Lightning Hybrids at 2009 Denver Auto Show: 100 MPG? We Can Do That

Lightning Hybrids LH4 World Debut at the 2009 Denver Auto Show

Over the last week I have been talking a lot about the “green” and “sustainable” movements in the automotive industry, especially as it pertains to all small and mid-size cars. From the Colorado Statewide Green Car Convoy to the Green Car Parade at the Colorado State Capital to Ford’s new 2010 Fusion Hybrid at the Denver Auto Show, it is clear that this industry is starting to move on the concepts of hybrids, fully electric and clean diesel technology. One company local to Loveland, Colorado is taking a slightly different spin on hybrid technology by using a hydraulic-biodiesel hybrid drivetrain system.

The first unveiling of the completed Lightning Hybrids LH4 took place Wednesday, April 1^st at the 2009 Denver Auto Show. Dan Johnson, Lightning Hybrids CEO, said “The spring snow storm last week left parts stranded and put us behind schedule.” However, this didn’t detour the hard working employees, currently a staff of 12, who worked around the clock in order to get the Lightning LH4 ready for its worldwide debut. “Yes, it was tight - really tight. But we are very pleased with the car and with the response we have received from people at the show” said Dan.Lightning Hybrids currently has two offers in development, the LH4 four-seat sedan and the LH3 three-wheeler four-seat car. Both cars weigh an estimated 1750 pounds and are expected to achieve around 100 mpg and 0-60 in 5.9 seconds with their 90 hp proprietary 2-cycle biodiesel and 150 hp hydraulic drivetrain. The LH3 is expected to be available in 2010 with the LH4 coming out a year later in 2011. The Lightning Hybrids will range in price from $39,000 to $59,000 making the very competitive in price and 0-60 performance with the new Tesla Model S Sedan that was unveiled at the end of March.

Lightning Hybrids LH4 Rear View at 2009 Denver Auto Show

This company isn’t just trying to take on the competition, they are trying to prove that you can have a sustainable car, change the world and have fun while doing it. To prove their point, they have entered both the LH3 and LH4 into the 2010 Progressive Insurance X Prize race. According to the Lightning Hybrids press release there will be “$10 million in prizes to be awarded to the teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPG.” So for this company they aren’t playing around when they say, “Go Fast. Go Far. Go Green. No Compromises.”

Bottom-line, the automotive industry is changing for both the automakers and the consumers. Change is never easy, especially when it requires a new way of thinking and driving. However, the flip side is that this is a very exciting time and with it we are going to see things that 10-20 years ago we never thought would be possible. Hydraulic Hybrids aren’t totally new, they have been being tested and used in much larger applications like UPS truck fleets and other commercial applications, but there is a large contingent that believes that hydraulic hybrids will far surpass the capability of the electric hybrid in both commercial and consumer markets. The only thing left to do now is to sit back and enjoy the ride. So stay tuned for more information on Lightning Hybrids. Allsmallcars.com looks to bring you a driving review this summer when the prototypes hit the road.

Check out our other coverage around of the 2009 Denver Auto Show including stories on the Opening Day Ribbon Cutting, Will We See a Ford Mustang Hybrid and more. Also, don’t forget to check out our partner sites located on the lower right hand side of the main Allsmallcars.com home page.