Saab Turns to Biopower in 2007

Hybrid Cars from Hybrid Hippie!

I am glad to see that Saab is getting into the hybrid game.

- Saab announced yesterday that the company would deliver a more powerful flexible fuel engine capable of increased torque and maximum power when running on E85. The engine, a 210 bhp BioPower variant, will deliver "14 per cent more maximum power and 11 per cent more torque when running on E85 bioethanol fuel" and "delivers maximum power of 210 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, compared to 185 bhp and 280 Nm when using gasoline. As an example of the increased performance, the Sedan with manual transmission accelerates from zero to 100 kph in 7.9 secs and 80-120 kph in fifth gear in 11.0 secs, compared to 8.5 and 12.6 secs when running only on gasoline" according to GM. Unfortunately for North American Saab aficionados, the engine is scheduled to be used solely in the European market.


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A Look at the Daihatsu UFE2 Hybrid Concept

Hybrid Cars from Hybrid Hippie!

This is a neat looking car. I would buy one of these. Especially with it being a 4 seater.

- Green car expert, Daihatsu, is to unveil a record-breaking concept car at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live together with a host of eye-catching production models – specially customised for the show. First seen at last years Tokyo Motor Show, the UFE2 hybrid has been verified as the worlds most efficient four-seater with the lowest ever recorded drag coefficient of 0.19 Cd.Standing for Ultra Fuel Economy – the aluminium and composite-bodied minicar weighs only 570 kg and has a pleasingly tapered, teardrop shape with twin gull-wing doors hinged in the centre of the roof. The spacious four-seat interior is equally futuristic, with a central control unit housing all the major controls including a steer-by-wire system which replaces the conventional steering wheel. Power is via a low-polluting three-cylinder 660 cc direct-injection petrol engine linked to a compact, lightweight generator and permanent electric motor. The UFE2s secondary batteries are advanced nickel-metal hydride and the gearbox is an automatic CVT (continually variable transmission). Strictly monitored tests have recorded an astonishing 170 mpg-plus for the UFE2 – equivalent to travelling 60 km on one litre of fuel. The West Bromwich-based importers first quarter sales are more than one third higher this year at 36.93 per cent up, while new dealer appointments have averaged one per week in the same period, with the network now standing at 104 outlets.Daihatsu is also celebrating a dramatic improvement in the J. D. Power and Associates 2004 Customer Satisfaction Index where it was ranked 7th overall out of 33 manufacturers – up from 11th in 2003. Furthermore, Daihatsu was the most improved brand for Service Satisfaction with a 62 point increase on last year, making it 3rd overall instead of 16th. Daihatsu Ownership Costs showed an equally impressive 30 point improvement, giving it a 5th placing instead of 10th.

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