Beira V-8 roadster
No longer does driving a hybrid means rolling down the highway in a weird looking Toyota Prius, the modern day styling answer to AMC (remember the Pacer and Gremlin?).
Ferrari’s hybrid supercar, currently in development, promises to spin heads without draining your wallet at the gas station.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said the company plans to reduce CO2 levels by 40% before 2012 using hybrid technology, as well as new turbocharged V6 engines which are both smaller and more fuel-efficient.
The new system will a Kinetic Energy Recycling System to recover energy from braking, as well as a completely new gearbox.
Other super car manufacturers that produce a hybrid or have a green car in development are The UK's Electric Lightning GT capable of 0-60mph in four seconds; Breckland Technology, also in the UK, with its Beira V-8 roadster and a top speed of 155 mph; Austin, Texas-based Ronn Motor Company with its Scorpion supercar entry; Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen Rotary Engine Sports Car and Lotus’ Eco Elise.
All this is encouraging news for autophiles to feed their obsession, with a bit less guilt. A far stretch from the Lamborghini Murcielago, which gets a mear 6 miles per gallon.
