Annual auto shows are usually an opportunity for carmakers to debut their new masterpieces. This year’s LA Auto Show doesn’t differ. Thirty hybrid cars are on the display - ranging from small affordable hybrid cars to luxury hybrids and large hybrid SUV’s. We have collected you the five most interesting and newsworthy hybrid models from Los Angeles:
1. Honda Insight Hybrid Concept
The Honda Insight
The new Honda Insight is making its US debut at this year’s LA Auto Show. The Insight was previously unveiled at the Paris auto Show. When the new Insight arrives in the showrooms next April, it will be the cheapest hybrid car on the US market, with approximately $18,500, roughly $3,000 cheaper than the Prius. According to Honda, the Insight will be able to achieve 60 miles per gallon, more than any other hybrid car available today. Honda aims to sell 100,000 units in 2009.
2. Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrid
Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrid
Ford welcomes the opportunity to unveil its very first hybrid sedans: The Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Mercury Milan Hybrid. Fusion and Milan Hybrids can operate in electric mode at speeds of up to 47 mph with a range of more than 700 miles of city driving on a single tank of gas; a smaller, lighter high-volt battery has greater charge capacity and range than the previous generation battery. These two hybrid cars are expected to arrive in the showrooms in the first quarter of 2009.
3. Hybrid Sonata Hybrid
Hybrid Sonata Hybrid
Hyundai also launched its first hybrid powered sedan at the 2008 LA Auto Show. According to Hyundai, the Sonata Hybrid will give its owners around 30 miles per gallon. Hyundai says the lithium-polymer battery is more efficient and lighter than other battery technologies, and that’s two things you might like in a fuel-efficient car. Plus, it’s less expensive to make than lithium-ion batteries. The Sonata Hybrid won’t arrive on the market until the beginning of 2010.
4. Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid
Toyota CNG Camry Hybrid
This concept combines the Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a natural gas-fueled engine. There is a strong domestic supply of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the United States. Toyota claims the CNG Camry Hybrid should travel more than 250 miles per fill-up. Jana Hartline, a Toyota spokesperson, the Camry Hybrid is designed to show the versatility of the company’s Hybrid Synergy Drive—this Camry is considerably more fuel-efficient compared to Toyota’s initial CNG production offering.
5. Lexus RX 450h
Lexus RX 450h
The luxury automaker debuted the new RX 450h at the LA Auto Show. The 450h promises better fuel-efficiency, better safety, more power and more luxury than the successful RX 400h. The hybrid RX 450h adds the Lexus Hybrid Drive system to the mix, with batteries and motors teaming with the V-6 to produce 295 horsepower, up 27 from today’s RX hybrid. The RX 450h goes on sale in the spring.
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