Jaguar XJ Hybrid

Cruise in eco-luxury with the Jaguar XJ Hybrid ($TBA). Jaguar has teamed up with Lotus to build a 1.2 litre 3 cylinder engine which is then paired with a 145kW (194hp) electric motor to power the XJ. The XJs new drivetrain allows it to achieve 47 mpg and emissions of under 120 g/km. The new drivetrain's lower weight helps the XJ still handle very well if not better and can reach a 112 mph top speed. Hopefully soon you will be able to speed along in this hybrid saloon if Jaguar brings it to production.

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Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

The updated Porsche Cayenne ($TBA) will debut with a hybrid drivetrain using the supercharged 3.0litre TFSI V6 from the Audi S4.   The hybrid has a 6.5 second 0-62mph time and still achieves 34.5mpg C02 emissions of only 193g/km.  Inside a touch-screen keeps you updated with the current output of the petrol-electric drivetrain.  When this hybrid comes to production the hybrid SUV market will be given some real competition that could even topple the RX450h's current rein.
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The Tata Nano, Diesel Powered

The world's most affordable car will soon becoming greener with the help of Bosch. The Tata Nano ($TBA) will hopefully soon be offered with a single cylinder diesel engine developed by Bosch. The engine will only put out 25-30 hp but the increased amount of torque and low weight of the the Nano still allow it to get reasonable performance. Mileage is unknown for the diesel Nano but with its low weight and economical diesel engine the mpg will definately be impressive.

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Cadillac XTS PHEV Hybrid Concept

Cadillac finally has a flagship to compete with the rest of the world and best of all it will come in a plug-in hybrid version. Using a 3.6 litre V6 paired with a liquid-cooled lithium ion pack like the one in the Chevrolet Volt but with a smaller 8 killowatt-hour capacity. The lower capacity is due to the fact that the electric battery is used to fully power the car only during certain times unlike the Volt. Since the XTS will be a plug-in two-mode hybrid program (PHEV) it will be able to use its charge and blend it with the gas power during high speeds or acceleration. This could almost double the mileage of the XTS and even when it runs out of charge to blend it will still give 50 percent better mileage. So someday soon you can have opulent luxury while paying less money to OPEC.

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Volvo C30 BEV

Volvo has teased the public with many efficient models of the C30 including, plug-in hybrid powerplants, flex-fuel ICEs, efficient diesel engines and electric drivetrains. However, at the Detroit Auto Show in January they will be showing off the C30 BEV ($TBA) all electric version again which they are planning to make 50 version of it which will start true life tests in 2011. This prototype will not be the same one that was driveable at the Frankfurt Auto Show earlier this year, this model will also have a finished interior with instrumentation and an improved battery packaging. So someday soon you will be able to find these under your tree and be able to drive it emission free on all your holiday excursions.

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Technorati Tags: electric, volvo, c30, eco-friendly, emission free

The Volkswagen UP!

In five years you could be whizzing to 60 in 12 seconds and reaching a top speed of 100 mph. Not impressed? Well the VW UP! ($TBA) will also get a combined EPA mileage of 70 mpg. The prius pounding mileage is thanks to a 51hp 0.8-litre two-cylinder turbo-diesel engine combined with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and a 13hp electric engine. Additionally the 0.237 drag coefficient or 1,532 curb weight of the UP! helps those 64 combined horsepower get the most out of its mileage. So keep your fingers crossed and maybe someday you will be driving one of these out of the dealer and not filling up till weeks later.

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2011 Chevy Spark

Not ready to drop the money on a hybrid, but still want the mileage? Then save your money for the 2011 Chevy Spark ($TBA). Powered by a 4 cylinder 81 bhp engine will get this stylish subcompact 55.4 miles on one gallon. The exterior is not the only stylish part of this car, the inside boasts a motorcycle inspired instrument cluster. The interior is also large for its class leaving ample head and leg room for taller drivers while the shoulder room is a little tight. So if your looking for a hybrid alternative with decent space your answer will be here in 2011.

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Peugeot Hybrid3 Evolution

Tired of Vespa's retro look and want something more futuristic with even better gas mileage? Well lucky for you Peugeot has recently entered the hyrbrid market with their three-wheel Hybrid3 Evolution which has a 300cc 41bhp gas engine powering the rear wheel. There is also an 8hp electric motor powering the two front wheels. The scooter can reach 60 in under 10 seconds while only emiting 48g/km of CO2. Peugeot's hybrid system resembles the Prius in its ability to run in either mode or both combined. This trike will be more expensive than regular trike's but it also may be eligible for tax rebates. So scoot into the future with less gas in this hybrid trike.

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Infiniti M35 Hybrid

The M35 Hybrid will be the first Infiniti hybrid finishing off its range of gasoline powered V6, V8 and diesel engines. This particular hybrid will be aimed directly at the wildly unpopular Lexus GS400h. Infiniti has created this hybrid to add to the driving experience not detract from it. The electric engine is on the same drive shaft as the engine and twin clutch transmission which will make the power change from electric to gas engine seamless. The M35 will also have a cutting edge lithium-ion battery which stores twice as much charge as a nickel-metal hydride and is laminated to help it cool more quickly. Infiniti's first foray in the hybrid market looks like it will be a very succesful one.

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Bravo EVT-168

Retro doesn't always have to guzzle gas like the revival of muscle cars coming out of detroit these days. The Bravo EVT-168 ($2,999) combines retro style and electric power to create an eco-friendly cruiser. Thanks to its electric power you can silently stalk the streets at up to 30 mph for 30 miles per charge. Once you get back home you can plug it into any outlet to bring it back to full charge. You can get a windshield or storage case to further customize this unique vehicle. So start saving the earth in one of these stylish commuters.








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The Zero S Motorcycle

If you like blistering acceleration and hate gas stations then this is the bike for you. The Zero S ($8,950) is a supermoto motorcycle with a fully electric high performance powertrain. Thanks to its electric power it has instant torque from 0 rpm and has smooth acceleration as you finish your turn and head for the straightaway. This bike also has a low weight aluminum frame and only 80 pound lithium power pack makes the bike very agile, fast and economical so that it can last 50 miles on one charge and reach up to 55 mph. No only does the Zero S have a cutting edge eco-friendly powertrain it also has leading motorcycle technologies like an inverted front fork for less unsprung weight. The only feature this motorcycle does not have is a gas tank and harmful emissions.

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BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

More and more care companies are finding ways to get the word fun, fast and fuel efficient in the same sentence; and those words all describe the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept. Two electric motors and a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel work together to produce 351bhp and 590lb ft of torque and still reach an estimated 75.1 mpg. This high mpg helps this concept car to get a 400 mile range on one tank using only the diesel engine or 435 miles on full electric mode and it only takes 2.5 hrs to recharge. Thanks to BMWs F1 experience this eco cruiser reaches 60 in under 5 seconds with the help of its 0.22 drag coefficent, low weight and high tech powertrain. The interior matches the exterior with countored front seats that attach to the center console and rear seats that do not appear to attach to the floor. Hopefully BMW will make this concept a reality so our dreams of sports car performance with prius beating fuel economy can finally come true.

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BMW ActiveHybrid 7

BMW seems to be taking a break from their hydrogen dreams and is now coming out with a more marketable option, a hybrid. The ActiveHybrid 7 ($TBA) will go up against the Mercedes S400 Hybrid and Lexus LS600h. The electric motor and twin turbo V8 produce a combined 459bhp and 516 lb ft. All that power is channeled through an 8 speed automatic that will launch it to 60 in 4.9 seconds. While sprinting to 60 the eco-saloon will burn an average of 29.1 mpg. The eight-speed auto and lithium ion battery make the ActiveHybrid 7 the first automatic with stop-start and battery back up so that air conditioners can be used even when the engine is off. To top off the eco-concious look there is special aero dynamic wheels and Bluewater paint.

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Nissan Leaf

Nissan has recently come out with a concept version of the first zero emission economy car. The electric powered Nissan Leaf ($TBA) can go 100 miles on a charge which is enough for 70% of the world population`s needs. The Leaf can also recharge 80% of its battery in 30 minutes. The battery will also fully charge in 8 hours with a 200v outlet, the 90kW battery powers an 80kw engine with 207lb ft of instant electric torque. Now more of the world can buzz around silently and emissions free.

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BMW ActiveE

BMW has trademarked ActiveE for its new 3 wheeled economy concept. The ActiveE has an engine that runs on compressed natural gas which is similar to running on fumes, but it causes the ActiveE to emit half the CO2 of normal cars. BMW also plans to have 2 and 4 wheel versions and hopefully an electric version in the next 5 years. So someday soon you can run on fumes without worrying about running out of gas.

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Mercedes SLS AMG

Mercedes just announced that they will be making the AMG SLS electric, so instead of a 563bhp V8 there will be a motor at each wheel totaling 526bhp. The drivetrain is still an engineering prototype but Mercedes is determined to produce it. The electric set up will have 30% more torque and will hit 60mph in about 4 seconds. The SLS will have a transmission on each axle resulting in all-wheel-drive performance enhanced by Mercedes Torque Vectoring system to help manage the torque distribution more accurately. The batteries are placed in front of the fire wall, in the central tunnel and behind the seats. The the rest of the drivetrain will be placed low in the aluminum spaceframe body to keep down the center of gravity.

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Bionx Montague Crossover DX Electric Bike

The Bionx Montague Crossover DX Electric Bike PL 500 ($2250) comes with the PL500 Kit which offers 500 watts of power helping it achieve over 20 mph. However, accelereation and torque are reduced over other models with lower top speeds. The 18 speed folding electric bicycle is great for commuting up to 60 miles or just riding around town. The bike folds up and only weights 41.8 lbs which includes its 36-volt Lithium Ion battery pack which is positioned low on the frame to allow for easy riding on and off the road. So lose the car keys this summer and pick up an electric bike so you can pedal your way to a healthier summer for the environment and yourself

CalfeeDesign Bamboo Bike

After Craig Calfee watched his dog try to gnaw through a piece of bamboo with no luck he decided to create a bamboo bike frame.  At first it was purely a publicity stunt but then he found that the bamboo withstood impact damage better than carbon fiber and was less than a pound heavier than a comparable carbon fiber frame.  The carbon fiber also absorbs road vibrations better than carbon fiber which allows bikers to ride longer.  Now the CalfeeDesign Bamboo Bike ($1,900-$4,500) have one multiple awards and are available for road or mountain in different frame styles with a ten year warranty. 

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