First Hybrid Offroaders Hitting the Market?

https://www.torquenews.com/106/2018-wrangler-turbo-jeeps-first-hybrid

How long before we see a Tacoma/Prius Franken-4x4 from Toyota?

 

I don't think there is anything terrible with the "hybrid" jeep. From the article it's only going to be using electric power from a stop or when you need torque ie. offroading. I don't know if you are familiar at all with electric engines but they create a ton of torque instantly. Have you ever seen the unmodified tesla's on a track racing hellcats? They can do that because of how much torque the electric engine has and how fast it can lay it down. Obviously this won't be for everyone, but I don't think it's a terrible idea.

EDIT:
Sorry, I completely misread what you were getting at. I thought you were posting like most of the other guys I see on here talking about electric.

 

Hopefully soon. My only problem with hybrids is the current gas electric powertrain set-ups. I'd love all electric drive with some kind of range extender power generator like a micro-turbine or fuel cell.

 

Ford looks at a lot of hybrid drivetrain setups for their upcoming vehicles, but usually, at least in truck/SUV application, they are looking at higher hp/tq combos. So as an example, say they have a turbo 4cyl that makes 300hp, now it can be a 400hp hybrid drivetrain. I’m totally cool with Toyota doing something similar. The only problem with more hp is higher possibility of breaking drivetrain bits when wheeling. Then they put in beefier drivetrain, and now the Tacoma is pushing $50k from the factory. Who would buy that? All the tech and bells and whistles comes at a cost.

 

I wouldn't mind a plug-in hybrid Tacoma.

 

As long as it retains a Manual Trans then I am fine with it.

 

Considering there is talk the manual won’t be offered for much longer, you probably won’t be too happy with whatever they do if there is a hybrid option offered eventually ...

 

In the next decade you won't even be able to steer your own vehicle let alone shift gears...

 

I absolutely would have prioritized getting a hybrid tacoma if available (and out for a few years to work out the kinks). My tacoma is a daily driver, and I'm unlikely to do any of the hardcore offroading that is the outlier use of the tacoma. a hybrid to help increase gas mileage (and for other political/societal reasons that are too abstract to mention) would be great.

I would be very happy that by the time I'm ready for a new one (10+ years hopefully), it's a standard option.

 

I have worked on several development projects for CVT/Electric Hybrid drives for Class VI to Class VIII trucks. My part was the hydrostatic transmission system design. Nothing as small as our little Tacomas lol. The challenge with ANY electric drives though is weight. Weight is a range killer, especially with tech we have today. That continues to be the challenge. What happens is, weight reduces the range, you need more conventional powerplant and that will effectively kill the electric portion due to cost.

Sorry man, that won't happen. If it is going to be a hybrid and it is going to have any chance of succeeding, it will be some type of CVT or hydrostatic transmission that will be electronically controlled. It has to be for efficiency.

 

Too short term because still too many challenges. I started work on this over 15 years ago and there STILL is no real solution to the weight/power problem that reduces range. In addition, there is one HUGE challenge that all the self-driving vehicle designers out there have yet to overcome... that challenge is weather. Fog, rain, snow, etc. Notice where they are testing these self driving cars? Yep, sunny places lol. Toyota did the right thing and just basically bought enough land to build their own town. This way, they can test and control all the variables and not hurt anyone.

10 years is too soon. What we will see in the next 10 years is more of the "super cruise" features trickle down to vehicles like the Tacoma, where we can get on the interstate and let it drive itself. Gonna still require an operator behind the wheel though because... weather.

 

I have zero interest in hybrids. To me for a vehicle that I'd buy, it doesn't make sense to carry the weight of two drive trains plus batteries. The fact that todays EVs still use a 12v battery to run some electronics is a head slapper for me.

I like the turbo four idea for the JL, just skip the hybrid bit.

I think that I will like EVs in the next decade or so when the prices become more realistic. The heavy regenerative brake settings could help me with my control issues with todays ATs.

 

Makes sense. I live work in Phoenix/Scottsdale. These things are or should say were everywhere. There was probably a 5 mile stretch of Scottsdale Rd where you could count 20 of these on the road at any given time.

Not really the cars fault, that lady jump out in front of it. The fastest reaction time in the world can't defeat physics

 

Race a camry hybrid in your tacoma.. You will sadly be out ran so bad you will want to go sell it and buy one.

 

Just checking, but did you see the video? She didn't jump out. She was certainly at a bad spot to be crossing a road, but. . .

Also, it was noted that the system did 'see' her but chose not to react.

It is screwed up all around.

 

The world is creeping towards self driving cars that will be grid dependent, so along with this constant pressure to close 4x4 access the day will come where we'll only experience vehicle dependent exploring from old Youtube videos in virtual reality. No thanks.

 

I'm not against boosting the lowend torque with 48volts, I just worry about the reliability and repair costs. Alls well and good when you're trying to get a couple extra MPGs on the sticker while its brand new on the lot, but what about 75,000 miles down the road when I'm driving it through a creek?

 

I read that too, said the car had plenty of time to react as it did "see" her but it chose not to for some reason.

 

Honestly, that thought is what has been pushing me further and further offroad. I used to never consider it, but thinking that'll it'll all be gone some day has lead me to pursue it.

 

Oh yeah I've seen it. It was poorly lit and not in a crosswalk. It wasnt a suicidal leap but defiantly rolling the dice with your life.

Interesting how the car "chose" not to stop. Are they produced by Cyberdyne Systems?