www.vtec.net

Ladies and gentalmen, it is on. I'm sure Toyota won't just let Honda steal thier thunder, the Hybrid RX400 from Lexus uses the Toyota V6, so I'm sure they could drop it in a Camry no problem, hell the RX is a Camry.

The real interesting part is, we know this technology isn't free, the manufacturers tach on some premium for this, usually still at a loss, nontheless, Toyota makes a profit of like $1500-$2000+ a vehicle, they could eat most of the cost and still make a profit. Factor in the taxs breaks and this cost is really a wash.

The next year is going to be real interesting as far as mainstream hybrids go. Wonder how the domestics will respond (if at all)

I think the Germans are just going to send over more deisels, as I'm not aware of any German Hybrid's

 

Only Toyota has really made any significant commitments to this technology. All the domestics were focused on Hydrogen power. For Toyota's part, it was a huge gamble that may or may not pay off. I think they are the only ones to start making profit on the hybrid drivetrain. Any hybrids put out by domestics will probably have technology from Toyota or some one else. The domestics for sure did not develop hybrids on their own.

Personally I think Toyota is on the right tract. For the US market, there isn't the infastructure for diesel like they have in Europe. The hybrid would offer real performance improvements in medium term until hydrogen is ready.

Let the games begin...

 

I'm just glad to see that finally there is something being done. People also need to be willing to drive smaller, lighter vehicles with less gadgets on them. Doubtful though.

Howsabout a hybrid diesel? Maybe this is not so good since diesels aren't as easy on start up.

 

ford is coming out with a hybrid SUV based on the Escape. I have also heard grumblings that several others are on the verge of doing so. also i read recently that one of the US Domestic makers had indeed licensed the hybrid tech from toyota.

 

Indeed, this HEV Escape is going to be powered by a 2.3 l I4 engine (Mazda design, as in Mondeo and Ranger) featuring VVT operating to the Atkinson cycle (higher compression ratio, hence better FE at part throttle, but retarded intake valve closing at high engine loads to let some of the charge out of the cylinder in order to prevent detonation - like Miller cycle but without forced induction).

 

Mercedes showed off a hybrid deisel station wagon recently at auto shows.



http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/dccom...-0-0-0,00.html

 

Ford has a hybrid in the Escape soon to be released.

Honda and Toyota have two different methods to how they build a hybrid and I think I like Hondas with an IMA as the flywheel. Smart.

American manufacterers are also betting a lot on cylinder deactivation so they can keep using large motors. The Hemi already has this.

 

Hybrid Diesel? Talk about S-L-O-W. I don't think that would work for street cars but I'd like to see it on semi trucks and other stuff I will never have to drive. The Hybrid escape doesn't even get that great of mileage, I don't think it can even break 30 mpg on the highway. Correct me if im wrong.

 

Mercedes is claiming 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds with the hybrid deisel. Not exactly slow.

 

(eating my foot). I still don't want one though .

 

I don't want one either, but the information is interesting.

BTW, mercedes also experimented with a deisel rotary back in the 1970's for its c111 super car.

http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=103&i=6730

Just another interesting idea...

 

If you travel to Europe and rent a car be sure to get one with a modern diesel. You will be pleasantly surpirsed. The modern diesels are much more refined than the clackity truck diesels we see in the USA pick-up truck market. Plus these diesels are great for in town driving. Massive torque. Great for lazy driving. Obviously not right for an RX-8 but a good solution for 95% of the vehicles on the road.

There is a reason about 45% of new car sales in Europe are diesel. It isn't just efficiency because the diesel has always had that advantage. It is the refinement gains.

 

Hmmm...A hybrid diesel with cylinder deactivation, VVT and operating with a modified Atkinson/Diesel cycle. Gotta get at least 100 mpg.

No? It will not get 100 mpg? Oh yah, I forgot to put one of those magnets on my fuel line and the platinum pellet in my fuel tank.:D