The Robb Report Collection’s April “Green Machines” Issue Spotlights Luxury Automakers Leading the Transition to Alternative Fuel

New York, NY (PRWeb) March 16, 2007 -- Editors at The Robb Report Collection have announced the debut of their first annual “green” issue. April’s “Green Machines” special edition showcases more than 20 luxury concept and consumer cars from some of the auto industry’s biggest names. These select companies are leading the charge in innovating eco-minded fueling technologies.

The featured cars include: Audi Q7 V-12 Turbodiesel Concept, BMW Hydrogen 7, Cyclone Energy Infused H2 Hummer, Lexus LS 600h L, Lotus Exige 265 E, Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec, Tesla Roadster, TLC Icon Biodiesel, Toyota FT-HS concept, Solar Electric Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Sequel.

“Robb Report Collection offers a compendium of fast, alternative fuel vehicles—from hybrid-powered sports and luxury cars that substantially reduce carbon output, to hydrogen concepts and powerful prototypes that promise to eliminate emissions altogether,” said Gregory Anderson, Senior Automotive Editor of Robb Report, adding that because no other consumer car magazine has devoted such detailed attention to the topic, “this issue serves as a green guide to the future of fuel, a trend that will likely be led by the upper end of the market.” He continued, “The number of green luxury and sports cars only seems to be growing, as does consumer awareness of the need to wean ourselves away from petroleum.”

The luxury auto market leaders profiled in this special issue set out to prove that horsepower, miles per gallon and aesthetic excellence need not be compromised in the name of a greener earth.

Mercedes-Benz is utilizing the Bluetec system in a new line of diesel-engines which significantly reduce carbon emissions while keeping an impressive range of 700+ miles on a single tank. Powered by ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel) fuel, the $52,325 Mercedes E320 Bluetec delivers on looks, speed and performance. The vehicle has a top speed of 155 mph and gets 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

A fast, sleek sports car that even Greenpeace members can love, the Lotus Exige 265E combines beauty and brains with an eco conscience. Lotus developed the Exige 265E in order to comply with new laws requiring that all cars sold in the United States be compatible with ethanol-based fuels by 2017. The car runs on E85 – a fuel comprising of 85 percent bioethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline, which emits approximately 70 percent fewer harmful carbons than cars using unleaded gasoline. The Lotus Exige 265E also has impressive power: Its 264 horsepower takes it from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and achieves a top seed of 158 mph.

For the moment, BMW’s Hydrogen engineering is priceless. The new Hydrogen 7 is not for sale to the general public; instead BMW will loan 100 of these models to influential individuals worldwide, half of them in the United States. The Hydrogen 7 engine switches the standard petroleum power source to a liquid hydrogen auxiliary, achieving a 435 mile range.

Audi’s concept car Q7 SUV, equipped with a 6.0-liter turbodiesel V-12 engine, uses the same Bluetec emissions technology as Mercedes-Benz. Though currently only a concept, a production version of this particular Q7 is estimated to cost $90,000, accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and achieve a top seed of 155 mph. Currently, buyers can purchase the Q7 model with a 3.0 liter, alternative V-6 turbodiesel engine.

Hummer is not typically identified as “eco-friendly.” But Cyclone Energy, a California-based company that seeks to eliminate automotive CO2, has created a hydrogen-configuration prototype for GM’s Hummer. The $63,455 hydrogen-powered conversion vehicle increases fuel efficiency by 15 percent, eliminating the emission of approximately one pound of toxic CO2 per mile.

In addition to covering the latest green cars, this special issue of The Robb Report Collection also includes an essay by physicist Amory Lovins. The cofounder and CEO of the nonprofit think tank Rocky Mountain Institute (www.rmi.org), Lovins discusses many other significant developments the luxury car market will undergo in the near term, including the future of fuel.

The Robb Report Collection, a monthly supplement to Robb Report, is the most extensive direct marketplace for purchasing and selling exclusive luxury goods. Robb Report is the ultimate authority on the lifestyle encapsulating all elements of luxurious living. With exclusive editorial and stunning photography on autos, yachting, private aviation, real estate, fashion, jewelry, travel and epicurean life, Robb Report provides a detailed guide to the products, events, issues and passions that capture the attention of today's affluent consumer. Additional information can be accessed at the magazine’s website, www.robbreport.com

Contacts: Sarah Vicklund, CurtCo Media
(212) 201-1127; sarahv (at) curtco.com

Rachel Nagler, Rubenstein Communications
(212) 843-8017; rnagler (at) rubenstein.com

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