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Toyota tests chips that improve hybrid efficiency by 10 percent

Toyota announced on Tuesday that it has developed a new semiconductor, claiming it can boost fuel efficiency in hybrid cars by an impressive 10 percent. The semiconductors manage the flow of electricity through the power-control unit that connects the battery to an electric or hybrid car's motor and generator. The newly developed semiconductors are said to consume only a tenth of the energy of today's chips, while allowing the power-control unit to be 80 percent smaller.

Acura releases specs, photos of the ZDX

Acura confirmed specs and released more photos Monday of the new ZDX, which is scheduled to arrive this winter as a 2010 model. The ZDX is the vehicle being pitched as a “four-door sports coupe” and, as expected, will come with a 3.7-liter V6 engine making 300 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. That's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Honda Insight Mk2: photo of production hybrid car

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 03 December 2008 14:00 Honda issued this solitary photograph of the new Insight hybrid car today – revealing the battery-powered vehicle in production spec. This is a bit of a mini landmark in green fuels technology: the Insight Mk2 will become at a stroke the world’s cheapest hybrid car. Sales begin in spring 2009 and CAR understands that Honda is working on a £14,995 price tag, substantially undercutting today’s hybrids.