New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
1–10 of 15 posts
Re: New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
#2Why do the electric/hybrid cars need to look so bad? If you are going to make the effort to design a new body, and not just slap an electric engine into an existing car like GM does, why not spend a few extra bucks to make it look good?
Re: New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
#3Why do the electric/hybrid cars need to look so bad? If you are going to make the effort to design a new body, and not just slap an electric engine into an existing car like GM does, why not spend a few extra bucks to make it look good?
Aerodynamics? The buyers are supposed to care about mileage more than how it looks. Also it has a distinct look, I suppose Prius buyers like to be recognized as someone who cares about the environment.
Re: New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
#4Why do the electric/hybrid cars need to look so bad? If you are going to make the effort to design a new body, and not just slap an electric engine into an existing car like GM does, why not spend a few extra bucks to make it look good?
I must admit, I don't find it ugly at all. Different tastes I guess.
Re: New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
#5Why do the electric/hybrid cars need to look so bad? If you are going to make the effort to design a new body, and not just slap an electric engine into an existing car like GM does, why not spend a few extra bucks to make it look good?
Aerodynamics? The buyers are supposed to care about mileage more than how it looks. Also it has a distinct look, I suppose Prius buyers like to be recognized as someone who cares about the environment.
[The Prius] has a distinct look, I suppose Prius buyers like to be recognized as someone who cares about the environment.
http://www.cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automotiveenergy
http://www.cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automotiveenergy/DUST%20PDF%... [PDF]
a strong reason for selecting a hybrid is the distinctive "styling" or styling ques it projects or has. Insight buyers and Prius owners list this as a highly critical reason for making the particular selection. This also a likely reason the Ford Escape and Honda hybrids seem to be languishing. It simply can't be identified easily as a hybrid and for the premium paid it lacks instant recognition.
If that sounds somewhat cynical, consider the following graph. Among the choices given to hybrid owners was "Makes a statement about me." Fully a third of owners give this as their first or second reason for making a hybrid acquisition. And without the styling cues, the statement is less than clear at first glance.
Re: New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
#6Why do the electric/hybrid cars need to look so bad? If you are going to make the effort to design a new body, and not just slap an electric engine into an existing car like GM does, why not spend a few extra bucks to make it look good?
Aerodynamics? The buyers are supposed to care about mileage more than how it looks. Also it has a distinct look, I suppose Prius buyers like to be recognized as someone who cares about the environment.
Why does everyone keep saying that it is about image? I want to buy a prius because they get 50 mpg (at least), not because I'm in the business of doing whatever pleases you.
Re: New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
#7Why do the electric/hybrid cars need to look so bad? If you are going to make the effort to design a new body, and not just slap an electric engine into an existing car like GM does, why not spend a few extra bucks to make it look good?
I must admit, I don't find it ugly at all. Different tastes I guess.
Agreed. I like the way it looks. I'm interested in the Honda Insight as a competitor.
Re: New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
#8At least this one looks better than the last-gen Prius. Probably still has the same handling and acceleration characteristics of a dead llama, though.
Rather than this hybrid nonsense, I would love to see some of the fun little city cars (like the Aygo) arrive over here in the US. Better mileage, yet still peppy and fun to drive.
Re: New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
#9Earlier quoted context omitted.
Aerodynamics? The buyers are supposed to care about mileage more than how it looks. Also it has a distinct look, I suppose Prius buyers like to be recognized as someone who cares about the environment.
Why does everyone keep saying that it is about image? I want to buy a prius because they get 50 mpg (at least), not because I'm in the business of doing whatever pleases you.
Here in Cambridge, MA, I think there are an awful lot of people who want YOU to know that THEY are driving a hybrid. IMO, the Prius hybrid didn't bury the Civic hybrid because it was better (it is for city, not for highway), but rather because the Civic hyrid looks like a normal Civic, which doesn't allow for an ostentatious display of smugness. http://torontoist.com/2007/08/green_plate_par.php
Re: New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc
#10Why do the electric/hybrid cars need to look so bad? If you are going to make the effort to design a new body, and not just slap an electric engine into an existing car like GM does, why not spend a few extra bucks to make it look good?
I must admit, I don't find it ugly at all. Different tastes I guess.
it doesn't look ugly for a wagon, but most people would prefer a sedan. Or something like a Mazda6 hatchback