Convertible hybrid

Well...to each his own. My brother-in-law sold his Mazda Miata because he couldn't even get his golf bag into the trunk. The Alpha Spyder is even worse, IMHO. On the other hand, Last week, I took my foursome on a trip to the golf course (four large men, four large bags) in comfort, in the Prius.
It depends upon what you use the car for. If I wanted a "sports" car for just cruising about, I'd love to have a Prius convertible, if available. But, it would be my "alternate" mode of transportation, in most cases.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Foulweather Jack @ Jul 11 2007, 08:50 PM) [snapback]477240[/snapback]</div>

I looked long & hard for a convertible hybrid, for months. Finally gave up & bought my 07 Prius. Still have my BMW Z3 that I putt around in on nice sunny days, but sure wish I had a convertible hybrid myself. The closest I found was the TESLA roadster, but it is all electric, and very expensive. I also would buy one in a heartbeat. I think the automakers just don't think there is enough of a market for them.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(derk @ Jul 11 2007, 09:03 PM) [snapback]477249[/snapback]</div>

I'd like to see that. I can't even fit my bag in horizontally without jamming the driver.
(And please don't tell me to leave my driver at home, either!)

I basically have to put the bag in diagonally for it to work. But with two more junior bags for the twins,
things get way too complicated. So I end up having to use the big SUV for golfing. Perhaps I'm not doing
something right?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Foulweather Jack @ Jul 11 2007, 09:50 PM) [snapback]477240[/snapback]</div>

It would be neat but I don't know what changes it would require to the aerodynamic design and what safety changes would need to be made.

Toyota is shying away from such cars as suggested by cessation of the solara and the solara convertible. It's sad that they do so.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zenMachine @ Jul 11 2007, 10:43 PM) [snapback]477287[/snapback]</div>

Maybe, because I can put in my gold bag into the back of my 2002 Prius no problem. I have room to put in about 1-2 more. I thought that the newer Prii were slightly larger than mine??

 

The Prius depends on the roof cage quite a bit for stiffness. A
convertible would likely have a whole lot more body flex...
.
_H*

 

Actually, convertibles have pretty bad wind drag with the top up, with the top down it's horrendous. A convertible prius would get pretty poor mileage on the highway.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ Jul 11 2007, 10:24 PM) [snapback]477356[/snapback]</div>

Perhaps the BT Stiffening Plate would come in handy on the convertible!! :lol:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(derk @ Jul 11 2007, 07:03 PM) [snapback]477249[/snapback]</div>

I have an '82 Alfa Romeo Spyder, I'm looking to convert it as soon as I have the money.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(narf @ Jul 12 2007, 01:34 AM) [snapback]477358[/snapback]</div>

Toyota is still working on the force-field invisible top option.

Tom

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(narf @ Jul 12 2007, 12:34 AM) [snapback]477358[/snapback]</div>

No doubt, but still a heckuva lot better than a conventional convertible with a 6 or 8 cyl. engine.

 

Well, how topical. I was just on the horn with Steve at Autobeyours
and he's evidently putting the finishing touches on a Prius
convertible he's building from one that a tree fell on!
.
That guy rocks. I'm probably going to take the side trip to go
visit him on the way back from Hybridfest.
.
_H*

 

Thanks Hobbit!
Here for your viewing are photos of a Prius Convertible.
http://www.autobeyours.com/05%20Prius%20Salsa%2059.htm

 

WOW
The before and after pics are great, but looks like more than a tree fell on it