Hybrid vehicles are getting a little bit of a face lift. Sure, we all know that they can save us big bucks at the pump and do even more for the environment but does that mean you should have to sacrifice a killer looking car? No way!
The experimental Ferrari Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show Image Courtesy: Autoblog.com
Today the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland opens up to the public and show goers will see the usual suspects lining the floor. The usual suspects with a few, let’s say, tweaks. The Ferrari 599 HY-KERS, for example, is one of the vehicles stealing the spotlight this year and for good reason! Designers say this sporty, experimental hybrid has a lower center of gravity than the traditional Ferrari because of the placement of an electric motor and batteries.
According to Autoblog.com, “the high-voltage electric motor is connected to a 7-speed Formula 1-style transmission. Ferrari’s goal was to offset every kilogram in added weight from the hybrid system with at least one horsepower in additional force, so the 40 pound motor produces up to 100 horsepower.”
Porsche's 918 Spyder, a plug-in Hybrid Image Courtesy: Autoblog.com
Another carmaker you wouldn’t normally associate with being green is Porsche. They are featuring two more eco-friendly vehicles at this year’s show, the 918 Spyder and Cayenne Hybrid. The 918 Spyder uses the plug-in concept and combines a 500-horsepower V8 engine with electric motors in the front and rear axles that can deliver an extra 218 horsepower. Electric power is stored in a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery housed just behind the seats, for optimum weight balance. It can supposedly reach speeds of almost 200 mph.
The Cayenne Hybrid is a greener, updated version of Porsche’s popular SUV. This one combines a 333-horsepower V6 engine with a 47-horsepower electric motor. Another new feature, not seen on similar hybrids is the vehicle’s ability to cruise, without accelerating, using electric power alone at speeds of up to 97 mph! The carmaker claims this hybrid version reduces fuel consumption by 23% compared to the current model.
BMW introduced its third hybrid vehicle this week with the all new 5-series ActiveHybrid. This is one of the first mid-sized sedans to go full hybrid (capable of driving using solely electric power). This model however is not yet in production as are all of these luxury vehicles, except for the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.
Lotus Evora 414E Image Courtesy: Autoblog.com
One of the flashiest green vehicles that can be seen at the show is the new Lotus Evora 414E. This sports car is equipped with two electric motors (one for each rear wheel) and a 3-cylinder gasoline engine (for longer drives).
Most electric cars now on the market do not have transmissions with different gears, but the Lotus offers a “Sport Mode” that allows the driver to feel as though they are driving a seven-speed. You can even customize the sound of the engine through speakers installed inside and outside the car. Talk about making a statement!
As we stated earlier, only a handful of automakers unveiled production-ready gas-electric or pure electric models for the show. Those include: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, Honda CR-Z Coupe, Toyota Auris and the Nissan Leaf. The auto industry is still waiting for Europe to fully embrace the hybrid movement, because currently it’s just not profitable there.
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, many hybrids are priced higher than their conventional counterparts, slowing the market uptake for such vehicles in Europe. Some show attendees have expressed that same concern. So this begs the question: If price is the number one concern why are luxury brands showcasing these insanely over the top green vehicles? No doubt they are cool to look at, but who would really invest in one of these babies (if they were actually available for sale that is)?
Why aren’t more automakers researching feasible gas-alternative vehicles? There are some good candidates out there but still, cash is king and the average person can’t afford one. Hybrids won’t be a staple on the highways and byways until prices come down. Green Power Management hopes the industry recognizes this and changes their course of action!
What do you think?
