Photo licensed under Creative Commons attribution only. Photo by Loiclemeur. See more of his car photos on Flickr.

According to the official website, the Progressive Automotive X Prize is a $10 Million race designed “to inspire a new generation of viable, super-efficient vehicles that help break our addiction to oil and stem the effects of climate change.”

The race will consist of more than 60 different teams, representing 10 countries around the world.  The contestants will race cross-country this year and in 2010.  The goal of the race is to find a vehicle that appeals to consumers, meets strict emissions standards, and gets at least 100 miles per gallon.

“A race like this is an excellent way to inspire innovation without sacrificing performance,” says small business consultant Ron Sturgeon.  “Competition can really foster creativity.”

The competition is also open to modified existing vehicles, not just new designs.  Jonathan Goodwin, a Wichita, KS native who has a national reputation for green vehicle modifications, is planning to participate in the X Prize competition.  His team is called “Goodwin Young” and plans to race a modified car owned by music legend Neil Young.

“What I’m interested in is being able to push the technology,” Goodwin told The Wichita Eagle.

Goodwin has been working on a modified 1959 Lincoln Continental owned by Neil Young.  The vehicle is called the “Lincoln Volt” and is 19 and a half feet long and two and a half tons.

“We’re not talking about concept cars,” X Prize Foundation chairman and chief executive Peter Diamandis told The Wichita Eagle. “We’re talking about real cars that can be brought to market in the near term that consumers will want to buy.”

With the automotive market in a tailspin, finding a car consumers would like to buy could be tricky.  On the other hand, contests like this could make it possible to drive your dream car without worrying about the impact on the environment.

Another option for more earth-friendly exotic car driving is joining an exotic car sharing club.  Members have access to an entire garage of exotic cars, but they share the vehicles.  Exotic car enthusiasts can drive fuel-efficient vehicles during the week and drive exotic cars on the weekend.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.

Many drivers want the people making the Aptera Typ-1 to succeed. I, for one, would love to make the trip to the gas pump much less frequently.

The 1500-pound two-passenger vehicle reportedly gets 300 miles per gallon. You read that right.

The vehicle is technically a 2+1, but the website claims that the third is for a center infant seat, so three passengers only works for baby-on-boarders.

“I am thrilled to see American entrepreneurs finding ways to develop highly efficient ways for people to commute,” says Ron Sturgeon, a Dallas car collector and owner of an exotic car rental company in Dallas.

The Aptera Typ-1 is capable of about 95 miles per hour, and can travel 120 miles on a charge, double the range of many plug-in vehicles.

Technically, the Aptera Typ-1 isn’t a car at all. It’s classified as a motorcycle, but it exceeds many of the safety requirements of passenger cars, including rollover strength and door strength.

The interior of the Aptera Typ-1 features too roomy bucket seats and a wrap-around windshield that provides excellent visibility. The car does not have side mirrors. Instead, it has a central video monitor that assists drivers in avoiding accidents when backing the vehicle.

The Aptera Typ-1 features solar panels on the roof, which gather the sun’s energy to run the vehicle’s air conditioning system. Way Cool!

The fully electric Aptera Typ-1 will reportedly retail for around $27,000. The company is planning to release a hybrid model soon, which will retail for just under $30,000.

The Aptera site has excellent photos of the vehicle and gives those interested an opportunity to sign up for a newsletter about the Aptera. The company also is taking $500 deposits to reserve Apteras from California residents.

The company that will make the Aptera Type-1 is privately held. Initially, the vehicles will be available only in California because the Carlsbad-based company has the capacity to service buyers in that state.

“What is happening in the automotive industry right now is as exciting as any time in the thirty years that I have been involved in aspects of it,” says small business consultant and public speaker Ron Sturgeon.

“For those of us who believe passionately in capitalism and in the ability of entrepreneurs to solve America’s most pressing problems, the Aptera Typ-1 is exciting news,” said the Dallas luxury car rental agency owner.

The company website (http://www.aptera.com) has excellent videos of prototypes and of the celebration of the entry of the vehicle into the manufacturing phase.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.