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RSSLexus GS 450h
Lexus’ GS 450h sedan comes in last because its cost increase outweighs the gains it gets in mileage. The base GS is the GS 350, a relatively efficient and low-priced V-6 model. There’s a 24 percent premium between it and the GS 450h, and what you get for it is a 16 percent city mileage improvement and a 7 percent decrease in highway driving. One could argue that the 450h is being shafted because Lexus offers such a high-mileage gas-only version. (When compared to the V-8-powered GS 460, the hybrid isn’t very expensive and gets better mileage.) But our assumption is that you want a GS and don’t want to pay a lot for efficiency. The 450h’s gains over the V-8 460 certainly have worth, but only you can conclude how much. In this ranking, the GS hybrid looks like a lot of money for little gain. EPA-estimated mileage: 22/25
To people who say a full-size truck defeats the purpose of a hybrid, we say “nonsense.” People who want or need a large SUV may have even better reason for cutting back on gas than the owner of an already-efficient car does. The Tahoe Hybrid gives up practically none of the original’s capability, including towing, and gets a stunning 50 percent increase in city mileage and 16 percent bump on the highway. It comes in eighth not because of its size, but because of its added cost: 43 percent more than the lowest-priced gas-only Tahoe. In a rare twist, the cheapest Tahoe isn’t the most efficient. The LT trim level gets higher mileage (it’s an engine thing) but also a higher price. Here the price premium is less, at 35 percent, but the Hybrid’s highway mileage is only 10 percent better than this version, rather than 16 percent. EPA-estimated mileage: 21/22
The 500 Abarth made its official debut at the beginning at the month at the Geneva Motor Show. But the company also reported that they will reveal a Abarth version of the 500 Convertible. Rumors say the new model will be launched in 2009. After the Convertible version, two Abarth-only models will also be launched.
After ruling the market for seven years, Toyota Prius is still the best hybrid car for those who just want a car that burns least amount of gas. This car saves you a lot of money and is extremely economical. Being a roomy hatchback, this car is built from the scratch and excels in providing maximum interior space, which most hybrid sedans fail at or they simply diminish the boot space and eliminate folding backseats. There is no gas-only version, but there doesn’t have to be. It’s both the most efficient and most affordable hybrid out there. EPA-estimated mileage (city/highway, mpg): 48/45
You may think that Leonid Stadnyk, 37 years old and 2.58 meters, is a very happy man. After all he was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 as the world’s tallest man. But when you don’t have a proper car to drive then you are not that happy!
Kia Motors America (KMA) globally unveiled the 2009 Optima midsize sedan at the New York International Auto Show. Optima offers a completely modified exterior, which offers a more aggressive, dynamic style than previous models, and is outfitted with a new engine that provides more power and better fuel economy. New tail lights and deck lid; new standard Sirius satellite radio are some of its features. To complete the redesigned rear face, taillights are narrowed to enhance Optima’s sleeker cosmetic appearance.
After sweeping Europe with its cute looks, Smart ForTwo is doing an encore in the American markets as well. According to Roger Penske, CEO of Penske Automotive Group, the dealers in North America are desperate to meet the huge demand for the car.
Telegraph UK made a list with top 100 most beautiful car of the world. I have to admit, I do not agree with that list; for me the most beautiful car in the world is the Mercedes Count Trossi SSK, but they know better, no?
Land Rover unveiled 2009 LR3 at New York Auto Show. The LR3 revolutionized the mid-priced SUV category with its impressive technology and sophistication, unstoppable off-road strengths and poised on-road performance. Some of its new features are a new wheel option, body color, interior enhancements, exterior door handles revised with Tungsten finish and clear side repeater lenses. It has standard 19-inch alloy wheels.
