The most popular type of green car is the hybrid. A hybrid runs on two different propulsion systems to drive it. Usually this involves a gasoline engine and an electric drive motor. Often it uses the gas to start the car and switches over to electricity once it is going.  Periodically it uses gas to help boost the speed of the vehicle as well.  Hybrids get for more miles per gallon and have very few tailpipe emissions. While you also save money on gas the downside is that they tend to be pricier up front and after a few years the main battery needs replacing. That being said, the technology is getting cheaper and cheaper to produce every day. To make them even more efficient they can also run off diesel or other alternative fuels.  Hybrids can also come in a plug-in version.

Another rapidly developing option is the electric car. Much like it sounds, these cars run purely on electricity and are incredibly cost efficient, averaging just pennies per mile.  They are also incredibly green as they produce no emissions what so ever. The down side is that they have a limited range of miles, usually around 100, before they have to recharge. The other downside is they don’t have a high top speed. Come to used trucks for a great deal today.

Some cars run on biodiesel as well. Biodiesel is a diesel fuel made from alternate sources like waste vegetable oil or even soy beans. It is much cleaner then gas or even petroleum diesel. Additionally, it can run in standard diesel engines without any need for conversion.  It is also made locally so it can reduce the countries need for foreign oil.  The downside is that gasoline cars must be modified to use it and currently it isn’t easy to produce.

On a similar note it is possible to run a car on ethanol as well. Ethanol alcohol is the same kind found in alcoholic beverages. There are roughly 30 types of flex vehicles that can use ethanol or gasoline or both. Many electric cars and hybrids are designed to use ethanol as well. It is made from corn or sugar cane, although alternate sources are being developed.

Green technology is getting better and more efficient every day and has already come far from its early days. As for which type is the best only you can decide.

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However, there are plenty of other practical reasons to consider the Sportback.  In government run crash tests the Sportback received a five star-driver and four star-passenger safety rating.  This, in part, to front seat side airbags, driver knee airbag, extended head curtain airbags, antilock brakes and stability control.  The Lancer Sportback also helps save money at the gas pump with an estimated 20 to 23 mpg highway.

Even though it’s a hatchback this clever vehicle is far from dull. The Lancer Sportback is available in two high-end trim levels, the GTS and Ralliart AWD styles. The GTS models come equipped with either a 5-speed manual or CVT transmission and draw power from a 168hp, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine.  Similar to racing models, the Ralliart turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine cranks out 237hp and has an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles.  Both the GTS and Ralliart styles are loaded with special features including; sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, antilock brakes, lower body skirting. leather-wrapped, tilt-only steering wheel, chrome exhaust outlet, keyless entry, sport bucket front seats, 60/40-split rear seat with center armrest, a six speaker CD/MP3 sound system and Bluetooth connection.

Specialty trim packages are available for both styles. The GTS can be upgraded to the Sun and Sound package adding a sunroof, nine speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with in-dash six CD changer and satellite radio as well as an optional navigation system with 30GB of hard drive music storage. Upgrading the Ralliart to the Recaro Sport package will include sports seats emblazoned with the Mitsubishi logo and the full Rockford Fosgate sound system.

With a base price around $19,000, the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is sure to gain wide appeal. Whether you are a racing enthusiast who wants to feel the exhilaration of a turbocharged engine, or a yard sale hound that needs to transport your treasures the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback could be the car for you.

By today’s standards the Land Rover LR4 is the new classic.  With a base price of $48,100 it stands in the middle of the road between its higher priced Range Rover cousins and the more compact and cost efficient LR2 models.  The LR4 is powered by a 5.0-liter LR-V8 engine that delivers 375 hp and 375 ft-lb torque. Four-corner, cross-linked electronic air suspension provides a car like ride and superior control.  The vehicle height can be raised, via touch screen controls, by 2.15 inches to climb over obstacles or lowered by 2 inches for easy loading and access.  An Adaptive Shift Strategy transmission automatically adapts to driving styles and surface conditions without driver assistance. A Terrain Response feature can be activated with the turn of a dial and simultaneously adjusts the engine, transmission, suspension and traction to adapt for icy roads or in snowy conditions. At night, the Adaptive Front Lighting anticipates curves and directs light beams accordingly.

The luxurious LR4 interior is a far cry from rugged.  Windsor leather, wood veneer finishes and fine detail work grace the cabin while vast spans of window space allow for panoramic views. hen the view is less than dynamic, plenty of entertainment options are available in the new 2010 Land Rover LR4.  Theater-style audio quality from HD Radio interfaces with USB, MP3 players and iPods for a customized soundtrack.  Remote audio controls as well as telephone controls reside on the heated steering wheel for added convenience and comfort. Rear seat passengers can pass the time by watching DVDs or playing portable video games while listening to sound through individual headphones.  Driver and passengers alike can adjust the dual climate controls and set temperatures to their liking.  One of the most popular assets of the Land Rover LR4 is the abundant room.  The collapsible third row allows seating for 7 adults comfortably.

Yes, the Land Rover LR4 is one of the most imressive vehicles on the market today.  When good looks, power, smart technology and luxurious get together the result is simply marvelous. Learn more about the Land Rover LR4 or see the entire Land Rover lineup at San Francisco Land Rover Dealer.

The Mustang GT has had a 5.0 liter engine in its bay for almost 30 years.  It was only in 1996 that Ford went with the 4.6L engine.  Well now the 2011 Mustang GT will get an increase in displacement to meet the 5.0 liters of days gone by.  Since the Mustang was redesigned in 2010, not much has changed on the outside; but a lot has changed under the hood.
In order to deal with the Chevy Camaro and its 426 horsepower, Ford need to add some more muscle for the 2011 model year.  So a bump in displacement and a reworked engine will net 416 horsepower; enough to contend with the Camaro SS 426HP and the Challenger SRT8 425HP.  The Mustang already is the best handling car of the bunch, and with the added horsepower, the GT should establish itself once again at the top of the muscle car heap.

Chevrolet struck a heart string with buyers when the 2010 Camaro came stock with a V-6 engine that produced 300 hp while getting 30 MPG on the highway.  Ford has decided to follow suit and will introduce a 3.7 liter, V-6 engine in the stock Mustang that will generate 305 Hp, which is more than the Camaro V-6.  Fuel Economy numbers for this engine is right at the 30 MPG mark on the highway.

These special edition cars will be coated with bespoke Carbon Black paint with a hint of metallic to create a deep matte finish.  More than 50 man-hours will go into the paint job alone. The V12 will feature real Carbon Fiber side strakes with black mesh backing.  Both Black Carbon models will be equipped with 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels.  Black Obsidian leather graces the interior and is accented with silver hand stitching. Carbon Fibre and Kevlar fashioned seats are exceedingly lightweight and offer a dramatic appearance. Sleek, piano black facia trim runs throughout the cabin, center stack and center console.  Anodised black tread plates, sill plaque and steering wheel trim further complement the cabin aesthetics.   Standard in the DBS model is the Bang & Olufsen Beosound audio system and the premium Aston Martin 700w audio system is standard issue for the V12 Vantage.

For those that can afford the slight 5% increase above the normal Aston Martin sticker price (if you’re buying an Aston Martin, price is probably not of concern) the Carbon Black models are available for order through Aston Martin dealerships here and abroad.

When the 2011 Ford Fiesta returns to the states, Americans will be pleased with its playful appearance, fuel efficiency and nimble handling.  Available in either a hatchback or sedan the new Fiesta has an ultra sporty design.  Its teardrop shape, tight body panels, flattened grill, low flexible chin and decklid spoilers were crafted to be aerodynamic as well as aesthetically appealing.   The Fiesta will be available in six matchbox-esq colors including plenty of metallics.

The Fiesta interior incorporates sound-deadening materials in the windshield, doors, headliner and pillars to reduce the amount of wind noise. Unlike others in its class the Fiesta has available features such as a powered moon roof, heated front seats with leather trim and seven interior lighting colors to choose from. The center console displays audio settings, phone info and other data on an easy to read 4” multifunctional LCD display screen.  Plenty of Ford’s innovative technology is on board as well including SYNC hands-free communication and their Intelligent Access with push-button start.

The fuel efficiency of the New Ford Fiesta can be attributed to a 1.6-liter twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) Duratec 14 Engine.  When combined with the optional PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission the Fiesta could achieve a highway fuel economy of 40 mpg.  The “fill for life” transmission fluid is designed to last up to 150,000 miles and is virtually maintenance free-good news for those that want to reduce the number of service visits. The Fiesta’s electric powered rack and pinion steering with AdvanceTrac makes the Fiesta quick, ultra responsive and fun to drive.  Ford also spent extra time ensuring that the Fiesta is a safe vehicle.  Unlike any other car in its class the Fiesta comes equipped with seven airbags.  One of which is a driver’s knee airbag to provide a cushion between the driver and the instrument panel.

Overall the completely new and abundantly enhanced Ford Fiesta is a great car for around $13.500.  It is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in Spring or Summer 2010 and will surely turn some heads.

Ford returns to the top of the Automotive World with the Ford Fusion.  Voted Motor Trend’s Car of the Year; Ford has reclaimed title after an 8 year hiatus.  Ford decided to take a page out of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry handbook; which have been the best selling cars in the mid-sized segment for the last few years.  The Fusion’s main reason for winning the Motor Trend COTY is the flexibility.  While the Fusion has been around since 2006, it was not until this year that Ford totally redesigned the car top to bottom, and without any bailout money from the government.  The Ford Fusion scored incredibly well on six different categories such as: function, engineering, efficiency, design, safety, and value.  

Starting at around $20,000 for the base model, you get a great mid-sized sedan that has a sporty ride while getting an EPA 22 MPG in the City and 31 MPG on the highway.  This puts the Fusion 4-cylinder well above the pack in terms of fuel economy.  Opt for the Appearance Package at just under a grand and you get a whole lot for a little including: 18-inch rims, performance tires, a rear wing, leather wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control.  A great deal no doubt!

For those that need more than the 175 Horsepower the inline four produces; there is a V-6 engine available for added power.  The Duratec 3.5L engine puts out a nice 263hp and 249lb-ft. of torque.  This is the middle of the pack for the mid-sized sedan segment.  The top performer of the Fusion platform is called the Fusion Sport.  This nifty package adds a SelectShift six-speed auto transmission, sport suspension, dual exhaust, and body enhancements.  You can also add all-wheel drive for added safety.

The hybrid version of the Fusion has been winning accolades from just about every car publication for the past few months.  The Fusion is by far, the best hybrid vehicle any American manufacturer is offering.  In fact, the EPA has named the Fusion Hybrid the 2nd most fuel efficient automobile for 2010!  What is really cool about the Fusion Hybrid is the parallel hybrid system that allows the Fusion to operate up to 45 MPH on battery power alone.  Paired with an Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine, the Fusion obtains an EPA gas mileage figure of 41 MPG in the City (the Honda Insight only gets 40 MPG) and 36 MPG on the Highway.  Couple this with lighter batteries and a continuous variable transmission; the Fusion is the leader in mid-sized hybrid vehicles.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Ford Fusion.  The interior is well-designed and full of features.  Power everything, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated seats, dual climate control, Satellite Navigation, and Bluetooth capabilities are just a few of the options and features available on the new Ford Fusion.

The Fusion with Stability Control also made it to the IIHS Top Safety Pick’s () for the year.  Helping the Fusion make this elite list are disc brakes at all four corners of the car along with ABS.  Dual-Stage Airbags, a lane change alert system, and a rear view camera all aid in the safety department.

The Ford Fusion beat out some top contenders for Motor Trend’s Car of the Year.  But this award is well deserved and Ford went a long way in updating the 2010 Fusion by addressing some of the sore spots in the first generation.  And they have been rewarded for their attention to detail with numerous accolades.  The New 2010 Ford Fusion represents an affordable, fully loaded, mid-sized sedan.

Stop by your local Ford Dealer to test drive the award-winning 2010 Ford Fusion.

Starting with the exterior enhancements, the New  Nissan Rogue Krom gets a new front bumper with fog lights and a sweet chrome grill that adds a sporty look to the front of the SUV.  The outside mirrors are color matched.  And speaking of Paint, the Rogue Krom comes in 3 limited edition colors: Gotham Gray, Venom Red, and Wicked Black.  Out back the 2010 Nissan Rogue Krom get a new rear bumper with a cool exhaust that exits out the center, and a color matched rear spoiler.  Rounding out the modifications are a set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

While these changes may not seem like much on the surface, they go a long way in the looks department when you compare the stock Rogue with the Krom version.  MSRP for the Krom is $23,940.

Source: Nissan News

The exterior of the 2010 GMC Terrain is very bold and truck like. The goal was to create a new look for GMC. The Terrain offers some Buff lines with a huge chrome front grill. But this grill is not just for looks alone, the surface area is so large as to provide proper cooling for the Terrain. The tires are also tucked behind the fenders as to reduce drag and increase fuel efficientcy. There are available 19-inch chrome rims that are a must on this ride.

The interior is clean and modern. The center stack is unique and is definitely the center piece of the interior. The leather heated seats are ultra comfortable and the car is very ergonomic. There is plenty of functional storage room and lots of cool ambient lighting. The backseat is roomy and cubic feet storage space is right in the middle for the class.

Base powertrain is a 2.4 liter 4-clyinder direct-injected engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that will get 30 MPG on the highway and 22 in the city which will set the Terrian at the top of the heap for in class fuel economy. Front wheel drive is also standard on the Terrain. If you opt for the V-6 engine you will get 3 liters of direct fuel injected goodness producing 260 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque. Gas mileage for the V-6 is 17/24 city/highway. All wheel drive is available on both engine choices but your fuel economy will suffer.

Features and technology is where the Terrain really shines. Besides the USB, MP3, touch navigation, rear view camera, 40 GB hard drive, XM Radio, OnStar, and rear DVD entertainment; ever new Terrain comes with GM’s 100k mile/5-year warranty which covers the entire drivetrain!

Cost starts at just over $24k and the Terrain has a five-star crash safety rating from the IIHS!

As the name suggests the new Genesis reflects the Hyundai evolution. Over the last two decades Hyundai has made continuous improvements, added innovative engineering and truly listened to what their customers want.  Today the Hyundai line is synonymous with affordable quality and reliability.  Safety is a key element as well, the Genesis also earned the highest 5 star safety rating from the NHTSA this year.

But don’t mistake the Genesis for just another well made sedan.  This baby can hold its own against racing legends such as BMW and the Porsche Boxter with 290 horsepower, V-6 and 0 to 60mph in 5.7 seconds. Innovative technologies such as five-link front and rear suspension and adaptive front lighting (AFLS) which matches the vehicle’s turning angle for the best possible visibility, further enhance the driving experience. The ultra comfortable interior has features such as a heated and cooled driver’s seat, and a Lexicon Discrete 7.1 surround sound system previously reserved for Rolls Royce owners.

Remove the Hyundai badge and the Genesis sedan could easily be mistaken for a luxury vehicle with a price tag in the $40,000 to $50,000 range.  But as always, the Hyundai price point is palatable and realistic. A breath of fresh air in the current economy.  The base price for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan is around $33,000.  For around $36,000 the vehicle comes with upgraded wheels, leather trim and a sunroof.