Hybrids
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It's about time "supercharged" and "hybrid" are being used in the same sentence. Adding to an already full stable of gas and diesel engines, Volkswagen has announced that a supercharged hybrid Touareg is on the way. The new Touareg will employ a start-stop system to save gas when idle, regenerative braking to help charge the battery and a clutch that disengages the engine when the gas pedal is released. The hybrid will also come with an eight-speed transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. VW will use a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 and an electric motor to provide a total of 328 horsepower and...
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Tufts University's Regenerative Shock Absorbers
If you're dissatisfied with your hybrid's fuel economy, Tufts University has your back. Two engineering professors there have developed shock absorbers that use electromagnetic generators to convert intermittent linear motion to electrical power. In non-nerd-speak this means that energy from your...
Robert Scardino -
Sonoma County Gears Up for Nissan EVs
In November of last year, the Renault-Nissan Alliance announced a partnership with Sonoma County to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and encourage the development of charging infrastructure. According to a report in the North Bay Business Journal today, Sonoma County means business. The...
Robert Scardino -
Ten Things the 2010 Toyota Prius Will Not Do For You
It might make your world a better place, but that smug little Prius can't pull espresso, now, can it?
Martin Padgett -
2010 Toyota Prius: Our Fearless Predictions
What's the new car all about? Here's our best guess before the world premiere.
Martin Padgett -
Toyota's gas champ uses an unconventional four-cylinder, along with its batteries, for superior mileage.
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Why's the Prius So Fuel-Efficient?
Toyota's gas-electric hybrid uses clever tech to keep it sipping fuel.
Martin Padgett -
Toyota Prius: A Brief History in Time
Toyota's Prius has gone from a grand experiment to a sales charts success.
Martin Padgett -
Hertz Goes Green: Rent A Prius
Need a hybrid away from home? Rental-car company has your number.
Martin Padgett -
Make sure you're buying your new hybrid for the right reason.
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Prius Becomes Star Trek Shuttle
A psychiatrist turns his hybrid into a space-age transporter.
Martin Padgett -
Site Review: PriusChat.com
Want to talk about the Toyota hybrid? Here's a good start.
Martin Padgett -
Prius Could Win Under President McCain
Could Toyota's hybrid find a friend in the next administration?
Martin Padgett