| Many are wondering that if a hybrid power plant can | | | | provides power for short bursts during initial take off |
| be included into existing models, why they can't be | | | | and during rapid acceleration. Many consumers are |
| used in hybrid sports cars as well. One such innovation, | | | | demanding more of the costly hybrid vehicles, not |
| constructed by a team of high schoolers built a | | | | willing to settle for slow moving, slow start vehicles in |
| diesel-electric hybrid sports car for under $20,000 using | | | | exchange for the cost. The initial investment of a |
| a diesel power plant to push the car's back wheels, | | | | hybrid is higher than their conventional counterparts, |
| while using a 200-amp electric motor to run the front | | | | which is something that buyers of future hybrid sports |
| drive system. Even with the diesel operating more | | | | cars might be willing to accept, provided the cost was |
| often than the electric plant, the vehicle brags about 50 | | | | not overwhelming. Simple redesigning of the bodies on |
| miles per gallon. Although this type of vehicle may not | | | | existing hybrid platforms will not be enough to lure |
| win any awards for environmental savings, the idea of | | | | people into believing they are hybrid sports cars, as the |
| creating a performance sports car with hybrid | | | | performance is what they are looking for. Without the |
| technology may be boosted when engineers figure out | | | | acceleration and speed, along with maneuverability |
| how to use a gas efficient engine in conjunction with | | | | they are accustomed to feeling, hybrid sports cars are |
| an electric motor only during times of peak power | | | | going to be slow to gain popularity. Looks may be a |
| demands. The hybrid sports cars built by the students | | | | key to sales, but performance is the goal for repeat |
| claimed acceleration of zero to 60 in four seconds, | | | | and increased sales. A person can build a Jaguar onto |
| making it close to a real sports car. One of the | | | | the frame of a Volkswagen, but once they hit the |
| considerations is the weight of many hybrid vehicles, | | | | road, it is still a Volkswagen. True hybrid sports cars |
| considering the size and weight of the batteries | | | | may be off in the distance, but once they do hit the |
| necessary to hold a charge long enough to power the | | | | market, the younger set may be more willing to |
| vehicle when the fuel engine is not required. Capacitor | | | | embrace the technology. |
| discharge is used in hybrid sports cars and only | | | | |