While you might readily laugh at your neighbor’s Prius, this puppy from Toyota – the TS030 – can play with the big boys. It will become the first hybrid vehicle to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship. We first saw this guy earlier this month but we had little more than a couple glitzy pictures. At the time, it was classified as a prototype. Creating a hybrid vehicle that would be accepted into the Le Mans meant developing a new kind of energy system.

Even though it’s still nascent technology, though, Toyota is ready to bring it out on the race track. It will only be a matter of months before the hybrid debuts on the professional circuit. Specifically, the TS030 will makes its premiere showing at the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in May but Toyota is looking to Le Mans, which occurs the following month, as the spot where it can really make its mark.

Team president Yoshiaki Kinoshita said in a statement, “Of course we would love to win Le Mans; that is the dream for all competitors in this race. But we are realistic and we know we need to develop and to learn in order to compete with some very strong competition. Our target this year is to show the performance level of our car and particularly the THS-R powertrain.”

[via Wired]

The term “stock car” originally meant that the vehicle was the same model as what any regular fellow or lady could purchase from the lot. Over time there’ve been some changes to the sport of Stock Car Racing that have given a bit of a change to that unspoken rule, allowing the model on the track to be quite a bit different from its showroom equivalent. With the 2013 Ford Fusion comes a racing car which mirrors its production car. Director of Ford Racing Jamie Allison had the following to say on the subject:

“We wanted Fusion to be the car that helped return ‘stock car’ to NASCAR. I think fans, when they see the car, are just going to smile and cheer. It is going to re-engage them with the sport and make the sport better because there is just something natural about seeing race cars that look like cars in their driveways.” – Allison

This is not the first time that Ford has simultaneously released both production and NASCAR versions of a car at the same time. The first time this occurred was back in 1968 with the Ford Torino, then the most recent was in 2006 with the first Fusion. The 2013 Fusion is identified by its redesigned silhouette and its easy to spot front end grill. This car will feature five different powerplants, that being three gas, one hybrid, and one plugin-hybrid, as well as two transmissions and FWD/AWD options.

Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Toyota have been allowed by NASCAR to remodel their race cards to allow them to be more “brand identifiable” for upcoming races. The other three automakers have not yet revealed their models of choice.

[via MotorAuthority]

This vehicle is therefor currently classified as a prototype endurance racer, using hybrid technology to race in and out of our dreams with glee. Currently if you want a car in a Le Mans race in the top LMP1 class, you need to be employing a kinetic energy recovery system working with brakes, exhaust, engine, or suspension that allows for electricity generation on the fly. Energy with this type of system is stored in a battery pack or a flywheel from whens it can be directed to the electric motor where it can be used for a boost in power. This also, of course, increases the efficient nature of the vehicle overall. This Toyota hybrid racer with no name undoubtedly uses something to this effect.

It appear that this car is being prepped for the 24 Hours of Le Mans event this June, 2012, but it may well be popping up in detail before then. The FIA World Endurance Championship races may be the place where this car appears first, it portending what we hope is a high-powered Prius for the mass market soon! Also note, this will be the first time Toyota has competed in a Le Mans race wince 1999.

[via Jalopnik]

So, you get a new Human-Machine Interface (HMI) touchscreen based on a smartphone UI, controlling air conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions and learning from the driver’s habits to adapt the interface and automated routines over time. There’s also a new Pre-Collision System (PCS) with lane departure, rear-end and pedestrian collision avoidance, pulling together data from radar and stereo cameras – along with IR floodlights at night – to recognize potential hazards.

Toyota NS4 Concept:

Wing mirrors and rear-view mirrors are replaced with cameras, beaming information to high-res screens across the dashboard, and the glass gets hydrophobic and anti-fog coatings along with UV and anti-solar treatments.

As for the Toyota Prius c, the sub-$19,000 hybrid is intended for roads somewhat sooner than the NS4, and pairs a choice of 1.5 liter or 1.8 liter four-cylinder VVT-i engines with an electric motor, CVT and 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack under the rear seats. That’s apparently good for 53 mpg in the city or 46 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 50 mpg.

You also get nine airbags as standard, along with automatic climate control, Multi-Information Display and Bluetooth hands-free controls, and remote keyless entry. There’ll be an optional 6.1-inch touchscreen satnav unit with iPhone integration and SiriusXM satellite radio support.

It’s all part of what Acura reckons was part of the original appeal of the NSX: “high performance through engineering efficiency.” The SH-AWD (sport hybrid all wheel drive) system runs its power through a dual-clutch transmission, while an electric motor provides “supercar acceleration” with the least possible impact on efficiency.

Acura isn’t saying quite how efficient the NSX Concept actually is, however, preferring to point to a respectable power-to-weight ratio. Unfortunately it doesn’t say either power or weight either, leaving us somewhat in the dark about performance overall.

Still, it looks amazing and we’re not the only ones who have fond memories of the original NSX, so you can bet this is a project Honda fans will be watching closely. More details in the video below.

The investigation on the safety of the battery in the Volt remains open at the moment, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does have a statement up on their website that notes the changes “should address the issue.” Those owners of the Volt right this moment should know that what they’ve done here is to create a set of changes that, to you, would be voluntary “enhancements” that you’d not necessarily have to come in and make, but that you certainly could if you wanted to.

Currently there is no recall in place on the battery nor on the car itself, and as Mary Barra, General Motors’ senior vice president of global product development, said:

“We are choosing to go the extra mile to ensure our customers’ peace of mind. [These changes will make the car] even safer, because the Volt is safe.” – Barra

Crash tests with the new system in line have yielded positive results, these including no intrusion of the battery and no coolant leakage, two concerns the commission had in the investigation thus far:

“The results of that crash test showed no intrusion into the vehicle’s battery compartment, and no coolant leakage was apparent. The preliminary results of the crash test indicate the remedy proposed by General Motors today should address the issue of battery intrusion.” – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

So take heart, owners, you’ll more than likely be able to get this physical upgrade for free once it’s active, and those of you who plan on owning the vehicle in the future, likely this safety addition will be in place.

[via NYTimes]

The name of the car has hybrid in it, so the thing would have an electric motor or motors in there somewhere along with battery packs. I would assume that all the details on the concept would be coming at the Detroit show kicking off January 9.

The car isn’t going to be all about fuel economy either. Lexus does say that the hybrid drive will be for performance and fuel efficiency. Several sports cars are using hybrid systems today to supplement the combustion engine for greater performance. Electric motors provide lots of torque for their size.

The car is also inexpensive with a price in Japan working out to $21,793 in the US. In Japan, the car racked up 83mpg on the JC08 test cycle and 94mpg on the official 10-15 test cycle. The car has a small 1.5L 4-cylinder engine under the hood with 72hp. The car uses an electric motor rated at 45kw giving the vehicle a combined power output of 98hp.

The small car will accelerate from 0-60 in 10.7 seconds. The battery inside the car is a nickel metal hydride pack. Toyota hopes to sell 12,000 Aquas monthly at home. The car will come in three versions dubbed the L, S, and G. The high-end version will sell for $23,756. There will be a TRD sporty version of the Aqua too with a body kit, lowered suspension, larger wheels and more.

[via Insideline]

The HEV will also use a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that Honda is developing. It will also have two rear motors with one powering each wheel along with a gasoline engine in the front of the car and an electric motor for the front wheels of the car. At low speeds, the rear electric motors will drive the car.

When more force is needed the front electric motor will kick in, and if that isn’t enough the gas engine will then fire up. One of the coolest things is that the electric motors will be able to change what direction the power is driving the rear wheels from forward to reverse to help the car turn. That means when turning right the right rear electric motor will turn backwards and when turning left the left rear electric motor will reverse. The gas engine the car is a 3.5L V6 with direct fuel injection.

[via Techon]

The two EcoBoost options will include the 1.6L EcoBoost that will debut in North America inside the Escape. The other EcoBoost option will be a 2L offering. The 1.6 is rated for 31 mpg by the EPA. Ford is mum on the numbers for the engine, but they claim it has similar output when compared to the larger 4-cylinder offerings from competitors.

The 1.6L EcoBoost has been in use inside vehicles in Europe already. Ford has also announced that it will be offering a hybrid version of the C-MAX. The C-MAX is the first Ford hybrid to use a hybrid transmission and lithium battery system that Ford build in house. A plug-in Hybrid version of the C-MAX will also come to the US in 2012.

Toyota has now officially announced the plug-in Prius and hopes to sell 50,000 of the fuel efficient vehicles globally once it hits the market. The Prius hybrids that are on the market today have used NiMh battery packs. Compares to the newer battery technology the NiMH battery doesn’t have the range lithium-ion batteries offer. The new Prius will now use NiMH batteries. The new cells will give the plug-in Prius a driving range on the battery only of 14.3 miles at 53 mph.

Once those batteries run out of power the traditional hybrid system kicks in to propel the vehicle. The coolest thing about the battery pack in the Prius plug-in is that Toyota claims the packs can be charged fully in only an hour on a standard AC outlet. That means no expensive charger or associated costs. The car is far from performance oriented with a 0-60 mph time said to be 10.7-seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. The new plug-in tech and battery packs add 110 pounds to the old vehicle weight. Sales of the plug-in Prius will start early in 2012. There is no pricing information offered at this time.

[via DailyTech]

The C-X16 also has a hybrid per system that is able to add 94 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque to the V6 engine. The top speed of the concept is listed at 186mph and it will do 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds. The hybrid system gives the car an on demand performance boost with a button on the steering wheel labeled “Push to Pass.”

The car is made with copious amounts of aluminum and is a two seater on the inside. It uses an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and has integrated start stop tech to improve fuel economy. The switches inside use OLED screens and it has an advanced climate control system. Since the car is a concept, there is no word on pricing or availability.

This plug-in car started production on March 21st and is on its way to the first new owners at this very minute. The person reportedly set to get the first car off the line is none other than Leonardo Di Caprio of course, followed soon after by Al Gore and Colin Powell. Apparently right around five cars a week have been produced since the start of the manufacturing process. Fisker himself, selling this car out until early 2012 at $100,000 USD per, had the following to say about the project:

“Our sales are split 50:50 between early-adopting car enthusiasts and total non-car enthusiasts who just like that we are bringing something totally new to market. They recognize the infrastructure isn’t there for electric cars, and see we offer a stylish, stress-free alternative with no range compromises.” – Fisker

Starting in November of this year, production will have risen to 300 units a week, and again all 3,000 pre-orders have already been filled at this time. Furthermore, convertible and shooting-brake versions of the auto will reportedly be produced in time as well, the shooting-brake version to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. A lower-cost $50k USD hybrid vehicle from Fisker is also in the works, to be made in the same three bodystyle variations and called “Project Nina.”

[via AutoBlog]

[Image above via FastCompany, Illustration by Alex Nebaum]

The 4,000 number comes from the largest rollout of green for the purple and orange group in BlueTEC clean diesel Sprinter Vans that FedEx notes will be added to their fled for high-mileage delivery routes. The amount and the date of the releasing of the hybrid-electric piece of this puzzle has not yet been announced. How this will affect the way I hear the loud BRRRM noise that signals I’m getting a new iPad case in the mail is another mystery, and FedEx has not yet returned my personal calls.

Keshav Sondhi, manager of Asset Management for FedEx Express Global Vehicles, notes the following about the trucks that’ll be deployed soon:

“Each Sprinter is at least 100% more fuel efficient than the most commonly found alternative it replaces,” said Sondhi. “Since launching our first Sprinter in 2000, we have put close to 1.4 billion miles on these more fuel efficient vehicles, saving over 66 million gallons of fuel compared to their predecessors.”

This change will, it’s been said, affect more than a tenth of FedEx’s overall vehicle fleet. Now we’ve just got to get them (and the rest of the groups delivering our electronic goods) to use the same awesome technology powering the future on the vehicles that deliver it to our doorstep.

Do you think it’s possible we could change the seemingly inevitable course of history and stop the eventual decay and destruction of the natural environment, one we as humans have been chopping to bits since the dawn of the industrial revolution? FedEx, lead the way!

The DA35 is a 2-seat aircraft that is a composite glider at its core. Siemens worked with Diamond Aircraft Industries to build the aircraft and EADS as well. The plane is based on the HK36 Super Dimona airplane. The DA36 uses a hybrid power plant that has a main engine that is powered by a gasoline generator and batteries. It sounds like the flying equivalent of the GM Volt.

Siemens provides the 70-kilowatt engine that runs the propeller and the gasoline generator is a Wankel combustion unit made by Austro Engine. EADs provided the batteries and extra batteries are used during takeoff and ascent. The plane is early in development, but Siemens says that the tech can be scaled up for use on large passenger planes and can save up to 25% in fuel consumption. Another big benefit of the design is the aircraft is quiet.

[via CNET]

The picture you see here is a shot of that Porsche racecar steering wheel. It appears to be covered in alcantra, which is a great material for grip and comfort during long races or driving. This is one of the strangest looking steering wheels ever though with all the buttons and knobs on the thing. I’m not going to pretend to know what all of those buttons and knobs are for, but I can see a few labels I recognize.

The coolest of all the buttons though is the boost one you see near the thumb. Press that and the hybrid system kicks in to shoot the 911 racer around a competitor when needed. The thing that scares me about this wheel and the thought of me actually using it is all the buttons. I would totally hit one of those and blow the car up. I am constantly hitting the buttons on my Logitech racing wheel accidentally when playing Gran Turismo 5.

[via Wired]

We put a lot of miles on our vehicles here in the US. Many of our cities are designed so that we don’t really have much of a choice otherwise. Luckily, the technologies are finally starting to come to fruition that will mean that gridlock doesn’t mean millions of people burning gasoline while stuck in traffic.

These driving tips were put together as a bit of a marketing ploy by telenav and Ford for their MyFord Touch automotive systems. The navigation software has the option to pick between the fastest, shortest, or most eco-friendly route. If you want to take a look at a quick product demo at Ford’s MyFord Touch website, click that link there and then click on the “Navigation” tab in the sidebar. Scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says “Find the most fuel-efficient route.” and they have this interactive demo.

[via telenav]

Researchers from the University of Illinois have created a new type of lithium battery by focusing on reducing the distance that the ions have to move inside the battery before reaching an electrode. To facilitate this reduction they used a very carefully structured cathode. The process they used is also straightforward and could be used in mass production according to Ars Technica.

The scientists used what amounts to a nickel wire mesh that was created by a process of packing spherical polystyrene pellets inside a battery to adjust the spacing of the electrode features. Once the spheres were in there a layer of opal was formed on top locking the pattern in place. Then nickel was deposited on top of the opal and then etched away. The layer of nickel was then electropolished to increase is porosity. There is a lot more that goes into the process. In the end, the team created a NiMH battery that was able to deliver 75% of the normal capacity of the battery in only 2.7 seconds and it took only 20 seconds to get the battery to 90% capacity. Apparently, a production scale battery would be able to hit 75% capacity in a minute and 90% within two minutes.

[via ArsTechnica]

The Prius Plus will be the first Prius to use lithium ion battery packs. The catch is that the Plus will only get the lithium ion batteries in the Japanese market. The car will get the old nickel-metal hydride batteries in the US that are heavier and used in the current Prius vehicles.

The Japanese Prius Plus cars are getting the lithium batteries to open up more interior space. Toyota has noted that the three-row seating is more appealing to the Japanese market. The Plus with the lithium ion batteries will sell for the equivalent of $36,590 in Japan with a version using standard batteries starting at $28,660.

[via Autonews]

TI Automotive has announced a new integrated slosh and pressurized plastic fuel tank for the hybrid market. The new tank is designed to replace the current heavier steel tanks with a quiet and light plastic offering. The tank is made using what TI calls Tank Advanced Process Technology. The construction process is based on traditional blow molding but has several enhancements.

TI Automotive says that the new process uses air pressure to shape the plastic as it enters the mold, but the mold isn’t forcefully closed. The finished tank is cut out along the parting line. After the plastic tank is formed, a robot system inserts the key fuel tank components like structural ribs, slosh baffles, and other hardware. TI Automotive doesn’t specify how much lighter the plastic tanks are than current metal tanks.

The driver of the Escape was Mark Anthony Riccobono. Riccobono navigated several turns on the track, avoided obstacles that were stationary and dynamic obstacles that were thrown into the road by a van driving in front of him. The driver was also able to pass the van without collision. The SUV that let him perform this feat was crammed full of technology.

The vehicle has a laser range finder to send into to a computer inside the car that updated a 3D map of the road in front of the vehicle. The details were sent to the driver to a set of vibrating gloves that were work to show the driver which way to turn. The seat had a vibrating strip to tell the driver when to speed up, slow down, or stop. The event was known as the NFB’s Leadership in Blind Driver Challenge.

China produces 97% of the world’s supply of rare earths that are use in all sorts of items from electronics to hybrid vehicles and more. The move will make it easier for Toyota to operate without the material from China should there ever be an issue with supply again.

The AP reports that the US, Canada, and Australia all have rare earth deposits as well, but stopped mining the rare earth materials since it was cheaper to get the material from China. China has about 30% of the world supply of rare earth within its country.

The technology is actually used by Ford in their current-generation hybrid vehicles, like the Ford Fusion. As Ford puts it, the company will be bringing the technology to the United States in 2012 in other vehicles, like their standard diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles. That means crossovers and SUVs will be getting the treatment as well. With the system in place, Ford says that fuel efficiency can be increased from anywhere between 4 and 10 percent.

Ford plans on introducing Auto Stop-Start Technology into every country in which they operate. In Europe, the technology is already in place in different models.

[via CNET]

Allianz sales manager Chad Bormann says thusly of the Allianz 4000: “We have the ability to operate using a smaller single diesel engine running at lower RPMs. This alone creates savings against any street sweeper that requires an auxiliary engine in conjunction with the chassis engine to drive and operate the sweep functions. The fuel savings are extreme and the carbon footprint minimal considering that street sweepers are operated for long shifts daily all over the world.”

Not only does the car offer a better fuel savings than all of its predecessors, its emissions are much lower too. In fact, “This alone helps to justify any upfront additional costs that are associated with the hybrid purchase,” says Bormann on how these lowered emissions help cities meet their emissions standards. All this doesn’t help with the speed of the actual cleaning though, sadly, super sadly, as identified in its clean mode which only ends up being between 3 and 7 mph. Chuggin along.

[Via Wired]

Porsche also makes a SUV that is popular around the world called the Cayenne and the latest version of the Cayenne dubbed the S Hybrid has around for a while. The SUV may be a hybrid, but anything with the Porsche crest has to perform, and the Cayenne S does. The big SUV can hit 60mph in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 150 mph. The vehicle is rated for 20mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway by the EPA.

Those fuel efficiency figures might not sound that great when compared to other hybrids, but when you consider this is a performance vehicle it’s pretty impressive. The Cayenne S Hybrid has a combined power output of 380hp from a supercharged V6 combined with an electric motor. Porsche has announced that the Cayenne S Hybrid has qualified for a one-time federal tax credit of $1,800. The vehicle stickers for $67,700 before that credit is taken off the price. I’m not sure the sort of folks that can afford to spend nearly $70,000 on a SUV really need a tax credit.

Late next year you’ll be driving a big bad zapper smoothly. The cities above were selected based on a collection of criteria including the following: the current EV infrastructure and the population’s history of buying hybrid and electric vehicles, plus more, I’m sure. Mark Fields of Ford said thus: “This is the first step in rolling out the Focus Electric… As the country continues to build up its electric vehicle infrastructure and demand for the Focus Electric grows, Ford will continue to evaluate additional markets and consider making this vehicle available in more cities across the country.”

I find it strange that Minneapolis and/or Saint Paul isn’t on the list, given we’ve got green electric busses and a quite successful bike sharing program going strong. Come onnn.

[Via Gearlog]

The vehicle itself is being called the City Car right now, but that’s not going to be the official name of the vehicle. In an interesting move, Prokhorov has decided to create a contest to name the City Car. The vehicle is just a prototype right now, but the designers are hoping to get it shown off by December. As for the cost of the vehicle, Prokhorov is expecting it to be anywhere between $12,000 and $14,000.

The City Car is a natural gas-electric variant, and will be able to reach 65 miles per gallon, and it will have a top speed of 74mph. And, as you can see form the image above, there’s a very distinctive two-tone color scheme to the vehicle. There’s no word on whether or not you’ll be able to choose the colors, but the two-tone nature will stay, as it’s being seen as a brand signature. And, if you’re not a fan of the hatchback model, there’s also going to be a sedan version, too.

[via Wired]

The 10.1-inch tablet will be obviously sized up against Apple’s own 10-inch tablet device. Unfortunately, at this time, we’re not exactly sure what kind of specifications are being put into the device. However, back in the day, the device was featuring an ARM CPU, and Skylight Linux OS. However, it has since been switched over to the Android-based system.

The tablet might also feature a 16GB flash drive, and 512MB of RAM. As for the separate dock, or the notebook side of things, that is apparently launching in 2011, some time in January. There’s no word on specifications for that part of the device, either. Hopefully a bit more images and specifications get detailed soon, so stay tuned.

[via Electronista]

The FX2490HD is 24-inches of display goodness. The monitor features an integrated TV tuner, has the ability to use picture-in-picture, and native support for 7.1-channel Dolby Digital and DTS audio. Unfortunately, there is no word on what the resolution of the monitor is, but Electronista believes that, due to the size, that 1080p isn’t all that out of the question. We’d have to second that sentiment.

But what’s a monitor/TV without its inputs, right? You’ll find two HDMI ports on the FX2490HD, as well as one VGA port. There is also a USB port, so you’ll be able to display images, music, and video right from a peripheral device, like your phone or digital camera. Right off the bat, and not surprising at all, the FX2490HD will land in Korea first, appearing in the market some time this month. But, unlike a few other international releases over the last few days, Samsung has confirmed that a US-based launch is coming soon. Pricing is set around $470.

[via Electronista]

Porsche has been showing off a hybrid 911 race car that uses the battery power as a sort of boost for extra speed when needed. Porsche also showed off a sweet 918 Spyder hybrid car in Geneva this year. The sports car marker has stated that the 918 Spyder is going into production.

The concept had a 500hp V8 engine and a pair of electric motors good for 109hp each. Those electric motors were fed by lithium-ion batteries and the car could run 16 miles on electricity alone. Overall fuel economy for the supercar was 78mpg. Porsche hasn’t offered up any official pricing, but the car could be as much as $650,000 though you can offset $7500 of that thanks to Obama tax credits.

The Best of R3 Media

Swype Beta Available for All: For people out there who have recently purchased a new Android-based device, you’ve probably already got Swype. It’s the keyboard that allows you to slide your finger from one letter to the next to make your word, instead of tapping them out. Great invention, and we’re glad to see it widely adopted. But, for the rest of us out there, we had to put our names in a beta hat, and hope they got drawn. Thankfully, we didn’t have to wait long, because they’ve just opened up the beta for everyone. But, if you’re interested, go sign up now and get your hands on it, because it’s only open for a limited time. So, hurry up! [via Android Community]

HP ePrint Hands-On: We love our hands-on time with gadgets, even the ones that many would consider old-fashioned. Yes, some may consider a printer old-fashioned. But, that’s not stopping HP from getting their mitts into the future of printing, shoving some cloud-based features into that old-fashioned goodness. Just register your printer with a unique email address with HP’s cloud service, and you can print any attached document right from there. Pretty awesome, if you ask us. Head on through the link to get some more details, plus plenty of pictures. We know how much you love your pictures. [via SlashGear]

Nokia Alters Projections for 2010: Apparently, Nokia’s got some competition. So much so, in fact, they are actually calling it “heated competition.” Yes, the likes of Apple, Google, and even Research In Motion are still hitting sales out of the park, and therefore Nokia’s been forced to alter their projections for their second quarter earnings, as well as the long-term 2010 earnings. Pretty intense stuff, if you ask us. Nokia’s obviously in some rough waters, but it’s nothing that a high-profile handset couldn’t fix. So, let’s make it happen, Nokia. [via SlashPhone]

The Dredge ‘Net

Sources Say T-Mobile’s Out of the iPhone Picture: We love a strong, good rumors as much as the next person, so that’s why we figure we should bring this to your attention. Because, by now, you’ve heard all the rumors about the iPhone, which is currently on lock-down by AT&T, heading to carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and even Sprint. Well, apparently T-Mobile couldn’t afford the iPhone. If they had spent the money to get it, they apparently would have been forced to sell the iPhone, and only the iPhone. So, bye-bye to all those other high-profile devices, like the many they’ve got running Google’s Android mobile OS. Very interesting, to say the least. Especially if you head through the link and read up the rest of the statement, which Droid Life’s sources are saying are true. [via Droid-Life]

Not Life-Sized, but Very Real Stargate: What do you do with your free time? Some people out there make things. And, still others, make things that are from other things, like television shows based on movies. For example, for one guy and his father, building a replicated, real-life Stargate was something they really wanted to do. So, they did it. And now it’s sitting in the back of their house, even with a painted surface representing “water.” Or, whatever it is they pass through to get to other . . . Dimensions? We’re not completely caught up in our Stargate lore, so you’ll have to forgive us. In any event, the recreation is pretty awesome. We can’t wait to see the finished product. [via Unique Daily]

First Solar Hybrid Air Conditioner Unveiled: Protecting the environment, in some capacity or another, is on the mind of pretty much every major company on the planet. Especially when it can save them money. It’s even better when it can save customer’s money, too. For example, LG just announced they’ve pulled the curtain off the first solar hybrid air conditioner. Basically, you guessed it: solar power charges the air conditioner, thanks to the solar cell module attached to the top. The result is upwards of 70 watts of power per hour. This probably won’t get integrated into homes around the world tomorrow, but we can keep our fingers crossed that it happens sooner than later. [via Akihabara News]

Concept video after the cut

That LCD is packed full of tech, including WiFi, 4G connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS (ambitious stuff, but which should all be pretty widely available by 2012) and can be hooked up with your Android, iPhone, Symbian or other smartphone for remote use.  Chak reckons it’ll also show augmented reality views of what’s ahead of you, overlaying graphics onto a live feed from a front-facing video camera.

Thing is, we’d rather people on high-powered motorbikes were looking directly at the road and not down at an eye-catching 3D display (underneath what looks to be an equally eye-catching instrument cluster).  Still, it’s an attractive design and we can’t argue with Chak’s render video below.

[via Born Rich]

As before, there’s a 1.8l four-cylinder VVT-i engine paired with a Lexus Hybrid Drive electric powertrain.  Four different driving modes are on offer, ranging from EV Mode for electric-only, Eco which tempers throttle response and air-conditioning to save fuel, Normal which has a linear throttle response for standard driving, and finally Sport for a more responsive throttle and tweaked ESP for speedier response to driver input.

Inside, there’s a sizeable LCD display and a trackstick-style control system; you can expect the usual mixture of PND functionality, media playback and multi-zone air-con.  We’re keeping our fingers crossed for an F-series version of the CT 200h, hopefully bringing back the gaping vents and slicker styling, but the regular model will get its US intro at the New York International Auto Show 2010 on March 31st; no word on when it’ll actually be available to drive, nor how much it will cost.

Press Release:

All-New Lexus CT 200h Premium Compact Hybrid Makes North American Debut at 2010 New York International Auto Show

• Only Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle in the Premium Compact Segment
• 1.8L Four-Cylinder Engine Paired with Lexus Hybrid Drive
• Engineered for Dynamic Handling and Agility

NEW YORK – March 3, 2010 – The all-new Lexus CT 200h premium compact hybrid will be on display for the first time in North America at the 2010 New York International Auto Show March 31 through April 11. The sporty and versatile five-door, which had its global premiere at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show today, will be Lexus’ second dedicated hybrid and fifth hybrid vehicle in the line-up in the U.S.

“When the all-new Lexus CT 200h enters the market it will be the only hybrid vehicle in the emerging premium compact segment,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.

“The CT 200h combines luxury features, eye-catching styling, and driving excitement that we know will attract a whole new buyer to the Lexus brand.”

The Lexus CT 200h evolved from the LF-Ch concept unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and was styled with optimum aerodynamic efficiency. Its size, packaging and hybrid technology meet the requirements of the discerning, environmentally-conscientious consumer in the emerging premium compact market. It offers no compromise on the quality, refinement and driving pleasure which hallmark the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus.

Lexus has offered consumers hybrid powertrain technology since 2005. Marking the introduction of Lexus Hybrid Drive technology to the premium compact segment for the first time, the all-new CT 200h not only reinforces the company’s clear leadership in hybrid technology, but also the unrivalled breadth of Lexus models available as a hybrid.

The CT 200h features a 1.8-liter gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), a high performance battery, power control unit, transmission with an electric motor generator, a power split device to re-allocate power from the engine and electric motor generator according to operational requirements.

Four drive modes enhance the capabilities of the CT 200h’s Lexus Hybrid Drive technology and change the rate of throttle opening for a given throttle-pedal angle. EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone. Normal mode has an essentially linear throttle response while Eco mode reduces throttle response relative to the pedal angle and adjusts air conditioning settings to emphasize fuel economy.

The new CT 200h has been specifically developed to combine superior handling agility and a sporty driving experience with the ride comfort expected of any Lexus. The Sport mode provides a more responsive throttle and modifies the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) settings to give a faster response to driver inputs.

In the interest of maximum fuel efficiency, particular attention has been paid to the aerodynamic efficiency of every aspect of the CT 200h’s design. The front and rear corners have been pulled in tight to improve the flow of air down the sides of the vehicle and minimize wind turbulence within the wheel arches. The sides of the cabin have been tapered, the rear edge of the roof lowered and even the lower body painstakingly detailed to optimize airflow. Completing the look are unique 17-inch alloy wheels and blue badging specific to Lexus hybrid vehicles.

The interior offers unprecedented levels of refinement in this segment. Efficient and elegant, the cabin combines superior ergonomics with hand-crafted, premium quality materials to create an outstanding driving environment. The extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the luxury experience.

Despite the compact package, the CT 200h does not compromise interior roominess. Its long, 102-inch wheelbase offers front and rear seat passenger accommodation that is amongst the most spacious in the segment

“Lexus has been at the forefront of luxury hybrid technology for the last five years. The CT 200h is just another example of our commitment to developing cars that are innovative and different from what’s already out there,” said Templin. “With its exceptional fuel economy, ultra-low emissions, dynamic handling, and beautiful styling, the CT 200h is a car that doesn’t sacrifice excitement for efficiency.”

GM has announced that it will now become the first major automaker in the US to build its own electric motors. The new GM designed and built electric motors are set to debut in 2013 in next generation rear-wheel-drive two-mode hybrid vehicles.

GM will be able to control the cost, performance, quality, reliability, and manufacturability of the electric motors by building them itself. The electric motor and the battery packs are the two key components that determine the range of a hybrid or electric vehicle on a charge. GM received $150 million in grants for the construction of the plant.

It’s not so much the cars themselves that are impressive here – though getting a small-scale supercar project not only off the ground but moving vehicles onto the track takes some doing, as many failed ventures will agree – but the choice of soundtrack.  According to Autoblog’s musically-inclined commenters it’s the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Hooked on Classics (and it’s available in iTunes).

We’re having a little trouble digging out details on the B1 Hybrid’s powerplant, but the B2 apparently uses a 3.6 V6 good for 420HP and 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds.  The body is modular so can be adjusted and customized depending on the buyer.  No word on when it might travel outside of Russia, however.

[via Autoblog]

The car was designed at Toyota’s European design center, a closer look shows LED headlights slung way back to the windshield, seats made of mesh, and the lack of a rear bumper.  Wheels look interesting, however, and the interior looks like something straight out of a vehicle from the Avatar movie.

Toyota said Monday it plans to launch eight new hybrid models over the next few years, and will begin introducing plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles in 2012. It says it also will have hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in 2015 in global markets. Recent testing of its hydrogen fuel cells, which create electricity using hydrogen, showed the cars could go 431 miles on a single fueling.

The device is all planes and angles and looks pretty frackin’ cool. It leans into corners like a motorcycle and despite looking very small, BMW promises that the thing has the seating space of a 3-series. The slippery sci-fi bodywork is designed for low drag to increase fuel efficiency with a drag coefficient of 0.18 and weighing only 992 pounds.

Under the body work is a small combustion engine and an electric motor that allow the device to hit a top speed of 124 mph and hit sixty in under ten seconds while still getting 118 miles per gallon of fuel. That performance isn’t very impressive, but the fuel economy is. There is no word on if the prototype will ever see actual production

Back to the Future jokes aside, the DeLorean was one of those cars that I wanted so badly when I was a kid. What’s not to like about a stainless steel body and gull wing doors, aside from not being able to get in the car in cramped parking spaces that is. Tom Neiland and Dave Delman took a DeLorean and turned the machine into an electric vehicle on their own with 910 pounds of deep cycle lead batteries inside. The car is powered by a WarP 9 DC motor that is liquid cooled with a 2000 amp. Total power production is 200 hp and the car can hit 85 mph with range of up to 40 miles. The project cost the pair a total of $18,000.

If you want something, a bit more refined and with a hybrid drive train, you can opt to build your own xr3 plug-in hybrid from plans. The three-wheel vehicle is powered by a diesel engine and batteries able to push the 1480-pound car to 80mph and get 225 miles per gallon. The kit is said to be buildable by anyone with common building skills. The car looks pretty cool too and rather reminds me of a DeLorean in a way.

That means that where the HS 250h’s engine is tuned for 187 horsepower, you can expect more from what will likely end up a heavily fettled version of the same power plant in the LF-Ch.  Both can operate in full EV electric mode, or switch into “power”, “regular” or “ECO” modes depending on conditions and driving style.

Options on the HS 250h include a projected heads-up display and a navigation system to which you can send destinations from any web-enabled computer or phone.  Meanwhile the LF-Ch Concept gets a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift, iPhone docks for the rear passengers, and blacked-out B-pillars to make it look more like a coupé.

The Lexus HS 250h starts from $34,200; no word on what the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch Concept will cost, but we doubt it will be cheap.

[LF-Ch via Autoblog]

Press Release:

Lexus Introduces Drivers to its new HS and “Hello Someday”

New ad campaign launches automaker’s most advanced hybrid vehicle

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2009)—This month, Lexus raises the bar once again with the arrival of the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle in the U.S. The 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan offers an unprecedented blend of advanced technology, luxury and sustainable materials.

“With the HS, we’re bringing something to market that no one ever envisioned,” said Dave Nordstrom, vice president of marketing for Lexus. “People want to do the right thing … they want great mpg, but they also want the latest in technology, the latest innovations and a car that’s fun to drive. This vehicle has it all wrapped up in one.”

To launch the HS, the automaker is debuting an integrated marketing campaign highlighting the vehicle’s future-forward innovations. Titled, “Hello Someday,” the campaign reveals that the car of the future is now a reality.

In one of five television spots produced for the launch the voiceover reads: “Someday cars will use infrared to monitor the driver’s face and alert them when they’re not paying attention to the road. Hello Someday.” The ad, which showcases the vehicle’s available Pre-Collision System with Driver Attention Monitor, illustrates how Lexus delivers the possibilities of tomorrow, or “Someday,” to the forefront of the automotive industry today.

In addition to television, the marketing campaign includes print, online, event support and mobile applications. The TV spots, which break today, will air during both prime time and sporting events on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, as well as late night and on select cable networks. Print ads are slated to run in a broad range of news and lifestyle outlets, including Clear, Dwell, Esquire, Fast Company, GOOD, National Geographic, The Economist, The Week, Playbill, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

The print campaign also includes a unique partnership with Condé Nast in which ads have been customized to appeal to the interests of the readers of individual Condé Nast magazines. Three different ads have been created featuring renowned visionaries in fashion, architecture and technology—Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Richard Meier, and John Maeda, respectively. The experts share what they believe innovation and the idea of “Someday” will look like in their discipline and how the HS fits into their view of the future.

Additional highlights of the campaign include:

▪ Video Ad Pods—Four video ad pod mini-commercials featuring advanced technologies of the HS will air on ABC and NBC online.http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/electronic.aspx?id=16036&ncid=12040

▪ “Conan Please Blow Up My Car”—Lexus partnered with The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien to create a promotion where participants submitted their clunker in a sweepstakes for the chance to win and replace it with an all-new HS Hybrid. The winner was announced on Sept. 4.

▪ ABC’s FlashForward Partnership—The HS 250h will be a featured vehicle of a key character on ABC’s highly-anticipated premiere season of FlashForward, and will also be featured in the show’s print, television and online ad campaigns.

About the HS 250h
Lexus is creating an entirely new category for vehicles in the marketplace with the launch of the HS Hybrid, which is the fourth in its hybrid line up. The HS is powerful yet efficient, luxurious yet responsible—the perfect blend of technology with sustainability. Engineered from the ground up, the HS 250h redefines the word “hybrid” with a multitude of advanced vehicle technologies, making this hybrid unlike any other in the world.

The HS has four driving modes: Power, Regular, ECO and EV. When it runs in the EV mode, which is purely electric power, the result is zero emissions. The optional Heads-up Display clearly projects vehicle speed and other data on the windshield. Optional Lexus Enform allows for multiple points of interest to be pulled up from a home or office computer, or any Web-enabled device, and sent via the Internet directly to the vehicle’s available Navigation System. With an impressive 187 horsepower under the hood and an EPA-combined rating of 35 mpg, the HS has the best combined fuel mileage of any luxury car in the U.S. and gives new meaning to “having it all.”

The HS 250h has a base MSRP of $34,200. MSRP does not include the destination fee of $875. For additional information about the Lexus HS 250h, visit lexus.com/HS.

Press Release:

LEXUS PRESENTS THE LF-Ch CONCEPT

World debut for new hybrid power compact concept car at Frankfurt
Concept proposing the first Lexus full hybrid for the European premium compact segment
Advanced interior design with asymmetric dashboard and Remote Touch controls
Blacked-out B-pillars and concealed rear door handles create the look of a pillarless coupé
L-finesse exterior styling with powerful surfacing and hand-sculpted details
World debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show
Making its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show, the Lexus LF-Ch full hybrid concept is Lexus’s first approach to the competitive European premium compact segment.

It reflects the growing demand for cars that are smaller and more fuel and CO2 efficient, but with no compromise in levels of refinement and driving pleasure. By next year the compact segment is expected to claim the largest share of the European premium car market.

The LF-Ch concept reaffirms Lexus’s commitment to Europe, combining compact dimensions, stylish five-door, full hybrid technology and low emissions to satisfy the most demanding customer requirements and to appeal to a new, younger generation of customers.

Exterior design
The LF-Ch concept presents a powerful evolution of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy. Rooted in Japanese culture, L-finesse is expressed in every aspect of the car, not only in the visual harmony between the interior and exterior design, but also in the combination of leading-edge engineering and technology with a user-friendly simplicity of function.

The designers focused on the careful juxtaposition of opposing major and minor elements. Intriguing contrasts are created between the powerful, machine-like overall surfacing of the bodywork and the painstaking detail of even the smallest elements, creating a synergy between technologically driven design and a fluid, hand-sculpted quality.

A new, bolder Lexus grille design sits above a deep, full-width bumper and air dam, giving a perfect balance of precision and power. The sharply sculpted, aerodynamic front wings overlap the front bumper to create deep, front brake-cooling air intakes and give the LF-Ch a powerful and purposeful wide-track stance.

In profile, the tapered side glazing, a muscular, rising beltline and a sharply truncated rear overhang project the car’s premium compact character. The steeply raked windscreen, long flowing roofline, blacked-out B-pillars and rear doorhandles integrated in the C-pillar window trim combine to give the appearance of a sporting pillarless coupe.

At the rear the trailing edge of the roof overhangs the rear window to create an integrated rear spoiler. The tailgate section has a pronounced step, which flows from the muscular wheelarches and is anchored by the wraparound tail lamp design. Aerodynamic detailing of the lower bumper smoothes airflow from beneath the car and feeds ventilation to the rear brakes.

Subtle finishing touches include discreet Lexus hybrid blue badging and sharply tapering chrome mouldings. The harmonious synergy of the design is further expressed in the contrasting, lively yellow exterior finish and calming blue interior illumination.

Interior design
The principles of L-finesse are carried through to the interior where again a powerful simplicity harmonises with hand-crafted quality in the detailing to create a calm, efficient and elegant design.

The cabin features a strongly asymmetric dashboard that is firmly driver-focused with outstanding ergonomics. The driver’s needs are seamlessly anticipated in several surprising elements, for example, when the car is started a greeting is presented on the navigation screen and an ambient lighting pattern appears in the headliner, creating a sophisticated lounge feel.

Extensive use of semi-aniline leather, polished aluminium, wood and soft-touch materials reinforces the theme of harmonious contrast in the dashboard, door panels and seating. The design of the seats is inspired by high quality furniture, with exposed metal frames, lightweight leather and grained black wood used in inter-related layers, shaped to reflect the intrinsic nature of each material used.

The driving position is low and well-supported, with a wide-grip steering wheel with paddle shift controls and an instrument binnacle housing large twin dials embellished with a turbine motif.

To help keep the driver’s focus on the road ahead, distracting instrumentation and switchgear has been kept to a minimum by using Lexus Remote Touch controls, as first seen in the new RX 450h. Using a multi-information display on top of the dashboard, Remote Touch works like a computer mouse, letting the driver access control and customise a range of information, entertainment and vehicle set-up programmes.

As with every Lexus, hospitality is at the heart of the ownership experience. To this end, the LF-Ch’s comprehensive on-board entertainment package includes iPhone docking for rear seat passengers.

Powertrain and driving performance
Allied to a wide track, long wheelbase and low centre of gravity, the LF-Ch’s full hybrid powertrain is engineered to deliver all the performance customers expect from a premium compact hatchback, while at the same time returning low fuel consumption, CO2 and NOx emissions.

With the benefit of the full hybrid technology of Lexus Hybrid drive, the car can be driven in a fully electric EV mode, a power option that is not available to drivers of mild hybrids. This allows for urban driving with minimal noise and zero emissions.

Lexus LF-Ch Concept dimensions

Overall length: 4,300
Overall width: 1,790
Overall height: 1,400
Wheelbase: 2,600
Tyres (front and rear): 225/35R20

Ford is working hard, as are other manufacturers, on hybrid and electric vehicles to ease the need for gasoline and improve fuel efficiency. Ford has announced a new intelligent charging system for hybrid cars that allows vehicles to communicate with the electrical grid. The charging system allows the operator of the vehicle complete control of the charging system.

Using the new system the vehicle owner can choose when the car charges, how long it charges, and at what energy rate the vehicle will charge at. This will allow the user to charge electric and plug-in hybrid Fords during off peak times for less impact on the electrical grid and money savings. The system will first show up in the all-electric Transit Connect commercial van and then the Focus Hybrid in 2011.