2010 Toyota Prius: Restyled Inside and Out
Author: autoMedia
When gasoline prices hit their highest levels in the first half of 2008, interest in hybrid-powertrain vehicles reached new records, too. Suddenly, high gas mileage took precedence as a reason to buy a particular car. A few months later, as gas prices sunk back below $2 a gallon, that enthusiastic burst of hybrid popularity quickly eased. Customers started to revert to past habits, turning to bigger and less-frugal automobiles.
Though hybrid-powertrain vehicles make up only a small percentage of total U.S. sales, Toyota occupies the top spot, led by the well-known Prius. People who know little about hybrids have heard plenty about the Prius, which debuted as a 2000 model and was redesigned to larger dimensions for 2004. Now for 2010, Toyota recently launched a much-improved Prius.
First off, a bigger (1.8-liter) four-cylinder gasoline engine has been installed. Yet, fuel economy has improved. The current Prius gets a gas-mileage estimate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of 48 miles per gallon in city driving and 45 mpg on the highway. Toyota claims 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway for the 2010 model. Because the new engine delivers more torque, it runs at lower rpm at highway speeds, thus consuming less fuel. At the same time, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced.
Ed La Rocque, Toyota's national small car manager, notes that the powertrain is 90 percent newly developed. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is 20 percent lighter this time around. Aerodynamic efficiency also is a factor in the fuel-economy boost. At 0.25, the drag coefficient of the 2010 Prius is "one of the best in the world for a production car," according to La Rocque.
Inside, occupants get more rear headroom and leg space. Contouring of front seatbacks boosts rear knee space. Cargo space has grown to 39.6 cubic feet, with rear seats folded. Atop the dashboard, the three-section multi-information display includes details of hybrid-powertrain operation. All Priuses now have automatic climate control. A new lever raises and lowers the driver's seat, and the gearshift lever has moved closer to the driver. Leather upholstery is an option. So is a Solar Roof. Optional remote air conditioning is said to be the first in the world.
Seven airbags are standard, including a new driver's knee airbag. Active front headrests are installed. Toyota will offer a selection of helpful safety features, including a Lane Departure Warning system and Lane Keep Assist. Also available is Intelligent Parking Assist, said to be easier to use than the system on the Lexus LS. A Pre-Collision System is included in the Technology Package.
Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive consists of the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack and two motor generators, working with the VVT-i (Atkinson cycle) gasoline engine. Producing 201.6 volts and 27 kilowatts (up from 25), the battery pack is smaller and better cooled. Combined output is 134 horsepower, including 98 from the gasoline engine. Still a "full hybrid," the Prius can run on battery power, gasoline, or both. In EV mode, the Prius can travel up to a mile at 25 mph. To do this, the battery must be fully charged. Eco mode reduces the throttle opening and smoothes its operation. Power mode may be selected as an alternative.
Acceleration to 60 mph is about half a second quicker, according to Toyota. An Exhaust Heat Recovery System using exhaust gases to preheat cooling water; cutting engine warm-up time by about 3 minutes. A conventional fuel tank is installed, eliminating previous concerns when refueling at certain temperatures. Anyone who's driven a previous Prius will feel right at home in the new model. Details have changed, and performance has improved a bit; but the basic driving experience is the same as before. In a fuel-economy trial, gentle driving yielded an average of just above 60 mpg -- well past the EPA figure. One test-driver on the same route managed a thrifty 78 mpg, helped by keeping speeds way down.
Front-seat occupants get plenty of space. The center rear position is uncomfortable, but side spots are roomy, though headspace isn't huge. As in the prior generation, the rear spoiler looks like a thick horizontal bar across the back window, blocking some of the rearward view. Some of information-display elements are too small for easy reading, and can almost disappear in sunlight.
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autoMedia.com providing quality automotive information designed to enlighten and entertain the most discriminating car enthusiast, is a team of accomplished automotive journalists serving consumers automotive advice they can trust. Read more of their popular car reviews and road tests like this 2010 Toyota Prius, as well as reviews on all Toyota Models.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1064468_31.html
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Friday, September 4, 2009
It Is Possible To Run Your Car Or Truck On Water
It Is Possible To Run Your Car Or Truck On Water
Author: Paul Rodgers
Can you really run your car on water? The answer is yes. It is possible to use water to supplement gasoline as fuel for your car. But there is a need to first convert your vehicle using what we call a mini hydrogen generator for car before it can run on the water-gas mix fuel.
Have you heard about water technology or brown gas? If you haven't and you are a car owner then you need to read this article right now so that you can learn how you can save up to 70% on your fuel costs!
With the rising oil and gas prices, global warming and pollution, people are looking for the need of "water fuel cell" technology, which is believed to be very cheap, would save thousands on gas bills and which is also environment friendly. Many misconceptions and myths have made common man skeptical about running the car on water. But the question is "how to run your car on water?"
Learning how to run your car on water is like learning how to bake a cake. All you need is a well written set of guided instructions and the ingredients to make it happen. Just as you don't need to be an expert chef in order to bake a cake with the right set of instructions, just about anyone at any technical level can convert their car to burn water and gas.
This is based on a hundred year old technology called electrolysis. When you separate the components of water it forms a gas called HHO or which is sometimes called Brown's Gas.
The Brown's gas is directed into the engine via the air manifold to mix with the gasoline. With the right proportions in the gas mix, the combustion will be efficient and more complete, freeing more energies for the car. This will significantly increase the mileage of the vehicle. Reports have revealed some cars doubling their mileage because of this hydrogen generator system.
With proper instructions and materials, you can construct and install a device that extracts HHO. Then feed that HHO gas to your vehicle's engine fuel intake system. HHO gas is extracted from water by electrolysis.
If you want to run your car on water, you need to spend around a few 100 dollars for carrying out a simple modification work. This modification will ensure that water is properly converted back to Brown gas, which acts as fuel for running your car on water.
If you run your car on water then you can expect to benefit in many different ways and not just by saving cash. You can also help to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of emissions which your car spills out of the exhaust. If you run your car on water or brown gas, then you can cut your emissions by more than half because most of the emissions will be steam and water which means that you will be doing the world some good as well as your pocket some good!
With proper instructions and materials, you can construct and install a device that extracts HHO. Run your car on water then you can expect to benefit in many different ways and not just by saving cash. Find out more about
Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing online
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1066104_31.html
About the Author: Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing natural health and beauty products from his website
http://mens-best-health.net
Author: Paul Rodgers
Can you really run your car on water? The answer is yes. It is possible to use water to supplement gasoline as fuel for your car. But there is a need to first convert your vehicle using what we call a mini hydrogen generator for car before it can run on the water-gas mix fuel.
Have you heard about water technology or brown gas? If you haven't and you are a car owner then you need to read this article right now so that you can learn how you can save up to 70% on your fuel costs!
With the rising oil and gas prices, global warming and pollution, people are looking for the need of "water fuel cell" technology, which is believed to be very cheap, would save thousands on gas bills and which is also environment friendly. Many misconceptions and myths have made common man skeptical about running the car on water. But the question is "how to run your car on water?"
Learning how to run your car on water is like learning how to bake a cake. All you need is a well written set of guided instructions and the ingredients to make it happen. Just as you don't need to be an expert chef in order to bake a cake with the right set of instructions, just about anyone at any technical level can convert their car to burn water and gas.
This is based on a hundred year old technology called electrolysis. When you separate the components of water it forms a gas called HHO or which is sometimes called Brown's Gas.
The Brown's gas is directed into the engine via the air manifold to mix with the gasoline. With the right proportions in the gas mix, the combustion will be efficient and more complete, freeing more energies for the car. This will significantly increase the mileage of the vehicle. Reports have revealed some cars doubling their mileage because of this hydrogen generator system.
With proper instructions and materials, you can construct and install a device that extracts HHO. Then feed that HHO gas to your vehicle's engine fuel intake system. HHO gas is extracted from water by electrolysis.
If you want to run your car on water, you need to spend around a few 100 dollars for carrying out a simple modification work. This modification will ensure that water is properly converted back to Brown gas, which acts as fuel for running your car on water.
If you run your car on water then you can expect to benefit in many different ways and not just by saving cash. You can also help to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of emissions which your car spills out of the exhaust. If you run your car on water or brown gas, then you can cut your emissions by more than half because most of the emissions will be steam and water which means that you will be doing the world some good as well as your pocket some good!
With proper instructions and materials, you can construct and install a device that extracts HHO. Run your car on water then you can expect to benefit in many different ways and not just by saving cash. Find out more about
Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing online
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1066104_31.html
About the Author: Paul Rodgers specializes in marketing natural health and beauty products from his website
http://mens-best-health.net
A Used Car for the Young Professional: Is This a Good Fit?
A Used Car for the Young Professional: Is This a Good Fit?
Author: Mikhaela
There are many advantages in buying a used car, especially for people who have just begun working. Young professionals, particularly those who have only recently entered the work place, are often not yet in a position to choose a brand new car. Choosing a used car instead often has its own set of benefits. Here are reasons why a used car suits a young professional best:
The price makes them user-friendly
Used cars are significantly much more affordable than brand new units. Currently, the average price that new car buyers pay for a unit is around $25,500. For used cars, the average amount is just around $8,200. Putting a downpayment on a new car will still be a significant cost to the buyer.
At today's current prices, the spread between the price of a new car and a used one is getting wider. That can only mean one thing -- that buyers are getting really great deals, provided they know how to choose. For a young professional, the low prices of used cars is well-suited to their as-yet limited budget.
Depreciation can be avoided
Driving a brand new car from the dealer's lot will significantly reduce its resale or market value. That's the price any new car buyer will have to pay for depreciation, which could range from 20% to 30% of the value of the car. Depreciation is usually computed during the first two-year ownership of a new car.
With a used car, young professionals do not have to concern themselves with paying for depreciation. That cost will already have been shouldered by the first owner. So what they pay for is just the market value of the car, avoiding the costs associated with the unavoidable depreciation.
Insurance is cheaper
In general, insurance for used cars costs less than that charged for brand new cars. Young professionals looking to save money will find that they do not have to scrimp on coverage just because they're buying a used vehicle.
Brand is not really a concern
Most young professionals in the market for used cars have this belief that typically high-end cars such as Mercedes Benz and Lexus are just out of their league. Not so. With certification programs made available for many luxury brands, more and more people find it easier to own the car of their dreams, albeit used ones.
Young professionals will find that these used cars are well-suited for their career and new lifestyle, particularly because luxury brands have a reputation not just for their looks but also for their function. The price is typically higher than what a regular used car will fetch but the assurance of quality plus the extras in terms of coverage will be well worth it.
If you are still undecided as to which of the wide variety of Cincinnati Used Cars to buy, get confused more by visiting Car Sale Hub. Just kidding! Car Sale Hub shows you where to get only the best used cars in your area.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1066304_31.html
About the Author:
Author: Mikhaela
There are many advantages in buying a used car, especially for people who have just begun working. Young professionals, particularly those who have only recently entered the work place, are often not yet in a position to choose a brand new car. Choosing a used car instead often has its own set of benefits. Here are reasons why a used car suits a young professional best:
The price makes them user-friendly
Used cars are significantly much more affordable than brand new units. Currently, the average price that new car buyers pay for a unit is around $25,500. For used cars, the average amount is just around $8,200. Putting a downpayment on a new car will still be a significant cost to the buyer.
At today's current prices, the spread between the price of a new car and a used one is getting wider. That can only mean one thing -- that buyers are getting really great deals, provided they know how to choose. For a young professional, the low prices of used cars is well-suited to their as-yet limited budget.
Depreciation can be avoided
Driving a brand new car from the dealer's lot will significantly reduce its resale or market value. That's the price any new car buyer will have to pay for depreciation, which could range from 20% to 30% of the value of the car. Depreciation is usually computed during the first two-year ownership of a new car.
With a used car, young professionals do not have to concern themselves with paying for depreciation. That cost will already have been shouldered by the first owner. So what they pay for is just the market value of the car, avoiding the costs associated with the unavoidable depreciation.
Insurance is cheaper
In general, insurance for used cars costs less than that charged for brand new cars. Young professionals looking to save money will find that they do not have to scrimp on coverage just because they're buying a used vehicle.
Brand is not really a concern
Most young professionals in the market for used cars have this belief that typically high-end cars such as Mercedes Benz and Lexus are just out of their league. Not so. With certification programs made available for many luxury brands, more and more people find it easier to own the car of their dreams, albeit used ones.
Young professionals will find that these used cars are well-suited for their career and new lifestyle, particularly because luxury brands have a reputation not just for their looks but also for their function. The price is typically higher than what a regular used car will fetch but the assurance of quality plus the extras in terms of coverage will be well worth it.
If you are still undecided as to which of the wide variety of Cincinnati Used Cars to buy, get confused more by visiting Car Sale Hub. Just kidding! Car Sale Hub shows you where to get only the best used cars in your area.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1066304_31.html
About the Author:
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