Ten years ago there was very little discussion about electric or hybrid vehicles. The technology was far from perfected and no low level consumer was able to purchase it. Throughout this past decade our economy, natural resources, and priorities have shifted towards conserving the environment and our funds. This has helped the renewable and green energy proponents to make large discoveries that are moving the industry forward faster than ever.
Americans tend to be very stubborn and change can rub us the wrong way all too easily. Most of the negative sentiments about electric and hybrid vehicles are based around ignorance. Quite simply, most people could not tell you the difference between a hybrid car and a full electric vehicle. Come to think of it, most people could not tell the difference between a diesel and a petrol engine besides the fact that they would have to use the green pump at the gas station. For the hybrid automakers to start selling these vehicles in larger quantities, the public must be educated about their benefits and potential pitfalls.
Several basic types of low emissions vehicles exist and are currently being marketed by the major auto manufacturers. The biggest seller of these is Toyota with their Prius model, which is a hybrid vehicle. Making distinctions between the different cars available will be helpful to a potential buyer by allowing them to get a vehicle that best suits their respective uses and needs.
Throughout the past several weeks the economy of the United States and other large importers of oil have struggled to maintain positive amidst the turmoil in the middle-east. Civil unrest and pressure have led to a decrease in oil production and increase in the price for a single barrel. We have seen prices reach the $100 mark and beyond, and there are no signs of a ceiling.
These two year highs for the price of crude oil have led to OPEC releasing more supplies from our reserves, but it has not quelled the price hike. California is currently suffering from the highest prices nationwide and they have reached within a cent of $4.00 per gallon for regular unleaded. This has put added strain on a struggling economic environment for many people and, if this continues, it will drag our economy further down. With cars like the Toyota Prius and other hybrids hitting the market every week, it is good to see that the manufacturers are realizing that gasoline will not be the answer to our future problems.
The major auto shows and car introductions across the world, including the biggest in the United States, Detroit, are where auto manufacturers try to sell the public hot-air. Most of the amazing and futuristic concept cars are so far on the other side of being a production possibility they might as well be alien. The recent economic climate across the world has shifted the car companies in a new direction and the consumer continues to pull them even further. People are eager for cars that are economical and exciting – most people enjoy driving, just not having to pay $4.00 per gallon to do it.
The King’s Speech may have won Best Picture at the Academy Awards last night, but the true winner - at least from an automotive perspective - was the 2011 Hyundai Elantra. The best looking small sedan of 2011 didn’t have to share the spotlight with anyone as Hyundai was the exclusive automotive sponsor for the third year in a row.
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter inline-four that produces 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Throw in the six-speed automatic transmission and the Elantra shines with 28 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Hyundai says that 40 mpg is attainable on the full range of Elantra trims, not just ECO models. This isn’t your typical small sedan, the Elantra looks brilliant and can offer best in class fuel economy.
Hyundai’s approach to their Academy Awards advertising was much more low key and to-the-point than the Super Bowl ads they produced. In total, Hyundai had nine advertisements airing before and during the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, including two new spots for the Elantra and Genesis called "Drawing Board" (shown above) and "Greatest Luxury," respectively. Other spots include "Good Things Come in Threes" highlighting Hyundai’s powertrains, "Comfy Home" featuring the Equus, "Family" featuring the Sonata, "Anachronistic City" featuring the Sonata Hybrid, "iPad" which highlights the Equus’ application of the iPad owner’s manual, and "Childhood" and "Deprogramming" also featuring the Elantra.
Mini has released many new models in the past two years, but its bread and butter has always been the Cooper and it still remains a high priority. Updates to the Mini Cooper have been coming steadily every year since day one. The R50 Cooper that started the revival for the company in the United States was utilitarian compared to these new models and had left much to be desired.
For 2011, the car receives some minor updates that will help keep it viable until a replacement model is introduced. Refinement is the one word that we would use to describe the new model and that does not mean it is as refined as its BMW cousins, just refined enough for a Mini. The refresh may only be minor, but it is helpful to this car in every way.
Hit the jump for more details on the 2011 Mini Cooper.
Yet another small Chevrolet is making an impact at this years’ SEMA show in Las Vegas. This time it’s the smallest member of the Chevy family – the diminutive Spark. Set for launch in the US, the Spark is difficult to picture on American roads because of its town-car attributes.
This new generation is slightly bigger than its predecessor, which should help the situation. The car has angular lines and big headlights that are accentuated by the bow tie grille. The designers for this Z-Spec Concept would have their work cut out for them to turn this pumpkin into a worthy carriage. The Z-Spec program was launched by Chevy to give small car customers the opportunity to factory-customize their cars in a fun unique way
"The Chevrolet Spark will cause people to rethink their perceptions of what a small car can be – particularly when it comes to design and performance," said Paul Arnone, lead designer. "The Spark Z-Spec concept incorporates a blend of Chevrolet-designed exterior and interior enhancements."
These parts, like the items for the Cruze Z-Spec Concept, will be available through local dealers and can be built-in to your monthly payments. That makes this car very appealing to those on a budget that want to stand out form the crowd.
