A Review of Some of The Best Hybrid Sports Cars
When you think of sports cars, chances are that “environmentally friendly” isn’t the first descriptor that springs to mind! However, the latest crop of sports cars are now more efficient than ever before, making it possible to find a car that’s not only fun to drive but eco-friendly as well. As environmentalism goes more mainstream and consumers take a higher interest in reducing their carbon footprint, auto manufacturers have been stepping up to the challenge to create hybrid sports cars that still provide exceptional performance. The following are the cream of the crop.
Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
Porsche has been one of the first major sports car manufacturers to jump on the hybrid bandwagon, offering up hybrid models of many of their most successful designs. The Panamera S Hybrid combines a 328 bhp supercharged V6 petrol engine with an electric motor. This allows it to drive with zero emissions at speeds up to 53 mph, with low emissions thereafter. The transitions between the electric and petrol motors are quiet and smooth, with the precision that you would expect from a Porsche.
BMW i8 Hybrid
Although it’s not due to go on sale until the beginning of 2014, buzz has been building around the new BMW i8 hybrid sports car. This 2+2 Coupe will be able to go from 0-62 in under 4.6 seconds, and boasts a top speed of 155 mph with a fuel consumption of 104 miles to the gallon. This provides a higher level of performance and fuel economy than most other cars on the market today and could be a game-changer in the luxury hybrid market.
Lexus LS 600h
This hybrid luxury car from Lexus is both sporty and economical, topping off at speeds of 155 mph and handling curves and tight corners with ease. Large and powerful, this sports car has a five-litre V8 engine combined with an electric motor for top performance levels. It also includes four-wheel-drive for smoother handling in poor weather conditions, making it a useful car for commuters and those in rainy climates. Those looking for a sports car which combines practicality and performance may wish to give this popular hybrid Lexus a try.
Honda CR-Z
Listed by Forbes.com as one of the “hottest modern collectible cars,” the Honda CR-Z also scores highly in many reviews for its speed and power. This environmentally friendly update to the beloved CRX has the distinction of being the first sports hybrid for the mass market. It features a manual gearbox and offers a decent fuel economy of 56.5 mpg. Additional features include a USB port, a leather multi-function steering wheel, privacy glass, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. The CR-Z takes all the luxury amenities of this family SUV and brings them to the hybrid market, with serious engine power to boot.
The Velozzi
This hybrid sports car was created by Team Velozzi in 2009 to compete in the X-Prize competition. This competition was designed to encourage the design of environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles, and the Velozzi certainly fits the bill. It can not only go from 0-60 in under three seconds, but it also accepts alternative fuels from methanol to biodiesel. The car can rev up to speeds of over 200 mph, but could be suitable for street use with its classy design.
For further reading, check out this website on general car comparison reviews where you can search for new sports cars that are coming out. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for hybrids that are making their way up the ranks.
