The transition from traditional combustion engines to electric power has caused car manufacturers to completely rethink their approach to volume production. The new focus is on efficiency and cost-saving in order to meet the demands of the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Joerg Reger, the managing director of ABB’s automotive robotics division, a Switzerland-based robotics supplier, acknowledges the impact of EVs on the industry. He states, “EVs have completely changed the game.”
Until recently, the main objective in car manufacturing was to optimize the final assembly. However, the rise of electric vehicles has shifted the industry’s attention towards other aspects of production.
The new electric Mini is now available, but that does not mean the traditional combustion engine is going away for the iconic brand. Even though there are electric models on the road, there are still camouflaged prototypes with exhaust pipes being tested. Recently, the first images of the next-generation Mini Cooper Convertible in John Cooper Works (JCW) trim have been released.
One key feature that suggests this prototype is in JCW trim is the brakes. Behind the wheels, there are red calipers, which is a signature feature typically reserved for the top-spec JCW models. However, it’s worth noting that we have seen the same wheel design and the center-exit exhaust on other camouflaged Mini prototypes without the red brakes. The Cooper S model also features a center-exit exhaust, so it’s possible that there might be some changes to trim levels between generations.
A hybrid car is a vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with one or more electrical motors to increase the output, fuel efficiency, and torque. Certain models rely more on the electrical motor, others prioritize the gas-powered engine, with the rest combining the performance of both. Hybrid cars, such as the ToyotaPrius, often utilize features such as regenerative braking to help reclaim some of the power drained throughout the drive.
Other hybrid cars (plug-in hybrids or PHEVs) allow for external charging sources to be used such as wall outlet chargers or quick-chargers that are often seen at refueling stations. These hybrid cars feature a larger hybrid battery which allows you to drive significantly longer without the need of assistance from the gasoline-powered engine. Hybrid cars and PHEV hybrids have been drastically improving over the years, causing their popularity to skyrocket. While the majority of hybrid cars available to you boast incredible fuel efficiency and range, there are certainly some models to think twice about, due to the fuel efficiency being more similar to that of a non-hybrid car.
Utilizing information from Edmunds, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 least fuel-efficient hybrid cars.
Ford introduced its fusion hybrid with the 2010 model lineup, starting out with an MPG of 39. This number eventually rose to 42 with the next generation of Fusion Hybrids, giving it a gain of only a few miles per gallon more than the most fuel-efficient conventional gasoline-powered vehicles on the market.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Output
188 HP, 129 pound-feet
Transmission
CVT automatic
Range
594 miles
A plug-in hybrid version of this car was produced, named the Ford Fusion Energi. This car featured the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the Fusion Hybrid, paired with one electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. The Fusion Energi has a combined horsepower of 195 with a fully charged battery. You can expect an all-electric range of 22 miles and a combined range of 550 miles from the Energi.
9Ford C-MAX Hybrid
40 Combined MPG
While featuring a spacious and comfortable interior, the C-MAX Hybrid shares a con with the Fusion Hybrid in that it offers a low MPG rating when compared to other hybrids on the market. At 40 combined MPG, you can find cheaper, standard gasoline-powered cars that offer very similar fuel efficiency such as the 1.2-liter three-cylinder Mitsubishi Mirage.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Output
188 HP, 129 pound-feet
Transmission
CVT automatic
Range
567 miles
The C-MAX Hybrid is front-wheel drive and features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a battery pack and two electric motors. The C-MAX is based on the Ford Focus platform, meaning it shares many of the same handling characteristics as the Focus. This car is a bit quicker than its hybrid competitors with a 0 to 60 MPH of 7 seconds, while its fuel efficiency falls behind.
The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a front-wheel drive, four-door sedan that seats five. It has great features that come standard such as Blind-Spot Alert and Enhanced Active Park Assist. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with the electric motor makes 188 horsepower, while only getting 40 miles to the gallon. Ford has ceased production on many of their sedans, making this car slightly more viable – although the rated MPG can easily be beaten by other hybrid cars.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Output
188 HP, 129 pound-feet
Transmission
CVT automatic
Range
567 miles
Being that this car is a Lincoln, you can expect a luxurious interior, with a backup camera added for your and others’ safety. However, similar to the Ford Fusion Hybrid or C-MAX Hybrid, the MKZ Hybrid has many decent features, while lacking in the category that you’re typically concerned with when driving a hybrid – fuel efficiency.
7Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
35 Combined MPG
Subaru
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid with a full-electric range of 17 miles. The Crosstrek Hybrid uses a flat four-cylinder engine paired with the hybrid system, making 148 horsepower. The higher ground clearance and all-wheel drive system allow for more off-road potential, while the plug-in capabilities allow you to recharge the electric system in around two hours on a 240V charger.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Output
148 HP
Transmission
CVT automatic
Range
468 miles
While this car has many great features similar to other Subaru cars such as the spacious interior, the modern assistance systems, and infotainment systems, it follows the same trend as the rest of the cars on the list, which is the fuel efficiency being less than ideal for a hybrid. The price is also a bit higher than you’ll see when compared to other hybrids. With this being said, there are not many other hybrid cars available to you that also focus on off-road capabilities.
Unlike most of the other cars listed, the 2008 to 2010 Chevy Malibu hybrid is a mild hybrid, meaning the hybrid system is not able to move the car on its own (not after three MPH at least). The Malibu Hybrid features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that has 164 horsepower. It features an electric motor, whose main purpose is to start the gasoline engine as well as provide a small boost in power under heavy load conditions. Compared to the standard gasoline-powered Malibu, you’ll only gain a few extra miles per gallon.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Output
164 HP, 159 pound-feet
Transmission
Four-speed automatic
Range
480 miles
With a 0 to 60 of 11 seconds, the Malibu Hybrid doesn’t excel in acceleration either, being slower than the Toyota Prius and Camry hybrids. One good feature of this car, however, is the interior. The Chevy Malibu Hybrid has a spacious interior with two different color options to choose from on the inside of the car. The trunk is not obstructed by batteries, giving you a nice amount of storage room.
5Saturn Aura Hybrid
26 Combined MPG
The Saturn Aura Hybrid shares the same front-wheel-drive platform as the Chevy Malibu Hybrid. It also features the same powertrain as the Malibu Hybrid, having a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine boosted by a small electric motor. This improves fuel efficiency by four MPG in the city and one MPG on the highway when compared to the standard 2.4-liter non-hybrid Aura.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Output
164 HP, 159 pound-feet
Transmission
Four-speed automatic
Range
488 miles
As you would expect from a car similar to the Malibu Hybrid, the interior is decent and roomy. You may see some cheap-looking pieces here and there, but overall good quality. None of this could matter to you, however, if fuel efficiency is what you’re concerned about. If that does happen to be the case, 26 combined MPG just won’t cut it.
The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is a mid-size luxury hybrid sedan that is more concerned with using the hybrid system to aid in acceleration and drivability than saving gas. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine is paired with an AC synchronous electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack to provide a combined horsepower of 335.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Output
335 HP, 332 pound-feet
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic
Range
469 miles
The 8-speed automatic transmission enables a smooth and seamless driving experience, and the performance figures are good too. The fuel efficiency is not, however, with a fuel economy rating of 23 in the city and 34 on the highway. A price of nearly double the more efficient hybrids from brands such as Toyota or Honda defeats the purpose of a car meant to save you money.
3Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid
26 Combined MPG
Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid is another mid-sized luxury sedan powered by a combination of an electric motor with a six-cylinder engine. The E400 Hybrid features a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that has 329 horsepower when combined with the electric motor. The electric motor on the E400 hybrid is able to operate the vehicle up to 22 MPH and is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Output
302 HP, 273 pound-feet
Transmission
7-speed shiftable automatic
The E400 is able to achieve an estimated 24 MPG in the city and 31 on the highway, making this car similar to the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 in terms of fuel efficiency. However, this still puts these cars nearly 30 MPG below the most fuel-efficient gasoline-only cars, and 100 MPG below the most fuel-efficient hybrid, the Toyota Prius Prime SE.
Being in the higher price range of hybrids, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is by no means a fuel-saver. This car is 25 percent more expensive than the platform that it is based on, the 750. While costing significantly more, there is only a gain of 15 to 17 percent in fuel economy increase when compared to the standard gasoline-powered 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Output
455 HP, 515 pound-feet
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automatic
Range
444 miles
The ActiveHybrid 7 utilizes a 20-horsepower electric motor that is powered by a trunk-mounted lithium-ion battery. This motor only provides an additional 3 MPG increase compared to the standard gasoline-powered engine but does add 155 pound-feet of torque and an overall power increase of 13 percent.
1Lexus LS 600h L
20 Combined MPG
Being the least fuel-efficient car on this list, you can expect a car similar to Mercedes’ or BMW’s hybrids. The Lexus LS 600h L features a long-stroke 5.0-liter version of the V-8 seen in the LS460, while also being paired with a 221 horsepower AC electric motor for a combined output rating of 438 horsepower.
Vehicle Specs
Drivetrain
All-wheel drive
Output
438 HP, 385 pound-feet
Transmission
CVT automatic
Range
465 miles
An all-wheel-drive system with a Torsen limited-slip differential is standard in the hybrid 600h L. This car is powerful and fast, has a luxurious interior, and a hefty price tag. One thing it does not have, however, is good fuel efficiency. An estimated 19 MPG is what you can expect for city driving, with it slightly rising to 23 MPG on the highway.
In today’s SUV-dominated era and with the rise of electric vehicles, coupes powered by traditional engines face a difficult market. Mercedes, however, believes it has found a solution to satisfy both accountants and enthusiasts. How? By replacing the C63 Coupe and E63 Coupe with the all-new CLE 63 Coupe. Recently, spy photographers managed to capture a heavily camouflaged prototype of this sporty luxury two-door in action at the famous Nürburgring track.
Although covered in camouflage, there are some key details that reveal it is the high-performance “63” version. Just take a look at the rear, where the rectangular quad exhausts catch the eye. The coupe’s design showcases a full production body, featuring a prominent rear spoiler, large air intakes, and the signature Panamericana grille. Its lowered, rigid suspension, along with the larger wheels and brakes, indicate a car that sticks to the road with utmost precision.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna emphasized the importance of the internal combustion engine (ICE) as part of the company’s heritage. Vigna believes that the iconic sound produced by the high-performance V8 and V12 engines is a vital characteristic of all Ferrari vehicles. He further stated that the choice between an ICE, a hybrid, or an electric car should ultimately be left to the customer, and Ferrari should not impose its preferences on them.
Ferrari has recently introduced its latest road-legal hybrid supercars, which mark the debut of the automaker’s XX program: the SF90 XX Stradale coupe and spider. These models are equipped with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, three electric motors, and a 7.9 kWh plug-in hybrid battery. With a staggering 1,015 horsepower, they can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and offer an electric-only range of 15 miles.
Despite speculations that the Daytona SP3 might be the last V12-powered Ferrari, the company is embracing synthetic e-fuel and hybrid technology to ensure the preservation of its lineage in the age of electrification.
This video showcases the remarkable resilience of the internal combustion engine. The featured vehicle is a 1916 Federal Motors truck that has been sitting untouched for over 50 years. Although lacking a cab or body, the truck still houses its original flathead four-cylinder engine. The video captures the process of getting the engine up and running again.
The initial step involves using PB B’laster penetrating fluid to free the spark plugs and cylinders. Despite its age, the engine’s interior appears to be in good condition. The powerplant utilizes a crank start and is able to ignite with just a small amount of gasoline in the cylinders. The only modification required is the replacement of a broken spark plug wire.
With a makeshift carburetor that barely functions, the owner feeds gasoline into the engine using a bottle since there is no fuel supply. Surprisingly, this is sufficient to achieve an idle. The video also offers a helpful tip for hand-cranking a car: wrap your thumb around the lever to prevent potential injuries if the crank backfires.
Reviving this century-old truck would be an arduous task. The condition of the transmission is unknown, and the vehicle lacks a steering wheel and body. All that remains is the frame, fuel tank, engine, and some suspension parts. Nonetheless, the owner plans to restore the truck by replacing the water pump, rebuilding the carburetor, and installing the missing axle shafts necessary for drivability.
It’s awe-inspiring to consider the transformation of a vehicle like this, starting from such a minimal state. While finding a suitable body may present a challenge, it is conceivable for someone to assemble something functional for rugged use, particularly since this truck was originally intended for farm work.
The Federal Motor Truck Company, which originated in Detroit, Michigan, in 1910, built not only commercial vehicles but also military rigs. Unfortunately, the brand ceased operations in 1959.
Engine oil is a crucial component for combustion engines, as it needs regular replacement to prevent potential disasters. Additives are designed to address different engine problems and improve the performance of the oil. But how effective are these additives when used without base oil? Garage54, a YouTube channel, recently conducted an experiment to find out.
The team selected a Honda Odyssey equipped with the automaker’s F23 engine, which was used in Honda vehicles during the 1990s and early 2000s. They drained the engine oil and then flushed the engine. Subsequently, they mixed various oil additives to create a concentrated mixture, forming an oily, greenish-brown substance that they poured directly into the engine.
Before replacing the oil with additives, the Odyssey’s engine was already experiencing issues. Smoke would billow from the tailpipe under heavy throttle. Unfortunately, the additives did not resolve the smoking problem and instead made it worse. As the van drove around town, the smoke changed from blue to gray, eventually leading to large puffs of black smoke accompanied by a loud bang from the exhaust pipe. Nevertheless, despite all the abuse, the Honda Odyssey survived the short test.
To measure any changes in the engine, the Garage54 team monitored the oil pressure in each cylinder. While two cylinders experienced a drop in oil pressure, one remained unchanged, and the fourth showed a slight increase. However, these changes were negligible, and the Honda Odyssey continued to perform without any issues during an extended overnight trip, totaling an additional 62 miles (100 kilometers).
Since the engine did not fail during the experiment, the team decided to reverse the process. They drained the additives, which had turned black, from the van and replaced them with fresh, thicker motor oil before taking the vehicle for another spin. Although the van still emitted smoke from the exhaust, using additives did not appear to cause any significant problems.
Anyone who has visited an auto parts store may have noticed the assortment of miracle fluids designed to prolong the lifespan of older vehicles. These fluids aim to enhance the positive aspects of the engine oil or counteract undesirable effects by modifying the oil’s formula. They can improve lubrication, adjust viscosity, and keep engine components free of harmful deposits and sludge, which could explain why the drained additives appeared dirty.
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