What Is a Hybrid?

In genetics, a hybrid is the result of combining elements from different species. When it comes to cars and trucks, a hybrid refers to a vehicle whose powertrain combines the aspects of different technologies (i.e. gasoline and electric) to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

In automotive terms, hybridization is nothing new. Hybrid cars and trucks that combined an electric motor with a gasoline engine date back to the turn of the 20th century (see Back to the Past). Hybrid diesel-electric locomotives have been in operation for years, and diesel-electric buses began to appear in the 1970s.

These days, automotive choices that combine two or more sources of power are known as hybrid vehicles. The most common is the electric hybrid, which melds a gasoline engine with an electric setup (electric motor, charging system, and a battery/storage system).

Parallel vs. Series
Due to the inherent complexity of the technology involved, and the numerous options engineers have in employing hybrid systems, we're forced to speak in some general terms here. That said, the two most popular forms of hybrids available today are called "series" or "parallel" hybrids. Series hybrids are also called "mild" or "partial" hybrids, while parallel hybrids are often referred to as "full" hybrids.

In a series hybrid, an electric motor assists the gasoline engine when needed, such as during acceleration or times of heavy load, but it can't power the car on its own. The batteries that power the electric motor can be recharged by the engine, or during deceleration (called regenerative braking). The Saturn Vue Green Line and Honda Civic Hybrid are examples of series hybrids.

Parallel hybrids can use similar recharging scenarios, but can be powered by the gasoline engine only, the electric motor only, or both at the same time. The Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, and GM's new Tahoe/Yukon hybrid SUVs are examples of parallel hybrids.

How They Operate
In practice, like a regular car, a series-hybrid vehicle has an engine that is generally running all the time. An electric motor placed "in series" between the engine and the wheels helps motivate the car. In assisting the engine, the electric motor helps improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Some series hybrids also provide a "start-stop" function, which turns off the engine completely when the car is stationary, then restarting it instantly when the brake pedal is released.

Unlike a series hybrid, a parallel hybrid can operate like a fully electric car up to speeds of roughly 20-30 mph. In situations such as stop-and-go traffic, or under light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle's engine may not run at all, relying completely on electric propulsion. The results are vastly improved city mpg ratings and, while in full-electric mode, essentially zero emissions.

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2010 Aston Martin Rapide

It's been more than three years since the Rapide Concept made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but it appears the wait for this elegant sport sedan is almost over.
The production model does not appear to have lost much in the translation from the concept and the large sedan is instantly recognizable as an Aston Martin. The Rapide is fitted with seating for four as well as adequate trunk space for luggage.

The rear doors have been artfully integrated into the classic Aston Martin design, and according to the company, access to the rear seats is made easy via “'swan wing' doors - rising upwards and outwards as they swing open.”

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez said: “The Rapide will be the most elegant four-door sports car in the world. It completes the Aston Martin range conveying our established attributes of Power, Beauty and Soul.”

The Rapide’s power comes from a 6.0-liter V12 engine that will be hand built at the company's engine facility in Cologne. Output is rated at 470 horsepower with 443 lb-ft of torque which should put the Rapide in position to compete directly with Porsche’s new Panamera.

Currently in its final stages of testing, the Rapide is expected to make its public debut this fall with first customer deliveries in early 2010.

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Porsche: We Have No Opponent in Indonesia

Jakarta - The condition in the domestic automotive market is the marked presence of the euphoria of new cars. Exotic sport sedan but also expensive membuming on the plains of Indonesia. Starting from Ferrari to Lamborghini came to this country.

Responding to a flood of these sport sedan, PT Eurokars Artha Utama as the distributor of Porsche Sports car sport sedan assume that present in the national automotive market is not its competitors.

One of the sports car distributor also assume that Porsche Panamera sports car has its own market share in automotive markets across Indonesia.

"They were not our competitors, and we have no direct competitors," added CEO Eurokars Group of Companies, Herbert Kwee sidelines of the launch of the New Porsche Panamera in Pacific Place.

According to Porsche in Indonesia wants to have its own market share without interfering with the market share of other sports car manufacturers. "Because we have a separate segment, without disturbing the other segment," he said.

Main Artha Eurokars party through his COE argue if a sports sedan that is now flooding the local market has the advantage ditiap each product. Call it like New Porsche Panamera with an integrated automatic spoiler dibagian stern. Spoiler is claimed to use the appropriate level of aerodynamics that followed the wind direction.

And more than that, behind the Porsche bonnet there was a very large force. Like New Prosche Panamera Turbo on display in front of Indonesian journalists. Engine capacity of 4800 cc V8 engine that can accelerate from 0 to 100 km per hour in 4.2 seconds.

And to top speed, the engine was capable of driving up to 303 km per hour with a gas consumption rate is 12.2 l per 100 km or equivalent to 23.2 mpg, with CO2 emissions of 286 g / km.

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