Enjoy! – MotorWeek’s Hybrid Round Up:

video here

Article By CARversation.com

All vehicles listed are the newest 2009 or 2008 model – whichever is currently available (June 2008).

#1

Toyota Prius
Price: $21,100
Gas Mileage: 48 mpg city / 45 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

Notes: The new Toyota Prius may be very difficult to come by if you are not on one of the Toyota dealership’s waiting lists. Some of the current lists are upwards of 6 months long.

#2

Honda Civic Hybrid
Price: $22,600
Gas Mileage: 40 mpg city / 45 mpg highway
Link: Honda.com

#3

Smart for Two
Price: $11,590
Gas Mileage: 31 mpg city / 41 mpg highway
Link: Smart.com

Notes: This may be the smallest vehicle you can currently buy so it may not appeal to everyone especially guys over 6ft tall.

#4

Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Price: $20,000
Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
Link: VW.com

Note: The VW Jetta TDI runs on diesel fuel.

#5

Nissan Altima Hybrid
Price: $25,170
Gas Mileage: 35 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
Link: Nissanusa.com

#6

Toyota Camry Hybrid
Price: $25,350
Gas Mileage: 33 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

#7

Ford Escape Hybrid / Mazda Tribute Hybrid / Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Price: $26,640 / $25,310 / $26,955
Gas Mileage: 34 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
Link: Ford.com / Mazdausa.com / Ford.com

Note: The Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid all share the same basic components and are produced in the same factory.

#8

Toyota Yaris
Price: $11,350
Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

#9

Mini Cooper
Price: $18,700
Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
Link: Miniusa.com

#10

Toyota Corolla
Price: $15,250
Gas Mileage: 28 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
Link: Toyota.com

Runners up:

#11

Honda Fit
Price: $13,950
Gas Mileage: 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway
Link: Honda.com

#12

Nissan Versa
Price: $12,710
Gas Mileage: 26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway – manual transmission
Link: Nissanusa.com

#13

Honda Accord LX
Price: $20,360
Gas Mileage: 21 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
Link: Honda.com

#14

Mazda Miata
Price: $21,220
Gas Mileage: 22 mpg city / 27 mpg highway – manual transmission
Link: Mazdausa.com

I could not help but share this article with everyone. After opening up my mind and realizing this is actually where we are headed. Welcome to smaller car world!

The linked article that I have chosen for today comes from Newsweek where they talk about the car of the future. Surprisingly we will not see many hydrogen powered cars on the road in the near future. Instead, we will all be downsizing utilizing new hybrid technologies such as found in the current Toyota Prius and the upcoming Chevy Volt. The Chevy Volt is a new and improved idea of the hybrid car where it does run just off of electricity but it has a very small engine that burns gas to charge the battery that powers the electric motor. Other developments will include simply making “better” hybrid vehicles and more economical “smaller” cars and cross-over SUV’s (CUV’s).

I encourage you to read the linked article below at Newsweek.com.

Newsweek Article: “The Car of the Future”

Today I am a bit off of the direct automotive topics but this does indirectly affect the automotive world because 99% of the cars, trucks, and SUV’s on the road today in America use some type of Gas fuel that comes from oil. I won’t bore you with restating the fact that some people propose that they lift the ban on offshore drilling (for oil)… you can read about that on cnn.com. The big question I have for you is do you really think they should lift this ban and will it really “help” us? Some say that this will not even affect the gas prices until 5 years later if the ban was eliminated NOW. That means they start drilling today and then maybe 5 years from today you may see the price of gas come down from $10 a gallon… yea, I am thinking in 5 years the price will be around $10 to $15 a gallon at the rate we are going now. If you don’t think this is an answer then let us know what should be done. If you think this is an answer then let us know why.

I can tell you my opinion but then again I don’t want to cause an argument over the internet… but since someone will eventually say it in the comments then why not. Here goes… I think the offshore drilling deal is not the answer. I think it is very risky in further harming our environment. I think we need to start NOW with rolling out more new alternatives so we have time to adapt. It will take America a long time to adapt to new technologies and alternatives not to mention lots of money on the part of investors, the government and consumers. We have taken too many small steps in the past. Just like hybrid cars, yes, they may be great and all but it is only a small step. We need bigger steps and more of our CURRENT technology to be utilized so that we may have some relief at the gas pump SOON. Not to mention, we need to clean up our act, in America we consume way too much and leave a very big dirty footprint on our environment.Let’s just face our reality right now head-on. It will be several years before we have any permanent relief at the gas pump. We need more car companies, government officials and consumers to consider moving to alternatives such as the new Honda FCX Clarity that is on its way to America to be sold eventually as a main-stream car. There are several other viable alternatives available as well. That in its self is a much bigger step than a Toyota Prius. Look at the facts, a Toyota Prius still uses gasoline, yet a smaller amount that any other gas burning car that you can buy at a dealership, but you are still paying $4 or more a gallon to fill its tank. Im not knocking the Toyota by any means, if I was able to purchase one right now and sell my SUV for a good price I would.

What about being GREEN? A lot of people want to become “green” all-off-a-sudden because they are paying almost $100 to fill their big SUV every week or so? Have we dug a bigger hole than we thought? Can we fill this hole in enough time so that we are able to keep our house and current lifestyle? What should America do? What have you done to cope? Let us know, we want to hear from you!

Feel free to post your comments below.

This post is open for discussion and the site editors will pop in their opinion at times.

Do you remember our post last year where were asked who would be the first to bring hydrogen fuel cell cars to the US market? Well, yea, Honda did it.

Over 50,000 people have signed up to lease the new Honda FCX Clarity vehicle which is due to come out in July 2008. The New Honda FCX Clarity is on its way to sunny California, home of the governornator where Honda expects to lease out a few dozen of these new innovative vehicles this year and increase it to around 200 units within a year.

This would be a monumental event only if everyone had access to one to replace the current gas guzzler in our driveway.

The first five customers are all based in southern California because of the proximity of hydrogen fuelling stations.

As well as author and actress Jamie Lee Curtis, first customers include ‘Cold Mountain’ film producer Ron Yerxa, business owner and car enthusiast Jim Salomon and ’24′ actress Laura Harris.

So what is the Honda FCX Clarity and what is all the hype about because I saw this on my local news station after they talked about gas being over $4 a gallon???? The Honda FCX Clarity is a new zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell car. It runs on hydrogen and electricity where it only emits water. It is claimed to be two times more efficient than a current hybrid car and three times that of a standard gasoline powered car.

Honda FCX Prototype:

This is the perfect solution to our high gas prices in the perfect world where we have just as many hydrogen stations as gas stations. This leaves us with the biggest hurdle for cars of this type. Although very efficient and it “does not use gas”, when was the last time you saw a hydrogen station… hmmm probably NEVER! Actually, California has a few spots for hydrogen with many more in the works once the “deals” and “investments” are made.

You must remember that this is a very slow process in rolling out new energy stations (hydrogen stations or others) as with the whole oil consumption deal will be something that will stick around for several more years to come. We need a LOT of time and money before we see thousands of cars like the Honda FCX Clarity on our American roads. Other car companies have hydrogen “hybrids” in the works and we should find out more about them in the next few years to come as gas prices reach $5 to $7 a gallon… yes folks, it’s coming!

Rag Top, Topless, Drop Top, Convertible, Sun Fun, Hardtop, Soft-top and more. Okay folks, we are not talking about women outfits here, we are talking about the top 10 convertibles for this summer.

The automotive industry has come back with a vengeance developing and marking some of the best convertible cars yet. When a new panoramic sunroof just does not do it for you need to go completely topless then you may want to take a look at one of the top 10 Topless Cars for this summer.

#10

Mini Cooper
Price: $21,950

The Mini Cooper has made its mark as a favorite “little” car and recently a favorite due to the high gas prices. This soft top convertible has the same attractive cues as does the regular coupe. Also available is a version with a retractable soft-top that glides back for a panoramic vista roof view.

#9 and #8

Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky
Price: $22,165 and $25,525

You can consider both the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky the little sisters or brothers of the Chevy Corvette, a convertible version of course. The new power plants may consider these little roadsters “pocket rockets” with a new 260hp turbocharged 2.0 liter. With that version it may set you back about 30 grand. Saturn Sky Test Drive.

#7

Ford Mustang
Price: $24,475

We have seen it, loved it, and now we still enjoy the infamous Ford Mustang with a soft drop top. When we say fun in the sun, this is it. Still one of the most affordable sports coupes you can buy on the market. As always, you can let your hair blow in the wind and still have some cash in your pocket for some expensive gas.

#6

Chrysler Sebring
Price: $26,160

This has got to be one of the most driven convertibles by tourists, business execs and those who want an inexpensive alternative to drive around in the sun. Rental car companies are not shy about offering a convertible and the Chrysler Sebring is usually THE choice. Recently added to the line-up is a hardtop convertible so you do not have to worry about a Mickey Mouse stalker cutting open your top to steal your iPod. Chrysler Sebring Convertible Test Drive.

#5

Honda S2000
Price: $34,300

The Honda S2000 is pretty much self explanatory by now. If you do not know about the Honda S2000 then you have been out-of touch from the automotive industry for a LONG TIME. This one is MONEY, quality in a pocket rocket with solid performance out of a 4-banger. If you live revving beyond the limit while enjoying the outside environment then this is the car for you.

#4

Chevrolet Corvette
Price: $54,575

Do you want some power pushing you around while the wind wisps past your face? No we don’t mean getting punched in the face, we mean the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible. Probably the fastest convertible you can buy for the money. 0-60 in 4.0 seconds, 430hp, over 25mpg, rear wheel drive all with a drop top… can’t beat that! Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Test Drive.

#3

Porsche Boxter S
Price: $55,700

The Porsche Boxter has grown up in the recent years and blossomed into a major alternative to those seeking a German engineered toy in a semi-practical package. With 295hp you would expect this convertible to drink gas faster than it makes heads turn when you drive past a group of on-lookers. Just like the Corvette, this drop top gets 26mpg and it is truly all Porsche for a lot less than it’s bigger brother, the 911.

#2

Jaguar XKR
Price: $92,035

We tested sex on wheels some time ago and found it to be just that, sex on wheels that can stay topless all day long and keep the heads turning. This cat purrs through it’s 300hp engine pushing near 4000lbs. around on the long cat legs that provide a subtle and smooth ride. Don’t let the soft fur of this cat fool you, it can play around with the best of the big dogs all while not being shameful of going topless.

#1

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG
Price: $132,000

This one is a no-brainer if you want to choose a “nice” convertible to introduce the homecoming king and queen to a stadium full of alumni, just don’t press the gas pedal to hard. If do you do get this baby out on an open road with seatbelts securely in place, it wont disappoint at all. It touts 604hp through a turbocharged V12 engine matted to a 7-speed multi-clutch automatic tranny. If that is not enough to keep you satisfied then the hard top will allow you and your single passenger to both go topless and still make it in time for kickoff at the big game.

[idea of article from: msnautos.com]

Yes, the Honda S2000 is still around and it is still selling. Honda plans to produce some-what of a race car version of the Honda S2000 called the Honda S2000 CR due to go on sale this fall. We do not know much about it yet but Honda says it will be “agressively tuned” and from a name like Honda look for a high-revving high HP output engine.

__________________________

A new update of stats to our older post of Honda’s Race-Car Version of the S2000:

2008 HONDA S2000 CR
ON SALE: Sept. 17
BASE PRICE: $40,000 (est)
DRIVETRAIN: 2.2-liter, 237-hp, 162-lb-ft I4; rwd, six-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT: 2765 lb (without hardtop, A/C, radio)
0-60 MPH: 5.7 sec (est)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 21 mpg

More power is always good… will it disappoint? We think not.