Thursday, June 14, 2007

Mazda Tribute Hybrid


Description:
Mazda will unveil the all-new 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. With a hydrogen-powered version of the RX-8 and a hydrogen-powered hybrid version of the MAZDA 5 undergoing extensive testing in Japan, the Tribute HEV is the latest environmentally friendly vehicle to join the Mazda lineup.

2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid Electric Vehicle Features

  • A special 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine features Atkinson-cycle combustion for improved efficiency and produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
  • A 70-kWatt (equivalent to 94 horsepower) electric traction motor provides an added boost to the drive wheels when maximum acceleration is desired.
  • A generator-motor recharges the batteries, starts the engine and helps regulate how the two propulsion channels blend together in the transaxle.
  • A special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT) harnesses internal combustion and electric power sources to drive the vehicle.
  • A 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed at the rear load floor stores electrical energy.
  • An electronic vehicle system controller manages charging, drive assist and engine-starting functions. This device shuts the engine down during coasting and at stoplights to save fuel. It also converts the traction motor into a generator during braking to help recharge the batteries.
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