'Hybrids are the new luxury cars'

Hybrids are the new luxury cars

By CarPro at 11/05/09 19:21

The 80s and 90s saw a big demand for fuel-guzzling speed demon cars, but it appears the market has evolved and the customers are demanding fuel efficient hybrids. Not only that, but they want style too!

With the incredibly popular Toyota Prius populating many roads, slowly but surely other companies decided to hop on the green energy train. However with the release of Tesla's flashy electric roadster, the challenges became more than just fuel efficiency.

October's Tokyo Auto Show saw the latest hybrid offering by Honda - the CR-Z Hybrid. Although currently a pre-production prototype, it is expected with will see this sleek (yet environmentally friendly) model hit the roads sometime next year.

It may still be powered by a 1.5 liter gasoline i-VTEC engine, this evolved hybrid model also integrates the motor assist technology found in the hybrid versions of the Insight and Civic. The most exciting news however is that this model boasts the first six speed gearbox seen in a hybrid car.

As we see new hybrid and electric developments all the time it seems safe to say that this is becoming the new battle ground of the auto industry.

News: Hybrids Go Sporty With The Honda CR-Z | Wired.com

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