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Hybrid SUVs: Is Better Gas Mileage Worth Cost?

Darryl H.
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Hybrid SUVs: Is Better Gas Mileage Worth Cost?

EPA Fuel Cost Estimates Test Chevy, Dodge, GMC, Chrysler and Toyota

These days it seems everyone wants a new Hybrid vehicle in order to cut gas sky-rocketing costs. At some dealerships, the wait list for the most popular Hybrids is as long as 6 months. The towering demand for Hybrids has also led to increasing prices to take advantage of their current surge in popularity.

In some cases, a Hybrid model is as much as $10,000 more than the gas model. For the average commuting consumer, a small Toyota Prius or Honda Civic will easily pay for the price difference after 3-5 years, but what about those Hybrid SUVs?

No money for a hybrid? Check out these Fuel Saving Tips.

Hybrid SUVs, Not as Efficient as Hybrid Sedans, Coups

For the consumer simply looking to save on gas money, a Hybrid SUV costs more in gas than many small and midsize models. According to the recently released EPA fuel efficiency tests for 2009 models, even the best rated Hybrid SUV, the Ford Escape Hybrid, still comes guzzling in at a combined 32 miles per gallon. The Ford Escape Hybrid SUV gets lower gas mileage than the Toyota Yaris, which zips in at 33 combined MPG on a standard gas engine. Most Hybrid SUVs attain around 21-25 combined mpg. Combined mpg is an average of the freeway and city gas mileage.

Some drivers require the towing capacity or 4WD modes offered by SUVs. A Toyota Prius, for instance, won’t meet the needs for a construction worker who hauls a bed of plywood from job site to job site.

When an SUV Hybrid Will Pay for Itself in Gas, Eventually

Thusly, an SUV owner looking to save on gas with a hybrid SUV model must do a little homework to calculate whether a Hybrid SUV will make up for its higher price any time soon. Any prospective hybrid buyer looking only to save on gas should calculate the price difference for gas and Hybrid models and then divide the price difference by the average gas savings per year between to the vehicle’s mileage. A little arithmetic beforehand can save the wallet in the long run.

The EPA fuel efficiency guide released average gas costs for each model tested based on 15,000 miles driven annually at $3.84 per gallon. With gas costs for standard and Hybrid models and armed with MSRP prices, it’s easy to figure out which SUVs are winners in the money-saving battle.

5 Worst Hybrid SUVs for Fuel Efficiency

According to MSRP prices for 2009 SUV models, a Hybrid SUV costs up to $10,000 more as compared to its gas-fueled 4WD counterpart. When the combined miles per gallon differences are taken into account and an average gas costs savings per year calculated, the consumer can see which models pay for themselves most quickly. See the top 5 quickest money paybacks for the SUVs with the worst gas mileage below:

  1. Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 6 years
  2. GMC Yukon Hybrid: 5 ½ years
  3. Dodge Durango Hybrid: 12 years
  4. Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: 12 ½ years
  5. Chrysler Aspen Hybrid: 18 years

As these are based on the worst rated hybrid SUVs for gas mileage, it’s important to note that just because it’s a hybrid, doesn’t mean you’ll be saving money anytime soon. Research for the best SUV for mileage that also fits your needs in order to achieve maximum money savings.

Environment Is the Fuel Efficiency Winner, Money Saved or Not

These statistics are based on 2009 brand new models. When the price difference is lower between gas and hybrid models, the hybrid will pay for its cost increase more quickly. Making calculations on one’s own, based on local gas prices, local dealership prices, and personal driving habits, is the best way to determine maximum money savings.

While the consumer saves in their pocketbook as a result of higher fuel efficiency vehicles, it’s the environment that really wins. With most scientists in agreement that global warming is propelled by human activities, namely carbon emissions released from the cars we drive, any reduction in carbon emissions is a win-win situation.

Gas Savings Formula

(Hybrid Price – Standard Gas Model Price) / (Hybrid Annual Gas Costs – Standard Annual Gas Costs) = # years till the Hybrid Pays for Higher Price

Environmentally Friendly Fuel for Vehicles

Darryl H.
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Environmentally Friendly Fuel for Vehicles

Trash Hauling Trucks Fueled by Liquefied Natural Gas

Waste Management, Inc., a garbage collection company in Livermore, California, operates trash hauling trucks fueled by liquefied natural gas. The liquefied natural gas (LNG), an environmentally friendly fuel, was created from landfill methane gas produced by decaying refuse from landfills where the trucks deliver trash. Benefits of liquefied natural gas for fuel is a reduction in greenhouse gases and methane in the air.

The WNDU article, “At landfills, garbage is turning into energy and money,” (Nick McGurk, Jan. 6, 2010) states, “When garbage decomposes, it creates methane gas – some twenty times worse for the environment than carbon dioxide. But recently, landfills have been working on ways to harness methane gas into energy and revenue.”

Landfill Methane Gas

Trash from San Francisco and Oakland is trucked to Altamont Sanitary Landfill. Trash from the landfill, such as food scraps, grass clippings, and organic waste, are broken down by bacteria. As the material decomposes, gases are released. Methane is one gas produced by the decomposition process.

Methane gas is one of the main greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and California has some of the strictest greenhouse reduction gas goals in the United States. The EPA report, “Altamont Landfill Gas to Liquefied Natural Gas Project” (Jan. 5, 2010) states, “The $15.5 million project meets California directives to advance biomass as a transportation fuel and to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020.”

Benefits of Liquefied Natural Gas

Methane from the landfill is purified and transformed into LNG before it can escape, which reduces greenhouse emissions. Since methane is created in landfills, capturing the gas before it enters the atmosphere will reduce harmful environmental impacts that would otherwise result in the presence of a landfill.

Using LNG to fuel trash and recycling trucks reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air when compared to gasoline or diesel. According to the EPA, “Each day, the plant processes 3 million cubic feet of LFG, yielding 13,000 gallons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) that will fuel 300 garbage trucks.”

Controlling and reducing levels of methane gas in landfills will benefit communities near landfills that participate in conversion programs. Gas odors will be greatly diminished with the capturing of methane gas before it enters the air.

Reducing wastes in landfills is beneficial to the environment, especially reducing the amount of methane gas entering the atmosphere. Using liquefied natural gas as a fuel source is important to the environment because it reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air. At the present time, converting methane gas in landfills to liquefied natural gas is expensive; however, costs are expected to decrease in the future.

GM’s Volt: Electric Car Rivals Hybrid Prius

Darryl H.
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GM’s Volt: Electric Car Rivals Hybrid Prius

Chevrolet Join Toyota, Honda in Gas-Sipper Auto Market

The much talked about electric car soon to be released by GM, the Volt, was recently shown off to media. The move was meant to excite interest into GM’s second foray in the business of electric and hybrid vehicles. The Volt, scheduled for a 2010 release, is powered by a large, T-shaped lithium-ion battery, like the power source found in most laptops.

Chevy Volt’s Gas Mileage

The Volt runs on an electrical charge, joining the myriad of charged devices Americans already possess, like iPhones, Computers, PSPs and other electronic devices. Unlike these devices, the Volt switches to a gas engine once the juice runs out. Which, as it turns out, won’t be that often.

The Volt is built to accommodate the average American, who doesn’t typically drive more than 40 miles per day. The Volt can be plugged into a household power outlet and will run for about 40 miles off one night’s charge, GM explained. The gas engine turns on after 40 miles and continues to run the Volt for about 300 miles.

Reps for the electric car added that the cost of charging the vehicle will be “less than a cup of coffee” and will use less electricity annually than your refrigerator. The Volt will cost 2 cents per mile, versus today’s regular compact cars’ 12 cents per mile, at $3.60 per gallon of gas.

GM Volt: 2010 Release, Cost $40,000

GM leaders are reluctant tp promise too much information about the Volt, though in an interview with Volt blogger Lyle Dennis, GM executive director of Electric Vehicles and Hybrids said there would be “significant and substantial volumes in first and subsequent years.” Early reports indicate a November 2010 release of about 10,000 Volts, with increasing production in the following months.

The cost has been an issue for the Volt. GM wants to keep the price affordable to keep the Volt as a viable option for the average American family looking to buy a more fuel-efficient car. According to Consumer Reports study, 79% of consumers say they are buying a car with better fuel economy.

However, if the Volt’s price is too high, consumers won’t be saving much money in the end. A recent New York Times article about the Volt says GM is aiming for a $30,000 price tag, but more realistically consumers can expect to pay around $45,000.

Volt Tax Breaks Outweigh Prius, Civic

Tax break for electric and hybrid vehicles are nothing new, however recent news of a $7,300 tax credit for new Volt purchasers is raising eyebrows. Tax breaks for the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid were at $3,400. The tax credit has expired for the Prius and Civic hybrids since the government only offered it for the first 60,000 purchased.

Advantages of Owning a Hybrid

Whether consumers opt for the new Volt or purchase one of many other hybrid options on the market, the advantages of hybrid vehicle ownership are clear. Gas savings not only outweigh the initial cost but according to a recent analysis by Yahoo! Green, there are other money savings perks.

The report found that hybrids hold their value better than non-hybrids. Also, some lenders offer discount loan rates for hybrid vehicles. Insurance carriers also usually offer discounted premiums. In fact, the study found that owning a Honda Accord was 45% more costly than owning a Toyota Prius, once the tax breaks were included.

No doubt about it, consumers are eyeing the electric outlet as their next fuel source.

Car Review – The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: Leading the Pack in Hybrid Technology

Darryl H.
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Car Review – The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: Leading the Pack in Hybrid Technology

The all-new Ford Fusion Hybrid incorporates the latest in Hybrid technology, creating a lighter electric battery that significantly reduces vehicle weight and helps to deliver greater fuel economy. Ford boasts that the Fusion Hybrid can get up to 47 mile-per-gallon in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode and up go up to 700 miles city driving on a single tank of gas. Car and Driver states, “Shock! Ford beats the Japanese at their own game”

Manufacturers suggest list price (MSRP) starts at $27,995. There is also a Federal Hybrid Tax Credit that currently is worth $1,700 on the Fusion, but the credit will be cut in half after October 1, 2009 and phased out completely April 1, 2010. There’s also Cash for Clunkers program that could get you another $4,500 in additional savings.

Fusion Hybrid Features

The Fusion Hybrid has new body styling as well an all-new interior from the previous model year Fusion’s. The sporty new look will attract the sports car enthusiast as well as consumers looking for a fuel-efficient four-door sedan. For the family orientated consumer, the Fusion has seating for five and will comfortably fit four adults. The stylish new interior has an abundance of standard equipment to make the ride more enjoyable.

Standard Equipment:

  • 2.5L inline 4 cylinder gasoline engine DOHC
  • Hydride electric motor battery
  • Front wheel drive with a continuously variable transmission
  • Four-wheel independent suspension
  • Instrumentation includes tachometer, compass, clock, and trip meter
  • 17” alloy wheels with V rated tires
  • Cloth seats, 8-way driver’s seat, 6-way front passengers seat
  • Keyless entry keypad
  • Power windows and door locks, power heated outside mirrors
  • Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
  • Cruise control, tilt steering wheel, power steering
  • Dual zone climate control
  • Dual illuminating mirrors in visors
  • Filtered fresh air vents
  • AM/FM 6 CD MP3 in-dash player with 6-speakers
  • Sirius satellite radio with 6 months free subscription
  • Bluetooth wireless phone connection and audio playback

Optional Equipment:

  • Voice activated navigation system
  • Leather seating with heated front seats
  • Reverse sensing system
  • Rearview camera
  • Sony audio system upgrade with 12-speaker system

Before Purchasing a Hybrid

It’s important before purchasing a Hybrid to understand how a Hybrid works. The electric motor that propels the vehicle only power’s the vehicle at lower speeds. At higher speeds the gasoline engine powers the vehicle.

If the Hybrid is frequently driven at freeway speeds, the fuel mileage savings isn’t as great. The Ford Fusion actually gets better fuel mileage in the city then it does on the highway, 41-mpg city, and 36-mpg highway. As a comparison, the non-Hybrid Fusion with a 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission gets 34-mpg on the highway and 23-mpg in the city.

Four Fuel-Sipping Vehicles Coming Soon to the U.S.

Darryl H.
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Future Fuel-Saving Cars

For fans of green cars, or those simply looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle so they can save a little at the pump, these are exciting times; between alternative fuels, engine management advancements and hybrid/electric technology, there are many options for both manufacturers and consumers to explore.

There is a wave of fuel-saving vehicles ready to hit showroom floors that offer new levels of efficiency, practicality, and fun. For those in the market for a vehicle with great mileage, look for these cars in the near future:

2011 Chevrolet Volt

There are few vehicles that have received as much pre-launch hype and anticipation as the Chevy Volt, and rightfully so; the Volt promises to be groundbreaking in terms of fuel mileage and technology.

Technically, the Volt is an electric car, but with a twist; once the advanced Lithium-Ion battery pack runs out of power at the end of its 40-mile range, an onboard 1.4L motor kicks on to recharge the batteries, extending the range to almost 400 miles, according to Chevrolet. The Volt’s batteries can also be recharged from an electrical outlet, further reducing the need to refuel.

The Volt’s unique configuration has made it difficult for the EPA to pin down a realistic fuel mileage rating. According to a September 2008 article on Motor Trend magazine’s website by Mike Connor, the Volt averages 100 mpg in the City loop with a fully charged battery, but that number falls to 48 mpg when taking into consideration the fuel needed to recharge the battery after the test. One way or the other, the fuel mileage should be great, and the all-electric operation means drivers with a short commute may almost never need a gas station.

With upscale styling, batteries that should last 150,000 miles and a $40,000 price tag, the Volt should be popular when it finally arrives. The launch has been pushed back several times, but Chevy is now saying on their Volt website to expect the Volt sometime in 2010 as a 2011 model.

2011 Ford Fiesta

With all the talk of electric, hybrid and alternative fuel cars, it is easy to forget that fuel-efficient gasoline cars are still a step in the right direction for manufacturers, and Ford is about to take a big leap with the 2011 Fiesta – proving that a small gasoline car can be fuel-efficient, high-quality and fun.

Thanks to a heavy dose of dynamics and a tinge of styling inspiration from corporate partner Mazda, the Fiesta features crisp European styling, quality interior materials, and according to reports – a driving experience that belies its price tag, which should be in the mid to upper teens.

Ford’s website features a sharp 4-door Fiesta sedan along with a 5-door hatchback (but no mention of the sporty 3-door hatchback sold in Europe) powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder motor that makes what should be a peppy 118 hp and turn in somewhere around 40 mpg.

Ford’s Fiesta website says that the Fiesta should hit dealerships “early 2010” as a 2011 model.

2011 FIAT 500

The FIAT 500 has been a wild success in Europe – there is actually a waiting list to get one – and although there has been no official announcement, according to a June 4, 2009 report by Kevin Krolicki ar Reuters.com, FIAT CEO Sergio Marchionne has already started preparing the 500 for a U.S. release by late 2010.

The easiest way to describe the FIAT 500 is by calling it an “Italian MINI”. It is about the same size as a Mini, and features retro-cool styling that has more than a passing resemblance to the iconic car from the 60’s and 70’s that is its namesake. The 500 was even designed by the same person who penned the MINI.

In addition to its diminutive size, the FIAT 500 also has diminutive motors in Europe, as small as 1.2L. That probably will not be suitable for the U.S. market, though. More likely is the 1.4L engine that is an option on the European car, but the good news is that the 94hp power plant should turn in fuel mileage in the mid to upper 30’s, similar to the base Mini.

Again, no official announcement has been made, but now that FIAT has access to Chrysler’s manufacturing and distribution network, an Americanized version of the 500 could show up as early as late 2010 as a 2011 model, and likely priced a few thousand less than the BMW-built MINI.

2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

American drivers have not been terribly receptive to diesel vehicles over the years, but there will be a lot of converts to the oil-burning contingent once the Golf TDI hits showrooms for 2010.

After a three year absence, the Golf (VW is changing the name back from Rabbit for 2010) will once again have a diesel power plant, and one that is far superior to the previous generation 100hp version.

The new TDI motor, currently available in the Jetta, will offer 140hp and a pavement-bending 236 ft-lbs of torque while getting an expected 35mpg city and 49mpg highway – leaving lovers of German engineering with a fuel-saving vehicle that is downright fast.

The Golf has always been known for great driving dynamics, sporty handling and high-quality materials shared with its upscale cousins, the Jetta and Passat. Add in the utility from its semi-box shaped hatchback design, and the Golf should be a sporty, fun and efficient option for diesel fans.

VW’s website says that the Golf TDI should be in showrooms by fall 2009 as a 2010 model.

With the uncertain future of gas prices and increasing environmental awareness, these upcoming vehicles are proof that some manufacturers are listening to the requests of consumers and developing new automotive technology.

They all save gas and reduce emissions while offering practicality and fun, as well as offering new options for those that want something different in both technology and attitude than the current hybrid vehicle offerings.

The UK Government’s Vehicle Scrapping Scheme Gets a £100m Boost

Darryl H.
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The UK Government’s Vehicle Scrapping Scheme Gets a £100m Boost

A Guide to the Car Scrappage Scheme

In the budget of April 2009, the government announced details of a new car scrappage scheme. Designed to give the ailing motor industry a boost this scheme can help a consumer buy a new car with a £2,000+ discount.

Initially set to run until February 2010, or until the subsidies ran out, the government announced at its Party Conference on September 28th, 2009 that the scheme would be extended with the injection of another £100 million to allow vehicle scrappage for up to 400,000 cars and vans. So, how does the scheme work?

How Does the Vehicle Scrappage Scheme Work?

The scheme was established to encourage consumers to buy new cars to give the industry some much-needed support. The aim here is to help people finance the purchase of a new car or van and, in return, they put their old vehicle up for scrap.

The subsidies given here are partly funded by the government and part funded by the car manufacturers. Not all manufacturers have signed up to the scheme but over 40 have, making this an easy way to get a popular vehicle at a cut-price cost for many people.

So, if an individual wants to buy a new car or van from a manufacturer that is taking part in the scheme, then they can get £2,000+ off its cost price. The government covers the first £1,000 with the manufacturer committing to match that with an additional £1,000 discount. In some cases, additional discounts may be offered by the manufacturer to give an even better deal.

What Kinds of Cars/Vans Can be Used in the Car Scrappage Scheme?

Those wishing to take advantage of the scheme have to meet a few qualifying criteria. At the moment these include:

  • Consumers can scrap cars or vans that weigh less than 3.5 tonnes.
  • Cars must be at least ten years old, and vans must be eight years old.
  • The car/van must be registered in the consumer’s name with the DVLA or DVA (in Northern Ireland) and must have been registered for 12 months continuously before the date of the new vehicle order.
  • The car/van must have been registered in the UK on or before 31st August 1999 (this date will change as further details of the extension are announced).
  • The vehicles must be insured at the time that the new vehicle is ordered.
  • The V5C registration certificate must hold a UK address.
  • The vehicle has to have an up to date MOT certificate and a tax disc before the date of the new vehicle order or must have them within 14 days of expiry when the order is made.

What Kinds of Cars or Vans Can Consumers Buy With the Vehicle Scrappage Scheme?

Again, there are some conditions here that may dictate what kinds of cars/vans can be purchased. These include:

  • The car/van purchased cannot exceed 3.5 tonnes in weight and must be a UK spec vehicle.
  • The vehicle must have been initially registered on/after 18th May 2009 in the UK and must be noted as being new when it is first registered (i.e., with no former owners).
  • It must be registered first to the person who is the registered owner of the vehicle that will be scrapped.

The vehicle scrappage scheme has already proved to be an extremely easy way of getting a new car or small van at a highly discounted cost for many people. The extension will, hopefully, allow many others to save some money here.

Car Design for the 21st Century: Art in Modern Automotive Styling

Darryl H.
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Manufacturer caution has lead to a series of new cars coming out this year that has done little to inspire buyers. It seems that the big players do not want to push the boundaries of acceptance too far, and instead they choose to focus only on established markets where they are confident of modest, guaranteed sales (Source: Frankfurt IAA 2009)

Yet it is possible to argue that to inject new life into car sales, car companies need to explore new horizons and push the envelope now more than ever before. Buyers will only be attracted back into the market if it is fresh and exciting (2 Magazine, Jul 09)

American Car Design

Take Chevrolet. For years, they have tried to deliver profit by making “me-too” clones of established sellers, which trade on low-cost engineering and value. Except the offering has been quite poor. Then along came Transformers, and everyone wanted a new Camaro. This outlandish muscle car was shown in 2006 as an unlikely concept, but such was the positive response that the car has now just gone on sale. And it’s brilliant.

General Motors boss Rick Wagoner says the coupé, ” symbolizes America’s love affair with the automobile”. The gaping mouth, rakish roof-line, and huge exhausts make it look like a child’s toy, but the effect is so complete that it triggers something in us, the small boy who stamps his feet and demands he has one.

Japanese Car Design

The negative outlook has turned the establishment on its head. The world once looked to Europe for impeccable design and style, and the Japanese makers were accepted to just produce clinical, straightforward designs with little imagination. Who honestly could become excited by a Honda Accord or Toyota Corolla? Things, however, are set to change.

Nissan has just launched its world-beating car. The GT-R is everything a “now” car should be. It looks hard, slippery and alien. The GT-R’s greatest trick is perhaps its ability to appear smooth and spiky at the same time. The world is left in no doubt as to its performance, yet the rear haunches are soft and the nose is low and almost friendly. It is both accommodating and very aggressive, and this sums up the drive beautifully.

Toyota too is feeling for the limits of what is imaginable. Their incredible FT-HS concept is set for release in eighteen months, and what a relief it is. Swooping curves are slashed diagonally by straight-cut lines, and it seems the longer the viewer looks upon it, the more detail they notice. BMW tried a similar trick across its entire range earlier this decade, but it came up against huge critical controversy.

Perhaps buyers are more accustomed to subtle understatement from Europe’s luxury makers (2 Magazine, Jul 09). Yet the gamble paid off, and BMW sold nearly 1.5 million cars last year (source: DW Newswire). Continual familiarity diffuses initial impact, and prolonged exposure leads to indifferent contempt. This is perhaps why there are so many 4×4-estate-lifestyle muddles being launched.

European Car Design

Even Mercedes has abandoned sensational style for this new culture of niche-bending. Looking through the Mercedes range is like reading an A-Z; there is a model number for almost every letter of the alphabet, and most are dubious crossover vehicles. It seems so long ago when the public lusted after the achingly beautiful lines of 2006’s CLS. New Mercedes are contemporary, but do they push emotional buttons?

It is easy to become cynical about art in automotive design right now. Concept cars still look fresh and interesting, but models launched off the back of them never look anything like those early, artisan designs. Car stylists now must operate within the confines of crash protection, pedestrian safety, and worldwide legal requirements. Bumpers must be a certain depth to pass crash tests and brake lights must be a certain height from the floor. It must be like trying to paint an inspired masterpiece upon a Post-it note.

Successful Car Design

If there is one maker who has truly nailed mainstream avante-garde, it is Ford (CAR Magazine). Company design director, Martin Smith said he wanted to create a car that, “looks like it is moving whilst it is stationary”. This is the essence of Kinetic Design. When the Focus was launched in the nineties, everyone labeled it as radical and almost too innovative for mass acceptance, yet it went on to become a worldwide best-seller.

It is very easy to dilute the design process as it matures into production reality, but buyers need to be continually stimulated to trigger interest and get them buying cars again. It seems that art is being restrained in an attempt to deliver something that is going to be universally accepted, but this can only lead long-term to a stagnant market. Leave the inhibitions behind, and let car buyers choose what they like.

British Team set the Land Speed Record for Steam-Powered Vehicle

Darryl H.
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British Team set the Land Speed Record for Steam-Powered Vehicle

The Fastest Steam Car in the World on BBC Two

You’ve got to love the quirky nature of determined British boffins obsessed with testing the limits of engineering for the simple pleasure of setting new world records. It isn’t about trying to advance technology or creating something new but just people pushing themselves for personal satisfaction. Sure they might enter the history books along the way that’s almost a secondary point. It’s all about creativity and determination; all that makes Scrapheap Challenge endearing in a nerdy way.

The Fastest Steam Car in the World is somewhat self-explanatory title as it follows an attempt by a fixated team of enthusiastic engineers, lead and financed by eccentric millionaire Charles Burnett III and including test driver Don Wales, grandson of former record land speed record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell, to break one of the oldest land speed records.

The name too gives away the conclusion as those who didn’t watch it should know the unsurprising outcome. That’s why it wasn’t called The Second Fastest Steam Car in the World.

British Team build Fastest Steam Car

Although hurried at the start of the show the quest for a suitable runway ended with Edwards Air Force Base in California being chosen as the perfect location. Once their members of the team swept the desert to remove tiny stones from the car’s path which could prove to be dangerous once it reaches higher speeds and made the last minute preparations.

Basically it’s kind of what the Top Gear challenges would be like without the over-exhausted hyperbole, pointless explosions and childish behavior of the middle-aged hosts.

After a couple of false steps early on could have left 10 years of hard graft go to nothing but this is television and what’s the gogglebox without an ounce of drama? It came down to one of the final runs where Burnett broke the record with an average speed of 139.843mph over the measured mile…until West, adamant to add to his families impressive legacy, jumped into the car and set a faster average at 148.308mph.

The Fastest Steam Car in the World

In all, it was 30 minute one-off that didn’t overdo the technical details of the process (that’s Horizon’s job) but at the same time skimmed over some of the finer points of how to harness the power of steam to complete such a feat.

However, it seems that far from being a sciencey show delving into psychics The Fastest Steam Car in the World was more about a personal journey and a poignant one given that Frank Swanston, the chief engineer who worked on the project for six years, died before the attempt could be finalised.

Okay, it wasn’t perfect, the programme moved a little too quickly to really understand the scope of the time and effort put into this project and Wales did have an annoying habit of mentioning his family history. (Yes they achieved great feats in the field of engineering but speak more about your own accomplishments.) Regardless The Fastest Steam Car in the World it was a positive sliver of TV highlighting good old fashioned willpower. Who said Britain doesn’t win anything?

Choosing the Right Hybrid Vehicle

Darryl H.
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Hybrid Vehicles Have Different Fuel Economy, Emissions Ratings

Hybrid systems use regenerative braking to capture kinetic energy instead of allowing that energy to escape unused as heat. They also pause engine combustion when the car is stopped, in order to save fuel.

According to Cars.com, there are two types of hybrid systems available: the kind in which the engine is dominant, as with Honda and Saturn, and the kind where the electric motor is dominant, as with Toyota, Ford, Mercury, and Lexus.

Fuel economy is one of the most popular ways of measuring the efficiency of hybrid vehicles. Initially, vehicle manufacturers test pre-production prototypes, in controlled laboratory conditions, and report the results to the EPA. The EPA reviews the results and confirms 10 to 15 percent via their own tests at the National Vehicles and Fuel Emissions Laboratory.

While new EPA testing methods better account for actual city and highway driving conditions, your fuel economy may vary based on factors such as aggressive driving, maintenance habits, use of air conditioning, and weather.

According to the EPA, their estimated combined mpg is calculated by assuming 55 percent city driving and 45 percent highway driving. You can calculate combined mpg using the equation

(.55 x city mpg) + (.45 x hwy mpg) = EPA estimated combined mpg

Emissions rating is another environmental consideration when purchasing a vehicle. According to the EPA, hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen combine with sunlight and form smog, which can irritate the lungs and eyes. While catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation and electronic fuel controls reduce pollution, emission levels still vary among vehicles. A score of 0 – 10 describes a vehicle’s emissions rating. A score of 10 is best and 0 is worst.

2008 Hybrid Cars Ranked by Fuel Economy

  • Toyota Prius: 48 city, 45 hwy, 46 combined mpg
  • Honda Civic Hybrid: 40 city, 45 hwy, 42 combined mpg
  • Toyota Camry Hybrid: 43 city, 37 hwy, 40 combined mpg
  • Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35 city, 33 hwy, 34 combined mpg
  • Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid: 24 city, 32 hwy, 27 combined mpg
  • Lexus GS 450h: 22 city, 25 hwy, 23 combined mpg
  • Lexus LS 600h L: 20 city, 22 hwy, 21 combined

2008 Hybrid SUVs Ranked by Fuel Economy

  • Ford Escape Hybrid: 34 city, 30 hwy, 32 combined mpg
  • Mercury Mariner Hybrid: 34 city, 30 hwy, 32 combined mpg
  • Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD: 30 city, 34 hwy, 31 combined mpg
  • Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid: 25 city, 32 hwy, 28 combine mpg
  • Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4WD: 27 city, 29 hwy, 27 combined mpg
  • Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid: 24 city, 32 hwy, 27 combined mpg
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 27 city, 25 hwy, 26 combined mpg
  • Lexus RX 400h: 26 city, 24 hwy, 25 combined mpg
  • Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon: 21 city, 22 hwy, 21 combined mpg

2008 Hybrid Cars Ranked by Emissions Ratings (According to the Union of Concerned Scientists)

  • Nissan Altima Hybrid: 9.5
  • Honda Civic Hybrid: 9
  • Toyota Prius: 8
  • Toyota Camry Hybrid: 8
  • Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid: 8
  • Lexus GS 450h / LS 600h L: 8

2008 Hybrid SUVs Ranked by Emissions Ratings (According to the Union of Concerned Scientists)

  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 8
  • Lexus RX 400h: 8
  • Ford Escape Hybrid: 7
  • Mercury Mariner Hybrid: 7
  • Mazda Tribute Hybrid: 7
  • Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid: 7

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Road Test

Darryl H.
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2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Road Test

The New ’08 Highlander is Larger Yet More Economical

The Interior and Safety

Inside, this all-wheel-drive 4×4 is conventionally designed, it’s heated and power-operated cloth captain’s chairs cradling both the driver and passenger. Its step-in height reflects 7.3 inches of ground clearance. Analog gauges and a tiny backup camera screen dot the faux wood dash. A dust-and-pollen filter equipped air conditioner to keep this truck cool but on warm evenings the moonroof can be opened to let in cool breezes.

In back, the rear bench folds flat (a third seat is optional) and is usable by adults. As one might expect there’s also plenty of storage space. A between-seats console, large glove box, lots of nook and cranny storage plus lighted sun visors are conveniences. Quick ratio electronic power/tilt steering and power four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. Twin front, side, side curtain and knee airbags contribute to safety; the cupholders are adequate and power takeoff points are useful. Keyfob entry, power windows, electric mirrors and locks, daytime running lights, cruise control, a tire pressure warning system, a full-size spare and an AM/FM/CD sound system with marginal fringe pulling power are standard. Vehicle Stability Control, Emergency Brake Distribution, and Traction Control are also built in.

Under the Hood

The 4,508 pound Highlander, about 330 pounds more than non-hybrids and close to last year’s weight, uses a 3.3 liter “6” with four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. With the electric motor humming (the gas engine keeps the electric one supplied with juice, so no need to plug it in) horsepower is 270. That’s also about the same as ’07. As measured on a Belkin accelerometer during the week-long test period you’ll find the Highlander moves from 0-60 in 7.7 seconds. Again that’s near the same as ’07. Fuel economy was observed at 25 city and 24 highway (EPA 27/25), about six miles per gallon more than gas versions. It’s also a mile per gallon better in real-world driving than last year. Don’t be puzzled by the city/highway mileage inversion: it’s typical of hybrids.

The Highlander employed a continuously variable automatic transmission. It isn’t noticeably different from standard units and shifted perfectly. The tranny offered “Economy” and similar shift modes, none of which were particularly useful. There’s also an “EV” switch which lets you manually fiddle with various economy and acceleration settings. It’s best just to leave it alone as it doesn’t seem to do much. Remember the Highlander is full-time all-wheel drive and there’s no transfer case for hardcore off-roading. The Highlander will, however, easily handle inclement weather.

Handling and Ride

Turning to handling, you’ll find the Highlander’s tossibility excellent. Though talking about big truck handling, and particularly cornering, is almost ridiculous you’ll have only one complaint: slippery tires. The turning circle, at 39 feet, is best in class. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.

The Highlander’s ride is family-friendly. Its four-wheel independent suspension is well suited to both cratered city streets and smooth highways. Based on the Camry sedan, its underpinnings worked well.

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