Honestly, do they really have to look so gay? I wouldn’t be against getting 1 if they didn’t look like something out of a comic book. Is there a reason they don’t look like other, regular Sedans/Coupes?
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Why do Hybrid Cars look so strange?


Rachel P 2:04 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink |
for aerodynamics, to make the car more fuel efficient, so it doesn’t have to fight against the wind… i think they are trying to make them more ‘pretty to the eye’ now. I think there is a honda coming out next year or the year after that is pretty.
djaca70 2:04 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink |
Ever hear of aerodynamics? Less drag = Less fuel consumption.
Pilgrim 2:04 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink |
Yes, there is.
The carmakers really don’t want you to buy them.
In a few years, they want to be able to say "we made environmentally friendly cars but nobody bought them."
Unfortunately (for them) people ARE buying them regardless of how stupid they look. The Prius is flying off the car lots! The hybrid Hondas are also selling like hotcakes! The Chevy Tahoe that gets 25mpg is enjoying brisk sales as well.
The gay styling didn’t keep people away like they hoped.
The one time I rode in a Prius, I did the first thing I do when I get in any car, I tried to move the seat all the way back. IT WAS ALREADY ALL THE WAY BACK!! I became quite good friends with my knees that day.
.
mrvadeboncoeur 2:04 pm on November 27, 2009 Permalink |
Strange/ugly is in the eye of the beholder.
The cd (coefficient of drag) on both the Honda Insight (introduced in 1999)and the Toyota Prius (introduced in 1997 in Japan, 2000 world-wide) is at or lower than that of many sports cars – these cars were designed to be very aerodynamic, to help with the fuel economy. Many people find sleek lines and an aerodynamic shape to be pleasing, while others may find it strange/ugly.
Since these two models initially came out, hybrid drivetrains have been added to many other "conventional" cars, like the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and the Chevy Malibu; and trucks/SUVs, like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner, Saturn Vue, and Chevy Tahoe. With the exception of some badging and maybe a different grille, these hybrids look identical to their non-hybrid trim lines, and therefore do not stand out as much. However, their fuel economy is still based on the model’s existing design, which may or may not be aerodynamic or aesthetically pleasing.
(The Honda Insight has been discontinued. Meanwhile the Toyota Prius makes up only about 1/2 of the hybrids sold in the US, so if you’re not seeing other hybrids it is because they blend in with their non-hybrid sister trims so well!)