Wagons
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Hybrid technology's responsible for those airy fuel economy numbers from the likes of the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius, but the 40-mpg barrier's about to be broken by a pair of compact cars--without any batteries or hybrid add-ons whatsoever. Earlier this year, we showed you the 2012 Ford Focus, which the American automaker says could hit 40 mpg on the highway thanks to its frugal new 2.0-liter, gas-only four-cylinder and PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox. Now, Hyundai's promising the upcoming Elantra compacts will also hit the 40-mpg bogey using only a conventional direct-injection...
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Mercedes-Benz Diesels And Hybrids: Green Goodness, Slow Sales?
Mercedes-Benz offers a clean-diesel Bluetec version of each of its large utility vehicles, the R-Class, GL-Class, and M-Class, along with a Hybrid version of the ML. But even combined, the standard gasoline versions of these vehicles are still far ou
Bengt Halvorson -
March Debut Expected For New 2012 Toyota Prius Alpha Minivan
Speculation about what models will join an expanded Toyota Prius lineup has run rampant since Toyota confirmed at January's Detroit Auto Show that it would add more body styles to the current five-door hatchback. One candidate: the Auris Hybrid, effectively a hybrid version of the Corolla hatchback...
John Voelcker -
First Drive: 2011 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
The Cayenne S Hybrid is an off-road capable model that can hold its own on the track and yet return well over 20 mpg on the street.
Bengt Halvorson -
2011 Nissan Leaf: We Order Ours, And Show You How
When the 2011 Nissan Leaf goes on sale later this year, a lucky handful of buyers in eight areas around the country will be among the first to own and drive the first mass-market electric car sold by an automaker in the modern era. I'm hoping I'll be one of them. As of a few moments ago, I'm in the...
Martin Padgett -
2011 Fiat 500 Four-Door Model Being Developed for U.S. Sales
Regular readers know we're eagerly awaiting the U.S. arrival of the 2011 Fiat 500 mini-car, the very first fruits of Chrysler's takeover by Italian maker Fiat. Now it looks like yet another variant may join the range of Fiat 500 models in U.S. showrooms. Auto-industry trade journal Automotive News...
John Voelcker -
Continuing the trend of raising gas mileage by using smaller, more powerful engines, Ford is set to launch its first four-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the 2011 Ford Edge, which will be unveiled at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show next week. We've written before about Ford's EcoBoost system, which uses direct injection and turbocharging to produce horsepower and torque that's equivalent to a much larger engine. First four for Edge The 2011 Edge will have the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four that Ford announced last fall. It develops 230 horsepower, comparable to the 240 hp of a 3.0-liter V-6--but fuel economy...
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First Photos: 2011 Toyota Prius Station Wagon!
We've written before that Toyota plans to introduce more Prius body styles to expand the reach of its most recognized and iconic hybrid car. Now, our sister site GreenCarReports.com has uncovered three photos of a possible 2011 Toyota Prius station wagon. One comes from a blog called Woody's Car...
John Voelcker -
2011 Toyota Prius Station Wagon To Feature Lithium-Ion Battery
We've known for a while that Toyota plans to introduce more Prius body styles to expand the reach of its most recognized and iconic hybrid car. Now, images of a possible 2011 Toyota Prius station wagon have hit the media. At least in Japan. Woody Thompson, proprietor of Woody's Car Site, points us...
John Voelcker -
2010 Audi A3 TDI Priced at $30K, $8K Over 2010 VW Golf TDI
As of November, you'll have two choices if you want a compact five-door hatchback with a clean diesel engine. One is the brand-new 2010 Audi A3 TDI, which was just given a base price of $30,775 today by Audi. It'll start arriving in dealerships in November. Longstanding diesel champ: Golf TDI The...
John Voelcker -
2010 Dodge Caliber: Fewer Engines, 30 MPG Highway, Better Interior
The Dodge Caliber hatchback has never been at the top of our compact-car list, in part because of its lousy gas mileage compared to the competition. Now, Chrysler has simplified its engine and drivetrain options to improve the gas mileage of the 2010 Dodge Caliber slightly, along with its platform...
John Voelcker -
Cute AND Clever: Chrysler's Coming Green Innovations
Chrysler's on the skids right now, no doubt about it. June sales plummeted 42 percent, and some consider its takeover by--errr, sorry, partnership with--Italy's Fiat to be the blind leading the lame. But Fiat is far from the company it was 20 years ago, when it folded its tents and snuck out of the...
John Voelcker -
Changing from 11 MPG to 50+ MPG is Bigger Than You Might Think
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Ten Things the 2010 Toyota Prius Will Not Do For You
It might make your world a better place, but that smug little Prius can't pull espresso, now, can it?
Martin Padgett -
2010 Toyota Prius: Our Fearless Predictions
What's the new car all about? Here's our best guess before the world premiere.
Martin Padgett -
The Prius's Not So Secret Gas-Mileage Secrets
Toyota's gas champ uses an unconventional four-cylinder, along with its batteries, for superior mileage.
Martin Padgett -
Can you be in the 50-mpg club?
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Why's the Prius So Fuel-Efficient?
Toyota's gas-electric hybrid uses clever tech to keep it sipping fuel.
Martin Padgett -
Toyota Prius: A Brief History in Time
Toyota's Prius has gone from a grand experiment to a sales charts success.
Martin Padgett -
Plug-In Prius on the Way?
A 100-mpg Prius could be in the offing, as Toyota plans a rechargeable version using home power outlets.
Martin Padgett -
Hertz Goes Green: Rent A Prius
Need a hybrid away from home? Rental-car company has your number.
Martin Padgett