Latest news with #hybrid
News.com.au
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
How China's Hybrid EV Utes are changing the game in Australia
A new breed of hybrid powered utes are hitting the road in Australia, and they really are reshaping the driving game. Motoring journalist David McCowen shows you why.
Car and Driver
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Audi Isn't Abandoning Gas Engines for EVs by 2033 Like It Planned
Audi is removing its planned 2033 all-EV deadline, according to a report by Autocar. Last year, the company decided to put more funding into developing hybrid technology. Sure to please Audi performance fans, there's the potential for future gas-powered RS models. Last year, Audi softened its plans to wind down a transition to an entirely electrified lineup, suggesting that plug-in hybrid technology was worth developing as a bridge to EVs. Still, the company's official stated plan was a full EV range by 2033, so no more internal-combustion-powered Audis. Now, as reported by Autocar, that deadline is off the table. The EV Deadline Is Dead Citing an interview with Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, Autocar notes that the decision to continue developing combustion engines is part of keeping the company's lineup "flexible." The new short-term plans include a new lineup of gas-powered vehicles, hybridized or not, to be rolled out by next year. There's no new deadline for full electrification, but Döllner said he expects Audi to still be producing gas-powered cars past 2033. View Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver These plans are likely dependent on the market, as EU laws have a set target date of full electrification by 2035. On this side of the Atlantic, about 12 percent of Audis sold in the United States were EVs. Globally, that percentage rises to 30 percent, with total figures slightly ahead of Mercedes but lagging BMW. Audi will still be putting R&D money towards its all-electric vehicles and no doubt benefiting from the Volkswagen Group's broader strategy. However, there's perhaps a little hope here for those who weren't quite ready to throw in the towel on gas-powered performance Audis. View Photos audi New Gas-Fed RS Models? Indications are that RS versions of gas-powered Audis will still be on the table. Audi's performance division has delivered some hugely characterful motors over the years, from the RS6's twin-turbo V-10 to the TT RS's snorty turbocharged inline-five. Speaking of the Audi TT, Döllner didn't entirely close the door on speculation that it might return, perhaps accompanied by its big brother, the R8. He said it was too early to talk about such things, but that there might be a chance to be surprised in the future. Don't hold your breath, but the gas-powered four-ring circus hasn't left town yet. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
ArabGT
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid Review
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid ; The off-road icon returns in 2025, and this time it's rewriting the rules. With hybrid technology introduced for the first time in its long history, the Toyota Land Cruiser now blends legendary power with modern efficiency, making it more capable than ever without sacrificing its rugged identity. Exterior The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid brings thoughtful exterior updates. A redesigned front and rear bumper gives the Land Cruiser a more contemporary presence, while staying true to its tough roots. One key visual clue to its enhanced performance is the new '457 TT' badge, replacing the familiar '409 TT' — a clear signal of the vehicle's newfound strength. 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid Interior Inside, the Land Cruiser remains a paragon of practicality and refinement. The three-row seating configuration is highly flexible, with a one-touch power-folding third row that lays flat to maximize cargo space. Upper trims are equipped with premium leather upholstery, Optitron gauges, a 7-inch information screen, a leather-and-wood steering wheel, and elegant wood trim, all contributing to a luxurious cabin experience built for long journeys. Mechanical Specifications The core engine remains the proven 3.5L twin-turbo V6, but it now works alongside an electric motor, producing a total output of 457 horsepower and a massive 790 Nm of torque. This leap in performance doesn't just raise the bar—it redefines it. Beyond power, the 2026 Land Cruiser Hybrid introduces real-world utility features like a 1,500-watt power outlet in the rear, turning the SUV into a mobile generator for camping and outdoor adventures. Fuel efficiency has also improved to 10.9 km/l, offering a compelling balance of power and economy. For those who prefer traditional power, the non-hybrid version with the same 3.5L twin-turbo V6 is still available, producing 409 hp and 650 Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and features a 110-liter fuel tank with a consumption rate of 9.5 L/100 km. 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid Price In the UAE, the 2025 Land Cruiser Hybrid is available from Al-Futtaim Motors at the following prices: Land Cruiser VXR Hybrid : AED 389,900 (~$106,167 USD) Land Cruiser GR Sport Hybrid: AED 409,900 (~$111,613 USD) While both trims offer robust specs, the GR Sport features smaller 18-inch wheels and a 68-liter fuel tank for lighter weight and more agile handling. The VXR, on the other hand, offers 20-inch wheels and a larger 98-liter tank, providing extended driving range.
Top Gear
a day ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Toyota Corolla Review 2025
Oh, it's only the best-selling badge in the whole car industry, having recorded more than 50 million sales across 12 generations since its launch in 1966. The more astute among you will note it has only recently rejoined the fold in the UK, replacing the Auris having itself departed in 2006. After two generations out it would appear Corolla is more trusted, and the badge returned in 2018. Attached to arguably the best-looking iteration of the car in its sixth decade of existence, too – though some of the iterations aren't putting up a strong challenge on that front. It was developed on a fancy brand new platform this time round – Toyota said during development that it prioritised good looks and decent handling, and the car was freshened up in 2023. At one glance, the former appears to have been nailed, more on the latter on the Driving tab. Advertisement - Page continues below That fancy platform is shared with the C-HR crossover, which is about as handy to drive as such crossovers get, but the Corolla has stiffer competition from other hatchbacks on the market. You feel the benefit of the lower centre of gravity, but the car's ambition is held somewhat in check by its eco-minded powertrain that rewards a gentler, smoother drive. What are the engines like? In keeping with the current climate, there are no diesels. These days your choice comes down to 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre hybrid options only. The 1.8 produces 138bhp for a 0–62mph time of 9.1 seconds, while the 2.0 gets there in 7.4 seconds thanks to its heady 193bhp output. The small battery isn't designed to get the car very far in EV mode, but is supposed to make the engine as efficient as possible, scavenging energy under braking and helping out where it can. Both engines offer fuel efficiency of around 60mpg and CO2 ratings around 100g/km depending on which spec you go for – the size of the alloys makes a bit of a difference to economy, it gets worse the larger you go. While the 1.8 is the more efficient on paper, the 2.0 goes about its business in a more relaxed fashion, which we prefer here. Advertisement - Page continues below There are paddleshifted gearchanges via steering wheel paddles, but given both cars use a CVT transmission, these are effectively simulated gears. Got it. What else do I need to know? There are two body styles to choose from; the hatchback is 40mm longer than the old Auris, every millimetre contained in the wheelbase to make it roomier. You can also have an estate – clunkily named the Touring Sports – about which you can read by clicking these blue words. Our choice from the range TOYOTA 2.0 Hybrid 178 Icon 5dr CVT £32,150 See prices and specs What's the verdict? ' The Corolla looks more striking than ever, but in terms of tech, practicality and simple enjoyment, it falls short of its rivals ' The Corolla looks more striking than ever, and proves Toyota is really on a roll with making its cars less boring (by its own admission). The looks alone may tempt some people away from competitors like the Focus, Astra and Civic, as might its British-built status. What they'll find is a car that now exclusively offers hybrid powertrains and thus is angled away from keen drivers, no matter how sporty the trim. Instead, the Corolla is about as quiet and calming as hatchbacks get, so long as you don't work its coarse CVT transmission too hard. That – and its cost saving for business users – is the area it stands out from its many, many talented rivals. Because in terms of tech, practicality and simple enjoyment, it falls short of the best in class.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
GM's 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is the automaker's most powerful
General Motors is rolling out the world's most powerful Corvette near the end of 2025 — and it's a hybrid. The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, the sister to the ZR1, boasts 1,250 horsepower, a record for the automaker, and comes with a button to release the entire stable at once. The driving force behind the vehicle's propulsion stems from the decision in 2020 to move the engine to the center of the vehicle. 'From day one, we designed the midengine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,' General Motors Senior Vice President Ken Morris said in a statement. 'This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history.' The Detroit automaker said June 17 that the ZR1X also borrows features launched in previous models, such as all-wheel drive and a dual powertrain first seen on the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. GM calculates the neck-breaking power through combining the two propulsion methods. A battery pack and electric motor drives the front axle and a V8 engine propels the rear, the company said, but there is no physical connection between the two power sources on the ZR1X. The ZR1X credits 1,064 horsepower from the LT7 5.5L V8 engine and 186 horsepower from the electric unit ― making it the most powerful, fastest Corvette ever. The battery capacity, 1.9 kWh, is the same as the E-Ray, but GM said the ZR1X has more usable energy to provide greater lapping capability. This higher peak operating voltage increases the power output from the front drive unit. The electrified propulsion system also does not require a plug — regenerative energy from the front drive unit charges the vehicle as it goes. GM previously confirmed an all-electric Corvette is in the works, but did not provide an update about a potential time frame on a recent media call. The ZR1X will be built at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky. The company said prospective buyers can expect pricing details later this year. Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis for AutoPacific, said it's likely the ZR1X will be the brand's most expensive. More: Secret Service agents will learn stick-shift driving on new GM training fleet 'The ZR1X launches Corvette into true hypercar territory and sets a new benchmark for full-line automakers,' he said. 'What's striking is the range it crowns: From the attainable Stingray to the electrified E-Ray, and now the ZR1X, the C8 lineup spans a remarkable spectrum of performance.' Notably, the 2025 ZR1 started at $174,995, the most expensive Corvette for the market and a steep jump from the 2019 Corvette ZR1, which started at $121,000. Rick Hendrick, a Chevrolet dealer and NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner, broke records this January when he purchased the 2025 ZR1 for $3.7 million. Stephanie Brinley, associate director of Auto Intelligence at S&P Global Mobility, said in the scope of ultra sports car development, Corvette's advancements tend to offer good value. 'If you're doing product progression correctly, every new Corvette is the most advanced Corvette yet,' she said. 'This is power beyond what most vehicles can do.' Jackie Charniga covers General Motors for the Free Press. Reach her at jcharniga@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: GM's 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X is the automaker's most powerful Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
