Fisker Surf

Remember the days when “eco-friendly” and “automobile” usually meant that your car would look like a giant peanut and go from 0-60 in 20 minutes? Well, those days are almost gone completely thanks to the arrival of the Fisker Surf. Who’d’a thunk that an American company could be so environmentally responsible. It goes against our whole nature as the good ol’ red, white and blue, but it’s now a reality.

The Fisker Surf is a combination electric and luxury vehicle that delivers everything you would expect from a luxury ride–power, performance, and comfort–while keeping as its first responsibility the environment. The company claims that it’s the first of its kind. While we’re pretty sure the folks at Cadillac would disagree with that, it’s still a welcome addition to the eco-friendly luxury market.

Hybrids

By Aric Mitchell on September 28th, 2011

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Cadillac ELR

Going green is the big trend these days and car manufacturers are jumping onboard however they can. Chevrolet, smart, Tesla – they all want to capitalize on the next major revolution in automotive technology after hybrids – but Cadillac is taking the idea of saving the earth to beautiful new heights.

The ELR is a sleek new coupe from Cadillac built on the same Voltec platform as the Chevy Volt and features a 4 cylinder, 1.4L generator, pushing the car from 0-to-60 in eight seconds. The T-shaped lithium ion battery will get you from point A to point B, but in the event energy levels drop too low, the ELR will switch over to “extended-range mode”. That should get you an extra few hundred miles to the nearest gas station — er…power outlet.

Originally announced at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, Cadillac has started production on the ELR recently and will announce more information, including release date and pricing, at a later time.

Hybrids

By Harry Marks on September 15th, 2011

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BMW i Series

The BMW i Series has arrived–well, almost–and boy, is it going to make you tree-huggers happy. The i3, which is considered the low man on the totem pole, features around 170 horsepower thanks to its electric powertrain and it can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour, according to the company, in just under 8 seconds, making it one of the worst possible choices if you’re looking for a getaway car in that upcoming bank robbery attempt.

On the other hand, the i8 will settle much better with sports car aficionados. This environmentally friendly bad boy travels the same distance as its i3 counterpart in under five seconds and produces 220 horsepower. It’s also said to get around 78 miles per gallon. (We’re in.) Just don’t expect it to win in a race with any of our Top 15 Supercars. No word on pricing yet, as so far only the concept cars have been released, but expect great things!

Hybrids

By Aric Mitchell on August 8th, 2011

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2012 Imperia GP

Who said quality gas mileage had to come at the cost of driving something that looked like crap? Certainly not the makers of the 2012 Imperia GP! For retro car enthusiasts, the Imperia GP is a familiar body that was popular during the first part of the 20th Century. However, what wasn’t possible during that time was a hybrid mix of gasoline and electric motor. The 1.6-liter turbo four boasts 207 horsepower and combines with 134 horsies from the motor to produce a 0-62 acceleration rate in just 4 to 6 seconds. Not bad for an environmentally conscious ride!

The Imperia GP debuted in its native homeland at the Belgian Auto Show. While it is not exactly “hot rod” material, it is definitely the answer for those of you who’ve been complaining about the looks of hybrid cars with its sleek black paint job and classic but modern build. While it’s a tad pricey at $124k, you’ll be doing your environment a favor.

$100,000-$250,000, Coupes, Hybrids, Popular

By Aric Mitchell on February 28th, 2011

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2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche has just unveiled its second gasoline-electric hybrid, the Panamera S Hybrid. Although EPA fuel economy won’t be available until later in the year, Porsche says the Panamera can achieve 35 mpg on the European driving cycle. Using a 333-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine coupled with a 47-hp electric motor, mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission, improving on the successes of Porsche’s other hybrid vehicle, the Cayenne S. It also uses a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack at a time when most competitors are making the shift to lithium-based batteries

It doesn’t come cheap, the U.S. price tag tips in at almost $96,000, but for all the luxury of a Porsche combined with the efficiency of a hybrid, it’s well worth it.

$50,000-$100,000, Hybrids, Sports Cars

By Brandon Stanfill on February 17th, 2011

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Tesla Roadster 2.5

After the initial public offering from Tesla, the world has waited with baited breath as to what the electric car manufactruer would do next and it looks like they are out to impress with the new Tesla Roadster 2.5, which proves a car no longer has to look like crap in order to also be economically and environmentally friendly. With a 250-mile range and only 3.5-hour charge time, you have more than enough mileage out of one charge to get through your daily commutes to and from work. Best of all, you can do it without worrying about $2.50-$4.00 per gallon gas prices. Kiss it, Big Oil!

Hybrids, Sports Cars

By Aric Mitchell on July 3rd, 2010

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2011 Lexus CT 200h

Hybrids have never looked sexier than the 2011 Lexus CT 200h. Featuring a double-wishbone rear suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels, the CT 200h is a green dream to drive.

The instrument panels change colors depending on the driving mode enabled: blue ambient lighting for Normal, ECO and EV modes and red ambient lighting for sport mode, which also happens to turn the CT 200h’s power meter into a tachometer and modify the power and steering settings to allow for a faster response to the driver.

Other features of the Lexus CT 200h include a HDD Navigation system and Remote Touch controller. Expect this premium compact hybrid to drop soon.

Hybrids

By Harry Marks on June 11th, 2010

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