15 Fastest Hybrids on the Market
With the price of gas and the carbon footprint our conventional cars can leave on the planet, it's more and more compelling to explore the hybrid or electric car option. With these eco-friendly options, we can decrease gas consumption and help preserve nature.
Automobile industries have begun building cars that strike a balance between being "green" and offering high performance.
Below we have compiled a list of some of the hottest hybrids and electric cars around. It doesn't matter whether you drive for fun or need to schlep the kids to school, these eco-friendly cars perform amazingly well for being such neonates in the electric/hybrid game.
BMW i3
It's a BMW AND it is electric. How can this be? With its lower center of gravity and carbon fiber construction, it has an edge on aerodynamics. A 3-hour charge begins to wane at around 75-100 miles. The 170 horsepower electric motor is the force behind its impressive acceleration of 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds. It is compatible for a gas kit option, if you need the smell of exhaust to get your engines revved.
Range Rover Hybrid
There is a mental conflict between SUV's and fuel-efficiency, but Range Rover will mess with your head even more. Imagine an automobile that is powered by a 335 horsepower electric motor, surging fuel-economy to 44 mpg. Now imagine a SUV that can get that kind of performance and you have the Range Rover Hybrid. It achieves an honest speed of 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds; not too bad for this spiffed-up mom-mobile.
Fisker Karma
Next in the queue of Green vehicles is Karma, brand that popular among celebrities. Leonardo Dicaprio and Justin Bieber are two such fans. This speed beast promises the driver a thrilling driving experience with its 403 horsepower hybrid setup that is available in only-electric, only-gas and hybrid versions. It jumps from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and has fuel-economy margined at 52 mpg. It's pretty damned nice to look at, too.
BMW ActiveHybrid 7
BMW refurbished their 2003 ActiveHybrid model and the outcome was nothing short of incredible: a lined up 6-twin turbo chargers wired to an electric motor, with 315 horsepower of gas and an additional 55 horsepower from the electric motor. It takes a short 5.5 seconds to achieve 60 mph. It achieves 33 mpg on the highway, making it a greener alternative to other BMWs.
Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid
They had us at "Porsche." Then again at "Hybrid." This beauty charges forward, reaching 60 mph in an unbelievable 5.5 seconds. The car intelligently offers a mode selection option based on the driver's desire. If used electrically, 22 miles is the green-distance it will efficiently cover. Its jaw-dropping top speed of 168 mph leaves the driver spell-bound.
Infiniti M35h
The M35h is a hot car with a hot performance record. What else could you ever want in a car once you've experienced 360 horsepower, roaring to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds? It is urged on with a 50kWh lithium battery that provides 32mpg highway mileage. The Infiniti M35h is a true winner that offers a luxuriously eco-friendly ride.
Lexus LS 600h
Naturally, the Lexus LS 600h boast an extravagantly rich interior - it's been compared to that of a Rolls Royce. Its bold 438 horsepower electric motor works in tandem with a 5-liter, V8 engine, resulting in a magnificent acceleration of 0-60 mph in an incredible 4.6 seconds. It is a sheer masterpiece in its class, with the attention to detail Lexus is so famous for.
Audi R-8 e-Tron
This bad-boy Audi is a powerhouse of sophisticated electronics and outstanding battery performance. A total of 380 horsepower is what's behind its powerful performance as it screams down the road. Its battery lasts for about 100 miles driving after 14 hours of charging. Not too bad for a little over a half-day of plug-in time.
Venturi Fetish
Built in Monaco, the Venturi Fetish offers up Le Mans-quality performance with its 300 horsepower, 220kW electric motor that pushes the car to hit 60 mph in a smooth 4 seconds. Forget the cost of the car - the price of the battery alone is jaw-dropping.
Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell
Another elegant candidate in the list is the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG. It looks like it has a promising future in the realm of electric vehicles. Its tremendously powerful 525 horsepower motor lets the driver hit 60 mph in 4 seconds flat. Its captivating looks aren't the only thing it has going for it.
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S is a strong contender in the race for best hybrid fuel-efficient car. If you crave a screaming 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, you've found the right car. It offers a dual motor all-wheel drive and an astounding range of 265 miles on one charge.
BMW i8
Bavarian Motor Works stepped up to the hybrid plate with its development of the i8. The combined effect of its 357 horsepower gas engine and the highly efficient electric motor resulted in a masterpiece that will continue to draw unmatched attention in the years to come.
Tesla Roadster
An impressive initiative from Tesla is its Roadster. It debuted its usage of the Li-ion battery with a sustained charge for up to 200 miles. It offers a remarkable acceleration of 60 mph in a mere matter of 3.7 seconds. It is the recipient of many revolutionary awards in the genre since its inception. The Roadster's journey has ended, but Tesla promises to launch a new speedster soon.
Jaguar C-X75
How could they??? When the news of the Jaguar C-X75 cancellation was released, many a car-lover's hearts broke, back in 2012. The world shall never be able to witness the power of this 890 horsepower sedan that hits a speed of 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, resulting in a top speed of 220 mph.
Porsche 918 Spyder
It seems fitting to draw this list to a close with the a Porsche. A very powerful Porsche that just happens to be a hybrid, as well. It's powered by a 4.6 litre engine that drives the 608 horsepower under the hood. This wonder car will rocket to 60 mph in an incredible 2.2 seconds. It dominates the speed barrier and storms away in a cloud of very expensive, green dust.