He modified an NHW10 Prius imported from Japan. Although many systems are similar and the architecture identical to the current Prius, there are plenty of differences to make this a non-trivial task. In fact, he built up his own exhaust manifold.

Over in the Prius_Technical_Stuff, Julian periodically shares some of his latest efforts. It led me to subscribing to "Autospeed" (paid subscription) because of the wealth of information far beyond just adding the turbo.

Bob Wilson

 

I never considered that the computer might compensate for the modifications. Sounds like a bit more trouble than it is worth. Since I'm dealing with those same SoCal freeway ramps (with much the same results), I think I'll just wait out my lease & see what my options are next year.

 

Not to be funny or sarcastic, have you considered the hybrid Camry? It has the same hybrid system (on steriods) and is in the same price range. It also have much more in terms of upgraded interior appointments.

Just a thought.

UTpiper

 

First look at the Lexus GS 450h:

http://reviews.cnet.com/2007_Lexus_G...-31833144.html

"Blowing away the conventional wisdom that hybrid cars are hair dryer-powered eggs on wheels, the 2007 Lexus GS 450h shows that gasoline plus electric can equal breathtaking performance. A powerful V-6 abetted by a high-output permanent-magnet electric motor endows the world's first hot-rod hybrid with 339 horsepower and catapults it from standing to 60 quicker than the new Jaguar XK. But as a full-size, opulently appointed sedan, the 2007 Lexus GS 450h is not a sports car. It is an executive pseudo-eco-mobile aimed squarely at high rollers who want to feel good about their environmental footprints while flying along in the left lane of the highway between conference calls."

Then there is the Lexus hybrid, LS 600hL and some others 'in the pipeline.'

Bob Wilson

 

I was trying to come up with an alternative that didn't involve selling the house <grin>. Sweet ride though.

UTpiper

 

I may someday look at alternatives but that's way down the line - I already own this car and rather not give it up. I like tinkering, and so in this case where the tinkering is way out of my league, I'd enjoy paying someone else to tinker. I also suspect a Turbocharged Prius NHW20 will have better MPG than a Lexus, Camry, or maybe even other NHW20 Priuses. I'm not expecting it will perform as well as a Lexus, but a moderate increase in hill-climbing performance with a slight increase in MPG would be wonderful.

Bob, I'm not sure but are you suggesting you might be interested in putting together a mod like this?

 

I'm looking at the problem from the other end, using a turbo-alternator to improve ICE efficiency. I'm OK with the acceleration.

Bob Wilson