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posted to rec.boats
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,635
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GM introducing hybrid pickups,, 6000 lb tow capacity
Canuck57 wrote:
" JimH" ask wrote in message
...
"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Oct 22, 11:29?am, "D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com wrote:
"Chuck Gould"
Fuel economy is reputed to be about 25% better than gasoline-powered
trucks with equal towing capacity.
mmm hmmmm.
db
My personal experience with the 400H indicates that hybrid technology
can indeed improve gas mileage. Our 400H dramatically outperforms the
standard V6 equivalent (especially in acceleration), and with the trip
computer on for a variety of in town and highway driving last weekend
we realized a genuine 28.2 mpg. EPA fantasies aside, I think we would
have been lucky to get much more than about 20-22 mpg with the slower,
orthodox V6.
I'm not sure that the ECVT transmission is heavy duty enough for
extremely large loads, but for small trailer boats under 5-6,000
pounds
the hybrid might be a workable alternative. It would at least bear
looking into.
Everything I have read says the average driver will never recoup the extra
money spend on a hybrid in gasoline savings.
It looks like your Lexus hybrid cost you about $5,000 more than the
comparable non hybrid Lexus. That works out to 1,667 gallons of gas @
$3/gallon just to break even.
Who knows how it pans out for the person doing a lot of towing.
You are also assuming they do not break down any more often than a typical
truck and no more expensive to repair. Heck, one major engine or
transmission job sure eats up the savings (if realized) real fast. I too
doubt any will save money.
Me, reliability, safety and suitability are far ahead of fuel mileage. The
last thing I want to do on vacation with the boat is drag my ass up the hill
or into a dealership for repairs. Or worse yet, in an underpowered rig flip
off the road. And a V6? They are kidding right? What are they pulling a
Jon?
Like you, I am quite content to let someone else test this for us.
Taste is subjective, but jeez, the 400H is one uggleee car. Has side
windows like one of those newfangled dockside cruisers.
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