Audi Reveals New A8 Hybrid At 2012

A little over a year after the presentation of its A8 Hybrid Concept at the 2010 edition of the Geneva Salon, Audi is introducing the final production version of its frugal four-cylinder limousine, which goes on sale in 2012.Confirming our suspicions that the concept label was misleading, Audi made very few changes to the production model such as the smaller (18" instead of 21") but same design alloy wheels and the more conventional looking engine cover.
There are no changes under the hood with the car featuring a parallel hybrid powertrain that combines a modified 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI gasoline engine delivering 211HP and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque, with a disc-shaped electric motor that develops 40 kW (54HP) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft).
Audi says the short-term system output is rated at 245-horsepower and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque.
The electric motor is mounted in the space usually occupied by the torque converter in front of the modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission, which guides power to the front wheels. Electric energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery, which weighs 36.7 kilograms (80.9 lb) and is located in a crash-proof area in the trunk.
In terms of performance, the A8 Hybrid goes from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.7 seconds and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph).
Its fuel consumption in the EU cycle is said to be under 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.8mpg US or 44.1mpg UK), and CO2 emissions below 148 grams per km (238.2 g/mile).
In addition, the A8 Hybrid can travel on electric power alone at speeds of up to 100km/h (62mph) and for a distance of up to three kilometers or 1.86 miles at a constant 60km/h (37 mph).
The driver can choose from three different modes including "EV", in which priority is given to the electric drive, "D" where the system controls both the engine and the electric motor, and finally the "S" mode for a sportier driving style.
Visually, the A8 Hybrid sports some subtle differences over the standard model including the turbine rotor-style alloy wheels (18-inch standard, 19-inch optional), special badges on the outside, an available, exclusive Arctic Silver finish and a bespoke instrument panel.
Pricing and availability are expected to be announced at next month's 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

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2012 Toyota Camry

It is finally here; the car many Americans love to hate buying, the brand-new, seventh-generation Toyota Camry, which was officially unveiled today ahead of its sales launch in States in the beginning of October.If we wanted to highlight the most important features of the new 2012 Camry here's what we would go with: it's more powerful yet delivers better fuel efficiency, has a more upscale interior with higher quality materials, its styling is sharper but continues to be bland and will definitely not excite (on the other hand, it won't offend either), and finally, in some cases its priced lower than the outgoing model.
In more detail and starting from the engine range, the 2012 Camry will be offered with a choice of three powerplants. The base engine is a revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit delivering 178-horsepower, an increase of 9HP, and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Toyota says EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are 25 mpg city/35 highway, and 28 mpg combined, an increase of 2mpg over the previous generation Camry.
Next up is a subtly refined 3.5-liter V6 that generates 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. According to the Japanese carmaker, it returns EPA-estimated ratings of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway (previous model: 20mpg/29mpg respectively).
Both the four- and six-cylinder engines are offered with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential manual shift mode using the console shifter.


The third option is the 2012 Camry Hybrid that gains a overhauled version of the brand’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson engine that replaces the 2.4-liter unit.
Together, the gasoline and electric motors produce a combined output of 200 horsepower allowing the Camry to accelerate from 0-to-60mph (96km/h) in 7.6-seconds, which places it between the four-cylinder and V6 models.
Toyota says the new Camry Hybrid delivers an EPA-estimated 43 mpg city/39 mpg highway/41 mpg combined, which accounts to a more-than-30 percent boost in fuel economy in the EPA city and combined driving cycles, compared to the previous model.
According to Toyota, the improved fuel economy can be attributed largely to the new hybrid powertrain, but also due to lighter vehicle weight and optimized aerodynamics.
Also new for the 2012 Camry Hybrid is the EV Drive mode that allows the driver to operate the car on the electric motor alone for up to 1.6 miles at lower speeds (below approximately 25 mph or 40km/h).
The Hybrid version is identified by select exterior features such as the blue-hued Toyota logos and the model-specific alloy wheels and lower grille, while inside, there's exclusive trim and upholsteries along with a three-dial Optitron gauge panel.
While similar in size with the outgoing model, Toyota says that thanks to some changes including but not limited to, moving the accelerator pedal and front seats forward, repositioning the rear-seat hip point rearward, and reshaping the front seatbacks, rear-knee room has been increased by 1.8-inch while rear middle seat legroom has grown by two inches.
The company also claims to have reduced noise throughout the entire cabin.
The new Camry features a more rigid body structure, revised front suspension and redesigned rear suspension, while it's also the first Toyota to feature the firm's latest electric power steering (EPS) control system. The automaker says these changes instill the new Camry with "greater straight-line stability and crisper steering response, while also enhancing overall ride comfort".
For the 2012 model year, the new Camry and Camry Hybrid will be offered with six-different grades. Tech highlights include the introduction of Toyota's new Entune multimedia system that debuts support for mobile apps, such as Bing, OpenTable, and movietickets.com, along with accessing travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports.
Surprisingly, Toyota has dropped pricing of some trim grades to lower levels than its predecessor.
“Despite all of the enhancements to the all-new Camry, prices for all popular models have been reduced with dramatic repositioning on SE, XLE and Hybrid models, representing the best value in the segment,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager.
The base Camry L with the 2.4-liter engine, however, is priced from $21,955, or $710 more than the previous model.
The Hybrid LE carries an MSRP of $25,900, decrease of $1,150 or 4.3 percent compared to the 2011 model. For more details on pricing, check out the list below. 

2012 TOYOTA CAMRY

2012 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID

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Lexus Adds Optional F-Sport Package to CT 200h 2012

Lexus’ fifth hybrid vehicle and second dedicated hybrid after the HS sedan, the CT 200h, is cruising into its second model year with a few minor updates, the most important of which is the U.S. introduction of the optional F-Sport Package.
Unveiled for the first time at the 2010 Sydney Motor Show in Australia before making its North American debut at last year's SEMA gathering, the F-Sport Package for the CT 200h adds a limited number of visual and performance goods.
These include a sportier tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and front grille with a mesh pattern. Inside, the package adds metal front scuff plates, perforated leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, aluminum sport pedals and metallic trim on the dash panel. Buyers can further enhance the cabin with Black NuLuxe trimmed seats or perforated black leather-trimmed seats.
In addition to the sport kit, the 2012 model year CT 200h gains a new Vehicle Proximity Notification System that helps alert pedestrians and cyclists of an oncoming vehicle under certain conditions by emitting a low audible warning sound, while Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica finish.
Otherwise, there are no differences with the 2011MY CT 200h with the compact-sized hatchback powered by a hybrid powertrain that includes a 94HP 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor producing a combined system output of 134HP and allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds.
Lexus has not yet released any photos of the 2012 CT 200h with the F-Sport Package. The images you see below are of the Australian market version (blue colored model) and the SEMA show car (white finish). 

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