Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid
It seems everyone is doing a hybrid. Porsche has unveiled the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept before the car’s official debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The car can go 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds. The driver can choose up to 4 modes:
- Run in E-Drive mode on electric power alone for 16 miles.
- As a hybrid mode, the 918 Spyder uses both the electric motors and the V-8 together.
- The sport hybrid mode uses both as well, only in a more aggressive performance manner.
- The race hybrid is about pure performance.
Australia Built First Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Australia will make the country’s first hybrid car based on a Camry. The US already has a hybrid Camry since 2006.
Toyota 2010 Prius ABS Brake Software Update
Check out the technician updating Toyota’s 2010 Prius ABS brake software in less than a minute. The result of the software change is to shorten the ABS braking force delay and to lower the pedal pressure required to stop. The result is shorter stopping distance and a more positive braking feel.
Before the update, your Brake ECU software version will most likely be F152647103 (or something similar), and after the update it will be F152647106. The official name for the update is SSC-A0B.
Mobile Bans No Boost for Road Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety did a study on mobile usage and car collision, comparing data from before the bans were passed and after. The study findings indicated the bans didn’t help reduce the number of accidents. The results surprised even those conducting the study, and they say more research may be needed.
Toyota Prius To Get Charging Station In Japan
Toyota has announced that it’s been developing solar charging stations for its new Prius models. The stations will be tested at Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where 21 stations will be built across 11 locales including government offices and train depots.
Source: Toyota Industries Develops Solar Charging Station for PHVs, EVs
Sexual Toyota Yaris Ad
CAR giant Toyota has pulled an advertisement slammed as incestuous, degrading and sexist.
Prius HyBrid Synergy Drive Commercial
A clever looking ad created by Saatchi and Saatchi Sydney for Toyota’s HyBrid Synergy Drive system used by the Prius and Lexus.
BMW 5 Series 2011
Check out the sixth-generation F10, the 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan model. The new BMW 5 Series is designed around the successful Efficient Dynamics strategy that encompasses many technology innovations to offer outstanding performance and a reduction in fuel consumption.
Honda U3-X Electric Unicycle
Honda has revealed a new personal mobility device U3-X, is an electric unicycle designed to help disabled people move around.
The UX-3 seat height is a slightly higher than an average person’s waistline, and riders must jump up a bit before they can put their feet on a foot rest. The device can move forward and backwards, sideways and diagonally. the UX-3 features motor-controlled wheels, weighs less than 10 kg, runs on a full charge for an hour, and has a lithium-ion battery.
Volkswagen E-Up! 100% Electric Car
VW is launching the a zero emission electric vehicle, E-Up! in 2013, which will be suited to city driving. The E-Up! features lithium-ion battery pack that weighs only 500 pounds, 3.19 meters total length, 1.64 meters wide, 1.47 meters high with a 2.19 meter wheelbase, 1.4 square meter solar panel on the rooftop, and the car would go to 60 mph in about 11 seconds.
