The New York TimesMagazine just published an interesting article by Clive Thompson on
“high-performance
hybrids” (registration required). The article covers the range of high-powered hybrids, from prototypes and concept
cars, to SUVs. The central point is that this is the way to sell fuel efficiency to the American public – give them the
power they are used to, only with less gas consumption. Much more detail and discussion of the pros and cons in the
article.
Oh, the 217 mph hybrid? That’s the brainchild of Jim Burns of L3 Research,
designer of the “Enigma” diesel/electric
hybrid sports car (pictured) that does 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and gets 80 mpg. He’s planning a new sports car that will
top out at 217 mph and get 40 mpg or better. Supercar performance comes with a supercar price – Burns plans to sell the
new car for $185,000.