VIDEO: Imperia GP plug-in hybrid retro sports car concept
Reviving long-forgotten automotive brands seems to be all the rage of late, with Zap brining back Detroit Electric and now a Belgian company called Green Propulsion calling up the Imperia marque. Imperia was another Belgian brand that operated in the first half of the last century. The company is working a concept for a new car with styling that harkens back to the original Imperia models. Under the skin, though, this machine is all new. The new Imperia GP is equipped with 174hp 2.0L V-4 combined with a 130hp electric motor. Electrical energy is stored in a 8.2kWh lithium polymer battery. The retro-styled coupe has plug-in capability and can supposedly deliver CO2 emissions of only 87g/km in combined driving. Running on batteries alone, the coupe can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.1 sec. With both the electric motor and engine running that drops to 4.8 sec. It's not known at this point when a running vehicle will be available or how much it will cost but it surely won't come cheap. There's a CGI video after the jump.
[Source: Imperia Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chad 2:27PM (2/24/2008)
That's what I'm talking about! A plug-in with retro style. GM, make a 4-cyl plug-in hybrid Impala with 1967 styling. If it looked good and had about 40-50 mpg, I'd pay 30-35K for it. I wouldn't even mind if it was FWD as long as it had the look. Is anyone with me here?
Reply
Sergio 5:38AM (2/28/2008)
Of course Chad, I'm with you. Even more, why not an electric car (ZERO EMMISIONS) wich looks like a classic car!!!
Ecological cars can be beauty as well.
Cheers
Reply
A.Brien 6:50PM (2/24/2008)
It's the best hybrid consept i saw yet. Hope they can built a real prototype. It's so full of million$ everywhere.
Reply
Blaine Decker 8:50PM (2/24/2008)
B E A UTIFUL
Reply
Dan 11:20PM (2/24/2008)
damn this car is gorgeous
Reply
Dan 11:51PM (2/24/2008)
oh yeah, and the website says they plan to make 50 cars a year at a price of 85,000 euros. If more cars are built, the price will come down
Reply
tranism 3:27AM (2/25/2008)
That car is so ugly.
Reply
Jon 10:30AM (2/25/2008)
This is what my management project is about for my bachelors degree. Cool green cars are what everyone wants. The project comprises the creation of a nimble green division focused on cars that are very slide show with proper references of course.
Reply
mike 7:30PM (2/25/2008)
Yes, count me in too.
A beautiful small sporty hybrid for the second car. Excellent.
Reply
Corey 1:45AM (2/27/2008)
Pretty attractive, but I'm not feeling the rear end or the giant Imperia logo on the back. Since this is only a concept it would be nice to see them modernize the the rear a bit more. Other than that, thumbs up.
Reply