Offering a host of improvements and new styling to entice eco-conscious consumers, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is the perfect combination of SUV flexibility and hybrid technology.
The gasoline/electric hybrid system features a compact electric motor that powers the vehicle up to 25 mph without using the gas engine – perfect for short trips or stop-and-go commutes. The 2.3 liter 4-cylinder gas engine uses an advanced combustion system to maximize power and efficiency, and achieves zero evaporative emissions standards. The regenerative braking system recharges the battery pack each time you brake, so it never needs to be plugged in. The Vehicle System Controller utilizes advanced software to ensure a smooth transition between the electric motor and gasoline engine. The electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission transfers power to the wheels seamlessly, with no noticeable shift points. All in all, fuel economy is excellent for an SUV – with an estimated 34 MPG highway and 30 MPG city.
Standard 2-wheel drive is adequate for most situations, while optional Intelligent 4-wheel drive system offers confidence, traction, and enhanced off-road capability. Cargo space is quite generous, with 66.3 cubic feet of cargo space available with the rear seats folded. The redesigned interior includes new ultra-durable, eco-friendly seat fabric made from 100% recycled plastic and polyester fibers with a cool two-tone color. New interior features include an optional Navigation System with DVD mapping, global positioning, and a 6.5” color LCD screen for touch-screen simplicity.
Standard safety features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes to help maintain steering control while braking. The optional reverse sensing system uses sonar and an audible beep to indicate the vehicle’s distance from an object. AdvanceTrac® and Roll Stability Control help improve control on slippery surfaces. Standard dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor protect both rows of passengers in a collision.
With its new design, eco-friendly seat fabric, super low emissions, and excellent fuel economy, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is one of the greenest vehicles on the planet.
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One of the most stylish and fuel-efficient hybrids on the market, the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid combines innovative fuel-saving technologies, stellar performance, and a variety of wonderful amenities.
The highlight of the vehicle is the Integrated Motor Assist system which consists of a 1.3 liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a high-output electric motor which adds power. An idle-stop feature automatically shuts off the gas engine during stops to save gas and curb emissions. The system is mated to a continuously variable transmission which shifts smoothly like an automatic but provides the fuel savings of a manual. EPA estimated fuel economy is a stellar 40 city/45 highway MPG. The Civic Hybrid is also achieves the most stringent emissions standard in the
Inside, the handy Average Fuel Consumption Indicator allows the driver to monitor fuel usage and gas mileage returns. With the available Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition, you’ll get detailed maps and directions to your destination. What’s more, the 160-watt CD audio system is MP3 and WMA compatible, and features speed-sensitive volume control and an auxiliary input jack to accommodate your iPod®.
Packed with leading safety features, the Civic Hybrid offers dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags for superior passenger protection in a collision. The standard four-wheel anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution balances brake forces and helps to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. A new standard tire pressure monitoring system alerts the driver to any significant drops in pressure with a warning symbol on the instrument panel.
Along with the Toyota Prius, the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid is one of the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars in the world. With futuristic styling and a host of amenities, its also one of the most unique.
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As the best-selling hybrid vehicle in
The highlight of the Prius is the
The base Prius comes with a lower starting price than last year, and as a result has fewer standard amenities. However, it’s still very well-equipped, with standard push button start, keyless entry, AM/FM CD with six speakers, and power mirrors. Touring models add a tuned suspension for better handling and on-road feel, stylish 16” alloy wheels, and high intensity discharge headlamps with integrated fog lamps for superior nighttime illumination.
Music lovers can choose an optional AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers, MP3 playback, and satellite radio capability. The optional voice-activated DVD navigation system offers detailed maps and directions with an easy-to-use display, while the backup camera offers a view of what’s behind the vehicle to assist with parking. Front, side, and side curtain airbags are standard equipment. Traction control provides sure-footed handling by minimizing wheel spin in slippery conditions or quick takeoffs. The Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force distribution and Brake Assist provide solid stopping power.
Considered by many to be the standard bearer for hybrid vehicles, the 2008 Toyota Prius delivers a perfect mix of excellent fuel economy, low-emissions technology, and modern safety innovations.
Source :A hybrid is the combination of two or more different things, aimed at achieving a particular objective or goal. In different contexts this may refer to:
Hybrid electric vehicle
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a vehicle which combines a conventional propulsion system with an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to achieve better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle without being hampered by range from a charging unit like a battery electric vehicle (BEV), which uses batteries charged by an external source. The different propulsion power systems may have common subsystems or components.
Regular HEVs most commonly use an internal combustion engine (ICE) in tandem with electric motors to power their propulsion system. Modern mass-produced HEVs prolong the charge on their batteries by capturing kinetic energy via regenerative braking, and some HEVs can use the combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning an electrical generator (often a motor-generator) to either recharge the battery or directly feed power to an electric motor that drives the vehicle. Many HEVs reduce idle emissions by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting it when needed. An HEV's engine is smaller and may be run at various speeds, providing more efficiency.
HEVs became widely available to the public in the late 1990s with the introduction of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. HEVs are viewed by some automakers as a core segment of the future automotive market. An article for the July-August 2007 issue of THE FUTURIST magazine titled "Energy Diversity as a Business Imperative" included plug-in hybrid vehicles. GM vice president for environment and energy Elizabeth Lowery is quoted as saying, "Today, we are embracing multiple energy sources because there is no single answer available for the mass market."
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Green Car Journal named the 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid the Green Car of the Year®.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm
http://www.chevrolet.com/hybrid/
http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/
