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Hybrids 101: What is a Hybrid? How do Hybrids Work?
With the introduction of the third generation Prius, hybrid-electric vehicles have now been on the road for more than 10 years. They’ve received much attention for offering substantial fuel savings and fewer emissions then their traditional counterparts. But questions remain. What is a hybrid? How do hybrids work?
Any vehicle that combines two or more sources of power that can directly or indirectly provide propulsion power is a hybrid. A mo-ped (a motorized pedal bike) is a type of hybrid because it combines the power of a gasoline engine with the pedal power of its rider. In fact, hybrid vehicles are all around us. Most of the locomotives we see pulling trains are diesel-electric hybrids. Cities such as Seattle have diesel-electric buses that draw electric power from overhead wires or run on diesel when they are away from the wires. Giant mining trucks are often diesel-electric hybrids. Submarines are also hybrid vehicles — some are nuclear-electric and others are diesel-electric.
As we know them today, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors. Toyota’s iconic Prius is the country’s most popular hybrid-electric vehicle. More than 707,000 Prius have been sold in the United States since they hit American roads in 2001 (as of April 2009).
The hybrid system found in the Toyota Prius, Highlander Hybrid and Camry Hybrid, which is called Hybrid Synergy Drive, combines an electric motor and a gas engine, along with technology that allows the motor to capture and reuse energy that is usually lost during traditional vehicle braking (regenerative braking).
The Electric Motor
Unlike some other hybrid vehicles on the market, the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive motor provides power to start the vehicle and for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion engines are least efficient. The electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hybrid vehicles is that the driver must turn the electric motor on and off. Not true; the Hybrid Synergy Drive system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and gradually restarts the engine as the vehicle begins to move forward again. This prevents wasted energy from idling and starting from a dead stop – two times when a vehicle’s engine is the most inefficient.
These features make Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system unique in that it is a “full” hybrid, meaning that it can run on electric power alone under certain conditions. Other hybrids on the market are known as “mild” hybrids, which means they rely on the gasoline engine to power the vehicle at all times while the electric motor assists the engine as needed. The electric motors and batteries in mild hybrids are less powerful than in full hybrids.
Because hybrids can be used by combining any two power sources, it will continue to be applicable even when gasoline is no longer a prime source of vehicle power. In fact, the Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) uses hybrid technology to marry the electric engine with hydrogen fuel cell technology. Like the FCHV exemplifies, hybrids have the ability to assist any power source from gasoline to hydrogen fuel cells to biodiesel. For more information on Toyota hybrids, please visit www.toyota.com
With the introduction of the third generation Prius, hybrid-electric vehicles have now been on the road for more than 10 years. They’ve received much attention for offering substantial fuel savings and fewer emissions then their traditional counterparts. But questions remain. What is a hybrid? How do hybrids work?
Any vehicle that combines two or more sources of power that can directly or indirectly provide propulsion power is a hybrid. A mo-ped (a motorized pedal bike) is a type of hybrid because it combines the power of a gasoline engine with the pedal power of its rider. In fact, hybrid vehicles are all around us. Most of the locomotives we see pulling trains are diesel-electric hybrids. Cities such as Seattle have diesel-electric buses that draw electric power from overhead wires or run on diesel when they are away from the wires. Giant mining trucks are often diesel-electric hybrids. Submarines are also hybrid vehicles — some are nuclear-electric and others are diesel-electric.
As we know them today, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors. Toyota’s iconic Prius is the country’s most popular hybrid-electric vehicle. More than 707,000 Prius have been sold in the United States since they hit American roads in 2001 (as of April 2009).
The hybrid system found in the Toyota Prius, Highlander Hybrid and Camry Hybrid, which is called Hybrid Synergy Drive, combines an electric motor and a gas engine, along with technology that allows the motor to capture and reuse energy that is usually lost during traditional vehicle braking (regenerative braking).
The Electric Motor
Unlike some other hybrid vehicles on the market, the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive motor provides power to start the vehicle and for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion engines are least efficient. The electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hybrid vehicles is that the driver must turn the electric motor on and off. Not true; the Hybrid Synergy Drive system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and gradually restarts the engine as the vehicle begins to move forward again. This prevents wasted energy from idling and starting from a dead stop – two times when a vehicle’s engine is the most inefficient.
These features make Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system unique in that it is a “full” hybrid, meaning that it can run on electric power alone under certain conditions. Other hybrids on the market are known as “mild” hybrids, which means they rely on the gasoline engine to power the vehicle at all times while the electric motor assists the engine as needed. The electric motors and batteries in mild hybrids are less powerful than in full hybrids.
Because hybrids can be used by combining any two power sources, it will continue to be applicable even when gasoline is no longer a prime source of vehicle power. In fact, the Toyota Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV) uses hybrid technology to marry the electric engine with hydrogen fuel cell technology. Like the FCHV exemplifies, hybrids have the ability to assist any power source from gasoline to hydrogen fuel cells to biodiesel. For more information on Toyota hybrids, please visit www.toyota.com
Porsche Carrera GT
maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).
Developed in 1999, Porsche Carrera GT, manufactured by Porsche of Germany, is priced at $440,000 dollars. It is well worth its price if we count the 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 DIN (605 SAE) horsepower (450 kW) and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in 3.9 seconds, touching a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).
Porsche Carrera GT
The design is stunning too, Carrera GT has a 5 colors paint schemes that includes: black, guards red, fayence yellow, basalt black, GT silver and seal grey.
The innovating thing about this car is the way that its engine is placed: with the use of a clutch made of a high-tech ceramic material, it`s allowing the engine to sit lower in the chassis than in any other super car. This feature is not only making the Carrera GT a road car with the looks of a race one, but also improves its aerodynamics and lowers its center of gravity.
Porsche Carrera GT side view
Porche Carrera GT does have traction control even if, like some of its competitions, doesn`t use electronic driving aids such as dynamic stability control.
Porsche Carrera GT back view
Specifications
Vehicle Type: - 2-door convertible, production car
Price: - $440,000
Configuration: - Mid Engine / RWD
Engine: - V10
Displacement: - 5733 cc
Torque: - 435 lb-ft at 5750 rpm
Horsepower: - 612 bhp at 8000 rpm
Transmission: - 6-Speed Manual
Length: - 181.6 inches
Width: - 75.6 inches
Height: - 45.9 inches
Weight: - 3042 lbs
0-60 mph: - 3.8 sec
Top speed: - 205 mph
maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).
Developed in 1999, Porsche Carrera GT, manufactured by Porsche of Germany, is priced at $440,000 dollars. It is well worth its price if we count the 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 DIN (605 SAE) horsepower (450 kW) and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in 3.9 seconds, touching a maximum speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).
Porsche Carrera GT
The design is stunning too, Carrera GT has a 5 colors paint schemes that includes: black, guards red, fayence yellow, basalt black, GT silver and seal grey.
The innovating thing about this car is the way that its engine is placed: with the use of a clutch made of a high-tech ceramic material, it`s allowing the engine to sit lower in the chassis than in any other super car. This feature is not only making the Carrera GT a road car with the looks of a race one, but also improves its aerodynamics and lowers its center of gravity.
Porsche Carrera GT side view
Porche Carrera GT does have traction control even if, like some of its competitions, doesn`t use electronic driving aids such as dynamic stability control.
Porsche Carrera GT back view
Specifications
Vehicle Type: - 2-door convertible, production car
Price: - $440,000
Configuration: - Mid Engine / RWD
Engine: - V10
Displacement: - 5733 cc
Torque: - 435 lb-ft at 5750 rpm
Horsepower: - 612 bhp at 8000 rpm
Transmission: - 6-Speed Manual
Length: - 181.6 inches
Width: - 75.6 inches
Height: - 45.9 inches
Weight: - 3042 lbs
0-60 mph: - 3.8 sec
Top speed: - 205 mph
Mitsubishi - Nativa
[SIZE=-1][SIZE=-1]The Nativa is an off-road capable 4WD that fits in an odd spot between the Pajero and the Outlander. Powered by a 3.0-litre V6 mated to a four-speed automatic, the Nativa is a dated design, but still a decent wagon. Standard features for the low base price include AM/FM radio cassette player with 4 speakers, driver's and front passenger's front airbags, part time 4WD with synchronized front free-wheel differential, transfer protector, power steering, power windows, central locking, power mirrors, alloy wheels, keyless entry system and seating for five. Features available on higher models include gauges for a thermometer, compass, oil pressure and voltage meter, faux wood trim, front fog lights, CD player with 6 speakers, leather seats, sunroof, limited slip differential, ABS with EBD, cruise control and more. The Nativa rides on the older L200 pickup platform, and was discontinued in a number of markets since 2004. However, few 4WDs are offered at this price that are properly equipped to go off-road.[/SIZE][/SIZE]
[FONT=arial black,avant garde]Toyota Avalon[/FONT]
[FONT=arial black,avant garde]Price: $43,500[/FONT]
[FONT=arial black,avant garde]Price: $43,500[/FONT]
[FONT=arial black,avant garde]Nissan Armada[/FONT]
5-speed automatic transmission Nissan Armada equipped with the standard 317-horsepower 5.6-liter Nissan Endurance V8 engine. This is an extremely large engine as far as engines go. Under this V8, the Armada has a huge towing capacity of 9,100 lbs. The total vehicle package is $46,715.
5-speed automatic transmission Nissan Armada equipped with the standard 317-horsepower 5.6-liter Nissan Endurance V8 engine. This is an extremely large engine as far as engines go. Under this V8, the Armada has a huge towing capacity of 9,100 lbs. The total vehicle package is $46,715.
2009 Toyota Corolla 4dr Sedan Man (GS)
Gas Mileage 26 mpg City/35 mpg Hwy
Engine Gas I4, 1.8L
EPA Class Compact
Style Name 4dr Sdn Man (GS)
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity 5
Passenger Doors 4
Body Style 4dr Car
Transmission 5-speed manual transmission w/OD
Gas Mileage 26 mpg City/35 mpg Hwy
Engine Gas I4, 1.8L
EPA Class Compact
Style Name 4dr Sdn Man (GS)
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity 5
Passenger Doors 4
Body Style 4dr Car
Transmission 5-speed manual transmission w/OD
Audi R8 (2010) - Specs
Audi unveiled the R8 -- its first ever mid-engine sports cars -- for the 2008 model year and beyond. Sales began in the first half of 2007 for the United States and Europe.
(Click here to use Leftlane's Price Quote Form to get Audi R8 pricing information from a trusted local dealer. Zero obligation)
The car has a 420 horsepower high-revving V8 engine and all-wheel-drive. It uses the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform and costs $114,200, positioning it squarely against the BMW M6, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage.
The car features a choice of LED or Xenon headlamps surrounded by LED running lights and indicators. LEDs are also used in the engine bay to make the impressive V8 visible even at night.
Both a standard manual and an automated manual transmission are offered. Claimed zero to 62 mph time is 4.6 seconds, though this number is likely conservative.
Interior
The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.
The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.
With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customisation options for the interior.
The drivetrain
At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-litre engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-metres from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides ample thrust in most driving situation.
The engine is a high-revving unit. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm. Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox, with a joystick gear-shift on the centre console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. 'Shift by wire' technology provides for very fast gear-shifting and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allied to compact gearbox dimensions. The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun. An automatic mode can also be selected.
The car is fitted with permanent four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On the Audi R8 the legendary quattro system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical of mid-engined cars.
The chassis
The chassis features forged aluminium double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This provides for optimum wheel control, and is a geometry which has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility, maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering characteristics.
Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.
The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a quite astonishing level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.
Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used -- in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.
Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation. A computer determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. Drivers can choose from two driving programs depending on whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style -- with the magnetorheological fluid adjusted to a low viscosity -- or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.
The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The 235/40 size tyres at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide the necessary road-holding. The mid-engined sports car's long wheelbase and extremely low centre of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability.
Equipment and trim
Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.
The range of optional extras includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.
The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to manoeuvre into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format colour monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.
A total of eight exterior colours are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.
Craftsmanship
The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. The entire production process -- from the bodyshell construction to final assembly -- is organized in the same way as a craft workshop. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, ensuring that every one of the maximum of 15 cars per day built is up to quality standards.
Audi unveiled the R8 -- its first ever mid-engine sports cars -- for the 2008 model year and beyond. Sales began in the first half of 2007 for the United States and Europe.
(Click here to use Leftlane's Price Quote Form to get Audi R8 pricing information from a trusted local dealer. Zero obligation)
The car has a 420 horsepower high-revving V8 engine and all-wheel-drive. It uses the mid-engine Lamborghini Gallardo platform and costs $114,200, positioning it squarely against the BMW M6, Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage.
The car features a choice of LED or Xenon headlamps surrounded by LED running lights and indicators. LEDs are also used in the engine bay to make the impressive V8 visible even at night.
Both a standard manual and an automated manual transmission are offered. Claimed zero to 62 mph time is 4.6 seconds, though this number is likely conservative.
Interior
The interior has a driver-oriented cockpit architecture, integrating the driver between the dashboard and the high centre console. The instrument panel above the console is angled slightly towards the driver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a typical feature of the sportiest Audi models, and also enables comfortable sports car entry and exit.
The sports seats are trimmed as standard in a Leather/Alcantara combination, or optionally in full leather. Alternatively, the R8 can also be fitted with bucket seats, specially developed by quattro GmbH. There is plenty of room for the two occupants, with comfort levels well beyond the norm of high-performance sports cars. There is space behind the seats to stow large bags, or even two golf bags. The luggage compartment at the front has a capacity of 100 litres.
With numerous trim variants and applications in Piano finish or Carbon sigma, there are few limits to the range of customisation options for the interior.
The drivetrain
At 7,800 rpm the 4.2-litre engine delivers 309 kW (420 bhp) of power output. Peak torque is 430 Newton-metres from 4.500 to 6,000 rpm. And no less than 90 per cent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide engine speed range from 3,500 all the way to 7,600 rpm. As a result of these qualities, the eight-cylinder power unit provides ample thrust in most driving situation.
The engine is a high-revving unit. The maximum engine speed is 8,250 rpm. Two transmissions are available: a manual 6-speed gearbox or optionally the Audi R tronic sequential-shift gearbox, with a joystick gear-shift on the centre console and, most especially, the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. 'Shift by wire' technology provides for very fast gear-shifting and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, allied to compact gearbox dimensions. The Sport mode, with its fast shifting, guarantees the absolute maximum in terms of driving fun. An automatic mode can also be selected.
The car is fitted with permanent four-wheel drive, which distributes the power variably to the front and rear axles by way of a viscous clutch. On the Audi R8 the legendary quattro system is adapted to the axle load distribution typical of mid-engined cars.
The chassis
The chassis features forged aluminium double wishbones at the front and rear. At the front they are triangulated, while at the rear the top one is triangulated and the bottom one is a triangulated wishbone with a track rod. This provides for optimum wheel control, and is a geometry which has proved itself to be the ideal solution in delivering agility, maximum steering precision and precisely defined self-steering characteristics.
Direct, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering provides optimum feedback to assist the driver.
The spring and damper set-up is stiff in order to deliver maximum driving dynamics, while still providing a quite astonishing level of ride comfort. This is particularly true when the 'Audi magnetic ride' adaptive damper system is chosen as an alternative to the standard gas-filled shock absorbers.
Instead of the conventional damper fluid, a magnetorheological fluid is used -- in other words, a fluid whose viscosity can be influenced by an electromagnetic field. This effect enables the damping characteristic to be influenced electronically at will and instantaneously, by applying a voltage to the electromagnets.
Audi magnetic ride uses this property to deliver the correct damping forces in every driving situation. A computer determines the prevailing driving situation in a matter of milliseconds. Drivers can choose from two driving programs depending on whether they want to drive in a highly sporty style -- with the magnetorheological fluid adjusted to a low viscosity -- or with the emphasis more on ride comfort.
The Audi R8 is fitted with 6-arm 18-inch wheels as standard, and can optionally be ordered with 19-inch wheels. The 235/40 size tyres at the front and up to 285/35 at the rear provide the necessary road-holding. The mid-engined sports car's long wheelbase and extremely low centre of gravity ensure that it always retains maximum stability.
Equipment and trim
Xenon plus lights, LED rear lights and daytime running lights, 18-inch aluminium wheels, an audio system with 7-inch monitor, an anti-theft alarm and Leather/Alcantara interior trim are just some of the items on the extensive list of standard features.
The range of optional extras includes a Bang & Olufsen sound system, featuring an output of 465 watts and 12 specially designed speakers. A microphone-based vehicle noise compensation system adjusts audio levels to changing road conditions and speeds.
The acoustic parking system and a rear-view camera help the driver to manoeuvre into even the tightest of spaces. The radio/navigation system plus, featuring a large-format colour monitor and MMI keypad, combines extensive functionality with extreme user-friendliness.
A total of eight exterior colours are available, from Ibis White to Phantom Black, pearl effect.
Craftsmanship
The Audi R8 is being built on a small-lot production line in a specially constructed new block at the Audi plant in Neckarsulm. The entire production process -- from the bodyshell construction to final assembly -- is organized in the same way as a craft workshop. Small teams of specialists accompany every step of production, ensuring that every one of the maximum of 15 cars per day built is up to quality standards.
Audi R8 - Engine (The Beast)... 
The 4.2-liter Audi R8 engine has eight cylinders and a standard six-speed manual transmission with a stick shift, not paddle shifters (the optional automatic six-speed adds several thousand dollars to the price tag). The engine is mid-mounted, just behind the cockpit, and has 420 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque hidden under its glass cover.
The 4.2-liter Audi R8 engine has eight cylinders and a standard six-speed manual transmission with a stick shift, not paddle shifters (the optional automatic six-speed adds several thousand dollars to the price tag). The engine is mid-mounted, just behind the cockpit, and has 420 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque hidden under its glass cover.
Mitsubishi Eclipse (2010)
Overall: 7.4
Performance:7.5
Exterior: 8.7
Interior: 7.0
Safety: 10.0
Reliability: 4.0
The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse ranks 5 out of 5 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse is tamer than it looks -- perfect for anyone who would rather look the part of a driving enthusiast than have to deal with the rough ride of a serious sports car.
The Eclipse is a lot of great things, but definitely not road burner -- which doesn't seem to faze a lot of critics. "Not everyone in this world wants a fire-breathing, rough-riding but fun-to-drive sports car," writes MarketWatch. "An older crowd may seek a coupe that features a bit of a softer ride and a few more luxuries while still offering that sporty look."
Revised in 2009, the Eclipse carries into the 2010 model year unchanged. While strong points include an aggressive-looking exterior design and sporty interior cabin, critics complain of visibility issues, a cramped backseat and lacking cargo room in the convertible.
If you're in the market for a four-passenger affordable sports car that packs more punch, test-drive the Mazda RX-8. Its racy handling dynamics will leave you floored.
The Eclipse is offered in two body styles, coupe and Spyder (convertible), as well as two trims, GS and GT.
Overall: 7.4
Performance:7.5
Exterior: 8.7
Interior: 7.0
Safety: 10.0
Reliability: 4.0
The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse ranks 5 out of 5 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse is tamer than it looks -- perfect for anyone who would rather look the part of a driving enthusiast than have to deal with the rough ride of a serious sports car.
The Eclipse is a lot of great things, but definitely not road burner -- which doesn't seem to faze a lot of critics. "Not everyone in this world wants a fire-breathing, rough-riding but fun-to-drive sports car," writes MarketWatch. "An older crowd may seek a coupe that features a bit of a softer ride and a few more luxuries while still offering that sporty look."
Revised in 2009, the Eclipse carries into the 2010 model year unchanged. While strong points include an aggressive-looking exterior design and sporty interior cabin, critics complain of visibility issues, a cramped backseat and lacking cargo room in the convertible.
If you're in the market for a four-passenger affordable sports car that packs more punch, test-drive the Mazda RX-8. Its racy handling dynamics will leave you floored.
The Eclipse is offered in two body styles, coupe and Spyder (convertible), as well as two trims, GS and GT.
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