Geared Up
Hybrids are hot at the biggest First Hawaiian International Auto Show in years, but you’ll also find plenty of muscle
By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
E-mail this story | Print this page | Archive | RSS |
Del.icio.us
|
imported oil, and the one area where the ordinary citizenry can help the state reach this ambitious goal is by either taking public transportation or changing what and how we drive.
According to fueleconomy.gov, at an average of 10,000 miles a year and at a cost of $3.80 per gallon, an increase in fuel mileage from 20 to 30 miles per gallon would save the driver $633 a year in fuel cost. With Consumer Reports putting the average age of used cars at 9.4 years in 2009, the savings grow to $5,700.
“As a nation we need to change our way of looking at energy, and one of our biggest uses of gas and oil is the automobile,” says Cutter. “We see what’s happening in the Middle East and North Africa, and we really need to quit just talking about new technology, we need to start producing new technology. We are finally seeing that go from the ‘talk about it’ phase to actual, real products that actually run very, very well and suit the needs.”
The display is the brainchild of HADA executive director Dave Rolf and is based on the mosaic tiles at the state capital rotunda. The Todashi Sato design is made up of 650,000 tiles which, Rolf figured out, was rather representative of the 654,000 vehicles on Oahu. In keeping the connection between fuel use and energy savings, AeroViroment is displaying an at-home charging station for electric vehicles and the “green trail” will take visitors from one gas-saving vehicle to the next.
One of the vehicles Cutter is bringing is the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The stylish sedan with a high-tech interior boasts a 2.5L Duratec I-4 engine that produces 175 horsepower and 172 foot/pounds and is rated at 41 miles per gallon in city driving.
|
For those looking to get a bit more out of their dream green machine, BMW is offering the ActiveHybrid 750Li. The 455-horsepower luxury hybrid cranks out 515 foot/pounds of torque and hits 60 mph from a stop in 4.8 seconds. While the 750 can’t match some of its competitors in mileage, other lines by the German auto maker can and will in the near future. According to Dennis Short, president and general manager of BMW of Honolulu, vehicles such as the electric Active E, which is due in 2013, and the all-carbon-fiber Megacity EV, coming soon, will provide green technology at a level most don’t expect from the legendary brand.
“People don’t associate BMW with hybrids and alternative fuel. We do have alternative-fuel vehicles and we do have hybrids,” says Short, who is also HADA president. “BMW has a program called efficient dynamics, and efficient dynamics includes everything from moving a vehicle from point A to point B with the least amount of fuel, and that can be done through using exotic materials, in the construction of the vehicles, high-efficiency transmissions, high-efficiency gasoline engines, diesel, bio diesel.”
Plus, Short says, the cars will be up to company standards. “BMW won’t build a car that doesn’t perform. The vehicles meet all the performance characteristics and safety characteristics that BMW is known for.”
|
Of all the hybrids being shown, no other is more associated with high mileage than the Prius. Toyota has had customers waiting in line to purchase the 50-mpg vehicle, but now in its third generation supply is catching up with demand, says Eric Fukunaga, president and CEO of Servco and HADA vice president. That is, at least, until gas prices cause even more people to think green. With gas prices climbing and a larger version now available, wait times could increase. So you may want to get an early jump.
“Prius is the best-selling hybrid nameplate in the world,” says Fukunaga. “The Prius V is a new vehicle that is based on the Prius but with more van-like features and a lot more carrying capacity. Prius is more than about being green, it is also practical savings for your pocketbook and for many families it fits them very well.”
But if you can wait, the Prius plug-in hybrid will be available in 2012.
If these three aren’t enough for you, not to worry. The show will feature about 17 other gas-sipping vehicles.
Even with so many impressive hybrids and electric vehicles to look at, sit in and even drive - this year customers can sign up to test drive vehicles at the show - many will simply want to see horsepower and upper class refinement. And that’s fine. The Corvette will be there as will the Ford F-150 and Nissans galore. Chrysler will have its 200 minus its famous spokesman. The 385 horsepower Hyundai Equus and the Audi A8 will turn heads with their combination of luxury and performance, and the Subaru Impreza will keep rally car lovers happy.
You could even walk away with more than pizza on your chin and a copy of Motor Trend under your arm - both of which are being given away.
Every two hours, a lucky contestant will get the chance to win-prizes valued up to $100,000. You could also win both a 1969 Calypso Coral High Performance Ford Mustang Boss 302 and a matching 2012 Boss 302.
Now that’s amore!
Page 2 of 2 pages for this story < 1 2
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS
Most Recent Comment(s):
