Vw Audi 4b0 955 531 A , 4b0955531a Siemens Relay #377 on 2040-parts.com

Toyota Hybrid-R Concept – a Yaris with 400bhp – teased for Frankfurt

The Toyota Hybrid-R Concept (pictured) is a 400bhp Yaris Hybrid heading for Frankfurt We’ve always believed that the best use for hybrid powertrains is to get extra performance without the penalty of increased fuel consumption. Toyota, on the other hand, have primarily used their impressive – if complicated and expensive – hybrid powertrains to yield improved economy and emissions from more prosaic cars like the Prius, Yaris and Auris. But now it looks like Toyota are ready to show us what hybrid technology can offer in the way of performance too, with a tease for what Toyota are calling the Hybrid-R Concept, which appears to be a Yaris with more than 400bhp on tap.

Volvo Flywheel KERS hybrid on the way

Volvo Flywheel KERS - more power, less fuesl, low cost Volvo looks like it’s making a big jump ahead in the ongoing battle to make cars more economical, with plans to roll out a Hybrid Flywheel KERS system to boost performance and cut fuel consumption in the process The innovative system Volvo are trialing is similar in principle to the push-button boost used in Formula 1 cars. Volvo say that their efficient and lightweight system will give a four pot the feel of a six-pot and cut fuel consumption by up to 201% Which are claims we’ve head before when it comes to hybrid technology. And, as long as the car is driven in a very gentle fashion, many of the hybrid claims are true.

Nissan 370Z Nismo for UK & Europe: Official

The Nissan 370Z Nismo – a titivated and fettled 370Z – has finally arrived for the UK and Europe and will debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Nissan has fettled the 370Z Nismo for European roads and tastes and, although there’s a bit more power, the focus is on driver fun. That means the 370Z Nismo comes only with a six-speed manual gearbox and only as a coupe to keep things nice and stiff and keep the driver involved.