Hybrid Convertible?
Created September 21, 2005, at 11:15 am by Anonymous
I have been driving 2-seater convertibles for many years, and I would prefer to drive a HYBRID convertible, but no such thing exists.
I don't need or want a sedan, minivan or truck. When I need to carry more passengers, or move something big I rent one of those. I know several other people who do the same thing and we have all discussed wanting hybrid convertibles but none exist.
When will the car manufacturers realize that there is a need for hybrid convertibles too?
Who else wants a hybrid convertible?
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http://www.hybridcars.com/discussion/discussthread.php?thread_id=56
Toyota might have one soon, this is from 2003:
http://autonet.ca/Spotlight/Concepts/story.cfm?story=/Spotlight/Concepts/2004/01/19/532168.html
I, too, eagerly await a hybrid convertible. My BMW 330 convertible lease ends in May, but there is still no hybrid to replace it with.
My commitment to the environment is to let my convertible go at least end and not replace it until some smart manufacturer comes out with one. They're truly missing the boat on this! After May, I'll stick with my winter car until I can buy a Better Convertible.
My family owns an Civic hybrid and a Prius I drive a Volvo C70 convertable. I'm eagerly awaitin a hybrid that I would like to drive
Yes- put in my order for a hybrid convertible...if one doesn't come along soon..maybe we need to go into business and get it started on our own!
Here's my vote for a hybrid convertible. I can wait another year but that's it.
Heck, it'd just be a nice improvement if they would at least get a hybrid with a Sunroof, let alone convertible.
I too have a BMW convertible, but want a hybrid.....please let's all demand a hybrid 'vert!!!!!
I own a Honda Del Sol and I love it. Honda needs to produce a hybrid version.
I am waiting patiently for a hybrid convertible. I have wanted to buy a new car for almost 2 years. I really want my next car to be a hybrid, but want a convertible as well. Come on manufacturers, give us something...
if you want a convertible which is great on gas. check out the vw bugs convertible with the diesel engine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been waiting for one as well. Check out the Saab hybrid convertible. Not too shabby...
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109829
I'm with Bonnie! I've been wanting to trade my car in for several years but haven't because I know the minute I buy another car, Toyota will debut the Prius Convertible!
Yep, I'm also waiting. If I get a regular convertible now, who know's when I'll be willing to switch out of it for a hybrid. So, I wait, but I can't wait forever...
I'm almost forced to give up my dream of owning a convertable because I need and want the hybrid more. When are they going to come up with one?
http://www.carkeys.co.uk/news/2006/march/30/9091.asp
SAAB has just come out with a hybrid convertible. Lovely!
I want a hybrid convertible also.. shame no one has come up with one!
I have always wanted any car with a convertible tope. but then i saw the Hybrird. thought it was pretty HOTT! but when i decides thats what i want. it stoped me in my tracks to find that there is NO HYBRID CONVERTIBLE
I've been driving a convertible since I've had my license (25 years) and now I'm in the market for a new car....no hybrid convertible to even consider.
How about a Geo metro convertible from the early 90's? They get around 48 mpg with a manual transmission, 37 with an automatic (EPA ratings).
You may also consider the VW Beetle TDI convertible
I have one right now: motorcycle. Seats 2, gets 70MPG in daily commute, and top is down any time :)
Yes I want a hybrid convertable too!!! sure you can buy a convertable and get some good milage but it is not just about that, it's also about helping our environment and these other convertable vehicles that are non hybrid are not as supportive in that way
FINIALLY the SAAB 9-3 Hybrid Convertible. I urge all who desire this to rush a note to SAAB. I plan to!!!...and buy me one as soon as they are on the market. (I already called my local saab dealership to tell them I would purchase one the minute they are out.....AND never even owned a saab before.)
What is the problem with American manufacturers? Are they completely out of touch with real people? Get ahold of it guys. We absolutely need to be independent. It seems impossible that we do not have the technology so come on ... do it. Give us a hybrid convertible! We will be waiting in line.
Paul J. Ianni - Connecticut
Here is the answer, if your pockets are deep enough: http://www.teslamotors.com/
I already penned a note to SAAB a couple of months ago. I got a generic reply from their customer service... you'd think a car released in Europe would be easy enough to manufacture for US consumption. SAAB, we want the convertible! Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi... we want hybrid convertibles!!
I have been searching for a hybrid convertible for ages. Apparently the Saab still isn't in production. Think of it this way... you would use your a/c much less frequently, thus helping the environment. Don't you think that a hybrid convertible would be one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles? Why, oh why aren't the car companies catering to the convertible market.. Baby boomers.. duh!!
Actually, because of the aerodynamics, convertibles generally get worse gas mileage than well designed closed vehicles, even with the A/C on. Of course, convertibles are a lot more fun.
The only green convertible that I know of in development is the 135 mpg(equivalent) pure electric supercar, the Tesla Roadster. It's going to set you back $100K but it's an awesome performer and the greenest of the green.
I want one
I too am in the market for a hybrid convertible and anxiously await their existence!
It would be great have the driving experience of a convertible while driving a car that is also eco friendly.
Car manufacturers should not force us to have to choose between having the luxury of a convertible and being green. Even if the aerodynamics of a convertible cause it to not get the same level of fuel economy compared to other hybrids it would still be better than the average convertible on the street today and an option I would like to have when spending my automobile dollars. The first one to come out with one will get my business.
The Tesla Roadster just started its production line today (4/13/08). There is now a convertible pure electric supercar in production. There's over a year's backlog of orders but they will be delivering them now.
If you've got the money and you want a luxury sportscar that's the greenest car on the market, it is now available!
I'm with you guys. I fell in love with the Saturn Sky - and planned to buy next year, but now I definitely want a hybrid. I know there are a few out there - but not affordable. Come on car manufacturers, we're ready - the demand is here so what about the supply.
Me too, me too. I want a hybrid 2-seater rag-top more than anything on the road now. But, certainly can't afford a Tesla.
I've been bugging the heck out of my local Miata dealer....
I understand where you guys are coming from. There's no reason that Ford couldn't put the FEH hybrid drivetrain into a Mustang convertible or Toyota could easily come out with a hybrid Solara convertible based on the already existing Camry Hybrid.
Don't hesitate to tell your dealer or call your favorite manufacturer's hotline and let them know exactly what you want.
I recommend you tell them that you're waiting to buy a new car until they offer you what you're looking for. By waiting, you can save up your money to more easily afford a hybrid convertible. I suspect market demand will drive the price up a lot initially.
I posted the customer service hotline numbers on other threads but here they are again:
Chevrolet (800) 222-1020
Ford (800) 392-FORD (or 800-392-3673)
Ford Motor Company, Customer Relationship Center, PO Box 6248, Dearborn, Michigan 48126
Honda (800) 999-1009
Honda Automobile Customer Service, 1919 Torrance Boulevard, Mail Stop: 500 - 2N - 7D
Torrance, CA 90501-2746
Nissan (800) NISSAN-1 (or 800-647-7261)
Nissan Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 685003, Franklin TN 37068-5003
Mercedes-Benz USA (800) FOR-MERCEDES or (1-800-367-6372)
Customer Assistance Center, 3 Paragon Drive, Montvale, N.J. 07645
Mitsubishi (888) MITSU2007 (or 888-648-7820)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., PO Box 6014, Cypress, CA 90630-0014
Saturn (800) 553-6000
Customer Assistance Center , 100 Saturn Parkway, MD-371-999-S24, Spring Hill, TN 37174
Subaru of America (800) SUBARU3 (or 800-782-2783) | email
Subaru of America, Inc., Subaru Plaza, P.O. Box 6000, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
Attn: Customer/Dealer Services
Toyota (800) 331-4331
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 19001 South Western Ave. Dept. WC11, Torrance, CA 90501
Thanks to Plug-in America for pulling these all together.
I just wonder why the automakers think that hybrids must mimic gas guzzling SUVs. You can be young (pardon the expression) hip and be environmentally aware. I want a cheap cool car that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to operate, and is kind to the environment. I don’t think that is much to ask for.
Well, in general, there has been a LOT of resistance to anything that consumes less fuel... lobbying forces attack any attempt to mandate efficiency increases, tear up emissions standards that at one point let to a half decent and affordable pure electric, etc... if, all of a sudden, efficiency (hybrid, electric, whatever) became sexy, profit margins for fuel would be harmed in the process... so yeah, it's going to be a battle to get LARGE or established auto makers to produce fun, attract AND efficient vehicles. That's no reason to give up, however.
Sorry, a couple typoes:
...that at one point LED to...
...fun, ATTRACTIVE and efficient vehicles...
Peugeot has a diesel hybrid coming out
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/05/08/peugeot-diesel-hybrid-307-cc-hdi...
Really wanted to buy a z4 next month... but with gas prices expected to hit over $200/barrel, I'd really love bmw to come out with a hybrid z4!!
I WANT ONE COMEONE GET WITH THEW GAME CONVERTABEL IS HOT AND WE NEED HYBIRDS CARS CONVERTABEL
I found this thread after googling "hybrid convertible".
For two years now I've been planning on what to buy for my next car after paying off my 05 Corolla. I've never had a convertible and I really want one. Plus, I also really want a hybrid car. I've had the thought that Toyota should have no problems putting together a hybrid Solara (especially since they already have the hybrid Camry--that's a no-brainer). I've been telling all my friends and family and they all think it would be a great idea. Although I read somewhere that 08 or maybe 09 is the last year for the Solara and that Toyota has a replacement for it (don't quote me on that and look it up please). Time to make a hybrid convertible? We all think so Toyota. A hybrid convertible Scion would be a huge success with the young hipster demographic. A hybrid convertible tC? I think so.
I also agree that corporate lobbying is fighting the change to greener fuels tooth and nail--and refuse to let go of oil (more like the profits that come with dealing in oil.) Add to that the fact that car companies want to develop cars that are going to sell in large scale, and yes... it will be a while yet.
Who cares if aerodynamics affect a convertible's fuel consumption. It will consume less gas than a gas car. Ideally, all of us posting here would love to have a car that uses zero gas (or the greenest available car) while also getting something that we can afford. We know about the Tesla, but duh! who has $100K--or even qualify--or want to--finance a $100K car?
Seriously. Car companies, if you're reading these posts, take a listen. For every person who posts here there are many others who think the way we do and want what we want but are not posting. Please take every effort to deliver an affordable hybrid convertible soon. I, like many others posting here, will not buy another car to replace my current car until I can purchase an affordable hybrid convertible.
I have a 325CI and I would like better gas milage, and I would like to have somthing that is good for the enviroment, but still have somthing fun to drive.
I dont get it...honestly. I guarentee that the first company to make a hybrid convertible will "bank" on an unbelievalbe scale. No one else will have one, so the only available option will be the one to choose, obviously. C'mon car companies!!!! PLEASE DEAR GOD MAKE A HYBRID CONVERTIBLE! If you dont, honestly, its your loss.
i would also guess one of the reasons would lie in the fact that a hybrid engine cannot produce enough power to have a true sports car feel, because we simply dont have quite the technology yet. Maybe some day soon. And honestly who wants to be behind the wheel of a sporty convertible that drives like a prius.
Lindsay,
You've obviously been suckered by the myth that hybrids have to be weak. Unfortunately, today's hybrids are produced by an automotive industry that doesn't want to obsolete the rest of its car fleet, especially not their high-margin sports car lines. The battery technology in today's hybrids is controlled by Chevron-Texaco as well and they really don't want to see hybrid offering much electric performance. Therefore, the Prius, HCH, etc all offer minimal electric benefit.
Now move over to reality, unbiased by corporate inertia and greed! Electric conversions are consistantly beating supercars on the dragstrips. see http://www.nedra.com/record_holders.html for some pretty impressive stats.
The new Tesla Roadster, a production pure electric (hybrid without the gas) will best most supercars and sports cars made today - and its a convertible. Did I mention that it gets effectively 153 mpg equivalent as well?
The problem is not the hybrid, its the manufacturers. Keep pushing on them by telling them what you want (see my previous post above for the phone numbers). Hold off buying a new car as long as you can until they make what you want. Save your money so you can buy a Tesla!
There's no reason that we should have to drive weak, underpowered cars just because we want good gas mileage. That was required of the Internal Combustion (Gas) Engine, not the Electric Motor.
Please BMW give us a hybrid convertible!!!??
Love my X5, but want to help the environment, and my gasoline costs, while enjoying the sunshine.
Also less the weight of a hard top, should make a convertivle even more gas efficient, if you would just PLEASE MAKE ONE!
I keep telling everyone I know that my "midlife crisis" car will be a Prius convertible. I'm only 38, so I'm giving them a little time to produce one. My whole life I've wanted a convertible, and ever since they came out I've wanted a hybrid. So why can't I have both? My midlife crisis awaits...
I want a hybrid convertible. That's what I want to buy and just realized that there are none.
I have said for 3 years that we need a hybrid convertible. I only buy convertibles now. I prefer a 4-seater. Let's go. You make one for us who want to be ecologically & environmentally frugal & PC!
I thought that saab was going to come out with one in 2009 and I have been anxiously awaiting it but it doesnt seem to be on the books yet...
I want a convertible hybrid!!!
If possible today, if not tommorow, otherwise, next year!!!
I have an 04' convertible and love it but cannot wait for the fellas in Detroit or overseas to create a hybrid convertible!
Check out www.scottmaloney.com (it's worth it!)
I am waiting for a hybrid convertible as well I would like to have a mid-life crisis without adding to the global warming crisis.
ABSOLUTELY. I am car shopping to replace my 1997 Sebring convertible and keep asking for a hybrid convertible. WHERE ARE THEY?
PLEASE start to make them. I can't wait too much longer to purchase a new car, but would like the combination of luxury (convertible) and economy.
I, too, am in the market for a convertible, but it must be green! Come on manufacturers, we're waiting! I don't care how fast it goes, I just want a four-seater (gotta carry the grandbabies) that does not pollute our beautiful earth.
thanks for posting that site i like it it shows the importance of hybrid cars! ill try to focus on that vehicle right now.
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I've had convertibles for over 20 years--Mustang GT's. I want a green convertible, but nothing exists. Saab is exhibiting a hybrid convertible, but it is only a concept car at this time.
I don't know what to think. The new accord and CR-V (as mentioned) follow some new philosophy of not making any sense. Nothing seems to flow together or look uniform. Don't get me wrong. Its better than the wall-paper boring designs they've had. I guess it if sells (which it probably will), they'll be fine with it.
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I've been putting off trading in my old car for a convertible waiting for somebody to make a convertible hybrid. I'm sure as soon as I trade mine in one will come out within the year...just my luck.
OK guys how about it. People have been TALKING about this for years! What the public is demanding is Hybird.... but also sporty we love convertables and want to drive green. IS that too much to ask? The technology is there why not invest in what the people want. A fun sporty convertable Hybird.
My next car will be some type of Hybird, how about making it a convertable.
I am with you brother.....HELLO IS ANYONE LISTENING???????Americian made would be nice too!
A hybrid convertible seems a natural extension of model lines that already exist, so I don't expect that there will be much longer to wait. For now, fuel efficient convertibles seem the only real alternative; Miata, Honda 2-seaters, and Minis. Any other suggestions? I sympathize with the comment that "as soon as I buy another convertible, Toyota will announce the convertible Prius..."
I would buy one
OK guys its really simple and you all just arent getting it. I used to work for an automaker, and i will tell you that the idea of a hybrid convertable is not something that hasnt been considered. Its actually been tested ad nauseum, and the simple fact is that the aerodynamic restrictions of convertibles just does not mesh well with the current hybrid engines available. The increased drag literally COMPLETELY eliminates the fuel economy benefits of a hybrid. How many people do you honestly believe would spend the extra money for a hybrid that only gets between 3-5 more MPG than the traditional ICE version of the same car? From an economic standpoint, it just isnt worth it. Besides, the big 3 are bleeding enough money right now as it is without throwing it away on a pipe dream that wont sell.
I've been wanting a hybrid convertible for years! when i asked at car dealerships if anything was in the "works" they kind of laughed and said, "ha, no because there isn't much market for that. People who want convertibles want them to be 'high performance'." EXCUSE me, but I'm a market for it! and i KNOW other people want it too! There's a guy living in So Cal who had his Prius converted into a convertible. So come on people, lets email those car manufacturers and have our voices heard. tell them there IS a market for hybrid convertibles! =D
Update: I'm now driving a pure electric convertible. See www.teslamotors.com for details. It's great:
It blows away any other car on the road. It looks great, It handles great, It doesn't use gas. I can refuel it at home. It goes over 200 miles between refueling.
The bad part: It cost me a pile and doesn't have a lot of trunk space. Clearly, there is a market for the $100K ecological vehicle (200 vehicles delivered, 1000 50% paid deposits) so there is likely a market for much cheaper ones, should the mass market manufacturers choose to make one.
I am driving a Porsche 911 4S and am considering a Telsa today. I live on the East Coast, so I'm concerned about maintenance. Have you had any issues with your car, and if so, what are those and who maintains it if you are not within Telsa's service area? How is the suspension? torque? comfort? Is the convertible easy to use, and do you have a hard top? Any tips? Thanks for sharing.
OMG this guy is sooo right. i want one too. keep me posted.
If you are looking for a convertible with great gas mileage, get the Volkswagen Eos.
Although its EPA rating is only 22 mpg, I actually get about 30-35 mpg while driving around town ONLY.
Jonathan,
Let's see: maintenance issues within the 1st 300 cars built of an all-new model. Of course there are some. They have been very minor. The only issue that was a minor problem was the inside emergency escape pull making it hard to close the trunk. This was quickly fixed.
Tesla Service: Tesla has service centers in LA and the SF Bay areas now and will be opening in Chicago, NY, and Seattle very soon. They've actually flown mechanics out to fix a couple of problems in other areas of the US but they will be opening service in most major markets as soon as there are a few cars there. They have an advantage in that, with over 100 orders heavily paid for, they know exactly when and where they will need to set up service. You should check with Tesla directly if you have any questions on out of area service.
Suspension: Incredible. Remember, this thing is a derivative of the Lotus Elise - need one say more. While a bit heavier, it handles great. I had an opportunity to take one out on a closed course and it clearly could take autocross to a new level.
Torque: Nothing compares with the linear torque of an electric motor. Your Porche will seem wimpy after you've driven a Tesla.
Convertible: It actually has a removable soft-top just like the Lotus Elise. It takes about 30 sec to put on/off with experience. You simply put in 2 flexible bows, then roll the top, clicking the sides in place.
Hard Top: Hasn't arrived yet. Its not easily removable. It requires a few bolts to be put in. Personally, I don't think there is really much need although it might make things quieter inside and might be nice in very cold weather. The car has a heater/AC and seat heaters so I haven't had any problems in the upper 30's but I haven't tried it in really cold weather.
Hybrid Convertibles Available Now! - Max MPG Rides has hydrogen hybrid technology to upgrade your convertible or any vehicle into a Hybrid vehicle, drastically reducing emissions and increasing MPG.....Visit www.maxmpgrides.com or call 713-575-5536
Are you a Saab fan? I have Hybrid Convertible Saab's available.
I too would be interested in a hybrid convertible
We can help you with your quest for a hybrid Saab or any other Hybrid Convertible. Send us a note or simply contact us via our the web site. www.maxmpgrides.com
We're here to help to help you enjoy your convertible as much as possible without the high fuel costs. Go further and cleaner for LE$$.
I want one! i thought that there must be one out there and then my friends tolled that there aren't any and i was completely surprised. i want to drive a convertible hybrid. that would be like a dream come true.
I would I am planning on buying a mustang covertble and fixing it up and put a hybrid engine and it with the the help of my friend and his dad at his workshop and georgia at automotive experts
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