Lignetics

Alternative energy advocate Robert "Chip" Beam established a world speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during World of Speed 2010. The two-door sedan was clocked at just less than 48 mph, which may not seem out of the ordinary at first blush. However, this feat was accomplished without the use of gasoline! Instead, Beam fueled his 1989 Mercury Cougar XR7 entirely with wood pellets!

Beam’s wood-powered car is registered, insured and licensed to drive on streets and highways. Beam said a 2,000-pound package of wood pellets can be purchased for anywhere between $200-$300 and explains that his fuel mileage is about "a mile a pound".

Beam and his business partner Larry Shilling of Alfred, N.Y., constructed the rear trunk combustion system in just a few weekends. They plan to research and develop carbon neutral energy resources as an alternative to foreign oil dependence.