JD Power Says Interest In Hybrids Waining? But Lexus Ramps Up Volume Anyway

The whole point of Lexus hybrids is that they don't look "different" than non-hybrid cars.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:31:54 AM | | Votes: 1   

you also have the blue hues in the L logos and the hybrid badges everywhere...that are blue...lol

— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 12:46:19 PM | | Votes: 1   

oh and also they dont look the same. headlights/fog lights, rims, and little interior bits are usually there.

— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 12:46:57 PM | | Votes: 1   

Hybrid technology is not a FAD. It is but one answer to an apparently growing concern for our environment. It takes an incredible amount of raw materials to produce just about everything concerning automobiles anyway, why not strive to produce something more environmentally-conscious while we're at it?

What everybody also likes to leave out of hybrid discussions is that they emit less CO2 and other chemicals than most other gasoline and diesel cars. That's reason enough to put more interest and research/development into the technology.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:38:39 AM | | Votes: 2   

I have to agree with you there, Their investment in the technology is allowing them to produce it cheaper and across a wide range of applications.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:59:05 AM | | Votes: 1   

just ask a prius driver what he/she thinks about a car that gets 20mpg. they'll likely bite your head off.

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 12:35:16 PM | | Votes: 0   

"furthermore, gas mileage is the most important factor influencing a car's impact on global warming."

No it isn't. Seeing as the rest of your statements are based on this, and a misunderstanding of the idea behind Lexus hybrids your remarks are meaningless.

Lexus didn't "violate" what hybrids are known for, they CHANGED it. No longer are hybrids just slow compact economy cars, they're also luxurious sedans and SUVs. With Lexus hybrids, the electricity is simply a different means of a boost of power that is more eco-conscious than adding more cylinders. I realize this is complex to understand, but someone other than me must...

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 12:40:18 PM | | Votes: 0   

"just ask a prius driver what he/she thinks about a car that gets 20mpg. they'll likely bite your head off."

After you get their response, explain to them all the other attributes of the LS600hL including its weight, and list of options. Don't just throw a misleading opinion poll-type question at them.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 12:44:24 PM | | Votes: 0   

The Prius has a 1.5 litre engine. It consumes no less fuel than a car with a 1.5 litre engine w/o hybrid "technology". The great trick Toyota pulled was getting Americanos into vehicles with tiny engines at a very significant "market price adjustment"...

Markets where small engine cars are the standard (which is almost everywhere outside the US) have difficulty digesting the huge premium Toyota charges for the hybrid. Check out hybrid sales in Japan, Brazil or Europe.

The RX and the LSh consumes similarly to (an otherwise indeed high tech) gasoline counterpart, this explains the difficulty in those segments.

As consumers realize this ploy, the demand will cool off. No wonder Prius fleet sales started in 2007. Honda launches US diesel cars in 2009 - I am really curious what will happen then.

— JWalkerLegrande (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 1:17:20 PM | | Votes: 1   

I'm a Prius driver, and I think it is awesome to give buyers in this class of vehicles a more earth friendly option. If I ever leave the non-profit sector, I would like to know that I could upgrade my Prius into a luxury vehicle that still has some green credentials.

And to JWalker, what other 1.5L compares? The Prius is mid-sized family sedan, not the size of a Polo. It also has a comfortable interior, decent performance, and luxury touches. This argument comparing Prius to tiny econo-boxes is so played out. You must be really knew to this.

— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 4:59:32 PM | | Votes: 1   

You have no basic understanding of a gas-electric hybrid vehicle then. A 1.5L engine with an electric motor that shuts off the engine when braking/stopping/traveling at low speeds consumes less fuel than a 1.5L engine without the same setup. I can't even think of a specific 1.5L engine car sold in North America besides the Prius specifically, but the Mini has a 1.6L and has an EPA-estimated 27/36 mpg rating. The Prius has a rating of 45/48.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 5:03:22 PM | | Votes: 1   

Yes!

Short and simple.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 1:02:53 PM | | Votes: 2   

why would one INCREASE horsepower (which means more oil consumed) if you're attempting to be 'green'?

— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 10:05:24 PM | | Votes: -3   

are you slow? you dont use more oil if you use battery power to increase the horsepower.

its not meant for hippies. its meant for rich people who dont want to harm the environment anymore than he/she has to.

— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 10:38:27 PM | | Votes: 2