The hybrid to watch will be the RX330 version (RX400H) in fall of '04.

Apparently this V6+electric luxury SUV will get 0-60 in 7.5 secs (faster than regular engine - about 7.8 secs) and also average 31-35mpg (way better than regular engine - about 20mpg). If true I might consider one to replace my MDX in a few years.

what's the expected cost???
that's the reason that the technology is almost a meaningless little bandaid right now, is that so far it's all been in economy cars that're too expensive to be economical... maybe high profit, high cost luxury is where this could really shine as a ~$3500 (which on a sticker of some $40k isn't all that much...) option.

Right. If I recall correctly, the first generation Prius didn't offer that much more interior space than the Echo, which gets in the 30s for mpg. I sat down and figured out that you'd have to put over 200,000 miles on both cars in almost entirely city driving for the Prius to be the more economical choice.

werd