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Hi Wayne,

My spec is come from...
http://pressroom.toyota.com/presstxt...ryHybrid_s.pdf

I have no idea how is the MG1 limitations, but the redution gears are placed between MG2 and the Ring gear, so nothing is related to the MG1 and the Sun gear.
My guess is the big break through will be coming in 2008 with the third generation of Prius and replacing with the Li-ion battery.

Ken@Japan

I've seen a blurb or two about the possibility of an '07 Sienna Hybrid - does anyone know if Toyota will add the hybrid drivetrain to a Sienna in the same model year they bring it out in the Camry? much thanks if anyone knows!

2001 Classic Red Mazda Miata (+/- 30MPG)
1998 Toyota Sienna (+/- 23MPG)

I think this will be a home run for Toyota, providing it isn't too expensive.

I think its time to pay our respects to the current Accord Hybrid, probably some great deals on 2006 models coming at the end of the year...

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Well there is already a hybrid minivan in their lineup in Japan and has been for a while. The Sienna and the Highlander are due for updating in the next 18 mo's. I'm going to guess that the answer is 'Yes' to the HSD+V6 Sienna. But I also think the new Highlander ( on Sienna frame? ) should link the 2.4L+HSD in the same way the Camry does. This effectively replaces the doggy 4c Highlander now. New lineup..
ICE 2.4L RAV
ICE 3.5L RAV
HSD 2.4L Highlander
ICE 3.5L Highlander
.... HSD 3.5L leave it for the Lexus line?
ICE 3.5L Sienna
HSD 3.5L Sienna

Honda, and 'Yota to an extent, missed the boat with the Hybrid+V6 linkage. Really how much power does the typical HonYota driver need? And at what price? The HAH is in deep doodoo with the TCH not only because it's too much for a typical Honda buyer but they cant retreat and link it to the 2.4L because the IMA system isnt as powerful as the HSD. It would suffer greatly by comparison to the TCH. Similarly the HH I believe is too much vehicle for the typical 'Yota buyer but is perfect for the Lexus buyer.

Honda I believe is looking in other directions, such as diesel and their other R&D efforts.

The current Japanese minivans (Estima and Alphard) are so called THS-C system and are parallel hybrids.

Last year, Toyota introduced the Estima Hybrid Concept...
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_sh...estima_hybrid/
It is HSD 2.4L plus rear motor.
The concept car had Heat Recovery System from the exhaust pipe to improve overall fuel efficiency.

Ken@Japan

A couple of questions
1)How far would 1.6 KWH drive a Camry sized car if run dry-3-4 miles?
2)How far down can you drain one of those batteries?
3)How much power would it take to drive a clean car like that Camry at 60mph?20-hp?
Thanks.Charlie

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