|
These Whips Get the Green Light
We all want to be eco-conscious, and gas prices are a buzz kill, but sometimes downsizing the ride just isn’t appealing: Some of us want room to cart around friends, or are pining for a hot sports car. We asked several top manufacturers how to improve gas mileage and cut emissions and still roll in style. Here, four whips that will make other drivers green with envy.
By Holly Reich  FORD FLEX
The 2009 Flex is a 7-passenger “urban loft on wheels,” but if you wind up chauffeuring friends, you won’t have to worry about exceeding your gas allowance. The Flex offers a distinctly square retro look, signature side grooves, wide windows, and an optional contrasting roof color (in White Suede or Brilliant Silver). Inside, the car feels like a limo with the light and space of a greenhouse. Features include a refrigerator/freezer, which can hold seven 12-ounce cans, and a SIRIUS Travel Link, which provides real-time traffic and weather reports and fuel prices for more than 120,000 gas stations so you can comparison-shop for the best deals near you. Mpg: 16 city/22 hwy. (fordvehicles.com)
 AUDI Q7 TD
Want to feel sexy but need space for important stuff like your golf clubs—and, oh yeah, the kids? The Audi Q7 TDI crossover drives like a sports sedan, but is sturdy enough to handle the trenches off road. The Q7 TDI is classic Audi with sophisticated appointments, a sleek interior, and appreciated details (like 14 cup holders, an iPod adapter, and a side assist blind spot detection system). Since it runs on clean diesel, it’s quiet, fast, and eco-friendly. Mpg: 25 city/hwy. (audiusa.com)
 SATURN SKY RED LINE ROADSTER
The Euro-looking, turbocharged Roadster has plenty of style, lots of pump, and is lean on gas. Dressed to kill, it sports dual polished aluminum exhaust pipes, 18-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels, and surprise hues like Evening Blue and Ruby Red. If you’re not into the black and chrome interior, you can customize it with other colors and accessories. GM's OnStar service (with turn-by-turn directions) allows drivers to interact with a live adviser. Mpg: 19 city/26 hwy. (saturn.com)
 PORSCHE 911 TARGA 4S
This fuel-sipping baby is big on visuals and even bigger on performance. With a top track speed of 184 mph, the Targa is ignited by Porsche’s new direct fuel engine for better mpg and improved dynamics. A driver’s dream, its improvements include a seamless double-clutch gearbox and electronic traction control. Perfection, you say? The glass roof (tinted for UV protection) slides beneath the tailgate in seconds for open-air cruising. The cabin has a driver-friendly touch screen for radio and navigation systems, plus Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Mpg: 18 city/27 hwy. (porsche.com)
Trackback(0)
|
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/Hide comments
R. Block's Spot
