Renting a Prius

[ekpolk]

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Ekpolk, I'll tell you this, driving it entirely changed my perception of hybrid technology. I was pretty indifferent before, now I see it as a means towards the future. While the car may not be for me, the technology sure is! Do you know if this basic system is the same that is in the Ford Escape?

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IIRC, the Ford system is very similar to the Toyota HSD scheme. I don't recall if there's any licensing going on with Ford. FWIW, the system Nissan will be selling in the Hybrid Altima is the Toyota system, built under license (but calibrated uniquely to the Altima and using Nissan's I-4 engine).

Don't forget that the Prius isn't the only HSD car from Toyota/Lexus. There are now hybrid versions of the Camry and Highlander, and on the Lex side, the RX, GS, and LS vehicles can all be had in HSD form. So, if you've got $100 grand burning a hole in your pocket, you can have a hybrid LS-600Lh!

 

[c502cid]

I'm not sure the price/value relationship is there yet no matter who makes it. If it is a technology with a future, we'll get a better choice of them in the years to come. I love the technology but not inclined to pay for it just yet!

 

[c502cid]

I just bought a 59 Chevy (think bat wings and cat eyes) without a motor. I was planning big block all the way but wouldn't hybrid be cool! I know, I know, but you always have to hot rod towards the future!

 

[Dominic]

Hybrid 59 Chevy = Bolt a supercharger so large on it you can't tell if its the super powering the motor, or the motor powering the super

 

[c502cid]

Dominic, pretty good thought, and if wasn't going to be a super sleeper the blower whine might sound pretty good on a car with bat wings!