When it comes to the pantheon of sustainable sports cars, many vehicles like Porsche 918 and Jaguar C-X75 have always been there with their classy styling and blistering speed. Well, now it seems that a new kid in the block has ardently risen to utterly challenge these exalted ‘green’ monsters. We are talking about the robust Ampera plug in hybrid electric racing vehicle from the house of Opel/Vauxhall. And, this time it has achieved the remarkable feat of winning the13th International Monte Carlo Rally for alternative energy vehicles, by defeating the reigning champion of previous two years: Tesla Roadster.
The celebrated race took place from March 22 to 25, on a track that runs from Annecy-le-Vieux to Monte Carlo, with its fair share of twists and turns. Given the acclaimed nature of the encounter, a total of 130 low emission automobiles took part in the effort, ranging from the Renault Fluence Z.E., Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Peugeot Ion to Volkswagen Up and the aforementioned Roadster. In fact, the winner was chosen in a rather interesting way, by calculating a ratio formula that encompassed various factors like vehicular weight, carbon dioxide emission, energy density of the fuel and its quantifiable consumption.
Finally, in a whirlwind of so many efficiency related attributes, the Ampera came out with flying colors. In regard to this, the winning co-pilot Joseph Lambert said that it was the exhibition of the vehicle’s advanced technological features that could be relied upon for a longer driving period. In addition, Vauxhall/Opel director of E-mobility, Enno Fuchs claimed that Ampera signifies the fine balance between robustness and fuel efficiency.
Via: AutoGuide
