# Lightweight Hybrid Cars This Re-Engineered Subaru BRZ Features Dual Electric Motors By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-04-21 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/subaru-brz References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/mississippi-state-university-subaru-brz/42928/) & [msstate.edu](http://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2016/04/mississippi-state’s-‘car-future’-revealed-detroit/) A group of researchers and engineers working out of Mississippi State University have created an exceptionally innovative and futuristic vehicle that consists of what was once a regular Subaru BRZ vehicle with its boxer engine removed and replaced with a much more lightweight [hybrid system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offroad-vehicles1) that enhances its abilities significantly. This manipulated vehicle is equipped with a magnesium frame that is much lighter than the original Subaru BRZ, and allows for the inclusion of a pair of [electric motors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acura-rdx). These motors get their juice from lightweight batteries and offer power of up to 12.7 kWh, which is more than sufficient for at least 80 km of all-electric driving. Ultimately, this [re-engineered Subaru BRZ](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/r32ev-concept-model) goes to show how innovative auto engineering can make existing vehicles more energy-efficient and eco-friendly without compromising on their performance. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Lightweight Hybrid Systems:** The creation of lightweight hybrid systems for vehicles allows for enhanced abilities and improved energy efficiency. - **Electric Motors:** The incorporation of electric motors into vehicles provides an opportunity for all-electric driving and reduced carbon emissions. - **Magnesium Frames:** The use of magnesium frames in vehicle construction offers lighter weight options for improved fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. ### Who This Affects Most - **Automotive Industry:** The automotive industry can explore innovative engineering techniques to create lightweight hybrid systems and incorporate electric motors for more energy-efficient vehicles. - **Battery Industry:** The battery industry can develop lightweight batteries to power electric motors in hybrid vehicles, enabling longer ranges and improved performance. - **Materials Industry:** The materials industry can focus on producing magnesium frames and components for vehicle manufacturers, offering lighter weight options for improved energy efficiency. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sporty All-Electric Crossovers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/subaru-2026-uncharted.md) - [Record-Setting Electric Racecars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/subaru-sti.md) - [Diminutive All-Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allelectric-suv.md) - [Featherweight Sports EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedster-ev.md) - [Electric All-Wheel-Drive SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lexus-rz-450e.md) - [Efficient Dual-Motor Hybrid Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-civic-ehev.md) - [Sleek All-Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/subaru-solterra.md) - [Hybrid Convertible Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artura-spider.md) - [Japanese Electric Sports Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-flagship.md)