If anyone asks what the theme of the 2009 L.A. Auto show was, you’d
have to answer “green.” Almost all of the debuts were electrics, clean
diesels, or hybrids. In fact, even vehicles with regular gas motors
focused on phenomenal fuel economy or cleanliness. We’re all about
saving fuel and polar bears, so here are some of our favorite green
cars from this year’s Los Angeles Auto show.
Page 2Audi e-Tron
What it is: How Audi
builds an electric sports car.
What we like about it:
Claimed 3,319 pound-feet of torque ought to make it quite the tire
burner. Better tires than oil, right?
Bottom line: Audi has
reported that the e-Tron is headed for production in 2012. Let’s hope
the production e-Tron looks this awesome.
Page 3BMW Vision Efficientdynamics Concept
What it is: BMW’s take on a
green car. Naturally, it keeps performance in mind.
What we like about it: You can have your cake and eat it too. Stellar performance in a radical
wrapper that’s actually good for the planet.
Bottom line: While it’s a
concept of a car that’ll probably never be produced, it’s exciting to
see tree hugging and road hugging become one.
Page 4Chevrolet Volt
What it is: GM’s all-in bet
on plug-in electric technology
What we like about it: A
hatchback that can drive up to 40 miles without a drop of gas, and up
to 300 miles with the gas engine-generator running.
Bottom line: An electric car
designed and priced for the masses. What took so long?
Page 5Fisker Karma
What it is: An $87,900
plug-in electric hybrid 4-door luxury wonder car.
What we like about it: It’s
really, really, ridiculously good looking…minus maybe the cheshire cat
smile. Aside from that, a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, top speed of
125 mph, and a 300 mile range in sport mode (with the aide of the gas
engine generator) makes this one of the coolest
electric cars in the pipeline.
Bottom line: The future of
electric cars is very bright.
Page 6Lexus LF-CH
What it is: An expansion of
Toyota’s wildly popular hybrid technology…this time, in a menacing
5-door luxury concept.
What we like about it:
Combines the best Lexus has to offer. Styling clearly inspired by the
LFA, practical hatchback layout, and a well sorted-out hybrid drivetrain.
Bottom line: Hot hatches
never looked so good, luxurious, or efficient.
Page 7
Lexus HS
What it is: World’s first
hybrid-only luxury vehicle.
What we like about it:
Hybrid vehicle with no compromises. The HS allows buyers to enjoy the
finer things in life while saving the planet.
Bottom line: If the Prius
just isn’t fancy enough for you, head over to the Lexus dealer.
Page 8Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV
What it is: Concept
crossover hybrid featuring Mitsubishi’s all-new plug-in hybrid
drivetrain.
What we like about it: Until
now, most plug-in electric vehicles have been small city cars,
hatchbacks, or sports cars. The PX-MiEV shows what a 4-wheel-drive
crossover SUV featuring plug-in hybrid technology could look like.
Bottom line: Plug-in hybrid
technology applied to one of America’s hottest segments.
Page 9Subaru Hybrid Tourer
What it is: Subaru’s DNA
(all-wheel drive, flat 4-cylinder engine, station wagon body style) greened-up
quite a bit.
What we like about it:
Technically a three-door, the gullwing side doors open upwards for
access to both the front and rear seats. Electric motors reside in the front and rear to aide the gas engine. The rear motor is the sole provider of power for the rear wheels, negating the need for a rear driveshaft, creating a flat floor for passengers.
Bottom line: Using hybrid technology to enhance an already great formula. Just build it,
Subaru.
Page 10Toyota Prius Plug-in
What it is: A regular Prius
with a beefed up battery pack that allows for higher speed and longer
range electric-only operation. Plug it in for extended electric
operation.
What we like about it: The
Prius PHV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle) achieves an estimated 13-mile
electric-only operating range and can reach highway speeds of 60 mph.
After which, it operates like any normal Prius.
Bottom line: Commuting
appliance to plug-in next to your home appliances. At least it’s more
stylish than your dryer (hopefully).
Page 11Volkswagen Golf TDI
What it is: New MKVI Golf
(replaces Rabbit, which replaced the Golf, which replaced the Rabbit)
featuring an athletic though efficient TDI clean diesel engine.
What we like about it: Not
only does the Golf TDI receive the 42 mpg hwy clean diesel motor, but
also an upgraded sport suspension and Premium VIII touchscreen sound
system.
Bottom line: The TDI model
is a step-up from the base Golf making the extra cost of the TDI
drivetrain much easier to stomach…if the fuel efficiency wasn’t enough
in itself.
Page 12Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept
What it is: Future of
Volkswagen design and technology. Volkswagen also claims the Up! Lite
to be the world’s most fuel efficient car achieving 70 mpg on the
highway.
What we like about it:
Through use of aluminum, high-strength steel and carbon fiber, the Up!
Lite tips the scales at a feathery 1,530 pounds. To further help with
efficiency, the navigation system has a built-in “eco” mode which plots
a route that favors downhill coasting.
Bottom line: Volkswagen
doesn’t mess around when building a concept hybrid.
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