YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reports names the Toyota Prius Touring as the best overall value among 300 cars according to the 2009 Annual Auto Issue.

The Prius Touring provides the best overall value because of its comparatively low owner-cost estimate of $26,250 over five years -- and a relatively high road-test score of 80 points out of 100. The Prius doesn't have the least expensive sticker price in its class, but its excellent fuel economy of 42 mpg overall and solid resale value help give it a low owner-cost.
"A low price doesn't necessarily make a car a good value," said Rik Paul, automotive editor at Consumer Reports. "At a time when people need to make every dollar count, our best value list will help consumers understand the difference."

The full report on best car values as well as value lists, reliability data, and owner-cost estimates is in the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue on newsstands March 3 to May 4 or online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

To determine which cars are the best values, Consumer Reports looks at its overall road-test scores, five-year owner-cost estimates, and predicted reliability ratings for more than 300 recently tested vehicles. CR then divided each vehicle's five-year owner-cost by its overall road-test score to get the cost of each test-score point -- the lower the cost-per-point, the better the value. To ensure the vehicles named as best values were also models that held up well over time, choices were limited to those with above-average predicted reliability ratings. Consumer Reports' owner-cost estimates are based on six major elements: depreciation, fuel economy, insurance, interest on financing, maintenance and repair, and sales tax.

The Prius Touring received a cost-per-point of $325. Rounding out the top five models with the best overall value were the Mini Cooper ($330), Volkswagen Rabbit ($330), Honda Civic EX ($340), and Honda Fit ($350). Five small cars, the Mazda Miata, and the Toyota Camry Hybrid follow with results ranging from $340 to $365 cost-per-test score point. One of those cars, the redesigned Honda Fit had the best owner-cost estimate on CR's best value list, only $24,000 over five years.

The Toyota Prius base model, Mazda3 hatchback, and four-cylinder versions of the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Sonata, and Honda Accord also had low cost-per-point estimates of under $400.

Five hybrids made the list, including the top three in the family car category. Of the 41 vehicles on the best values list, all but the Mini, VW, and Volvo C30 are from Asian manufacturers, with 17 built by Toyota, 10 built by Honda, four by Nissan, and three by Hyundai.

Consumer Reports found huge differences between cars that score among the best and worst values. The Hummer H2, for example, is a terrible deal, with a best value figure of $3,620 because of a high five-year owner-cost of about $82,250 and a low test score of only 23.

Showing that a low price doesn't always mean a good value, at $15,355, The Smart ForTwo and at $16,470 Chevrolet Aveo5 had results of $895 and $870, respectively, which were the worst among all small and family cars.

Consumer Reports highlights the best new-car value vehicles in nine vehicle categories -- small cars, family cars, upscale cars, hatchbacks/wagons, sporty cars, minivans, small SUVs, midsized SUVs, and pickup trucks. The complete best-value list and the cost-per-test-point results are available in the 2009 Annual Auto Issue. Here are some of the highlights:

Best Value Small Cars: Honda Civic EX, Honda Fit (base), Hyundai Elantra SE, Toyota Corolla LE, and the Honda Civic Hybrid

Best Value Family Cars: Toyota Prius Touring, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius (base), Hyundai Sonata (4-cyl.), and the Honda Accord (4-cyl.)

Best Value Hatchbacks/Wagons: Volkswagen Rabbit, Mazda3 hatchback, Scion xB, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, and the Toyota Matrix

Best Value Small SUVs: Toyota RAV4 (4-cyl.), Toyota RAV4 (V6), Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander (4-cyl.), and the Nissan Rogue

Best Value Midsized SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Nissan Murano, and the Honda Pilot

Source: Consumer Reports Web Site: http://www.consumerreports.org/

YONKERS, N.Y., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Reports has named its Top Picks for 2009, which includes two new models--the Toyota Highlander and the Chevrolet Avalanche, as top choices for midsized SUVs and pickups.

Having proven reliable in its first year since a major redesign, the top-rated Toyota Highlander dethroned the Hyundai Santa Fe, last year's winner in the midsized SUVs category, while the improved reliability of the new Chevrolet Avalanche helped it to replace the Chevrolet Silverado as top pickup.

Those are some of the results of the Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Issue, announced today at a Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) press conference.

Despite the arrival of more gas/electric hybrids, the Toyota Prius remains Top Pick in the "green" car category for the sixth straight year. The Prius's 44 overall mpg is the best Consumer Reports measured in any five-passenger car.

Consumer Reports' Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories and must meet stringent road test, reliability, and safety requirements. Each Top Pick scores at or near the top of its category among more than 300 vehicles Consumer Reports recently tested at its Auto Test Center; has average or better predicted reliability (based on the problems subscribers reported on more than 1.4 million vehicles in Consumer Reports' Annual Auto Survey), and performed adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or insurance industry. In addition, each model must offer electronic stability control (ESC), a proven lifesaving safety feature, as standard equipment or as a readily available option.

Consumer Reports' testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Roughly 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process.

Here, by category, are the 2009 Top Picks.
-- SMALL SEDAN: Hyundai Elantra SE. The Elantra SE ($18,695) is a
comfortable, roomy small car that provides good fuel economy, a quiet
and nicely finished interior, and plenty of features for the money.
Only the SE version comes with standard electronic stability control,
which is absent on many other small cars.
-- MIDSIZED SUV: Toyota Highlander. The Highlander ($26,000 to $41,000)
is a very refined and versatile vehicle. It provides a comfortable and
quiet ride, a nicely finished interior, three rows of seats, and
decent fuel economy for its class. The Highlander Hybrid's fuel
economy, 24 mpg overall, is among the best of any SUV in Consumer
Report's Ratings. First-year reliability has been excellent.
-- PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Avalanche. The Chevrolet Avalanche full-sized
crew cab ($36,000 to $47,000) is one of the most versatile and
comfortable pickups that Consumer Reports has tested. Its unified bed
and cab helps give it a solid feel and a comfortable, quiet ride. Its
innovative partition, between the cab and the bed, can be folded to
allow longer cargo to extend into the back of the cab.
-- BEST OVERALL VEHICLE: Lexus LS 460. With a road test score of 99 out
of 100, the Lexus LS 460 ($64,000 to $77,000) is Consumer Reports'
highest-scoring vehicle. It provides a luxurious, uncompromising
driving environment, with a supremely comfortable ride and a roomy,
well-finished, and exceptionally quiet interior. The LS is brimming
with electronic amenities, yet the controls are easy to use. Its
380-hp, 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver
smooth, quick acceleration and relatively good fuel economy.
-- FAMILY SEDAN: Honda Accord. The Honda Accord ($21,000 to $31,000) is a
roomy, well-rounded sedan that's easy to live with and enjoyable to
drive. It offers a comfortable ride, agile handling, and efficient,
refined four- and six-cylinder powertrains. Electronic stability
control is standard, and crash-test results are impressive.
-- UPSCALE SEDAN: Infiniti G37. One of the highest-rated sedans tested,
the G37 (33,000 to $36,000, formerly G35) combines sportiness and
luxury in a very appealing package. It has a very lively powertrain,
agile handling, a comfortable ride, and a nicely appointed interior.
For 2009, it also has a larger, 328-hp, 3.7-liter engine and a
seven-speed automatic transmission, which improves fuel economy.
-- FUN TO DRIVE: Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Miata ($22,000 to $29,000) is a
true sports car at a reasonable price. With quick, precise steering, a
crisp-shifting manual transmission, and balanced handling, it
virtually tied the Porsche Boxster in test scoring, but it costs about
half the price.
-- SMALL SUV: Toyota RAV4. Thanks to a larger and more powerful
four-cylinder engine and other upgrades for 2009, the RAV4 ($23,000 to
$30,000) narrowly outscored the Subaru Forester to remain our Top Pick
for the third straight year. It provides agile handling, a roomy and
quiet interior, a comfortable ride, and an optional third-row seat.
The four-cylinder version gets the best fuel economy of any automatic,
nonhybrid SUV CR has tested.
-- MINIVAN: Toyota Sienna. The Sienna ($26,000 to $38,000) offers a
spacious, versatile, and comfortable way to carry up to eight people.
Consumer Reports found that the quiet, well-finished interior rivals
that of some luxury sedans. Electronic stability control is standard.
This is the only minivan available with all-wheel drive.
-- GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius. Despite the arrival of more gas/electric
hybrids, the Prius ($22,000 to $24,000) leads this category for the
sixth straight year. The base model's 44 overall mpg is the best
Consumer Reports has measured in any five-passenger car. The interior
is roomy and versatile, and reliability remains excellent. A
redesigned Prius will arrive in early summer.

Source: Consumer Reports

Web Site: http://www.consumerreports.org/

As President Obama took office this past November there were many problems to be faced. One of those problems had to do with America's reliance on foreign oil, as well as research and funding going to renewable energy sources. President Obama promised to invest $150 Billion in to renewable energy sources over the next 10 years which includes funding into research, as well as tax breaks for those who choose to implement renewable energy solutions for their homes or businesses.

In one speech, President Obama stated that he will set a goal that by 2025, 25% of all electricity come from renewable sources such as solar and wind power. It seems, though, that this is a relatively long period of time to implement such a vital program for the future of the country. President Obama needs to implement these policies quickly, but also shorten the time required to integrate solar, wind, and geothermal energy solutions because they are virtually inexhaustible sources of power.

In the few short months since he has become President, Obama has shown not only a commitment to change, but also an action plan to match. This shows that he will most likely follow through on his plans for funding renewable energy. The questions then come down to will he be able to get the funding, and will it be enough?

With the economy the way it is, the main priority of the administration is to get America back on its financial feet. With a new stimulus package just being approved it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to revitalize the economy. Unless it does, Obama will have to concentrate most of his efforts into that sector and all other programs including renewable energy will have to wait.

Even if he is able to start focusing on renewable energy, though, will the funding he promised be enough to make a change? This will have to be a "wait and see" type situation. We do not have to wait, though, for the government funding to implement these systems on our own. President Obama is on a macro level in terms of how his plans affect the country.

As citizens on a micro level, the more we do our part into implementing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, the more we can change things on a macro level. Essentially, everyone has to do his or her part to change the world. Change is easier than you think too. Building your own alternative energy solutions can be as cheap as a few hundred dollars. Spending this amount can not only help to cut electricity costs, but also be beneficial to the environment.

We have to think of ourselves as simply members of the team with Obama, whether we like him or not, as our captain. If everyone does his or her part, the team will succeed. Imagine if even half the families in America implemented a solar panel or windmill. We would be well on our way to creating a greener, cleaner country!

The Cayenne S Hybrid will deliver the power of a V8 and the efficiency of a four-cylinder

ATLANTA, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Porsche AG, the Stuttgart, Germany-based high-performance car and SUV manufacturer, shared more information about its Cayenne S Hybrid, which will debut next year. Using a parallel full hybrid design with the electric motor between the combustion engine and the transmission, Porsche engineers have been able to drive at speeds up to 86 mph without at all using the combustion engine.

This engineering achievement allows the Cayenne S Hybrid to roll freely - or 'coast' -- at highway speeds without the combustion engine on, greatly minimizing engine emissions and fossil fuel consumption. This differs from current hybrid concepts that deliver benefits mainly in city traffic. Porsche, in cooperation with Volkswagen, opted for the parallel full hybrid design as it also significantly improves acceleration, a concept that matches the company's philosophy of offering outstanding performance and efficiency. It also fits in the current Cayenne design with minimal alterations and without affecting interior space or luggage capacity.

When it comes to market in 2010, the Cayenne S Hybrid is expected to emit some 20 percent less C02 than comparable combustion engine vehicles with similar power output. Covering a 0-to-100 km/h sprint in just 6.8 seconds, it earns its 'S' designation by delivering V8 performance and four-cylinder efficiency, all while complying with the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II (ULEVII) emission standards.

The Cayenne S Hybrid uses a supercharged Audi 3.0-liter V6 engine with Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), 333 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm. It is mated with 52-horsepower three-phase synchronous electric motor that produces up to 221 lb-ft of torque and also acts as an alternator, and the combined power units are joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also on board is a 154-lb. no-maintenance 38 kW nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. Measuring 13.7" x 24.9" x 11.5", it fits in the spare tire well, thus not compromising luggage capacity.

The Hybrid Manager is the Cayenne S Hybrid's "Heart"

The heart of these technologies is the powerful Hybrid Manager, which requires some 20,000 data parameters to operate (compared to a conventional engine control unit that operates on less than one-third of the data). Since a parallel full hybrid operates in three classic hybrid modes - power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor, power generated by the combustion engine only, and power generated by the electric motor only - the Hybrid Manager's main function is to seamlessly coordinate these modes to deliver optimal performance and efficiency.

With a clutch being the key connection between the combustion engine and the electric motor, the Hybrid Manager has the tough job of providing smooth but quick switching among the three hybrid modes without delay or a noticeable transition felt by the driver and passengers. For example, the Cayenne S Hybrid can motor along solely on electric power for up to 1.2 miles with the combustion engine off, and the Hybrid Manager will fire up the engine as soon as the driver presses the accelerator, increase engine speed appropriately and engage the clutch to transfer power to the transmission without the driver or passengers noticing what is happening. And, it does this within just 300 milliseconds.

When driving with just the combustion engine, the Hybrid Manager also will ensure the engine is operating as efficiently as possible in reference to its load. It switches the electric motor to an alternator mode, so the fuel consumed by the combustion engine not only efficiently powers the Cayenne but also generates electricity that can be 'parked' in the NiMH battery. Finally, when the driver presses the brake pedal, the Hybrid Manager feeds as much energy as possible from the electric motor (again running as an alternator) to the battery.

The Cayenne S Hybrid also has electrically driven ancillary components such as the air conditioning compressor and the power steering pump.

Unlike conventional Cayenne SUVs, the Cayenne S Hybrid uses an eight-speed automatic unit. Porsche engineers added to the conventional transmission oil pump a new electrical drive pump to shift gears smoothly and efficiently also in electric mode. Top speed comes in sixth gear, and the two higher gears serve to further reduce engine speed to enhance fuel economy. Eighth gear, for example, enables the driver to 'coast' along without the combustion engine at speeds up to 86 mph.

Porsche expects the Cayenne S Hybrid to consume less than nine liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in the New European Driving Cycle. EPA fuel economy figures are not yet available.

A similar hybrid system will find its way into the new Porsche Panamera(R) four-door gran turismo sometime following Porsche's fourth model line debut in late summer 2009.

Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Ricardo Technology Achieves Breakthrough Efficiency for Ethanol-fueled Engines

System surpasses gasoline efficiency, reaches near-diesel levels; reduces operational costs compared to current fuels

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricardo, Inc., a leading independent engineering firm specializing in total vehicle fuel economy and efficiency, today revealed the development of technology that optimizes ethanol-fueled engines to a level of performance that exceeds gasoline engine efficiency and approaches levels previously reached only by diesel engines.

The technology, called Ethanol Boosted Direct Injection or EBDI, takes full advantage of ethanol's best properties - higher octane and higher heat of vaporization - to create a truly renewable fuel scenario that is independent of the cost of oil.

"Developing renewable energy applications that can lead to energy independence is a top priority at Ricardo," said Ricardo President Dean Harlow. "We've moved past theoretical discussion and are busy applying renewable energy technology to the real world. The EBDI engine project is a great example because it turns the gasoline-ethanol equation upside down. It has the performance of a diesel, at the cost of a gas engine, and runs on ethanol, gasoline, or a blend of both."

EBDI solves many of the challenges faced by flex-fuel engines because it is optimized for both alternative fuels and gasoline. Current flex-fuel engines pay a fuel economy penalty of about 30 percent compared to gasoline when operated on ethanol blends such as E85. The EBDI engine substantially improves ethanol's efficiency, and performs at a level comparable to a diesel engine.

"In real-world terms, these efficiencies mean that EBDI can reduce the actual cost of transportation when compared to fossil fuels, and it does it with a renewable resource - ethanol," said Rod Beazley, director of Ricardo's Gasoline Product Group. "The combination of technologies we're applying to the EBDI engine make the most of ethanol's advantages over other fuels, which include a higher octane rating and a higher heat of vaporization. Without getting too technical, this means we can use a high level of turbocharging to achieve the high cylinder pressures that ethanol enables. Add in some other advanced technologies such as direct injection, variable valve timing, optimized ignition and advanced exhaust gas recirculation, and we're squeezing out more power than is possible with gasoline."

The prototype EBDI is a 3.2-liter V6 engine that ultimately could serve as a replacement for a large gasoline or turbo-diesel engine in a large SUV. The first firing of the engine & initial development is currently taking place and will be installed into a dual-wheel pick-up truck demonstration vehicle later this year.

Beazley emphasized that the technology is very scalable. Applications could reach far beyond the automotive and light-truck industry. "Imagine agricultural equipment that, in effect, burns what it harvests - corn, sugar cane or some other renewable substance. It could mean tremendous cost savings across many industries."

This project represents a technical collaboration with Behr, Bosch, Delphi, Federal-Mogul, GW Castings and Honeywell, to further the advancement and commercialization of the EBDI project.

Range-Extended Electric Car Triumphs at Washington Auto Show

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chevrolet Volt has been named the 2009 Green Car Vision Award(TM) winner by the auto enthusiast magazine Green Car Journal. The award was presented at a press conference this morning at The Washington Auto Show(R).

Competition for the award was keen, with plug-in hybrid, range extended electric, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles vying for the prize. Among them: the Fisker Karma, launching late this year; the Honda FCX Clarity, a sleek, fuel-cell sedan; the MINI E, an electric version of the conventional internal combustion MINI Cooper; and the Mitsubishi I-MiEV, a battery electric city car based on a popular internal combustion model in Japan.

"The Chevy Volt offers a bold and far-reaching approach that will bring an exceptionally fuel-efficient model to consumers at reasonable cost," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "Besides being a great design, the Volt promises exactly what many consumers are asking for -- a car capable of driving on zero emission battery power most of the time at pennies per mile, with over 100 mpg possible on longer journeys when electric power from its range extender engine-generator is needed."

The Green Car Vision Award(TM) recognizes the most important vehicle in an award year that best envisions the road ahead, but is not yet on sale. It complements Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year(R) award, which by nature focuses on new vehicle models that lead the field in environmental performance and are available at new car showrooms today.

"Chevrolet's Volt is a milestone vehicle that re-thinks the drivetrain of the future," says Cogan. "The Volt is one of the most anticipated vehicles in the auto industry's 100-plus year history, and when it launches in 2010, it will surely be one of the most coveted vehicles on the road."

Known as the "Automotive Seat of Power" for its mix of industry leaders and public policy makers, The Washington Auto Show runs Wed., Feb 4. through Sun., Feb. 8 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Source: The Washington Auto Show