How can luxury brand cars rise up to eco friendly smart car company?
For those who don’t know who smart is: The smart brand is all about environmental friendliness and contemporary functionality. Smart fortwo’s innovative concept has combined sustainable, forward-looking technologies with individual urban mobility. Its distinctive design made smart an automotive lifestyle icon which shows that mobility, responsibility for the environment and joie de vivre are compatible with one another. In other words, they’re that other really compact car you see people driving now.
With smart’s commitment to reduce emissions, how can they compare to these luxury hybrids regarding fuel economy? The smart fortwo’s have 41/33 which is about the same as the Jaguar XJ (which has 40 mgp highway). Though the Jaguar XJ can hold its own next to the smart fortwo’s, other luxury brands cannot stand up to their fuel economy (brands like Lexus, Mercedes Benz, and Cadillac all have their fuel efficiency at about 23-26 mpg highway).

Among the list of great things about smart cars is that they’re very economic. The 2011 smart fortwo is anywhere from 12,635 to 18,635. From the luxurious brands, Lexus came in as the most affordable having a MSRP of 42,685, the most costly luxury car with a MSRP of 87,950 is the Mercedes Benz (the Jaguar XJ was about 1.000 less).
After much searching, we’ve revealed 4 top luxury green fuel efficient cars. Starting with the Mercedes-Bendz S Class Hybrid combines a gasoline-powered V-6 engine with an electric motor which is how they get their super-ultra-low emissions and high efficiency. Overall the engine generates a combined 295 horsepower and as 26/19 fuel efficiency. The 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid which flaunts that they’re the world’s only full-size luxury hybrid SUV. The engine is a 6.0L V8 with the fuel efficiency of 23 mpg highway.

The next hybrid we’re featuring is the 2010 Lexus RX450h, that’s a hybrid that features a V-6, 3.5 liter engine and gets 32/28 mpg (that is only surpassed by the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid) which makes it one of the most fuel efficient luxury brand out there.
The 2011 Jaguar XJ’s engine is equipped with the 3.0-liter AJ-V6D turbo-diesel which can get a fuel economy of 40 mpg highway.
For those not paying attention, which means the luxury cars with the best fuel economy are:
1. 2011 Jaguar XJ
2. 2010 Lexus RX450h
3. 2010 Mercedes-Bendz S Class Hybrid
4. 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Though these are all great options for eco friendly cars the all electric smart fortwo’s coming in 2012 (you may have heard the excitement about the new 2011 fortwo all electric drive, but they are being made in small quantity). The assembly of these small electric cars are happening in the plant in and is producing 1,500 units. After production they are going to be testing the all electric cars on consumers in the larger European cities in order to get consumer reaction.a

The Toyota Prius is the world’s top selling hybrid car, with cumulative global sales of 1.6 million units by early 2010, and has become the icon of green cars.
A green vehicle or environmentally friendly vehicle is a road motor vehicle that produces less harmful impacts to the environment than comparable conventional internal combustion engine vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. Presently, in some countries the term is used for any vehicle surpassing the Euro6-norm such as LEVs and ULEVs, and also more informally it is used for California’s zero emissions vehicles and other low-carbon emission vehicles.
Green vehicles are powered by alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies and include hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, compressed-air vehicles, hydrogen and fuel-cell vehicles, neat ethanol vehicles, flexible-fuel vehicles, natural gas vehicles, clean diesel vehicles, and some sources also include vehicles using blends of biodiesel and ethanol fuel or gasohol. Several author also include conventional motor vehicles with high fuel economy, as they consider that increasing fuel economy is the most cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector in the short run. As part of their contribution to sustainable transport, environmentally friendly vehicles reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to energy independence by reducing oil imports.

Green vehicles include vehicles types that function fully or partly on alternative energy sources other than fossil fuel or less carbon intensive than gasoline or diesel.

Another option is the use of alternative fuel composition in conventional fossil fuel-based vehicles, making them function partially on renewable energy sources. Other approaches include personal rapid transit, a public transportation concept that offers automated, on-demand, non-stop transportation on a network of specially built guide ways.

Electric and fuel cell-powered
Examples of vehicles with reduced petroleum consumption include electric cars, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell-powered hydrogen cars.
Electric cars are typically more efficient than fuel cell-powered vehicles on a wheel-to-wheel basis. For this reason, battery powered vehicles and plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity. They have better fuel economy than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles but are hampered by range or maximum distance attainable before discharging the battery. The electric car batteries are their main cost. They provide a 55% to 99.9% improvement in CO2 emissions compared to an ICE (gasoline, diesel) vehicle, depending on the source of electricity.

Hybrid electric vehicles

Hybrid cars may be partly fossil fueled and partly electric or hydrogen-powered. They are more expensive to purchase but cost redemption is achieved in a period of about 5 years due to better fuel economy.

Green cars do not mean that their color is green. The fact is that these cars are fuel efficient and release less harmful gases. These cars are environment friendly. Toyota Hybrid Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Camry Hybrid 4-Door Sedan are some examples. Everyone tries to continuously make their quality better by reducing the pollution and irrelevant expenses. Basically, these cars are a combination of these two aspects. It is also helpful in facilitating the new quality conscious generation.

There are several sizes, types and shapes of green cars. These are natural gas, fuel cell, bioethanol, ethanol, hybrid, diesel and gas. Many factors including your lifestyle and wallet have to be considered to determine a better car for the environment.

Selecting a green car
Considering the fuel efficiency is one reason for choosing a green car. So for choosing a good car, an efficient one with low engine capacity will be needed. This type of car utilizes advanced technology and it has the ability to provide sufficient torque at a significant low rate of RPM. A car will cover a long distance with less fuel at a significant average speed when its engine is working efficiently.

Besides that, when considering to go green, a lot of companies focus on hybrid cars having a fairly low engine capacity. However they are expensive to manufacture than conventional cars. Lesser fuel consumption means producing lesser emissions. These cars are specially designed for consuming less amount of fuel as a considerably better mileage simultaneously. Proper maintenance, good condition and reducing excess weight of the car is also important to ensure.

The main source of car emission is commonly known as Carbon Dioxide. So for getting a green car that does not emit such gases, BEV or Battery Electric Vehicle is a good option to consider. As the name suggests, it is an electric powered car and does not require any fuel for running but the vehicles would need charging before driving. A fully charged vehicle has the ability to run for about 300 – 400 kms. Before getting this green car, it would be essential to consider its advantages and disadvantages.

For selecting a green car among the petrol cars, the good option to consider is the one that comes with catalytic converter, this device is used for reducing poisonous gas emissions that are definitely dangerous for the environment. This is done by burning the excess fuel before it is released in the atmosphere.

The conclusion
These were the basic guidelines to select a green car. However one must bear in mind these cars are not very cheap. As compared to regular ones, these are expensive.

Green cars are fuel efficient, environment and technologically friendly, they help to make the planet greener and healthier. Green cars are surely good to suit the demands of young generation.

Year 2010 has so far been a very significant one for the Indian auto sector. The sector has seen a number of launches by global car manufacturers and world class products coming to India. The country also saw the incoming of made-for-India cars and production bases shifting to the country. Some Indian manufacturers like Tata got global attention and are on the road to entering into the developed markets. But this is just the tip of the iceberg as there are many more significant events lined up to happen in the year. A slew of new launches are just one of those many significant things scheduled to happen. So, here is a look at all those brand new cars that are soon going to ply on Indian roads.

BMW X1

BMW showcased this beauty at the Delhi Auto Expo and this next generation car has state of the art technology and features and is comparatively low priced. The BMW X1 is expected to be powered by a diesel engine and would fall in the price range of Rs 25 – 30 lakh. Its not just the looks BMW X1 promises to be a safe car equipped with ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), dual front airbags and side ITS head airbags, alarm system with remote control and engine immobilizer, front and rear anti roll bars, central locking, child lock, crash sensor, front and rear fog lamps, halogen headlamps, front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioner and belt force limiter, side impact protection and many more features.

Tata Aria

Tata Aria is a versatile cross-over and with features common to premium SUVs it is bound to make a mark for itself. It is an eight-seater luxurious MUV build on the roadster concept and comes with a 2.2L, DICOR (Direct Injection Common Rail) engine. This is being hailed as the most sophisticated Tata ever and is expected to fall in the price range if Rs 10-15 lakh. Tata Aria is being dubbed as the most sophisticated Tata till date. The Tata Aria CUV in India would come with a four wheel drive option. Tata Aria was also on display at the recently-concluded 80th Geneva Auto Show. The Tata Aria is being hailed as the most advanced and expensive Tata and has a plethora of new and advanced features. The brakes would be disc type coupled with ABS and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system. The ESP is the first of Tata cars to be offered with. The Tata Aria is going to handle very well on city and even off the road as the car is packed with a number of class best features. Aria’s power steering, efficient braking system with ESP and standard ground clearance ensure hassle free driving.

Skoda Yeti

With a price tag approximately between Rs 12-15 lakh the Yeti would be placed between Skoda Fabia and Skoda Octavia. The Skoda Yeti is an all new compact SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) would have both petrol and diesel engine option. This one is being expected to be a great performer. Skoda Yeti would be introducing new engines and new technical solutions. Yeti’s off-road regime that adapts the settings of the electronic systems to driving on rough terrain and movable hooks in the luggage space are going to be a few new features..

Skoda Yeti’s front has a markedly shaped radiator grill surrounded by four headlights, whereas the rear is very basic. The car has compact dimensions and boasts of easy controllability and manoeuvrability. Skoda Yeti’s enhanced mudguards and silver under body protection strips assist while driving in rough terrain. The glass spaces of the windows on Skoda Yeti stand-out in design and complement the electrically controlled two-part panoramic sunroof and crossways roof rack.

Nissan Micra

Nissan Motor Company’s first made-in-India car is expected to make its debut with a price tag of Rs 4-5 lakh. Nissan Micra would come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and has been developed on Nissan’s V-platform. Micra was designed and tested in Japan and would be available in 150 countries worldwide. Nissan Micra would have stylish dual tone interiors with dual tone dashboard and an advanced instrument panel. Micra would also have dual front airbags, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution) and anti-skid system make up for the car’s safety gear. News is that the Nissan Micra would come in six variants with both petrol and diesel engine option.

Maruti Cervo

The Maruti Cervo is all set to give competition to the higher models of Tata Nano. It is being speculated that the Maruti Cervo would be priced between Rs 1.5 – Rs 2 lakh. The car is a five door hatchback model and has a spacious passenger cabin. It would come with a 0.7L, 660cc petrol engine with a claimed fuel economy of 21-22kmpl. Braking system in Maruti Cervo will be conventional type that will follow front disc and rear drum brake. We can’t expect ABS system in this price range. The car will also house newer shock absorbers. The suspensions are responsible for smooth driving which not only increase riding pleasure but safety also.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Popularly called Evo X, the car would be available in 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed twin clutch transmission. The price tag is expected to be around Rs 30 lakh and this launch is a part of the revamped strategies by Mitsubishi Motor. The car’s engine would have turbocharged MIVEC technology that controls valve timing electronically. The top speed of the Indian EVO X will be 250 kmph.

Toyota Avanza

Toyota Avanza is to be positioned below the Toyota Innova and likely to be a sort of mini Innova. The MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) is expected to be priced between Rs 6 – 9 lakh. The Toyota Avanza might have the 1495cc engine present in Thailand model. This 1.5L petrol engine consists of 4 cylinder, DOHC 16 valve matted with VVTi technology.

Maruti Kizashi

Kizashi is Maruti Suzuki’s first product in the all-wheel-drive sport sedan segment. Kizashi falls in the D segment and is expected to come with a 2.4 AWD engine sporting 18 inch alloy wheels and a 425 Rockford Fosgate audio system with iPod and bluetooth connectivity. The car is expected to cost around Rs 12 lakh. The car reached North American showrooms in December last year and so far about 300-400 units have been sold. Suzuki showcased all four trims of the 2010 Kizashi at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

Skoda Roomster

Skoda Roomster will come as a five door MUV from Skoda’s stable. The MUV is likely to get 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engines and 1.4-litre and 1.8-liter diesel engines. The Skoda Roomster would compete with Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Captiva and Toyota Fortuner and would fall in the price range of Rs 16-18 lakh.

Toyota Etios

This is Toyota’s first hatch especially designed for India. The car is suppose to have DOHC 16-valve engine with a 1200cc displacement and is expected to be priced around Rs 5 lakh. Toyota would be manufacturing Etios in both hatchback and sedan variants. Etios was at display at the Delhi auto Expo 2010 and evoked curiosity among onlookers. The hatch and notchback segment of Etios have a sharp and big smiling grille that has been high-mounted especially for India and give the car a very tough look. The launch date is not yet confirmed but as per the speculations in the market Etios is expected to hit the roads by 2010 end.

Car pollution is one of the major issues for a majority of contemporary societies. Air pollution is caused due to several environmental attributes and contains sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, ozone, nitrates, particulate matter and ozone.

People all around the world have realised the harmful effects of air pollution and are taking significant steps in bringing a green revolution. Busy and overloaded streets are known to produce a lot of carbon monoxide, which is a highly toxic gas. It diminishes the level of oxygen in the body when consumed. This is exactly where green cars would benefit the environment.

Due to the environmental automotive advances, companies have started manufacturing less polluting cars. These cars would have lower emission properties, providing healthier environmental results. Hybrid cars come with a lot of incentives. First of all, they operate on a combination of electricity and petrol. Secondly, it emits lower amounts of carbon dioxide as compared to other cars. Such cars range about 50 mpg and would help you save a lot of money on gas. More and more people have started realising the importance of atmosphere friendly cars. Hybrid cars have an integrated electric motor which helps the engine by providing it an extra boost during acceleration. The battery that commonly powers up these cars would charge itself with energy gained during deceleration. Hybrid car models are not as expensive as they used to be. A majority of manufacturers have started developing them at competitive prices.

Electric cars are hot these days. The only problem is you can’t really buy one. There are a few available, but they’re very expensive. As a result, a lot of people are taking their gas-powered vehicle and doing an electric car conversion. You just need to buy a building electric car kit and follow the directions.

What does this involve? You simply need to remove the internal combustion engine of your regular car and put in an electric motor and batteries. That’s it. When you’re done you’ll be driving a zero-emissions vehicle that costs far less than anything using gas.

An electric car conversion can immediately boost the resell value of your car. You also won’t have to maintain and repair your electric vehicle as much. Electric engines have fewer components, and most of them don’t move. You will need to replace the batteries every few years. That’s pretty much the only expense.

If you want to do an electric car conversion, you have to buy a building electric car kit first. You can buy one that comes with parts, but these are expensive. You can also buy much cheaper kits that are detailed sets of instructions that show you, step-by-step, how to set everything up and perform the conversion.

Some of these kits also show you how to get hold of all the parts and tools you need for very little money. Sometimes even for free. These kits can be bought and downloaded right from the internet. A few come with some helpful videos. The price range for these kits is between $30 – $50.

When you’ve completed your car, it should be able to travel up to 50 mph and go around 100 miles before you need to recharge it. Plus, as an added benefit, you’ll get big rebates from the government because you’re driving a vehicle that uses alternative fuel.

Detroit car manufacturers are planning their own line of electric vehicles. But they won’t be ready for years. You don’t have to wait. Simply download an electric car conversion kit and start building electric car today!
Find out how to do an electric cars conversion for as little as $300 at Electric Car Conversion Kits.