By Twain Mein

GMC Yukon Hybrid Overview Derek’s Tow Test of the Yukon Hybrid Yukon Hybrid Consumer Reviews GMC Yukon Hybrid Photo Gallery GMC Yukon Hybrid Specs

Pros:

• Very smooth ride
• Plenty of power
• Yep-18 miles per gallon

Cons:

• Expensive
• Susceptible to winds
• WIDE

Introduction
This is GM’s bold entry into the Hybrid SUV market. At first glance, the all black beast was intimidating yet “friendly” with its hybrid decals plastered about. What would it be like?

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GMC Yukon Hybrid Overview Twain’s Review of the Yukon Hybrid Yukon Hybrid Consumer Reviews GMC Yukon Hybrid Photo Gallery GMC Yukon Hybrid Specs

What is on Farley’s mind other than thinking about his next bag of oats? Parked next to Farley’s corral is the new GMC Yukon Hybrid featuring GM’s 2-mode hybrid system. The 2008 Yukon Hybrid boasts a 332 hp, 6.0L Vortec V8, a NiMH 300V battery, two 60KW motors in the transmission, and nifty software that controls the whole caboodle. Not only can you pack in 8 passengers utilizing the 3rd row seating, but this 4×4 hybrid has the capacity to tow 6,000 pounds. Translation: mom can take the team to soccer practice during the week and dad can tow the family boat to the lake on the weekend.

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Overview

Specs

Consumer Reviews of GS 450h

Lexus GS 450h Photo Gallery

Lexus GS 450h Video Review

The 2008 Lexus GS 450h is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in one trim only, the Sedan. The GS 450h has a VAR speed automatic transmission, 3.5-liter, V6, 340-horsepower, hybrid engine, and is equipped with a completely new Lexus hybrid powertrain which has 80 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car. "From a stop, acceleration and low speed is all electric power. It's silent. It's eerily silent. Sometimes you think the car isn't running, but once you get going, the transition between the electric and gas [motors] is very smooth..."

 

Overview Specs Consumer Reviews of GS 450h Lexus GS 450h Photo Gallery Lexus GS 450h Video Review

By John G.

Hybrid Power Without Compromise – Lexus GS 450h

Up:

• Luxurious yet not ostentatious, inside and out: that’s the Lexus way
• Ridiculous torque makes passing easy and high-speed cruising a pleasure
• Hybrid drive means a performance car that doesn’t feel silly stuck in traffic
• Keyless entry and exit done right

Down:

• “Quick start guide” is 58 pages long
• Weighs over two tons and it isn’t even AWD
• Map lights are really dim, light switches are hard to find in the dark
• Batteries for the hybrid drive don’t leave much trunk space

Sideways:

• Really a 4-door Grand Touring car, not a sports car Read the rest of this entry »

  Related Posts

  • 2008 Lexus GS450h Hybrid Video Review
  • 2007 Lexus RX 400h Review – Bringing luxury and performance to the world of hybrid technology
  • 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid 4x4 Review - The most intimidating hybrid on the road today
  • GMC Yukon Hybrid 4x4 Review - Environmentally Conscious Soccer Moms Applaud GM

March 3, 2008 - At the Geneva auto show today, General Motors took the wraps off what could be Saab’s entry into the super-fuel-efficient small-car wars.

It’s the 9-XbioHybrid concept, a two-door coupe powered by a small turbocharged gasoline engine that has a mild hybrid system. GM estimates fuel economy at 48 mpg on gasoline and 36 mpg on E-85.

” Our goal is to offer a portfolio that has something for everyone,” said Bob Lutz, GM’s vice chairman.

The concept car has some neat touches, including solar panels on the roof that recharge the battery pack for the hybrid system.

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Lexus RX 400h Overview Lexus RX 400h Specs Consumer Reviews of RX 400h Lexus RX 400h Photo Gallery Lexus RX 400h Video Review

by Alex Kramer

Pros

• Excellent acceleration
• Lexus luxury and quality
• Silky smooth ride
• Seamless hybrid powertrain

Cons

• Overly cautious handling
• All that hybrid technology sure is pricey
• Not a true fuel sipper

The Lexus RX 400h brings Toyota’s award winning hybrid technology to the realm of luxury SUVs. While most hybrids sacrifice some performance for increased fuel efficiency, the RX 400h is one of a few hybrids to offer not only increased fuel-efficiency, but also increased performance over it’s gas only siblings. Add to that the fact that all this technology is mated to the best selling mid-size luxury SUV on the market, and the result is another winning effort from Lexus.

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Overview Consumer Reviews of 34MPG SUV Ford Escape Hybrid Photo Gallery Ford Escape Hybrid Specs

By Kurt Gensheimer

Blings:

• Most fuel efficient SUV on the planet
• Cavernous interior
• More masculine exterior appearance
• Easy-to-use Nav system

Dings:

• Brake pedal like stepping on a wet Nerf ball
• No traction control and downgraded NHTSA safety score
• Limited A/C function in electric drive mode
• No audio controls on steering wheel

Ruling: Unless you’re a devoted city dweller, being ‘green’ isn’t worth the added heft and expense. Read the rest of this entry »

01/13/2008 - DETROIT -

The Honda CR-Z, a lightweight sports hybrid concept vehicle, and the FCX Clarity, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle set to begin limited retail marketing in summer 2008, are bringing some of the most advanced environmental technologies from Honda to the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

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Customers Also Snap Up Hybrids, Cars, Sync

• Ford Motor Company sales totaled 182,951 in November, up 0.4 percent versus a year ago.
• All-new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX paced Ford, Lincoln and Mercury crossovers to a sales increase of 119 percent; year-to-date crossover sales were up 63 percent.
• Ford Focus posts 18 percent sales gain and Ford Fusion sales were up 39 percent.
• SYNC-equipped units are turning fast and elevating opinions and consideration for Ford.
• Lincoln retail sales were higher for the 14th month in a row.
• Ford announces first quarter 2008 North American production.

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec 3 – Continued growth in crossover sales and increased demand for hybrids, fuel-efficient cars and Ford’s industry-exclusive SYNC in-car connectivity technology drove Ford Motor Company’s (NYSE:F) sales in November. Company sales totaled 182,951, up 0.4 percent versus a year ago. November marked the first sales increase following 12 months of declines.

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Chevrolet further champions its green initiative today by offering its first full-sized pickup with the Two Mode hybrid powertrain.

The Silverado Hybrid, which will be available only in crew cab configuration, gets a claimed 40 percent increase in city fuel economy, and 25 percent increase in overall fuel mileage, compared with comparable trucks with conventional powertrains. In the Two Mode, an electrically variable transmission with two electric motors channels power to the wheels.

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