With the development of the McLaren P1, Porsche 918, and Ferrari La Ferrari (LF), that is becoming increasingly true. Born in England, Germany, and Italy, respectively, they have one thing in common. The engineers behind these cars ‘weaponized grass’ (Jeremy Clarkson). Actually, they are hybrids, running partially on electric motors. When you think of electric hybrids, the first thing that comes to mind is the Prius, or Smart Car, or G-Wiz. Not the definitions of exhilarating acceleration, sublime performance or appealing design. But the P1, 910 and LF have used the technology of electric motors to enhance the typical fossil engine. Well not actually, ‘typical’- these engines are highly optimized cylinder engines with immense power- but fossil fuel powered engines nonetheless. Fossil fuel engines exhibit weaknesses when shift gears, braking, and etc. This is where the hybrid technology paves the wave for better performance. The electric engines kick in when the the regular v8 engine is weak. The result? More Power! These cars show that more power no longer means slapping on two or more cylinders and calling it a day, or switching to jet powered cars. Maybe the future for cars would be one with less greenhouse gasses but more excitement behind the wheel.
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