autoMedia Auto News Blog : Fuel economy

Charge! Cadillac Converj Plug-In Racing to Production

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:36:00 GMT

Word has spilled from the Motor City via The Detroit News that General Motors will produce the Cadillac Converj extended-range electric car. For industry pundits, it seemed predestined that GM would offer a luxury sibling to the much ballyhooed Chevrolet Volt. By packaging the innovative drivetrain in a Cadillac model, GM can amortize the investment across more sales volume. Just as significantly, a Cadillac sports car can absorb the cost for the expensive battery packs, and it will make the Volt seem like an affordable, practical alternative, rather than the most expensive Chevrolet in history. First shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit , the Cadillac Converj served as the automaker’s grand finale. Product czar Bob “Maximum” Lutz at the time said if greenlighted, the production Converj would closely resemble the show vehicle. As you can see here, the Converj bears more than a family resemblance to the CTS Coupe , and it puts a sharp edge on luxury sportsters in general. Going green is fast becoming cool. The Volt is expected to go on sale by late 2010, so don’t look for a Cadillac version till 2011 at the earliest. Also see: Driving a Chevy Volt Test...(read more)

Nissan Back on Track with 2010 Lineup

Editor — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:45:00 GMT

In the late ‘90s, Nissan brought a handful of automotive journalists into its California headquarters. The company was struggling, and it seemed as if the executives were looking for a magic solution. Frankly, it felt as if the company had gone insane. The car writers were unanimous in saying that Nissan was making some wonderful, powerful, sweet-handling cars. However, we added, the American public was hopelessly infatuated with giant sport/utility vehicles and pickups, and Nissan and its Infiniti brand had arrived too late to that party. The cynic in me wanted to say, “Check your water coolers. It appears as if they’re being spiked. And, if the coolers are clean, perhaps you should put everybody on Prozac or something.” The bottom line: The company lost its way and second-guessed itself almost to death. Fast-forward to the present. At its gleaming new headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, Nissan showed the media an impressive lineup of cars. No trucks or SUVs were present for this event. Today’s bad economy, the threat of rising gas prices, and looming fuel-economy rules have America’s love affair with big SUVs and pickups on the rocks. Meanwhile, over the past dozen years, Nissan...(read more)

Quick Take Test Drive: Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Editor — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:17:00 GMT

If you’re looking for great fuel economy, you have lots of choices. There’s a cornucopia of small cars on the market and, if you need more space, there are some larger hybrid vehicles that still turn in impressive numbers at the pumps. But let’s say you want more. How about a good-sized vehicle with wonderful road feel and driving fun? That car is the Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel sedan. If you haven’t been around diesels lately, you might still think they’re the smoky, stinky, slow models that have been around for a couple of decades. But you’d be wrong. Today’s diesel has been to the gym, quit smoking and—with an impressive 31mpg city/40 mpg EPA fuel economy rating—doesn’t drink much either. The Jetta TDI gives you a choice of either sedan or wagon (or SportWagen), and both are handsome vehicles. Our four-door sedan looked very German in its reflex silver metallic. While our TDI sedan test car was thrifty on fuel, there was nothing low-rent about its interior. Like all modern Volkswagens, the design is clean and efficient, and the quality of the materials sets the standard for its class. The best part of the Jetta TDI experience, though, was in the driving. Start up was smooth...(read more)

Hyundai Boosts Accent MPG for 2010

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:03:00 GMT

Hyundai continues to sing the Blues as it applies fuel-saving tweaks to the Accent line, as it has done with the Elantra . For the 2010 model year, all Accents benefit from aerodynamic enhancements, reduced engine friction, a “smart” alternator management system, optimized thermostat, and low-rolling resistance tires. As a result, fuel economy is improved across the board by 1 mpg in the city and highway. The base model is now the Accent Blue. As with the Elantra Blue , this car receives further enhancements to make it the thriftiest of the line. Here, the Accent has a lowered ride height and revised gear ratios. These tweaks help to achieve 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Turns out, the better-equipped GS three-door hatchback matches those numbers with an automatic transmission, but it trails 1 mpg in the combined figures due to rounding. Pricing for the Blue starts at just $10,000. It is a fairly bare-bones car, with even air conditioning being optional. The GS would have broader appeal without true mileage compromises. It is more comfortably equipped with an auto tranny, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, rear wiper, and additional convenience features. It is made even more appealing...(read more)

Nissan To Take Reservations For Leaf EV

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:23:00 GMT

Reacting to strong interest in its five-door electric car, Nissan will accept reservations for the Leaf in spring 2010. To date, about 22,000 people have contacted Nissan about this significant EV. (See our Nissan Leaf preview.)

The Leaf uses laminated compact lithium-ion batteries that generates 90kW, routing 80kW to the electric motor. The batteries can be recharged up to 80-percent full in under 30 minutes with a quick charger. At home, it would take about eight hours to fully recharge via a 200-volt outlet. Nissan claims the Leaf 100-mile range – ample for the daily needs of most drivers. Pricing hasn't been announced, though Nissan says it will significantly undercut the Chevrolet Volt, and it may be well under $30,000 with federal incentives.

About 70 percent of the people in North America who have inquired about the reside in markets where the all-electric zero-emission car first will be brought to market. This strong consumer reaction has Nissan hoping to secure 20,000 reservations before the car goes on sale late 2010. The Leaf will be sold globally, with plans for it to be sold in Europe, Japan, and the United States 2010. Beginning in late 2012, Nissan will manufacture the Leaf and its advanced lithium-ion battery pack for the U.S. market at the company’s plant in Smyrna, Tenn. Initially, the Leaf will be sourced from Japan.

Learn more about the Leaf reservation process. And before you commit, be sure to read our Chevrolet Volt first drive.

Read: "Electric Vehicles: Pros and Cons"

autoMedia CARnival 9-25-09: This week in auto blogs

Brandy Schaffels — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:00:00 GMT

It's the week ending September 25, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Everyone's multi-billion dollar tax drain, aka the Cash Allowance Rebate System, aka CARS, aka Cash for Clunkers, is back in the headlines again.

Soon after Cash for Clunkers ended, many supporters were boasting that the average mileage for the first quarter million trade-ins improved from 16.3 mpg to 24.8 mpg. That's a great fuel savings, right? Wrong: research shows that C4C participants intend to drive almost twice as many annual miles, which will certainly offset any efficiency-based fuel savings. Find out more at AutoBlogGreen.

More bad news about cash for clunkers: Exotic cars were also sent to the crusher! Though the most popular vehicle destroyed under Cash For Clunkers was the Ford Explorer, Jalopnik says buyers also smashed AMGs, Rolls-Royces, and even a LaForza. We can't imagine crushing a $130,000 Aston Martin DB7 Volante for a $4500 credit. That's just wrong.

Hey, not ALL the clunkers have been traded in! If you're looking for some classic American haulers, TruckTrend.com has found three 1960s-era passenger vans for sale on eBay. Take your pick from a 1962 Chevrolet Corvair Greenbrier, a 1966 Ford E-100, or a 1966 Dodge.

Yeah, we all thought the Segway was a strange invention at first, but it recently had a starring role in "Paul Blart, Mall Cop." Now Honda has released its own personal mobility device, the U3-X, which stands for both "universal" and "unicycle." According to AutoBlog, the large wheel contains a series of smaller wheels that can rotate independently, allowing the awkwardly perched user 360 degrees of movement. Like the Segway, the person piloting the U3-X simply leans in the desired direction to control the movement through the Honda Omni Traction Drive System. Not sure what movie this device will star in, but it causes me to envision human bowling pins, just waiting to be knocked over...

Stranger than fiction: LeftLaneNews is publishing prognostications that Fiat's master plan for the Chrysler Group, includes turning Dodge into a sports car brand and transforming Chrysler into a Cadillac rival. Another proposal reportedly would eliminate Dodge's trucks from its lineup and place them into a whole new division called, not surprisingly, Ram. Hmmm.

Shell will award free V-Power premium gasoline and an all-new 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo motorcycle to the winners of their "Fuel My Passion" Contest and Sweepstakes. All you have to do is submit a creative photo posing with your vehicle and showing the "V" Sign, and also include a short story of up to 100 words on how Shell V-Power has fueled your passion. Details are at AutomotiveTraveler, though we suggest you leave out references to the Mercury Mistress from your entry.

After nearly two years in fleet service, the Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicle fleet has surpassed more than a million miles on the road. According to AskPatty about 5,000 people have driven the fuel cell Equinox in short test drives. More than 80,000 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and Greater Los Angeles, have volunteered to drive the vehicles as part of Project Driveway's experimental program began in November, 2007.

Consumer Reports asks "Do cars dream of electric beeps?" Many have said the silence of electric cars could be potentially dangerous; Well, Nissan proposes breaking EV silence with 'Blade Runner' whir while moving, to alert pedestrians who can't see or hear them

Thanks for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival! Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next week for another installment.

Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com Contributing Editor

Pricing 2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue Boosts MPG

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:37:00 GMT

It used to be that manufacturers boasted more horsepower with each new model year, and larger size every redesign. Times have changed, and the common message for 2010 is fuel economy. Hyundai promised a year ago that they would focus their engineering muscle on boosting fuel economy. The Elantra Blue edition leads this effort, with Blue variants and hybrids expected to follow from the company’s other product lines.

The Elantra Blue evolves the 2009 Elantra GLS manual into a greener machine, with fuel economy boosted two mile per gallon for both the city and highway EPA ratings through several tweaks. The Elantra Blue has a smarter alternator management system, lower friction engine components, revised transmission gear ratios, improved lock-up torque converter, and thriftier engine calibration than the previous GLS. It also adds an upshift indicator and the all-important “Blue” badging. The fuel economy is now rated at 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway.

The Blue is the new entry point into the Elantra line, starting at just $14,145 (plus $720 destination charge). Despite the budget price, it has a healthy features roster that includes power heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows with driver’s one-touch down, remote keyless entry with alarm and trunk release, variable intermittent windshield wipers, multiple storage areas, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, tachometer, tinted windows, two 12V outlets, and tilt steering wheel. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, ABS, four-wheel disc brakes, and active front head restraints. Air conditioning, 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system, iPod/USB auxiliary inputs, and cruise control are available as part of the $1,700 optional Comfort Package.

At $16,895 , the 2010 Elantra GLS builds upon the Elantra Blue with the Comfort Package, adding a four-speed automatic transmission, dual front illuminated vanity mirrors with sunvisor extensions, fog lights, and a windshield shade band. The only option is a $900 power sunroof. Its fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg city – a one mpg increase in each environ.

The range is topped with a sportier SE that adds to the GLS: stability control, 16-inch wheels, sport-tuned steering and suspension, leather shift knob, telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, and trip computer. The price starts at $17,845, with an available premium package for $1,150 addings a power sunroof and heated front seats.

As with all Hyundai models, the Elantra is protected by a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, along with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

Research Hyundai in the new car buyer’s guide, and see our Hyundai Elantra Touring review.

Updated: 2010 Honda CR-V – More Power, Fresh Face

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:53:00 GMT

Honda has treated the ever-popular CR-V to a midlife freshening that brings an updated front fascia, interior refinements, more power, and improved fuel economy. The styling changes signal the 2010 CR-V with a new bumper, grille, and hood, along with a rear bumper update. The previous seven-spoke wheels are replaced with 10-spoke rims.

Under that new hood comes a 14-horsepower increase to 180 hp from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. This is a surprisingly move, as Honda is known for not changing their engines. However, the CR-V has been in service for a generation and half in 166-hp form. This change is welcomed, especially as it carries a 1 mpg increase for city and highway EPA ratings in both 2WD and AWD versions.

Inside, Honda has made numerous tweaks that reflect customer feedback with items such as wider arm rests, interior door handle redesign with a rubberized grip handle, and dark brown carpet to replace the stain-showing light brown. The audio system now uses blue backlighting, and top trim models gain a compass. The CR-V EX-L (navigation and non-navigation models) gain a USB audio interface for direct access to music files on compatible devices using the vehicle's existing controls. Ideally, this feature would trickle down to the less-affordable variants.

In total, the 2010 Honda CR-V improves upon the formula that led the CR-V to being the best-selling SUV in 2008. And that’s a good thing. Prices start at $21,545 for the CR-V LX 2WD, increasing to $23,845 for the EX 2WD, and top-out at $29,745 for the EX-L AWD with navigation.

Read our Honda CR-V review.

CARS Program Declared 'Wildly Successful'

Brandy Schaffels — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Barely a month after The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program was first enacted, the second leg of the pivotal program also known as "cash for clunkers," wrapped up boasting nearly 700,000 car sales and improved fuel efficiency.

In a statement released by U.S. Department of Transportation, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood declared the program "wildly successful" citing not just the number of vehicles sold, but also good news for the environment. The average fuel economy of the vehicles traded in was 15.8 miles per gallon and the average fuel economy of vehicles purchased was 24.9 mpg - a 58 percent improvement helped by the fact that 84 percent of consumers traded in trucks and 59 percent purchased passenger cars.

According to the report released today, cars purchased under the program were, on average, 19% above the average fuel economy of all new cars currently available, and 59% above the average fuel economy of cars that were traded in. This means the program raised the average fuel economy of the fleet, while getting the dirtiest and most polluting vehicles off the road.

All in all, it appears the program has served its purpose, as according to a preliminary analysis by the White House Council of Economic Advisers, the CARS program will:

Boost economic growth in the third quarter of 2009 by 0.3-0.4 percentage points at an annual rate thanks to increased auto sales in July and August.
Will sustain the increase in GDP in the fourth quarter because of increased auto production to replace depleted inventories.
Will create or save 42,000 jobs in the second half of 2009. Those jobs are expected to remain well after the program's close.

"This is a win for the economy, a win for the environment and a win for American consumers," said Secretary LaHood. The dollar value of the 690,114 vehicle transactions presents a total dollar value of $2,877.9 million! Broken down, the ten states to benefit the most from these purchases are (based on dealer voucher requests):

California..............$326,822,000
Texas....................$183,776,500
New York .............$156,292,000
Florida..................$146,565,000
Illinois...................$143,613,000
Pennsylvania........$138,651,500
Ohio .....................$136,267,000
Michigan...............$132,407,500
New Jersey...........$103,375,500
Virginia.................$98,523,500

After the stampede of sales ends, the Department of Transportation is now augmenting a 2000-person team to process dealer rebate applications.

See our previous reports on "Top 10 Trade-Ins and Purchases" and "What Automaker Sold the Most Cars?"

Learn even more from "Cashing in on Clunkers."

By Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com contributing editor

Cash for Clunkers – What Automaker Sold the Most Cars?

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:41:00 GMT

The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program, known as “cash for clunkers,” has ended. Both government and industry are struggling to emerge from the paper trail left behind by the sales frenzy that saw $3 billion in federal incentives vaporize in just a few weeks. Preliminary figures released this week show that 84 percent of trade-ins under the program are trucks, and 59 percent of new vehicle purchases are cars.

Consumers were drawn to fuel-efficient models, averaging a 9.2 mpg improvement from the clunker to the new vehicle. Looking at the top 10 most popular purchases, the list is dominated by thrifty, compact sedans such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus. Further, hybrid vehicles accounted for 4.5 percent of new vehicles purchased under the program compared to 3 percent of all new vehicle sales in June 2009. Interestingly, more than ¾ of those buying a hybrid were replacing an SUV or truck.

But the key question is, what automakers most benefited from the sales? While the Department of Transportation points out that 54 percent of the top 10 vehicles sold were manufactured in the United States, the sales breakdown shows that that import companies Toyota and Honda captured a significant portion of clunkers business, with General Motors leading the domestic brands.

Cash for clunkers new-vehicle sales share

19.2% Toyota
17.7% General Motors
15.0% Ford
13.2% Honda
8.3% Chrysler
7.8% Nissan
6.8% Hyundai
3.8% Kia
2.4% Subaru
2.3% Mazda
1.9% Volkswagen
0.5% Suzuki
0.4% Mitsubishi
0.4% Mini
0.2% Smart
0.1% Volvo
<0.1% All other

See our previous report on the Top 10 Trade-Ins and Purchases.

Learn even more from “Cashing in on Clunkers.”

2011 Chevrolet Volt to Get 230 mpg?!

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:20:00 GMT

General Motors hosted a future car and technology preview today, showcasing the hardware and designs that will carry the “new” company forward. The centerpiece of the event was the 2011 Chevrolet Volt with a claimed 100 mpg overall fuel economy and a staggering 230 mpg city rating.

The announcement concluded a viral marketing campaign that saw a cute and mysterious “230” graphic appearing online and at sports venues. Many had guessed it was Volt related, with the smiley plug being a huge tip off. Now that the riddle has been solved, it remains hard to understand the fuel-sipping performance this extended-range vehicle offers.

The 230 mpg figure is based on development testing using a draft EPA federal fuel economy methodology for labeling plug-in electric vehicles. Whether the car achieves that, or if the rule evolves, remains to be seen. The Volt is expected to travel up to 40 miles on electricity from a single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more than 300 miles with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator. Therefore, the 230 mpg rating is dependent on heavy electric-mode usage.

"From the data we've seen, many Chevy Volt drivers may be able to be in pure electric mode on a daily basis without having to use any gas," said GM Chief Executive Officer Fritz Henderson. "EPA labels are a yardstick for customers to compare the fuel efficiency of vehicles. So, a vehicle like the Volt that achieves a composite triple-digit fuel economy is a game-changer."

Nearly eight of 10 Americans commute fewer than 40 miles a day, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. So, how do they get 230? That remains somewhat elusive, with GM explaining that this new EPA methodology uses kilowatt hours per 100 miles traveled to define the electrical efficiency of plug-ins. Applying EPA's methodology, GM expects the Volt to consume as little as 25 kilowatt hours per 100 miles in city driving. At the U.S. average cost of electricity (approximately 11 cents per kWh), a typical Volt driver would pay about $2.75 for electricity to travel 100 miles, or less than 3 cents per mile. However, it would appear, to maintain that thrifty performance, a driver would need to recharge long before driving 100 miles, or depend on the 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine for assistance.

How the Volt fuel economy, or energy efficiency, measures up in the real world remains to be seen, but quite clearly the electrified sedan is destined to be a mileage champion. The Volt is scheduled to start production in late 2010 as a 2011 model.

Coming Soon: 2011 Nissan Leaf EV

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:51:00 GMT

Nissan unveiled a pure-electric hatchback today named Leaf that is destined to go on sale in Europe, Japan, and the United States in late 2010. The five-passenger Leaf has a claimed 100-mile range – ample for the daily needs of most drivers.

The Leaf uses laminated compact lithium-ion batteries that generates 90kW, routing 80kW to the electric motor. Nissan says, "This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what consumers have come to expect from traditional, gasoline-powered automobiles."

The batteries can be recharged up to 80-percent full in under 30 minutes with a quick charger. At home, it would take about eight hours to fully recharge via a 200-volt outlet.

Billed as a connected vehicle, the Leaf can receive support, information, and entertainment through a “global data center.” One application is that some Leaf systems can be activated via cell phone, such as air conditioning or charging functions.

The distinct design looks modern and practical, with enough futuristic flare to announce that this vehicle is special—that may be a key combination for attracting buyers. But the real hook is zero-emission motoring.

It may seem that Nissan is new to the electrified party, especially given that its sole hybrid (the Altima) uses Toyota technology. However, Nissan has been working on battery technology for many years, and it has been operating pilot electric vehicle programs overseas in preparation for the Leaf launch and that of future vehicles.

Read: "Electric Vehicles: Pros and Cons"

Acura Reveals Restyled, Revised MDX for 2010

Editor — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Acura announced today changes to their quintessential MDX SUV for the 2010 model year. Updates include a revised grille, a new hood and front fascia, new rear bodywork, improvements to its 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 powertrain (that includes better fuel economy), and a new six-speed automatic transmission. An all-new Advance Package offers a revised Active Damper System and new, 19-inch wheels and tires. New, 18-inch wheels are standard. As with recent MDX model years, the 2010 MDX transfers power to the wheels through its renowned Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that actively distributes the optimum amount of power to all four wheels.

On the inside, the 2010 MDX features a new, bolstered, Milano-leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges and available AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting via a new, full VGA eight-inch navigation screen. A new rear-view camera is also on the options list, and features three different view choices. Acura says, “In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant features, the 2010 MDX is available with an array of technologies to improve convenience, including an all-new blind spot information system and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and enhance safety, with Acura’s unique Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).”

Coming soon will be a full road test review of the restyled, refined 2010 Acura MDX. Read about other Acura vehicles currently on sale in our 2009 Acura Buyer’s Guide.

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

2010 Lexus HS 250h Pricing Announced

Editor — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:36:00 GMT

The world’s first dedicated hybrid luxury vehicle arrives in dealerships in late August. Lexus announced pricing this morning for the all-new sedan, which starts at $34,200 for the standard model, and $36,970 for the Premium edition. An additional $875 for delivery and handling will apply.

The HS 250h is Lexus’ fourth luxury hybrid and the most affordable. It also offers the best combined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mileage rating of any luxury vehicle in the U.S., and produces 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, according to Lexus. EPA estimated city/highway mpg is 35/34, with a combined 35 mpg result from 87-octane fuel.

Read our 2010 Lexus HS 250h complete test drive review, and Vie to Win a 2010 Lexus HS 250h Luxury Hybrid.

~ Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com

Vie to Win a 2010 Lexus HS 250h Luxury Hybrid

Editor — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:27:00 GMT

Lexus says their research has revealed that “more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available,” which means the all-new 2010 Lexus HS 250h should be a huge hit when it reaches showrooms later this summer. If you want a chance to drive one for free—for either one week or an entire year—go to www.drivehs.com and enter by July 31, 2009 for a chance to win.

There are several ways—and prizes—to win. First you can create an account to become a potential driver or just vote for others to win, based upon their profile as to why they believe they should be selected. If you think you’re the best potential driver, create your own Driver Profile explaining why you should be voted to win the chance to drive the new HS 250h. In the world of social networking, you can campaign to your heart’s content through facebook, Twitter, You Tube or any other legal means to persuade friends, family, coworkers and strangers to vote for you. Not only that, every person who submits a vote for a “driver,” will get their name entered into a random drawing to also win.

The Voter-only grand prize is a one-year Lexus HS 250h lease and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag (contents of which are a secret at this time).

The Driver candidate with the most votes will win a one-year lease of the HS 250h, a weekend at a Fairmont Resort, and a Lexus Hybrid Living gift bag. Two runners-up winners will receive a one-week HS 250h test drive, two nights’ weekend accommodations at a Fairmont Resort hotel, and that secret Lexus Hybrid Living bag of goodies. Finally, 98 winners will receive a one-week test drive and, you guessed it, the Lexus Hybrid Living gift package. Now I’m dying to know more than ever what is in that bag!

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is actually the world’s first luxury car available with only a hybrid engine. Read our complete road test review of the HS 250h by veteran automotive engineer and journalist, Gary Witzenburg, for more details. Then check out lexus.com and drivehs.com to get started on your chance to drive this new high-end, high-tech luxury hybrid model—and vote for whomever you believe will fully represent. Or at least enjoy reading all the good reasons why so many people want to drive and own the new HS 250h. Enthusiasm is contagious. Remember, contest ends July 31st. Good luck!

-Deborah Neal, Editorial Director, autoMedia.com