New Lexus LS will have a twin turbo 3.5 litre V6

Hybrid can also help keep a combustion engine in a more efficient range of operation.

 

CVT's and hydrostatic setups work well in some applications but for cars a real automatic still yields the best on road performance. They'll stick around for a long time.

 

very impressive. I have actually made some parts for Honda R&D. Sometimes they try to explain it to me......... I usually get lost at the hand shake....

 

Actually, the Subaru HTCVT paired to the FA20DIT is an awesome combo. CVTs are capable of amazing accelertion coupled with excellent fuel economy. Manufacturers are just too caught up on the "stepped gearing" of a conventional Automatic transmission, as that is what people expect. CVTs are the future.

 

This may come as a surprise.
http://www.fool.com/investing/gener...-afghanistan-as-next-lithium-mother-lode.aspx

 

True, but only until the batteries run out, which is why I said that we'd need plug-in hybrids rather than typical regenerative braking hybrids if you're just looking for freeway cruise efficiency and you don't do much in the city.

Automatic transmissions can also do a good job of keeping an engine in a better efficiency range, but the Tacoma already does that.

 

Agreed.

 

Hence why some companies are debating a turbine jet engine. A super small jet engine hooked to a battery large enough for 75 KM's of range would be perfect. The turbine could run at optimal output to charge the battery anytime it was low and shut off when it wasn't needed, keeping the battery in it's optimal 20-80% range. Any more or less charge wears out the battery faster.

 

And add some super caps....

 

Saw this early this morning. I'm hoping the next GS-F will follow suit and use the TT V6, and begin to actually be able to tackle the M3s and S6s on the track.

I haven't driven the 'turd' gen, but I get plenty out of the 3.5L GR in my car. It's a damn good engine.

 

An even worse place to get Lithium lol.

I'm just kidding but man Lithium isn't that easy to find, refine, and recycle. If it was I'd be more into it but everything I've read, even the optimist stuff, says to wait for the next technology that uses a common substance.

 

I'll take your word one that but after driving the CRV and Rogue I was much less then impressed.

 

just took the prius on a 2k mile freeway trip. Not once did the battery run out. Only got 45 MPGs on the trip comprared to 54 when I do city driving. But they have figured out a way for the engine to charge battery at optimal times. Its not just the regenerative braking anymore.

 

Agreed, but there is BIG money in it.

 

So true... I can't believe how many people don't know how to drive! No need for a new engine. This one works perfectly.

 

he was being sarcastic...

 

Sounds a bit like Turbine Powered Locomotives, there would be the issue of heat to deal with a setup like that in Automotive use.

 

If you like revving it up, sure. A lot of us like bottom end torque without having to rev it up to get power.

 

I'm not!

 

That's because at steady-state cruising like freeway driving, the batteries aren't powering the car. It's the gas engine. The batteries can help with intermittent acceleration, but you can't cruise on battery power alone forever (obviously).