Hybrids and werewolves share a common trait: efficiency.
What is a werewolf but part werewolf and part human? Werewolves had the cunning of a man and the bite of a wolf. Similarly, Frankenstein’s monster was a hodgepodge of old body parts held together with some electricity. Even the Greeks had their idea of a hybrid; It was a Chimera, it had the head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a serpent. The modern equivalent of these flights of fancy is the modern gas-electric car called the Hybrid. Today there are such vehicles from manufacturers as diverse as Ford, Honda and Toyota. Even BMW and Daimler-Benz are busy co-developing hybrids that will be market-ready in 2009. And Porsche, the hallmark of racing success, is accelerating development of a hybrid powertrain for the upcoming 2007 Porsche Cayenne. As gasoline prices continue to rise, hybrid vehicles offer the latest in fuel-efficient technology. Very soon, every automaker from Mazda to Maserati will be jumping on this special bandwagon, and for good reason.
Buying a hybrid today is the modern equivalent of taking control of higher gas prices while living the Jetsons lifestyle. There are nine hybrids on the market today. Toyota leads the way with the second-generation Prius boasting the highest fuel efficiency at the lowest cost. For an MSRP of $21,725 you get an efficiency of 60 mpg city/51 mpg highway. Practical yet sophisticated in design, this four-door, five-passenger car makes a statement. Says “green mobile” wherever you go. The endless surge of power provided by its remarkably quiet yet frugal engine will have you feeling elated as you drive mile after mile with the fuel gauge stuck on full, seemingly in its permanent position. Plus, its spacious interior, exceptionally comfortable seats, excellent build quality, and original styling make the Toyota Prius an excellent buy in any category. The 2006 Prius is the complete Jetsons vehicle available today. Rejoice, as the sci-fi future we once longed for is finally here.
Depending on your personality, you now have a choice between a hybrid that looks like a traditional car or not. Unlike the distinctive Toyota Prius, the Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid don’t scream “environmental” by design; rather, both blend with the environment. If you prefer the stealth of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, consider the Honda Accord Hybrid or Toyota Camry Hybrid as your next car. The Accord’s lavishly appointed cabin, with its array of luxury amenities like a retractable sunroof, navigation system and LED lighting, makes this hybrid the perfect choice for those seeking a refined yet affordable sedan. Fuel efficiency of 29 city/37 highway mpg and an MSRP of $30,500 make the Honda Accord Hybrid affordable, too. Similarly, the 2007 Camry Hybrid is fully equipped with all the bells and whistles and has cheeky exterior styling. With an MSRP of $30,900 and fuel efficiency of 30 city/40 highway mpg, the 2007 Camry Hybrid is well positioned to be the Accord’s hybrid counterpart.
If you’re looking for a compact hybrid that saves space as well as fuel, consider the Honda Insight or Civic Hybrid. Both cars have cult followings among compact car drivers who love the appeal of hybrid technology. The Insight, with an MSRP of $21,530, gets 57 mpg city/56 mpg highway, and features a two-door/two-passenger cabin. Its elegant exterior design and variety of exterior colors enhance its appeal as a niche vehicle. The compact design, however, means limited storage capacity. Alternatively, the Honda Civic Hybrid with an MSRP of $21,850 is in the same price range as the Insight, and with its contemporary good looks it achieves a respectful 49 mpg city/51 mpg highway. The Civic Hybrid is unique in that it looks and drives like a sports car, while also posting outstanding fuel efficiency numbers.
For motoring enthusiasts who prefer greater towing capacity in their vehicles, there are four hybrid SUVs available in 2006. The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, leads the way with an unprecedented 36 mpg city/31 mpg highway at an MSRP of $26,900. The Escape Hybrid features a 155-horsepower engine and a lavishly updated interior that makes this vehicle a good buy in this highly sought after segment. The Lexus RX 400h goes beyond luxury with an even more spacious interior and a powerful 268-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine. The four-door, five-passenger Lexus RX 400h gets 33 city/28 highway mpg, but costs considerably more than the Ford Escape with an MSRP of $44,660. The sumptuous sport utility segment is further enhanced by the presence of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid with its 2.3-liter engine that generates 133 horsepower with a fuel efficiency of 33 mpg city/29 mpg highway. With an MSRP of $29,225, the Mercury Mariner is competitively priced. Topping the list is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid that features a 268-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine with the most towing capacity of any hybrid SUV. Highlander attributes include a well-appointed cabin, bold exterior design and fuel efficiency of 33 mpg city/28 mpg highway. With an MSRP of $33,030, Highlander is the right choice for travelers who value torque, towing capacity and fuel efficiency in their Hybrid SUV.
Hybrids no longer exist in the realm of myths or fairy tales, but have become an integral part of our contemporary folklore. Hybrid cars and SUVs allow you to explore the wide highways of our beautiful country, the dead ends of our suburbs, and the busy streets and alleys of our towns and cities. Unlike regular engines, hybrids offer an incredible way to save fuel without compromising your need to live. Go ahead, howl like the wolf.