Hybrid Pontiac Vibe

[vibeless]

Any word on if this will ever happen?

[ragingfish]

Ehhh...I wouldn't bank on it...hybrids as a breed (lol, I made a funny!) are still very new to the industry...I don't susepct we'll see many mainstream models with hybrid options for many many many years to come...

[GMJAP]

We'd probably see a hybrid Corolla first. Then maybe a matrix/vibe as they share platforms.However, seeing as how hybrids are pretty low on performance (Prius is slower than Corolla), and the "sporty" angle of the Matrix/Vibe, I would doubt it. Since they're still money losers (Prius costs more to build than MSRP) they probably won't be widespread for a long time as ragingfish noted.But, you never really know....

[Jahntassa]

Depends on how long people will take the $2 a gallon for gas, and what happens when we finally run out of oil, which, I think, was last predicted for around 2050. I'm sure with all the wasteful ways of late, that that estimate has been pushed closer to now.However..I would agree, I don't think they're going to retrofit many current vehicles to be hybrids. Mostly because of the amount of space for the newer electronics, the two engines, batteries, etc.. It'd be more cost effective to just design a new car...

[JohnC]

Quote, originally posted by vibeless »Any word on if this will ever happen? I would bet on a turbo-diesel before a hybrid. Does Toyota have any small diesels in their overseas cars?

[ragingfish]

Honda is making a diesel accord available state-side in the next year or two...

[joatmon]

I'd be surprised if GM would go after a hybrid Vibe. The advantage to a hybrid is miles per gallon (or kilomters per litre) and GM in general isn't pushing much towards increasing the fuel efficiency of their fleet. If they do anything hybrid I think it's going to be a big SUV or truck. When i bought my 2003 Vibe, the Vibe had the best mpg ratings of any car in the entire GM product line, and even then they had to go repackage a toyota corolla to get those mpg numbers. I just don't think that GM is motivated toward producing fuel efficient cars. Look at how they unadvertise the Vibe. Maybe Toyota will come out with a hybrid matrix, or maybe a full hatchback Prius. GM is more likely to come out with a hybrid Suburban to boost it's mpgs into double digits

[5lbsofswisscheese]

Quote, originally posted by Jahntassa »Depends on how long people will take the $2 a gallon for gas, and what happens when we finally run out of oil, which, I think, was last predicted for around 2050. I'm sure with all the wasteful ways of late, that that estimate has been pushed closer to now.Keep in mind that you can make oil out of any organic matter, like corn, turkey, or even old tires. In fact, it's almost cost-effective to do so now, as it only costs a couple of dollars more per barrell than small domestic sources charge. Once oil gets scarcer, it's likely we'll simply switch to manufacturing oil, rather than rely solely on alternative fuel sources.Personally, I don't see our dependence on oil going away any time soon, though hybrids will probably become a fact of life as a matter of economy rather than environmentalism.

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »Toyota has the Hybrid Highlander out and Ford has the Escape... Lexus is suppose to have one soon also... the hybrid highlander is out now??? hmm...... maybe in a few years when i replace the vibe w/ an awd.

[Roadpig]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »... GM in general isn't pushing much towards increasing the fuel efficiency of their fleet. ... I just don't think that GM is motivated toward producing fuel efficient cars.I think you are correct with that statement, and it's one of the main reasons I'm never buying GM again.

[MadBill]

Quote, originally posted by Roadpig »I think you are correct with that statement, and it's one of the main reasons I'm never buying GM again.Buying decisions are a personal choice RP, but I disagree re Joatmon's and your fuel efficiency statements! GM has the best-in-segment fuel economy for more categories than any other manufacturer, e.g. Upscale Sedans, Large Sedans, Full Size Pick Ups, Vans, 2nd (behind the Tinker-Toy RAV 4) in SUVs; 6-speed Corvette is better than Tiburon(!), 350Z, NSX, any Porsche, etc. Is it better to sell 40,000 money-losing Priuses to a handful of tree huggers, or to provide over a million truck buyers with everything they want, with a bonus of better economy* than the alternatives? (*including, by a substantial margin, the new full size pick ups from Toyota and Nissan)

[HCguy]

I don't know about a gas/electric hybrid, but a Diesel/electric would be a nice alternative which GM has experimented with in an Opel Speedster. A 1.3L turbo diesel engine coupled with an electric motor averaged 94mpg. Quote, originally posted by vibeless »http://www.sae.org/automag/glo...htm Eco-Speedster—Paris was also the world premiere for Opel's diesel-powered Eco-Speedster. In contrast to GM's Hy-wire fuel-cell/by-wire concept (detailed in September issue of AEI), this technology showcase follows a more conventional route, having a 1.3-L, 83.5-kW (112-hp) common-rail engine, low vehicle mass of 660 kg (1455 lb), and aerodynamic (0.20 Cd) bodywork. Initial testing has demonstrated a 250-km/h (155-mph) top speed and a fuel consumption of 2.5 L/100 km (94 mpg). The Eco-Speedster is based on the Opel/Vauxhall VX220, itself based on the Lotus Elise. The engine, the outcome of work by Fiat-GM Powertrain, has four valves per cylinder and a variable geometry turbocharger. It is expected to be installed in a production car next year. In the concept car, it drives through an Easytronic automated manual five-speed gearbox.