My ideal daily driver

[jharbert]

I want a small station wagon, about the size of the old Saturn SW2, with a hybrid diesel driveline with an electric-only range of 20-25 miles.

The diesel engine should be a turbocharged 800cc three-cylinder.

Bolt it to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

Give me remote keyless entry, air conditioning, power steering, and traction control.

An easily removable roof rack capable of carrying bicycles and lumber, including 4x8 sheets of plywood.

The rear seat should fold completely flat, giving a load floor 6 1/2 feet long.

The rear window should hinge vertically. It should also lock into place in more than just the normal closed position. Being able to secure the rear window open in several positions would be helpful when hauling cargo.

Below the rear window should be a tailgate that folds and locks down to extend the load floor.

***

How about you?

[zpiloto]

Mine would be an EV with room for 4, range of 100 miles top speed of 65 mph. AC would be nice, gets hot down here, but not a deal breaker. Would have solar panels for charging on the hood, roof and trunk and would cost under 10k with a total recharge time of 4 hours.

[Rstb88]

Zyteck is the name you want. Harbert. They made a deisel-hybrid Smart ForFour. Room for five, threecylinder turbo with a lithiumion hybrid system. And it can have all the options that you stated. Too bad its not production....yet <- its unlikely though cause the forfour is discontinued

[cfg83]

theclencher -

I want a Porsche Speedster replica with a 5-speed stick and a small turbo-diesel.

How about a Beck? :

http://www.beckspeedster.com/home.html

The Speedster is 1600 lbs!!!!
http://www.beckspeedster.com/images/274_speedster4.jpg

But the 550 is 1300 lbs!!!!!!!
http://www.beckspeedster.com/images/265_picturesnew6_011.jpg

Or an electric 550 :
http://www.ohler.com/ev/spyder/
http://www.ohler.com/ev/spyder/2001.04.28/UnderTheHood_small.jpg

CarloSW2

[kickflipjr]

http://yves.fungiart.com/images/bluetrailer/blue1.jpg

5speed Honda insight. With a trailer so I could hold more crap if i need to.

[rh77]

For me: basically a low-displacement Clean-Diesel/SVO-Electric Plug-In Hybrid with a 6-speed manual.

Maybe take the size of of a Civic Sedan with a Fastback design and hatchback (kinda like the old 4-door Integras). Very low Cd, but still comfortable for 4 adults (include A/C) -- maybe a suspension that lowers at higher speeds to reduce drag. Folding rear seats for loading stuff. No PS needed (for engine-off coasting).

Must have all the safety features: Side-Curtain Airbags-front/back, ABS with EBD, TC, and Stability Control.

Power would take a back-seat to economy. Maybe an MPG-based cruise-control system (for load), and a built-in Scangauge-like feedback system.

But still, made by a reputable company that backs the vehicle by a warranty.

RH77

[skewbe]

Ya know, this question sent me on a bit of a scavange hunt, from hydrogen powered ICE's (and some long winded videos) to at home natural gas refuellers (that take 800 watts!!! for 4 hours after a 50 mile trip). Why couldnt hydrogen have the good sense to be a liquid at SDC?

Putting all the vehicular energy demand on the grid doesn't seem like the right answer, nor does burning fuel to run an engine to turn a generator to drive a motor. As well as regenerative braking suffers from the same sort of losses upon generation and motorvation.

Nope, I think using the energy directly from the fuel makes a lot of sense. Driving to minimize the amount of braking (foot or engine) makes a lot of sense also. And carpooling makes a hell of a lot of sense.

So I still don't have an answer, I'm happy with what I got for what I got it for I recon. If I could recoup some of the braking energy (typically <15mph to 0) that would be great, and if I could reposition the car at a stop with the ICE staying off, I'd be set (assuming if speculated motor/generator did not affect weight/coasting).

[Red]

A hybrid diesel Toyota Hilux 4x4 double cab
Coils in all 4 corners
Solid axles front and rear with electric torsen style lockers.
32"x10.5" ATs
Flat underbelly with integrated skid plates-belly pan
6 spd DSG style transmission
Throttle Lock
Mercedes style "bubble surround" air bags
TCS, ESP, RMC, ABS w/ EBD + downhill hold
Programmable ECU
LCD display with access to all ECU monitored sensors
Under 25k

[Silveredwings]

:cool:
http://www.scarlet.nl/~ivo/trivia.GIFhttp://www.gassavers.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=211&stc=1&d=1171463954

[zpiloto]

:cool:
http://www.scarlet.nl/~ivo/trivia.GIFhttp://www.gassavers.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=211&stc=1&d=1171463954

Thats Great sign me up:D

[Silveredwings]

Thats Great sign me up:D
Your avatars hint that you're a pilot.

[cfg83]

Hello -

I would like a Honda Airwave with a FIRST generation Civic Hybrid drivetrain (so I could have the manual transmission!!!!!!!!!!) :

http://motoring.asia1.com.sg/cgi-bin/motorbb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=002060
http://home.earthlink.net/~cfg83/gassavers/honda_airwave.jpg

http://www.sgcarmart.com/new_cars/10044.php
The Airwave was designed around the "new wave compact" concept-a new idea for compact cars that function as a cool lifestyle component for youthful customers who value their own individual sensibilities over any single style. The Honda Airwave is equipped with a 1.5-liter VTEC engine. In combination with the Honda Multimatic S transmission, it delivers smooth acceleration with high torque and high output performance at mid to high speeds.


But I also like Fiat Puntos alot :

http://home.earthlink.net/~cfg83/gassavers/fiat_punto.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~cfg83/gassavers/fiat_punto_grande.jpg

A Fiat Punto Grande would be stunning to own.

CarloSW2

[cfg83]

theclencher-

The Becks' both look nice but I've always preferred the Speedster. Behind the Buick "Y-Job" it has been a fave of mine since I was a kid.

I don't know why it would have a 300 lb penalty; they are both the same size and both have tubular chassis. The claimed 1/4 mile and top speed are identical. Could just be the way they're optioned out.

It's gotta be the amenities. The Speedster is based on a car that was commercialized. The 550 is a racer where the bare meets the bones.

CarloSW2

[Silveredwings]

Wow, I'd buy an airwave in a heartbeat, especially with a hybrid/manual...but alas, it'll never come to America because it isn't big and stupid enough. It they put it on a truck chassis and dropped in a V8 with a slushbox, Americans would flock to their $dealers for one.

[Hockey4mnhs]

audi rs4 6 speed manual

[The Toecutter]

My ideal daily driver: An Opel Eco Speedster converted to electric with an AC150 motor/inverter, 1,100 lbs of Li Ions, and two speed tranny with first gear suited for 0-100 mph and second gear 0-200 mph. This would give roughly a 2,000 pound car that did 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, topped 200, and got about 350-400 miles range at 70 mph.

Clencher, a Porsche Speedster with a 130 HP 1.9L VW TDi engine(computers can increase them from 100 to 130 with little problem) would be wicked. With the ~.34 drag coefficient of the original Speedster and low frontal area around 17-18 square feet(assuming the replicas achieve this too. I don't know how right the .34 is, but that's what I remember reading a few years back when looking for conversion candidates), 80 mpg highway, and 0-60 mph in 6 seconds, and a top speed exceeding 130(with proper gearing) are not out of the realm of possibility.

Switch to a small tractor diesel of about 10 horsepower, fuel economy would be in the 100+ mpg range, but top speed only about 60.

From a practical standpoint(lower weight, lower drag) and an aesthetic one, I'd take the Spyder. But those are just my tastes. A Spyder with a chipped TDI engine would be a very fun, fast, and efficient car all in one. Not to mention, the range would be quite long.

[red91sit]

I want a little 400cc DOHC motorcycle with wider than stock gearing and a race fairing.

[cfg83]

theclencher -

One of my favorite lil' motorcycle rides is my '71 Honda CB 450. I put a one-tooth-larger drive sprocket on it and it can really haul the mail for what it is.



I just gave my 71 (72?) Honda CB350F to one of my wife's Honda mechanic Honda motorcycle buddies. He has a "Honda Wing Logo" motorcycle tattoo, so the bike is in good hands.

I used to have a "Honda Motorcycle Yoda" near where I lived (Ex-Honda motorcycle mechanic), but he moved far away and I didn't know how to keep the bike working :( . That's the problem with being born with 10 thumbs.

My Honda Yoda convinced me to buy one of his CB(?)500s, but it was too big for me and I sold it back to him.



That Opel Eco-Speedster is cool as hell but it's only 37" tall and I've read that the removeable steering wheel and gullwing doors were necessities just to be able to ingress/egress! It is 7" lower than a regular Opel Speedster and even that is about the same height as your miniscule Triumph- imagine fitting into the Triumph with a 7" top chop! The frontal areas of the Eco-Speedster and the Triumph are about one rear view mirror's difference apart but the Triumph has the better people packaging with it's narrower width and taller height. The Speedster wastes a lot of width at the sills. I bet I couldn't physically wedge my carcass into a Eco-Speedster and I'm not obese either.

I always imagined driving the 550 under the trailers of semis, but *only* imagined.

CarloSW2

[Peakster]

I want a Porsche Speedster replica with a 5-speed stick and a small turbo-diesel.

Ha haha. My dad owns one ...well not a turbo diesel (you can see the bottom of it on the lift above The Chrysler (http://www.gassavers.org/garage_images/kcmvonwcmigjlifa1s0q.jpg)) He drove all the way to New York state to buy it.

[red91sit]

theclencher -



I just gave my 71 (72?) Honda CB350F to one of my wife's Honda mechanic Honda motorcycle buddies. He has a "Honda Wing Logo" motorcycle tattoo, so the bike is in good hands.

I used to have a "Honda Motorcycle Yoda" near where I lived (Ex-Honda motorcycle mechanic), but he moved far away and I didn't know how to keep the bike working :( . That's the problem with being born with 10 thumbs.

My Honda Yoda convinced me to buy one of his CB(?)500s, but it was too big for me and I sold it back to him.



I always imagined driving the 550 under the trailers of semis, but *only* imagined.

CarloSW2

Hmm, I've always considered motorcycles to be rather tall. I really don't think it would fit under the average trailer.

Interestingly enough, my grandpa has pictures of him doing just that. He had some old sports coupe with a fold down windshield and he drove it right under.

I know what you mean about the bike being too large though, I usually wish i had a smaller easier to manage bike. I can barely back up on mine haha, gotta use the tiptoes. It's no problem righting it after a tip over, but a shorter lighter one would be great for day to day use. I can't imagine a gold wing.

[cfg83]

red91sit -

Hmm, I've always considered motorcycles to be rather tall. I really don't think it would fit under the average trailer.

Interestingly enough, my grandpa has pictures of him doing just that. He had some old sports coupe with a fold down windshield and he drove it right under.

Whoops, my mistake. I meant the Porsche 550 Spyder. I lusted after the Beck Kit Car version in the 1980's. That thing is so close to being go cart size it's not funny. You could definitley do it in a 550.

Hmmmmm, the 550 isn't much bigger than a Honda Beat. I wonder if DaX is considering "coincident drafting" of trucks? Probably not a good idea.



I know what you mean about the bike being too large though, I usually wish i had a smaller easier to manage bike. I can barely back up on mine haha, gotta use the tiptoes. It's no problem righting it after a tip over, but a shorter lighter one would be great for day to day use. I can't imagine a gold wing.

One reason I got the CB350F back in 1983 something was that it had a sissy bar, totally completely uncool!!!! But, it always gave me leverage when I pushed the 370 pound bike in and out of the garage.

These days, if I got a bike for local grocery commutes, I would just get a Honda Rebel. I know it's called a girl bike but I heard it's made from basic components, so it's lowwwwww maintenance, and the seat is low to the ground too. I just like to cruise. Speed just isn't in my DNA.

CarloSW2

[Peakster]

Whoa- now your Dad is the lucky dog! Is it as much fun to cruise around in as it looks? Does he let you drive it? Perfect date machine!:thumbup:

The car only sees the light of day about a dozen times a year. It's pretty fun to ride in and very low to the ground. Get lots of looks from other drivers too. Well worth the week-long drive to N.Y. to buy it. Actually, my dad drove it when he and I were checking out my Geo when it was for sale. The then-owner of the Geo half-jokingly asked if we wanted to trade :D.

I haven't driven it yet but since my dad has let me drive his other 'toys' I'm sure he'll let me drive the "rollerskate" sometime.

[95_corolla]

must be electric range of 80 miles. I kinda like some of the custom three wheelers like the tri-magnum or corbin sparrow but a little car two door hatchback would be best

[red91sit]

red91sit -



Whoops, my mistake. I meant the Porsche 550 Spyder. I lusted after the Beck Kit Car version in the 1980's. That thing is so close to being go cart size it's not funny. You could definitley do it in a 550.

Hmmmmm, the 550 isn't much bigger than a Honda Beat. I wonder if DaX is considering "coincident drafting" of trucks? Probably not a good idea.



One reason I got the CB350F back in 1983 something was that it had a sissy bar, totally completely uncool!!!! But, it always gave me leverage when I pushed the 370 pound bike in and out of the garage.

These days, if I got a bike for local grocery commutes, I would just get a Honda Rebel. I know it's called a girl bike but I heard it's made from basic components, so it's lowwwwww maintenance, and the seat is low to the ground too. I just like to cruise. Speed just isn't in my DNA.

CarloSW2

Oops DOH, i saw 550, and just assumed cc's as in a motorcycle. Also, I have the Lincoln to go slow on, if I get another bike, I want one that can really carve the curves, straight line speed not as big of a deal. The one i have now has bent forks on it haha, so she turns right real hard, but left is a bit hairy. I also live on the plains, with very very fun corners. I usually end up driving back and forth on the ones we have a few times haha.

[The Toecutter]

It is 7" lower than a regular Opel Speedster and even that is about the same height as your miniscule Triumph- imagine fitting into the Triumph with a 7" top chop!

Believe me, I'm really considering doing a chop top to my Triumph if I can be assured it will have a sizable impact on drag and if I can retain most of the car's looks. I lust after low cars.


Here's an interesting Eco Speedster video you might want to check out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvKYUM5NkWk

However, the video says it got its high economy at 140 mph. This isn't true. It got its fuel economy in the European combined cycle. That 113 mpg is in imperial, which is 94 mpg US.

Still, quite impressive what a .20 drag coefficient, low frontal area, low weight will do.

[The Toecutter]

Phil Knox is seriously considering doing exactly what you describe to his Karmen Ghia. I'm more apt to retain the car's stock looks though where practical. While dramatic mods like you describe will probably give me the largest effect on drag, they aren't what I personally am looking for. I really want this car to draw people to it, and I have to get the look right. Image is a big part of getting EVs accepted. The public can tell the difference between a supercar and a go-kart, as much as I may prefer the go-kart, I want people to think supercar when they see this.