Mazda has awoken from its hybrid slumber and will begin selling a gas-electric SUV in 2007. The 2008 Tribute SUV will offer 155 horsepower, which is more than the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids (133), but not as much as the Saturn Green View (170 hp).
No word yet on the fuel efficiency, but we won't have to wait long as the Tribute will be officially introduced in a few weeks at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It's good to see Mazda joining the hybrid fray as I've always been a fan (having owned two 626's).
In the U.K. engineering company Zytek working has designed what the company says is an affordable diesel hybrid powertrain. The company is using a small diesel engine from the Smart vehicles, according to Gizmag. The drivetrain is a "dual mode" hybrid that optimizes fuel efficiency at both low and high speeds, which is similar in concept to GM's hybrid technology.
I've been saying for more than two years that integrating an electric motor with a diesel engine takes advantage of the operating strengths of both power sources, and could offer excellent combination of performance, fuel economy, and with the new ultra low sulfur diesel fuel, low emissions. I'd pay $4,000 more for diesel hybrid that increases fuel economy by 40 percent or more. Let's get some of these ready for American roads.
