Product News

Toyota Debuts 2005 Highlander Hybrid SUV

Toyota Motor Sales debuted the 2005 Toyota Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this month. Like Toyota's four-cylinder Prius gas-electric hybrid, the seven -passenger 3.3-liter V6-equipped Highlander Hybrid will be powered by a new version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, with nearly double the battery power and more than twice the motor power. The SUV's combined peak-system power is projected at approximately 270 horsepower.

The Highlander Hybrid will offer the fuel economy of a four-cylinder compact sedan, according to Toyota. In addition, the SUV will come standard-equipped with front-wheel-drive. An optional four-wheel-drive package will use front and rear electric motors to deliver balanced power to all four wheels.

A Vehicle Dynamic Management (VDM) system anticipates pending vehicle stability problems and then corrects the situation with a combination of braking and throttle control. Other features will include three rows of seats that include rear privacy glass, a rear heater system and rear seat cupholders; "walk-in" steps and a second-row sliding seat for easy third-row access; and a fold-down third-row seat for added cargo space. The vehicle will be available early 2005.

Honda to Introduce Hybrid-Electric Version of Accord This Year

Honda Motor Co. has announced that it will introduce a hybrid-electric version of its mid-size Accord. Slated for introduction later this year as a 2005 model, the mid-size Accord Hybrid brings hybrid power to Honda's best-selling model, the 240-horsepower Accord V6 Sedan. In addition, the Hybrid Accord will achieve "the fuel economy of a four-cylinder, compact-class Civic," according to Honda. The Civic achieves gas mileages in the mid-30s (miles per gallon) while the current Accord model achieves mileages in the mid-20s.

The Accord Hybrid is the first V6 application of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist technology. It is also the first hybrid vehicle to employ Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which allows for the deactivation of three of the engine's six cylinders under certain conditions such as highway cruising to deliver greater fuel efficiency, according to Honda.

Mercedes-Benz Announces Vision Grand Sports Tourer Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz displayed its new Vision Grand Sports Tourer Hybrid earlier this month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Powered by a diesel-electric hybrid system, the Vision Grand Sports Tourer provides seating for six adults. The zero-emission electric motor kicks in when low power is required—primarily parking and driving in stop-and-go traffic—while the V8 diesel engine springs to life only when more power is needed. During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the drive battery.

The hybrid combines a V8 diesel engine with 247 horsepower and a 67-horsepower electric motor, resulting in 314 horsepower of total power and 634 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the Vision Grand Sports Tourer has the acceleration of a sports car, sprinting from zero to 62 miles per hour in just 6.6 seconds, and the car's top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, according to Mercedes-Benz.

Designed for versatility, the Grand Sports Tourer incorporates four rear seats that can be folded individually to create up to 72 cubic feet of luggage space. Other features include full-time all-wheel drive, a seven-speed transmission, large perforated brake discs, 21-inch wheels and AIRMATIC air suspension.

Lexus Introduces RX 400h Gas-Electric Hybrid SUV

Lexus introduced what will be the world's first luxury gas-electric hybrid SUV at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this month. The RX 400h will be powered by a 3.3-liter V6 Hybrid Synergy Drive system. In addition, the SUV will develop a peak system output of approximately 270 horsepower and deliver combined fuel economy significantly better than the current average compact sedan rating of 27.6 miles-per-gallon. Zero-to-60 acceleration will also improve over the current RX 330's sub-8 second time. The RX 400h with optional all-wheel-drive, which features a rear-drive, will accelerate quicker yet, according to Lexus.

The system is a "full hybrid," meaning that the RX 400h is capable of operating in separate gas or electric modes, as well as a mode that combines power from both. The RX 400h will introduce the VDM (Vehicle Dynamic Management) system. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the VDM system is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then help correct the situation with a combination of braking and throttle control. The RX 400h will also be rated Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), one of the most stringent emissions rating in the industry. The 2005 RX 400h is expected to be available for purchase this fall.

PV-TV Solar Panel Does Double-Duty as Display Screen

Developed by MSK Corp. in conjunction with Kaneka Corp. and the Japanese architects Taiyo Industries, PV-TV is a semi-transparent solar panel that also functions as a display screen. A standard projector is mounted on the ceiling or floor inside the building, allowing the building to be used as a nighttime display screen. Large-scale displays can be formed by combining multiple units.

During the manufacturing process, a laser inscribes a series of ultra-fine lines, allowing 10 percent of visible light to be transmitted through the panel. This level of light transmission is optimal to allow sufficient light into the building in cloudy conditions while protecting against excessive solar gain, according to MSK. PV-TV is laminated in double glass and is available in either 10mm standard glass or 13mm strengthened glass thickness. The panels have a 38 peak watt rating and weigh 20kg.

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