Green Hybrid.. Military Vehicles?

When you typically think of "green" in the auto industry, things like O2 Sensor, oxygen sensors, and hybrid cars like the Toyota Pruis come to mind. I bet the last thing you would think of is the Army's all-terrain Clandestine Extended Range Vehicle (CERV), and yet here it is:

The advantage of going hybrid on a vehicle like this is not only to save gas (getting gas in the field in Afghanistan can cost upwards of $400/gallon... think about that next time you're at the pump); this vehicle can also run in silent (fully electric) mode for up to 8 miles. Combined with it's diesel engine it maintains the ability to go up 60 degree grades and reach a top speed of 80mph.

These capabilities make it extremely versatile: running a diesel engine at 3am isn't the best way to go unnoticed in stealth operations. The silent mode on this vehicle can sneak up on terrorists faster than a Prius when you step into the crosswalk. Plus there is admittedly some novelty to having a giant machine gun mounted to the top of a hybrid vehicle.

Fiskar Karma hybrid-electric vehicle.

This vehicle is part of a larger effort to save money and help the environment without sacrificing power and usability for soldiers in the field. It is being produced by Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide (QTWW), the company that makes the Q-Drive, the 400 hp drive train of the Fisker Karma. If you  haven't heard of the Fisker Karma, here's a few details to fill you in: a claimed total range of 300 miles (483 km), the first 50 miles (80 km) of which is on tailpipe-emission free electric-only charge, and it looks absolutely amazing.

There was a time where it was difficult to even get pictures of CERV's, but as the Army has entered one to be on display at the Chicago Auto Show it seems the times are changing. The 25% better fuel economy this hybrid offers not only saves money, but enables military personnel to go longer without filling up. Time will tell if these become a permanent installation in the military, but it certainly seems a step in the right direction to save money and increase utility for today's soldiers.

Not Your Normal Tree Huggers’ Prius

Enjoying fresh air is one of those little enjoyments in life.  Taking in a deep breath of oxygen can revitalize the body and mind.  Having your oxygen sensor warning light come on in your vehicle can do exactly the opposite.  Each time the oxygen sensor on my car goes bad I want to sell my car and go live amongst the fresh air in the mountains.  Oh, who am I kidding?  I would have to get a vehicle. Maybe I would stick with the environment friendly theme and go with a Prius.  Actually, forget being friendly to mother earth. I would buy the new Prius GT300.

The Prius as a race car? No way! Ok, maybe a race to see who can transport the most granola on the least amount of gas, but not an actual race.  It took me a while to believe it, but it looks like Toyota is going to make a Prius that can compete in the Super GT Series.  That means they’re going to produce a Prius which has at least 300 horsepower.  Considering a stock Prius comes with an 80 horsepower electric motor and a 98 horsepower gas engine, the boys at Toyota have some work to do.

Now, is Toyota choosing the Prius as their Super GT car because they think it gives them the best chance to win, or are they trying to muscle up its image?  This question is up for debate.  I know that my perception will be different when I see one flying around corners at 200 mph, instead of crawling through a Whole Foods’ parking lot.

There’s buzz that Toyota isn’t the only one entering a hybrid into the Super GT race series.  Honda is reportedly getting the CR-Z ready to race with the big boys too.  With all this hybrid racing going on, who is going to have time to save the whales?