Though the Honda CR-Z fell short when it comes to living up with the reputation of the CRX, it doesn’t mean that it has no other things going on for it. In fact, if the CRX is considered to be a small, fun version of the civic, the CR-Z can be deemed the same thing for the Insight.

Both the Insight and the CR-Z hybrids have a lot more in common than most people think. They’re based from the same platform as the Fit. They use the same Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, only the CR-Z ditches the 1.3l engine for the 1.5l unit used in the Fit. But what makes the CR-Z a shade better is that it’s said to fix the complaints that are initially seen on the Insight like ride quality. On top of that, most reviews find that this vehicle has the best steering and braking of any hybrid to date. So if you’re looking for an earth-friendly car, but not in the expense of its drivability, this vehicle could be an ideal choice for the whole family.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

BMW, one of the most popular automakers today has included the ActiveHybrid 7 to its new lineup of hybrid cars. But unlike the dual-mode system in the X6, this vehicle is designed to get the most out of the ecological and fuel economy advantages while reducing power, weight, and space penalties of more complex systems.

This car is remarkably 165 lbs heavier than a normally equipped 7 with a lithium battery that takes up only 1.4 cubic feet of trunk space. Though it has limited electrical capabilities, the small motor is designed to make up for it.

It has the same 8-speed ZF transmission as a regular 7, but has a smaller torque converter and higher gear ratios that takes advantage of the electric motor’s low-speed torque. The motor itself sits between the engine and transmission adding 55 hp and 65 ft-lb torque for a total of 440 hp and 455 ft-lb torque when combined with the car’s twin turbo V8. EPA figures have not yet been officially released, but it’s expected to get 15% better fuel economy than base 7.

Starting price for the ActiveHybrid 7 is $103,000 for the short wheel base model or $106,000 for the long wheel base.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

One thing that’s clear about GMC is that they do not produce concept vehicles. But at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, GMC was in the thick of things with their new Granite concept vehicle. Though it may look like an offshoot of the Chevrolet Orlando to some people, GMC thinks otherwise. They call it an “urban-industrial” wagon, the Granite is a small but tough-looking vehicle. At first glance, it may look like as a combination of other wagons such as the Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and Scion xB but the design proves to be far from what these vehicles have. The windshield is raked back and the headlights are pushed towards the edge leaving a noticeable gap between the lights and the grille. The back of the Granite comes down at an abrupt angle with the spoilers sticking out from the roof. With its 20-inch wheels, it gives the impression of a huge vehicle that’s been shrunk down into size. This can be the smallest vehicle ever produce by GMC but it still looks big and tough that has been the trademark of the company for its vehicles.

So GMC’s taking a step to accommodate the demand nowadays for smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles, signs of the direction where the company’s heading into the future.

Sources: Car Junky, Google

Another big name in the car manufacturing industry is offering two-new-for-2010 models that use some sort of hybrid technology. But many thinks that the most promising and relevant model is the S400.

The S400 uses a 3.5 liter V6 with a small electric motor that combines to deliver 295-hp and 284 ft-lbs of torque, which are relatively small compared with other company’s regular version. So basically, this car is just a “mild” hybrid which doesn’t depend on the battery alone to power the car. It’s simply there to add some extra juice, allow for stop-start operation. Regenerate power by braking and run the electrically driven accessories. But the real thing that sets this model apart from other hybrids is that it’s the first to adopt lithium-ion batteries. The use of this lithium-ion unit allows Mercedes-Benz to stash the battery in the same spot under the hood, which means no more restrictions on the packaging and uncomfortable rear seats. Other than that, the rest of its mechanicals are derived from the revised S-class line-up. And with that, you can say that it’s a good model because that’s the reputation of the S-class. Sometimes, regardless if its hybrid or not.

Sources: Autoguide

Not everyone can afford a hybrid car at this moment. Hybrids are noticeably more expensive than most diesel engines out there. But still, the trend is catching on; sooner or later every car that to cruise the road will be hybrids. Car makers are going strong with their hybrid production. In fact, Toyota has a target of 1 million hybrids in 2011. This figure is double the number that the company produced last year. To give the world of what’s in store in the near future, Toyota showcased a hybrid concept at the recently held Detroit Auto Show. The hybrid is called the FT-CH concept, which has some similarities with the Prius. And that is not all, new hybrids will be introduced by Toyota in the next few years.

Photo Credit: Usatoday

The Peugeot BB1 is one of the new concept cars I’ve written about. I don’t know why, but this new model just reminds me of the Smart ForTwo vehicle. Are you familiar with the Smart ForTwo vehicle? It’s a cute one eh? Anyway, both of these models are cute and great to look at. Maybe it’s their size that makes them similar.

But I want to know what you think of these two models. Which do you like best in terms of design?

The Peugeot BB1 displays a forward leaning position that is so unlike another vehicle available nowadays. Its body is made up of light carbon structure. Likewise, the sweeping styling lines at the front. Large glazed area, low doors, and clear wheel arch space also gives it a unique look.

You can take in all the BB1’s exterior features and compare them with the Smart ForTwo. The latter’s highlights include a solid roof, projector beam halogen headlights, side indicators in yellow, and exterior mirror trim in tridion color. Incidentally, Smart ForTwo is available in several trims that all have uniquely attractive designs. The choices are the pure coupe, passion coupe, passion cabriolet, BRABUS coupe, and BRABUS cabriolet. And aside from being attractive these babies are equipped with great safety features.

Which of the two do you think looks best?

Photo Credit: Telegraph and Smartusa

Can this car work as a family car? Check out the Peugeot BB1 model that was recently unveiled at the Frankfurt auto Show. It’s a very unique car that seems to be built for fun! Some might think that this car has a similarity to the SmartForTwo vehicle. Well, there might be in terms of size. But that’s where the similarity ends. The Peugeot BB1 is in a league all on its own. Have you ever seen a car that combines the features of a car and a bike? Not yet right? I have…in the form of the Peugeot BB1.

The Peugeot BB1’s maker even says, “Its mother is a scooter. Its father is a car.” Kind of hilarious but really, that’s how it is. It’s a revolutionary vehicle that aims to meet the future transport needs of people living in urban areas. Just 2.5 meters long, BB1 is capable of seating up to 4 people. With this kind of size, this vehicle is capable of winding its way through heavily-trafficked areas easily. Talk about easy maneuverability.  How did Peugeot manage to squeeze in 4 people in that kind of space? Here’s how based on the press release, “To meet this challenge, the structure of the passenger compartment has drawn inspiration from two-wheeled vehicles in terms of ergonomics: the driver controls the vehicle by adopting a new driving position - more vertical than is usual. This is mainly made possible through the absence of fl oor pedals. The rear passenger is seated in tandem behind the driver. On the right-hand side, front and rear passengers adopt the same position. It is thanks to this original confi guration for a four-wheel vehicle that the BB1 has such a totally original design. Access to the vehicle is through the inverted door opening mechanism, while boot access is through a tail board and a tailgate. The interior can be transformed as required to offer a load volume of 160 litres (with four occupants), rising to 855 litres (with just one person in the car).”

Aside from the great space, the Peugeot BB1 is filled with excellent features and technology to make the occupants comfortable. It has interactive technologies like the colour display and the vehicle’s audio system. This audio system is very beneficial because you can place your smartphone on it and you can access its full functionalities like telephone, navigation, Internet access, radio, MP3. You only need to have a USB jack or 12V socket. Just take note that this car doesn’t have rearview mirrors. In its place are rear-view cameras.

The Peugeot BB1 is powered by an electric drive system. It comes with electric motors in the rear wheels.  Its motors are capable of providing an output of 15 kW (20hp) - or 7.5 kW per motor. This motor is matched with lithium-ion batteries that can operate up to 120 km in a single charge. The battery packs are found right under he left and right rear seats. It is also equipped with solar panels from Ocean Vital Foundation.

If you see this car’s pictures, you’ll be amazed by its flawless structure. Its body is made of light carbon. This carbon structure gives the vehicle that potential for future customization jobs if the owner decides to have one. 

Photo Credit: Autoblog