Cars

In the summer of 2009, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the S400 BlueHYBRID, the world's first passenger hybrid vehicle to be powered by a lithium-ion battery. The new S400 BlueHYBRID is based on the S350 model and pairs a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery (which is small enough to fit under the hood -- no more giving up cargo space to store the battery) and features a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. It helps to save fuel partly because of the booster effect of the electric motor, as it backs up the gas engine with additional torque during acceleration. The hybrid module also has a start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill - for example at traffic lights. When it's time to drive off again, the electric motor restarts the main power unit for better fuel economy and environmental protection. Read more

Chrysler enters the Hybrid vehicle business in a big way – announcing their first 4x4 SUV Hybrid vehicles, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid and the 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid – priced nearly $8,000 below the competition.

The MSRP for the new 2009 Dodge Durango HEMI Hybrid is $45,340 (including $800 destination fees). The MSRP for the new 2009 Chrysler Aspen HEMI Hybrid is $45,570 (including $800 destination fees). Also, customers are expected to receive an estimated tax credit of $1,800.

Both vehicles use Chrysler's fuel-saving MDS technology which allows the engine to alternate between four-cylinder mode when less power is needed and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. Because of this, both new vehicles offer fuel economy up to 20 miles per gallon - that’s an improvement of 40% in the city and 25% overall. Read more

Nissan just unveiled the 2009 Nissan Maxima at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. This seventh-generation performance sedan features new exterior and interior designs, along with enhanced performance from a revised 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The 2009 Maxima goes on sale at Nissan dealers beginning in early summer 2008.

Designed as a four-door sports car, the 2009 Nissan Maxima’s exterior combines an aggressive stance and powerful fender design - not unlike many exotic sports cars on the market today. Maxima's new stance comes, in part, from a slight reduction in wheelbase and overall length, along with a wider front and rear track.

The new Maxima's interior design team developed an interior concept of "Super Cockpit" – for the feeling of sports car with controls close, yet with plenty of room for both driver and passengers. The interior includes a special driver's sport seat, available leather-appointed seating, offset shifter lever that is closer to the driver, "Daylight Illumination" gauges and a range of available technology, including a premium audio system, RearView Monitor and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information (active XM subscription required, sold separately), Voice Recognition and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive. Read more

The best overall performer in front, side, and rear tests of nine midsize SUV models is the redesigned 2009 Nissan Murano, which earns the TOP SAFETY PICK award. The tests were recently conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, and Kia Sorento, all 2008 models, are the worst performers in the side test. The Liberty, also sold as the Dodge Nitro, and Wrangler earn the second lowest rating of marginal for protection in side crashes. The Sorento earns the lowest rating of poor. Read more

Two of the biggest trends in the automotive world in recent years have been related to the unique function and fashion of luxury SUVs, and the fuel saving function and fashion of hybrids. These two trends were seemingly in opposition, until now.

Cadillac recently announced the world premiere of two new versions of Escalade – the 2009 Escalade Hybrid, the world's first full-size luxury hybrid SUV and the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition version of Escalade with a new front grille, and two new technologies previously reserved for some of the world's most elite cars - LED headlamps and Magnetic Ride Control.

The Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by a 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid delivers more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all with the same style, features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon. Read more

This week during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, General Motors is showcasing one of its latest projects – a vehicle that can operate without a driver. GM indicates vehicles that can park and drive themselves will give passengers the ability to multi-task and will also help reduce traffic congestion, save energy and reduce emissions.

Currently, several outlets including GM, technology companies, university engineers and others are working on various self-driving options. GM’s self-driving Chevrolet Tahoe, nicknamed the “Boss,” was developed by the Carnegie Mellon University Tarton Racing Team, and was initially unveiled during the DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) Urban Challenge in November 2007. During a Jan. 8 address at CES by CEO Rick Wagoner, GM also debuted the petroleum-free Cadillac Provoq concept vehicle. Read more

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. resulted in 2.9 million injury cases and 42,636 deaths in 2005. In addition to the human toll, such accidents cost an estimated $7,300 per second. That's $230.6 billion dollars a year, or about $820 per person in the U.S.

And yet, when in the market for a new car, many still believe that standard seatbelts and airbags are a car's primary safety features. But today, remarkable strides are being made in automotive innovations, with vehicle technology designed to make driving safer by helping to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Luxury automaker Lexus has even launched an entire ad campaign on the subject for its 2008 RX 350 SUV, which highlights the benefits of the vehicle's active safety systems.

So if you're in the market for a new car, here are a few features to look for to help protect you and your precious cargo: Read more