldable two-seater electric city car

Anthony Lim — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:24:25 +0000

The bubble-shaped vehicle you see in the photos is called Hiriko, an urban two-seater EV being collaborated on by the the MIT, Spanish government and Basque businesses. It’s an electric vehicle with a novel take on things – it can be squeezed into a smaller footprint when parked.

The Hiriko features a unique folding design that allows it to be parked in a very limited space – this is accomplished by sliding the back section of the cabin forward and folding the cabin up vertically, resulting in a vehicle that takes up less space than a smart fortwo in the lot.

The design also features a single access door at the front of the vehicle, an advanced steer-by-wire system which removes all mechanical steering components, joystick controls as well as four independent in-wheel motors.

The first Hiriko made its debut earlier this week at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. There’s no mention of range or performance, but it’s known that Axeon will be supplying the two lithium-ion batteries for the homologation prototypes – these will be mounted in parallel, one in each half of the vehicle, with the wheel-mounted motors providing four-wheel steering in addition to four-wheel drive.

Hiriko intends to franchise its production model to enable the vehicles to be locally and sustainably produced by a number of consortia in different markets. The EV, to be built in Vitoria-Gasteiz, will be targeted particularly at large cities, in which it will be available for rental.

The vehicle will be homologated this year, and the prototypes will be tested in cities around the world, with the expectation that it will enter the market sometime in 2013.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (23) Think (4) Angry (3) Happy (7) Sad (2) Meh (11)

Honda Jazz Hybrid to debut in Malaysia sometime in Q1

Anthony Lim — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:36:06 +0000

Word has it that Honda Malaysia is set to introduce the Jazz Hybrid in the country sometime in the first quarter, further widening the choice of hybrids for the consumer. There’s no indicative pricing for the five-door hatch, which made its debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, but it should be nicely clear under the RM100k mark and by all accounts cheaper than the Insight, currently the cheapest hybrid in the country.

The Jazz Hybrid is powered by an 88 PS and 121 Nm 1.3 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine, with a new generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system made up of a 14 PS and 78 Nm DC brushless electric motor and 0.6 kWh Ni-MH battery pack.

A few subtle cosmetic tweaks help distinguish the car from its petrol-based sibling – these include revised headlamps (with a blue-tint), a new front grille and reworked front and rear bumpers, as well as a new tail lamp cluster. There’s also that signature Lime Green exterior shade to denote its eco-friendly character; wonder if that colour will do well here.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (178) Think (8) Angry (18) Happy (20) Sad (8) Meh (37)

Malaysia in discussions with automakers about making the country a hybrid and EV assembly/distribution point

Anthony Lim — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:11:41 +0000

The Malaysian government is in the midst of discussions with foreign automakers for the latter to set up electric and hybrid vehicle assembly and distribution points here, Bernama reports.

Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who made the announcement, said that the discussion is at several stages, adding that the government will wait for the respective companies to make the announcement.

“The manufacturers are from many countries, but I cannot reveal the details for now. Some are serious, and some want to think about the idea,” he told reporters at the launch of the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Showcase in KL on Wednesday.

Mukhriz said the plans are in line with the government’s aspiration to transform Malaysia into an electric and hybrid vehicle hub in the region, and also said that Malaysia is trying to look at it from the standpoint of the Asean market rather than just the local market alone.

He added that the government is also talking to several automotive parts and component makers to establish plants here.

“We understand also that there are a number of different components in the car manufacturing industry, including in the hybrid business. So once we are talking wih the automotive sector, we are also talking to the parts and components suppliers to convince them to look at Malaysia as a serious destination for their investment, while at the same time supporting the industry as a whole,” he said.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (25) Think (2) Angry (7) Happy (4) Sad (5) Meh (17)

Volkswagen E-Bugster – the Beetle gets electrified!

Anthony Lim — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:51:46 +0000

Volkswagen has debuted a Beetle concept car called the E-Bugster at the NAIAS in Detroit. The two-seat Beetle speedster features pure electric drive and is a powered by a Blue-e-Motion system, with a 85 kW motor at the heart of it. The concept is lower (by 90 mm) and wider (by 30 mm) than the stock Bug.

Taking some cues from the Ragster concept from 2005, external design elements include a swept-back and wide windscreen, LED headlights and highly customised bumpers from the production Beetle, and these feature daytime running lights to the left and right of the central air intake styled in C-shape fashion. These styling elements also appear in modified form as reflectors in the rear bumper, which was also redesigned.

Inside, the car features a lightweight construction steering wheel, sport seats, the use of aluminium as material for door handles and belt guides as well as a continuous centre tunnel finished in body colour, among other things.

Staring up the E-Bugster is a bit of a light show – engaging the Start button immerses the interior in a white light, then a blue light. It begins with a light pulse in the instrument cluster – from there the light emanates as a thin line of light, just one millimetre wide, coursing into the door window sills and around the air nozzles.

The car’s central electric module weighs just 80 kg, and juice for the motor is stored in a lithium-ion battery whose modules are housed in a space-saving location behind the front seats. The battery has an energy capacity of 28.3 kWh, offering the car a 180 km operating range.

The car features a new Combined Charging System, which has been developed in cooperation with Audi, BMW, Daimler and Porsche as well as American carmakers Ford and General Motors. The system’s standardised interface offers single-phase charging with AC current and fast DC charging. Via a quick charge, the battery can be topped up within 35 minutes at suitable charging stations.

The E-Bugster rides on 20-inch versions of the production Beetle’s 18-inch Twister wheels, and these are wrapped with 235/35 series rubbers.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (32) Think (4) Angry (2) Happy (8) Sad (1) Meh (11)

No related posts.

2012 Toyota Prius – now in two trim levels in Malaysia

Anthony Lim — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:57:17 +0000

The fuss may be about the upcoming Toyota Prius c, but some interesting developments are also shaping up on the other, more familiar Prius front. A check on the UMW Toyota website reveals that there are now two trim levels being mentioned for the ZVW30 in Malaysia, a standard Prius as well as a Luxury variant.

A ‘New Prius’ tagline is being bandied, so the vehicle – which, going by the site, hasn’t quite arrived but should be right around the corner – should pretty much be the facelift version of the third-generation hybrid that came about last year. The revisions are mild and involve more new kit than any considerable shape rework, though the front bumper and rear lamp configuration are different.

No changes mechanically to the Hybrid Synergy Drive system on it – the 1.8 litre 2ZR-FXE Atkinson cycle engine, with its 99 PS at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm continues to hold court, working alongside the electric motor’s 82 PS and 207 Nm of torque, with a combined output of 136 PS (or 134 hp).

Standard fare contains the familiar, among them seven airbags, VSC and traction control, EBD, brake assist, 15-inch wheels and cruise control. Both 2012 variants will feature a 6.1-inch touchscreen display audio system with Bluetooth, USB and Aux connections, partnered to a JBL eight-speaker, eight-channel amplifier setup.

The standard Prius continues on with high-grade fabric seats and halogen projector headlamps, while the Luxury gets leather seats and LED projectors, complete with auto leveling and washer. The Luxury also gets auto lights, an electro-chromic rear view mirror and heated seats, the last which won’t see much use in this particular climate. New to the Prius are daytime running lights, which are available on both versions.

There’s an indicative estimate for the variants, and the pricing has gone slightly up for the base model, at RM143,000, while the Luxury is expected to retail for RM148,000, both on-the-road with insurance.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (31) Think (4) Angry (25) Happy (2) Sad (3) Meh (30)

Toyota Prius c arriving soon – teased on UMW Toyota site

Anthony Lim — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:46:34 +0000

Toyota’s Prius c hybrid is arriving in Malaysia soon. The hybrid was unveiled in production model form at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show and was introduced into the Japanese market – in its Aqua domestic version form – in Dec, so its impending arrival here is pretty rapid, by any measure.

We earlier had the brochure to work on (the resolution isn’t great because it’s from Facebook, so the image has been descaled), but have now updated the story accordingly; the UMW Toyota website already has details on the car, as well as an estimated pricing – RM103,990, which will be welcome news for those looking at a cheaper alternative to the more upmarket Prius. At this price point, it’s looking very much competitively priced against the Honda Insight.

The Prius c wears a 1NZ-FXE 1.5 litre Atkinson cycle mill, which has 73 PS at 4,800 rpm and 111 Nm at 3,600-4,400 rpm for numbers, and it works alongside an electric motor/Ni-Mh battery combination offering 61 PS and 169 Nm, together offering a combined 101 PS output. The system is mated to an E-CVT drivetrain.

Features include halogen projector headlamps, front fog lamps, fabric seats, cruise control, a 3.5-inch full colour multi-information display and a 2-DIN head unit with USB and iPod compatibility. Other features on the Prius c include a four-spoke urethane steering wheel with tilt and telescoping adjustment, power retractable sideview mirrors and electric power steering.

Brakes are front discs and rear drums, and the car sits on 15-inch wheels with 185/60 series rubbers. On the safety front, there are seven airbags (front, front side, curtain and driver knee) as standard, as well as VSC, traction control, EBD and brake assist

Five colours are available for the car, these being Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Citrus Orange Mica Metallic, Super Red V and Lime White Pearl CS, the last shade adding RM800 to the total price.

On the options list is a DVD-AVN package, which consists of a 2-DIN audio unit with colour touchscreen, navigation system and reverse camera, and this one goes for RM2,990.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (192) Think (6) Angry (30) Happy (11) Sad (4) Meh (10)

Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid introduced, in both saloon and estate form – E400 Hybrid also debuts

Anthony Lim — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:46:44 +0000

Mercedes-Benz has announced the introduction of the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid, available in both saloon and estate form, as well as the E400 Hybrid. Both vehicles will make their official debut at the upcoming NAIAS in Detroit in January.

The E300 BlueTEC Hybrid is powered by a four-cylinder diesel offering 204 hp and 500 Nm, working in tandem with an electric motor that produces 20 kW and 250 Nm – Merc says that the vehicle is the most economical luxury-class vehicle in the world.

The company adds that there’s no compromise in space, safety and comfort brought about by utilisation of the intelligent modular hybrid concept – no changes to the body of the base vehicle were necessary.

The car is part of the intelligent downsizing strategy of Mercedes-Benz – the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid is positioned at the same level as the E300 CDI, but offers fuel savings of around 15% compared with the E250 CDI, even in actual road traffic conditions.

Meanwhile, the V6 petrol unit in the E400 Hybrid cranks out 306 hp and 370 Nm, and the mill is also supplemented by the same electric motor’s 20 kW and 250 Nm.

The E300 BlueTEC Hybrid is initially planned to be launched on the European market, while the E400 Hybrid will be made available on the American market first, followed by other countries such as Japan and China later. Right-hand drive variants are scheduled.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (22) Think (3) Angry (1) Happy (2) Sad (1) Meh (8)

Nissan Leaf – pilot program to begin in Malaysia in 2012

Anthony Lim — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:06:04 +0000

Word has it that the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle is coming into the country sometime in the first half of next year. Before you get too excited, it’s not a commercial launch, but rather a pilot program that Edaran Tan Chong Motor will be running for the vehicle, which recently added the Japanese Car of the Year 2011-2012 title to its award-winning list.

Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng, ETCM’s executive director, said that the pilot program is in line with Nissan’s comprehensive efforts toward the realisation of a zero-emission society. “The pilot program will involve electric vehicle awareness sharing and experimental drives to Government bodies, members of the media as well as public audiences,” he added.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (51) Think (5) Angry (6) Happy (3) Sad (2) Meh (15)

BMW to launch new EV brand for Chinese market

Anthony Lim — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:16:05 +0000

BMW is set to create a new electric vehicle brand in China, together with local partner Brilliance Jinbei Automobile, according to a report. The creation of the brand is coming about in order to meet China’s joint-venture rules.

“We will have a new brand. It’s a legislative requirement,” BMW’s chief of sales and marketing Ian Robertson told Automotive News Europe, adding that the EVs destined for the Chinese market will utilise some of the electric powertrains that the company is developing.

According to Robertson, China is looking towards JV partnerships such as BMW-Brilliance to establish new EV brands, with an aim for the country to grow its exports.

“The Chinese auto market is the biggest in the world, but what they haven’t really got is an international brand with Chinese origin. I think there will be a requirement of globalisation of a Chinese brand. What’s happening is that we’re all encouraged to have more brands with a new technology element to it. If that technology is proven to be successful, then there’s an opportunity for that brand to grow and prosper,” he said.

No details were forthcoming on the models for China and their powertrains. Earlier in the year, BMW – in collaboration with Brilliance – debuted a concept plug-in hybrid 5-series at Auto Shanghai. The company plans to introduce its i3 EV in 2013 and its i8 plug-in hybrid in 2014 in China.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (9) Think (4) Angry (2) Happy (3) Sad (3) Meh (6)

Nissan Leaf is 2011-2012 Japanese Car of the Year

Anthony Lim — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:05:13 +0000

The Nissan Leaf has added another feather to its cap – the EV has been named as the Japanese Car of the Year for 2011-2012. The announcement was made at the Tokyo Motor Show, and this is the first time in the award’s 32-year history that an electric vehicle has won.

The win makes it a hat-trick of COTY titles for the Leaf, which has also taken the 2011 European Car of the Year and the 2011 World Car of the Year accolades. The last Nissan to bag both the European and Japanese Car of the Year titles was the Micra (or March), back in 1993.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (41) Think (3) Angry (2) Happy (18) Sad (5) Meh (18)

Nissan’s new 2.5 liter hybrid unit to replace 3.5 liter V6?

Harvinder Sidhu — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 07:17:08 +0000

Nissan has introduced a brand new hybrid drivetrain which is made up by a 2.5 liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, an electric motor as well as a lithium-ion battery pack. The interesting bit is that the 2.5 four potter is supplemented by a twin-screw supercharger.

This helps the new system to produce almost similar horsepower and torque figures as the company’s VQ35 3.5 liter V6 unit. This means we are talking about approximately 260 hp and 338 Nm of torque. At the same time, fuel consumption is lower too, at least 10% lower with the continuously variable transmission. Engineers claim that the new system has plenty of low and mid-range torque.

This drivetrain will either be made available alongside the 3.5 liter V6 or it might replace it all together. It is expected to be introduced into the North American market by 2013 and many suggest that it could in the next-generation Nissan Altima.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (60) Think (3) Angry (9) Happy (6) Sad (5) Meh (13)

Honda Fit EV makes global debut in LA

Anthony Lim — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:28:11 +0000

The Honda Fit EV has made its global debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show – the all-electric vehicle, based on the Fit hatchback, offers a 198 km highway driving and a 122 km combined city/highway operating range, based on US EPA city cycle test methods.

The five-seater Fit EV, which will be introduced to US consumers via leasing programs beginning next summer, will be powered by a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92 kW coaxial high-density electric motor which is derived from the motor used in the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle.

A 6.6 kW, onboard 32 amp charger allows for convenient recharging of the vehicle; with a 240-volt charger, the Fit EV can fully recharge in as little as three hours. It will feature a 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the CR-Z Sport Hybrid – the system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal and Sport modes.

Externally, the Fit EV is identical to the gasoline-powered Fit, though it offers a higher hip point to accommodate the under floor placement of the 20 kWh battery. It will only come in a single, exclusive color, this being Reflection Blue Pearl, and will also have the familiar chrome front fascia similar to other Honda eco-friendly vehicles such as the Insight hybrid

Additionally, the car gets EV badges on the rear hatch and decals on the side of the vehicle to help distinguish it from its gasoline counterpart, and it will wear distinct five-spoke alloy wheels and an aerodynamic rear spoiler. Inside, the seating surfaces are covered with bio-fabric.

Tech features include a standard telematics system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone, PC or interactive remote. Through the Fit EV smartphone and computer applications, the driver can remotely view the vehicle’s state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air-conditioning or heater, to pre-condition the vehicle while connected to the grid, to maximise battery range on start-up.

The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimise charging times based on varying utility rates. The Fit EV will also come equipped with a standard Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System to locate public charging stations and frequently updated traffic information.

Meanwhile, the interactive remote – operable up to 30 metres from the vehicle – allows the driver to monitor the vehicle’s state of charge and cabin temperature, initiate and terminate charging and remotely turn on the air-conditioning via it.

Honda will begin leasing the Fit EV to customers in select California and Oregon markets next summer, and will expand to six East Coast markets in early 2013. The company expects volume at this early stage of production to be approximately 1,100 Fit EV’s over the next three years.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (21) Think (6) Angry (3) Happy (4) Sad (8) Meh (7)

Seat unveils its electric path – Altea XL Electric Ecomotive and Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive paves the way

Anthony Lim — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 07:43:15 +0000

Seat has introduced its prototype Altea XL Electric Ecomotive, a totally electrically-driven zero-emissions car, as well as its prototype plug-in hybrid, the Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive. The debutants are set to make their way to government institutions in Catalonia and Madrid for assessment in their vehicle fleets.

The Altea XL Electric Ecomotive has 115 hp (or 85 kW) and 270 Nm of torque for numbers, as well as a 135 km/h top speed. Seat says the Altea XL doesn’t sacrifice any loss of passenger and cargo carrying space, with the batteries located under the rear seats and the boot.

Features include a rooftop photovoltaic cell panel, which recirculates fresh air inside the passenger compartment when the car is parked under the sun, reducing the energy needed afterwards by the climate control system.

Meanwhile, the Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive has a range of 52 km in full electric mode, with a top speed of 120 km/h. In combined mode, with the engine in play, the car gets to 170 km/h, and consumes only 1.7 litres per 100 km, says the Spanish automaker, which is looking at introducing its first electric plug-in hybrid car commercially in 2015, to be followed by an all-electric vehicle in 2016.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (5) Think (2) Angry (4) Happy (2) Sad (2) Meh (6)

Gordon Murray Designs T.27 – RAC Future Car Challenge’s best overall entry consumes equivalent of 0.81L / 100 km!

Anthony Lim — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:14:13 +0000

As you’re probably aware of already, Gordon Murray Design’s T.27 electric city car took a sweep of major honours in the second running of the RAC Future Car Challenge that took place last weekend.

The T.27, which competed against more than 65 entries including the latest technology from 11 major car manufacturers, won ‘Most Energy Efficient Small Car (Prototype)’, ‘Best Overall Pure Electric Vehicle’ and ‘Best Overall Entry – RAC Future Car Challenge Winner.’

The vehicle covered the 91.94 km (57.13 miles) from Brighton to London carrying two occupants inside the allocated time, using energy equivalent to 350 miles per gallon (or 0.81 litres per 100 km) and with emission totalling only 37 gm CO2/km. On a full charge, taking only four hours, the T.27 can do more than 160 km.

The design is the latest vehicle to use Gordon Murray Design’s innovative iStream manufacturing process, which the company says sets new standards in weight, footprint, small car dynamics, safety, packaging and efficiency whilst addressing full lifecycle CO2 emissions, congestion, parking and low cost motoring.

iStream, the company says, is F1 technology for the everyday motorist, delivering benefits from ‘light-weighting’ along with high levels of safety – GMD recently completed a structural durability test which showed the T.27’s iStream chassis to be up to 60 times more durable than a standard steel structure.

“This win represents a huge step forward in our race to reduce automotive energy consumption and emissions. This year’s success, in combination with last year’s win with our petrol powered T.25, awarded ‘Most Economic Small Passenger ICE Vehicle’ and ‘Most Economic and Environment Friendly Small Passenger ICE Vehicle,’ proves absolutely that lightweight is our most powerful tool for solving our energy problems,” Gordon Murray said.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (23) Think (3) Angry (0) Happy (2) Sad (3) Meh (12)

Honda CR-Z launched – RM115k OTR with insurance

Anthony Lim — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:39:31 +0000

Honda Malaysia earlier this evening launched the CR-Z, making Malaysia the first country in Southeast Asia to offer the three-door hybrid hatch to car enthusiasts. The third Honda hybrid to be introduced in the country is priced at RM115,000 on the dot, on-the-road with insurance (or if you will, RM111,878, without insurance).

The “hot-hatch hybrid,” as the company has tagged it, is powered by a 114 PS and 145 Nm 1.5 litre LEA SOHC i-VTEC engine and a 10 kW (or 14 PS) and 78 Nm MF6 brushless DC electric motor and a sophisticated Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) – together, the powertrain combination delivers 124 PS at 6,000 rpm and 174 Nm of torque at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm.

The IMA Hybrid System is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, which is the standard transmission for the car, with a Hill-Start Assist function present. The vehicle also features a 3-Mode Drive System, which enables the driver to choose and switch between Sport, Normal and Economy modes with the switch of an individual button.

The three modes alter the response of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA Hybrid System, and the individual modes are also indicated on the Illuminated Advance Sports Meter as glowing coloured rings of light. In Sport mode, you get – as expected – improved acceleration response, and steering feedback is tighter; in this mode, the light on the meter goes red.

Normal mode of course provides the optimum balance between driving performance and fuel economy, with an EPS response that’s balanced, smooth and agile. Switching to Econ mode, as it’s called, reduces throttle response, optimises motor assist, controls the air conditioning economically and lengthens idle stops to maximise fuel efficiency.

In Normal and Econ mode, the glowing coloured rings of light in the meter display changes from blue to blue-green to green depending on the driver’s style of driving; green, of course signifies the most fuel efficient driving.

Equipment on the 1,160 kg vehicle includes halogen headlamps with LED positioning lights, front fog lamps, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, cruise control, a six-speaker audio system with USB and an auxiliary input, rear foldable seats (which really are jump seats at best – there’s enough space to get in for an adult, but you can’t sit up straight!) and a glovebox cooler, among others. Folding down the rear seat back translates into 410 litres of boot space, which allows space for two golf bags.

On the safety front, the car comes equipped with dual front airbags, side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System and side curtain airbags. There’s ABS, BA and EBD as well as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) in the mix too.

The CR-Z rides on 16-inch five twin-spoke alloys, wrapped with 195/55 series rubbers. At point of launch, there’s only a single external colour for the car, which is Premium White Pearl, but expect other shades to join the palette list soon – we hear that red, black and silver will come about as it goes along. And yes, you can also expect an auto CVT-equipped version to arrive on the scene sometime next year, but no word yet exactly when.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (457) Think (18) Angry (92) Happy (27) Sad (51) Meh (49)

Free parking for hybrid vehicles in PJ for three months

Anthony Lim — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:08:46 +0000

Three months of free parking in Petaling Jaya – that’s the cheery news awaiting new hybrid vehicle owners. The Petaling Jaya City Council, or MBPJ, has announced the free parking initiative as part of its green incentives programme as tabled in its 2012 budget.

According to a report, hybrid vehicles – and that means the Honda Insight, Toyota Prius as well as the Lexus CT 200h and RX 450h (and the Honda CR-Z, when that arrives soon) – will be given a special pass to enjoy the free parking, which presumably is valid for any public parking bay in the city. The report mentions that the incentive will be for cars registered from January 1.

There’s no mention of when the free parking duration will begin though; presumably again, this should be anytime from January next year. Which also brings about the question – does the January 1 registration validity only cover vehicles registered from the start of 2012, or from this year? Questions, questions.

In other news mentioned in the report, the council will also be spending RM100,000 to install energy-efficient LED lights at residential areas, which will help brighten back lanes. The cost of installing the lights, maintenance and replacement of faulty lights will be borne by the council, states the report.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (61) Think (2) Angry (25) Happy (14) Sad (8) Meh (31)

smart fortwo electric drive on display at 1 Utama

Anthony Lim — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:07:52 +0000

No, it’s not available commercially in Malaysia, and even if it was, it would easily cost more than a C 250 CGI. The smart fortwo electric drive seen here is actually making a stopover in the country – the Singaporean-based vehicle is in town courtesy of its appearance at the recent 1st Malaysian-German Sustainable Automotive Mobility Conference 2011, which was organised by the Malaysian German Chamber of Commerce.

You can however catch the car in the metal, if that be your sort of thing, over the weekend – the fortwo electric drive is on display at the Highstreet zone of 1 Utama shopping centre, and it’ll be there until Sunday.

A bit about the car, for those who don’t know what it’s all about yet. The second-generation fortwo electric drive is equipped with a 30 kW permanent magnet motor offering 120 Nm of torque, and driven by a single-speed fixed gear ratio transmission.

The car’s water-cooled 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is housed between the axles and occupies the space where the fuel tank is located in a conventional fortwo, is good enough to give it an operating range of 135 km. Which won’t quite take you from KL to KLIA and back, but ample enough for light-duty in-town use.

The 148 kg battery – made by Tesla Motors – has a full recharge time of eight hours, juiced via a household socket, but if you only need to do around 30-40 kilometres of travelling a day, the vehicle only needs to be charged for three hours.

And if you putter around at the average 25 to 30 km/h that smart says is normal in city traffic, the fortwo electric drive can go for around four to five hours continuously before it needs to be recharged.

Other performance figures for the 890 kg rear-wheel drive fortwo include a 0-50 km/h (yes, you read right, half a century) time of 5.8 seconds (or if you prefer, a 0-60 km/h time of 6.5 seconds) and a maximum speed of 100 km/h.

As you’d expect, due to the cost and supporting infrastructure limitations, there aren’t that many fortwo electric drives about – the few thousand examples worldwide are in the hands of selected customers, with leases offered for a period of four years and 60,000 kilometres. In the case of this example, it’s part of a EV case study being conducted by the Singaporean government.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (14) Think (3) Angry (2) Happy (0) Sad (4) Meh (19)

Humanix iSAVE-SC1 e-Tricar – the car, as airbag

Anthony Lim — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:22:22 +0000

Click to enlarge.

Okay, so here’s the novel take of the week. According to reports, a venture company in Japan called Humanix will introduce an electric vehicle that wears airbags. On the outside.

The Hiroshima-based company, which utilises research results from Hiroshima University and builds items such as the Cellomics Tip for use in live single cell mass spectometry applications, among others, is now set to introduce the iSAVE-SC1, an electric tricar covered with soft cloth containing shock-absorbing airbags.

Click to enlarge.

The three-wheel prototype has inflated airbags at the front and rear, and the body is covered with tent cloth. In the event of a collision, air is released from the bags to cushion the impact.

It plans to sell about 100 units of the vehicle, which seats three, from late November to March 2012, at a cost of around 790,000 yen each. The vehicles will be used for monitoring purposes, before mass production begins in April or later next year. The production version should have a complete wrap-around airbagged body as in the sketch, presumably.

Click to enlarge.

”Think of the car as wearing clothes, which is something found nowhere else in the world,” said Tsutomu Masujima, Humanix president, who is also professor at the university’s graduate school. ”I used to wonder why the surface of a car is made of metal. Through my study of biology, I noticed that living creatures are naturally soft. I began developing the car based on this idea,” he told reporters.

The maximum speed of the iSAVE-SC1 is 50 km/h, and the vehicle can be charged at home via a 100 volt power supply. The company says that vehicle will be cheap to run, at a fifth to a tenth of a gasoline vehicle’s maintenance costs, though no mention was made about the cost of replacement airbags.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (12) Think (12) Angry (2) Happy (3) Sad (4) Meh (24)

Mitsubishi i-MiEV becomes first EV to be registered in the country – vehicle to be used to promote EV awareness

Anthony Lim — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:43:39 +0000

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia recently registered the first fully electric car in the country; the unit, an i-MiEV, will be used in a suite of activities to promote public awareness on EVs. The car’s public debut was at a special showcase at One Utama that took place on October 19–23, where visitors to the event had an opportunity to ride in the i-MiEV.

“Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is pleased to be the first to bring in a mass-produced full-electric car to Malaysia to promote the awareness of zero-emission electric vehicles among the Malaysian public,” said MMM CEO Tetsuya Oda.

“Malaysians will get to know more about the innovative technology behind the i-MiEV, and experience for themselves the benefits of an electric vehicle, as test drives will be available for the first i-MiEV in Malaysia,” he added.

The i-MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle) is powered solely by electricity, and can be recharged from a regular home socket. The four-seater, which has 49 kW and 180 Nm for output figures, has a top speed of 130 km/h and an operating range of up to 160 kilometres, after an eight-hour charge at 230 volts. Wonder how they calculated the road tax on this one though.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (103) Think (13) Angry (12) Happy (13) Sad (5) Meh (12)

Honda CR-Z set for November introduction in Malaysia

Anthony Lim — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 06:35:00 +0000

It’s confirmed – the photo snapped of it last week suggested its arrival was on the cards, and now Honda Malaysia has announced that the CR-Z will be introduced to the Malaysian market in early November, making us the first country in Southeast Asia to launch the vehicle. No word with regards to specs and pricing on the three-door hatch though.

The CR-Z, which is equipped with a 1.5 litre LEA i-VTEC four-cylinder mill and Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system, with 122 hp and 174 Nm for output numbers, will be the second Honda hybrid currently available here, following the Insight, which was launched at KLIMS in December last year. Until next month, then!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (429) Think (30) Angry (49) Happy (28) Sad (32) Meh (46)

New tech to help build better batteries emerges

Anthony Lim — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:34:36 +0000

Over in Japan, automakers – working with partners – as well as companies in other industries are researching technologies to improve the performance of storage batteries for use in both vehicles and homes, according to a report.

Toyota is one of these; working together with the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organisation, the automaker has come up with a prototype next-generation storage battery that’s based on a solid core instead of a liquid one. Because it doesn’t have an easily combustible liquid core, the new-gen battery doesn’t require fire-retardant materials, which will allow the use of a simple structure to lower costs.

The battery can easily be processed into sheet form, and is able to store several times the amount of electricity, volume for volume, than the current generation of electric vehicle batteries, its developers say. The extra capacity could thus enable a higher maximum driving distance per charge for compact EVs to around 1,000 km, from the 200 km or so now, the report added.

Toyota and its partners aim to further improve the battery and commercialise it sometime in 2015 to 2020, and adds that the tech can also be used to design compact, home-use storage batteries.

Meanwhile, Mazda – together with Hiroshima University – has come up with a new electrode material that it says can boost battery capacity by roughly 80%. The material, which is based on molecular spheres of carbon measuring several hundred nanometers in diameter, can approximately halve a battery’s weight but maintain the same levels of storage capacity. Mazda says the new electrode material is likely to be commercialised in about five years.

Besides the two automakers, electronics giant NEC says it has developed a lithium-ion battery with an electrode that uses manganese instead of cobalt, which is more expensive. It has also altered the composition of the battery’s electrolyte and improved its durability, making it possible for the unit to be recharged 20,000 times.

This will make for the development of household storage batteries with a 13 year life span, compared with seven to eight years right now – NEC is looking at getting the durability up to 20 years, and have the battery out into the market in five years.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (20) Think (1) Angry (1) Happy (4) Sad (1) Meh (2)

Honda Insight with 1.5 liter IMA system to debut soon?

Paul Tan — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:22:04 +0000

Check out the Honda Insight section on Honda Japan’s website and you’ll be greeted by the teaser image above, which seems to indicate that an Insight with a larger 1.5 litre i-VTEC IMA engine will be available soon. So far, most Honda hybrids including the Honda Insight sold here in Malaysia use the 1.3 litre system, while the 1.5 litre system is reserved for the sporty Honda CR-Z.

A larger more powerful system in the Insight would certainly be welcome for those looking for a little more fun in their green motoring, but do not want to go for the 3-door body of the CR-Z. With the hybrid tax exemptions just recently extended by the Malaysian government, perhaps Honda Malaysia can introduce this 1.5 litre variant of the Honda Insight as well? I’m sure there’s a market!

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (198) Think (13) Angry (15) Happy (10) Sad (19) Meh (22)

Budget 2012: Hybrid car incentives extended till 2013!

Danny Tan — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:31:15 +0000

This just in. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is also Finance Minister, is reading his Budget 2012 speech at the moment, and he has already touched on something that involves the auto sector, announcing that incentives given to hybrid cars have been extended till 31 December 2013!

Here’s some background: In Budget 2011, the government introduced FULL import duty and excise duty exemption for hybrid and electric cars and motorcycles.

Previously, it was 100% import duty exemption and 50% excise duty exemption, Budget 2011 made it 100% exemption for BOTH import duty and excise duty. The deal, for hybrid cars with 2.0 litre engines and below, was supposed to expire on Dec 31, 2011.

This has led to huge growth in sales for hybrid models such as the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius, while Lexus took advantage of this incentive to bring in the CT 200h hatchback at an attractive price. Honda Malaysia and UMW Toyota will be happy with today’s announcement and can plan ahead from now, bringing in more of the hybrids.

The PM has already touched on fuel subsidies, and from what we hear, it’s status quo.

UPDATE: Here’s Honda Malaysia MD & CEO Yoichiro Ueno’s response to the Budget’s hybrid announcement:

As a pioneer in introducing the hybrid car to the Malaysian market, we are pleased with the government’s decision to extend the full exemption of import and excise duty as announced in today’s Budget 2012. We would like to convey our gratitude as this would continue to make hybrid vehicles more accessible for environmentally conscious Malaysians which showed a significant growth compared to last year.

The Insight remains a popular model among the hybrid customers as to date we have sold 3,800 units. These exemptions are certainly timely, as hybrid vehicles gain favor among customers, Honda Malaysia is looking into expanding its hybrid vehicle line-up in Malaysia by year end.

And here is UMW Toyota Motor MD Ismet Suki’s response to the announcement of the extension of the hybrid exemption:

We are delighted with the announcement by the Prime Minister. This shows that the government is committed to make hybrid vehicles affordable for more Malaysians. It would be exciting to see more hybrid vehicles on our roads and more people would be aware about the effectiveness of hybrid technology as a proven alternative to lowering fuel consumption and environment friendly.

The government is moving towards the right direction in promoting a “greener living” by reducing the CO2 emission with more hybrid vehicles on our roads. UMW Toyota Motor strongly supports this government initiative and will continue to promote hybrid vehicles.

We at UMW Toyota Motor would like to congratulate the Prime Minister on the successful budget announcement that is favourable to private companies and will definitely ease the burden of more Malaysians.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (111) Think (11) Angry (25) Happy (25) Sad (10) Meh (24)

Volkswagen e-up! Concept: production car due in 2013

Paul Tan — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:38:54 +0000

This is another Volkswagen up!-based concept car called the e-up!, and although we’re just looking at it in concept form now, it’s been decided that a production version of the e-up! will be launched in 2013. This Frankfurt 2011 concept is a near-production study, which has some design differentiation for one to identify it compared to the regular internal combustion engine powered up!

The most distinctive design feature would be the arc-shaped layout of the LED daytime running lights integrated in the front bumper. The gap between the hood and the bumper which normally has a cooling grille in the up! is covered by a chrome trim strip since the narrow air intake slots above and below the licence plate suffice to cool the electric ddrive.

The e-up!’s electric motor makes a peak power of 60 kW and a sustained power of 40kW, and typical of electric motors, has a high torque of 210Nm from zero revs. The electric motor can take the e-up! to a top speed of 135km/h.

The car’s battery capacity of 18kWh enables a maximum distance of about 150km depending on driving style, which should be enough for city driving. The batteries themselves are located in the underbody of the e-up!. Meanwhile, all key drive and ancillary components are housed in front in the engine compartment.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (8) Think (0) Angry (2) Happy (1) Sad (3) Meh (7)

Gordon Murray Design TEEWAVE AR.1 electric sports car – a showcase of Toray technologies

Anthony Lim — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 03:30:27 +0000

Gordon Murray Design and Toray Industries has unveiled a prototype electric sports car called the TEEWAVE AR.1. The vehicle is the result of a commission from the Japanese industrial company for GMD to design, tool and build a fully-functioning prototype vehicle utilising many of Toray’s advanced automotive materials, and took just nine months from concept discussion to running vehicle.

The two-seater EV sports car is powered by a permanent magnet synchronised motor offering 47 Kw and 180 Nm – with juice provided by a 16 Kwh lithium-ion battery – mated to a single-speed transmission, housed in a mid-rear configuration. The powertrain utilises base components used in a commercial electric vehicle currently available, but feature unique electrical architecture and control units developed for it by GMD.

Performance figures include a charging time of six hours and operating range of 186 km as well as a top speed of 147 kph and a 0-100 kph time of 11.4 seconds. The car features a remarkably low weight of just 850 kg (with the battery accounting for 240 kg), and while the numbers above don’t sound blisteringly fast, GMD says that with the torque at hand there’s lively acceleration from a standing start.

Attention has been given to the low weight, low centre of gravity and suspension geometry, resulting in an excellent ride and handling balance, the company adds.

Still, the car is more a showcase for a host of Toray technologies, led by the liberal use of carbon fibre throughout – aside from the aluminium sub-frame, CF features for the monocoque chassis, crash structures and body. The Toray carbon fibre component system used on the AR.1 has a process time of less than 10 minutes, and the carbon monocoque, one of the key technologies of the TEEWAVE, can be applied to all types of vehicle other than the AR.1.

Toray materials and products used in the AR.1 are carbon fibre for the monocoque chassis, crash structures, body, interior and seats, PLA/PET floor mats and luggage mats, paint film on the steering wheel cover, ‘Ultra Suede’ trim on seats and door cards and PLA/Nylon alloy optional floor mats.

There’s also TPO laminated soft touch material with Toray PLA foam and pressure sensitive adhesive on instrument panel, sills and door top trim as well as the company’s Picasus film on the instrument screen and 3GT/PET polyester knit on the A-pillar trim panels.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (6) Think (3) Angry (0) Happy (0) Sad (0) Meh (4)

Mitsubishi begins i-MiEV joint testing with PTT in Thailand

Anthony Lim — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 06:28:13 +0000

It’s a step further towards going the EV route in Thailand for Mitsubishi – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has announced that its Thai subsidiary Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh) has begun joint testing of the i-MiEV with PTT Public Company Limited, which is the largest energy company in the country.

Mitsubishi Thailand has started specific testing with two power companies, these being Metropolitan Electricity Authority and PEA ENCOM, as part of its efforts towards researching consumer acceptability, marketability, as well as charging infrastructure in the kingdom.

PTT plans to install a quick charger at the PTT Research and Technology Institute by the end of this year, so both PTT and MMTh will actively cooperate in the research and the development of EV charging infrastructure.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (16) Think (4) Angry (7) Happy (3) Sad (2) Meh (4)

Proton hands over eight EVs to government for fleet testing trials – five Exora REEV and three Saga EVs to be deployed

Anthony Lim — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:36:04 +0000

Proton today handed eight electric vehicles to the government for running trials with various ministries, as the national automaker works its way towards mass-production of these in 2013. The vehicles are three Saga EV and five Exora REEV (Range Extender Electric Vehicle) models.

The vehicles were presented by Proton chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Putrajaya. Present at the handover ceremony was former PM Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, who is Proton’s adviser.

The initiative is also part of the Fleet Test Vehicle Programme, which is a joint effort by Proton, the Ministry of International trade and Industry (MITI) and the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA), which aims to assess the potential of green technology as well as the infrastructure of hybrid and electric vehicles in Malaysia.

The five Exora REEVs are set to be used by the Prime Minister’s office, MITI, KeTTHA, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and well as the Ministry of Finance (MOF), while the three Saga EVs will see service with MITI, KeTTHA and the MOT.

Proton will provide charging stations for the EVs at the Prime Minister’s Office and also on the premises of the other four ministries involved in the programme, as well as home chargers for the households of the designated drivers of the vehicles.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (133) Think (12) Angry (46) Happy (17) Sad (15) Meh (31)

Frankfurt: Land Rover reveals the DC100 and DC100 Sport Defender concepts

Harvinder Sidhu — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:51:55 +0000

UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

Land Rover has unveiled two Defender concepts at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first is the DC100 concept which was revealed prior to the motor event and second is the roof-less DC100 Sport concept which was just announced moments ago. According to the famous 4×4 maker, these two concepts will help set the pathway for the future design of the iconic Defender and they both showcase various off-road capabilities.

Both concepts sit on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform and feature 2.0 litre gasoline and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities. They both run on a permanent four-wheel drive configuration along with an 8-speed transmission.

Other features include an Intelligent Stop/Start system, three-abreast ‘social seating’, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Leisure key which is a waterproof and lightweight alternative to the control fob, built-in induction charging stations as well as the ‘Always-on’ connectivity and telematics feature which allow for car-to-smartphone, car-to-car and car-to-base communication.

As for the 4×4 functions, both concepts have the Terrain-i scanning device which alerts the driver about obstacles while off-roading and it can even suggest alternative routes. There is also something called Wade Aid which uses sonar technology to assess water depth and it can also advise the driver on the optimum speed. Another interesting feature is the spiked tyre system which can be activated by the driver.

There is also Driveline Disconnect which physically disjoints the rear axle to save fuel when the all-wheel drive system is not required and there is also an updated Land Rover Terrain Response system. So what’s the difference between the two concepts? Well the DC100 pretty much showcases the future of Land Rover capability and versatility while the DC100 Sport is an “active expression of freedom and leisure.” Land Rover also took the opportunity to reiterate that the new Defender will be launched in 2015.

Continue reading to view an image gallery.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (32) Think (0) Angry (0) Happy (1) Sad (0) Meh (2)

Lexus GS 450h gets an early reveal ahead of Frankfurt

Harvinder Sidhu — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:42:26 +0000

UPDATE: Live photos have been added to the gallery.

The new Lexus GS was recently revealed in August and it looks better than ever. You can consider it as a larger IS, which is a good formula to grow from at least in the design department. Following the reveal of the D-segment contender, Lexus has just unveiled the hybrid version called the Lexus GS 450h ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show which should be starting anytime soon.

The new 450h uses the company’s second generation Hybrid Drive System which is made up by a 3.5 litre V6 Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with D-4S direct injection and a two-motor hybrid system.

This front engined rear-wheel drive system is able to collectively output 338hp, allowing it to sprint to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. At the same time, fuel consumption has improved by about 30%. The reduction in fuel consumption is contributed by enhanced cooling of the hybrid system’s Power Control Unit (PCU) as well as improved regenerative braking.

The full hybrid drivetrain which allows all-electric motoring also features a high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery pack, a power spilt device which helps allocate and combine power when required and so on. The GS 450h now sits on a stiffer platform with lightweight components.

It also has an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and the latest generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) to help make certain that traction is always available.

Other goodies include Electric Power Steering (EPS), 10 airbags and front seats with Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL). In the options list, there is a pre-collision system, Night Vision, Heads Up Display (HUD), Blind Spot Monitor as well as Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

In terms of design, the 450h is differentiated from its non-hybrid sibling with a three-lamp headlight system, larger 17-inch wheels and the customary blue-tinted logos. On the inside, along from the usual luxurious treatment, it has an analog clock with LED indicators, a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are seated, a bamboo-finished steering wheel and more. All of these features are also available in the standard GS.

Continue reading to check out an image gallery and a promo video of the Lexus GS 450h.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (24) Think (1) Angry (4) Happy (3) Sad (2) Meh (8)

New generation Toyota Camry Hybrid launched in Japan!

Paul Tan — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 14:58:02 +0000

The new Toyota Camry has been launched in Japan today. You don’t have to look too closely to realize this is yet another ‘look’ for the Camry, different from the one in the US market, but similar to the the one teased by Toyota Ukraine, yet not identical. This is the Toyota Camry Hybrid based on the Toyota Ukraine “Aurion” design.

Interestingly, Toyota has picked the Aurion design for the Japanese market, while for the last generation, the Japanese market shared a design with the US market. Also, the Camry is solely with a hybrid power train in Japan – no other inline-4 or V6 options available.

This is in line with what other Japanese sedan manufacturers have been doing in their domestic market, for example, Honda Japan discontinued the regular Civic before its lifespan expired and continued selling only the Civic Hybrid.

The new Camry Hybrid’s Toyota Hybrid System II uses the 2AR-FXE 2.5 litre Atkinson cycle four cylinder internal combustion engine, which can produce 160 PS and 213Nm of torque on its own. This is coupled with an electric motor that can produce 143 PS and 270Nm of torque. Combined output via the torque split device is 205 PS, which is a nice number for a D-segment sedan.

There are some interesting aerodynamic features that Toyota have added to the body of the Camry Hybrid, such as the “vortex generators” shown above integrated into the wing mirror mounts, designed to help with cruising aerodynamics.

Airflow improving “aero-corners” are strategically placed in front of the front wheels and behind the rear wheels. The new two-piece front grille design uses a smaller upper grille and a larger lower grille that improve cooling efficiency by enhancing aerodynamic flow via reduced resistance.

The Camry includes a new Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) feature that prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting up on a hill, a new Steering-assisted Vehicle Stability Control (S-VSC) system that adjusts power, the electric power steering and braking to retain driver control of the car, and brake lights that specially signal emergency braking to reduce the risk of a collision from the rear.

Anyway, we probably won’t see this launched here in Malaysia as the large 2.5 litre engine does not qualify for Malaysia’s hybrid tax exemptions. Look after the jump for an image gallery of the JDM Camry Hybrid.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 14 Feb 12 05:23:13 +0000.

This story makes me...

Excited (93) Think (9) Angry (9) Happy (3) Sad (25) Meh (32)

Paul Tan's Automotive News » Hybrids and Alternative Fuel

Meet Hiriko, the foldable two-seater electric city car

Related Posts

Honda Jazz Hybrid to debut in Malaysia sometime in Q1

Related Posts

Malaysia in discussions with automakers about making the country a hybrid and EV assembly/distribution point

Related Posts

Volkswagen E-Bugster – the Beetle gets electrified!

Related Posts

2012 Toyota Prius – now in two trim levels in Malaysia

Related Posts

Toyota Prius c arriving soon – teased on UMW Toyota site

Related Posts

Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid introduced, in both saloon and estate form – E400 Hybrid also debuts

Related Posts

Nissan Leaf – pilot program to begin in Malaysia in 2012

Related Posts

BMW to launch new EV brand for Chinese market

Related Posts

Nissan Leaf is 2011-2012 Japanese Car of the Year

Related Posts

Nissan’s new 2.5 liter hybrid unit to replace 3.5 liter V6?

Related Posts

Honda Fit EV makes global debut in LA

Related Posts

Seat unveils its electric path – Altea XL Electric Ecomotive and Leon TwinDrive Ecomotive paves the way

Related Posts

Gordon Murray Designs T.27 – RAC Future Car Challenge’s best overall entry consumes equivalent of 0.81L / 100 km!

Related Posts

Honda CR-Z launched – RM115k OTR with insurance

Related Posts

Free parking for hybrid vehicles in PJ for three months

Related Posts

smart fortwo electric drive on display at 1 Utama

Related Posts

Humanix iSAVE-SC1 e-Tricar – the car, as airbag

Related Posts

Mitsubishi i-MiEV becomes first EV to be registered in the country – vehicle to be used to promote EV awareness

Related Posts

Honda CR-Z set for November introduction in Malaysia

Related Posts

New tech to help build better batteries emerges

Related Posts

Honda Insight with 1.5 liter IMA system to debut soon?

Related Posts

Budget 2012: Hybrid car incentives extended till 2013!

Related Posts

Volkswagen e-up! Concept: production car due in 2013

Related Posts

Gordon Murray Design TEEWAVE AR.1 electric sports car – a showcase of Toray technologies

Related Posts

Mitsubishi begins i-MiEV joint testing with PTT in Thailand

Related Posts

Proton hands over eight EVs to government for fleet testing trials – five Exora REEV and three Saga EVs to be deployed

Related Posts

Frankfurt: Land Rover reveals the DC100 and DC100 Sport Defender concepts

Related Posts

Lexus GS 450h gets an early reveal ahead of Frankfurt

Related Posts

New generation Toyota Camry Hybrid launched in Japan!

Related Posts