4/11: Green Machines – 11 Eco-Friendly Cars for 2011
With 2010 logged into the history books, it’s time to look forward to the future and the people, places and things that will shape our world over the course of the next 12 months. Over the course of this week, Blackenterprise.com will be giving you the 4/11 on some of the big innovations, developments and trends on the horizon for 2011. Today, which happens to be 1/4/11, we start off in the world of automotives. While there was a time when going green meant sticking out like a green thumb in the car industry, more and more manufacturers seem to have finally made the turn to eco-friendly. This year, consumers have more options than ever to do their part for Mother Earth in style. Checkout our 11 mean green machines. —Will Gock
With 2010 logged into the history books, it’s time to look forward to the future and the people, places and things that will shape our world over the course of the next 12 months. Over the course of this week, Blackenterprise.com will be giving you the 4/11 on some of the big innovations, developments and trends on the horizon for 2011. Today, which happens to be 1/4/11, we start off in the world of automotives. While there was a time when going green meant sticking out like a green thumb in the car industry, more and more manufacturers seem to have finally made the turn to eco-friendly. This year, consumers have more options than ever to do their part for Mother Earth in style. Checkout our 11 mean green machines. —Will Gockmore
CHEVROLET VOLT: After much hype (you might remember this little number from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) and even more confusion, Chevy's "electric" car is finally here. About a dollar's worth of charge buys you a 40-mile commute—give or take a jolt. Forget to plug it in after a rough day? No worries, there's still a gas tank. MSRP: $40,280more
FISKER KARMA: First revealed in Detroit three years ago, obstacle-ridden Fisker looks ready to finally bring its luxury hybrid to market. Not worlds different from your run of the mill hybrid, the Karma refers to its batteries and engine as stealth and sport mode, respectively. After all, going green is partly about making a statement, right? MSRP: $95,900 (EST)more
NISSAN LEAF: Japanese mainstay Nissan has dared to go where no other major auto manufacturer has; 100% electric. A (forced) acronym for Leading Environmentally-friendly Affordable Family-car, the LEAF has already sparked significant waiting lists and may knock the almighty Prius (we’ll get to that later) off its podium of being the environmental "it" car. MSRP: $32,780more
HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID: South Korea's key player in the automotive game has recently shifted its focus from quantity to quality, and the Sonata Hybrid is no exception. With a 36/40 city/highway mpg split and a 17.2-gallon tank, 600+ miles between fill-ups is not out of the question. Its new styling goes on and on as well. MSRP: $24,900more
HONDA CR-Z: Finally, Honda has given the green-scene something it's been lacking; drivability. Reaching back to cues from its hot-hatches of yore, the CR-Z delivers great fuel economy, sporty good looks and the first six-speed transmission the mainstream hybrid market has seen. MSRP: $19,200more
BMW 335d: Do you like the 3 series, but don't feel like seeing your exact car 20 times a day? Opt for a diesel. At 265hp and 36mpg, you really won't be sacrificing much of its "ultimate driving" heritage; plus you'll be ahead of the curve when (err, if) diesel power rightfully catches on. MSRP: $44,150more
AUDI Q7 DIESEL: A handful of us can still make a legitimate case for owning a full-size sport utility vehicle, but that's no excuse for turning a blind eye to mother nature. Another finely-styled Euro-diesel, the Q7 delivers mounds of torque and hauling power while still giving your wallet a break at the pump. Face it, trucks and hybrids really don't mix. MSRP: $56,900more
TOYOTA PRIUS: Of course no green-car list would be complete without the quirky car that really started it all. Though having faced some tough economic times, Toyota's continued emphasis on efficiency and innovation ensures that the love-it-or-hate-it Prius is here to stay. MSRP: $21,650more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN TDI: The Germans have been doing two things right for quite some time—clean-diesel engines and station wagons. Put them together and you've got the latest take on VW's tried-and-true Jetta; a sharp looking, feature-packed ride that's as enjoyable to drive as it is responsible. MSRP: $24,730more
FORD EXPLORER: It's not alternative energy driven, or even a hybrid—so what makes the all-new Explorer environmentally sound? Boasting a class-leading 3.5L V6, the strikingly redesigned SUV puts out a respectable 20mpg combined. No gimmicks here, just old-fashioned internal combustion done efficiently. MSRP: $28,190more
JAGUAR C-X75: While only a concept with no real plans for production, Jag's new turbine-powered top-cat is about as literal an example of outside-the-box thinking as one can get. Take away the confines of a traditional combustion engine, and both style and function take on completely new meanings. If nothing else, it's a sign of great things to come. MSRP: N/Amore