With gasoline in Colorado at an average price of $3.62 and still rising fast, fuel economy is likely to be on the minds of visitors to the Denver Auto Show.
They’ll find plenty of gas-sipping options at the show, opening Wednesday and running through Sunday.
Auto show officials estimate that one of every five cars on display feature hybrid, electric or alternative-fueled power systems.
“Over the last two or three fuel spikes, consumers have gravitated to more fuel-efficient vehicles,” said John Felice, general manager of Ford and Lincoln sales for Ford Motor Co.
In the past, consumer memories have been short and motorists have regained interest in larger cars, trucks and SUVs after high gas prices took cyclical declines.
Some energy analysts, however, think that fuel prices will remain relatively high for a sustained period because of demand growth in developing countries. And as a result, buyers may be more permanently attuned to fuel efficiency.
Being a fuel miser is no longer an all-or-nothing proposition, said Tim Jackson, president of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association. Manufacturers are incorporating engines of lighter weight and higher efficiency even in larger vehicles.
At the same time, buyers of compact cars no longer have to sacrifice the style and features formerly offered only on bigger and more-expensive makes.
New at the show this year are models such as the Toyota Prius C, a smaller version of flagship hybrid, which lists from $18,950 to $23,230 depending on trim. Mileage is estimated at a combined 50 mpg.
On the luxury end is the new Fisker Karma, a sporty hybrid-electric with a sticker price ranging near $107,000.
Buyers of the $396,024 Ferrari FF with a city mileage rating of 11 mpg aren’t normally concerned with fuel prices, said Mark Dismuke, general manager of Ferrari of Denver.
“Our market is driven by the Dow, not by gas prices,” he said.
Software developer Clayton Auzenne of Bailey often dreams about trading in his gas-hungry Jeep Wrangler for a more efficient car.
“I’ve never wanted an electric car more than now, or at least a hybrid,” he said. “When you think long term, that’s clearly what we should be doing.”
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
