Subaru Impreza 2.5i 5-Door vs. 2009 Toyota Matrix S AWD

At some point in our recent automotive history, all wheel-drive (AWD) replaced front wheel-drive as the paranoid consumer's drivetrain of choice. The safety advantages of high quality snow tires (as needed) and a low center of gravity (in all cases) got lost in translation. Ready to capitalize on the AWD's popularity: the economy-oriented Toyota Matrix and the Subaru Impreza. Both diminutive scramblers aren't nearly as cheap or efficient as their front-wheel-drive cousins, and they won't off-road, tow a boat or carry seven passengers. Still, both cars offer a [potential] extra safety margin and [potentially] better handling. So if you had to choose one…

The Impreza and the Matrix were both recently restyled. The new Matrix looks like it's been hanging in Beverly Hills. And yet, even after a nip, tuck, stretch and smooth, the Matrix' bloated-Yaris profile remains. Though the car's tighter greenhouse and diving roof line improve on the prior model's anodyne anonymity, form comes at the expense of function (more on that later).

The Impreza hatch's-sorry, "5-Door's" restyle offers a sleek, ovoid look that's both familiar and jarring. Subaru achieved this paradox by littering a restrained, attractive shape with unnecessary, eye-melting flourishes (e.g. icicle taillights, and faux-Chrysler pilot wings on the grille). Select the "sports grille" option and plain black mesh replaces your slice of plastic corporate flair, transforming the Impreza's styling.read more on :
www.thetruthaboutcars.com

Subaru Impreza 2.5i 5-Door vs. 2009 Toyota Matrix S AWD

At some point in our recent automotive history, all wheel-drive (AWD) replaced front wheel-drive as the paranoid consumer's drivetrain of choice. The safety advantages of high quality snow tires (as needed) and a low center of gravity (in all cases) got lost in translation. Ready to capitalize on the AWD's popularity: the economy-oriented Toyota Matrix and the Subaru Impreza. Both diminutive scramblers aren't nearly as cheap or efficient as their front-wheel-drive cousins, and they won't off-road, tow a boat or carry seven passengers. Still, both cars offer a [potential] extra safety margin and [potentially] better handling. So if you had to choose one…

The Impreza and the Matrix were both recently restyled. The new Matrix looks like it's been hanging in Beverly Hills. And yet, even after a nip, tuck, stretch and smooth, the Matrix' bloated-Yaris profile remains. Though the car's tighter greenhouse and diving roof line improve on the prior model's anodyne anonymity, form comes at the expense of function (more on that later).

The Impreza hatch's-sorry, "5-Door's" restyle offers a sleek, ovoid look that's both familiar and jarring. Subaru achieved this paradox by littering a restrained, attractive shape with unnecessary, eye-melting flourishes (e.g. icicle taillights, and faux-Chrysler pilot wings on the grille). Select the "sports grille" option and plain black mesh replaces your slice of plastic corporate flair, transforming the Impreza's styling.read more on :
www.thetruthaboutcars.com

Subaru Impreza 2.5i 5-Door vs. 2009 Toyota Matrix S AWD

At some point in our recent automotive history, all wheel-drive (AWD) replaced front wheel-drive as the paranoid consumer's drivetrain of choice. The safety advantages of high quality snow tires (as needed) and a low center of gravity (in all cases) got lost in translation. Ready to capitalize on the AWD's popularity: the economy-oriented Toyota Matrix and the Subaru Impreza. Both diminutive scramblers aren't nearly as cheap or efficient as their front-wheel-drive cousins, and they won't off-road, tow a boat or carry seven passengers. Still, both cars offer a [potential] extra safety margin and [potentially] better handling. So if you had to choose one…

The Impreza and the Matrix were both recently restyled. The new Matrix looks like it's been hanging in Beverly Hills. And yet, even after a nip, tuck, stretch and smooth, the Matrix' bloated-Yaris profile remains. Though the car's tighter greenhouse and diving roof line improve on the prior model's anodyne anonymity, form comes at the expense of function (more on that later).

The Impreza hatch's-sorry, "5-Door's" restyle offers a sleek, ovoid look that's both familiar and jarring. Subaru achieved this paradox by littering a restrained, attractive shape with unnecessary, eye-melting flourishes (e.g. icicle taillights, and faux-Chrysler pilot wings on the grille). Select the "sports grille" option and plain black mesh replaces your slice of plastic corporate flair, transforming the Impreza's styling.read more on :
www.thetruthaboutcars.com

Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept

The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept is a sports car concept which could fill a gap in Toyota’s model lineup left vacant since 1997 and the passing of the Toyota Supra.

The Toyota FT-HS Concept could be powered by a 3.5 litre V6 working in conjunction with an electric motor, to allow for around 400 horsepower and performance figures in the 4 seconds to 60mph range. Another feature of the Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports concept is a retractable roof which can fold down into the space occupied by the rear seats, making it a two seater in this mode.

Inside the driver orientated interior of the Toyota FT-HS concept are angular control surfaces echoing the styling of the exterior. The seats of the FT-HS concept consist of thin red-orange colored pads attached to the surrounding structure, and the hubless steering wheel features paddle shifters for rapid gear changes.

Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept

Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept

The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept is a sports car concept which could fill a gap in Toyota’s model lineup left vacant since 1997 and the passing of the Toyota Supra.

The Toyota FT-HS Concept could be powered by a 3.5 litre V6 working in conjunction with an electric motor, to allow for around 400 horsepower and performance figures in the 4 seconds to 60mph range. Another feature of the Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports concept is a retractable roof which can fold down into the space occupied by the rear seats, making it a two seater in this mode.

Inside the driver orientated interior of the Toyota FT-HS concept are angular control surfaces echoing the styling of the exterior. The seats of the FT-HS concept consist of thin red-orange colored pads attached to the surrounding structure, and the hubless steering wheel features paddle shifters for rapid gear changes.

Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept

Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept

The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept is a sports car concept which could fill a gap in Toyota’s model lineup left vacant since 1997 and the passing of the Toyota Supra.

The Toyota FT-HS Concept could be powered by a 3.5 litre V6 working in conjunction with an electric motor, to allow for around 400 horsepower and performance figures in the 4 seconds to 60mph range. Another feature of the Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports concept is a retractable roof which can fold down into the space occupied by the rear seats, making it a two seater in this mode.

Inside the driver orientated interior of the Toyota FT-HS concept are angular control surfaces echoing the styling of the exterior. The seats of the FT-HS concept consist of thin red-orange colored pads attached to the surrounding structure, and the hubless steering wheel features paddle shifters for rapid gear changes.

Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports Concept

Renault Megane GT

Renault Megane is a small family car produced by the French automaker Renault since 1995. It is offered in 3- and 5-door hatchback, sedan, coupé, convertible and station wagon bodystyles. The Renault Scénic is the first modern compact MPV, and is based on the Megane. Megane GT is aimed at customers looking for driving pleasure from a car they can use on a daily basis. Its sports chassis ensures outstanding handling performance without compromizing the balance between comfort and handling.

Megane GT features specifically tuned dampers for optimized control of body roll whatever the driving style. Compared with the previous versions of this chassis used for Mégane 2.0 T and 2.0 dCi Dynamique, Megane GT's chassis comes with stiffer front and rear anti-roll characteristics aimed at combating body roll under cornering. The ESP has been especially calibrated as a function of the characteristics of Megane GT's sports chassis to ensure a comfortable ride whether driving around town or on motorways, while at the same time guaranteeing perfectly rigorous handling along twisty roads.

Renault Megane GT

Renault Megane is a small family car produced by the French automaker Renault since 1995. It is offered in 3- and 5-door hatchback, sedan, coupé, convertible and station wagon bodystyles. The Renault Scénic is the first modern compact MPV, and is based on the Megane. Megane GT is aimed at customers looking for driving pleasure from a car they can use on a daily basis. Its sports chassis ensures outstanding handling performance without compromizing the balance between comfort and handling.

Megane GT features specifically tuned dampers for optimized control of body roll whatever the driving style. Compared with the previous versions of this chassis used for Mégane 2.0 T and 2.0 dCi Dynamique, Megane GT's chassis comes with stiffer front and rear anti-roll characteristics aimed at combating body roll under cornering. The ESP has been especially calibrated as a function of the characteristics of Megane GT's sports chassis to ensure a comfortable ride whether driving around town or on motorways, while at the same time guaranteeing perfectly rigorous handling along twisty roads.

Renault Megane GT

Renault Megane is a small family car produced by the French automaker Renault since 1995. It is offered in 3- and 5-door hatchback, sedan, coupé, convertible and station wagon bodystyles. The Renault Scénic is the first modern compact MPV, and is based on the Megane. Megane GT is aimed at customers looking for driving pleasure from a car they can use on a daily basis. Its sports chassis ensures outstanding handling performance without compromizing the balance between comfort and handling.

Megane GT features specifically tuned dampers for optimized control of body roll whatever the driving style. Compared with the previous versions of this chassis used for Mégane 2.0 T and 2.0 dCi Dynamique, Megane GT's chassis comes with stiffer front and rear anti-roll characteristics aimed at combating body roll under cornering. The ESP has been especially calibrated as a function of the characteristics of Megane GT's sports chassis to ensure a comfortable ride whether driving around town or on motorways, while at the same time guaranteeing perfectly rigorous handling along twisty roads.

BMW Builds a Shape-Shifting Car Out of Cloth

Concept cars give automotive designers a chance to let their imaginations run wild, often with outlandish results. But even by that measure, BMW has come up with something as strange as it is innovative -- a shape-shifting car covered with fabric.

Instead of steel, aluminum or even carbon fiber, the GINA Light Visionary Model has a body of seamless fabric stretched over a movable metal frame that allows the driver to change its shape at will. The car -- which actually runs and drives -- is a styling design headed straight for the BMW Museum in Munich and so it will never see production, but building a practical car wasn't the point. more

BMW Builds a Shape-Shifting Car Out of Cloth

Concept cars give automotive designers a chance to let their imaginations run wild, often with outlandish results. But even by that measure, BMW has come up with something as strange as it is innovative -- a shape-shifting car covered with fabric.

Instead of steel, aluminum or even carbon fiber, the GINA Light Visionary Model has a body of seamless fabric stretched over a movable metal frame that allows the driver to change its shape at will. The car -- which actually runs and drives -- is a styling design headed straight for the BMW Museum in Munich and so it will never see production, but building a practical car wasn't the point. more

BMW Builds a Shape-Shifting Car Out of Cloth

Concept cars give automotive designers a chance to let their imaginations run wild, often with outlandish results. But even by that measure, BMW has come up with something as strange as it is innovative -- a shape-shifting car covered with fabric.

Instead of steel, aluminum or even carbon fiber, the GINA Light Visionary Model has a body of seamless fabric stretched over a movable metal frame that allows the driver to change its shape at will. The car -- which actually runs and drives -- is a styling design headed straight for the BMW Museum in Munich and so it will never see production, but building a practical car wasn't the point. more

Petrol engines will increasingly give way to electric power over the next generation

The types of cars we drive will change dramatically over the next five to 10 years but, meanwhile, we will see more hybrid vehicles as we move to what the industry calls "the gradual electrification of the motor car".

In other words, the petrol engines will get smaller and electric engines will get bigger until, eventually, we have the electric-only car. That's about 10 years away. A lot is going to happen between now and then.

In the coming years there will be countless calls for governments to reduce fuel excise and other taxes on fuel. There will be road blockades by truck operators here and overseas. But these will not sway the inevitable.

Some experts reckon unleaded petrol will be $2 a litre by the end of this year and $3 by the end of next year. Freaking out? Petrol is still cheaper here than it is in Europe and Britain.

The admission earlier this year by the world's biggest car maker, General Motors, that oil was indeed running out was the clearest sign yet of the change in the makers' attitudes. The company that killed the electric car is now going full speed ahead on electric vehicle development. It has subsequently announced the closure of four pick-up truck factories in the US and is considering selling off the Hummer brand. more

Petrol engines will increasingly give way to electric power over the next generation

The types of cars we drive will change dramatically over the next five to 10 years but, meanwhile, we will see more hybrid vehicles as we move to what the industry calls "the gradual electrification of the motor car".

In other words, the petrol engines will get smaller and electric engines will get bigger until, eventually, we have the electric-only car. That's about 10 years away. A lot is going to happen between now and then.

In the coming years there will be countless calls for governments to reduce fuel excise and other taxes on fuel. There will be road blockades by truck operators here and overseas. But these will not sway the inevitable.

Some experts reckon unleaded petrol will be $2 a litre by the end of this year and $3 by the end of next year. Freaking out? Petrol is still cheaper here than it is in Europe and Britain.

The admission earlier this year by the world's biggest car maker, General Motors, that oil was indeed running out was the clearest sign yet of the change in the makers' attitudes. The company that killed the electric car is now going full speed ahead on electric vehicle development. It has subsequently announced the closure of four pick-up truck factories in the US and is considering selling off the Hummer brand. more

Petrol engines will increasingly give way to electric power over the next generation

The types of cars we drive will change dramatically over the next five to 10 years but, meanwhile, we will see more hybrid vehicles as we move to what the industry calls "the gradual electrification of the motor car".

In other words, the petrol engines will get smaller and electric engines will get bigger until, eventually, we have the electric-only car. That's about 10 years away. A lot is going to happen between now and then.

In the coming years there will be countless calls for governments to reduce fuel excise and other taxes on fuel. There will be road blockades by truck operators here and overseas. But these will not sway the inevitable.

Some experts reckon unleaded petrol will be $2 a litre by the end of this year and $3 by the end of next year. Freaking out? Petrol is still cheaper here than it is in Europe and Britain.

The admission earlier this year by the world's biggest car maker, General Motors, that oil was indeed running out was the clearest sign yet of the change in the makers' attitudes. The company that killed the electric car is now going full speed ahead on electric vehicle development. It has subsequently announced the closure of four pick-up truck factories in the US and is considering selling off the Hummer brand. more

Plug-In Hybrid Leads Toyota's Drive Beyond Oil

Toyota, rightly or wrongly, is widely considered the greenest automaker, and the company hopes to solidify its hold on the title and move beyond oil through a sweeping plan to produce cleaner, more efficient cars -- beginning with a plug-in hybrid it will produce by 2010.

It's no secret Toyota's been working on a plug-in hybrid to compete against the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt, but Wednesday's announcement sets a firm deadline and makes it clear Toyota has no plans of ceding the green mantle to General Motors. It also underscores how quickly the race to build a viable mass-market electric car is heating up.

The company's ambitious "low-carbon" agenda includes cranking out 1 million hybrids a year and eventually offering hybrid versions of every model it sells. In the short-term, Toyota says it will produce more fuel efficient gasoline and diesel engines and push alternative fuels like cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel. It's also pumping big money into lithium-ion batteries. With fuel prices going through the roof and auto sales going through the floor because of it, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe says the auto industry has no choice but to move beyond petroleum.

"Without focusing on measures to address global warming and energy issues, there can be no future for our auto business," he told reporters in Tokyo, adding, "Our view is that oil production will peak in the near future. We need to develop power train(s) for alternative energy sources."
more

Plug-In Hybrid Leads Toyota's Drive Beyond Oil

Toyota, rightly or wrongly, is widely considered the greenest automaker, and the company hopes to solidify its hold on the title and move beyond oil through a sweeping plan to produce cleaner, more efficient cars -- beginning with a plug-in hybrid it will produce by 2010.

It's no secret Toyota's been working on a plug-in hybrid to compete against the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt, but Wednesday's announcement sets a firm deadline and makes it clear Toyota has no plans of ceding the green mantle to General Motors. It also underscores how quickly the race to build a viable mass-market electric car is heating up.

The company's ambitious "low-carbon" agenda includes cranking out 1 million hybrids a year and eventually offering hybrid versions of every model it sells. In the short-term, Toyota says it will produce more fuel efficient gasoline and diesel engines and push alternative fuels like cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel. It's also pumping big money into lithium-ion batteries. With fuel prices going through the roof and auto sales going through the floor because of it, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe says the auto industry has no choice but to move beyond petroleum.

"Without focusing on measures to address global warming and energy issues, there can be no future for our auto business," he told reporters in Tokyo, adding, "Our view is that oil production will peak in the near future. We need to develop power train(s) for alternative energy sources."
more

Plug-In Hybrid Leads Toyota's Drive Beyond Oil

Toyota, rightly or wrongly, is widely considered the greenest automaker, and the company hopes to solidify its hold on the title and move beyond oil through a sweeping plan to produce cleaner, more efficient cars -- beginning with a plug-in hybrid it will produce by 2010.

It's no secret Toyota's been working on a plug-in hybrid to compete against the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt, but Wednesday's announcement sets a firm deadline and makes it clear Toyota has no plans of ceding the green mantle to General Motors. It also underscores how quickly the race to build a viable mass-market electric car is heating up.

The company's ambitious "low-carbon" agenda includes cranking out 1 million hybrids a year and eventually offering hybrid versions of every model it sells. In the short-term, Toyota says it will produce more fuel efficient gasoline and diesel engines and push alternative fuels like cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel. It's also pumping big money into lithium-ion batteries. With fuel prices going through the roof and auto sales going through the floor because of it, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe says the auto industry has no choice but to move beyond petroleum.

"Without focusing on measures to address global warming and energy issues, there can be no future for our auto business," he told reporters in Tokyo, adding, "Our view is that oil production will peak in the near future. We need to develop power train(s) for alternative energy sources."
more

Volkswagen Shows Off Its Hydrogen Ride

Volkswagen's hydrogen fuel cell Tiguan made its North American debut today, and it's a pretty slick bit of kit even if it won't appear in showrooms anytime soon, if at all.

Although the company was also showing off its upcoming diesel Jetta TDI and talking a lot about the TDI Cup diesel racing series it sponsors, the Tiguan HyMotion was clearly the star of the show. It's an advancement over the HyMotion Touran it replaces, but company officials made it clear they aren't betting on hydrogen alone to save us.

"There isn't one technology, one fuel, that will provide the answer," John Tillman, who leads VW's advanced powertrain division in the U.S, told Wired.com. "We have multiple technologies. This is just one of them."

The company is pushing clean diesel in a big way and expects it to comprise 30 percent of its sales within a decade. But, like a growing number of automakers, it believes "the electric motor is the ideal prime mover for sustainable economy," and Tillman says VW is working on hybrid and battery electric drivetrains.more

Volkswagen Shows Off Its Hydrogen Ride

Volkswagen's hydrogen fuel cell Tiguan made its North American debut today, and it's a pretty slick bit of kit even if it won't appear in showrooms anytime soon, if at all.

Although the company was also showing off its upcoming diesel Jetta TDI and talking a lot about the TDI Cup diesel racing series it sponsors, the Tiguan HyMotion was clearly the star of the show. It's an advancement over the HyMotion Touran it replaces, but company officials made it clear they aren't betting on hydrogen alone to save us.

"There isn't one technology, one fuel, that will provide the answer," John Tillman, who leads VW's advanced powertrain division in the U.S, told Wired.com. "We have multiple technologies. This is just one of them."

The company is pushing clean diesel in a big way and expects it to comprise 30 percent of its sales within a decade. But, like a growing number of automakers, it believes "the electric motor is the ideal prime mover for sustainable economy," and Tillman says VW is working on hybrid and battery electric drivetrains.more

Volkswagen Shows Off Its Hydrogen Ride

Volkswagen's hydrogen fuel cell Tiguan made its North American debut today, and it's a pretty slick bit of kit even if it won't appear in showrooms anytime soon, if at all.

Although the company was also showing off its upcoming diesel Jetta TDI and talking a lot about the TDI Cup diesel racing series it sponsors, the Tiguan HyMotion was clearly the star of the show. It's an advancement over the HyMotion Touran it replaces, but company officials made it clear they aren't betting on hydrogen alone to save us.

"There isn't one technology, one fuel, that will provide the answer," John Tillman, who leads VW's advanced powertrain division in the U.S, told Wired.com. "We have multiple technologies. This is just one of them."

The company is pushing clean diesel in a big way and expects it to comprise 30 percent of its sales within a decade. But, like a growing number of automakers, it believes "the electric motor is the ideal prime mover for sustainable economy," and Tillman says VW is working on hybrid and battery electric drivetrains.more