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Many of you have heard of the MTV show Pimp my Ride (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pimp_my_ride).

Pretend you could have one of you vehicles radically made over to be an ultimate green machine or hypermiler. What would you mod?

This would be an example: you have a pickup....then you transform it into this (http://www.evworld.com/view.cfm?section=article&storyid=870).

I would take a Toyota Prius powertrain and drop it into this:

http://i12.tinypic.com/2mq6fdz.jpg
http://i19.tinypic.com/4fv3qeo.jpg
http://i15.tinypic.com/449ud7l.jpg
1987 Pontiac Pursuit concept

I guess I'm old-school.

Starting with a Volvo rear drive wagon:

Convert to standard transmission with the associated rear end swap.
- That mod yields approx 20% FE increase.

Rework my modified headlights for better aerodynamics.
Add a lower front air dam and rear fender skirts.
Flat underbody panels.
Possibly lightweight alloy wheels if they're an improvement over the current 15" steelies.
Tires that will go to at least 44 psi.

And a big green decal "CleanMPG Aero Mod Vehicle".

I thought about this and it finally hit me: Take a Toyota Sienna, add HSD, then add about a 30 mile EV range. The Sienna should have plenty of room for extra batteries, pets, people, and assorted crap. But if this is a Pimp My Ride type deal, I just want to state up front that I do not want a flip out food/water bowl for the dog. Easily removable seat covers would be nice instead. :D

I would take a Toyota Prius powertrain and drop it into this:

http://i12.tinypic.com/2mq6fdz.jpg
http://i19.tinypic.com/4fv3qeo.jpg
http://i15.tinypic.com/449ud7l.jpg
1987 Pontiac Pursuit concept

:cool: :cool: :cool:

I would take a Toyota Prius powertrain and drop it into this:

[images snipped]

1987 Pontiac Pursuit conceptHoly crap sledge! that thing is hotness. Reminds me of a cross between the IMAS and the EV-1. I'll take one with a Tesla Roadster powertrain, thank you. Black, with dark tinted windows. :cool:


My ultimate city commuter car, though, would probably be an Insight EV conversion. Li-Ion, with enough juice for 0-60 in under 6 seconds, and 300+ miles range (probably not at the same time). Very doable with a .28 cd, 1800lb car.

I would want something that's mostly electric. Take a Smart ForTwo or ForFour and fill up the lower part of the rear with A123 batteries, change the engine over to a regenerative AC-based system that is rechargeable via a 120V, 208V or 240V wall socket and also via the solar panels that cover the entire body area of the car. Allow for a tiny 1-cylinder, high efficiency, (bio)diesel engine which can be used for charging and added in and taken out without tools as needed for long distance trips.

Give it the new Michelin flex wheels and wheel skirts all the way around, along with some ground effects and a small rear spoiler.

Hi Sledge:

___I like your find (****, that is one sharp looking Pontiac) w/ the Tesla’s propulsion motor and control and a 300 + mile capable JCI-SAFT or A123Systems Li-Ion pack (or an EEStor - Barium-titanate ESU :D) to round out the propulsion package!

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hmm, maybe add solar power to this: :D

http://www.fresh99.com/images/flintstonecar/flintstones-car.JPG

i second fenrirs idea: an EV Insight. or maybe compressed air powered? with air bag suspension to lower it at highway speeds. fully streamlined underside. automatic engine compartment cooling air control. (not needed for air powered.)

oh yeah, its .25 Cd. but who's counting... ;)