Most Fuel Efficient Cars: Top 10 List 2011-2012

At one time in the summer of 2008, gas prices average around $4.50/gallon in the U.S. After the summer of 2008, gas prices plummeted down to $2.00/gallon and people were beginning to enjoy going out more. However, as of April 2011, the price is already $4.00/gallon and it is predicted that it will reach over $5.00/gallon within the next year or so.

The best ways to save money is not drive at all and just stay home, sit in front of your computer all day long! Most of us can't do that because we must drive to work and we live in a society where driving is a necessity. How many miles are you getting from a gallon of gas? There will be no expensive cars in this post and none of the cars here will reach 0-60 in 5 secs, but these cars will save you money on gas every year.

Best Gas Mileage Cars - Top 10 List:

1. Toyota Prius: 51 City/48 Hwy (50 Combined), Base Price: $23,050. 1.8-liter, with 4-Cylinder engine and 134 hp, 0-60 mph in 9.8 secs. The most fuel efficient car on the market is the Toyota Prius, also the most demanding car in the U.S. A small sedan, but roomy enough for 5 and it is perfect for those that drive over 100 miles a day to work. The 3rd Generation Toyota Prius model is on sale since 2009 and currently available for purchase at most Toyota dealers.

2. Lexus CT 200h: 43 City/40 Hwy (42 Combined), Base Price: $29,120. 1.8-liter, with 4-Cylinder engine and up to 134 hp, 0-60 mph in 9.8 secs. Why not have both luxury and fuel efficiency in one car? The Lexus CT 200h does just that by offering great gas mileage with a luxurious feel. Wow your friends and colleagues with a whopping 42 mpg in a Lexus.

3. Honda Civic Hybrid vs Honda Insight: Tie for third are the Honda cars, which both give an estimated combined 41 mpg. The Civic Hybrid has more room and cargo space, while the Insight is much more affordable.

Honda Civic Hybrid: 40 City/43 Hwy (41 Combined), Base Price: $23,950. 1.3-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 110 hp, 0-60 mph in 11.3 secs.

Honda Insight: 40 City/43 Hwy (41 Combined), Base Price: $18,200. 1.3-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 98 hp.

4. Ford Fusion Hybrid vs Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: In the fourth spot are two contenders from Ford Motors with each having a combined 39 mpg. These hybrids are packed with a powerful engine which give out 191 hp. The Fusion Hybrid is more affordable, while the MKZ Hybrid has more class and style.

Ford Fusion Hybrid: 41 City/36 Hwy (39 Combined), Base Price: $28,405. 2.5-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 191 hp. 0-60 mph in 8.4 secs.

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: 41 City/36 Hwy (39 Combined), Base Price: $34,645. 2.5-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 191 hp. 0-60 mph in 8.2 secs.

5. Honda CR-Z or Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: Ranking in fifth place is a duel between the H companies; CR-Z and the Sonata Hybrid each has a estimated combined 37 mpg. Honda offers a sporty coupe at a comfortable price range while Hyundai offers a full sedan with great gas mileage.

Honda CR-Z: 35 City/39 Hwy (37 Combined), Base price: $19,345. 1.5-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 122 hp. 0-60 mph in 9.7 secs.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 35 City/40 Hwy(37 avg.) Base Price: $25,795. 2.4-liter, 4-Cylinder engine with 206 hp. 0-60 mph in 9.2 secs.

6. Smart for Two: 33 City/41 Hwy (36 Combined), Base Price: $10,990. 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder runs on high-priced premium fuel with only 70 hp. 0-60 mph in 12.8 secs. When is it too smart to save money? Small, affordable 2-seat coupe that has a small engine, capable of saving you a lot of money due to it low cost and 36 combined fuel efficiency. If you prefer style, go with the cabriolet model, a convertible version that start at $17,690.

7. Volkswagen Jetta TDI & Golf TDI: Each Volkswagen car has a estimated combined 34 mpg and they both run on diesel instead of regular gasoline. The price for the Jetta and Golf are very similar and depending on your style, you can either go with the Jetta or the Golf.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI: 30 City/42 Hwy (34 avg), Base Price: $22,995. 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine with 140 hp. 0-60 mph in 8.7 secs.

Volkswagen Golf TDI: 30 City/42 Hwy (34 avg), Base Price: $23,225. 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine with 140 hp. 0-60 mph in 8.6 secs.

8. Ford Fiesta vs Hyundai Elantra: With an average 33 mpg, the Fiesta and Elantra are both affordable sedans starting at less than $15k. When trying to save money, fuel efficiency is not the only factor, buying a car that cost much less with fewer mpg is actually better than buying one with high mpg but costing you over $10k more.

Ford Fiesta SFE: 29 City/40 Hwy (33 Combined), Base Price:$14,420. 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 119 hp. 0-60 mph in 8.7 secs.

Hyundai Elantra: 29 City/40 Hwy (33 Combined), Base Price: $14,830. 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 148 hp. 0-60 mph in 10.5 secs.

9. Nissan Altima Hybrid: 33 City/33 Hwy (33 avg), Base Price: $26,800. 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder gas engine with 198 hp, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 7.5 secs. A midsize sedan made for the Nissan lovers; a bit sportier than most hybrids.

9. Toyota Camry Hybrid: 31 City/35 Hwy (33 avg), Base Price: $26,675. 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder with 187-horsepower, reaching 0-60 mph in 7.7 secs. If you love the original Camry, then you should try the Camry Hybrid because it has better fuel economy and it can be a big saver after a few years.

10. Ford Escape Hybrid: 34 City/31 Hwy (32 Combined), Base Price: $30,110. 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder with 171 hp. The Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel efficient SUV in the world. It has better gas mileage than most passengers cars and at the same time, it can also performed heavy duty jobs.

10. Toyota Yaris vs Toyota Corolla. Which Toyota vehicle would you rather own? The Yaris is definitely a better buy, but it is smaller than the average sedan and it functionality is very limited.

Toyota Yaris: 29 City/35 Hwy, Base Price: $11,350.

Toyota Corolla: 28 City/37 Hwy, Base Price: $15,250.

9. Mini Cooper: 28 City/37 Hwy, Base Price: $18,700. Engines: 118hp 1.6 L I4. A small vehicle that can also be purchased as a convertible.

10. Honda Fit vs Ford Focus vs Honda Civic. Which do you prefer out of these 3 cars? All 3 cars are under $16,000 and they will get you around 30-miles per gallon of gas.

Honda Fit: 28 City/34 Hwy, Base Price: $13,950.

Ford Focus: 24 City/35 Hwy, Base Price: $14,395

Honda Civic: 26 City/34 Hwy, Base Price: $15,010

Special Car - Honda Civic GX (run on natural gas): 24 City/36 Hwy, Base Price: $24, 590. 113-hp, 1.8-Liter, 16-Valve, SOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine. This is probably the most fuel efficient car because natural gasoline costs less than $2.00 a gallon. However, this isn't on the top 10 list because it is currently only available in NY and CA and it is very limited. You probably won't find a natural gas pump at your regular gas station, that is why Honda sells an at home pump you can plug into your home's natural gas line. A full tank (8 gallons) can travels approximately 170 miles and fueling stations are very limited; make sure to plan your trip correctly if you own a Civic GX.

What do you think of this list? If there are better fuel efficient cars available on the market, please list those cars and link to them. We only list cars that are currently available for purchase and has already been on the market. Concept cars that have not been release cannot be on the list because it is not yet available for purchase. Your comment is very valuable and it will help us keep the list accurate.

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Fastest Cars In The World: Top 10 List 2011-2012

World's Fastest Cars

While most of us can only dream of owning the fastest car in the world, some will do whatever it takes to possess the most powerful speed. So, how fast are the fastest cars in the world?

Here are the 10 fastest cars available on the market (production models, as opposed to concept cars) measured by tested top speed (theoretical speeds do not count).

1. Bugatti Veyron: 267 mph, 0-60 in 2.5 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle 8 Liter W16 Engine with 1200 hp, base price is $1,700,000. The Super Sport version is $2,400,000. The speed was tested again on July 10, 2010 with the new 2010 Super Sport Version: the Bugatti Veyron once again claims the title of the fastest car in the world at 267 mph.

2. Koenigsegg Agera R: 260 mph, 0-60 in 2.8 secs. 5.0-liter V8 Engine with twin turbo’s, housing 1099 hp. Base price is $1,600,000. If you're into snow sports, the Agera R can be fitted with a Ski Box as well as winter tires, not that I would take one on a ski trip or anything like that. While the Agera R has a massive theoretical top speed, the current tested top speed is 260 mph. Expect this snow car to be the Bugatti's arch enemy for the next 5 years.

3. SSC Ultimate Aero: 257 mph, 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness World Records, The SSC Ultimate Aero was the fastest car in the world from March 2007 to July 2010. On March 2011, the Koenigsegg Agera R also surpassed it, forcing this American made car to the #3 spot.

4. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo: 248 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass. It will make you want to show it off non-stop.

5. Koenigsegg CCX: 245 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $545,568. Made in Sweden, it is the older brother of the Agera R, only losing to 4 other supercars in the world.

6. McLaren F1: 240 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. The fastest car in the 20th century with doors that looks like bat wings. Maybe Batman needs to order one and paint it black

7. Gumpert Apollo: 224 mph, 0-60 in 3.0 secs, 4.2 liter V8 Engine that houses 650 hp. Base price: $450,000. Gumpert claims that the Apollo was designed such that it could drive upside-down in a tunnel with speeds at 190 mph or above. Of course, no one has tested this yet.

8. Noble M600: 223 mph, 0-60 in 3.7 secs. Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 Engine with 650 hp. Base price is $330,000. The Noble M600 also happens to be a very cool car. Its inconspicuous design sports a slender and contoured body which does not scream out for attention at every second of the day.

We have a tie for 9th and 10th places:

9. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. Twin turbocharged AMG V12 engine that produces 678 hp. Base price is $1,850,000. The Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster is a limited-edition, with five ever produced. It is the quintessential exotic and exclusive supercar.

9. Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 were ever produced; the price goes up every time someone crashes.

9. Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph, 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price was $650,000. Made in 1992, this car still has what it takes to make the list.

10. Ascari A10: 215 mph, 0-60 in 2.8 secs. 5.0 litre BMW V8 S62 Engine with 625 hp. Base price: $650,000. The company planned to produce 50 of these supercars at its factory inBanbury, England

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10. Pagani Zonda F: 215 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 secs. Mercedes Benz M180 V12 Engine with 650 hp, base price is $667,321. With a V12 motor, this baby can do much better.

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All this Chrysler Turbine talk....

With all this talk of the Chrysler Turbine, we thought we'd share some pictures from a recent trip to Detroit where we got to view not one, but two Chrysler Ghia Turbines. The first we found on display at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum at Chrysler's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Along with one of the cars being on display is also a separate display motor and cut away display showing how it works.

The second, is at The Henry Ford in nearby Dearborn. Their automotive display is currently under construction, but the Turbine was considered one of their more important cars to keep on display nearby with several other cars from their impressive collection.


Both cars can be seen here.

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum

The Henry Ford Museum

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Book Review: Chrysler's Turbine Car by Steve Lehto

A fascinating book came in to the office about a month ago that really grabbed our attention. Chrysler's Turbine Car: The Rise and Fall of Detroit's Coolest Creation. By Steve Lehto a forward by Jay Leno. With all of the talk of alternative energy and fuels and hybrid cars, you can't help but think back to the Chrysler Turbine program if you're a car nut like me. I had known about the cars themselves and a little about the user program from 1964 through early 1966. Outside of that, I had little knowledge of the program. That was until I picked up Lehto's book. It covers in fascinating detail the development of the turbine engine by Chrysler over a nearly four decade  period starting in the early 1950s by lead engineer George Huebner Jr and fellow engineer Sam Williams.

Lehto recounts many stories from those who worked on the program, including Bill Carry who was responsible for maintenance of the Turbine's used in the loaner program and may very well be the world's leading expert on these rare cars today. Starting in 1953, and ending just after Chrysler's first bail out in 1979, Chrysler developed 7 generations of Turbine powered cars. However, they never produced a single car for consumer consumption. The program became famous in the early 1960s with the launch and announcement of the Chrysler Ghia Turbine. The program gained popularity for the uniqueness of the cars, one being the ability to run on literally any liquid that could burn with oxygen and the cars jet like sound while driving.

Designed by Elwood Engel and built by Ghia in Italy. 55 cars were built and shipped to Chrysler in Detroit. 50 of those cars were lent to consumers all over the United States for free to use for about 3 months before going to another family. This was a ground breaking research and development project to see if consumers would actually BUY. The program was hugely successful thanks to lots of publicity. It also gave Chrysler over one million driving miles worth of research. Lehto recounts stories from many of the families that had use of the car also. Sadly a majority of the stunning Turbines were destroyed in 1966 by Chrysler, leaving only nine of these unique, entire hand built beauties left in existence. There is much speculation as to why the cars were destroyed, and the answer lies in the book, how ever we're not telling. You'll have to read for yourself.

The book then follows about further development thanks to money from the Government as an alternative to the traditional piston powered engine during the gas crunches in the 1970s and the eventual closing of the program after Chrysler's first bail out.

Had Chrysler not run out of money and killed the turbine program, who knows what would have or could have happened. Perhaps today we would have jet powered cars like many dreamed of in the 1960s. And with the original  car's performance being equal to if not greater than that of an equivalent piston engine, who know where performance could have gone. Maybe, we will see a resurgence in turbine technology combined with today's hybrid gas/electric powered cars? Only time will tell.

Chrysler's Turbine Car is 228 pages long with several black and white and color photographs. It retails for $24.95 and can be found in just about any major book store and of course online. We HIGHLY recommend it.

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2012 Beetle pricing announced!

When the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle hits the pavement later this year, base starting price will be easy on the wallet at $18,995.

The 2.5L serves as the base model, with a starting MSRP of $18,995. It  has a 170-horsepower in line 5 cylinder engine and offers fuel economy that is improved by 10 percent over previous 2.5L models. When outfitted with the five-speed manual transmission, the mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional six-speed automatic offers EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. So it nestles right in the magic 30 mpg range.

Standard equipment a split folding rear seat (first time in a beetle), aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.

A 2.0L TSI will also be available with a starting MSRP of $23,395.  This model uses famed 2.0 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine producing 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. The four cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city. Standard equipment transmission wise will be a six speed manual with an optional six speed DSG automatic gearbox.

Adding to the impressive standard equipment list from the 2.5L, the 2.0L TSI adds larger brakes with red calipers, sport seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard, and alloy pedals. This is going to be one hot little bug.

A TDI Diesel is in the plans for release in 2012, and pricing has not been set for that model yet.

Press Release:

The Iconic Volkwagen Beetle Hits The Market With A Base Price Of Just $18,995

The highly customizable Beetle offers German craftsmanship and sophistication and a sporty new attitude

• Powerful, Efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI® Turbocharged Engines at Launch
• Forthcoming TDI® Clean Diesel Model Will Offer an Estimated 40 mpg Highway
• Longer, Lower, and Wider than the Previous Beetle
• Sporty Features Include 19-inch wheels, Performance-Handling Packages, and Sport Seats
• Available Premium Features include Bluetooth® technology, Slide and Tilt Panoramic Roof, Fender® Premium Audio System, Keyless Access with push- button start, leather seating surfaces, and BI-XENON Headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights
• No-Charge, Three-Year/36,000-Mile Carefree Maintenance® Program

Herndon, VA Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 21^st Century Beetle, the third generation of the classic people’s car. The new Beetle will start at just $18,995, offering an agile, driver-oriented coupe that respects the Beetle’s past yet looks to the future.

The 21^st Century Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, a nod to the heritage and character of Volkswagen and our remarkable history, said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. This new interpretation of the original Beetle holds true to the traditional spirit of the car, with all the benefits of modern technologies and efficiencies.

The 2.5L model, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine and offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. When outfitted with the five-speed manual transmission, the mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional six-speed automatic offers EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.
The sportiest model the 2.0L TSI will have a starting MSRP of $23,395. This model uses Volkswagen’s critically acclaimed 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. As well as providing sparkling performance, the four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city.

The 2.0L has a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the option of Volkswagen’s DSG© dual-clutch automatic transmission. It takes the standard equipment found on the 2.5L and adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard, and alloy pedals.

In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel model will become available, powered by Volkswagen’s highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.

The 2012 Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and bolder styling than the previous model. It is also 3.3 inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than on the previous model.

The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers; an optional premium VIII audio system features a CD changer, interface for SD cards, and a touchscreen. The Beetle will also offer concert-quality sound with an available Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.
The Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. The Beetle is also covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.

Source: Volkswagen.

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Circle yer wagens!

We've all seen dummy spinners. But how about dummy wagon wheels for your early hot rod?

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New for 1957!

There's no denying that the 1957 Ford Fairlane is a seriously cool car with the right set of wheels.

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