Prius Stretch Limo: Part Deux

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius Limo @ Oct 24 2007, 02:05 PM) [snapback]529858[/snapback]</div>

Nothing made in the eighties had "adequate brakes" by today's standards. Yet most of us would not be afraid to drive an older car for that reason alone. Maybe that is why so many Prius get rear ended? To be honest, I cannot feel any difference in braking times or handling. It is just like our other Prius in most respects. I agree that stopping time would be longer in an emergency. Thus my comment about compensating in driving style, following speed limit, using reasonable following distances, etc.
[/b]

lol... but the cars were lighter which helped.

I'm just saying if you look at our rotors/drums, they are smaller than normal cars with 15" rims. That said, it's probably because we don't use it that often so if emergency braking is called, the rotors and pads are cold. Although I question what happens if it's raining (i.e. the rotors are wet).

[patsparks]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 25 2007, 09:51 AM) [snapback]529951[/snapback]</div>

lol... but the cars were lighter which helped.
Although I question what happens if it's raining (i.e. the rotors are wet).
[/b]

After one rotation they are dry but unless you are driving through deep puddles the brake discs don't get all that wet. The clearance between the pads and rotors is minute so any water droplets are wiped away or thrown off by the rotating discs. With brake assist and ABS there shouldn't be a problem with the limo brakes.

Was the stretch approved by road authorities?

[paulccullen]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius Limo @ Oct 23 2007, 11:13 AM) [snapback]529375[/snapback]</div>

I think anyone who reads the regen comments in context will understand my point. I was groping for the words to explain why an overloaded Prius can still get better than 50 mpg. Put simply, a hybrid's mpg is affected less by additional weight than a non hybrid. Once the car is moving, part of the extra weight in motion (kinetic energy) can be reclaimed.[/b]

The original braking comment jumped out at me as well.

The regenerative braking in the Prius is limited to 25 KW (which, according to my CAN-view, is easily reached when firm pressure is applied to the brake pedal). A heavier Prius would need more power to brake. The maximum regeneration would be reached sooner, leading to a greater percentage of the kinetic energy being lost through the friction brakes.


But I LOVE the concept. Great job, "Prius Limo"!

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Oct 24 2007, 05:45 PM) [snapback]529957[/snapback]</div>

After one rotation they are dry but unless you are driving through deep puddles the brake discs don't get all that wet. The clearance between the pads and rotors is minute so any water droplets are wiped away or thrown off by the rotating discs. With brake assist and ABS there shouldn't be a problem with the limo brakes.

Was the stretch approved by road authorities?
[/b]

D'oh! That makes sense. Thanks!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(paulccullen @ Oct 24 2007, 06:18 PM) [snapback]529972[/snapback]</div>

The original braking comment jumped out at me as well.

The regenerative braking in the Prius is limited to 25 KW (which, according to my CAN-view, is easily reached when firm pressure is applied to the brake pedal). A heavier Prius would need more power to brake. The maximum regeneration would be reached sooner, leading to a greater percentage of the kinetic energy being lost through the friction brakes.
But I LOVE the concept. Great job, "Prius Limo"!
[/b]

Well he just has to brake earlier then if he wants to maintain max regen.

[Prius Limo]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Oct 24 2007, 06:45 PM) [snapback]529957[/snapback]</div>

Was the stretch approved by road authorities?
[/b]

Yes, it was a month long process with several inspections and one panel interview. The approval went smoothly, it just had a lot of lag time as three government departments were involved. I am sure each state has slightly different rules for "special construction" vehicles.

[Newsmom]

For those who doubt, here's a page with a boatload of photos. Looks pretty real to me.


http://www.autoblog.com/photos/prius...r-limo/457000/

[JoesMorgue]

My question is, although I admit it is a new thought from when I first saw your Prius last year, did you add a second battery to the car? If not, why?

Originally Posted by Prius Limo

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(darelldd @ Oct 19 2007, 09:14 PM) [snapback]528048[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for your defense Patsparks! I don’t mind the heckler’s comments either. It is our variety of opinions and perspectives that makes Prius Chat a useful forum.

I think anyone who reads the regen comments in context will understand my point. I was groping for the words to explain why an overloaded Prius can still get better than 50 mpg. Put simply, a hybrid's mpg is affected less by additional weight than a non hybrid. Once the car is moving, part of the extra weight in motion (kinetic energy) can be reclaimed. Our overall mpg is now up to 51 city and highway combined over the last 12,000 miles. It would be great to hear from someone who has the vocabulary to explain what is really happening.

See post #135 Toyota Prius Online Community with News, Forums, & Research - PriusChat

[David Beale]

I wouldn't be worried about the brakes. I'd be worried about the tire load carrying capacity. I'd put on bigger tires, say 205s at least. It appears to still have the 15" wheels. Just keep close to the same overall diameter as stock and the bigger tires will handle the load but the larger size won't affect the speedo etc. As you are in Quebec, I recommend Nokian WR tires. They are much stronger than the stock ones. You would, of course, loose a bit of mileage with the larger tires, but the difference might be much lower than you'd expect.

ALL limos overload the wheels/suspension and the builders must compensate. I've seen limos in Vegas blow tires, usually when they hit a curb or corner too hard. It's funny and sad at the same time!

[markderail]

An awesome crashed Prius hack would be to make a delivery truck system.

Imagine a two-seater with an open or closed box, using the front of a Prius, and the back of a small pickup...

A Pri-Pick-Up...

Would be much more useful that a stretched Prius, though it's nice seeing people taking the car to new lengths.

[hyo silver]

Originally Posted by markderail

...Imagine a two-seater with an open or closed box, using the front of a Prius, and the back of a small pickup...A Pri-Pick-Up...

I recall that concept being discussed here before, but it was called a Prickup.