Monday, November 21, 2005

THE ENIGMA


When auto-makers rolled out the first hybrid cars, drivers who wanted their spectacular fuel economy had to settle for weird shapes and a lack of luxury options. But there are those who believe consumers shouldn't have to choose between performance and efficiency. At San Diego State, engineering professor Jim Burns led a student team that built the Enigma shown above. It's a diesel hybrid convertible that goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds while getting 80 mpg. Burns, who says he would consider marketing Enigmas for $60,000 apiece if he could get 1,000 orders, says it will take flash, not just good mileage, to make the public fall in love with hybrids.  Posted by Picasa

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