RWD EV Ultracapacitor Flywheel Hybrid truck?

[CFECO]

Same "Dunes" just farther north. They go all the way from Mexico to north of Glamis. It seemed a lot more laid back at Glamis, "then". Now, it's all just insanity on the weekends, and worse on holidays...must be an age thing or something? Buttercup south of the freeway, did not have as much room as there was north of I-8. Many good times...

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by cyberpine

The idea is not to turn a sedan into a pickup truck.

But that is basically what these things do. Which I suppose would be OK if you thought of them as some entirely different class of vehicle, but trucks they aren't.

The other problem is that these things do nothing to help those of us who want real pickups, and would like the option of getting one with hybrid capabilities, decent aero, and the rest.

Honestly, that Corvair wouldn't be a bad starting point, especially if you think of the vehicle as an efficient tool rather than an ego enhancer. (Neither my ego nor any related parts are in need of enhancement, thank you :-)) Space & sheet metal forward of the driver are useful only as crumple zones for crash protection. (I've never looked under the hood of a recent F-series or similar oversized pickup, but I imagine the engine must look pretty small & lonely in there.) Side gates, under-bed storage compartments, variable ride height - all useful innovations. And if it's a hybrid, add a 120 volt inverter and a couple of outlets for power tools...

[Arragonis]

Does anyone have a pic of what is intended, I'm confused. Is this a hybrid truck or something else ?

[cyberpine]

Hatchback sedans already have flat cargo areas. Just talking about making that cargo area hard plastic vs carpet. and leaving enough of that area open so that you can fit a small motorcyle or ATV with the tailgate down. Also the under bed trunk.

Yeah, the short engine compartment with the driver closer to the front bumper is more efficient and spacious, but just keepin it real. 8 out 10 between the ages of 18 to 35 will say.. not as nice looking. If the auto was in-wheel motor, mabey the front could be used for storage to maintain the crumpple zone. Or.. (Rue Goldberg) When you open the front trunk a workbench with power outlets pops out and all your tools are under that bench.

FYI - Honda announced a few days ago they are going to produce pickup version of the CRV just as it is rumored the Ridgeline will stop production.

[Frank Lee]

I used to have a '74 Nova hatchback- a very useful car. Wish I still had it... wouldn't be any good for hauling motorcycles and atvs in the back though. But on a trailer, easy peasy. But then with a trailer just about anything will do for a tow vehicle.

[CFECO]

Yes, the hatchbacks were quite handy. I "camped" in my Buick several times, good thing I am fairly short though, the sleeping room is not quite long enough. My 97 Cherokee was not either. Since I found this picture, I wonder how it lines up with the Template?

[gone-ot]

...I described my 1965 "fastback" Barracuda as "...¾'s of a station wagon..."

[CFECO]

Yea! I had a 65" too, it was a great little car. Mine spent most of it's time with a Corvair engine rolling around in the "Trunk". It "finished" it's life with the doors welded shut, the right torsion bar all the way up, the left one all the way down, and three trips to the 1/4 mile dirt track.
I seems like one of those would make a good start for a high MPG project, that back window looks pretty aero.

[gone-ot]

...wonder what the CdA was for that '65 Barracuda design? Front wasn't great, but the roofline was probably pretty good.