gord boyd

as above.

Roujin

Interesting mag. I love cars and am an environmental science major.

bwayout

Thank you too.

I love cars and the world



Does anyone know if Mazda is doing anthing with their rotary and any hybrid tech?

I hope they are!

Roujin

I heard along time ago that rotary engines were compatible with hydrogen fuel...not sure of any developments lately

Schneegz

I'm all for fuel efficient, environmentally friendly cars. My last car got about 38mph on the highway. My motorcycle does even better.

But hybrids and fuel cell cars won't catch on in great numbers until they achieve the same level of practicality, ease of use, price and performance as gasoline powered cars. And that's going to take some serious work by the manufacturers.

zoom44

the hybrid civic does everything on par with the regular civic except a tiny bit slower 0-60 and much better mileage.

bwayout

...And the 2gen 2004 Toyoto Prius will be a larger 5 door fastback/hatchback (vs. the original Prius) and have improved power and fuel economy ...

gord boyd

Toyota say this THS II beats fuel cell hybrid vehicle
which is worth publicizing (even if I do not totally comrehend).

Here are two sites"

http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_li...prius_prelim_s

http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/index_frame.html?location=sp

then choose top option

Schneegz

True, except that the hybrid Civic does not have fold-down rear seats because of the battery pack.

Also, the big challenge in mileage does not involve compact cars. The big challenges are in full size cars, performance cars, pick-ups and SUVs.

Accura is at the forefront of this challenge with their hybrid sports car concept. It generates a totoal of 600HP with a combination of 3.0L V-6 driving the rear wheels, and super capacitors and electric motors driving the front wheels. The fuel mileage is improved by an estimated 10% compared to a normal 600HP sports car, while acceleration and top speed remain about the same.

Pickups and SUVs are another matter. It's very difficult to make a hybrid pickup/SUV that tows as much as an all-gasoline truck because, basically, you need a V-8 in order to generate V-8 power for long periods of time.

Fortunately, the Army is investing millions in converting its trucks from diesel to diesel-electric hybrids because they want better mileage. Eventually, the technology developed for the Army will reach the private sector and people will be driving pickups that get 30mpg. I hope