Lightning Hybrids LH4 promises 100 mpg and 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds

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The Progressive Automotive X Price offers $10 million prize for a company that can build a super-efficient, super-clean car people would actually buy.

One of the contenders is Lightning Hybrids and their LH4 that will make its debut next month at the Denver Auto Show.

Lightning Hybrids claims that their model LH4 will get 100 mpg and achieve 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Power comes from a 90 horsepower VW diesel that is mated to a 150 horsepower Rexroth hydraulic hybrid system.

This hybrids system uses a diesel engine to drive a hydraulic pump, which charges a high-pressure tank(accumulator). This accumulator drives a pump motors that send the power to the axle. System has been limited to delivery trucks because of their size. Now it looks like Lightning Hybrids have figured out how to fit it to a small car.

Company pans to have LH4 available in 2010 in a price range between $39,000-$59,000. We will be bringing you more details beginning of month when LH4 debuts at the Denver Auto Show.

This is how the hydraulic hybrid system works:

Source: Lightning Hybrids