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| The XH-150 is a modifed Saturn VUE |
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A San Francisco, California based company is to tour the U.S. showing off a hybrid SUV, that it claims is capable of 150mpg.
The customised Saturn Vue SUV, dubbed the XH-150, is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle introduced Stateside in January by AFS Trinity Power Corporation.
This performance-optimised offroader sets out on a cross-country tour from the west coast, ending in Capitol Mall in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, April 20, 2008.
AFS Trinity intends to make the XH-150, which was developed in cooperation with technology development partner, Ricardo, available for ride-and-drive demonstrations in several communities from coast to coast.
The car has undergone a series of tests recently, conducted at the Michelin Proving Grounds in South Carolina.
Results suggest proprietary new power and control electronics and other advances allow the Extreme Hybrid to plug into house current and store sufficient power to run a 200 horsepower electric motor that propels the XH-150 for up to 40 miles in EV-only mode, and at speeds up to 87 miles per hour.
Run in full hybrid mode the combined electric and petrol power systems provide 370 HP, allowing 0-60 acceleration in 6.9 seconds.
AFS Trinity CEO Edward W. Furia said the company is now in discussions with carmakers regarding licensing of the technology and with investment bankers regarding possible direct manufacturing.
He said he expects the first Extreme Hybrid SUV drive trains to be available for purchase in two to three years.
Road test data, schematics of the drive train and extensive technical detail are available at www.afstrinity.com. |
