Hello, I have just taken the step to the world of Hybrid automobiles moving from a Porsche to a Prius. Perhaps you may be interested in why I made the move and I've written an article detailing my personal motivation in case you are interested. http://www.fixingtheplanet.com/porsche-prius Enjoy, Joseph
Welcome to the brave new future of transportation. Hybrid technology, and IMHO, the Prius specifically, is the only significant step forward in the transportation industry since the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk. This car is the future of transportation in the years to come. Plus, I think its a cool car to have, fun to drive, and the tech is an added plus, as well as the partial zero emissions rating!!
Good write up, and I'm glad you changed. Let's hope european car manufacturers one day wake up and realize that their market is shifting.... and fast! Sure diesels are not all bad, but I want electric! and I see hybrids as a first step. Now a hynbrid volvo or SAAB would be cool
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Mar 16 2007, 05:42 PM) [snapback]406997[/snapback]</div> Thanks, I'm glad that so many people enjoyed the article. Now, my family's next step is to gleefully turn in our Volvo XC-90 lease coming up in January. Our XC-90 gets an average of 11.4 MPG in the city which is completely insane. We try to drive it as minimally as possible and will most probably move to another Prius (if I can convince my wife to get completely out of the SUV frame of mind) or a Toyota Highlander hybrid which she is a big fan of. IMHO Ford is ruining Volvo by having engineered a vehicle that gets such terrible gas mileage - I don't believe that the Swedes would have allowed this.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(josephgut @ Mar 16 2007, 02:16 PM) [snapback]406978[/snapback]</div> Agree with the mention in your article, "I personally would NEVER purchase another 100% gasoline only vehicle again." Could not go back to that. There will be more and more choices coming up for 2008 and 2009.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Mar 16 2007, 11:42 PM) [snapback]406997[/snapback]</div> Actually Volvo is serius about hybrid versions for heavy vehicles, as trucks , buses and the nice volvo C30 they ar doinfg serious work on the c30 atm Cheers Andreas
I've got both.. Currently I drive a 2007 Prius (touring edition of course) and a 2005 Porsche Boxster S. They are both quite enjoyable, but in entirely different ways. Driving a "green" machine and focusing on the MFD trying to surge and glide effectively is a blast. But so is taking the top down on the Boxster and cruising down a country lane. I would hate to give up either. Vive la difference Bill
Congratulations Joseph! I too made the switch, although there have been a few more years in between. Earlier this week I was thinking-- I'm about as excited anticipating the arrival of my ScanGauge as what I was waiting for my Fuzzbuster for my 914 back in the 70's. It's encouraging to know we live and learn! PA P
Joseph, Where can I purchase a Prius battery pack add-on? Appreciate your reply - [email protected] Thanks, Mike B. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(josephgut @ Mar 16 2007, 02:16 PM) [snapback]406978[/snapback]</div>
i've had similar changes of action. i've been doing motorcycle track days for the past 3 years. ramping it up each year. this coming season i plan on doing maybe one. when i started thinking about the gas spent, tires, oil changes, not to mention the $$$ from crashes, i decided to drasticly cut back. its just not efficient. on top of that i'm too old to begin a serious racing career. i figure, i've got some movies, some great photos, great memories, and i achieved advanced status. I'm done with that. i'm still riding as much as possible. My everyday/touring motorcycle gets over 50MPG. on long tours i can get close to 60mpg. but the racing days, reving to redline burning gas are over. and i think its worth it. but i'm preaching to the choir.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(andreaswin @ Mar 16 2007, 04:38 PM) [snapback]407044[/snapback]</div> Interesting. The C30 looks good imo. Joseph, welcome to PriusChat!
Very well written and thought out - I imagine it may be an inspiration to others to green up their acts. Welcome to hybrids and PC!
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Prius. Being a Porsche guy myself - 1983 911SC, I am curious as to what year you had?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(andreaswin @ Mar 16 2007, 06:38 PM) [snapback]407044[/snapback]</div> That C30 does sound interesting, thanks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_C30 Volvo is developing a hybrid electric version of the C30. Current plans call for a prototype to compete in the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai later in 2007. According to German auto website Autobild, Volvo is working on a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid with a similar design for the powertrain as the Chevrolet Volt concept. Simlilar to General Motors' E-Flex platform, the C30 will be driven by electric motors supplied by a battery pack with a range of approximately 60 kilometres. A diesel engine functions as a generator when necesary to recharge the batteries. The C30 will have also have plug-in capabilities for overnight charging.
I went away from the Porsche brand when I sold my '99 Boxster, got a Subaru, sold it as well, and bought my Prius. While it does everything I need a commuter car to do and more, ownnig a Porsche is just not something I can stay away from. I bought a '00 Boxster S back in October and I'm just dying waiting for the snow to melt so I can drive it.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius The First @ Mar 17 2007, 09:59 AM) [snapback]407371[/snapback]</div> I had a 2001 Porsche 911 - with all the top factory options: 18" wheels, arctic silver interior, 6-disc CD changer, full power everything. I used to also own a 1977 Porsche 911 so I'm not new to Porsche. I'm now at 6 days of owning the Prius and love it just as much as the first day. I do not miss the Porsche at all, but that is me. I understand enjoying the open road with a Boxster, but it's just not my thing when I consider that I must make my own personal contribution to the planet as best that I can at this moment in time. As I mentioned my family also owns the Volvo XC-90 which gets 11.4 MPG on average - I can't wait to trade in for another hybrid, most probably a Prius. Enjoy, Joseph