Mean and green

More than a few companies at last month's SEMA Show heralded the eco-friendly side of their products just as highly as the performance side.

When most people think about the massive specialty-equipment show held each fall in Las Vegas, they probably think “high performance”-turbos and superchargers, cat-back exhaust systems, short shifters, and coil-over suspension kits. This year's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show did not disappoint in that regard, with muscle cars-notably the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, which was the event's “official vehicle,” and the seemingly ubiquitous Dodge Challenger-flexing their, well, muscles.

But “high efficiency” likely made an indelible mark on the minds of many show-goers, too, thanks in large part to the inaugural Making Green Cool Zone on the show floor. From solar-panel charging systems to advanced battery technology to onboard hydrogen generation, the abundance of green technologies throughout the exhibition made it clear that, yes, green can be cool. However, one of the main questions posed at a technology seminar devoted to the topic was, “Can green be economical?”