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Greased Lightning: 100MPG biodiesel hybrid blasts from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds
Tiny car company Lightning Hybrids showed it means business at the Denver Auto Show this week, rolling out the first prototype of the LH4, a 100MPG speedster with a hydraulic-biodiesel hybrid drivetrain that can zip the tight four-seater from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds.
The ambitious Colorado company with a staff of 12 says the car will be ready for production in 2011, with a three-wheeled version rolling out even sooner, in 2010. The 100MPG cars are expected to sell for between $39,000 and $59,000, and are candidates for the Automotive X-Prize, with $10 million going to the winner of a stage race of 100MPG vehicles.
This is one wild-looking ride, with its split rear window and lift-up door hatch for easy entry. Its three-cylinder turbo biodiesel is augmented by a hydraulic pump/motor, whooshing an additional 150hp into the wheels of this pocket rocket. Amazing. Click Continue to take a look at the video.
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Lightning Hybrids, via Tuvie
By JWWright at 3:37 PM ON 04/03/09
Whats with all the pricey green cars?
Hey, here's an idea folks, how about a car like this without all the 'sleek & stylish' b.s.?
You know, something we can drive to work and the grocery store in?
Crazy, sure, but a car like this that sells for around 14,000 might just lead the industry and dominate the market.
By jessequentin at 3:46 PM ON 04/03/09
How about some pics of the REAL car instead of the computer rendered models? It looks like they have some pics on their site, the Denver Auto Show pics.
Anyway, I don't like the headlight placement and rear half of the car looks like crap, IMHO. But if they can really get 100+MPG, it'll be a great achievement.
By emm333arrdee at 8:16 PM ON 04/04/09
was @ the cardshow in denver today. saw it in person and got this postcard reminder to goto their website. the car (4 wheel version there) @ the show was conceptual also - no movable side windows, just a wraparound shield where the back end slides out for the engine. there was nothing to it really. maybe it did work, not sure... they had a separate frame with the engine mounted to it out to look up close. the video above is most likely the same one they had running on a loop @ the show. it said 2012 was when it was expected to be out. then again i could be totally full of beer. cool idea for a sporty looking eco friendly forward thinking concept car.
By Paul at 9:50 PM ON 04/06/09
A bunch of "expected" and "should" in there. Wait til they build it then we'll see.
By TiredOldMan at 2:13 PM ON 04/09/09
Looks like the old 1969 or 1970 Opel Manta .Kinda streched out and modified headlights.Sure wish they would make a lower cost commuter type vech. for running around 200 miles per charge!!
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TiredOldMan:
Looks like the old 1969 or 1970 Opel Manta .Kinda streched out and modified headlights.Sure wish they would make a ...More »