480-horsepower BMW X6 ActiveHybrid World's Most Powerful Hybrid

Unlike the mainstream market where hybrid technology is used to maximize fuel efficiency, luxury carmakers have employed hybrid systems as a way to maintain or improve performance while making concessions to efficiency. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, due out for retail sale this fall, is a prime example.

Rated at a combined output of 480 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque, the big SUV uses a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine and a nickel-metal hydride hybrid powerpack to claim the title of the world's most powerful gasoline-electric hybrid passenger vehicle. That's no mean feat, with contenders like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Cadillac in the space. The two electric synchronous motors contribute 91 horsepower/192 pound-feet and 86 horsepower/206 pound-feet, respectively.

Accordingly, it's no wimp at the stoplight strip, sprinting to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. And it does it all while eeking out 22.8 mpg in the European combined cycle, about 20% better than the standard V-8's ratings. The improvement is due largely to the hybrid system's ability to run on electricity alone up to 37 mph, though the hybrid-specifc automatic stop-start function also helps reduce wasted fuel at idle.

Like its big, brawny brother the X6 M (read our first drive of the X6 M here), however, the X6 Hybrid's main problem is a very American one - weight. Racking up 400 pounds for the hybrid drivetrain in addition to the standard vehicle's 5,000-pound curb weight, it's impressive that the X6 Hybrid gets the fuel efficiency it does.

Prototypes of the vehicle were spotted frequently throughout its development sporting a huge domed hood where the electronics and diagnostics equipment lived. That's been mosltly solved for the retail version, with BMW packaging it all away tidily, though you'll still know the hybrid version from a distance.

The hybrid system employed by the X6 ActiveHybrid is a version of the Daimler-Chrysler-GM Two-Mode system that uses twin electric motors that can alternately provide extra power, charge the batteries at a 50kW regeneration rate, or trade power between each other as necessary. Tying the electrical side to the gasoline engine is a two-mode active transmission based on an electrical CVT and a standard seven-speed automatic transmission.

BMW to Exhibit X3 xDrive20d Rescue Vehicle in Geneva

One of less significant premieres of next week’s Geneva Auto Show will be the BMW X3 xDrive20d emergency rescue vehicle that is making its first public appearance as the Bavarian automaker wants to show off its special-purpose vehicles. The X3 medical emergency vehicle is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that develops an output of 177HP offering an average fuel consumption of 6.5 lt /100km which is equal to 34.6mpg US.

Like any emergency rescue vehicle, the X3 is fitted with a special roof-mounted alarm system, including a blue light, an electronic siren, and an LED display with the word NOTARZT (”emergency doctor”). Furthermore, there are two flashing lights are inside the boot, which when opened, provide sufficient warning to oncoming traffic.

Inside, the X3’s cabin has been converted for medical use featuring among other things, a sturdy metal dividing frame between the luggage space and passenger cabin, a mounting for the radio device, which includes a power supply and a rest for the hand unit, as well as a charging point in the luggage area.

Ford boosts safety of Escape SUV for 2010 model year

Beating Toyota and Honda at their own game is no easy thing, but Ford's done it with the Escape, taking top rankings in safety and fuel efficiency against the RAV-4 and CR-V. For 2010, Ford's taking steps to help expand that lead by adding five new safety features to the Escape.

Keeping teens from running rampant in borrowed family vehicles is handled by Ford's controversial new MyKey technology, which allows parents to set limits on how the car can be driven. Parking becomes a breeze for teens and adults alike with the Active Park Assist, which finds a parking spot, steers into it and parks for you - all you control is the brake and the gas pedal.

Coupled with Integrated Spotter Mirrors (blind spot mirrors) and an optional Rear View Camera System, visibility around the mid-size SUV will be greatly enhanced, allowing safer driving no matter who's behind the wheel. Add in Ford's SYNC with real-time traffic, directions and information and problems can be spotted in advance and avoided.

Those five systems leverage a handful of existing technologies to enhance the already 5-star safety of the Escape, and is an unusual application of new technology to a carryover model - the rest of the vehicle, including trim, interior, exterior and powertrain choices are all unchanged from the 2009 model year.

Safety features that carry forward include traction and roll stability control, a system of side curtain airbags for rollover protection, plus Ford's Personal Safety System and tire pressure monitoring.

Essence - the future of Infiniti

The Infiniti Essence, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, is a preview of what the Infiniti brand will look like very soon. According to the company, the future will be hybrid, and the first example will be the M sedan coming in September of 2010.

The Essence Concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show is a RWD supercar that represents the essence of Infiniti. The concept is powered by Infiniti’s first ever hybrid propulsion system: a 592 hp petrol-electric hybrid engine. These can work independently or together as a “parallel” hybrid system.

Infiniti is also preparing to launch a V6 diesel engine for the European crossovers and SUVs in 2010, but according to European marketing director Bastien Schupp: "the real question is how we position the hybrid versus diesel engines."