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Hybrids & Diesels - Deals or Duds? - READ ONLY

5196 messages,  Last post on Oct 16, 2006 at 6:55 AM

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What is this discussion about? Alternative Fuels, Biodiesel, Hybrid Cars


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#2909 of 5196
Re: Hybrids [gagrice] by john1701a
Mar 16, 2006 (7:57 pm)

Replying to: gagrice (Mar 16, 2006 4:28 pm)

9 direct mentions. Talking about not even trying to avoid making it personal!
 
And the only attempt to be objective claims that I'm "incapable of compromise". That's clearly not correct. I accept SULEV, it's a compromise.
 
PZEV is cleaner (since it also requires significantly reduced evaporative emissions). No compromising means that I'd insist on PZEV (especially since Prius & Camry-Hybrid have that rating). But I don't. You have been proven wrong. Now stop with the personal attacks.
 
JOHN
#2910 of 5196
Re: Hybrids [john1701a] by gagrice
Mar 16, 2006 (10:11 pm)

Replying to: john1701a (Mar 16, 2006 7:57 pm)

PZEV is cleaner (since it also requires significantly reduced evaporative emissions). No compromising means that I'd insist on PZEV (especially since Prius & Camry-Hybrid have that rating)
 
You can insist all you want. PZEV is a CARB rating. Without the designer gas sold in the CARB states you will not get that rating. As it is currently sold in 45 states the Prius is BIN 3 with an 8 rating. Prius is not the cleanest gas car available in your area. As I have already pointed out. There are several cars that rate cleaner in the 45 non CARB states. Cleaner than any of the hybrids except the Honda Civic Hybrid. So I apologize you have accepted a compromise by buying the less than SULEV II Prius.
 
Automobiles receiving a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) credit have met the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) tailpipe standard which is 90% cleaner than the average new 2003 automobile. In addition, they have near-zero evaporative emissions and their emission control equipment has a 15-year/150,000 mile warranty
 
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ccbg/atpzev.htm
 
Check out PZEV. It is SULEV with a 15yr 150k Mile warranty.
http://www.epa.gov/autoemissions/detailedchart.pdf
#2911 of 5196
TDI may be slow, BUT, by gagrice
Mar 16, 2006 (10:28 pm)
they are on the pole at Sebring. The number 1 & 2 spot are Audi TDIs. Nothing like diesel to make you go fast.... Doing there part not to waste so much fuel in the racing sport.
 
Sebring diesel
#2912 of 5196
Re: Hybrids [gagrice] by john1701a
Mar 17, 2006 (5:32 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Mar 16, 2006 10:11 pm)

> Without the designer gas sold in the CARB states you will not get that rating.
 
First, since all 50 states now required to sell that "designer" gas, known as LOW-SULFUR, that claim is meaningless. The nationwide mandate took effect January 1, 2006.
 
Second, it doesn't really matter anyway. The purpose of the reduced sulfur level was to ensure emission ratings would be retained for their entire required duration. They will initially achieve their clean rating even with really dirty gas.
 
SULEV = 120,000 miles
 
PZEV = 150,000 miles
 
By the way, that is yet another compromise I have accepted. I would very much like that additional 30,000 miles. But I chose to accept the lesser distance instead.
 
JOHN
#2913 of 5196
Re: TDI may be slow, BUT, [gagrice] by john1701a
Mar 17, 2006 (5:40 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Mar 16, 2006 10:28 pm)

> Nothing like diesel to make you go fast
 
That's not true.
 
The newest hybrid from Lexus, GS450h launched yesterday in Japan, can go 0-62 MPH in just 5.6 seconds.
 
JOHN
#2914 of 5196
Re: TDI may be slow, BUT, [john1701a] by gagrice
Mar 17, 2006 (6:35 am)

Replying to: john1701a (Mar 17, 2006 5:40 am)

The newest hybrid from Lexus, GS450h launched yesterday in Japan, can go 0-62 MPH in just 5.6 seconds.
 
It is a fast hybrid from the reviews I have read. It will get some diesel competition later this year. We shall see how it matches up to the Bluetec CDIs from Mercedes. If it gets mid to high 30s on the highway it should be a decent car. My only complaint so far is the very small trunk space. I have read figures from 7.5 to 9.9 cu ft. At this time I prefer the LS430 to the GS models. They are only a few dollars more, with a lot more room and luxury. Not sure why they did not hybridize the flagship model first.
#2915 of 5196
Re: Hybrids [john1701a] by winter2
Mar 17, 2006 (7:05 am)

Replying to: john1701a (Mar 17, 2006 5:32 am)

As to "Designer Gas" you are only partially correct.
 
Gasoline is low sulfur but will be going to Ultra Low Sulfur (< 15ppm of sulfur). There still going to be specific "designer" blends for various regions of the country. And actually, it does matter. Sulfur poisons some of the catalysts used to control certain emissions, especially NOx. Sulfur also contributes to another serious problem or two, namely acid rain (in the form of an acid) and to global warming (same acid compounds).
#2916 of 5196
Re: TDI may be slow, BUT, [gagrice] by ruking1
Mar 17, 2006 (7:05 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Mar 17, 2006 6:35 am)

Yes that is an interesting question. I am not sure the market is going to suddenly create "Civic Corolla, Camry Accord type" demands for the hybrid GS450?? The current model is 45,000 at invoice. Any takers that the new model John speaks about will be less? I would guess it has more to do with higher end status and snob appeal.? Also the oems can get evenm much higher profit margins over the Prius. Most higher end cars do not get the "premium" fuel mileage. I would guess these consumers want to appear fuel conscious, while still having the "trappings." For the anticipated price of the 2007 model I can get 4/5 Honda Civics. At the current price of the current model I surely can get 4 Honda Civics.
#2917 of 5196
Re: TDI may be slow, BUT, [ruking1] by gagrice
Mar 17, 2006 (7:32 am)

Replying to: ruking1 (Mar 17, 2006 7:05 am)

The current model is 45,000 at invoice.
 
For the price of a GS450h you can just about buy a Honda dealership. They are supposed to start at $60k and go up from there. That is without the gouge factor. It is going to be built in such limited supply that the dealers will get what they want. I imagine most will go to Hollywood stars that are tired of driving the Prius and want their old luxury back with a green halo.
#2918 of 5196
Re: TDI may be slow, BUT, [john1701a] by moparbad
Mar 17, 2006 (10:17 am)

Replying to: john1701a (Mar 17, 2006 5:40 am)

Did Lexus take the pole at Sebring?
 
No.
 
Did a diesel engine powered Audi take the pole at Sebring?
 
YES!

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