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Lightning hybrid goes for X-Prize styled like split-window '63 Corvette Stingray
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1963 Corvette Stingray's split window was controversial in its day, but much valued now. Lightning hybrid mimics shape.
A hydraulic hybrid that borrows styling themes from a '63 Corvette Stingray? Strange things are happening in this era of innovative challenge. In some ways, the current automotive climate resembles that of the automobile's earliest days. Back at the turn of the last century, inventive pioneers tried all kinds of crazy experiments in their search for the best car format. There were steam cars, belt-driven runabouts, early electrics, cars with six and eight wheels, even a car that balanced on two wheels. Eventually things settled down and everyone agreed on the cars' basic layout. But now, with a dramatic suddeness, energy costs and climate change concerns have put the automobile's basic format up for grabs again.
Compressed air cars, solar enhanced battery-gas hybrids, plug ins, gas turbine hybrids, conventional gas, turbo-diesels, bio diesels, all kinds of technology is being explored as inventors attempt to puzzle out the best format for 21st century motoring.
Lightning Hybrid's super-lightweight, aerodynamic, carbon-fiber bodied LH4 is said to deliver 100 m.p.g. and make 60 m.p.g. in under six seconds--stellar performance if the car can actually deliver. The Denver, Colorado company produced the model shown as a prototype powered by a 90 horsepower Mazda gasoline engine paired with a 150 horsepower Rexroth hydraulic pump. U.P.S. is producing delivery vans with a similar set-up but up until now, hydraulic equipment was too bulky for passenger car applications.
Clamshell opening helps the car achieve a super slippery aerodynamic profile.
Plans are to introduce the LH4 for public sale at $40,000 to $60,000 in 2012--if funding can be found to enable the company to step up from experimental prototype to production line cars.
The Progressive Automotive X-Prize is a $10 million grant to the first company that can demonstrate a mass-producible 100 m.p.g. car. The LH4 is but one of many racing to claim the prize. Its an interesting idea--adapting classic sports car styling cues to a 21st century hybrid. These are interesting times for automobiles, indeed.
For more info: Check out Lightning's official site.
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