150 MPG Non-Hybrid May Be Reality in 2010

*Standard We’ll Believe it When We See It Disclaimer*

German car company Loremo is showing off its ultra-low-resistance car, simply called the Loremo, which it says can get between 130 and 150 mpg with a simple two-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and aerodynamic body. Sounds unrealistic, right? To us too, but supposedly the Loremo is set to go into production in 2009 for sale in Europe at a low cost of $15,000 Euros, or roughly $22,000.

There are plans to then bring the model to the U.S., but as a $30,000 three-cylinder model for better acceleration – 0-60 in 10 seconds. There’s no word on how that will impact the mileage, though. Besides the small, efficient engine, the Loremo – short for low-resistance-mobile – and has minimal drag, even down to its wheels, all to increase efficiency.

The design is a bit odd, with two normal front seats and two rear seats that face backward. You get into each row not via doors, but from front and rear hatches. The front hatch includes the dashboard and windshield, which will then swing back into place when you sit down. There’s no mention why doors were abandoned, but fewer moving parts could reduce weight. We’d think a simple cargo hatch would be more useful than two rear seats and reduce weight even more.

The idea that a high-efficiency car could cost so little seems crazy for some reason, and we’ll have to see if the Loremo ever delivers on its extreme promise. We’d guess it wouldn’t have a hard time selling.

Loremo: The 'Low Resistance Mobile' (MSN Autos)

Comments

[Mart]

It all sounded great until they mentioned the weird door and seating situation.

The idea, and even the basic design seems pretty feasible, but the entrance/exit issue is a huge dealer breaker, not to mention how on earth it'd pass crash tests when there is no real way to get in and out after a frontal collision.

The design is pretty decent though, and with the addition of some proper doors would maybe even sell if picked up by an established manufacturer.

I don't like the droopy bum though.

[DodgeFan]

I think its a cool concept and even worth of producing. But no doors just isn't a great idea to me. You could of ingressed the handles or something, therefore keep the car streamlined. Climbing over something to get in is just to much. I see this car becoming a collector's item.

[jereg]

It's an interesting concept and one that the world is ready for. I don't mind that it may be a bit difficult to get in and out of, the problem I have, and many others might as well, is, will there be air conditioning? There's no way most people will commute to work in the US on muggy summer days in a car lacking AC.

That said, competition in the auto industry is a wonderful thing. Once this car comes to market, Honda and Toyota will look to bring out a competitor at a lower cost, with factory air.

That's the car I'll buy.

[Ian Merritt]

i am intrigued by the MPGs but i am hesitant of the Erkel entrance.

[Mart]

Is this front engined?

Imagine while clambering out you fall forward and either get caught up in timing chains etc, or burn yourself on the hot engine cover...

Nasty.

[Dave T.]

you know they don't mention it but I'd guess the engine is between the two rows or far forward. I doubt it would be exposed each time you lift the thing to get in.

[Lil'Tom]

Do your legs have to double as the crumple zone?

I suspect the funky "doors" are to eliminate gaps and lower the coefficient of drag - a surprisingly effective technique. It would also improve structural integrity (up from squat to squat-and-a-half).

Too bad they don't show it next to anything to get an idea of the scale, but notice how huge the pedals look. From that I'd guess it's roughly the size of an English Mastiff.

If they could get 100mpg and conform to all US laws I'd be amazed.

[j]

It has the same basic principle of old Honda Civics where light thin metals, sparse interiors and sound insulation, slick style, and VERY economical engines helped the Civic VX achieve 60 mpg.(old system) low 50's in real life.

[j]

It has the same basic principle of old Honda Civics where light thin metals, sparse interiors and sound insulation, slick style, and VERY economical engines helped the Civic VX achieve 60 mpg.(old system) low 50's in real life.

[j]

It has the same basic principle of old Honda Civics where light thin metals, sparse interiors and sound insulation, slick style, and VERY economical engines helped the Civic VX achieve 60 mpg.(old system) low 50's in real life.

[JM]

i think a Smart ForTwo will have a better chance against the SUVs on the road that that thing.

[ready]

I'll buy it. And you know what? they took the initiative to build something better on their own and I applaud them for that. I can't wait...

[Jay Laury]

Leave it to the germans to create such a forward thinking Auto. Try that in the US and you will be looking for a job. Cant we create anything new? Instead of just copying the rest of the worlds car designs.

[Max Reid]

So where do we keep our groceries/baggage. After the rear seat passengers get in, sounds very odd.

Why are the smarter Germans thinking like this. A 3 cylinder gas engine combined with a small motor should do the job.

Anyway, next year, Honda CR-Z a small affordable Hybrid (4 or 5 seater) should hit the market with an affordable price tag.