I always loved crossover vehicles and that’s because they seem like the jack of all trades in the automotive world. From carrying people to cargo, these vehicles would be your spot-on choice whether you’re traveling light or not. Meanwhile, the crossover class is something that most Asian brands are very good at and when you say Asian brands, Kia is one of the best.

Ever since Kia has launched the Kia Rondo, I have nothing but praises for this amazing crossover vehicle. The Kia Rondo’s design may not be off the charts, but it offers amazing lines and curves that you fall for. The Kia Rondo looks small at first glance but when you crunch down the numbers, it is 179 inches long and 106 inches wide. Because of that, you can accommodate people up to the third row. Overall, the Kia Rondo can carry a maximum of seven passengers.

Just like what it has been doing for decades, the Kia brand is all about every bang for your buck. Unlike other crossover vehicles out there, the Kia Rondo only costs around 16,000 USD. With that price, you’ll get leather seats, sunroof, and infinity sound system to keep you company when you’re driving alone.

When it comes to performance and handling, the Kia Rondo is probably one of the best in its class. Truth is, everything about its performance on the road is okay but nothing really that is exceptional. Nevertheless, the Kia Rondo is what you want to bring during family trips and outings. Even if you drive on a freeway, this vehicle is so silent you won’t even hear its engine roar.

When you check out its engine, the Kia Rondo has a 2.4-liter engine that can produce a maximum of 162 horsepower and 162 lbs-ft of torque. Aside from that, its horsepower peaks at around 6,000 RPM. Compared to other crossover autos, the Kia Rondo can accelerate from 0-60 mph in only nine seconds.

On a different note, the Kia Rondo is far from being a gas-guzzler either. With an MPG rating of 18 and 26 respectively, you’ll get the most out of your fuel without a doubt. With a maximum fuel tank capacity of 15.8 gallons, it’ll take you to travel 284 kilometers before you visit the nearest gas station. Apart from fuel efficiency, the Kia Rondo is also known for safety because it is equipped with all the necessary devices to prevent harm during collisions and accidents.

If you’re not yet ready to spend big bucks for a crossover vehicle, the Kia Rondo is clearly the choice the choice that you have to make.

Electric cars are becoming what people say as the era’s Model T. These days, countless auto manufacturers are into making low-cost electric vehicles that will allow you to save money on gas bills. If you want the best electric car that is available right now though, then a Chevy Volt Electric Car is all you need. I gathered a few things about the Chevy Volt Electric Car and if you want it to be a regular fixture inside your garage, then you should read this.

1. It isn’t a traditional hybrid

When we say that the Chevy Volt Electric Car isn’t a traditional hybrid that means that is does not use its electric motor and gasoline engine in the traditional way. That’s because it’s a plug-in electric vehicle that is powered by an electric motor. So what’s the use of the engine? The Chevy Volt Electric Car’s engine is used to simply extend its range. That means it’s built to recharge the batteries while providing current to the electric motor.

2.It boasts of the patented E-Flex architecture

When we say E-Flex architecture, it only means that the powertrain are already custom built for the design. Aside from that, it only means that it’s designed for a cleaner performance that other electric cars could not match up with.

3.You can handle your entire commute without using gas

Although not a lot of people realize it, city driving with a range of 40 miles can already be covered by merely using only the Chevy Volt Electric Car’s electric motor. In short, if you’re simply into driving around the town or city, this car is perfect for you. When it comes to charging, you simply plug it into outlets inside your house or workplace for a few hours and that’s it.

4.Check out its Lithium-Ion Battery

Most EVs rely heavily on its batteries for power. With that being said, it’s safe to say that EVs are essentially toys on a bigger scale. On the other hand, the Chevy Volt Electric Car uses lithium-ion batteries that can be recharge when they become empty. Since they are heavy, they are designed to have the weight evenly distributed to prevent them from messing up with your car’s movement. Basically, the Chevy Volt Electric Car batteries are well built for range, power, and longevity.

5. The Chevy Volt Electric Car has a 400-mile Range

When you use both the battery and gasoline power of the Chevy Volt Electric Car, you can expect to go as far as 400 miles without refueling. In short, even if it’s built for city driving and running errands, you can also visit towns without worrying about being stalled in the middle of the road. Basically, the electric motor can last for as far as 40 miles, while the remaining 360 miles can be handled by the gasoline motor already. Truth is, the Chevy Volt Electric Car is even better than an electric car because you use both electric power and fuel to move from place to place.

Small, compact, and fuel-efficient cars are obviously what auto manufacturers are making these days. However, some manufacturers are also going against the trend with their fun-to-drive sports cars that boast of green technology. My friend told me about two cars that belong in this category and these are the Beira V-8 roadster and the Scorpion supercar. Both cars have already passed the conceptual stage and by the looks of it, you’ll be seeing these street machines by next year already.

Basically, the Beira V-8 roadster and the Scorpion supercar use alternative technology for enhanced performance and efficient fuel use. Basically, the Beira gets its road-peeling power from its 6.0-liter engine. The Scorpion on the other hand has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is designed for improved fuel economy. The Beira’s engine called LS2 V8 is built to generate as much as 400 horsepower. What’s even more impressive is that it can be used for bi-fuel operation. That means you can use it for gasoline, liquid propane, propane, and even ethanol. When it comes to range, the Beira’s engine can cover as much as 700 miles, while having a maximum capacity of 18.5 gallons.

The Beira only weighs around 3000 and in fact, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just five seconds. When it comes to the top speed, the Beira is one beast because it can go as fast as 155 mph. It’s also very tough because its front and rear sections use composite steel that won’t break, bend, or chip. Priced at 55,000 USD, this sports car is a solid choice if you want great looks and performance, without having to worry about the fuel that you’re going to consume.

Meawnhile, the Ronn Scorpion has a hydrogen fuel injection that can improve performance and reduce fuel consumption by several notches. The car can produce as much as 289 horsepower from its DOHC V6 engine. The Ronn Scorpion’s engine is designed to work with gasoline and diesel. Since it uses hydrogen in its combustion, it is able to extend the life of your fuel up to 40 MPG. When it comes to construction, the Ronn Scorpion has a lightweight carbon body fiber that works hand in hand with its chrome-moly chassis. Its handling is also exceptional because of its hybrid front and rear suspension.

We all know how high the fuel costs are these days and with that being said, these green sports cars can really make you cool while saving fuel at the same time.

I’m the kind of guy who likes what the future brings. Yeah sure, you don’t want what’s going happen if it’s not tried and tested. Then again, there’s no way to move forward without having the guts to look ahead. That same idea is shared by vehicle maker Pursu Mobility when it introduced the futuristic vehicle called the Pursu Hybrid Car concept. Now if you want something that you haven’t even seen, then this auto manufacturer can show you what it look like.

Even at the conceptual level, the Pursu Hybrid Car concept is definitely way ahead of its time when it comes to its design. That’s because this car only has three wheels, while matching it with designs that you’ll see a few decades from now. Aside from that, its manufacturer states that it uses a unique technology called Dynamic Vehicle Control. This kind of technology enables the Pursu Hybrid Car to corner without losing a bit of speed. In fact, it may even accelerate even if it turns around corners.

The Pursu Hybrid Car concept is not only something that will feed your eyes. Its manufacturer also made sure that you’ll be saving all the fuel possible. That’s because its electric batteries are enough to cover a range of 20 miles, while boasting an MPG rate that can go as high as 75. If you’re still not impressed, its six-gallon fuel tank can provide as much as 400 miles without even refueling. When it comes to dimensions, the Pursu Hybrid Car concept is 140 inches long, 51 inches wide, 56 inches high, and weighing only 1500 lbs.

On the other hand, despite of the manufacturer’s claims that the Pursu Hybrid Car concept is a car, Federal law classifies it as a motorcycle. However, if you’re already raring to have this car as a regular part of your garage, you have to wait just a little further. That’s because Pursu Mobility still needs at least a year to fully develop this vehicle. Estimates show that by 2010, the Pursu Hybrid Car concept is already available although it retail price remains undisclosed. So far, here are some pictures of this future car that is surely going to make people redefine what a car should look like.

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Ford certainly did an excellent job on working its magnificent Ford Fusion hybrid car. Sleek, fast, and fuel efficient, there’s no way that you’ll never appreciate what it can do for you to save on gas bills. Here are some others things that you need to know about this car from Ford.

1. It’s the First Hybrid Sedan from Ford

The Ford 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the first Sedan hybrid that Ford ever manufactured. Before this though, Ford already released several hybrid vehicles such as the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and the Mazda Tribute.

2.It’s Second Generation

Basically, the Ford Fusion Hybrid came from Ford’s earlier hybrid system that was used in the Ford Escape. It uses a 2.5-liter engine that is strong enough to generate as much as 106 horsepower.

3.It’s the Best Out There

Truth is, the Ford Fusion Hybrid leads the sedan hybrid class because it can take a gallon of fuel to 41 miles, nonstop. In short, it’s so good that it has an MPG pegged at 41. If you’re still not impressed, fill up its 17-gallon tank and you can go as far as 600 miles without even refueling at all.

4. Electricity Mode

Meanwhile, just like most hybrid cars, the Ford Fusion Hybrid uses its electricity capacity in order to make the most out of its fuel. So when you switch the Ford Fusion Hybrid to electric mode, you can go as far as 47 miles without even stalling. That means using purely electricity, this hybrid sedan can take you 47 miles on the road without even recharging.

5. Uses Atkinson Cycle

Most internal combustion engine uses the regular Otto cycle for fuel efficiency. However, this hybrid car from Ford uses another version called the Atkinson cycle. This one uses a shorter power stroke, while the intake cylinder stays longer. Because of this, there’s better efficiency, while the torque is greatly diminished.

They’re cute, small, and they can bring you anywhere you want without emitting any kind of emission gas. In the past, being seen inside a small and cramped-looking car is a big no-no. These days however, driving an electric car is the smartest and fastest way of going about your daily commute. With that being said, everyone is in into electric car craze wherever you are in the world.

When it comes to electric cars, there are so many manufacturers that you can think about and one of them is Mitsubishi. Recently, Mitsubishi just launched its very own electric car called the i-MiEV. Basically, the i-MiEV is a very small electric car that has already conquered Japan. Good news is, you can have your hands on it because it manufacturer is planning to introduce it to the United States.

Just like every other electric car out there, the i-MiEV does not use gasoline to move around. Instead, it uses batteries that are strong enough to cover at least 50 miles of non-stop driving. Fore sure 50 miles aren’t enough but then again, the i-MiEV is not built for demanding applications in the first place. However, you’ll certainly save so much gas without even polluting the environment at the same time.

Basically, the i-MiEV offers a cutaway roof panel that allows you to enjoy fresh air whle you’re driving. It’s just like driving a jeep without the soft top and the gas-guzzling engine. Aside from that, the i-MiEV has a plastic roof that can be attached and detached at will. This roof gives you ample protection when the weather starts becoming unpredictable. Meanwhile, other features of the i-MiEV include a teardrop body shell, nifty tail light and headlights. In short, the i-MiEV is what you need if you want to go green without sacrificing the looks at all.

So where does the i-MiEV gets its power? If you look under the hood, the car has an electric motor that can muster as much as 80 horsepower when needed. Energy is supplied by top-of-the-line lithium-ion batteries that are located on the floor pan. When you’re about to recharge these batteries, simply plug them into an outlet for several hours and you’re good to go once more.

Truth is, I’m a big fan of not only green cars, but every vehicle out there that warrants attention. When I say something that “warrants attention”, it’s all about giving tribute to cars that can pass up as an art form. The best auto manufacturers don’t only pay attention to how fuel efficient a car can get. That’s because they also want their cars to look great no matter what. When it comes to style, class, power, and elegance there are only a handful of cars that you can think of and one of them is the Infiniti Essence Hybrid.

The Infiniti Essence Hybrid is a stunning vehicle that looks like the amazing Fisker Karma. The difference though is its lines and curves that can only be called the Infiniti Essence Hybrid’s own. The fact is, this car is more than good looks on the road because as its name implies, it’s a hybrid. With that being said, it is fuel efficient and it does not harm the environment with its fuel emissions.

The Infiniti Essence Hybrid is a surprisingly gas economical car since it can extend a gallon of fuel of up to 30 MPG. Aside from that, it has a whopping 592 horsepower capacity that you rarely see in hybrid cars these days. In short, this car is not only a stunner but a power generator as well. If that’s not enough to impress you, you can also use its electric motor if you don’t wish to spew any emissions at all. That’s because the Infiniti Essence Hybrid is equipped with a 158-horsepower electric motor that uses electromagnetic coils so that it can travel in low speeds. It’s located in between the engine and transmission, while being powered by a lithium-ion battery kit.

When it comes to the interior, the Infiniti Essence Hybrid is clearly in a class of its own. That’s because its cockpit has everything that the driver needs when it’s time to conquer the road. The chronometer, speedometer, engine start button, and steering wheel can be found in a sleek looking dashboard. To add more panache, its colors are brimming with style and sheer elegance. To top everything off, it has a Luis Vuitton luggage tucked safely inside its trunk area.

The exterior is also as good as its interior. That’s because it features a long hood and a short deck. Moreover, it has masculine curves and contours that can influence Infiniti models of the future.

There are hundreds of choices that you can make when going for a hybrid vehicle. These days, it is not uncommon if you end up buying a hybrid auto that runs on E85 ethanol. People have been talking about this new kind of fuel for quite sometime. Then again, is it really as good as advertised? Here are five things that you need to know about E85 ethanol before you go buying one at the nearest auto store.

1. Massive Petroleum Displacement

Hybrid vehicles are about being fuel efficient. However, if you use E85 ethanol to get it going, you get one thing that other fuel types don’t have—it’s renewable. That means there is less harm on the environment and human health.

2.Ford Has Something to Do With It

Ford currently has the best technology to utilize the hidden power of the E85 ethanol fuel. That’s because it has been working on making the most out of alcohol fuel and with hybrid propulsion technology. Because of this, Ford came up with the Ford E85 Escape Hybrid back in 2006.

3.Even Lesser Greenhouse Emissions

It’s no longer a secret that our planet is on the brink of an environmental collapse. Although it’s hard to know how much influence we have on it, we can definitely do something about it. Everybody knows that hybrid vehicles are simply built to emit less emission, while achieving greater fuel efficiency. When you use E85 ethanol as your fuel, you’ll be even able to lessen your vehicle’s emission in a flash. When you use a Ford Escape hybrid vehicle that only uses E85 ethanol for its fuel, you’ll be able to lessen exhaust emissions by as much as 25 percent.

4. Takin a Closer Look at the E85 Plug-in Hybrid

In order to test how far they’ve reached, Ford launched another milestone in hybrid technology with the introduction of the E85 Plug-in Hybrid. Using a massive battery pack to move on the road effortlessly, this vehicle proved that hybrid and electric vehicle technology do mix after all. Aside from that, it does not emit any emissions at all, which only means that it has achieved its goal of manufacturing a vehicle that does not harm the environment.

5.Still, There are Some Issues

Despite of the obvious advantages that E85 ethanol brings to the table, there are a few things that you need to consider. Basically, E85 ethanol evaporates faster than gasoline, so it wouldn’t be such as good idea of storing it in hot places. The good thing is that most hybrid vehicles are not as hot as gasoline-fueled vehicles.

Everybody knows the name Piaggio, not unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for too long. The brand has been synonymous for creating the reverse trike model, which revolutionized motorcycle driving as we know it. That’s because two years ago, Piaggio launched the MP3 that looks like any other scooter; except for the fact that it has two front wheels that lean in 40-degree angles. The idea is to tap into the market of those who can, but don’t like the idea of doing it two wheels. So far, Piaggio is doing a good job of convincing these people to jump fence.

Now, the said manufacturer takes its funky scooter to another level with the release of the Piaggio MP3 hybrid. The reverse trike offers an amazing MPG rating of 141, which is what everybody needs these days. Basically, the whole idea behind this trike it to effortlessly let people recharge its batteries by simply plugging them into a socket.

This Hybrid Piaggio MP3 isn’t only built to be economical, because it can also zoom to 60 miles in less than 5 seconds. Although that’s far from a Teslda Roadster-like performance, it’s still pretty nifty considering that it only does that in three wheels. The fact is, it’s simply what motor enthusiasts have been clamoring for years. It’s a plug-in reverse trike that does not only look good, but performs well too.

Unlike the Toyota Prius for instance that emits over 100 grams of carbon per kilometer, the Hybrid Piaggio MP3 only gives off 40, while its motor charges the battery simultaneously. Moreover, traction shouldn’t be a problem at all according to the company representatives, because the two front wheels are designed to improve traction and stability during cornering. The downside of this trike is its price, because according to sources, you need at least eight thousand grand to get this one. That’s enough money to get you a brand new Kia Picanto or a Cherry QQ.

Reducing fuel emission is definitely one of the priorities for most auto makers these days. Volkswagen knows about the current need of the driving public, which is the reason why it recently launched the Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid. From afar, the Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid looks like any other SUV. However, a closer look reveals that this vehicle is all about reducing CO2 and greenhouse emissions drastically.

Basically, Volkswagen designed it in order to have several modes of operation. When you choose electric, it behaves like an electric car. That’s because it can only go as fast as 30 mph, while virtually releasing zero emissions at all. Meanwhile, if you choose to use the coast mode, pressure on the throttle will be removed. Aside from that, disengagement can go as fast as 100 mph.

On the other hand, the Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid uses a 3.0-liter TSI V6 engine that Audi developed. It uses an injection system configuration that is strong enough to generate powers of up to 333 horsepower. In addition to that, it can go as fast as 5,500 RPM. If that’s not enough to impress you, the Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid boasts of a 51-horsepower E-motor that uses an 8-speed transmission. Moreover, it uses stop-start technology so that fuel consumption is regulated.

So how are you supposed to use this vehicle if you want to put the pedal to the metal? Volkswagen engineers have an answer for that because the Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid has its E- motor working side by side with its main engine. Despite of this auto being a hybrid, it can still accelerate from 0-100 kmh in just 6.2 seconds. Not yet a sport car but impressive nonetheless. It’s also built for some off-road trekking because its tow rate is measured at 7,700 lbs.

Basically, the Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid’s E-motor is the one that supplies energy to the vehicle’s entire electrical system. To keep you cool and comfy even if the outside temperature is scorching, it uses a topnotch air conditioning compressor to get the job done. In fact, you can still afford to cool the entire interior even if the V6 engine is turned off.

When it comes to the batteries, the Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid uses nickel-metal-hydride chemistry for best results. This type of battery composition is used in most hybrid cars these days. That’s because it’s safer, better, and more power efficient compared to other battery setups out there.

Basically, the Touareg BlueMotion Hybrid performs better than its V-8 counterpart. That’s because it offers 25 percent fuel efficiency, while having an MPG rating of 26.1.When it comes to emissions, it only releases less than 210 g/km, which is better than what most hybrid cars can do these days.