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Luxury Sport Sedan Hybrids--or even "green" - READ ONLY

24 messages,  Last post on Jul 04, 2004 at 12:37 PM

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What is this discussion about? Hybrid Cars, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Coupe, Convertible, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 24 Luxury Sport Sedan Hybrids--or even "green" by dhanley

Apr 22, 2004 (7:26 pm)

It seems that the hybrids out now, or even in the pipeline, are either SUV's, or based off of economy cars. I am definitely a sport sedan/sport car person, and i definitely want my car to be "green"--the primary attribute being that it ought to be able to average, say, at least 35MPG in mixed driving.
 
I have a 328i and i basically want a car with its attributes ( handling, power, driving pleasure, accouterments ), but with better fuel economy. I can periodically squeeze out 35MPG on the highway, and i think it's absurd that as a country we are moving backward on fuel economy. I do think this is eminently possible to achieve. A prius can get 55mpg, and hybrids don't have as much of a penalty for increasing weight and power as a non-hybrid vehicle.
 
I sent a e-mail to BMW public relations, and they replied that they are not considering hybrids at all at this point, and they did not answer my concerns concerning their fleet fuel economy-right now, they as a corporation pay penalties for not meeting CAFE, and i therefore find it hard to justify buying one one their cars, however much i like them.
 
So, I wondered if anyone has information concerning "green" luxury cars, and i would be interested in hearing others opinions on the topic.
 
dave

#2 of 24 by usbseawolf2000

Apr 24, 2004 (1:49 pm)

Replying to: dhanley (Apr 22, 2004 7:26 pm)
You might be interested in cars from the current hybrid leaders. Check out: usbseawolf2000 "Honda Accord Hybrid vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid" Apr 17, 2004 6:08pm
 
Dennis

#3 of 24 Nah by dhanley

Apr 26, 2004 (8:41 pm)

I appreciate the info, but that's not to my tastes
 
The mercedes benz e320diesel is 3,800 pounds, gets to 60 in 6.8 seconds, gets 35mpg in mixed driving ( EPA is 27/37 but reviews are reporting much better, in line with the lighter slower hybrids ), and gets 368 lb-ft at 1,800 RPM.
 
'Course i'd want that in the lighter less expensive-class, but that's the idea. Toss it in the $27K c230 and you have an awesome $30K vehicle that could perform and get 40mpg on vegetable oil.
 
Mercedes is also producing a grand sport touring with a diesel v8 and a hybrid motor. Also big ( seating for six ), fast ( 0-60 6.6 ) and 35MPG.
 
Looking up info the past few days, the europeans are going in the diesel direction--hence the lack of hybrids.
 
Hybrid pros:
1) Impresive gas mileage, fuel at every station
2) Pushing technology envelope for other applications
3) Horsepower
 
Hybrid cons:
1) Still using gasoline.
2) Longevity concerns ( battery pack renewal, disposal )
3) Limited supply because mfgrs are losing money on them
 
Diesel pros:
 
1) Proven durable commodity technology
2) Can burn biodiesel
3) Torque
 
Diesel cons:
1) Particulate emissions
2) US diesel fuel high-sulpur.
3) Not quite as efficient as hybrid ( but can he hybridized too )
 
dave

#4 of 24 Re: Nah [dhanley #3] by usbseawolf2000

Apr 27, 2004 (7:32 am)

Replying to: dhanley (Apr 26, 2004 8:41 pm)
You can have a hybrid that use diesel too. It doesn't have to be gasoline. Also, is that e320 EPA number using manual transmission? 90% of the drivers prefer an automatic transmission.
 
Dennis

#5 of 24 yes by dhanley

Apr 27, 2004 (9:11 am)

Those EPA numbers are with an automatic, though i prefer a manual.
 
dave

#6 of 24 Hybrids by jchan2

Jun 22, 2004 (7:04 am)

Toyota makes money off of Hybrids. At least they say they make money off of every single Prius rolling down the assembly line in Japan. And I have to wonder why BMW isn't even thinking about Hybrids. Are they thinking about Hydrogen and Fuel Cells?

#7 of 24 Luxury sport sedan by gagrice

Jun 22, 2004 (7:23 am)

Replying to: dhanley (Apr 22, 2004 7:26 pm)
To get the kind of mileage you would like out of a luxury sedan, the only vehicles that come to mind are the MB E320 CDI & Passat TDI. I agree that the Honda & Toyota offerings that are supposed to be coming are not in the luxury sedan category. The Passat is a push.

#8 of 24 Re: Luxury sport sedan [gagrice #7] by midnightcowboy

Jun 22, 2004 (8:08 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Jun 22, 2004 7:23 am)
I don't think there is a Passat TDI available.

#9 of 24 Re: Hybrids [jchan2 #6] by Sylvia

Jun 22, 2004 (9:02 am)

Replying to: jchan2 (Jun 22, 2004 7:04 am)
I believe BMW is putting efforts into the Hydrogen route.

Messages Page 1 of 3

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