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It looks like I have to disagree with the common wisdom here. I moved out to Frederick, MD and live along US Route 15 (which turns into I-270 heading to the DC beltway).
This is not a road for wimpy* cars. Basically, you will see turns rated for 15mph, and short on ramps to 70mph traffic with *very* small spaces you are expected to fit into. Down in 270 you can expect situations nearly as bad (don't ask about the Urbana-I270 exit where you get to merge up a relatively steep incline). Also expect some of the worst drivers in the US, where tailgating is even more popular than college gameday.
Of course, this is the worst of both highway (high speed) and cityish (high traffic) together. If they aren't combined you can get away with such things (such as going East-West on I-70, the local highway with a much higher speed limit).
There's still a reason for the electric engine in hybrids. I can only hope that some car makers see that all you need is a [gas] engine like a Prius and the electric can be be as powerful as anything Tesla makes (this might take ultracaps or LiFePO4 batteries).
* an old 2l Focus has more than enough power (similarly a 90s 2l Breeze). I just can't imagine using the 1970s econoboxes that I learned to drive in, much less a classic beetle or similar.
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