Infiniti M35h 2011

The Infiniti M35h, will introduce world-first steering and braking technologies when it goes on sale in the USA and Europe in 2011. Like the drivetrain, which marries a charismatic V6 petrol engine with 50 kW (68 PS) electric motor built in to the 7-speed automatic transmission, simplicity was a key tenet in the development of the steering and brakes of the high performance luxury sedan.

Yet when the driver demands it the Infiniti M35h responds like a true high performance machine, offering the linear acceleration and unsullied rear-drive handling of a true Infiniti – complete with all the charisma of one of the great V6 petrol engines. Like the 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) automatic transmission that blips the throttle on downchanges, the new braking and steering technologies are integral to the Infiniti M35h’s positioning as the hybrid to please the most demanding of drivers.

Honda CR-Z 2011 Review

A sporty hybrid? At first glance, the 2011 Honda CR-Z might seem a bit oxymoronic. After all, Americans expect their hybrid cars to be purely about fuel economy, with flowers, rainbows and unicorns coming out of the tailpipe. But Honda is hoping that people are ready for a car that not only gets very good fuel economy but also happens to be fun to drive -- a hybrid without the drive-induced narcolepsy, if you will.

Hard-core enthusiasts will likely be disappointed, but somebody just looking for a sporty two-door with good fuel economy will likely be pleased with the 2011 Honda CR-Z.

Pros, Nimble size and handling, quick steering, good fuel economy, sporty looks. Cons, Poor rearward visibility, most competitors have backseats, missing a few upscale features.

Toyota Auris 2010 HSD, or Hybrid Synergy Drive

Toyota Auris 2010 HSD, or Hybrid Synergy Drive, will officially go on sale in Europe later this spring. The car uses a 1.8-liter petrol engine and electric motor to provide nearly 62 mpg (US), consuming 3.8 liters of petrol per 100 km.

Featured in the car is a four-cylinder 1.8-liter VVT-i petrol engine producing 98 PS (72 kW) and up to 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is coupled with a 60 kW electric motor kicking out up to 207 Nm (153 lb-ft) torque. Surprisingly, maximum combined output is kept at 136 PS (100 kW), which seems low considering the strength of the motor.

Still, the hybrid's direct emissions is reduced to about 89 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The car is kept more efficient by a 0.283 drag coefficient, down from 0.290 on the other Auris models. This is due to aerodynamic changes seen only on the HSD, including longer bumpers, and a better designed grille that improves air flow over the top and reduces resistance underneath. Different lamps can also be seen.

The setup lets the car run on all-electric for up to two kilometers, and at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph). Regenerative braking is also a part of the package. The car features four driving modes, like EV, Eco, and Power. The fourth was not mentioned.

The Auris HSD is available in three different trim levels, with the base level including 15-inch V-design alloys, stability control, push-button start, hill assist, and a rear spoiler. One level up adds 17-inch rims, six-speaker CD radio, and Bluetooth. The last step up adds on Alcantara trim. Several options are also on offer.