Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GE plug-in hybrid limo

Another entry that Geely has planned for its new Emgrand premium sub-brand is the GE limousine. Like many of Geely's new models, the GE has a very prominent grille but the rest of the design looks otherwise well-proportioned and attractive. With a 214-inch body sitting on a 124-inch wheelbase, the GE is a big car targeted at executives who prefer to be driven rather than get behind the wheel. The Geely Emgrand GE can be equipped with either a rear bench contoured for two passengers or a single large seat flanked by extra storage compartments.

Underneath, the GE has the same plug-in hybrid powertrain featured in the GT coupe. That means it gets a 2.4-liter inline-four that producing 160 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The electric drive consists of a pair of 27.5 kilowatt, 132 pound-foot hub-motors for all-wheel-drive capability. The GE is targeted for 2015 introduction.

Lamborghini hybrid coming in 2015, next-gen models available with either AWD or RWD

Following closely in the footsteps of its rival from Maranello, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed in an interview with German Automobilewoche magazine that the Italian purveyor of high-end supercars is working on a hybrid Gallardo. Not surprisingly, the electrically assisted Bull is expected to hit the market in 2015 – the same year as the upcoming fuel-saving Ferrari.

In contrast to the recently announced fully electric SLS Gullwing from Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini's eco-friendly efforts won't include replacing the traditional gasoline powerplant completely. Instead, Winkelmann suggests that a small electric motor would be used solely to get the car moving at low speeds, after which either the expected V10 or V12 engine would kick the fun into high gear.

Worry not, Lambo fans – there's no chance the company will lose focus on its high performance roots. In fact, the boys at Inside Line report that both the Gallardo and Murcièlago lines are destined to receive dedicated track-ready Balboni-style rear-wheel drive models to augment the automaker's already amazingly capable all-wheel drive supercars.

[Source: Popular Science]