From hybrids, technology, new vehicles and the environment, to saving money at the pumps.

By WHEELBASE COMMUNICATIONS Comments 0
Published: November 3, 2009

Order taking soon begins for Nissan Leaf: It appears that Nissan has the Chevrolet Volt clearly in the crosshairs with the announcement that it will begin taking reservations for the 2011 Leaf, its new electric car, starting in spring of 2010. Nissan credits "strong initial demand" for the decision, saying that nearly 22,000 people in North America have contacted the company since the car's unveiling in August. The five-passenger hatchback is expected to be priced between $28,000 and $35,000 before any government incentives. Those who wish to place a reservation for the Leaf can visit a dedicated Web site www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car. The Leaf is also being readied for a U.S. tour that will kick off in Los Angeles, Calif., this October.

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If anyone can push diesels, it's Volkswagen: Diesel-powered vehicles don't account for a large percentage of North American new-car sales, but Volkswagen is looking to change that with a variety of affordable diesel options. VW has seen early success with its turbo-diesel Jetta models and is hoping that momentum will carry over to the new Golf. The Euro-spec GTD was unveiled earlier this year and VW will import the same vehicle to the North American market within the next year as the Golf TDI. As with the European version, the car will employ a 2.0-liter diesel engine that generates 140 horsepower and a healthy 236 pound-feet of torque. Positioned as a sport model, the North American-spec Golf TDI also gets an upgraded suspension, big wheels, a six-speed manual transmission or VW's automated manual, called the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). The six-speed manual returns 30/41mpg city highway, while the DSG ups highway driving to 42 mpg.

Prius "brand" touts second model: Perhaps as a precursor to the company's forthcoming Prius brand expansion, Toyota announced the launch of the second Prius-based dedicated gas-electric hybrid model. Dubbed the Sal, the all-new car is set to hit the Japanese market on Oct. 20. It will actually be based on the current Lexus HS 250h - a vehicle that uses the current Prius platform as its starting point - taking the form of a four-door sedan. As such, the Sai will be powered by the HS 250h's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine - mated to a Toyota-Camry-based hybrid drive - which should net average fuel economy in the 35 mpg range. With the HS 250h already in North America, there's no word on how the Sal might translate into a new model here.

Subaru concept delves into hybrid technology and much more: Ahead of the Hybrid Tourer release at the Tokyo Motor Show on Oct. 21, Subaru has provided some information about the concept car. Subaru calls the gullwinged machine a "new proposal for the future of [the] grand touring car." As the name implies, the show car has a hybrid powertrain featuring electric propulsion and Subaru's turbocharged 2.0-liter horizontally opposed "Boxer" four-cylinder and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A high-performance lithium-ion battery expands on the technologies Subaru gleaned from its STELLA electric car, which went on sale this summer in the Japanese automaker's home market. The concept car also features EyeSight, a vehicle-to-vehicle and road-to-vehicle communication system designed to help prevent collisions. The system uses a "stereo" camera and a 3D processor to predict impending collisions.

Six-speed to debut on CR-Z: Honda announced it will display a near-production version of the CR-Z at the Tokyo Motor Show this October, which will likely be the world's first hybrid sports car to employ a six-speed transmission (instead of the usual continuously variable unit) when it goes on sale next year. Alongside the CR-Z Concept will be the EV-N, a small, four-seat battery-electric vehicle inspired by the N360, the twin-cylinder air-cooled 360cc micro car launched with a plastic trunk lid in the 1960s. The revival vehicle has solar panels on the roof that could be used to charge the battery.

Shift points

Audi has developed a lightweight prototype of its A5 coupe that missing more than 240 pounds, thanks to the extensive use of aluminum and carbon fiber. Because of this new A5 can get away with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, compared to the A5's current 3.2-liter V6. No word when it might arrive.

Bob Kruse, who played a key role in the development of the Chevrolet Volt, resigned recently. Kruse, executive director of global vehicle engineering for hybrids, electric vehicles and batteries since early last year, left to focus on his electric-vehicle consulting company.

Crude reminder: Analysts believe around $75 a barrel is "a fair price for both producer and consumer in the future," says economist John Mothersole at analyst IHS Global Insight. Global demand is very weak and with inventories at record high levels, oil prices will be pressured downward.

______________ CUTLINE INFO Nissan_Leaf.eps: Nissan says that about 22,000 people in North America have been in contact about the new Leaf electric vehicle. VWGolf.eps: The new Golf, formerly the Rabbit, will be available in a sport-tuned diesel model. HS_250h_rear.eps: The Lexus HS 250h (pictured) which is somewhat based on the Toyota Prius but uses a Camry-based hybrid gas-electric system, will be converted for use in Japan. There, the car will likely be called the Toyota Sal. CRZHonda.eps: The Honda CR-Z will likely be the first hybrid gas-electric sports car for sale in North America. It will also be one of the first to use a six-speed transmission as opposed to the common cotinuously variable unit. ______________