Imperia
GP
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.
