A supercar powered by hydrogen isn’t typically found at one of the largest aftermarket accessory trade show in North America.

The Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association’s annual exhibition is usually an unusually gaudy display of tuner specials, and colorful assorted bits and pieces that they are made of.

But this year, Ronn Motors and his Scorpion from Texas busted the party of 24 inch wheels and chromed piping wide open.

Unlike other hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles that convert hydrogen into electricity to juice an electric motor, the Scorpion uses an electrolysis process Ronn calls “H2GO.”

Essentially, water is zapped with electricity in order to create a hydrogen gas that is then pumped into the engine. Ronn uses a 3.5-litre Acura V6 as a base and claims the car will achieve diesel-like fuel savings – or 20 to 40 per cent better fuel economy – with lower emissions. It takes “about four seconds” to go 0-to-100 km/h, according to this Texan mechanical genius.

The company is taking deposits now for the $176,000 (U.S.) Scorpion.

The TorontoStar says that before you write that cheque, keep in mind that we haven’t seen water electrolysis pop up on the alternative energy list of any current auto maker. And whether all of Ronn’s numbers add up has yet to be confirmed.

But the truth is, that while mainstream hasn’t seen this technology confirmed, there are literally thousands ( not an exaggeration ) of little guys working away in their garages trying to perfect this technology. I know that for a fact cause my boss and his wife and their best friends have spent the past 6 months perfecting the efficiency level related to the amount of hydrogen that can be extracted from water per minute.

Many of the current kits out there actually aid in gas mileage, but don’t put out enough efficient electrolysis to run a car totally off of water.

Ronn has apparently done what many others have failed to do.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/v/zjUk8atuBwM]

Here is a video of the scorpion in action.