Hybrid Engine!!?

[Adam]

I didn't see a thread for this yet, but heres the news. I didn't see this one coming...but I was watching TV and there was a program about Ford's soon-to-be standard engine. It is a Gas/Electric Hybrid. It is supposed to double the gas milage of the exsisting engine. It is rumored that the new hybrid will be out around 2004 on the "new" Explorers.

I am actually very interested to learn more about this.

 

[Chief]

I'm not shocked with all the hype about fuel sucking sport utility vehicles. Dodge and Chrysler, with their Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, respectively, are offering a hybrid engine soon. I wonder how many of these will sell, and how useful it will be in "SUV activies" (ie, towing, off-roading, cargo carrying, etc.)

 

[NoBoundaries]

In my opinion, most people who drive the typical SUV don't really care. As long as it performs pretty well and isn't a nuisance, I think people will buy it. Remember, people buying an SUV want to save money, they are willing to pay a little more up front maybe and not have to pay a lot for gas. Gas is something you will always have to pay for, car payments end at some point. So long as you can cut back on what people do and will always have to pay for, they are happy. With a hybrid, they can have their cake and eat it too. It will get better fuel economy then a car and still maintain that tough truck SUV "status." Most SUV's never have there true capabilities tested, so I don't believe its a concern to most. Anyhow, I could go on and on about this, but to be honest, I think it may be more of an attraction for most, rather than a deterrent.

 

[Chief]

I'd really be interested to see the annual sales figures and the EPA fuel economy.

 

[Stephen]

I cant wait to drive one of these things and see how well it all performs.