IF this is true...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/?...anner
Highlights from the article..
Engineers are currently working on two machines, one of which will be a new version of the flagship LS. However, first to hit the road will be the GS350 GT, which was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. Expected in August 2005 and aimed at the Mercedes E55 AMG, it will mark Lexus' first anniversary of sales in Japan, and sport a 300bhp 3.5-litre V6 mated to a 170bhp electric motor. Offering an astounding 470bhp, the car will feature all-wheel drive and be capable of around 60mpg.
But if you think that sounds impressive, then just wait another 12 months, when Lexus' ultimate hybrid - the LS500 GT - will appear. Combining a 400bhp 5.0-litre V8 with a 200bhp electric motor, the car will offer at least 600bhp and be targeted at the Mercedes S-Class flagship, the S600L.
Amazing.. Now this is some hybrid tech I'm down for... If this is true, and lexus can bring this to the market with those numbers, it will be unprecedented..
60mpg.. unreal
Lexus is about to blow away the industry...
AUTO SPIES PREDICTION-What's the secret strategy that the Japanese will use to beat the Germans?
The Spies say the Japanese are betting the farm on hybrid technology in cars AND trucks!
We predict the hybrid strategy of 'no compromise' hybrid based vehicles, will be the death knell of the german luxury car stronghold as we know it, in less than ten years.
And we predict hybrids will officially become 'The American Diesel' because of American customers desire to have a politically correct solution, to more fuel efficient vehicles.
The Spies say the Japanese are betting the farm on hybrid technology in cars AND trucks!
We predict the hybrid strategy of 'no compromise' hybrid based vehicles, will be the death knell of the german luxury car stronghold as we know it, in less than ten years.
And we predict hybrids will officially become 'The American Diesel' because of American customers desire to have a politically correct solution, to more fuel efficient vehicles.
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Q45tech
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- Car: 1990 Q45 342,400 miles 22 years ownership with original engine
1995 G20t 5 speed 334,000 miles 16" 2002 wheels - 205/50/16 Sr20ve vvl
Unfortunately it takes 15 years to attack the 215,000,000 US cars.
Assuming every new car sold is a hybrid!
The current family income is $78K for hybrid buyers.
There were 43,435 registered at the end of 2003!http://www.caranddriver.com/ar...=8047
Buying used AS IS means you get to replace a $5,000 battery pack soon. Whether they will sell used is a serious concern because technology will advance so much during the 5 year loan.
What happens economically if you can't sell your car..[or at least the depreciation is higher to correct for need replacement parts cost]........that $1,000 a year you save on gasoline disappears.
Putting a $2 tax on gas will speed the process.
Assuming every new car sold is a hybrid!
The current family income is $78K for hybrid buyers.
There were 43,435 registered at the end of 2003!http://www.caranddriver.com/ar...=8047
Buying used AS IS means you get to replace a $5,000 battery pack soon. Whether they will sell used is a serious concern because technology will advance so much during the 5 year loan.
What happens economically if you can't sell your car..[or at least the depreciation is higher to correct for need replacement parts cost]........that $1,000 a year you save on gasoline disappears.
Putting a $2 tax on gas will speed the process.
Q45tech wrote:What happens economically if you can't sell your car..[or at least the depreciation is higher to correct for need replacement parts cost]........that $1,000 a year you save on gasoline disappears.
With new and quickly changing technology such as hybrid, it would seem to me that the only safe strategy to defend against unkown future market conditions such as this would be to transfer the back end risk back to the manufacture (or whoever is financing the vehicle) via a lease. At least that's how I'd probably handle it. However, I have not checked into residual factors for hybrids, assuming they are offered for lease at all. But it seems that I remember when GM came out with their short-lived electric car, it was only availble via lease.
Russ.
These cars are going to change a lot of things. I do know that banks of battery acid seem more harmful in a junk yard than an empty gas tank and some power steering fluid. Related, I recently read an article where they are training EMS personnel to recognize hybrid cars and on how to assess and disconnect the electrical current in the event of a wreck. They are also receiving additional training on electrical-related injuries. So if you drive one and have a wreck, I guess you can expect a bump and a jolt!
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Nismo_Freak
- Posts: 10314
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- Car: 89 Nissan 240SX
Aus94Q45 wrote:These cars are going to change a lot of things. I do know that banks of battery acid seem more harmful in a junk yard than an empty gas tank and some power steering fluid. Related, I recently read an article where they are training EMS personnel to recognize hybrid cars and on how to assess and disconnect the electrical current in the event of a wreck. They are also receiving additional training on electrical-related injuries. So if you drive one and have a wreck, I guess you can expect a bump and a jolt!
Where in Austin you located?
SPL Parts and Capitol Z of Texas is having a Nissan meet tomorrow featuring BBQ and open house.
http://www.splparts.com for more info.
