We all know that Hybrids and Diesels are rivals in a world with high fuel prices.While people are wondering why no automaker has ever thought to combine them, Volkswagen(who looked to be the first to realise this) announced that Golf TDI Hybrid concept won’t make it to production.

According to Volkswagen,Gold TDI-Hybrid concept is capable of 89g/km of CO2 emissions and returns 69mpg (Imperial) at the pumps thanks to a 220V electric motor and 1.2 liter inline-3 diesel. Drive is delivered via VW’s newest 7-speed DSG transmission.

Even if the Golf TDI-Hybrid concept won’t make it to production,VW is planning to release it in a few years.

The F1 hybrid system is not the same thing as the hybrid system you’d see in street vehicles.This hybrid system is known as KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System).
KERS doesn’t store as much energy as the standard hybrid system,but it only weighs 55 pounds and the limited energy storage capacity is well suited for Formula-style racing.

Continue reading »

The giant American car manufacturer will unveil the Denali XT concept at the Chicago auto show in an attempt to prove they can make cars that don’t eat up huge quantities of fuel.

The new Denali XT is aimed exclusively at the American market, but it was designed and developed in Australia by General Motors’ Holden Division. The look of the pick-up is very futuristic and aggressive, with LED headlamps resembling the Audi A5’s, large grille and enormous 23 inch wheels, sheltered by bulging wheel arches. The spacious inside is dominated by leather and aluminum and can easily fit 5 people.

The most important feature of the GMC Denali XT is its hybrid drivetrain, an electric engine and a 4.9 direct injection V8, running on bio-ethanol, help the Denali produce 326hp.

A production version of the Denali XT is expected by the end of 2010. Continue reading »

Unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show this month, the long awaited Fisker Karma promises to be some serious competition for manufacturers like Aston Martin or Porsche.

The Fisker Karma uses a rear-wheel-drive, plug-in hybrid system, and is able to run for 50 miles on its battery pack alone. For longer trips, the small petrol engine kicks in, producing power for the electric motors, increasing the driving range to 620 miles.

The Karma eats up a gallon of fuel for every 100 miles, goes from 0 to 60mph in less than 6 seconds and is able of reaching a top speed of 125 miles per hour. Continue reading »