Sports Cars disguised as Hybrids Blog Post at Automotive.com
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Sports Cars disguised as Hybrids

Posted July 3 2008 03:27 PM by James Kwok 
Filed under: Opinion, Hybrid


2008 gmc yukon hybrid front left.JPG


Somewhere along the way to fuel efficiency and emissions heaven, drivers realized that the one thing they had traded away with these new hybrids was, to be succint, power. There's no need to worry, and consumers should rejoice: high performance and better-than-average fuel efficiency now meet in a series of products that create yet another niche market: performance hybrids.



The Lexus GS450 leads the pack, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, as fast as the Porsche 911. That's right, a 911. The $55,800 package is heavier and larger, yet accelerates even faster than its conventionally powered sibling, the V8-powered GS 460.

GM's newest offerings, the Escalade Hybrid, Tahoe Hybrid, and the Yukon Hybrid all use the torque offered by the additional electric engines to not only save gas but to maintain a high towing capacity - 6,200 pounds to be exact. All of these hover around twenty mpg, so every person that relies on one of these vehicles day-to-day can appreciate the savings.

Our take? Even with the price increasing for these hybrids over their gas-powered counterparts, the continually rising cost of fuel seems to be the motivator for many. The desire for the power generated in SUV and truck hybrids is perfectly understandable, but is there really room for yet another class of sports car? We're not sure, but given the current fervor over gas prices, we may just be seeing more of these vehicles on the road in the near future.


via MSNBC



COMMUNITY COMMENTS
americancar   (July 4 2008 06:57 AM)

I'll take Hybrids over the expensive and relatively unproven fuel-cell and full electric cars.

Sports cars? Ah, no. A proper sports car has 2 doors, 2 seats, handles like it's on rails and has a roof that folds down...aka convertible.

I drive a '91 Miata. Good on gas. Benchmark handling and reliability. Sweet exhaust note and nobody does it better than Mazda ANYWHERE in the world.

Good article! I liked it.

Rich
american-car.blogspot.com
 
Mastertechmark   (July 6 2008 08:44 AM)

The Chevy 1500 gas electric hybrid gets very little press but to me is the most important of all these hybrid vehicles. The 110 volt outlets can power generators and power tools on the scene of natural disasters where power has been lost.
 
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