Peugeot 908-HY hybrid prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery
Since early 2008, ALMS has been touting itself as the “Leader in green racing.” We decided to take a look at the biggest series in North America and compare the efforts of each when it comes to alternative fuels and drivetrains. In many respects, NASCAR is actually the most alternative series around right now – but hardly forward-looking. After all, NASCAR still uses carburetors and just switched from leaded to unleaded gasoline a couple of years ago.
Similarly, while IndyCars switched from methanol to ethanol a few years back, there isn’t much else about open wheel race cars that can be called relevant to manufacturers. ALMS GT class cars on the other hand are actually derived from production models. The combination of GT and LMP cars are now or have recently been running on five different fuel/drive combinations including diesel, E10, cellulosic E85, biobutanol, and E10/hybrids. Later this season, the Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid that nearly won the recent 24 hours of Nurburgring is expected to join the ALMS ranks and ALMS communications director Bob Dickinson told us that he hopes to see Peugeot’s 908 diesel-hybrid, perhaps as soon the next Sebring race in March 2011. Check out the full chart after the jump.
Featured Gallery
Featured Gallery
St9 Porsche Team Manthey; Jrg Bergmeister, Richard Lietz, Marco Holzer, Martin Ragginger; GT3 R Hybrid
St9 Porsche Team Manthey; Jrg Bergmeister, Richard Lietz, Marco Holzer, Martin Ragginger; GT3 R Hybrid
| ALMS | IndyCar | NASCAR |
Fuels/Energy Sources | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| cellulosic E85 | E100 | Unleaded gas |
| clean diesel |
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| isobutanol |
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| E10 |
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| E10 hybrid |
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Manufacturers/Marques | 8-12 | 1 |
4 |
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| Corvette |
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| Honda (HPD) |
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| Ford |
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| Panoz |
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| Peugeot |
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Meets US Environmental Protection Agency / Department of Energy Green Racing Protocols | Yes | No | No |
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Tire Manufacturers | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Michelin | Firestone | Goodyear |
| Yokohama |
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| Dunlop |
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| Falken |
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Official Oil | G-Oil | PEAK Performance | Mobil 1 |
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Next Alternative Vehicle Debut | Porsche GT3R Hybrid | 2012 Delta Wing? | Not applicable |
| Peugeot diesel hybrid |
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Latest New Technology Introduction | Isobutanol | E100 | Unleaded gasoline, radial tires |
| E10-elec. hybrid |
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Green non-profit affiliate | American Forest Foundation | None | None |
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Awards for Environmental Achievement | EPA / DOE Green Challenge | None | None |
| Michelin Green X Challenge |
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Premier Race | 12 Hours of Sebring | Indy 500 | Daytona 500 |
| (58 years) | (94 years) | (52 years) |