Ultra Hybrid Gets 500 Miles Per Tank

Here's a new hybrid that promises up to 500 miles on a tank of gas, goes from 0-60 in less than 4 sec and zooms to a top speed of 150 mph. Capstone Turbine Corp. of Chatsworth, CA has introduced the CMT-380, a high-performance, hybrid-electric sports car powered by traditional batteries and an ultra-low-emission range-extending microturbine.

The concept for the CMT-380 was developed by video game creator Richard Hilleman, chief creative director at Electronic Arts. He designed the car with support from Capstone. The vehicle features a Capstone 30-kW microturbine that runs on diesel or biodiesel. The microturbine is housed in a Factory Five Racing GMT body. The microturbine was engineered to ensure the vehicle doesn't require any exhaust after-treatment to meet the clear air requirements of the California Air Resources or EPA 2010.

The car uses lithium-polymer battery cells that can be charged at home or at a public recharging station. While driving, the car can operate on 100-percent battery power in zero-emissions mode for a range of up to 80 miles. When the batteries reach a pre-determined state of discharge, the microturbine fires up and recharges the batteries on the fly.

The CMT-380 is in the final conceptual design and first article-testing stage. The company says it plans to finalize a limited production plan based on interest from consumers at the recent LA Auto Show.

Ultra Hybrid Gets 500 Miles Per Tank