david_42
Oregon
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I think Ford is missing a big opportunity by not building a Crown Victoria hybrid. They would own the taxi market instantly and a big part of the police market as well. Big engine compartment, rear-wheel drive. They could probably use the Escape drive-train with an extra low-speed electric motor for faster acceleration.
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surveyorjp
Missouri
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Capt. Skup up to his usual Dodge bashing antics.  It sure does get old.
Hybrid technology is definately a step in the right direction, and it will be nice to see this and other technologies applied to vehicles to aid in fuel economy. Hopefully they can find a way to keep costs in check as well.
2005 Surveyor SV-291 Tows smooth as silk!
1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 4x4 5.9L V8 low miles, It ain't pretty, but it's paid for!
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eightballsidepocket
San Jose, California, USA
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david_42 wrote:I think Ford is missing a big opportunity by not building a Crown Victoria hybrid. They would own the taxi market instantly and a big part of the police market as well. Big engine compartment, rear-wheel drive. They could probably use the Escape drive-train with an extra low-speed electric motor for faster acceleration.
Sadly, a hybrid Crown or Mercury Marquis will be very costly for a taxi fleet to purchase.
I saw a Toyota Camry hybrid displayed outside my local Costco, and it listed for close to $35k! What taxi fleet wants to make that expenditure? It's gonna take a lot of miles of taxiing to recoup that cost difference in fuel savings, and even as we post, the price of gasoline and diesel is coming down rather quickly.
Except for the Honda Civic hybrid, all the other hybrids are priced up their in the ionisphere. Sadly, try and find a Honda Civic hybrid. Most are all scooped up by frightened consumers, buying them at list or above. Priuses are basically unobtainable until next years model hits.
I still hope that when Hyundai comes out with a hybrid as they are promising, that they will hold the line on pricing, and help drive down these terribly inflated prices for that type of vehicle.
Regards, Eightballsidepocket
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x2 Quad Cab, Cummins, 48RE Tranny, Lg Bed, Line-X Spray-on Bed Liner.
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McDonoughDawg
Peachtree City, GA, USA
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eightballsidepocket wrote:david_42 wrote:I think Ford is missing a big opportunity by not building a Crown Victoria hybrid. They would own the taxi market instantly and a big part of the police market as well. Big engine compartment, rear-wheel drive. They could probably use the Escape drive-train with an extra low-speed electric motor for faster acceleration.
Sadly, a hybrid Crown or Mercury Marquis will be very costly for a taxi fleet to purchase.
I saw a Toyota Camry hybrid displayed outside my local Costco, and it listed for close to $35k! What taxi fleet wants to make that expenditure? It's gonna take a lot of miles of taxiing to recoup that cost difference in fuel savings, and even as we post, the price of gasoline and diesel is coming down rather quickly.
Except for the Honda Civic hybrid, all the other hybrids are priced up their in the ionisphere. Sadly, try and find a Honda Civic hybrid. Most are all scooped up by frightened consumers, buying them at list or above. Priuses are basically unobtainable until next years model hits.
I still hope that when Hyundai comes out with a hybrid as they are promising, that they will hold the line on pricing, and help drive down these terribly inflated prices for that type of vehicle.
Camry Hybrids start at 26,4xx. So you saw a VERY loaded example.
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dodge guy
Chicago, western subs.
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And also the new MDS programming will allow accelerating in 4 cyl. mode if needed. 4 cyl. mode used to only be on the highway. and BTW it has regenerative braking which recharges the batteries while slowing/braking.
And another BTW, which may scare people at first. it now uses brake by wire!!! which sends a signal to the electric motors and/or ABS unit to slow the vehicle in normal stops. but still uses mecanical linkage for emergency/panic stops. very interesting mechanical systems.
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camping than a good day at work!
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rsh_757
Auburn, WA
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Fast Mopar wrote:Rob_NC wrote:All of the OEMs are wasting their time/money making hybrids out of SUVs. Think about it, what vehicle alone would make the best hybrid? A minivan. Hybrid technology is based on systems that require a lot of braking in order to recharge the batteries. What other vehicle makes more stops than a soccer-mom's minivan?
You have a good point, but since many soccer moms prefer to be seen in cool SUV's instead of minivans, the OEM's are trying to build what people want (or at least what they have wanted in the past). GM tries to market the Tahoe hybrid by advertising that the 2008 2WD Tahoe hybrid gets the same EPA city fuel economy rating as the 2008 4 cylinder Toyota Camry sedan (21 mpg city for both as per www.fueleconomy.gov). I agree, though, that a minivan would be a good starting platform for the hybrid technology. A conventional 2008 3.3 liter Dodge Grand Caravan is rated at 17 city 24 highway, so one would think that a hybrid version would get great fuel economy in a useful package. But, minivans are not cool, don't forget.
Great, figuring out more ways to push your minivan....
Chrysler is doing what they should do, getting more economy out of one of their very usuable vehicles. While I am not in the market, if I was, I would consider it based on the new technology. Good info! It has to start somewhere, why not on one of the vehicles known for having less economy?
2008 Cougar 310SRX 5th Wheel
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 QC 4x4 CTD
2008 Nissan Armada LE
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d1h
Indiana
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rsh_757
Auburn, WA
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d1h wrote:
hahahahaha! now there is brand loyalty!! Do you have a tattoo also?
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MM49
Brighton, MI, USA
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Joined: 12/28/2004
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I think it is quite smart to develop their most profitable vehicle segment. In a shrinking market it pays to be on the top. Chrysler has a long list of innovations to improve economy. MDS, R68RFE transmission American Axles low drag brakes.
MM49
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Rob_NC
Walnut Cove, NC
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I know it's been said before, but the most obvious mpg improvement to any vehicle line would be to add a diesel option. Why aren't they? Nissan will in 2009.
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