O2 - Issue 2 - (Page 26)

[FUEL 4 THOUGHT] Lexus LS600hL HYBRIDS’ HIGH CLASS These up-market hybrids are combining fuels and features S URE, WE ALL LOVE THE PRIUS. BUT THE MARKET FOR HYBRID CARS is expanding both in size and technological scope. A new generation of high-end autos exemplifies the trend. Besides increasing hybrids’ numbers, these vehicles deploy electricgas as well as other combinations to go green. Here are snapshots of cars you’ll find in Riverhouses’s lot. –Daniel Grushkin [1] The BMW HYDROGEN 7 SERIES is probably the most forward- high performance: Its 438 horses get 22 miles to the gallon; starting at $104,000; www.lexus.com/models/LSh. [3] While we admit this six-cylinder luxury liner isn’t hybrid per se, MERCEDES deserves a place in the echelon of responsible luxury: thinking car slated for the 2008 production line. Sporting a feline exterior similar to other 7 Series sedans, it’s the Hydrogen’s plumbing that stands out: Betting that hydrogen pumps will eventually join gasoline at the station, BMW gives drivers the opportunity to switch from gas to hydrogen fuel with the press of a button. In hydrogen mode, the exhaust emits nothing but water vapor for an errand-friendly cruising range of 125 miles; www.bmwusa.com/uniquelybmw/ EfficientDynamics. [2] The LEXUS LS600HL has none of the lethargy you sometimes Its BLUETEC E320 performs at approximately 32 mpg, which is 30 percent more efficient than its nearest luxury competitor. Bluetec takes advantage of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, and adds its own Adblue exhaust filter to remove another 80 percent of toxins. You won’t win any drag races, but marathons are yours for the taking—Bluetecs cover 750 miles without stopping for a fill-up; $52,675; www.mbusa.com. [4] CONNAUGHT, a British Formula 1 manufacturer that vanished CONNAUGHT find in other hybrids. The V-8 and electric motor combine to create the equivalent of 12 cylinders, its computer-controlled transmission deciding the ratio of gas to battery power based on your driving patterns. Lexus says the LS600hl produces 70 percent fewer emissions than other new cars, although the car sacrifices fuel efficiency for the in the ’50s, has risen from the grave with a hybrid dream machine. Its engineers have built the TYPE-D H, a four-seat sports coup that performs like a racecar but consumes like a compact. Because the D weighs in between 1,980 and 2,090 pounds (the frame incorporates carbon fiber and aluminum) it speeds from 0–60 in 6.5 seconds and simultaneously gets an impressive 42 miles per gallon. Like the best hybrids, the 48-volt electric motor kicks in when you hit the accelerator and recoups energy when you brake. But it’s the I’mgoing-to-eat-your-SUV-looks that make the sale; $130,000; www. connaughtmotorco.com/type_d.html. 26 [ O2GREENMAGAZINE.COM ] http://www.lexus.com/models/LSh http://www.mbusa.com http://www.bmwusa.com/uniquelybmw/EfficientDynamics http://www.bmwusa.com/uniquelybmw/EfficientDynamics http://www.connaughtmotorco.com/type_d.html http://www.connaughtmotorco.com/ http://O2GREENMAGAZINE.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of O2 - Issue 2

O2 - Issue 2 Contents Letter Freshpicks Itinerary The Hunt Flight O2 Outer Beauty Fuel 4 Thought Health Tech One to Watch Great Outdoors Features Future Focus Musings

O2 - Issue 2

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