New rule

[GT40FIED]

Just because you make a car that has an electric motor doesn't mean you get to call it a hybrid. If the car cannot be moved solely by the electric motor it's not a hybrid, it's an insult. Why do I feel like every time Lexus calls their L460h a "hybrid", they're insulting my intelligence? It's a damn 400hp V8 with a 20hp (or something) electric motor that just assists the gas motor. BMW has a new concept 7 series with a damn twin turbo V8 (or V10...I forget) and a 20hp electric motor. That 20hp motor would propel the 4000lb+ Bimmer to...what...5 or 10mph? Auto journalists aren't helping, either. They've taken to calling these cars "mild hybrids" since they have no electric only mode. Bullshit. I'm calling shenanigans.

[ChrisCantSkate]

seconded-ed

[Racing Rice]

Well technically.. It is a hybrid..

hy·brid (hbrd)
n.

a. Something of mixed origin or composition.
b. Something, such as a computer or power plant, having two kinds of components that produce the same or similar results.

Hybrid combines two Technologies to make a certain system work. I will agree though, some of the "hybrids" are ridiculously pathetic. It is their way of jumping on the "Hybrid" bandwagon for those "green" consumers and Governmental types that are pushing the "Green" movement. Without fully utilizing a true hybrid solution like a Prius or insight, but still claiming the name.

If the car cannot be moved solely by the electric motor it's not a hybrid, it's an insult.

That would be an electric car, not a Hybrid.

[GT40FIED]

Originally Posted by Racing Rice

That would be an electric car, not a Hybrid.

Ahhh, but wouldn't an electric car be run solely on the car's battery pack? Take a look at Chevy's Volt. It's only powered by the electric motor, but uses a small gas generator to replenish the batteries after the 40 mile electric-only range is crossed. I suppose if you kept your commute under 40 miles, you'd never have to fill up the tank.

Technically I suppose you're right. I mean, they are using two different types of power sources. But when put in realistic terms, it's just sad. I mean when you have a 400hp gas motor are you even going to notice the extra 20hp being kicked in by the electric motor? Even Ruf is experimenting with an all electric 997. I think if a (relatively) small tuner/manufacturer has the brains and cash to pull that off, surely a multi billion dollar automaker in America/Japan/Germany/Italy/wherever can take the idea and run with it.

[Racing Rice]

I agree, I think we should be way further ahead then where we are today. Hell a bunch of college kids have come closer to making quality successful electric cars then these big name, high income, auto manufactures have. Probably because they don't get the ROI fast enough to make it worth it. Unfortunately it's something that we need. The problem with a 400HP car is you start mixing performance and economy. 20 or 22mpg isn't really bad if you think about it for a car with that much power, when normally it would average 12-15? It's a step in the right direction. I wish my Ram got 22mpg instead of 13mpg and still had the power to pull trailers, etc.

I think Tesla Motors is the closest thing to a solid performance production green car (100% electric with 220 mile range) out there, but it's very $$$. However, it shows that it can be done. But right now, it's at a cost.

I'm still waiting for a car that gets moving off of electric, then runs off of wind. Highway driving you'd never have to stop. Stop in go traffic would be the only thing that would require the batteries to be at charge. If you could get 220 miles (or even a few hours) in stop and go traffic you'd never have to worry about it unless the batteries just failed. Get out of town and recharge the batteries and you're set.

Or how about wind, battery, and solar?

These would be a truly efficient hybrid.

[GT40FIED]

Agreed. I think the Tesla is an exciting car, but not in the usual way. It's probably a lot more dull to drive than most sports cars out there...even the Lotus on which it's based. But it shows a step in the right direction and, finally, that performance enthusiasm and alternative power sources don't have to be enemies. Sure, it's probably overweight and extremely expensive for what it is, but it's in it's infancy. Really...cars like that can only move forward as motors and battery technology improves. And honestly...who doesn't love peak torque from 1 rpm and up?

[susu]

Originally Posted by GT40FIED

Agreed. I think the Tesla is an exciting car, but not in the usual way. It's probably a lot more dull to drive than most sports cars out there...even the Lotus on which it's based. But it shows a step in the right direction and, finally, that performance enthusiasm and alternative power sources don't have to be enemies. Sure, it's probably overweight and extremely expensive for what it is, but it's in it's infancy. Really...cars like that can only move forward as motors and battery technology improves. And honestly...who doesn't love peak torque from 1 rpm and up?

I also agree with you.