Comments on: Early look: Toyota Hybrid X concept http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html Car news, reviews, and specs for the auto-industry Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:02:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: PrimeGTP http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-299443 PrimeGTP Sat, 17 Feb 2007 19:43:47 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-299443 Maybe this one will have a TCS that works. Maybe this one will have a TCS that works.

]]> By: LamborghiniZ http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-299331 LamborghiniZ Fri, 16 Feb 2007 20:42:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-299331 Brendino, I can partially answer why people buy a Prius, my dad actually owns a 2004 Prius, so I can only go by his reasons. He's very environmentally oriented, for him, it's not about saving money, but then again that's not really about the Prius specifically, as there are a variety of hybrids out there other than the Prius. He likes how Toyota has such a progressive mindset regarding the environment, that they took the big jump and basically made Hybrids accessible, technically Honda made the Insight first, but really that wasn't a very practical car, while the Prius is. I think he doesn't mind the styling, but he's not all over it either, he's all about technical stuff, so having all of that technological stuff as you pointed out before in his car is something he enjoys, and it's practical, what with the hatch design, and it has a decent amount of rear seat space, equivalent to a midsize sedan. Those are some points, I know he talked to me about the Prius and other cars before he purchased it, and those were some of his reasons. Hope that gives some insight (no pun intended) on as to why someone would buy a hybrid/a Prius. Brendino, I can partially answer why people buy a Prius, my dad actually owns a 2004 Prius, so I can only go by his reasons. He’s very environmentally oriented, for him, it’s not about saving money, but then again that’s not really about the Prius specifically, as there are a variety of hybrids out there other than the Prius. He likes how Toyota has such a progressive mindset regarding the environment, that they took the big jump and basically made Hybrids accessible, technically Honda made the Insight first, but really that wasn’t a very practical car, while the Prius is. I think he doesn’t mind the styling, but he’s not all over it either, he’s all about technical stuff, so having all of that technological stuff as you pointed out before in his car is something he enjoys, and it’s practical, what with the hatch design, and it has a decent amount of rear seat space, equivalent to a midsize sedan. Those are some points, I know he talked to me about the Prius and other cars before he purchased it, and those were some of his reasons. Hope that gives some insight (no pun intended) on as to why someone would buy a hybrid/a Prius.

]]> By: Cooper http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-299299 Cooper Fri, 16 Feb 2007 19:44:37 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-299299 Probably EPA, because it is a government reference guide. Probably EPA, because it is a government reference guide.

]]> By: Brendino http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-299185 Brendino Fri, 16 Feb 2007 12:43:35 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-299185 Thanks for the info. Is that based on real-world mileage or the EPA estimates? Thanks for the info. Is that based on real-world mileage or the EPA estimates?

]]> By: Cooper http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-299172 Cooper Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:45:29 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-299172 Someone above asked how bad a Hummer H2 rates. They did not test it, but here are the numbers for a 2006 Escalade which uses the same platform and drivetrain so the numbers should be similar if not the same. 12.1 tons per year of greenhouse gases and uses 22.8 barrels of oil per year. Still better than the Ferrari F430 I mentioned above, which is 12.9 tons per year and uses 24.5 barrels of oil per year. Someone above asked how bad a Hummer H2 rates. They did not test it, but here are the numbers for a 2006 Escalade which uses the same platform and drivetrain so the numbers should be similar if not the same. 12.1 tons per year of greenhouse gases and uses 22.8 barrels of oil per year. Still better than the Ferrari F430 I mentioned above, which is 12.9 tons per year and uses 24.5 barrels of oil per year.

]]> By: Cooper http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-299171 Cooper Fri, 16 Feb 2007 08:23:59 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-299171 Prius verses Corolla. Prius 4.8 tons per year of greenhouse gases and uses 8.8 barrels of oil per year. Corolla 5.5 tons of greenhouse gases per year and uses 10.4 barrels of oil per year. Info provided by www.fueleconomy.gov. So a Prius would use about one and a half barrels of oil less per year. Prius verses Corolla. Prius 4.8 tons per year of greenhouse gases and uses 8.8 barrels of oil per year. Corolla 5.5 tons of greenhouse gases per year and uses 10.4 barrels of oil per year. Info provided by http://www.fueleconomy.gov. So a Prius would use about one and a half barrels of oil less per year.

]]> By: Brendino http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-299158 Brendino Fri, 16 Feb 2007 04:35:09 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-299158 I think the coolest thing about the Prius is that you get Lexus techs for $24k. Backup cameras for that cheap? Now that's cool. But I do question the merits of the Prius saving the environment. It's generally stated that the Prius's real-world mileage isn't 61/50. Even if it was, the amount of gasoline you really save is small. Also, I wonder how big of a difference hybrids have made thus far. Questions for research: - How much of a barrel of oil goes to gasoline? Because I thought plastics was a majority of a barrel, so if you improve fuel economy by 20% on 17% of a barrel of oil (arbitrary stat) that goes to gasoline, is it really making that much of a difference? I guess I just believe that we need to get off the gasoline altogether. But that is more about hybrids as a whole, not just the Prius. - Why do Prius owners buy a Prius? We can debate about what image a Prius projects, but what we can't do is say what people are trying to project, if anything. That'd be interesting to find out. I appreciate your comments...they're more insightful and balanced than most. I think the coolest thing about the Prius is that you get Lexus techs for $24k. Backup cameras for that cheap? Now that’s cool.

But I do question the merits of the Prius saving the environment. It’s generally stated that the Prius’s real-world mileage isn’t 61/50. Even if it was, the amount of gasoline you really save is small. Also, I wonder how big of a difference hybrids have made thus far.

Questions for research:
- How much of a barrel of oil goes to gasoline? Because I thought plastics was a majority of a barrel, so if you improve fuel economy by 20% on 17% of a barrel of oil (arbitrary stat) that goes to gasoline, is it really making that much of a difference? I guess I just believe that we need to get off the gasoline altogether. But that is more about hybrids as a whole, not just the Prius.
- Why do Prius owners buy a Prius? We can debate about what image a Prius projects, but what we can’t do is say what people are trying to project, if anything. That’d be interesting to find out.

I appreciate your comments…they’re more insightful and balanced than most.

]]> By: LamborghiniZ http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-299142 LamborghiniZ Fri, 16 Feb 2007 01:37:30 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-299142 But mainly it seems like people driving hybrids like the Prius get bashed so much for how it looks, and so much is assumed about them as people just because of how it looks, that it's truly unfair. The Prius is a good car, I've driven the first and second generation version many, many, MANY times, the second one especially is a nice, boring driver, for those that don't care about driving, and do care about saving money and/or the environment. It's bizzare hatchback design helps the utility of the car, much can fit in the back, there is plenty of leg room, it has good fit and finish, it drives well enough for the average joe, etc. I mean there's a lot that's good about the car, and people have to resort to bashing the drivers and assuming based off of nothing that they're doing it for attention? But mainly it seems like people driving hybrids like the Prius get bashed so much for how it looks, and so much is assumed about them as people just because of how it looks, that it’s truly unfair. The Prius is a good car, I’ve driven the first and second generation version many, many, MANY times, the second one especially is a nice, boring driver, for those that don’t care about driving, and do care about saving money and/or the environment. It’s bizzare hatchback design helps the utility of the car, much can fit in the back, there is plenty of leg room, it has good fit and finish, it drives well enough for the average joe, etc. I mean there’s a lot that’s good about the car, and people have to resort to bashing the drivers and assuming based off of nothing that they’re doing it for attention?

]]> By: LamborghiniZ http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-299141 LamborghiniZ Fri, 16 Feb 2007 01:32:52 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-299141 Brendino: I did jump the gun, and good points there, I see your points. I just think that some people like a distinctive style for their hybrids just like a lot people like a distinctive style for lots of other cars, but at the same time I do see what you mean w/ all those people that might not want that kind of obvious hybrid style, and I think the industry is addressing that with lots of anonymous looking hybrids, the Camry, Civic, Vue, Escape, Altima, etc. But I certainly don't think any lesser of people driving hybrids, extroverted looking designs or not, they're making a statement with the big design, that's very true, but of all the statements to make, this is probably one of the most good intentioned ones out there, it's one trying to help SOMETHING, so I dunno those are a few more points for this topic Brendino: I did jump the gun, and good points there, I see your points. I just think that some people like a distinctive style for their hybrids just like a lot people like a distinctive style for lots of other cars, but at the same time I do see what you mean w/ all those people that might not want that kind of obvious hybrid style, and I think the industry is addressing that with lots of anonymous looking hybrids, the Camry, Civic, Vue, Escape, Altima, etc. But I certainly don’t think any lesser of people driving hybrids, extroverted looking designs or not, they’re making a statement with the big design, that’s very true, but of all the statements to make, this is probably one of the most good intentioned ones out there, it’s one trying to help SOMETHING, so I dunno those are a few more points for this topic

]]> By: Cobradreamer427 http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298983 Cobradreamer427 Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:46:48 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298983 Honda did it with the FCX, copy cats Honda did it with the FCX, copy cats

]]> By: Brendino http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298966 Brendino Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:19:40 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298966 @LamboZ - After all of my posts...you see one thing you don't like and now I'm an idiot? Thanks. Ridicule is a great form or argument. Now let me explain myself a bit further to you and Adrio and Random Jerk. Hybrid drivetrains don't have to affect the look of the car. You can't build an awesome sports car and hide the fact that it's an awesome sports car. You can't build a mad functional pickup and not have it look big and brutish. But take other designs. You can build a luxury car to be either really flashy or really subtle. A layman wouldn't see a Phaeton and think "rich snob" because it looks so understated on the outside. The MKZ doesn't even have chrome on the door handles - the whole design is subtle yet amply luxurious. Same with the TL - if you didn't know much about the badge, you wouldn't think that it was such a loaded vehicle. Then, on the other range of the spectrum, you have the 'Slade and the 300 (near-luxury, but you get it) and so on. Lux cars that scream to be seen. For luxury cars, why are there so many choices of flashiness? Because not everyone wants to project a loud image of why they bought their car. Sure, everyone's car says something about themselves. I drive a Sable, therefore I'm an old man who doesn't speed. I get it. But the Sable doesn't scream that, while a baby blue Park Avenue does. There are varying degrees. I just think that a lot of people don't want to scream the hybrid image. There are reasons why Volvo station wagons will be nothing but a niche vehicle - it doesn't matter how nice and functional they are, they have strong stigmas attached to them. Same with the El Camino. I spent some time in West Sonoma County, CA this summer, perhaps one of the most liberal places I've ever been to. And wow, I lost count of the Prii and the Volvos there! It is a general impression that people who drive Prii are saving the environment, launching a crusade against evil big oil and the like. Not everyone wants to buy a hybrid because of environmental activism. Sometimes, they just want the tax break and the lesser burden in gas. There should be more vehicles for these people. I mean, look at the Tesla. That car made electric cool! It takes revolutionary technology and puts it in a Lotus with incredible numbers. What if the hybrid drivetrain started in a sportier or more family-oriented car - can you honestly say that the hybrid stigma would have played out the same? It just seems like doing this keeps hybrids out of the mainstream, and I don't think that's beneficial in the end. There are things I like about the Prius and there are things I don't like. But overall I think there could be a better hybrid car out there. This was a bit disconnected, but hopefully I explained myself a bit better. @LamboZ – After all of my posts…you see one thing you don’t like and now I’m an idiot? Thanks. Ridicule is a great form or argument.

Now let me explain myself a bit further to you and Adrio and Random Jerk.

Hybrid drivetrains don’t have to affect the look of the car. You can’t build an awesome sports car and hide the fact that it’s an awesome sports car. You can’t build a mad functional pickup and not have it look big and brutish. But take other designs. You can build a luxury car to be either really flashy or really subtle. A layman wouldn’t see a Phaeton and think “rich snob” because it looks so understated on the outside. The MKZ doesn’t even have chrome on the door handles – the whole design is subtle yet amply luxurious. Same with the TL – if you didn’t know much about the badge, you wouldn’t think that it was such a loaded vehicle. Then, on the other range of the spectrum, you have the ‘Slade and the 300 (near-luxury, but you get it) and so on. Lux cars that scream to be seen.

For luxury cars, why are there so many choices of flashiness? Because not everyone wants to project a loud image of why they bought their car. Sure, everyone’s car says something about themselves. I drive a Sable, therefore I’m an old man who doesn’t speed. I get it. But the Sable doesn’t scream that, while a baby blue Park Avenue does. There are varying degrees.

I just think that a lot of people don’t want to scream the hybrid image. There are reasons why Volvo station wagons will be nothing but a niche vehicle – it doesn’t matter how nice and functional they are, they have strong stigmas attached to them. Same with the El Camino. I spent some time in West Sonoma County, CA this summer, perhaps one of the most liberal places I’ve ever been to. And wow, I lost count of the Prii and the Volvos there! It is a general impression that people who drive Prii are saving the environment, launching a crusade against evil big oil and the like.

Not everyone wants to buy a hybrid because of environmental activism. Sometimes, they just want the tax break and the lesser burden in gas. There should be more vehicles for these people.

I mean, look at the Tesla. That car made electric cool! It takes revolutionary technology and puts it in a Lotus with incredible numbers. What if the hybrid drivetrain started in a sportier or more family-oriented car – can you honestly say that the hybrid stigma would have played out the same?

It just seems like doing this keeps hybrids out of the mainstream, and I don’t think that’s beneficial in the end. There are things I like about the Prius and there are things I don’t like. But overall I think there could be a better hybrid car out there.

This was a bit disconnected, but hopefully I explained myself a bit better.

]]> By: buenos http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298874 buenos Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:39:40 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298874 I think my car is bi, it gets good gas mileage and it goes fast, plus both men and women seem to like it. And out of curiosity, how the hell can you tell the entire design of a car by a tailight and a logo? I think my car is bi, it gets good gas mileage and it goes fast, plus both men and women seem to like it.

And out of curiosity, how the hell can you tell the entire design of a car by a tailight and a logo?

]]> By: 360Modena&335i_drivr http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298857 360Modena&335i_drivr Thu, 15 Feb 2007 06:43:17 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298857 Toyota is stealing the Insight design! They figured out that everyone else realized the Prius gets only 40 MPG, while the Insight gets 60 MPG. I would like to see an Insight clone with the same exotic materials, but sturdier body, better handling, and a turbo diesel / electric combo. It should come with a manual transmission (charge more for Auto), handle very well, and have reasonable acceleration. This is feasible today, and would put some fun into the hybrid market. Toyota is stealing the Insight design!

They figured out that everyone else realized the Prius gets only 40 MPG, while the Insight gets 60 MPG.

I would like to see an Insight clone with the same exotic materials, but sturdier body, better handling, and a turbo diesel / electric combo. It should come with a manual transmission (charge more for Auto), handle very well, and have reasonable acceleration. This is feasible today, and would put some fun into the hybrid market.

]]> By: stadt http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298850 stadt Thu, 15 Feb 2007 05:34:07 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298850 You know, I know it's natural for car enthusiasts to hate the earth, because to care would require change, but some of you...damn! I didn't know there was such a correlation between homosexuality and the environment! = D You know, I know it’s natural for car enthusiasts to hate the earth, because to care would require change, but some of you…damn! I didn’t know there was such a correlation between homosexuality and the environment! = D

]]> By: illwill http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298849 illwill Thu, 15 Feb 2007 05:30:37 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298849 ROFL i can already tell this car will look homo. ROFL i can already tell this car will look homo.

]]> By: autonutt http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298847 autonutt Thu, 15 Feb 2007 05:07:50 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298847 Hybrid X? I guess now we know the result of Toyota's meeting with Ford's Mullaly.. father of the Taurus X! :) Hybrid X? I guess now we know the result of Toyota’s meeting with Ford’s Mullaly.. father of the Taurus X! :)

]]> By: Cooper http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298838 Cooper Thu, 15 Feb 2007 03:37:52 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298838 Actually Maddawg0, a 1995 Toyota Camry with a 4 cyl. & 5sp. drivetrain, its most effient combo, is rated at 7.1 tons per year of greenhouse gases, and using 13.2 barrels of oil. If you own a 3.0 auto combo its numbers are 8.0 tons per year and uses 14.9 barrels of oil. While a new Prius is rated at 3.4 tons per year, using 6.2 barrels of oil. Actually Maddawg0, a 1995 Toyota Camry with a 4 cyl. & 5sp. drivetrain, its most effient combo, is rated at 7.1 tons per year of greenhouse gases, and using 13.2 barrels of oil. If you own a 3.0 auto combo its numbers are 8.0 tons per year and uses 14.9 barrels of oil. While a new Prius is rated at 3.4 tons per year, using 6.2 barrels of oil.

]]> By: swamprat http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298833 swamprat Thu, 15 Feb 2007 01:46:01 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298833 If Toyota or anyone else could make a hybrid or any other type of car that would get 75 mpg while tearing don the road at 80 mph, I'm all over it. I don't care about the number of tons of C02 nor about the "enviornment." Enviornmentalists have cost this country a large fortune in their resistance to diesel engines. Now that diesels are "clean", I would place money that their gas mileage is going to suffer. If Toyota or anyone else could make a hybrid or any other type of car that would get 75 mpg while tearing don the road at 80 mph, I’m all over it. I don’t care about the number of tons of C02 nor about the “enviornment.” Enviornmentalists have cost this country a large fortune in their resistance to diesel engines. Now that diesels are “clean”, I would place money that their gas mileage is going to suffer.

]]> By: 1c3d0g http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298812 1c3d0g Wed, 14 Feb 2007 23:04:24 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298812 Fugly, as usual. Dear G-d, can't Toy Ota design *any* car with style? Even Honda has much better designers, and it's a no-contest with Mazda, as their cars look awesome compared to Toy Ota. Fugly, as usual. Dear G-d, can’t Toy Ota design *any* car with style? Even Honda has much better designers, and it’s a no-contest with Mazda, as their cars look awesome compared to Toy Ota.

]]> By: bb_454 http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298803 bb_454 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 22:26:19 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298803 The motor may not be all that fuel efficient, but the hybrid system makes the vehicle fuel efficient. They should make a vehicle stripped down, no PW, PL, AC optional etc. with the hybrid system. The motor may not be all that fuel efficient, but the hybrid system makes the vehicle fuel efficient. They should make a vehicle stripped down, no PW, PL, AC optional etc. with the hybrid system.

]]> By: MikeFX http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298795 MikeFX Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:38:43 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298795 Hybrid X? Now what is Ford going to call their hybrid version of the Taurus X? I heard Freestyle Hybrid is available. Bring on the Altima Hybrid. Decent design, good mileage, nice acceleration, good price, and no dorky distinctive cues that scream "I'm a hybrid!" Hybrid X? Now what is Ford going to call their hybrid version of the Taurus X? I heard Freestyle Hybrid is available.

Bring on the Altima Hybrid. Decent design, good mileage, nice acceleration, good price, and no dorky distinctive cues that scream “I’m a hybrid!”

]]> By: maddawg0 http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298793 maddawg0 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:33:48 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298793 "Nothing wrong with the Prius, it's good on gas and not that expensive as far as cars go. Plus the acceleration isn't too shabby for a 3 cyl" um, yeah, get your facts straight, its a 1.5ltr 4 cylinder engine. “Nothing wrong with the Prius, it’s good on gas and not that expensive as far as cars go. Plus the acceleration isn’t too shabby for a 3 cyl”

um, yeah, get your facts straight, its a 1.5ltr 4 cylinder engine.

]]> By: maddawg0 http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298789 maddawg0 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:32:06 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298789 I find it funny how everyone calls the Prius the car that saves the environment. To be honest, its about as efficient as my mid 90s toyota camry, the carbon dioxide and all the pollution it makes is about as much as my car. Infact that mercedes S class V8 was actually rated more "efficient" than the toyota prius, which has twice as many cylinders. Not "fuel efficient" though, dont get the two mixed up.... I find it funny how everyone calls the Prius the car that saves the environment. To be honest, its about as efficient as my mid 90s toyota camry, the carbon dioxide and all the pollution it makes is about as much as my car. Infact that mercedes S class V8 was actually rated more “efficient” than the toyota prius, which has twice as many cylinders. Not “fuel efficient” though, dont get the two mixed up….

]]> By: CTS DRIVER http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298783 CTS DRIVER Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:18:50 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298783 Stig i want a red cylon light on my car, then i can pretend to talk to it and feel cool like david jackmeoff. hybrid/gas/diese/electric its a car just build it well and it will be up to the buyers individual taste to deside what car they want to be in. if you think a prius looks good thats your taste, if you thing the silverado hybrid is what you want buy it, we all have different taste than each other so beauty can be debated. i do think the power outlets in the silverado are damn cool, by buddy jack runs power cords to his electric blanket while camping, i call him a sissy but secretly wish my frontier had them too. Stig i want a red cylon light on my car, then i can pretend to talk to it and feel cool like david jackmeoff.
hybrid/gas/diese/electric its a car just build it well and it will be
up to the buyers individual taste to deside what car they want to be in. if you think a prius looks good thats your taste, if you thing the silverado hybrid is what you want buy it, we all have different taste than each other so beauty can be debated. i do think the power outlets in the silverado are damn cool, by buddy jack runs power cords to his electric blanket while camping, i call him a sissy but secretly wish my frontier had them too.

]]> By: Blakkarr http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298782 Blakkarr Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:18:14 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298782 Whoa... an exotic sports car got a heavier enviro-smack than the H3? How bad was the H2... or the H1? Anyway... When Toyota shows us something as interesting as the Volt, then I'll care. If it's another motor boosted ICE propelled vehicle. Then I will, as I am sure many will, continue to doubt the value of Hybrids. I love the idea of Hybrids but a serious, "This is the Future", vehicle is sorely needed. When someone produces an "E-drive" (GM's term not mine) full-sized P/U or SUV that performs as well as ICE vehicles, I think all arguments will end. Until then, I'll be watching but I'll go buy me a new Camaro. Whoa… an exotic sports car got a heavier enviro-smack than the H3? How bad was the H2… or the H1? Anyway…

When Toyota shows us something as interesting as the Volt, then I’ll care. If it’s another motor boosted ICE propelled vehicle. Then I will, as I am sure many will, continue to doubt the value of Hybrids.

I love the idea of Hybrids but a serious, “This is the Future”, vehicle is sorely needed. When someone produces an “E-drive” (GM’s term not mine) full-sized P/U or SUV that performs as well as ICE vehicles, I think all arguments will end.

Until then, I’ll be watching but I’ll go buy me a new Camaro.

]]> By: Cooper http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298777 Cooper Wed, 14 Feb 2007 21:01:50 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298777 The big thing for me about hybrids is their emissions output not just their fuel economy. Go to www.fueleconomy.gov and check out your cars emissions. For instance a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid puts out 4.8 tons per year of greenhouse gases and uses an annual consumption of 8.8 barrels of oil per year. Lots of other info is available there also, including an estimate of annual fuel costs, not all cars though have the oil useage estimate. A surprise to me is how bad some performance cars rate. For instance a 2007 Ferrari F430 puts out 12.8 tons per year of greenhouse gases while a 2007 Hummer H3 puts out 10.8 tons per year. As far as used cars go 1992-1995 Honda Civics do very well emissions wise. The big thing for me about hybrids is their emissions output not just their fuel economy. Go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov and check out your cars emissions. For instance a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid puts out 4.8 tons per year of greenhouse gases and uses an annual consumption of 8.8 barrels of oil per year. Lots of other info is available there also, including an estimate of annual fuel costs, not all cars though have the oil useage estimate. A surprise to me is how bad some performance cars rate. For instance a 2007 Ferrari F430 puts out 12.8 tons per year of greenhouse gases while a 2007 Hummer H3 puts out 10.8 tons per year. As far as used cars go 1992-1995 Honda Civics do very well emissions wise.

]]> By: The Stig http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298772 The Stig Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:50:33 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298772 "Also, a hybrid battery needs a lot of cooling, and so we are experimenting with unusual air intakes and outlets that will add a styling element." Mount the batteries in a Thule roof box with lots of vents and maybe a huge wing. Now that's a styling statement and solves the cooling problems with the legacy battery technology Toyota favors. Add a red Cylon light in the front for extra effect. “Also, a hybrid battery needs a lot of cooling, and so we are experimenting with unusual air intakes and outlets that will add a styling element.”

Mount the batteries in a Thule roof box with lots of vents and maybe a huge wing. Now that’s a styling statement and solves the cooling problems with the legacy battery technology Toyota favors. Add a red Cylon light in the front for extra effect.

]]> By: bb_454 http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298756 bb_454 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:04:44 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298756 a hybrid should have a distinctive look […] One of the things you may see are green or blue lights on the sides of the hybrid or maybe even on the hood that illuminate when the car is in hybrid mode," I wonder how legal that is, some states don't allow things like neon lights to be under a vehicle as their considered a distraction. So wouldn't having lights on the side of the vehicle and on the hood that turn on and off depending on what mode your in be just a big of a distraction? a hybrid should have a distinctive look […] One of the things you may see are green or blue lights on the sides of the hybrid or maybe even on the hood that illuminate when the car is in hybrid mode,”

I wonder how legal that is, some states don’t allow things like neon lights to be under a vehicle as their considered a distraction. So wouldn’t having lights on the side of the vehicle and on the hood that turn on and off depending on what mode your in be just a big of a distraction?

]]> By: Oldsmobile http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298749 Oldsmobile Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:41:40 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298749 Yay we've all discovered how stereotypes work, now let's stop using them and have a real car discussion. Yay we’ve all discovered how stereotypes work, now let’s stop using them and have a real car discussion.

]]> By: maximus http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298748 maximus Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:38:24 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298748 Nothing wrong with the Prius, it's good on gas and not that expensive as far as cars go. Plus the acceleration isn't too shabby for a 3 cyl Nothing wrong with the Prius, it’s good on gas and not that expensive as far as cars go. Plus the acceleration isn’t too shabby for a 3 cyl

]]> By: Adrio http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298746 Adrio Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:32:47 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298746 Exactly I'm a muscle car fanatic. I love the mustang and cant wait for the 08 Bullit to come out, I love the new G8 and classic camaros. But I've also driven my sisters Prius on occasion thats how I know that people buy those cars because they are very cool cars. And when its running on only the electric motor, its a sensation like no other regular car. Thats why people get those cars. It has nothing to do with the gas guzzling SUV double wide Pick up bunch. But as usual they take it to heart, because as we all know, they are a self-conscious bunch and need the huge SUV's to try to impress people. (see I can stereo type too) Exactly

I’m a muscle car fanatic. I love the mustang and cant wait for the 08 Bullit to come out, I love the new G8 and classic camaros. But I’ve also driven my sisters Prius on occasion thats how I know that people buy those cars because they are very cool cars. And when its running on only the electric motor, its a sensation like no other regular car.

Thats why people get those cars. It has nothing to do with the gas guzzling SUV double wide Pick up bunch. But as usual they take it to heart, because as we all know, they are a self-conscious bunch and need the huge SUV’s to try to impress people. (see I can stereo type too)

]]> By: murphy1 http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298741 murphy1 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:22:22 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298741 alrighty then.... i drive 60,000 miles a year and had a pontiac vibe that averaged 30 mpg(ive always been a gm guy). needless to say, due to its small size and wheelbase, the ride was less than desirable. i purchased a prius for economical reasons, but the ride is awesome too. im averaging about 52mpg(im in florida) and at 2 dollars a gallon, i will save $2000 a year. not hundred, THOUSAND. and i truly could care less about how this car looks or what it is doing to the environment, its saving me a boatload of money and giving a comfortable ride. anybody care to guess what the price of gas will be in a couple of years?? and if you factor in the cost of driving a guzzling suv, not a 30 mpg car, the savings are astronomical. once again, i don't think most hybrid buyers want people to "look at me" in these cars, they have legit reasons for purchasing them. alrighty then…. i drive 60,000 miles a year and had a pontiac vibe that averaged 30 mpg(ive always been a gm guy). needless to say, due to its small size and wheelbase, the ride was less than desirable. i purchased a prius for economical reasons, but the ride is awesome too. im averaging about 52mpg(im in florida) and at 2 dollars a gallon, i will save $2000 a year. not hundred, THOUSAND. and i truly could care less about how this car looks or what it is doing to the environment, its saving me a boatload of money and giving a comfortable ride. anybody care to guess what the price of gas will be in a couple of years?? and if you factor in the cost of driving a guzzling suv, not a 30 mpg car, the savings are astronomical. once again, i don’t think most hybrid buyers want people to “look at me” in these cars, they have legit reasons for purchasing them.

]]> By: LamborghiniZ http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298734 LamborghiniZ Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:11:22 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298734 Yeah Brendino's an idiot. The fact is that some hybrids have distinct styling because TONS of cars have distinct styling, that's the point of design, I mean consider, everyone bashes Toyota's bland cars, and then here is the Prius, a very NON BLAND car, and it's still bashed for it's looks. WAKE UP MORONS, people like to be seen driving their cars. You say people like to be seen driving hybrids due to their peculiar looks, well so what? Like someone driving an Escalade isn't trying to be seen? You mean someone rolling around in a Solstice doesn't like to be seen? Even a Madzda6 has sporty styling, because of how people LIKE TO BE SEEN. Get over yourself, people love styling and love to be seen in their cars, it's called design. And plus there are countless hybrids that DONT have peculiar styling. You've got some issues man. Yeah Brendino’s an idiot. The fact is that some hybrids have distinct styling because TONS of cars have distinct styling, that’s the point of design, I mean consider, everyone bashes Toyota’s bland cars, and then here is the Prius, a very NON BLAND car, and it’s still bashed for it’s looks. WAKE UP MORONS, people like to be seen driving their cars. You say people like to be seen driving hybrids due to their peculiar looks, well so what? Like someone driving an Escalade isn’t trying to be seen? You mean someone rolling around in a Solstice doesn’t like to be seen? Even a Madzda6 has sporty styling, because of how people LIKE TO BE SEEN. Get over yourself, people love styling and love to be seen in their cars, it’s called design. And plus there are countless hybrids that DONT have peculiar styling. You’ve got some issues man.

]]> By: bb_454 http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298733 bb_454 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:10:53 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298733 I don't care if someone buys a hybrid, that's fine with me. I'm just tired of the Eco friendly types that have to bash the SUV & Pickup truck crowd of those that like muscle cars. You made your choice to have a very fuel efficient vehicle, I took the other road I bought a Camaro that gets half the fuel efficiency but has more of whats appealing to me (speed, looks & handling). Cant the world co-exist with both people with out the senseless bickering and fighting? Think of how stupid it actually is to flip someone off or key their vehicle because their driving an SUV (www.fuh2.com). Or is it just that their can't be peace in the world at all, even if it involves something as minute as what vehicle you like? I don’t care if someone buys a hybrid, that’s fine with me. I’m just tired of the Eco friendly types that have to bash the SUV & Pickup truck crowd of those that like muscle cars. You made your choice to have a very fuel efficient vehicle, I took the other road I bought a Camaro that gets half the fuel efficiency but has more of whats appealing to me (speed, looks & handling). Cant the world co-exist with both people with out the senseless bickering and fighting? Think of how stupid it actually is to flip someone off or key their vehicle because their driving an SUV (www.fuh2.com). Or is it just that their can’t be peace in the world at all, even if it involves something as minute as what vehicle you like?

]]> By: global_lightning http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298731 global_lightning Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:03:57 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298731 Translation of Toyota's new strategy: The Design DNA for Toyota hybrids will include the following elements: - Robbie the Robot - The Jetson's flying car - Dark Helmet from Spaceballs - Star Trek TNG, DS9, and Voyager - Silicone breast implants - Atari Tempest Their target Demographics are: - The Society for Creative Anachronism - Cosplayers - Chess, Math, and Debate Clubs - Commodore 64 users - Males shorter than 5'5" with IQs > 155 and the women who love them After adjusting for new gas prices, Toyota espects to sell dozens and dozens of their new hybrids. Translation of Toyota’s new strategy:

The Design DNA for Toyota hybrids will include the following elements:
- Robbie the Robot
- The Jetson’s flying car
- Dark Helmet from Spaceballs
- Star Trek TNG, DS9, and Voyager
- Silicone breast implants
- Atari Tempest

Their target Demographics are:
- The Society for Creative Anachronism
- Cosplayers
- Chess, Math, and Debate Clubs
- Commodore 64 users
- Males shorter than 5’5″ with IQs > 155 and the women who love them

After adjusting for new gas prices, Toyota espects to sell dozens and dozens of their new hybrids.

]]> By: Merkur XR4Ti http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298730 Merkur XR4Ti Wed, 14 Feb 2007 19:02:22 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298730 Where's all the bashing about it being the Hybrid X? Hybrid X sounds like some comic book hero made from used paper towels for all the tree-hugging environmentalist wimps. Where’s all the bashing about it being the Hybrid X?

Hybrid X sounds like some comic book hero made from used paper towels for all the tree-hugging environmentalist wimps.

]]> By: buenos http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298725 buenos Wed, 14 Feb 2007 18:52:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298725 I do believe A4 just came out of the closet. I do believe A4 just came out of the closet.

]]> By: Hyperion http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298721 Hyperion Wed, 14 Feb 2007 18:43:05 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298721 Toyota showcasing it's commitment to lessening the environmental impact of its cars is welcome. .... as long as they showcase it in more compact front engine rear-drive models. Toyota showcasing it’s commitment to lessening the environmental impact of its cars is welcome.

…. as long as they showcase it in more compact front engine rear-drive models.

]]> By: Brendino http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298717 Brendino Wed, 14 Feb 2007 18:36:24 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298717 Why should a hybrid have a distinct look? Only because people want to be seen driving them. It's elitist and I don't like it. I appreciate the hybrid escape, camry, vue, etc. so much more because they're not screaming "I THINK I'M SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT!!!!" Why should a hybrid have a distinct look?

Only because people want to be seen driving them.

It’s elitist and I don’t like it.

I appreciate the hybrid escape, camry, vue, etc. so much more because they’re not screaming “I THINK I’M SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT!!!!”

]]> By: TomF http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298716 TomF Wed, 14 Feb 2007 18:35:26 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298716 Pretty feeble photo. Puts you in mind of a Honda Insight. Pretty feeble photo. Puts you in mind of a Honda Insight.

]]> By: Ricardo Head http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298712 Ricardo Head Wed, 14 Feb 2007 18:15:11 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298712 Yes, to cut down on electricity usage required for travel, Toyota has added extra lights and heavy glass on the roof to heat the interior thus requiring additional A/C. It's just another gay concept for the eco-weeners who wank to the thought of humanity living according to their feeble desires. Yes, to cut down on electricity usage required for travel, Toyota has added extra lights and heavy glass on the roof to heat the interior thus requiring additional A/C. It’s just another gay concept for the eco-weeners who wank to the thought of humanity living according to their feeble desires.

]]> By: bb_454 http://www.leftlanenews.com/early-look-toyota-hybrid-x-concept.html#comment-298700 bb_454 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 17:12:04 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/14/early-look-toyota-hybrid-hybrid-x-concept/#comment-298700 Hahaha, so its going to look like a rolling space ship with lights all over it. Hahaha, so its going to look like a rolling space ship with lights all over it.

]]>