GM Hy-Wire CAR (2007) review

The Hy-wire? Sounds like a circus act…

Don't be fooled. It’s a very significant bit of technology. When General Motors unveiled AUTOnomy at the Detroit Motor Show five years ago, the oddly compelling hydrogen-powered chassis that looked more like an overblown and high-tech skateboard than the saviour of the motor industry, was seen as something as a watershed moment. Why? Because the biggest car maker in the world was sticking its flag deep into the unknown world of hydrogen power.

It certainly doesn't look American

The Hy-wire is bit of an international playboy. While body and chassis were developed and engineered in America, the fuel cell – the same that’s found in the Vauxhall Zafira-based HydroGen3 – comes from Germany, while the styling was undertaken in Italy and the drive-by-wire technology was developed by Swedish electronic giant SKF Group. And the development all took place using internet links rather than face-to-face meetings, in keeping with the car’s advanced technology. Much more carbon friendly.