3- Volkswagen Compact Coupe Hybrid Concept
Here is an example of where green meets concept future-production model. The new compact coupe concept (try saying that 3 times fast) is as elegant and suave as any Volkswagen or Audi could or should ever be. This show-car sports VW's 1.4-litre TSI inline-four with 148 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system uses a 20-kilowatt electric motor. Both power sources send their juice to the 7-speed DSG gearbox. A 1.1 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery serves as storage for the electric drive, electric boost and regenerative braking. On top of looking dead-sexy on the road, this lightly-treading Jetta-sized car will be very lean and clean: fuel consumption is expected to be of 45 mpg (5.2L per 100 km) and emissions at 98 g/km of CO2.
4- Toyota FT-CH
Being midsize or compact, clean and green, is just not enough, or is that too much, these days. A long-time leader in hybrids, Toyota unveiled the FT-CH (FT for Future Toyota), an important first step in subcompact hybrid cars. As most hybrid cars available at the moment are relatively pricey (Honda Insight being the cheapest a $23,900), Toyota has perhaps pegged a segment that will grow rapidly with and find favour with minimalists that need little or want to use little when it comes to transportation. Shorter and expect to be more affordable than the Prius, the FT-CH may be smaller overall but the emphasis is on passenger comfort.
5- Honda CR-Z
Saving the best for last as far as I'm concerned... The Honda CR-Z is without a doubt the brightest beacon of hope where driving pleasure and being green is concerned. Styled by influences such as the CR-X (obviously), the 4th and 5th generation Prelude and, on the inside, the S2000, the CR-Z promises to be quite a contrast to today's hybrids. Yes, the CR-Z is a hybrid and it will be built. Honda made it clear that this car will combine “fun-to-drive” and massive economy. The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine along with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). Together, they create 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. The lightweight body moves thanks to its front wheels and the choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or an available CVT that includes with paddle shifters. With a sport-tuned chassis, this little thing should be a blast to drive.
photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
Here is an example of where green meets concept future-production model. The new compact coupe concept (try saying that 3 times fast) is as elegant and suave as any Volkswagen or Audi could or should ever be. This show-car sports VW's 1.4-litre TSI inline-four with 148 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid system uses a 20-kilowatt electric motor. Both power sources send their juice to the 7-speed DSG gearbox. A 1.1 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery serves as storage for the electric drive, electric boost and regenerative braking. On top of looking dead-sexy on the road, this lightly-treading Jetta-sized car will be very lean and clean: fuel consumption is expected to be of 45 mpg (5.2L per 100 km) and emissions at 98 g/km of CO2.
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4- Toyota FT-CH
Being midsize or compact, clean and green, is just not enough, or is that too much, these days. A long-time leader in hybrids, Toyota unveiled the FT-CH (FT for Future Toyota), an important first step in subcompact hybrid cars. As most hybrid cars available at the moment are relatively pricey (Honda Insight being the cheapest a $23,900), Toyota has perhaps pegged a segment that will grow rapidly with and find favour with minimalists that need little or want to use little when it comes to transportation. Shorter and expect to be more affordable than the Prius, the FT-CH may be smaller overall but the emphasis is on passenger comfort.
 |
5- Honda CR-Z
Saving the best for last as far as I'm concerned... The Honda CR-Z is without a doubt the brightest beacon of hope where driving pleasure and being green is concerned. Styled by influences such as the CR-X (obviously), the 4th and 5th generation Prelude and, on the inside, the S2000, the CR-Z promises to be quite a contrast to today's hybrids. Yes, the CR-Z is a hybrid and it will be built. Honda made it clear that this car will combine “fun-to-drive” and massive economy. The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine along with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). Together, they create 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. The lightweight body moves thanks to its front wheels and the choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or an available CVT that includes with paddle shifters. With a sport-tuned chassis, this little thing should be a blast to drive.
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photo:Philippe Champoux, Matthieu Lambert
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