In this age of zero tolerance for gas guzzlers, the Geneva auto show gave top billing to anything fuel efficient.
Several brands proudly trumpeted their carbon-dioxide emissions with big, bold numerals plastered on vehicle doors and body panels. Even Aston Martin jumped on board, displaying the silly Cygnet city car, based on the tiny Toyota iQ. Strange what some auto makers will do when faced with a fuel-economy mandate and a fleet of V-10s.
Porsche AG, known for high-performance cars, displayed not one, not two, but three hybrids: the GTR 3, Cayenne and 2-seat 918 Spyder concept.
With plug-in technology, the roadster is intended to deliver super-car performance and remarkable fuel efficiency of 94 mpg (3.0 L/100 km). That equates to carbon-dioxide emissions of 70 g/km.
Porsche Chairman, President and CEO Michael Macht says hybrids are an important part of the brand's future.
He tells Ward's the auto maker would need two to three years to equip Boxster roadsters with advanced hybrid-electric technology incorporated into the 918 midship concept.
Power comes from a 3.4L V-8 producing more than 500 hp, as well as electric motors on the front and rear axle, with overall mechanical output of 218 hp.
Battery power comes from a lightweight, fluid-cooled lithium-ion pack positioned behind the passenger compartment. Regenerative brakes feed additional power to the batteries.
Also displayed in Geneva:
- Lexus CT 200h hybrid, going on sale at the end of the year in Europe and other world markets. The 5-door HEV is fitted with a 1.8L 4-cyl. gasoline engine and an electric motor mated to a continuously variable transmission.
- European production version of the Honda CR-Z hybrid-electric sports car. On sale now in Japan, the CR-Z uses Honda's Integrated Management Assist (IMA) mild hybrid system along with a 1.5L gasoline engine. Honda calls it the first hybrid to use a 6-speed manual transmission.
- India's Tata Motors Ltd. shows two electric vehicles, a Nano EV that arrives in Europe within three years, and the Indica Vista EV, which will be available in Europe next year.
