Prototypes, Concepts and Electric = Imperia GP concept

[Val]

Some think hybrids are little more than status symbols of the new eco-conscious pop culture, while others see them as valid means of improving the planet. Whatever your stance on the value of hybrids culturally or ecologically, however, it’s almost universally agreed that they are anything but exciting. The revival of a long-dormant Belgian marque, Imperia, may bring something to change that sad fact with its GP hybrid sportscar concept.

The Imperia GP claims to combine ecology and performance in a manner not yet achieved. The concept’s powertrain is composed of a 2.0L V4 generating 176hp mated to an electric motor. The system goes by the name ‘PowerHybrid’. Expected emissions are a miserly 87g/km CO2. The Imperia GP is designed to be capable of running in EV-only mode for zero-emissions travel.

Recharge time is quoted as four hours on 220V mains, but the petrol engine can also recharge the batteries while in hybrid mode. It seems this concept is a bit further along than most CGI-rendered design specials, since it’s based on a tubular chassis that has already passed crash testing.

What you’re really wanting to know though, is how it goes. Performance in electric-only mode is a claimed 7.1s for the 0-100km/h (62mph) dash and 4.8s in hybrid mode. No word on top speed yet, but the company also states the car can cover the kilometer in 22s from a standing start, which is rather quick.

Styling is reminiscent of a Wiesmann or Morgan design, although the Imperia GP adds a touch more ‘neo’ to the neo-retro balance. The marriage of old and new is appropriate in a car that fuses petrol and electric propulsion so effectively, and from a company that last saw success in the industry almost 70 years ago.



This is the main site: HERE

The demo video on YouTube is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVvxyyabGgU

And if you wanna know more, this is the History of the old models: http://www.standardmotorclub.org.uk/...tories/neu.htm

My verdict is:

I really like this particular kind of retro fad and like the look of that car in general. It's pretty stylish alright.

[Blackmask]

Recharge time is quoted as four hours on 220V mains, but the petrol engine can also recharge the batteries while in hybrid mode.

This combined plug in hybrid seems to be a thing being looked at going forward. At Toyota the other day they mentioned this was being looked at for the Prius.

As for that particular car, I don't like it's look, but if they can find a way to get people who want the power cars to drive ones that use less fuel then I'm all for it.

[edawg99]

Blackmask you are really all into this hybrid stuff.

[Val]

This surprises me also.
That's why she is an expert in prototypes.

[Blackmask]

It's inevitable that hybrids will become the main form of driving. Even ignoring the global warming aspect of fossil fuels, the reality is that oil will run out and as that happens the cost will go up. The car companies that lead the way in the new technology will be the future car industry power players.

It's probably the biggest change to the car industry, and manufacturing in general, since Henry Ford developed the mass production assembly line.

[edawg99]

Well we will see how this technology goes, if they can make a 300 hp or more Hybrid that may convince me to buy one.