This topic got a lot of discussion in a previous thread - the whole "power hybrid" concept got a thorough beating. Even though I'm against using the technology this way, I have to concede one point. There are no fuel-efficient cars in this class (luxury performance sedan), so until now buyers had no "green" choices. At least they now have a choice to do something a little better than they would have otherwise. If one assumes that a buyer of this class of car is not going to voluntarily downgrade themselves to a Prius or Civic, at least they have a better option to choose from.

It's the same logic I apply to hybrid SUVs. My preference would be for all these buyers to challenge what they think they need versus what they actually need in terms of transportation. The environment/conservation would gain more ground if performance-luxury-sedan and large-SUV buyers would opt to go smaller and more efficient. However, I suspect that would be a rare case and not terribly realistic. So, if those buyers can't or won't consider other options outside that class of vehicle, at least they can make a better decision from within that class. It's a baby step in the right direction.

I'll add one other collateral benefit. There was another thread where Coyote and myself agreed that because we now own 45+ MPG vehicles, it would be difficult if not impossible to have our next vehicle get less than that. For me, I can't see myself taking a step backward with my next car. So maybe, just maybe, these hybrid SUV and Lexus owners will get a taste of something more efficient and continue to be more aggressive on that front with future purchases.

*** Retired after 65,000 outstanding miles ***