35 messages,
Last post on Jan 23, 2008 at 12:59 PM
You are in the
Hybrid Vehicles - Archived Discussions Forum.
This discussion is ARCHIVED. To reactivate the discussion, post a request in the Lost? Ask the Hybrids Host for directions! discussion.
What is this discussion about?
Toyota, Lexus, Hybrid Cars, Sedan
#29 of 35 Re: Toyota seems see where the dollars are coming from [drfill]
by gagrice
Oct 15, 2007 (7:49 pm)
So the Camry hybrid is also a flop!
So currently the Camry doesn’t appeal very much,” Toyota’s chief designer, Wahei Hirai, told Automotive News. “They prefer Prius because, while they are driving in town, people can understand that the driver has more social awarene
#30 of 35 Re: And this is a good look at the future [drfill]
by gagrice
Oct 15, 2007 (7:51 pm)
If I am reading the WSJ article right, no Li-Ion before 2011 and maybe not then. Any new Hybrids are on hold till they can find a battery to replace the NiMH currently being used.
#31 of 35 Re: Toyota seems see where the dollars are coming from [gagrice]
by drfill
Oct 16, 2007 (9:18 am)
I wouldn't call any Hybrids that does 50k a year a flop.
Civic Hybrid does about that, maybe less. I wouldn't consider that a flop.
They were speaking relative to the Prius, which is a huge success. These are in relative terms.
Is David Wright a flop compared to Alex Rodriquez?
DrFill
#32 of 35 Re: - [dudleyr]
by nvbanker
Nov 06, 2007 (10:50 am)
Interesting how nobody has tried that yet....a hybrid minivan. Ford did a great job on the Escape Hybrid - you can hardly tell the batteries are even in there, the spare is still underneath, and you still have a decent floor in the back too. I would think the Sienna could be made to work with the Hybrid.....maybe engine bay space is a problem?
#33 of 35 Re: - [nvbanker]
by larsb
Nov 06, 2007 (11:20 am)
Toyota has the "Estima" hybrid minivan in Japan, and has had it for several years.
Click here for more info on the Estima
I cannot for the life of me understand their reticence to do it as a Sienna in the USA.
Confusing as heck !!!
#34 of 35 Re: - [larsb]
by nwng
Jan 22, 2008 (3:52 pm)
If you stick the 2.4 hsd in sienna, you get your estima. minivans w/o v6 don't sell in the US, unfortunately. Looking at the link, it seems the hybrid will improve the mpg by about 25% over the 3.5l. I think they will bring it out if the next gen ody comes with a diesel option.
#35 of 35 What about....
by wwest
Jan 23, 2008 (12:59 pm)
A Sienna hybrid with the I4 but with a Miller Cycle using a positive displacement variable speed Supercharger. Use an E-CVT with a engine drive belt into one end and a permanent magnet AC synchronous motor at the opposite, ~3:1 reduction, end.
A variable frequency drive to the AC motor would allow complete, full range, engine throttling without a throttle butterfly valve. No boost would be provided unless extraordinary level of power were asked for.
Note that the 2.3L Twin-turbo engine in the Acura RDX produces 240HP. In comparison a hybrid Miller Cycle 2.3L I4 SC'ed as above (NO Turbo LAG) would only need to produce about 200HP w/full boost in order to match the performance of the RX400h.
A 40MPG Sienna....?