[edit] What’s New for 2009 Hybrid Vehicles | New Hybrid Cars
[edit] Hybrid Trucks and More for 2009
The 2009 lineup of cars is certainly impressive, but it leaves one wondering, “What am I going to do about gas mileage?” Thankfully, the new line of hybrid vehicles that are out answer this question with ‘vroom’ to spare.
[edit] Honda Hybrids
As usual, Honda tops the pack with a lineup of new 2009 hybrid cars. Even though the 2007 Honda Accord hybrid vehicle was discontinued, much to the chagrin of its fans, Honda promises a lineup of newer, better, and less expensive hybrids, adding to the already reduced cost of saving gas.
[edit] The Mystery Machines
For the past year, Honda has let it be known that it will release a yet-to-be-named new hybrid car. Similar in styling to the new Honda FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle, this new hybrid will seat five in a five-door hatchback body style. On top of exterior and interior superior style, this will be Honda’s most affordable car to date. This is because of a significant reduction in costs due to a tweak in Honda’s hybrid powertrain called IMA or Integrated Motor Assist, which we will discuss later in this article. Another yet-to-be-named small hybrid will also be introduced in 2009. This is a concept car based on the ever-so-sporty CRZ concept vehicle.
[edit] Hybrid Honda Fit
Honda plans to introduce a hybrid version in 2009 of its 2008 Honda Fit. Named on several "best of" lists, the hybrid version of the Honda Fit is sure to please. The Fit is one of the more unique body styles that are on the road, with a “sporty” and base model trim available for added bling. While these smaller vehicles are not necessarily known for their power, this vehicle is the little engine that could, packing a power punch of a zippy 109 horsepower 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. Just perfect for a little bitty car.
[edit] Hybrid Honda Civic
A great stand-by which is fast becoming a classic, the Honda Civic is offered again in its 2009 lineup of hybrid vehicles. Said by the president of Honda to be the least expensive Civic that Honda has to offer in a hybrid thus far, the Civic remains unchanged from the 2009 model. Even though it’s economical, you can certainly purchase the upgraded EX-L models with leather upholstery and heated seats. The “Mungen” model offers sporty tires and trim, for those who like the custom look straight out of the factory.
[edit] Hybrid Toyota Camry
Toyota-heads rejoice! The classic sedan-style Camry will now be offered in a hybrid for 2009. This is good news, but the bad news is the conventional fuel Camry just got slammed by the 2009 Hyundais and 2008 Chevrolet Malibu in terms of gas mileage. The engine boasts a 2.4 liter in-line four-in-front engine with dual overhead cams. Just like the gasoline powered Camry!
[edit] Hybrid Mercury Mariner
No stranger to the sudden greening of the auto-industry due to gas prices, the Big Three have come out with many new hybrid SUVS to meet consumer demand. You can have your (big, huge, SUV-size) chassis and eat it too! Side-impact and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on the new Mercury Mariner, unlike former models, and the ever-trendy reverse sensing becomes standard on Premier models. With the “Moon and Tune package” you get a moonroof, roof rack, and an AM/FM audio system with satellite radio and a six-disc, in-dash CD changer. Now that’s some cake.
[edit] Hybrid GMC Sierra, Silverado and Cadillac Escalade
This is pure genius. Now truck owners, too, can join the party. With many consumers scrambling to meet gas prices, the sales of smaller cars have skyrocketed, forcing entire truck factories to close in the big three, whose profits are mostly based on truck sales. GM no longer has this problem, at least not with these models. Supposedly, these new trucks have the same power as standard non-hybrid models, with towing capacity at its standard 6,100 pounds. Part of what enables GM to get away with this is its exclusive “dual-mode” transmission in hybrids, which prevents the electric mower from coming on during times of high power usage, such as towing or heavy load driving conditions, circumventing a massive power-suck. Sounds painful.
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