Re: [greenyes] Toyota/Lexus hybrids

[Alan Muller <amuller@no.address>]

At 01:05 PM 9/14/2005 -0400, Dan Weisenbach wrote:
[...]

> Toyota's Lexus brand, since our last Hybrid installment, has also 
> introduced the first
> luxury hybrid SUV, the RX 400h. They're finally getting the point: 
> 'hybrid' doesn't have
> to mean tiny, misshapen, and underpowered. Instead, it's rated at 268 hp 
> (compared to it's
> gas-engined sibling, the RX 300, with 38 hp less.), is 33% more fuel 
> efficient, certified
> as a Super Low Emissions Vehicle, scoots from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds despite 
> 300 lbs. more
> heft, and still functions as a relatively roomy Ute.

To me this is standard industry-hype reporting.

By rational measures, the Prius is not "tiny, misshapen, and underpowered."

A couple of years ago I heard a presentation from Chrysler (sponsored by US 
Senator Tom Carper) about their plans for hybrid SUVs. Same stuff.

This is not about more sustainable transportation--it's about keeping 
masses of people driving tanks whether they need them or not.

I think it illustrates why only aggressive government regulation of fuel 
economy is likely to make a real difference.

am

Alan Muller, Executive Director
Green Delaware
Box 69
Port Penn, DE 19731 USA
(302)834-3466
fax (302)836-3005
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