Lightning Strikes: the hydraulic biodiesel hybrid

Using a diesel engine to power a hydraulic power system, Lightning hopes to take X Prize.

Thu, Apr 23 2009 at 5:09 PM

Related Topics:

Biofuels, Flex Fuel, Fuel Efficiency & Mileage, Hybrid Cars

The Denver auto show was abuzz by the Lightning LH4, a hydraulic hybrid vehicle (which will be available in 3-wheel and 4-wheel versions supposedly by 2011) and is a current contender for the $10 million X Prize for a 100 MPG+ vehicle.

Evoking perhaps everyone's favorite American car -- the classic '63 Corvette -- Lightning dispenses with that troublesome battery pack and has figured out a way to integrate a standard Volkswagen diesel engine with a Rexroth hydraulic system that uses compressed liquid to store energy.

But can it compete with the 100 MPG Hummer unveiled on Tuesday by the Governator? I don't know, but the Lightning is certainly triggering my consumer cravings -- I want one! And I'm not the only one. Apparently there is already a waiting list, which according to the rumor mill includes George Clooney.

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