Venturi Astrolab hybrid car harnesses power of the sun

Some car companies try to wow us with innovative designs, others develop monstrous engines. Venturi, on the other hand, wants to be as environmentally-friendly as possible, most recently revealing the Astrolab solar hybrid car. This follows in the same tradition that brought us the solar/wind-powered Eclectic and the full-electric Fetish.

You’ll find solar panels (3.6 square meters worth) clear cross the top of the roofless vehicle, while the rest of lines give off a vintage roadster kind of feel. The Venturi Astrolab can go for about 100km before needing a significant top up, but while out and about, it can approach speeds as high as 110km/h (68mph).

The two-seater (one person behind the other) will be ready for purchase in January 2008. Estimated price is $117,000.