From:
http://privatenrg.com/#EV_WorldHybrid_Highlander
I was personally saddened a little bit by the Hybrid Highlander debut. I realize that SUV drivers require (via purchasing power) & enjoy healthy acceleration & etc and I don’t want to be one to deny them that choice but, I hope our choices broaden on the Hybrid Highlander types of vehicles soon from Toyota.
If Toyota will apply ALL the HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) technologies that they applied to the latest Prius, we will have the following kind of performance specs in the Hybrid Highlander and we can have it without any body style changes for Cd or aerodynamic reasons (expensive tooling) while still having a Hybrid Highlander that can achieve 0-60 in a very reasonable 10-11 seconds.
Lets take a look at a miles per hour, MPG table built calculated using the following 'Real World' variables:
Temp: 77º F
Altitude: 400 feet above sea level
Humidity: 67%
Barometer: 30.03 in-Hg
Load: 300 lbs. (Driver & bags)
AC: OFF
Climate Control: 72º F
Wind: NONE
Wind Dir: N/A
Fuel BTU: 114,500 (US fall-blend gasoline)
kWh/Gallon-US: 33.5568
Road Rolling Resistance: .001144 (Smooth Asphalt)
Tire Rolling Resistance: .0072
Cd: .34 (Coefficient of Drag for normal Highlander)
FA: 2.63m^2 (Frontal Area in square meters)
[IMG]http://schwa.kicks-***.net/img/hh.png[/IMG]