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Hybrid Dealers Boston – 2010 Ford Fusion

bostonhybriddealers — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:40:18 +0000

Herb Chambers – 2010 Ford Fusion

All-new mid-size sedan offers world-class fuel mileage.
by courtesy New Car Test Drive

Save America; buy an American car. If you feel even the slightest inclination in that direction, your time may have come. The 2010 Ford Fusion, and in particular, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, delivers contemporary styling, a first-class driving experience, and world-class fuel mileage.

EPA ratings for the Ford Fusion Hybrid are a stupendous 41/36 mpg City/Highway. In a mid-size sedan as roomy and competent as this one, that is exciting efficiency.

The best news is, you don’t have to drive the Fusion Hybrid like you’re in a funeral cortege to achieve 40-plus city mpg; these are real-world figures. During Los Angeles morning rush, we drove the Fusion Hybrid in heavy traffic from the Sunset Strip 10 miles west along hilly, snaking Sunset Boulevard to the beach, then south to Santa Monica Pier, all the while proceeding at a distinctly non-funereal pace. Without fuss, the Fusion delivered an impressive 41.5 mpg.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

What’s more, in city driving, a full tank takes the Hybrid an amazing 700 miles.

Besides the Hybrid, the 2010 Ford Fusion lineup offers a choice of three different engines: a 2.5-liter inline-4 of 175 hp, a 3.0-liter flex-fuel V6 of 240 hp, and a performance-tuned 3.5-liter V6 of 263 hp. The combined horsepower of the Hybrid’s gas engine and electric motor is 191 hp, but the literally instantaneous torque of its forceful electric motor makes it feel like more.

Most of the new Fusion’s dimensions are unchanged from the previous model, but mechanically and in styling, the 2010 model exhibits vastly more than a mere freshening of last year’s model. The new exterior, nicely enhanced with chrome, has a muscular, crisp Euro panache that is, if anything, pleasingly Saab-like.

The various gas-engine 2010 Fusion models we drove are similarly comfortable, commodious, and in the case of the Sport model, excitingly agile. Offered in a range of trim levels, the new Fusion is a compelling mid-size car with agile handling and world-beating fuel thrift.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

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Model Lineup

The 2010 Ford Fusion offers five variants: S, SE, Sport, SEL and Hybrid.

Fusion S ($19,270) comes standard with cloth upholstery, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power locks, instrument cluster with message center, keyless entry and trunk release, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with four speakers, remote decklid release, capless fuel filler, trip computer, cruise control, speed-sensitive wipers. It comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch wheels, body-color bumpers and door handles, tinted glass, black power mirrors. A six-speed automatic is optional.

Fusion SE ($20,545) adds six-speaker audio, fog lamps, fold-flat passenger seat, body-color mirrors, six-way power driver seat, Sirius satellite radio, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, illuminated visor mirrors, and 17-inch wheels. A six-speed select-shift automatic is optional. Also optional is a 3.0-liter V6 flex-fuel engine ($2,490) and comes with six-speed automatic.

Fusion Sport ($25,825) adds 3.5-liter V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, six-speed select-shift automatic, 18-inch wheels, chrome trim, rear spoiler, dual exhausts, unique side rocker moldings and front fascia, SYNC communication system, auto-dimming rearview, eight-way power driver seat, unique interior trim and center console applique. All-wheel drive ($1,850) is available.

Fusion SEL ($23,975) comes with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and upgrades with leather heated seats, dual-zone temperature control, SYNC communications system, halogen headlamps, auto-dimming rearview, heated outside mirrors, eight-way power driver seats, six-way power passenger seat, leather shifter, leather steering wheel, keyless entry pad, six-speed select-shift automatic and 17-inch wheels. A 3.0-liter V6 flex-fuel engine with six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Fusion Hybrid ($27,270) comes fitted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine, Hybrid 275-volt sealed battery, permanent magnet-electric motor, regenerative braking system, LCD graphic instrument panel, reverse-sensing system, Hybrid badging, 17-inch wheels, E-CVT electronic constant-velocity automatic transmission.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

Optional packages: Sun & SYNC Package with auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone and compass, power moonroof, SYNC communication system; Driver’s Vision Package with blind-spot information system, rearward camera in rearview mirror; Moon & Tune Package with moonroof, Sony audio with 12 speakers; Electronics Package with heated seats, six-way power passenger seat, ambient lighting, automatic headlights, blind-spot information system, dual-zone temp control, heated mirrors with puddle lamps, console rearview camera, keyless entry pad. Additional options: voice-activated navigation system (Sport, SEL, Hybrid), engine-block heater, reverse-sensing system.

Safety features that come standard on all Fusion models include dual front, side-impact, and side curtain airbags (with crash-severity sensing), seatbelt pretensioners, anti-lock brakes, and traction control, tire-pressure monitoring. Also available are a rearview camera, a reverse sensing system, and all-wheel drive.

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Walkaround

The 2010 Fusion uses the same platform as the 2009 model, but from there similarities cease.

The all-new front-end design, beginning with a bold, three-bar chrome grille and racecar-like chrome-trimmed intakes at the bottom of the nose, has a muscular confidence that makes you take a second, more interested, look. How long has it been since the mainstream American mid-size elicited that?

The Fusion’s sinuousness is continued in the carefully raised modeling of the hood, implying that what lies beneath is something genuinely worthy. True enough. The Fusion is no dragster, but its performance is spirited, and its 7.0-second 0-to-60 time in the Sport model gives it the edge over the competition.

Given the conservative looks of the competition, the Fusion’s styling makes a statement all its own. Its well-formed flanks, accented by gleaming streaks of chrome, give the Fusion both a dynamically fresh appearance and excellent aerodynamic efficiency. Its coefficient of drag, aided by underbody airflow tuning, is an extremely low 0.32, helping achieve high fuel mileage.

Ford stylists were able to combine graceful styling with practicality in another way. The Fusion’s high-bustled three-box design delivers a tall, capacious trunk volume of 11.8 cubic feet. It also delivers an easy lift-over height.

In style and stance, the new Ford has a sporting, fun-to-drive spirit not normally associated with either Japanese or American workaday mid-sizers. The Fusion, rather, has the cues of a finely conceived European sedan gone global.

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Interior Features

By necessity, our test Ford Fusion Hybrid was furnished with instrumentation not found in any gas-engine versions. The Hybrid’s so-called EcoGuide information system flanks the center-mounted speedometer with two LCD panels, communicating what the powertrain is doing, how it’s doing it, and how, in real time, you can optimize its fuel efficiency.

Pushing a couple of buttons, you select between four different formats. Learning the distinctions between Inform Mode, Enlighten Mode, Engage Mode, and Empower Mode takes a moment, but then, if you’re driving a hybrid, you’re likely to want the best from your system. And as annoying and intimidating as some digital systems can be, we found that within 10 minutes driving, thanks to the tutorial nature of the EcoGuide, we were already using the throttle pedal to effectively stretch our mileage. Think of EcoGuide as an automotive video game. It’s actually fun.

But if you just want to get to work really fast, especially if your traffic-heavy, stop-and-go commute often takes place at less than 50 mph, the hybrid system’s most efficient speed range, a Fusion Hybrid will deliver mileage you never dreamed possible.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

Our test car was upholstered with handsome black leather. Black pebble-grain texture on the dash gave things a well-furnished glow. The center stack contained a straightforward nav system and Ford’s SYNC, the comprehensive communication network that allows the driver to track storms, place hands-free calls, find a movie start time, locate the cheapest gas in your region, and more.

The driver’s seat had good lateral support, decent lumbar support, and proper elevation at the cushion’s front to inhibit submarining (slipping under the belts) in a head-on impact. A sturdy chrome-trimmed shifter provided a businesslike grip.

The steering wheel features cruise-control buttons on the left side of the hub, and audio and media controls on the right. (And these controls were far enough away from the steering function to avoid accidental radio-station changes, as they should be.) The switchgear was neither showy nor cheap, with a straightforward utility appropriate to this car.

The deluxe Sony audio in our test car provided gorgeous sound, and better still, was adjusted by knobs. We’ve found the most efficient way to tune a sound system is with a radial knob, particularly when underway and especially on a rough road.

The air conditioning, which on the Hybrid is run directly off the battery pack (providing no power-sapping belt drag on the engine), was cool, powerful, all you could ask.

Rear seating was conventional for this class, which is to say, so-so. The seat cushions were flat and minimally cushioned. The two outside seats had a hint of lateral support, while the passenger in the center rear would be well advised to negotiate an upgrade. Headroom was reasonably good in back, given the downward taper of the roofline, but leave the fedora in your Bentley.

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Driving Impressions

Driving the Fusion Hybrid is different from driving other Fusions. Its acceleration is right in the middle of adequate, as most hybrid buyers will want, but the EcoGuide instrumentation’s ongoing tutorial informs the driver in real time of the mileage being achieved. As EcoGuide demonstrates, the secret of the Hybrid’s excellent City mileage is that its electric motor powers the car in cruising mode up to 47 mph. If more power is summoned for acceleration or passing, only then does the gasoline engine instantly and nearly silently kick in, adding smooth forward motion.

We found that when a stoplight turns green, we could use the throttle pedal freely, accelerating to the speed of traffic around us. Then by letting off the pedal slightly at, say, 40 mph or so, the gasoline engine almost imperceptibly shuts down. We’re running on clean, thrifty electric power. Practically the only indication of this is by watching Eco-Guide. The smoothness of these transfers between gasoline and electricity is the unmistakable result of world-class engineering.

Power delivery in the Fusion Hybrid is smooth and progressive, exhibiting none of the artificially sudden throttle response of its Asian competitors.

Similarly, the Fusion’s handling and on-road dynamics are exemplary. Because its handling is alert and agile, more so in some respects than Accord’s or Camry’s, it will respond accurately to driver inputs in an emergency.

At the same time, its ride is smooth and pleasing.

Four-wheel disc brakes, made more effective with standard ABS, provide forceful, easily modulated stopping power.

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Summary

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

If you want to come to an accurate assessment of just how good Detroit products are, you need look no further than the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. It is roomy and comfortable, a cutting-edge mid-sized family sedan with world-class efficiency and satisfying performance. Factoring in the $3400 after-purchase federal tax credit because it’s a hybrid, the price is right, too.

Ted West filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com after driving the Fusion Hybrid through the canyons and along Pacific Coast Highway north of Santa Monica, California.

Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree

Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough

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Herb Chambers BMW Sudbury & Boston – State of the Art Showrooms

bostonhybriddealers — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:37:51 +0000

BMW AND SUDBURY: PERFECT TOGETHER

The perfect blend of style and elegance, all under one roof!

Now open in Sudbury, MA: the all new state-of-the-art BMW of Sudbury (Foreign Motors West BMW) showroom and service shop!

This incredible 72,000 square foot facility is just the latest addition to our ever expanding portfolio of new dealerships and the latest in our dealership expansion program announced last year.

You won’t believe this brand new dealership featuring a 12 car showroom, a 6 car exterior display canopy, a three-lane drive-in service reception area with 40 service bays and a car wash situated on 6 acres. Our location on scenic Rte. 20, is minutes from every major highway and makes this location easy and accessible for both sales and service.

One reason that I am so excited about the BMW brand is because BMW has linked preserving the environment and maximizing performance at an elemental level. BMW Advanced Diesel, for example, has been re-engineered to have a 99% lower emission rate and a far greater fuel economy than the diesel from the past. And this environmentally- friendly diesel does not sacrifice performance. In fact, the BMW 6 cylinder diesel engine has more torque than most V8s. Last fall, BMW launched two new diesel vehicles, the 335d and X5 xDrive35d, which have the potential to revolutionize the way the world thinks about diesel technology.

You really owe it to yourself to visit our state-of-the-art showroom and test drive one of these innovative vehicles today (The Cappuccinos & snacks in the Café are on me!).

Even better news, is the addition of BMW’s sophisticated xDrive all-wheel-drive system to the 750i. This is a first for the 7 Series and something that’s destined to become very popular because of the ability it adds to an already sure-footed sedan. Adding the ability of xDrive to the usual accoutrement that defines the 750i is a smart move because of the manner in which it all comes together. BMW expects 80% of 7 Series buyers to check the all-wheel-drive option box when ordering their cars.

Curious yet? So, what are you waiting for, come to our Sudbury (or Boston) location and find out for yourself why everyone is calling this vehicle the innovation of the year in the Luxury line.

Our all new BMW dealership (formerly Foreign Motors West of Natick) is located at 128 Boston Post Road, Rt. 20, Sudbury, MA, 01776, across from Land Rover Sudbury. BMW of Sudbury (Foreign Motors West BMW) is our second BMW location, in addition to Herb Chambers BMW of Boston conveniently located at 1168 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. The new location (Sudbury) is less than a 10 minutes drive from the old location. If you feel the drive is inconvenient we also have a no charge pick up for your car and we can leave you a courtesy car.

BMW of Sudbury Offers:

Access to 2000 Pre-Owned vehicles of every make and model on www.herbchambers.com.
Numerous BMW models ranging from fuel efficient 3 Series to Luxury SUV’s, 2 Door 6 Series Coupes, M Series, and the All New 7 Series X – Drive.
The latest safety and technology features available on all models.
Innovative technology with the 335d and X5 xDrive35d as well as the 750 X Drive sedan and X6 Torque distribution.
BMW of Sudbury reflects the dedication of our entire team to provide an extraordinary level of client care for you.

All this means is that now’s the time to visit our new BMW dealership and discover the vehicle that so many satisfied BMW drivers enjoy every day…and remember, if it’s BMW (or most anything else automotive)… @ Herb Chambers – We’ve got it!

Sincerely,

Herb Chambers

www.herbchambers.com

Herb Chambers Cars and Coffee

bostonhybriddealers — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:30:24 +0000

Herb Chambers and BMW of Sudbury are pleased to announce, “Herb Chambers Cars and Coffee” Saturday, October 10, 2009 from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

This event is for motoring enthusiasts looking for a place to take their ride, share stories and admire each other’s pride and joy.

Visit: herbchamberscarsandcoffee.com

Herb Chambers Cars and Coffee is completely free and will be held at the all new Herb Chambers BMW of Sudbury, 128 Boston Post Road (Route 20) in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

The dealership is located just six miles from exit 26 off Rte 128/95.

All enthusiasts including antique, classic, exotic, hotrods, motorcycles and motorsports are invited to attend and there will be plenty of free parking for your vehicle.

Free Tee Shirts for the first 200 attendees!

On display! McLaren F-1

We hope to see you there!

John Covell

Director of Training and Marketing

john@herbchambers.com

Herb Chambers’ McLaren F1 and coffee

(Bill Polo/Globe File Photo, 2001)

Very few people have seen a McLaren F1 up close outside a magazine.

Even those of us who caught Ralph Lauren’s silver example at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts auto exhibition four years ago couldn’t see the gold leaf under the engine lid, or contemplate what a resting 250-mph speedometer would look like slammed to the max.

Thanks to mega dealer Herb Chambers, who has a 1995 F1 in his exotic and classic car collection, car enthusiasts can see this supercar very close, and sip some hot brew while they’re at it.

As a marketing effort to introduce his 46th dealership in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island area, BMW of Sudbury, Herb Chambers is launching the first of what he hopes will be a monthly gathering of “cars and coffee.” It’s an early morning, no-reservation auto event for cars and motorcycles of any kind (no model discrimination, but preferably not your 1991 Tercel).

Join Herb and whomever shows up (there should be enough, given the McLaren alone) from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Bimmer parking lot on 128 Boston Post Rd. Even though the Bugatti Veyron demolished his F1’s once-record 240 mph top speed, there’s nothing like a little McLaren in the morning.

Hybrid Dealers Boston – 2010 Honda Insight

bostonhybriddealers — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:47:50 +0000

2010 Honda Insight

All-new hybrid gets good fuel economy.

courtesy New Car Test Drive

Honda appears finally to have learned how to play in the hybrid game. Simply putting a hybrid powertrain in a regular car doesn’t cut it. If a carmaker wants to be taken seriously, it had better deliver a hybrid that looks like what the market has said it wants a hybrid to look like.

Beyond that obvious surrender to a take-no-big-chances market, however, the 2010 Honda Insight does manage to march to a slightly different drummer. It’s smaller than the market leader, for instance, which isn’t necessarily a plus, as interior room suffers. But it’s lighter, which is a plus, as less weight contributes to a somewhat livelier drive.

Beyond this, it generally stays the course, with the common array of standard features plus an optional navigation system and Bluetooth capability. It also can be ordered with gimmicky paddle shifters that imposes an artificial construct of seven electronically created ratios on the continuously variable automatic transmission.

Perhaps the most significant change Honda brings to the hybrid market is price competition. With the Insight, shoppers now have two similar cars from which to choose.

The 2010 Insight comes in one configuration: a four-door, five-passenger sedan. One powertrain is available: a combination of a 1.3-liter, 88-horsepower, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt, 13-hp, brushless, DC motor. Power goes only to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). In the top two of the three models offered, steering wheel-mounted shift paddles manage a computer-generated seven-speed, simulated-manual gearbox. The base model uses a standard CVT that’s efficient and highly competent.

Herb Chambers Honda in Boston

Herb Chambers Honda of Burlington

Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk

Herb Chambers Honda of Westborough

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Model Lineup

The 2010 Honda Insight comes in three models: The LX ($19,800) is well-equipped with automatic climate control; powered windows, outside mirrors and central locking; a four-speaker, 150-watt, multi-media-capable sound system including speed-sensitive volume control; a multi-information display showing, among other data bits, fuel economy, average speed, exterior temperature and a real-time map of the hybrid system’s energy flows; tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; manual driver’s seat height adjustment; and 60/40-split, fold-down rear seatback.

Herb Chambers Honda in Boston

Herb Chambers Honda of Burlington

Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk

Herb Chambers Honda of Westborough

The EX ($21,300) adds cruise control; the paddle shifters; front center console with armrest and storage bin, which, however, drops the drink holder count from eight to six; driver and passenger seatback map pockets; map lights; and two speakers and a USB connector to the sound system. The EX with Navi ($23,100) includes a navigation system with 6.5-inch screen; voice recognition; routing and guidance; and Bluetooth hands-free capability.

Safety features include front, side-impact and curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; tire pressure monitoring system; and rear seat child safety seat anchors (LATCH). Only the EX gets electronic vehicle stability assist, which includes traction control.

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Walkaround

Putting a bit of a spin on the old saw that imitation is the best form of flattery, Honda apparently has concluded that imitation is the best form of cashing in on somebody else’s success. Although in every dimension the 2010 Insight is an inch or three smaller than the Prius, only with the two parked door to door does this become visible to the eye. Otherwise, they could be twins separated at birth and only reacquainted in their mid-20s.

Squinting headlights peer out from the front corners, bracketing a grille that, save for the H logo, eerily reminds of a Ford Fusion, or a Gillette Fusion, for that matter. An open-mouth smile below the grille seems the more functional of the two openings as far as breathing cooling air for the radiator and engine compartment. Slit-shaped vents to each side break up the expanse of the front bumper and accent chin-link splitters at the corners that help keep the front end planted while it cleaves the air.

Side view shows a deeply wedged hood leading to a very fast, or raked, windshield. Roofline continues the arc over the passenger compartment and equally fast backlight, ending abruptly at a sharply chopped, relatively high, hind quarter. The beltline runs straight back beneath black-framed side glass, rising gently, from just aft of the centerline of the front wheelwell to just forward of the centerline of the rear wheelwell, emphasizing the Insight’s short wheelbase (distance between the centers of the wheels, front to back). Flip-up door handles sit flush with the body panels, making for good drag numbers but not for easy gripping; gloves are helpful for preserving long fingernails. Tires don’t quite fill the wheelwells, implying light weight and compactness. A close look reveals glimpses through the gaps of suspension hardware, again hinting at a hyper-consciousness about shaving weight. A shallow, sculpted character line across the bottoms of the doors links matching indents creasing the lower portions of the front and rear bumpers.

The rear aspects hews the closest to the original Insight’s super-aero styling, showing lines that, if extended, would taper to a pointed terminus some 10 feet or 12 feet behind the mostly vertical rear fascia. And continues here, with an understated rear spoiler splitting two parts of the backlight, the one above steeply raked, the one below upright and easing rearward visibility, especially when backing into a parking slot. The rear license plate sits in a recess in the liftgate, itself resting in a cutout cupped by the rear bumper. A single, almost demure exhaust tip peeks out from beneath the right side. Smallish, triangular taillight housings tuck into the upper corners of the rear fenders.

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Interior Features

The flattery game ends inside the new Insight. There, Honda looks to its most recent hybrid, the Civic version, for inspiration. Save for the shapes of the functions embedded in the dash, which go to oval from squarish, and the resurrection of a traditional placement for the shift lever and hand brake, the Insight’s interior shows all the telltales of a direct descendent from that predecessor.

Herb Chambers Honda in Boston

Herb Chambers Honda of Burlington

Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk

Herb Chambers Honda of Westborough

Not the least of these is the cyclopean pod perched on top of the dash, like a single eye glaring at the driver over the top of the steering wheel, projecting a digit rendition of the car’s speed. In the Insight, however, it serves another purpose, indicating by gradual changes between otherworldly bluish and greenish tints the efficiency a driver is achieving with the hybrid powertrain. To see this, it’s necessary to have pressed the ECON button at the left end of the dash to activate a collection of efficiency-enhancing alternative algorithms in the engine control computer that optimize throttle control; CVT operation; idle-stop activation and duration; air conditioning; and cruise control for best-possible fuel economy. Otherwise, the instrument cluster comprises the usual gauges that occupy the usual locations and report the usual information for a hybrid.

Audio controls are ergonomically positioned and proportioned, except for the on/off button, that is, which is seriously undersized and placed way up in the left corner of the control panel, about as far away as possible from the volume knob, which is the logical location. The air conditioning controls are uniquely consolidated in a circular array below and to the left of the audio panel (which the Navi system displaces on the top-of-the-line EX and with which the text EX was not outfitted). That takes some acclimation, but once that’s achieved, the layout feels less illogical. Radar detector users should order the longer cord, as the power point is tucked away back up under the dash beneath the A/C control pod.

Front seats are comfortable, if not especially assertive in terms of side bolsters on the bottom cushion. Front seatbacks, however, do a decent job of keeping the driver’s and passenger’s torso in place through relatively hurried changes in direction, provided occupants’ backs are comfortable with the mildly aggressive lumbar support. The rear seat is contoured more for two passengers than for three, with an elevated center section relegating that position to use only on short runs around town. All three head restraints adjust, however, and each position has the requisite three-point seatbelt.

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Driving Impressions

The 2010 Insight is a hybrid, so expectations for ride and handling rightly ought to be on the conservative side. And that’s about where they belong. Straight-line acceleration is not a strong point for hybrids. Neither is heart-pumping response to quick, right-left-right steering inputs, or even impressive stickiness around long sweeping curves. Where hybrids by right ought to shine is on the daily commute. And the Insight does.

Transitions between power sources are markedly smoother in the new Insight. The paddle-shifted, simulated manual seven-speed seems to us an unnecessary, even wasteful, gewgaw, more a gratuitous tipping of a braggart’s hat to Honda’s high-tech heritage than a functional addition to an already very competent, and fuel-efficient, powertrain.

The aforementioned ECON button is more in keeping with the Insight’s mission. Although equally unnecessary, it at least fulfills a purpose, giving the driver real-time indications on how frugally the powertrain is functioning while still leaving the driver free to tap the powertrain’s full potential when and if desired or necessary. Driven normally, the powertrain operates at optimum fuel efficiency. Pressed, it dutifully pumps out everything it has, shifting back and forth between the two effortlessly, with the only indicator being the changing colors backlighting the digital speedometer.

With ECON engaged or not, lifting off the gas eases the needle metering the power flows into the regenerative Charge range; applying the brake pushes the needle even deeper. The new Insight’s regenerative brake system is slicker than the Civic’s, too, masking more fully the system’s disengagement as the car nears a full stop. Speaking of brakes, the Insight’s did their job without any drama, with the only limitation on their stopping power resulting from the small foot print of the tires.

Wind noise, though, is minimal; props to that wind-cheating body. Ride is firm, but not stiff; it is a hybrid, after all, not one of those traditional family sedans with all that road-hugging weight to suppress pavement heaves and bumps. Likewise, fit and finish is Honda-spec, for the most part quality plastics with consistent gaps between panels. The dash-mounted, 360-degree rotating a/c registers are a nice, much-appreciated touch.

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Summary

Honda has done almost everything right with the new, 2010 Insight, with that almost relating exclusively to the hybrid’s fuel economy. Believing its faithful prefer a more responsive gas pedal over fewer visits to the local gas station, Honda geared the Insight accordingly. And while the jury’s out on whether Honda guessed right, the result is a clear choice in the hybrid segment. Finally.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from the northern regions of California’s Central Valley.

Herb Chambers Honda in Boston

Herb Chambers Honda of Burlington

Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk

Herb Chambers Honda of Westborough

Boston Hybrid Dealers – Top Selling Hybrids 2009

bostonhybriddealers — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:28:05 +0000

Top 2009 Hybrid Vehicles

Article Courtesy of: BY SHERYLL ALEXANDER

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California – CLICK HERE for Sheryll’s Home Page

For me, hybrid engine technology really took off in 2007 with the Lexus GS450h. It’s a wonder how Lexus took its super sports car GS and gave it a truly powerful rear drive, two-mode hybrid engine. Now in 2009, Lexus has unveiled its $100,000+ LS 600h, which comes with a 5 liter, 438 hp V8 gas-electric drivetrain.

Hybrid vehicles are more available than ever before. Truly, hybrids aren’t the answer for everyone, some hybrid vehicles do save money in fuel costs and yet still have perhaps thousands of dollars in upfront initial costs. And while subcompact and compact cars are now being built with super fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered engines, hybrid motors are perfectly suited for mid- and full-sized sedans, CUVs and SUVs.

2009 also marks the year of the more fuel-efficient large SUV hybrid with four models including the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Dodge Durango Hybrid and a beefed up Saturn Vue Hybrid.

I’ve tested just about every hybrid vehicle on the market today. And although I haven’t yet driven all of the 2009 model year hybrids below. Here are some good notes for those considering a hybrid vehicle purchase:

Least Expensive Hybrid: 2009 Chevy Malibu

GM’s 2009 Chevy Malibu is the nation’s least expensive hybrid at an MSRP of about $25,000. In 2009, the Chevy Malibu actually has improved the fuel economy on its 2.4-liter Ecotec engine a few points to 34 mpg highway and 26 mpg city. But this sedan has more going for it than a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The exterior and interior on the 2009 Chevy Malibu are both stylish, modern, sporty and luxurious.

Best Compact SUVs: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid & 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid

I couldn’t narrow it down to just one mid-sized hybrid SUV because I love both the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and the 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid as all-around great picks. The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid bring class-leading fuel economy at 33 mpg overall, a long list of standard features, above average driving characteristics, good styling inside and out and Ford’s cool SYNC technology. I’m quite fond of the Saturn Vue as an overall good buy, so the 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid portends to be a winner with 50 percent better fuel economy over last year’s non-hybrid V6 model with a driving range of 500 miles on one tank of gasoline.

Best Subcompact: 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

OK, I’m gonna throw you for a loop here. Most subcompacts aren’t made with hybrid engines because small engines already get above average fuel efficiency and low emissions. The 2.2 liter, four-cylinder 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE gets 37 mpg highway, surpassing most hybrid vehicles. And if that’s not incentive enough to buy the 2009 Chevy Cobalt XFE, the car comes with a long list of standard features, lots of options packages, an excellent powertrain warranty (five years/100,000 miles), five-star safety ratings and environmental stature as an ultra low emissions vehicle. GM’s Pontiac G5 XFE also gets 37 mpg highway.

Best Hybrid Sedan: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Recently, Consumer Reports announced the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid (34 mpg overall) saves the most money ($4,250) over five years compared to the conventional Toyota Camry (24 mpg overall). Now, there’s a lot of great hybrid sedans out there, including Toyota’s No. 1-selling hybrid: The Prius. However, there’s nothing like a super stylish, great driving, luxurious Camry to get around town.

Best Luxury SUV: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Finally, celebrities, music stars, captains of business and perhaps a presidential candidate or two can drive the world’s first full-sized luxury SUV with an environmentally-friendly hybrid engine. GM’s advanced two-mode V8 engine has achieved a 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy. But at around $72,000 for a base model (with tons of standard features), the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is pricey.

Best Large SUV & Truck Hybrid: 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid

This spring, I drove both the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid on a road test. I was surprised to find a noiseless, highly powerful 6-liter V8 gas-electric engine that gets 22 mpg overall. Plus, both of these large hybrids can tow 6,200 pounds and provide the same seating capacity, versatile cargo and luxury amenities as their non-hybrid counterparts. However, I do have to admit that I have yet to road test two other new, large SUV hybrid releases: the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and the Dodge Durango Hybrid.

Best Retro Hybrid: 2009 Honda Insight

Hybrid-powered car have only been around for a few years. So, how can there already be a retro model? The Honda Insight, which started the whole hybrid craze five year ago, will be completely re-designed and available at dealerships this spring. Built and marketed to compete against Toyota’s Prius, the five-seater 2009 Honda Insight will be priced as the “world’s cheapest hybrid” at around $19,000. The new Insight’s exterior styling actually looks quite similar to the Prius, which I believe is a wrong move for Honda since the goofy-looking styling of the Prius isn’t super appealing.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California.

Boston Hybrid Dealers – Hollywood in Somerville

bostonhybriddealers — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:45:13 +0000

~Photo by William Tauro

Herb Chambers helicopter landing pad to the stars!

By William Tauro

A helicopter takes off from on top of the Herb Chambers Auto dealership that’s located on McGrath Highway.

According to sources movie film actress Cameron Diaz is today’s passenger being transported to her movie set that’s being filmed locally.

Sources also tell us that movie star Tom Cruise was yesterday’s helicopter passenger for the day!

Hybrid Cars Boston – Luxury Hybrids

bostonhybriddealers — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:26:27 +0000

Luxury hybrids: Cutting edge, or ahead of their time?

Posted by Bill Griffith June 17, 2009 09:30 AM

The Mercedes S400h is a mild hybrid, unlike the full hybrid powertrain in the more expensive Lexus LS 600hL. (Daimler)

When Honda introduced its V-6 Accord Hybrid, both the marketing folks and public were confused. Weren’t hybrids supposed to be the ultimate “Econo Box?” The Accord Hybrid was thriftier than the gasoline model, but it wasn’t a mileage miser. It was a performance car; unfortunately, only a few folks realized and appreciated that, and even fewer bought the concept.

Now we have hybrids expanding across the automotive spectrum. Besides the strictly economy versions, you’ve got SUVs (Highlander and Lexus RX 400h) trucks (Silverado and Sierra 1500) and luxury vehicles (Escalade, Lexus LS 600hL).

What’s next? How about the Mercedes-Benz S400h? If mileage is your goal, it’s predicted to get 23 city/33 highway. The price will be north of $90,000.

Over the years, Mercedes has been a leader in introducing new facets of motor-vehicle technology. Now they’re coming in along with many others. My prediction is that they’ve waiting to make sure their system is seamless.

Oh yes, the lithium-ion battery pack is guaranteed for the life of the car.

A bit less expensive (under $35,000 MSRP) will be the Lexus HS 250h, expected to be (naturally) roomier, wider and longer than its sibling, the Toyota Prius. Lexus expects to sell about 25,000 in the United States in the coming model year.

Look for some interesting sales comparisons among Prius, Honda’s new Insight, and hybrid versions of Camry, Fusion (Milan), and Altima in the coming year.

And add Mazda to the party. The brand is looking to hybrid-ize its model lineup beyond the Tribute compact SUV.

10 comments

“…are offering high-end luxury in what used to be an economy class.”

Since when has a hybrid been an “economy class”? Hybrids have always been significantly more expensive than their non-hybrid versions. I call that a luxury. You pay more for the technology in order to save on gas and help the evironment, and possibly to do your part to help advance the technology, or just to be a trendy attention-seeker.
I think the S-class hybrid will appeal to many individuals with disposable incomes and guilty consciences as a way to feel better about themselves. And they should. 23/33 is very respectable.

Posted by Skidpalace June 17, 09 11:05 AM

what people aren’t understanding is that mercedes and bmw are actually pioneers of hybrid & hydrogen technology. Mercedes and BMW, and now VW, offer clean diesel alternatives, which actually get better real MPG than, say, a Prius hybrid, and doesn’t require a battery made of rare metals or that’s hard to get rid of or costly to replace. people have been conditioned by marketing to think that a hybrid has to be a puny little thing that woudln’t survive a 30mph collision with an SUV, where German companies are showing them the better long – term solutions.

For instance, even the large SUV hybrids make sense in some applications, as I rented one for our family to get to and from Logan for a vacation. That thing goes to and from the airport every day, so in stop and go traffic where the electric motor is doing the idling for the engine and giving you power up to 10mph, that’s a huge savings on gas.

Posted by FJ June 17, 09 11:05 AM

I couldn’t have said it any better than what FJ stated. It’s a shame that America still hasn’t totally caught on to Diesel technologies. I think some people still have the images of dirty/smelly exhaust and loud engines, which is mostly far from the truth. European nations have embraced diesel for ages, I think the vast majority of vehicles over there at least come with some sort of diesel option.

I could be wrong, but I think diesel is finally back below the cost of gasoline? I know it was a few weeks back. Not sure if it crept back up or not.

I’m not bashing hybrids by any means, but if I were really going to make a car decision based on MPG’s, I’d probably look at something like a Jetta TDI over a Prius….

Posted by boss8120 June 17, 09 02:04 PM

Diesels are great but they’re neither economic nor clean. A TDI may give you 30% better gas mileage but Diesel is also 30% more expensive than gasoline. Diesel’s may not emit CO2 but they emit a series of other equally bad gases. The main reason Diesels have caught up in Europe is because over there Diesel is cheaper that gasoline so there is a financial advantage to driving a Diesel. And Europe has clean diesel which we in the US don’t so the cars can pass the strict European emmissions standards. The Us still allows the old dirty diesel to be sold. Which is not to say Diesels are not good. Each technology has it good and bad things. I personally would love a Diesel because of its higher torque for pulling and smoother and efficient highway driving. In city driving Diesels are no better than regular gasoline engines. Hybrids are a far better option for congested driving, which is not an issue in my case.

Posted by MF June 17, 09 03:06 PM

I dont understand why they dont make Diesel Hybrid cars? It will go farther than gasoline hybrid cars

Posted by BP1002 June 17, 09 03:42 PM

Battery for life? So… what’s the lifespan of a new S-Class? My 02 was garbage at 50000 miles- sure did look nice though. I wouldn’t trust a new Benz as far as I could drive it before the first transmission failure.

Posted by Alex G June 17, 09 06:33 PM

RE BP 1002, there are some diesel hybrid entries in the Progressive X-Prize competition – let’s see how they fare. Also the Riley XR-3 is an efficient diesel hybrid albeit with quirky styling. I believe Suburu just announced a diesel hybrid plans. A small diesel running at constant RPM with a supercapacitor for cycling the stop/start energy and the power control electronics to make it all work together would give impressive MPG without sacrificing torque. We live in interesting times.

Posted by LMS June 18, 09 06:31 AM

Its good for consumers to have the option of a hydrid. It should be common to all new cars as a trim level option.

I see many S-class models as livery cars. This would be a benefit to them to have hybrid models.

And also many S-class owners who commute everyday might be more inclined to buy a hybrid model if they travel farther than to the outskirts of the city.

And 33mpg for the SIZE and WEIGHT of an S-class is GREAT!

Posted by Andy June 18, 09 10:04 AM

MJ-You’re wrong. Diesel is now cheaper than gas. Clearly it fluctuates, and last year it was more expensive. Diesel tends to be more expensive in times of economic growth (it’s used by trucks that ship consumer goods). Also, the new EPA compliant clean diesels are nothing like older diesels. You probably wouldn’t even know you were in one without notice.

Check it out yourself: http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/gdu/gasdiesel.asp

Posted by Steve June 18, 09 01:26 PM

If they can keep prices to a minimum. Who can afford these pricey hybrids these days? Especially that proposed 90k Mercedes Hybrid.

Hybrid Dealers Boston – Saving Money With Hybrids

bostonhybriddealers — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:14:20 +0000

Hybrid Cars and Gas Prices

By Consumer Reports

With gas prices in a constant state of flux is it a good idea to get yourslef behind the wheel of a hybrid? Gas prices should be one measure of weight used in making this determination; we have seen gas prices go from $4.00 a gallon in the summer of ‘08 to the current price of under $2.00 ( November ‘08). Environmental concerns should also weigh into the equation.

There was a time when luxury and performance were not used inthe same sentence as hybrid. Those days are gone with Mercedes, Lexus and BMW releasing hybrid luxury and performance vehicles. Please consider the tone of the Consumer Reports article as it was written when gas prices were reaching all time highs.

Gas/electric hybrid vehicles present a conundrum for many car shoppers. They typically deliver the best fuel economy in their class, but they’re also priced higher than similar conventional cars. So it has been difficult to know whether a hybrid will save money overall.

Not anymore. With gas prices soaring, our latest analysis of owner costs shows that you can save more than $4,000 over five years by choosing a hybrid over a similar conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.

Six of the 12 affordable hybrids we looked at can save you from about $500 to $4,250, even without tax credits, and pay back their price premium after only one year. They are the Toyota Prius and hybrid versions of the Malibu and Tahoe, Ford Escape, Saturn Vue, and Toyota Camry. For several, you can save even more by taking advantage of federal tax credits.

The Honda Civic and Saturn Aura hybrids will cost you a little more than their conventional counterparts—from $250 to $750 over five years—but some consumers might find it worthwhile to drive a more environmentally friendly car. With federal tax incentives, both come out ahead after just one year.

Three hybrids—the Lexus GS 450h and RX 400h and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid—cost significantly more than their counterparts in the first five years.

Hybrid interest in the US peaked in Summer ‘08 in direct correlation to gas prices. Hybrids sales were up close to 40 percent last year. Many dealerships had a difficult time keeping up with consumer demand.

Other important determining factors when choosing a hybrid purchase in terms of return on investment.

It would take many years for most hybrids to pay back their premium price just on fuel savings. But fuel costs are only a relatively small part—25 percent—of the overall owner costs in the first five years. Other factors include depreciation, insurance, interest on financing, maintenance and repairs, and sales tax.

In a nut shell, the Consumer Reports article tell us that there is certainly room for more innovation in terms of the relationships between luxury, performance and economics. We would like to see that line more blurred and not so cut and dry.

With the world and US economies in as much a state of flus as the price of gas we hope that the US Automakers make a bit a sea change in terms of the vehicles they are putting out and get int a competitive lockstep with the foreign auto manufacturers.