Turbine maker branches into autos; 2010 Green Car Vision Award nominees announced

Capstone

Turbine supercar
Turbine maker Capstone is promoting the use of microturbines in autos by building a hybrid supercar powered by what it calls "essentially an ultra-clean and quiet jet engine." A prototype of the CMT-380 (right) debuted at the L.A. Auto Show last month. It can run on battery power for up to 80 miles, and up to 500 on a single tank of diesel or biodiesel.

--NWautos staff

Coda

Green finalists
Green Car Journal has named the Nissan Leaf, Coda Sedan (right), Ford Focus BEV, Mercedes-Benz F-Cell and Toyota Prius PHV as finalists for its 2010 Green Car Vision Award. The award will be given at The Washington Auto Show next month. Green Car Journal focuses on automobiles, energy, and the environment.

--NWautos staff