Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Overview

Did you know that the Lexus was mass-produced by Toyota, the Japanese Motor Company that makes Corollas and Highlanders? Well they do and they come in second only to Ford Motor Company's Escape Hybrid vehicle. The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid is the Lexus 350 with a newly designed electric motor. It has also been labeled as the very first luxury hybrid car in the world. . Lexus' have a reputation of being affordable luxury cars and their SUVs do not slack in that department either. The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid can definitely hold its own against the competition. J.D. Power and Associates rated it among one of four SUVs for being recognized as part of the Automotive Environmental Index in 2006. This index rates the top thirty vehicles that are environmentally friendly and green. They also recognize the fuel-efficient hybrid as one of the top luxury vehicles for its Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study in 2005. With so many people being concerned about emissions, damage to the ozone layer, and global warming, the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid is a great choice for a hybrid SUV. This hybrid was actually rolled out in January 2004 at the North American International Auto Show a few months after the Ford Escape Hybrid was introduced. The Escape was so well received that it was a no-brainer that the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid would be received just as well. It was an immediate hit and the Escape suddenly found itself a competitor. Plus, Lexus is Toyota's high end product so fans of the vehicle expected it to be elegant and appealing. This SUV has been described as "handsome". It's been geared to attract executives who are environmentally savvy. It is a middle-sized luxury SUV hybrid that is sophisticated and definitely trying to get the attention of the upper class. The 2008 model of the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid has a few updates, namely chrome door handles, a new front grill, rear spoiler, and shiny 18 inch wheels. This is the first time Toyota and Lexus ever designed and developed a vehicle that was geared for a particular financial class.

Hyundai releases first renderings of Equus

Hyundai has revealed the first official renderings of their upcoming flagship sedan, Equus, code-named 'VI'. The Equus is due to be officially unveiled next month in South Korea, the only country where it is expected to be sold.The renderings do not surprise, as the recent stream of spyshots has given us sufficient clues on how the Equus would shape up. According to Hyundai's Korean statement, the car will feature LED technology in the headlights - a Hyundai first - and incorporate LED taillights as well. Similar to Mercedes-Benz, the Equus will also feature Pre-Safe seatbelts. Other innovations include Vehicle Stability Management II and Lane Departure Warning System

2010 Ford Mustang

The 2010 Ford Mustang looks leaner, although it actually gains a few pounds. It looks lower, although it's not. With headlights trimmed in black chrome (at least on the GT model) and a squatter, all-black grille, the look is sinister. Even the pony mounted to the center of the grille is finished in black chrome.

Hyundai releases i20 in India

Hyundai Motors India Limited has officially launched the Hyundai i20 in India today. The company calls it “Uber Cool” car that is available in three variants and sports a fuel-efficient Kappa engine. The i20 replaces the Getz hatchback.

The i20 is powered by a 80 ps 1.2L Kappa engine that is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It packs a plethora of standard features, such as air conditioning, tilt/telescope steering wheel, front/rear power windows, cooled glove box, multi-information display, and 2 DIN CD/MP3 audio system. The top-range i20 features automatic climate control, steering mounted audio controls (first in segment), foldable key with keyless entry, 14-inch alloy wheels, and segment-first six airbags.

Kia releases gasoline Mohave

Kia Motors released the long-awaited gasoline variants of the Mohave SUV (Borrego in NA) today. Alongside the 3.0L VGT diesel, the Mohave is now available with a 274 horsepower 3.8L Lambda V6 or a more potent 340 horsepower 4.6L Tau V8.Gasoline Mohaves are priced on average 3.5 million Won (USD$2464) less than its diesel counterparts. With the 3.8L V6, Kia boasts a mileage rating of 8.6km/L, an equivalent of 20MPG. For the flagship 4.6L V8 models, Kia includes a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.8L V6 models have a 0-60 MPH time of 8.5 seconds, while the 4.6L V8 models boast 7.4 seconds.

Suzuki Kizashi 3

Kizashi 3 foreshadows a four-door sports sedan that will join the lineup as Suzuki's flagship in 2010. Though much of Suzuki's current product lineup was designed by Daewoo or General Motors, we know their own designers can come up with great small cars if they do as well with the production version of the Kizashi 3, Suzuki could become a major player. About time.

2009 Lotus Esprit

Lotus wants to sell 1000 units a reason, reason why a cabrio version was also added.The 2009 Esprit is powered by a upgraded longitudinally mounted engine, with the adoption of a more modern BMW V8.The launch of the Esprit was caused by the decision to launch the "Project Eagle", a 2+2 V6 coupe that will be priced at around £40.000. The project Eagle will be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Audi A3 Black Edition Models Launched in the United Kingdom

The new Black Edition specification is available in conjunction with the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines with 160HP and 200HP respectively, and the two 2.0 TDI common rail diesel engines (140HP and 170HP). While it carries a premium of £905 over the equivalent S line model in each case, Audi supports that when the additional equipment it offers is taken into account, it represents a customer saving of £675 on the A3 Black Edition and £650 on the A3 Cabriolet Black Edition.

Mercedes-Benz Concept BlueZERO

The BlueZERO E-CELL PLUS gets the same 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the Fortwo as an additional range extender - just like the Chevy Volt. The three-cylinder powerplant that has an output of 50 kW can recharge the 17.5-kWh lithium-ion battery by means of a similarly rated alternator. A range of up to 370 miles is possible on a single tank. The purely electrical, locally emission-free range is up to 120 miles.

All three BlueZERO models feature front-wheel drive and according to Merc, they all accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 11 seconds while their top speed is electronically limited to 93 mph in the interests of optimal range and energy efficiency.

Measuring 4.22 meters in length, 1.89 m in width and 1.59 m in height, the BlueZERO models can accommodate five passengers and a payload of around 450 kg (992) lbs with a luggage compartment capacity of over 500 liters.

Kia Soul

Kia Soul, slated to debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October. The prototypes caught in these pictures are clad in Tomato Red and Clear White.

They also look to be the range-topping trims, as evident by the 18-inch alloys, chrome trims, and the diminutive rearview camera.

A Kia executive told us that the Soul Burner Concept wheels seen on the recent teaser video with the bouncing wheels, the trademark H-grille, and other sporty visual aids will be optional.