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30 July 2012

2012 Mercedes E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid

It is now clear that gas-electric hybrids, while constantly being refined, are simply never going to gobble up huge slices of any major car market. They are needed, sure, but consumers are already wanting to see what's next, what's even more efficient and more technologically advanced. All the new regular hybrids coming out these days don't really create much excitement since their technology is essentially identical to all of the other parallel hybrids already on sale. 
So, what is going to keep the hybrid passenger car fires burning brightly and market percentage numbers climbing? Diesel hybrids. Maybe not in the United States for some length of time, but they are starting to arrive in Europe. PSA Peugeot-Citroën has, at last, started selling Peugeot models with the company's HYbrid4 diesel hybrid system and I've personally enjoyed driving them. Besides the enjoyment factor, the efficiency gains are real. Now I've have a chance to drive this new Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, and my excitement is palpable because a big mainstream statement like this from a normally conservative Mercedes-Benz is something this movement has needed. 
Besides the smart thinking behind committing to this effort in general, Mercedes is launching its very cleanly engineered Modular Hybrid System that can now be plunked into nearly any of its models, much like Toyota-Lexus has been doing for years with its Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

Production Nissan Pathfinder revealed on Facebook

Production Nissan Pathfinder revealed on Facebook
Through that little-known social media site known as Facebook, Nissan has released the first official images of its production 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. As you can see, there is little deviation in styling between the model that will be in showrooms and the concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Like the Ford Explorer and Dodge Durango, the Pathfinder has ditched its body-on-frame construction for the new norm of a car-based unibody blueprint. The Pathfinder will almost certainly be powered by Nissan's trusty VQ V6 in 3.5-liter trim. Chances are very good that power will be sent through a Continuously Variable Transmission to the front wheels, or to all four wheels through available all-wheel drive. No word on MPG, but given its lighter construction, Nissan foresees as crossover that is 25-percent more fuel-efficient than the outgoing Pathfinder. Built on Nissan's FF-L platform shared with the new Altima and Infiniti JX, it will have seating for seven. Nissan also says it will boast a "full-size interior," and judging on our time mucking around in the concept's cabin (not to mention the very similar JX) it will indeed be quite accommodating indeed. We'll have more details on Nissan's popular 'ute as they become available, so stay tuned.