On Dec 5, 2007, at 2:17 PM, Funny NYPD wrote:

> Honda's engineer still confused how Toyota achieved 40-60-80MPG
> on their vehicles while their vehicle and GM=92s vehicle cannot
> achieve those good numbers? On the real world, or just on the
> test bench on cruised speed?

Like I've been saying; I get about 50mpg averaged over my real
world driving in my prius.  Honda didn't get it; for the accord
they added an electric motor to their 240HP V6 gas engine version.
Here's a quote from an article on the honda hybrid:

>> Honda's hybrid system =97 IMA, for integrated motor
>> assist =97 always uses the gas engine, then kicks in
>> the electric motor for more power when needed.

Excuse me?  The gas motor is 240HP!  It's a wonder that the
electric motor EVER goes on (a tribute to aggressive american
drivers, I guess.)

The prius added the electric motor to a 70HP gas engine, nicely
matching itself with those observations people are making about
how little horsepower it takes to maintain highway speeds.  You
NEED both motors to get reasonable acceleration on the prius, and
it still won't make any sportscar drivers happy.  The prius is a
wonderfully "balanced" engineering effort, taking into account
price, size, efficiency, handling, and etc.  I'd like to see
what they could do if they optimize for efficiency rather than
"balance", but I doubt that many customers would pay that much
for that such a small and sluggish car...

BillW

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