Honda CR-Z Hybrid
One better than small, is small and hybrid, and one better than small and hybrid is small and hybrid and sporty. Debuting at the recent Detroit auto show, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-V is a sports coupe based on the Insight/Civic hybrids; like those models, CR-V is a “mild” hybrid, featuring a version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. It’s a perfect example of Honda's commitment to sportiness in small, efficient packages.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
All right, maybe the SLS AMG is designed decidedly more for “go” than for “green” but it has a technology that must be part of our green vehicle future — extremely light weight. Its chassis and body shell are constructed of aluminum (by a Magna division in Austria). Even with a humongous 570-hp V8 engine on board, the vehicle tips the scales at just 1,620 kilograms. This helps fuel efficiency, pegged at around 13.2 L/100 km — not bad at all for a super car.
VW Up!Lite Concept
Volkswagen’s Up!Lite concept embodies a myriad of green technologies, and heralds a new model series, called “New Small Family,” which we should see by the end of 2011. Up!Lite is powered by a 0.8L TDI two-cylinder turbodiesel, producing about 51 hp and 88 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor provides an additional 13 hp, and can even propel the car without the diesel engine. Also helping matters are aluminum and carbon fibre parts and a very aerodynamic exterior. The four seater has a fuel efficiency rating of 2.44 L/100 km. Nice.
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| photo: Michael Wong |
One better than small, is small and hybrid, and one better than small and hybrid is small and hybrid and sporty. Debuting at the recent Detroit auto show, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-V is a sports coupe based on the Insight/Civic hybrids; like those models, CR-V is a “mild” hybrid, featuring a version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. It’s a perfect example of Honda's commitment to sportiness in small, efficient packages.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
 |
| photo: Michael Wong |
All right, maybe the SLS AMG is designed decidedly more for “go” than for “green” but it has a technology that must be part of our green vehicle future — extremely light weight. Its chassis and body shell are constructed of aluminum (by a Magna division in Austria). Even with a humongous 570-hp V8 engine on board, the vehicle tips the scales at just 1,620 kilograms. This helps fuel efficiency, pegged at around 13.2 L/100 km — not bad at all for a super car.
VW Up!Lite Concept
 |
| photo: Michael Wong |
Volkswagen’s Up!Lite concept embodies a myriad of green technologies, and heralds a new model series, called “New Small Family,” which we should see by the end of 2011. Up!Lite is powered by a 0.8L TDI two-cylinder turbodiesel, producing about 51 hp and 88 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor provides an additional 13 hp, and can even propel the car without the diesel engine. Also helping matters are aluminum and carbon fibre parts and a very aerodynamic exterior. The four seater has a fuel efficiency rating of 2.44 L/100 km. Nice.