I hate to say this, but the mountains favor the over-powered conventional gasoline engines. Hybrid engines in general, and the IMA in particular were not designed to frequently be driven in the passing lane mode - a situation many mountain drivers are faced with. I don't mean passing other drivers a lot, but applying that kind of power.
On a personal note, next month I attempt to run up Pikes Peak. If any of you have acess to a treadmill, jog at a normal setting, then set the incline setting to 12% or as far as it will go. This is your car in the mountains - any questions?
