NEWS

With the coming of the hybrid revolution, Toyota has become even more of a thorn in the side of the “Big” three. The 2008 Toyota Prius has sort of taken the “Green” community by storm as well as a lot of the other fuel consumption conscious Americans. If I didn’t have a VW Diesel that gets just as good or better mileage already paid for, the Prius is what I would be driving. Maybe one of these days the American tree huggers and environmentalists will realize that a lot of the modern Diesels pollute less than many of the gasoline engines. What we really need is a Diesel Hybrid and Toyota has a great little Diesel.. When that happens, I will be the first in line to get one. THe Toyots Prius is a very popular car and to get one you have to put your name on a waiting list and put down a healthy, non-refundable deposit. I talked to a dealer a few weeks ago and at the time they required a $1000 deposit to order one and there was a four to five month wait. There are very few used ones around either. He said they already have deposits on 2010 models that are going to have a bigger more powerful electric side and they are suppose to get close to 100 miles per gallon. As with all their vehicles, Toyota is doing a good job. No wonder the big three is in trouble.THe 2008 Toyota Prius is a basic four door, five passenger sedan that comes in two models. There is the regular Prius and the Touring Edition.. The Prius Touring Edition has 16″ alloy wheels, a sportier suspension, High Intensity Discharge headlights, integrated fog lights, and a larger rear deck spoiler plus all the standard features. Overall it is a pretty cool little vehicle that gets 50 miles per gallon and is good for the environment and easy on the pocket book. Even the fanciest one is just a little over 25,000 bucks.The whole secret to the popularity of the Prius is the Hybrid Synergy Drive and its 46 miles per gallon EPA fuel consumption rating. I know several people who claim they are getting fifty plus though. The whole system works to use the least fuel possible and yet give good power when needed and good economy the rest of the time. This is accomplished by using a 1.5 liter DOHC 16 valve four cylinder engine that develops 75 horsepower at 5000 RPM along with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that develops 65 horsepower at 1200 Rpm It is a 500 volt motor. The traction battery is a Sealed Nickel Metal Hydride that puts out 28 horsepower. Net usable horsepower is 110. As with most of the Hybrid vehicles Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11