| Make
|
Imperia |
| Model |
GP |
| Concept
year |
2008 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
Hybrid |
The Imperia GP is a hybrid sports car developed by Green
Propulsion.
Between 1900 and 1950, Imperia were a prestige car manufacturer
based in Belgium. In 1907 Imperia achieved success in
the workshops of Pieper, inventor of the Auto-Mixte, the
first hybrid vehicle, also called at the time the "petro-electric"
car.
Green Propulsion has fitted the 2008 Imperia GP with a
hybrid drivetrain consisting of a 174 horsepower, 2.0
litre petrol engine and a 134 horsepower electrical motor.
The internal combustion engine of the Imperia GP takes
over when battery recharging is required. Thanks to this
hybrid motorisation, the Imperia roadster emits remarkably
little CO2 overall (zero direct emissions in electric
mode). Another exclusive feature is that it is the only
hybrid car that can be recharged from the mains, simply
via a power socket. Full charge is obtained in 4 hours,
with 85% charge in 3 hours.
The Imperia GP roadster is of Neo-Retro style. And while
its vertical radiator grille might suggest an aerodynamic
weakness. In fact, it houses a mobile inlet device that
regulates the flow of air into the vehicle and gives it
a better penetration ratio than many contemporary cars.
Despite the environmentally friendly power source the
Imperia GP surprisingly rapid. 0-60 mph in purely electric
mode takes a respectable 7.1 seconds. But in hybrid mode
this is reduced to a thoroughly rapid 4.8 seconds.
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