Re: Hybrid project

[David Rodenhiser <davidr@cascades.East.Sun.COM>]

> The Honda Insight is a technical tour de force, but I'm actually not
> super impressed.  I bet if you did that much lightening and aero work
> to a regular CRX, replaced the 4 cylinder with a 3 cylinder, you
> would get similar fuel economy and acceleration as the hybrid.

I'm glad somebody agrees with me about this.  I just don't understand
why they used an electric motor as a "turbocharger".  Why not use
a regular turbo?  It would be easier and less expensive, get equal or
better economy and not have the problem of running out of boost when
the very small battery pack runs down (like it does on long uphill
grades).  I'd be more impressed if they did something like the Prius, 
where you can drive at city  speeds on only electric power.

Of course, the VW Lupo 3L gets 78mpg (better than either the Honda
or the Toyota) by using a small turbodiesel, and seats 4/5 people.
And it's available (though not in the US), and doesn't cost more
to produce than they sell it for.