Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

It is no secret that hybrids are a different breed among modern auto designs. In years past, they have resembled boxy pseudo cars usually associated with university personnel or even scientists in white lab coats; and though their concept dates to early 1900, their popularity and practicality have more recently come of age.

What exactly is a hybrid? A hybrid is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources – such as electricity and gasoline or battery and solar. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

The automotive industry continues to innovate and create advanced and consumer-friendly vehicles that redefine the driving experience. As cars become more interactive and personalized with the driver, the type of fuel or energy needed to drive will also change. Fossil fuel vehicles will slowly yield to more fuel-efficient and socially adaptable alternative fuel vehicles.

The two most recent auto shows in Beijing and New York City highlighted a few prototypes and on-market innovations that will help drivers get more out of their vehicles and contribute to a greener environment. Look down the road and before you know it, there will be a series of variable alternative vehicles taking their place as a natural progression in the evolution of urban transportation.

Thinking about how to combine luxury with fuel efficiency without compromising style and elegance? Well you need not worry. You do not have to compromise the usual panache just to become green and efficient. Auto manufactures have already thought things through, just for you.

The new hybrids will be available this fall in San Diego for your driving enjoyment. Some of the questions that come to mind when you think about this transition from fossil fuels to alternative or battery power sources may include: how long will it run before the next charge is necessary and what is the impact on the power grid? Rest assured that those details will be worked out so you can enjoy the drive.

What is available and who is doing what?

Rolls Royce will not be outdone, of course. The "Spirit of Ecstasy" icon announced that it is working on an alternative fuel model that it hopes to introduce to the public within the next model year. In the meantime, here are some choices that are already on the market:

At the 2011 Beijing Auto Show, Audi presented another progression to the A3 series with the A3 E-Tron plug-in hybrid concept. This Audi has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder 211 hp gasoline engine and an electric motor that has a rating of 27 mpg with a top speed of 144 mph. The 12 kilowatt-hours lithium-ion battery pack will power the A3 E-tron up to 34 miles without the help of the turbo.

Porsche offers up the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid [shown at beginning of the article.], the second gas-electric Porsche behind the Cayenne. For right around $95,000, you get a 3.0-liter V6 compressor engine paired with a powerful electric motor. Porsche is known the world over for its engineering excellence, and the Panamera does not disappoint.

Chevrolet will again have the Volt on the market; both a smart buy and an excellent investment for the entire family. Starting at around $40,000, you will have the peace of mind and quality of one of GM’s flagship cars. The Volt charges from a standard home outlet and can travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone.

Starting at around $29,000, the Lexus CT 200h is an all-around good choice. For what it lacks in high performance, it makes up in price and fuel efficiency. As the first vehicle in the luxury segment to hit the 42 mpg rating and the moniker’s fifth hybrid offering, the CT 200h is powered by an efficient Atkinson cycle 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 98 hp and 105 foot-pounds of torque; combined with an 80 hp eclectic motor, a generator and a 202-volt nickel-metal hybrid battery pack, the car measures in at 170.1 inches long and 69.5 inches wide – undoubtedly ranking as Lexus’ smallest.

By far, hybrid vehicles have come a long way since their inception. Only time will tell where the inspiration and road will lead.

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