Remember this post: Lotus Eco-Elise: Taking Sustainability Up a Notch?  Well they’re taking it up another notch with their new Omnivore research engine, which will burn a range of tradition fuel and bio-alcohol fuels.  The Omnivore is the next step in the development of efficient and dynamic engines that can adapt to our changing fuel needs, adding to the fuel flexibility of their Exige 270E Tri-Fuel car. 

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I know, I know another concept… but body panels made from locally grown hemp, water based paint, solar panels, manufacturing energy efficiency…this is more than just a car concept, this is a sustainable process that shows that there is more to sustainability in the automotive industry than just fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency is probably the most important factor in greening the road, but we mustn’t forget how we are making these vehicles. With around 50 million cars manufactured each year, how we make them has a huge impact on the environment as well.

Mindful of this, Lotus has taken a holistic approach with their Eco Elise roadster endeavoring to reduce the car’s environmental impact by focusing on how it is made as well as how it performs:

Process:

1. Creating cleaner manufacturing processes
2. Using sustainable materials
3. Reducing carbon impact of logistics

Performance:

1. Developing renewable energy generation
2. Promoting efficient driving techniques
3. Reducing vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency

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They keep getting better and better!  Here’s another killer eco-friendly sports car.  While this is still a concept, Hybrid Technologies has some pretty bold aspirations aiming to have a working prototype by this September and be on the market by lat 2009, early 2010.  They plan to produce two models of this beauty, an all electric that will have a range of 150-180 miles, and a plug-in hybrid model that they are entering into the Progressive Automotive X-prize competition and will boast a 220 mile per gallon efficiency!  The details on the specs of this Green super-car are scant.  Popular Mechanics interviewed one of the engineers working on the project, Ron Cervan.  When asked if this car would be able to match the Corvette ZR-1’s performance (638 Horses), Cervan laughed and told them they are “way out of the ballpark—it’s gonna be wild.”

Sleek, sexy & eco-chic the Fisker Karma is the first Luxury Plug-in Hybrid.  Did I mention it’s screamin’ fast?  Not quite as quick as the Tesla Roadster, but it still boasts an impressive 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 125mph.  Not all power and asthetics, the Karma has some impressive eco-amenities.  According to Fisker the Karma can travel 50 miles on a single charge, without tapping into it’s gas reserve.  For longer trips the gas tank switches on and increases the range up to 650 miles.  No word on the size of the tank or the actual MPG, but another site speculates that it will get about 40mpg, which is pretty good for a sports car. 

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  The long awaited Tesla Roadster is finally out with the opening of the Tesla showroom in Hollywood, but don’t get too excited, all the 2008 models have been sold and there’s already a long line for the 2009 models.  Here’s a quick breakdown for those of you who are not already familiar with this environmental dream machine… 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds… 125mph top speed… 220mile range… 135 mpg equivalent… 0 emissions… and a $109,000 base price!

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