Toyota Prius Review – What the Auto Press Says

Article Courtesy of:  US News

Herb Chambers 2012 Toyota Prius

The 2012 Toyota Prius ranks 6 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars.

This ranking is based on our analysis of 34 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Prius, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2012 Toyota Prius isn’t the fastest or best-handling car, but auto journalists say its excellent fuel economy ratings will appeal to green car shoppers.

Reviewers say that if you’re looking for a fuel-efficient car, the 2012 Toyota Prius should be high on your list.

Its fuel economy ratings are some of the best in the industry, excluding all-electric cars.

For 2012, Toyota introduced the all-new Prius Plug-in.

Like the Chevrolet Volt, the Prius Plug-in lets owners charge the battery by plugging it into a standard wall outlet.

Reviewers like that the Prius Plug-in’s battery can be recharged in three hours or less, depending on the wall outlet’s voltage.

The 2012 Prius is well-liked by test drivers for its quiet cabin, spacious trunk, high-tech electronics and comfortable ride.

The Prius gets knocked for its soft suspension, squishy brakes, numb steering and lackluster acceleration.

The automotive press says that if fuel economy is your top priority, the Prius is a top contender and worth a test drive.

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Lexus Hybrid Drive Overview

Herb Chambers 2012 Lexus CT Hybrid

Herb Chambers Lexus

CT Hybrid Performance

From the power of Lexus Hybrid Drive to the efficiency of regenerative braking, take a tour through the inner workings of a Lexus Hybrid.

Double-Wishbone Rear Suspension

A unique suspension design pairing an independent MacPherson strut front system with a fully independent double-wishbone rear suspension provides enhanced handling and exceptional ride comfort.

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Drive Mode Select

With four modes to choose from, CT drivers can transform their ride into a more efficient or exhilarating one with the simple turn of the switch [1].

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Yamaha® Lateral Performance Dampers

The lateral performance dampers on the CT were developed by Yamaha to provide additional rigidity to the chassis while also minimizing vibrations. The result: enhanced handling, a more linear steering feel and a ride that’s as comfortable as it is invigorating.

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Efficiency

In addition to a combined 42 mpg rating [2], the most of any luxury vehicle [3], the CT also earned SmartWay Elite status, designating it as one of the cleanest vehicles in America.

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Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) with Regenerative Braking System

Pairing ingenuity with efficiency, regenerative braking converts braking energy into electricity to recharge the batteries, while the enhanced Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) System is lighter, smaller and uses up to 29% less power than our previous regenerative braking system.

Herb Chambers 2012 Lexus CT Hybrid

Lexus CT Hybrid Interior

Interior Color Selector

The CT 200h is available in six interior color combinations.

Click here to choose yours.

HDD Navigation System

The available Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)-linked voice-activated HDD Navigation System [1] can help guide you to almost any destination in the contiguous United States.

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Bluetooth® Technology

Compatible Bluetooth mobile devices [2] can be paired with your Lexus, enabling hands-free phone and audio functionality. To confirm your device’s compatibility or view pairing instructions, please use the Lexus Mobile Link.

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Convenience

The CT doesn’t just make life more exciting, it makes it more convenient. Among the ways: a secondary storage compartment with built-in organizer, 60/40-split-folding rear seats and a standard Electronic Device Holder that can be adjusted to accommodate music players, smartphones and navigation devices.

NuLuxe Seating

The CT is the first Lexus to offer NuLuxe, a unique seating material that’s as attractive as it is innovative.

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Dash Panels

Make your interior even more distinctive with an available dash panel offered by your dealer in genuine matte brown ash burl, striated graphite metallic and genuine bamboo.

SiriusXM Satellite Services

With standard SiriusXM Satellite Radiocapability [1] [3], you’ll enjoy more than 130 channels of commercial-free programming. And with available services like Sports and Stocks [1] [3] and Nav Traffic™ [1] [3] and NavWeather™ [1] [3], you can stay updated on your favorite sports team, stocks and current conditions.

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Advanced Audio System

With speaker diaphragms constructed with sustainable bamboo charcoal-based resin and an available amplifier that uses 50% less power, the CT features one of the most innovative automotive audio systems available.

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Bio-Sourced Materials

In addition to utilizing a variety of ecological and bio-sourced materials, the CT was ingeniously designed to ultimately be at least 90% recyclable [4].

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Remote Touch

Included with the available Navigation System [1], the award-winning [5] Remote Touch [6] device is both intuitive and ergonomic, enabling you to adjust systems like the audio, climate and navigation with ease.

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Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect®

At the press of a button, a live response center agent can provide you with navigation and emergency assistance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week—without requiring a cell phone [7] [8] [9].

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Racing-inspired Interior

From the placement and angles of interior components to the bolstered low-set sport seats, the CT offers drivers an interior tailored for performance.

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Herb Chambers 2012 Lexus CT Hybrid

 

Herb Chambers Lexus
25 Providence Highway
Route 1, ”The Automile”
Sharon, MA 02067
888-213-7572

 

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2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

Article Courtesy of:  HybridCars.com

Herb Chambers Honda Civic Hybrid

The new 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, using a lithium ion battery for the first time, increased its average EPA fuel economy rating from 41 mpg to 44 mpg.

The new model is rated at 44 in both city and highway driving. HybridCars.com, using hypermiling techniques, achieved the upper limit of what any driver should ever expect for fuel efficiency—a score of 68.7 mpg on a 10-mile course of mostly country lanes and some highway driving, with four or five stoplights along the way.

The improvement in fuel economy solidifies the Civic Hybrid’s second-place position for fuel economy among cars that don’t plug into the grid. The 44-mpg average moves the Civic slightly closer to the Prius’s 50-mpg level, and edges out the 42-mpg Lexus CT 200h. Honda makes the claim that the Civic Hybrid becomes the most fuel-efficient sedan—meaning it’s not a hatchback—on U.S. roads.

The all-new, ninth-generation 2012 Honda Civic arrives at dealers nationwide starting today. The MSRP for the Civic Hybrid begins at $24,050, and tops out at $26,750 for the package with leather, XM radio and leather.

Like other new Civic models—there are now five different versions, including the HF high fuel-efficiency non-hybrid model—the 2012 Civic Hybrid gains new features and sleeker styling.

Bigger Engine Means More Electric Power

In addition to the shift to lithium ion batteries, the 2012 Honda Civic uses a larger 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. “We changed the displacement from 1.3 to 1.5 liters,” said Yuuji Fujiki, chief engineer for Honda’a IMA hybrid system, in an exclusive interview with HybridCars.com. “But the fuel consumption rate is the same as current model.”

Fujiki explained that the larger displacement allows the engine to run at lower RPMs, which in turn allows for more frequent use of the electric motor and produces a quieter ride.

The Civic Hybrid’s lithium ion batteries are 30 percent smaller than the previous nickel-metal-hydride batteries—thereby granting more cargo space than the previous model.

Fujiki expained how every aspect of the hybrid system’s design was tweaked for optimal efficiency—such as the motor that increases output from 15 kW to 20 kW, uses more coils and widely spaced magnets, and employs plastic spacers to better manage temperature.

In addition to more frequent use of idle-stop, the engine valves are sometime deactivated to cut off fuel, even when the engine is turning. Honda refers to this as EV mode, although Fujiki admitted that it’s not a true all-electric condition. “It’s not electrical only,” he said. “The fuel system is stopped, but there is a mechanical drag.” Fujiki said that, at maximum output, this “no-fuel” mode could last up to 79 seconds.

All About Balance

The focus of Honda engineers was on total vehicle efficiency—evidenced by a remarkable 44-mpg average using a single-motor system that’s less expensive and complex than the Toyota two-motor approach. “We had to strike a balance between engine friction, motor output, and how to use the battery,” said Fujiki. “That balance is going to determine the overall efficiency.”

Herb Chambers Honda Civic Hybrid

Our interview with Fujiki helped us win the MPG challenge, which was established by Honda for journalists attending the media preview for the 2012 Civic earlier this month in Washington, DC. His advice—to accelerate in a steady manner to about 45 miles per hour and stay at this speed for as much of the 10-mile course as possible—was the key to achieving the winning 68.7 mpg score. Fujiki also advised not to use the neutral gear when coasting.

“Don’t use neutral, because when idling, fuel is injected,” he said. “Keep it in Drive, so the engine can judge that you’re decelerating, and get into fuel-cut mode and so you can take advantage of regenerative braking.”

Six-Percent Hybrid Take-Rate

The new Civic HF sedan, positioned between the Civic LX and Civic EX, is rated for 41 miles per gallon on the highway and 29 in the city. It is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, exclusive 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels and aerodynamic enhancements under the body, and a rear spoiler. It does not use any hybrid drivetrain technology or idle-stop features. Driving in exactly in the same manner in the HF as we did in the Civic Hybrid, we achieved 46 mpg on the 10-mile course. The MSRP for the 5-Speed Automatic HF model begins at $19,455.

All Civic models, except for the Si, now feature an “econ” button allowing drivers to maximize efficiency on demand.

Herb Chambers Honda Civic Hybrid

Consumers will recognize the Civic’s raked windshield, wide stance and other styling features that do not dramatically depart from the current model.

The hybrid has a unique grille design with blue accents. Special five-spoke alloy wheels, a decklid spoiler and LED brake lights further differentiate the Civic Hybrid from other Civic models. The interior of the Civic Hybrid uses exclusive seat fabric and unique door panel covers. The hybrid offers a range of standard and available audio and navigation technologies.

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Featured Brands

Click on the links below!

• AUDI – Audi of Burlington, A Herb Chambers Company
• BENTLEY – Bentley Boston, A Herb Chambers Company
• BMW – Herb Chambers BMW of Boston
• BMW of Sudbury
• CADILLAC – Herb Chambers Cadillac of Danvers
• CADILLAC – Herb Chambers Cadillac of Warwick
• CHEVROLET – Herb Chambers Chevrolet of Danvers
• CHRYSLER – Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge & Sprinter of Millbury
• CHRYSLER – Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge & Sprinter of Danvers
• DODGE – Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Millbury
• DODGE – Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Danvers
• FORD – Herb Chambers Ford of Braintree
• FORD – Herb Chambers Ford of Westborough
• HERB CHAMBERS – Official Website
• HONDA – Herb Chambers Honda in Boston
• HONDA – Herb Chambers Honda of Burlington
• HONDA – Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk
• HONDA – Herb Chambers Honda of Westborough
• HYUNDAI – Herb Chambers Hyundai of Auburn
• INFINITI – Herb Chambers Infiniti of Boston
• INFINITI – Herb Chambers Infiniti of Westborough
• JEEP – Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Millbury
• JEEP – Herb Chambers Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Danvers
• KIA – Herb Chambers Kia of Burlington
• LAND ROVER – Land Rover Sudbury, A Herb Chambers Company
• LEXUS – Herb Chambers Lexus
• MAYBACH – Herb Chambers Maybach, A Herb Chambers Company
• MERCEDES-BENZ of Boston
• MERCEDES-BENZ – Flagship Motorcars of Lynnfield, A Herb Chambers Company
• MERCEDES-BENZ – Mercedes-Benz of Natick, A Herb Chambers Company
• MINI – Herb Chambers Mini of Boston
• PORSCHE – Herb Chambers Porsche of Boston
• PORSCHE – Porsche of Burlington, A Herb Chambers Company
• ROLLS-ROYCE – Herb Chambers Rolls – Royce Motorcars of N. E. , A Herb Chambers Company
• SAAB – Herb Chambers Saab of Boston
• SCION – Herb Chambers Scion of Auburn
• SCION – Herb Chambers Scion of Boston
• smart center Boston
• smart center Lynnfield
• TOYOTA – Herb Chambers Toyota of Auburn
• TOYOTA – Herb Chambers Toyota of Boston
• VESPA – Herb Chambers Vespa Boston

The US Debut of the Smart ForTwo at Herb Chambers Companies Somerville !

The tiny Smart car, fighting sluggish US sales, is getting a jolt under the seats.

That is where the lithium-ion battery pack sits in the new electric version of the two-seater, located where its 8.7-gallon gas tank used to be.

The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive made its local debut yesterday at the Herb Chambers dealership in Somerville. Taking a cue from BMW, which leased its prototype electric Mini Cooper last year to 500 American drivers, Smart is bringing 250 test models of its electric car to the United States. They will be available through special lease programs, but most will be sold to corporate fleets.

Smart plans to build 1,500 before official production begins in 2012. The four-year lease is expected to cost $31,500, about $10,000 more than the most expensive gasoline-powered Smart, according to Derek Kaufman, one of the brand’s vice presidents.

“What we’re really trying to promote here is the electrification of transportation,’’ he said.

The Smart car, made by Daimler AG, was introduced in Europe in 1998, and brought to the US market two years ago, when gas prices hovered around $4. Nearly 25,000 of the tiny two-seaters were sold that year.

Now that fuel prices have ebbed, Smart has struggled to market a microcar with scant luggage space and average fuel economy. Smart’s US sales through June are down 61 percent over last year, with only 577 sold last month. Herb Chambers, who owns two Smart dealerships, says that in a “good month,’’ he sells up to 20 of the cars.

“If fuel were $4 a gallon, there wouldn’t be a car sitting here,’’ Chambers said in his Somerville showroom.

Other than green wheels, decals, and two circular gauges atop the dashboard to show battery life and available power, there’s no apparent difference from the regular Smart. Power cables stow inside the tailgate, and the motor and other electrical components hide under the cargo floor.

Despite adding roughly 300 pounds worth of batteries engineered by California-based Tesla Motors, the 8-foot, 10-inch ForTwo barely weighs a ton. Maximum speed tops out at 60 miles per hour and its range is 84 miles. A complete charge from a standard outlet takes about eight hours.

Later this year, a wave of electric cars is expected to go on sale.

Buyers of electric cars can qualify for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits.

Clifford Atiyeh can be reached at catiyeh@globe.com.

Herb Chambers Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at his NEW Porsche Dealership in Burlington, Massachusetts

PORSCHE PARTY—Steve Sabatini (left), Regional Manager of Porsche North America and Herb Chambers perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony at Herb Chambers’ new Porsche dealership in Burlington.

The dealership, Porsche of Burlington, held a sizzling summer party for customers, friends, and industry leaders to officially celebrate the opening of the dealership.

Located next to Chambers’ Audi Burlington at 62 Cambridge Street, the state-of-the-art luxury dealership is Chambers’ second Porsche dealership, the other being Herb Chambers Porsche of Boston. The party featured a special music performance by the band Crusin’ and catering by Davio’s Restaurant of Boston.

Also in attendance were dealership General Manager George Chambers and Herb Chambers Companies Vice President Jim Xaros. Herb Chambers is the largest automobile dealership group in New England with 46 dealership locations.

Don’t Miss the Spectacular Herb Chambers 4th of July Sales Events!

Herb Chambers 4th of July Sales Event

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The Promise of Spring Kept; 2009

Just a few months ago; I mentioned that we at Herb Chambers, were approaching the New Year at “full-speed” proceeding with several exciting new construction and facilities renovation projects. Well, here we are in early 2009 and we are proud to announce two new facilities up and running!

They are Herb Chambers Porsche of Burlington & Audi Burlington — a brand new 40,000 square foot dealership built to house some of the world’s finest luxury sports and performance cars and Herb Chambers Ford Truck center, an all new 70,000 sq. ft. truck service and collision center with a state of the art body shop.

These two facilities are simply amazing; one designed to showcase some of the world’s most exciting and advanced automobiles; while the other is designed to provide the best possible care and repair of both cars and trucks that have been involved in collisions.

If you’re a sports car or luxury vehicle aficionado there’s no better place to experience and test drive some of the world’s most practical yet spirited sports & luxury automobiles, than Herb Chambers Porsche of Burlington & Audi Burlington. Our goal here was clean elegance and to showcase high performance machines like nowhere else. The architectural “mirror glass” façade and sleek show room interior complete a perfect sun-lit showcase to introduce the new automotive sports/luxury masterpieces of our age. These vehicles though exotic– are really well mannered everyday drivers in every sense of the word. If you can imagine yourself (even for a moment) driving one these rolling sculptures; you owe it to yourself to visit our newest showrooms in Burlington. If you currently own a Porsche or Audi, we invite you to visit our new facility and experience service of the highest level. Where you purchased your vehicle makes no difference, we would like to take care of it for you. You will be impressed!

If your car or truck has had an unfortunate “tangle” with another vehicle or just needs some sprucing up; we’d like to draw your attention to Herb Chambers newest Ford Truck center and complete Collision Facility servicing all makes & models of cars, trucks & SUV’s.

We went all out here as this enormous facility has absolutely everything needed to make your damaged vehicle as good as new including the newest state of the art paint booth facilities to make your vehicle really shine! In addition, it’s really cavernous (70,000 sq. ft!!!) … with more space to simultaneously repair more vehicles indoor than anyone else!!! The latest in clean air equipment is used to provide the best environment for our craftsmen. This is all in addition to our other 3 world class body shops & collision centers in Danvers, Providence AND Ashland.

True to our word, these facilities are already humming with activity and serving Herb Chambers customers from all over New England. Stay tuned and we will keep you posted on several other projects nearing completion…talk with you again soon!

Sincerely,
Herb

Please visit these other Herb Chambers Related Websites!

Herb Chambers Videos – CLICK HERE.

Herb Chambers Hybrids – CLICK HERE.

Herb Chambers Reviews – CLICK HERE.

Herb Chambers Opens a New Collision Center in Braintree, MA.

Herb Chambers Collision Center Braintree, MA

The Herb Chambers Companies are growing!

A new collision center and truck repair garage opened recently on Lundquist Drive in Braintree, it represents the Herb Chambers Companies fourth and biggest service center.

The former Braintree warehouse now contains 44 body shop repair bays and 16 repair spots for commercial trucks and buses. There are plans to hire twenty more technicians for the center which opened last month.

The collision center that was operating on Washington Street is now closed.  In recent years, a number of local Ford Dealerships closed their doors which lead to a steady increase in repair business for Herb Chambers.

The Lundquist Drive Building is 78,400 square feet and was purchased two years ago by the Herb Chambers Companies for three million dollars. An estimated five million was spent in converting the space into a state of the art collision center and truck repair shop.

This collision facility is far from ordinary; it provides a more modern environment than most body shops.  Windows for natural light, vacuum hoses area attached to the tools that sand vehicles to allow for scrubbing dust particles out of the air.

Every aspect of the operation is equipped with the most up to date computerized diagnostic equipment to help technicians straighten frames or match paint to cars’ original colors.  Office space is available for insurance appraisers to use to fill out reports.

The Herb Chambers new collision center will also be used to expand a growing heavy truck repair business. Over a half a million dollars was spent to elevate the roof of the building to accommodate box trucks and buses. The truck repair facility replaces the one on Wood Road, which has a lease that expires in May.

Maximizing the use of the space; part of the building will be used to store new vehicles such as Ford Mustangs with accessories that are frequent targets of thieves when parked outside at a dealership.

The Herb Chambers Companies is expanding in 2009!  In addition to the Somerville-based auto groups 43 dealerships in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  New dealerships in Westboro and Sudbury are scheduled to open in the next few months.  In February, an all new dealership has opened for Audi Burlington, A Herb Chambers Company and Porsche of Burlington, A Herb Chambers Company located on 62 Cambridge St., Route 3A, Burlington, Massachusetts.

The Herb Chambers Collision center in Braintree is hiring experienced craftsmen to fill painters and metal technicians for the body shop and diesel-certified mechanics for the truck repair shop.

For Herb Chambers 2009 Has Been Full Speed Ahead

BMW of Sudbury/Foreign Motors West BMW	A brand new 70,281 sq. ft. dealership featuring a 12 car two-story showroom, a 4 car exterior display canopy, a three-lane drive-in service reception area with 60 service bays, and a car wash situated on 6 acres. Opening Spring 2009.
Herb Chambers Infiniti of Westborough	A brand new 37,000 sq. ft. dealership featuring a suspense-building “art gallery” style layout to showcase new vehicles—complete with a coffee bar and customer lounge with plasma TVs. Opening Spring 2009.
Porsche of Burlington/Audi Burlington	A brand new 40,000 sq. ft. dealership built to house some the world’s finest luxury sports and performance cars. Opening January 2009.
Herb Chambers Lexus	Recently completed…A brand new 110,000 sq/ft. super luxury showroom! A vast entrance canopy – 40 car showroom with 50-foot windows. Including 50 service bays, a customer lounge with complimentary coffee and food bar, Internet access, flat screen TVs, a fireplace and children’s play area.
Flagship Motorcars/smart center Lynnfield	A brand new 18,000 sq. ft addition to this dealership will include a 2,400 sq. ft. showroom for smart center Lynnfield. Complete Spring 2009.
Chambers Motorcars/smart center Boston	A significant renovation adding over 7,000 sq. ft to this dealership include customer sales, lounge & service areas. Complete next summer.
Herb Chambers Ford Truck Center	An all new 70,000 sq. ft. truck service center & state of the art body shop. Opening December 2008 in Braintree, MA..
Mercedes-Benz of Natick	A Complete 50,000 sq. ft. renovation of the entire Facility starting next spring.

Our 44 existing dealerships enhanced by these new facilities, containing over 10,000 vehicles, staffed with over 1,600 hundred exceptional employees coupled with our steadfast commitment to 100% guest satisfaction– are all great reasons to say, if you’re looking for a new or pre-owned certified vehicle, @ Herb Chambers: “We’ve Got it!”