Ramp Up & Seize The Hybrid
As Hybrid Technology Has Advanced In The Years Since, Its Performance And Feel On The Road Has Gotten Better And Better. And, We’re Impressed, Thus We’ve Covered Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Hybrid Cars Launched.
The hybrid revolution is set to get even bigger in the next few years. Hybrid cars may have a distinct look, but they are designed this way for a reason. To reduce their drag factor to slice through the air as they travel and reduce fuel consumption further, they are considerably more aerodynamic than conventional cars. With not only creating an appealing silhouette, but also allowing a spacious interior and generous storage space.
Most importantly, their sleek aerodynamic shape, closed wheel design, front wheel air curtains, rear spoiler and diffuser, side sill mouldings, floor undercover and front grille active air flap all contribute toward the car’s high aerodynamic efficiency, achieving a class-leading car. The six-speed dual-clutch transmission provides a sporty feel and direct driver engagement, while offering comfortable and efficient driving in automatic mode. Indeed, given the future-facing technology they contain, today’s hybrids often have more safety features than their traditional counterparts. So, let’s have a look at them.
Lexus 2023 LC 500H
Today’s hybrids often have more safety features than their traditional counterparts.
It’s been a while since Lexus has built a true luxury coupe, but with the new LC it hasn’t done things by halves. There’s an all-new platform underneath the car and Lexus has dropped in its best engines, a 5-litre V8 from the RC F and GS F, and a 3.5-litre hybrid with a new transmission said to deliver on the disparate strengths of performance and economy.
Sure, there are other high-dollar luxury coupes out here, but they don't have a hybrid powertrain, especially one as unique as the LC 500h's. It consists of a 3.5-liter V6, two electric motors and a battery pack that's mounted between the rear seats and trunk. This might seem like a pretty ordinary hybrid setup until you get to the transmission. Lexus pairs a continuously variable transmission with a four-speed automatic, a combination designed to simulate 10 gears.
Due to the location of the batteries behind the rear seats, the LC 500h actually has a slightly better weight distribution than the LC 500 V8 - 51:49 front to rear, compared to 52:48. Both have a low centre of gravity though, located around the driver’s thigh - close to the ideal hip-point that manufacturers aim for.
Mercedes Benz AMG E 53 Sedan
The Mercedes-AMG E53 lineup is sporty, handsome, and thoroughly engaging to drive. What separates the E53 from the regular Benz-branded E-class is its athleticism, which can be seen, felt, and heard. The classic inline-6 takes a futuristic form: a turbocharged, beltless engine with hybrid electric assist. The result is rapid response with enduring responsibility, wrapped in E-Class innovation and AMG inspiration. The E53s ride on an AMG-tuned sport suspension and feature numerous visual changes from their special grille to their quad tailpipes, all of which communicate their more serious purpose at a glance.
The seamless power and natural balance of an inline-6 return with another Mercedes-AMG tradition: a technological leap forward. The lightweight, fully beltless engine is also electrified: An Integrated Starter-Generator can supply up to 21 hp at certain rpm, allow gas-free coasting, and recapture energy during deceleration. With a twin-scroll turbo and electric auxiliary compressor, the gas engine outputs 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque on its own, for quick, efficient response.
Toyota Innova HyCross
The new Innova Hycross is a drastic change while a lot of that involves a move to front-wheel drive and of course, there being no diesel or manual. The new Innova Hycross is a massive change in just about everything including being 200 kgs lighter than the Crysta plus having a completely new driving experience. First of all, the SUV-like looks make the Innova Hycross a much more appealing design plus it is huge, so much so that those 18-inch wheels are dwarfed by the size of the car.
Toyota has made the Hycross petrol available only in the lower-spec G and GX variants, hence, it misses some of the premium touches of the Hycross hybrid, like the silver highlights and garnish. Despite these, it still comes across as a thoroughly modern and premium iteration of the Innova. It appears imposing with its long flattish bonnet, slim Fortuner-like LED headlamps and an oversized front grille.
Yet there are still a few light strokes that resemble to the previous Toyota Innova. This vehicle appears to be an SUV at first glance, but the MPV styling comes as evident when you'll observe closely. The front section is reminiscent of the new Toyota Hilux pick-up truck, with a new hexagonal-shaped honeycomb mesh grille surrounded by ample chrome and flanked by new pairs of LED DRLs and LED headlamps, with sharp creases all around. The 'T' logo is prominently displayed in the centre, while the lower section of the hood is adorned with 'Innova' lettering in chrome. The large bumpers with chrome components add to the overall SUV appearance.
MG Hector Plus 7 seater
The MG Hector is the king of bling. It has this larger-than-life appeal, as it’s always been big on everything – space, features, screen size, chrome, and everything else. Keeping up with the tradition, MG has now updated the Hector for 2023 by adding more bling and stuffing it with even more features. Already a hefty-looking SUV that seems to have worked well in its favour in drawing customers towards it, the 2023 facelift now makes the SUV look more contemporary. The grille being the obvious visual update to the front-end, it is now bigger and dons chrome elements that give it a diamond-studded appearance. As a result, the headlamp cluster and lower bumper also see slight changes to accommodate the grille.
The 18-inch alloys and the sides of the SUV remains the same as before while the most striking change to the rear of the car are the now connected tail lamps that fully illuminate as a light bar. The most outstanding of which has been the inclusion of ADAS. Level 2 autonomy brings a host of safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking and Intelligent Headlamp Control among other features. The automatic indicators are an interesting addition that light up when the steering is turned to a certain degree where the system assumes that the car is changing directions.
2023 Ford Explorer® Hybrid SUV
The Ford Explorer is one of the longest-running SUVs on the road. It debuted more than 30 years ago and kick-started an American love affair with sport-utility vehicles that persists to this day. The current-generation Explorer for its powerful engines, generous cargo space and standard safety features. However, its subpar interior materials can get into luxury SUV territory on higher trim levels.
The Ford Explorer Hybrid carries over as the same powerful midsize SUV we've come to know - in hybrid spec, it's a little lighter on gas while still benefiting from the outputs of the naturally aspirated Cyclone 3.3-liter V6 gas engine. The Explorer Hybrid makes a combined 318 horsepower and 322 lb-ft of torque and will tow up to 5,000 pounds, but these impressive figures aren't all that count in a segment where comfort and reliability rank highly, too. Compared to the standard Ford Explorer range, there is not much to differentiate the eco-friendlier model other than the powertrain, which is available in just two trims.
KIA Sorento Hybrid 2023
The 2023 Kia Sorento Hybrid is quite the specialized SUV. Smaller than the popular three-row Telluride but slightly larger than the Sportage, the Sorento is one of only a few compact SUVs to have a third row of seats. On top of that, the Sorento is available as a non-hybrid as well as a plug-in hybrid, both.
Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, The Sorento Hybrid makes a healthy 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. As well as, it gets up to an EPA-estimated 37 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which is 11 mpg more than the non-hybrid Sorento with its base engine. That's on par with the hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V and Toyota Highlander.
Kia is moving the Sorento Hybrid a bit more upmarket for 2023 by eliminating the base S trim level and adding a fully loaded SX Prestige model. The Sorento Hybrid also offers impressive passenger room and is equipped with a large touchscreen featuring an easy-to-use infotainment system. With the exception of a limited amount of cargo space behind the third row, making this a highly rated SUV.
From the May 2024 issue of FHM India.
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