Click images to view larger versions

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid incorporates the GM 2-Mode Hybrid System. The automaker says a fuel savings of up to 50 per cent can be realised in city driving over a comparable gasoline-only Escalade. The system itself utilises a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System, and a 332-horsepower, 367 pound-feet 6.0-litre V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with active fuel management, which allows the engine to run on only four cylinders when full power is unnecessary, as when cruising at highway speeds. Being a 2-Mode Hybrid setup, the Escalade Hybrid is able to run purely on electric power during city driving. Regenerative braking and a stop/start feature are incorporated for maximum efficiency. The gasoline engine is complemented with an electrically variable transmission containing two 60kw electric motors producing 30 horsepower, three planetary gear sets and four wet clutches. The EVT functions as a continuously variable transmission with the added advantage of automatic-like operation using the four fixed ratios.

Ford Escape Hybrid

A major overhaul brings new styling and a host of detail refinements for 2008. The hybrid driveline's software is tuned for smoother transitions between operating modes, which, along with thicker carpet and an acoustic windshield and headliner hush the cockpit and improve the Escape's overall sense of refinement. The seat fabric is made of recycled material, and the controls get Ford's new ice-blue lighting.

Toyota Prius Gen-3

Toyota hasn't revealed any official info on the next Prius, but leaks and rumours are pointing toward a 1.8-litre turbocharged lean-burn gasoline engine that won't have to switch on as often. That's thanks to the use of lighter, faster-charging lithium/ion batteries that also hold their charge longer. Acceleration to 60mph is expected to fall below ten seconds, with greatly improved fuel economy.

Volt Concept

Electrons are all that power the Volt Concept's wheels. Its 1.0-litre turbocharged three-banger is hitched directly to a 53-kilowatt generator, with no mechanical connection to the road. If your daily commute is less than 20 miles each way, your Volt may never burn any gasoline as the battery should last 30 minutes.

Honda Civic

There are a few cars on the road that save petrol by de-activating cylinders when they are not needed. The Civic Hybrid, in certain cruising modes, can deactivate all of its cylinders. During this time, the electric motor alone powers the vehicle. At other stages of acceleration and cruising, Honda’s variable valve
system allows cylinders to open and close for the right mix of performance and efficiency. Honda is on the fourth generation of its
integrated engine/motor design. The Civic combines a 1.3-litre iVTEC four-cylinder engine with a 20hp electric motor to deliver a total of 110hp. The new powertrain is 20 per cent more powerful and five per cent lighter than the previous model.

Saturn Aura Green Line

The Saturn Aura Green Line enters the hybrid field as the least expensive of the pack – which now includes a number of family-sized sedans such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Nissan Altima Hybrid. Given that the Saturn brand has been nothing to cheer about in recent years, and that the technology employed in the Aura is the ultra-mild belt alternator starter, is there anything newsworthy about the Aura Green Line? Actually, yes. It’s the first hybrid that essentially costs no more than its conventio-nal counterpart. The long-standing argument that hybrids are not worth the extra money – and that the so-called ‘payback period’ could be five years or longer – is eviscerated with the Saturn Aura Green Line.