Supercars. Things that every man wants yet only a few can afford. It’s safe to say that in every teenager’s room, there’s one supercar photo plastered on the wall. These days, you always associate supercars with top-of-the-line performance and of course gas-guzzling qualities as well. Then again, a few exceptions to the rule emerge once in a while such as the Saab Aero X E100.

Powered solely by bioethanol, the Saab Aero X E100 can generate a generous 400 horsepower from its massive 2.8-liter V6 engine. With that being said, you’ll get a vehicle that offers superior fuel efficiency because no petrol fuel is used for combustion.

Truth is, Saab is the leading manufacturer in Sweden. If we had Ford and General Motors, the Swedes have Saab going for them. Basically, the Saab Aero X E100 still features some of the aviation design that Saab has been offering ever since its inception. That’s because you’d feel like you’re inside the fighter jet once you get inside the Saab Aero X E100. Essentially, the entire design of this vehicle removes the traditional doors and windshield pillars that you see in most cars today.

Meanwhile, the Saab Aero X E100 also has what you look for in every supercar. That’s because it’s both fast and powerful. You can also add stunning to the long list of superlatives that you can use to describe this street machine.

The Saab Aero X E100 definitely has an amazing potential in front of it. Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised what it can do years from now.

Initially known as Datsun in the US, Nissan has become part of the winning circle decades ago. Through the years Nissan has produced many world-class small cars such as the Datsun 510, and Nissan Sentra. To continue the tradition however, Nissan has another trick off its sleeve and it’s none other than the Nissan Versa.

Basically, the Nissan Versa’s 1.8-liter engine can generate as much as 122 horsepower and 127 lbs.-ft. of torque. When it comes to acceleration, this subcompact vehicle can zoom from 0-60 mph in only nine seconds. Far from being a super car but still, that’s good enough for me. As a small vehicle, you’re definitely asking what its MPG rating is. Basically, the Nissan Versa gets a respectable score here since its city MPG is 27 and its highway MPG is 33.

To reduce power loss, the Nissan Versa uses electric-power steering, making it a fun car to drive wherever you want to go. When you step behind the steering wheel, this car simply tells you that you are in control. That’s because everything is simple yet all the things that you can see inside have a specific function.

When it comes to developing hydrogen power for vehicles, Mazda sits atop its lofty perch. When its developmental vehicle called the MX-5 Miata was launched a decade ago, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how advanced its technology was for its time. Today, Mazda simply tinkered with the MX-5 Miata and repackaging it in a vehicle called Mazda RX-8 RE.

The Mazda RX-8 RE uses the high-caliber hydrogen rotary engine at the center of its operation. Although it uses conventional petroleum fuel, the amount of fuel that this engine saves is enormous. Basically, the Mazda RX-8 RE can generate as much as 210 horsepower when running on traditional fuel. When using hydrogen on the other hand, it can produce half of that power. In short, the Mazda RX-8 RE can both run using petroleum and hydrogen fuels with ease.

Aside from its superb engine, the Mazda RX-8 RE also has a 144-volt battery that aids it in recovering lost energy during braking. Other green facts that you need to know about this car is that it uses water-based paint, interior parts derived from plant substances, and reduced overall weight. With Mazda seriously considering hydrogen energy, I wouldn’t be surprised if other automakers follow suit. Meanwhile, the Mazda RX-8 RE’s features will definitely make everyone be impressed with it.

Rinspeed from Sweden wanted to bring out a car that looks like it just came from outer space. Well, the guys from that automaker certainly delivered by introducing the Rinspeed Senso. If there’s a car that can interact with its driver, then this is it.

Basically, the Rinspeed Senso has lights on its driver’s field of view that change color depending on your mood. How does this work? If you’re feeling drowsy, the interior becomes filled with light, the stereo emits a certain kind of sound, and the ventilation system releases a unique smell.

The Rinspeed Senso is loaded by different kinds of sensors that measure your pulse. Aside from that, there’s also a camera that monitors your driving behavior. This way, you’re always relaxed and alert when you’re in front of the steering wheel.

When it comes to performance however, the Rinspeed Senso has a lot to show off. Basically, it is powered by a 3.2-liter engine that can generate as much as 250 horsepower. Right now, the Rinspeed Senso is still in the conceptual stage. Then again, its supreme features will really change how we look at our vehicles in the future.

With the economy spiraling downwards each day, more and more people are choosing to drive cars that are efficient in fuel use. In Japan, there’s very little parking space and the rising costs of fuel are not going to make things easier. However, even before the Europeans and Americans started building mini cars, the Japanese have already started patronizing their own version of city cars called Kei.

The first thing that you would notice with Kei cars is their size. It’s so small that other minis would look like Goliaths when placed near them. These cars can be found all over Japan, which started during WW II. During that time, all resources were scarce including metal, rubber, and oil. In order to compensate for that, small cars were built that would still deliver the goods despite of their limited size.

The fact is, these Kei cars are freakishly fuel efficient while releasing only very small emissions. In order to be considered a Kei car, it should never be more than 11-feet long, 4.6-feet wide, and 6.5-feet high. Aside from that, the engine should be no more than 660 cc. The fact is, it’s really small, but if you’re only running errands and driving around the city, why would you need anything bigger?

Even Kei trucks are small, but that does not mean that they lack the power that you need. The Kei car pretty much helped the Japanese industry get back to its feet after the war. That’s because with a thriving automotive industry, the whole society will be moving again and that means the enterprise will start pouring in much-needed cash.

Today, these Kei cars are big parts of everyday life in Japan. That’s the case despite of their relatively diminutive sizes.

In the 50s, Connaught is a name that hardcore racing fans associate with Formula Two and One entries that had everything to succeed. Unfortunately, its founder Rodney Clarke came up short when he had to step on the gas. Years later, he had to close down the whole thing while the name ended up in relative obscurity. However, former Jaguar engineers Tim Bishop and Tony Martindale had better ideas. That’s because they revived the Connaught name by establishing the Connaught Motor Company.

Bishop and Martindale didn’t waste any time because they went straight to work by launching their first model called Connaught Type-D. Basically, it’s a coupe with a 2.1-liter V10 engine while having a configuration that is similar to the Honda hybrid. Since the Connaught Type-D is a green vehicle, it gives you three options when driving: sport mode, economy mode, and normal mode. When it comes to performance, the Connaught Type-D provides a torque of 144 lbs.-ft and horsepower that can reach 162 hp.

When it comes to acceleration, the Connaught Type-D can go from 0-60 mph in just under 6.5 seconds. For a green car, its top speed is quite high because it can go as fast as 140 mph. You may think that the Connaught Type-D is gas-guzzler with all the features that it has. The truth is, its 42 MPG rating and 600-mile driving range puts it in a class of its own. Honestly, very few sports cars can compete with those kinds of numbers. Today, the company is selling the Connaught Type-D at around 26,000 USD per piece.

It’s been quite a while since Volvo unleashed something significant. Looking back though, Volvo launched an enviro-car that was ahead of its time— Volvo Exotic Lithium-Powered 3CC Hybrid Electric. Launched way back in 1993, the ECC offered a superb design and an advanced powerplant that you didn’t see in green cars during that time.

Basically, the ECC was known for its micro-turbine generator that allowed high-speed travel in long distances. Aside from that, it had an electric battery that can cover as much as 55 miles in driving range. Today, Volvo recreated the whole idea and tinkered with it to come up with the Volvo 3CC.

Unlike most conventional vehicles, the Volvo 3CC’s design is unconventional. That’s because its rear tapers to the end. Basically, the Volvo 3CC has features of a sports car, although it can manage to handle two more people in the rear area.

When it comes to the exterior, the Volvo 3CC has a steel frame, which is reinforced by carbon fiber. The performance on the other hand is pretty decent because it can go as fast as 85 mph. Its acceleration of 0-60 mph in just under 10 seconds is solid as well. The thing about the Volvo 3CC is that it’s an electric vehicle. It’s actually powered by 3000 lithium-ion batteries that can be found under the floor. Once they’re fully charged, the entire vehicle can cover more than 180 miles.

Everybody loves the Hummer and it simply got better when a hydrogen-powered version was announced just recently. General Motors simply wanted to go green and because of that, the world famous manufacturer decided that the enigmatic Hummer would be better off with green technology in mind.

Known as the GM Hydrogen V-8 HUMMER Sport, it’s an experimental vehicle that would definitely be a hit once launched. Since fuel cells are way cleaner than gasoline and since most automakers are going green anyway, General Motors wanted to use this technology to a popular model such as the Hummer.

Basically, the GM Hydrogen V-8 HUMMER Sport is powered by a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine that runs on gaseous Hydrogen. This is possible because it uses specially-designed fuel injectors that cut fuel usage by several notches. To compensate for the reduction in power, the GM Hydrogen V-8 HUMMER Sport is equipped with a supercharger as well. Because of that, the GM Hydrogen V-8 HUMMER can generate as much as 180 horsepower.

So how does the entire system work? Basically, hydrogen in gaseous form is carried in a compressed system that is capable of putting pressures of up to 5000 psi. Aside from that, its 12-pound on-board hydrogen extends your vehicle’s mileage up to 60 miles.

Although the GM Hydrogen V-8 HUMMER won’t be traversing the road anytime soon, its potential is obviously enormous. It’s all a matter of time before General Motors finally mass produce it.

Buying a green car is all about knowing what you need and what you want to achieve by doing so. Knowing the kind of vehicle that brings the most advantage is crucial. That’s because there are just so many options that you can find out there. One example would be the plug-in hybrid or PHEV in short. Now before jumping to the bandwagon, it’s important that you learn some basic aspects about this particular vehicle class. Here are a few pointers that you might find useful before you shop for your next green auto.

1.Define a PHEV

Basically, a PHEV is just like any other hybrid vehicle. The only difference is that you can plug it in like any appliance that you want to use. You plug a PHEV not necessarily for it to operate, but for it to be driven for several miles when you’re on electric power mode. In short, having a PHEV is just like owning a car that you can plug in like a mobile phone. When its battery is already empty, you simply plug it to a specified outlet and you’ll be recharging it in no time.

2.What are the Benefits?

The great thing about PHEVs is that you prevent having to gas up when you travel locally. That’s because this kind of vehicle has a spare electric power that you can use and call on anytime you need it. Compared to regular vehicles, you don’t need to gas up every so often in gas stations. Because of this, you can save precious time and money during the process.

Aside from that, the PHEV’s electronic components are way easier to maintain than the mechanical parts of a regular car. That only means that you don’t need to call Mr. Mechanic who asks for ridiculous repair bills anyways. Basically, owning a PHEV is one great way of reducing oil and maintenance costs.

3. PHEVs Are Clean

Aside from providing a less costly way going around the city, PHEVs are also rendered to be the cleanest green vehicles around. In short, it’s one way of decreasing oil dependency on a short-term basis. PHEVs would become a better option than other green cars because they are easier to produce. Aside from that, the technology needed to manufacture a PHEV is cheaper. The end result of having PHEVs on the road would be: less pollution and greenhouse gases.

4.They Simply Get Better

PHEVs and other electric vehicles get cleaner as they get older. That only means that the longer you use a PHEV, the lesser emission that it will release. Aside from that, recharging a PHEV is typically done by the day and everyone knows that it’s cheaper to charge batteries at night.

5.However, They Do Cost More

PHEVs definitely cost more than most traditional cars. That’s because their engines and transmission systems use more electronic gadgetry compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Aside from that, they use batteries that are hard to manufacture and maintain, thereby increasing their costs on the market. Right now, there are no mass-produced PHEVs but most automakers can offer to convert your vehicle to become a plug-in variety.

Every regular guy seems to forget how important tuning his car is. Truth is, I’m not even exempted from that, because I used to not pay attention to it in the past. My friend Alfred bought a new car a couple of years ago and he never tuned his car ever since he bought it. So what happened to his BMW? Well after 5 years of not even tuning it, his beloved car finally fell apart. If you don’t want this to happen, here are several reasons why tuning your car is a must.

1.It Benefits the Environment

Not a lot of people know this, but a properly tuned vehicle consumes less fuel and therefore benefits the environment. With that being said, the carbon dioxide that comes from your vehicle is greatly reduced. When it comes to tuning your car, there are five things that need to be inspected and these are the: PCV system, exhaust gas recirculation system, charcoal canister, fuel injectors, and the catalytic converter. Aside from that, never forget to check out filters and fuel injectors because they may already be worn out. When that happens, there’s a greater chance for misfiring to happen, which may lead to more unburned fuel.

2.Inflate your car and save gas

I remember the time when I used to have deflated tires and I keep on having to refuel. I finally found out that when your car is not properly inflated, you consume more gas because your engine has to work harder to push the wheels on the pavement. So what I am saying is that it’s really important to have the tires of your vehicle inflated all the time, to save money and lessen costs. Then again, not all vehicle tires are the same, so better check your car manual, so that you can be sure of how much air there should be in your tires.

3.Comply With Emission Standards

The more exhaust gases that your vehicle emits, the more health and environmental hazards that you are bound to cause. I don’t have to go to great lengths to explain that when your car is in tiptop shape, there’s no way that you can ever go wrong. Make sure to regularly change the oil in order to limit the emissions. Aside from that, your battery needs to be charged, so that it’ll function at its best.

4.If you’ve got leaks, then fix it

It’s normal for any driver to have his or her car leaking. However, it’s not normal to just leave these holes alone. That’s because you need to fix them at all costs no matter what. Make sure to check your air conditioning system to prevent refrigerant from escaping. Go to your trusted mechanic or have these leaks fixed on your own, if you have the necessary skills to do it.

5.Dispose them properly

When your vehicle’s parts need to be replaced, make sure to dispose them properly. That’s because these parts can actually affect people and the environment since they may have components that can be considered hazardous.