#DieselHybrids

Taking both design and mechanical inspiration from its R18 race cars (above), Audi is currently evaluating a new R10 model to slot in above the next-generation R8 sports car.

Sharing the stage at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show with an all-new SL for 2013 will be two new Mercedes-Benz products designed to deliver heightened fuel economy. Both cars will be based on the current E-Class and both will be hybrids, but that’s where the similarities end.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the next generation S-Class, when it goes on sale late next year, will strengthen its position as one of the world’s best luxury sedans, retaining not only the luxury and quality buyers expect, but also adding new features and technology to make it even more capable and efficient.

When most people think Toyota and hybrid, the Prius naturally comes to mind. Indeed, Japan’s largest automaker has been capitalizing on the car’s brand equity, expanding the range to include the A/V wagon and plug-in variants.

Land Rover will unveil the next step in its mission to become a ‘greener’ automaker at the Geneva Auto Show in just a few weeks time. Set to take the stand alongside the new 3-door and 5-door Evoque models is the Range_e Range Rover Sport.

File this under hard to believe. According to a recent report Mitsubishi has scrapped plans to build a hybrid EVO in favor of a diesel hybrid EVO.

Land Rover has announced that its first hybrid models will arrive 2013 and has unveiled the Range_e, a concept based on the Range Rover Sport, but using a hybrid diesel powertrain.

The E300 BlueTEC Hybrid is set to be Europe’s first diesel hybrid when it goes on sale at the end of next year as a 2011. Powered by the E250 CDI’s 2.2-liter diesel with 204-hp, it gets an additional 15 kW (20-hp) electric motor and lithium-ion battery that assist in powering the car, charging up through a regenerative braking process. As a full-hybrid, the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid can also operate on just electric power  for short distances at speeds of up to 35 km/h (22 mph). The diesel engine also shuts off when slowing down at speeds below 80 km/h (50 mph) to reduce consumption.

With the launch of two hybrid models in 2009, Mercedes-Benz has announced it will add two more hybrids to its lineup starting in 2011. More impressive, is that neither is a run-of-the-mill type of hybrid.