Another head-turning hybrid car is scheduled to make its world debut – but this time it won’t be in Geneva.
Instead, Colorado-based start-up Lightning Hybrids will unveil the prototype of its hydraulic four-seat sports car at the Denver Auto Show which runs from April 1-5. The vehicle features a 240hp drivetrain with a 90hp two-stroke biodiesel and 150hp hydraulic system. It will be available as a three-door four-seat car with the technology made available in a fleet vehicle retrofit called a Hybrid Retrofit System in mid 2010. The company is also developing a three-wheel commuter vehicle using the same drivetrain.
Lightning Hybrids was founded in 2008 and has designed two hydraulic hybrid cars with prototype manufacturing beginning in January 2009. The two cars are expected to compete in the 2010 Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize race.
There are some impressive statistics for the vehicle named the LH4; including the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in less than six seconds and a unique clamshell door that opens upwards to allow for superior aerodynamics.
Specific design details remain a secret but the company did state that it anticipates numerous patent filings including one for the design of an integrated hydraulic axial piston engine. It claims that its features include being lightweight; possessing no transmission, valves, flywheel or crankshaft weights; and 100 per cent energy braking recovery.
The braking recovery energy storage will provide power for a full throttle launch to 60mph in less than 5.9 seconds.
