solar powered Prius a marketing ripoff?

[8Ball]

Toyota though, rode the PR wave and has introduced a solar roof option for its new 2010 Prius, which incidentally will likely be base-priced around $27,600, gets combined 50 mpg fuel efficiency, and will be available for sale in May.

Here’s how Toyota describes their price as yet unconfirmed solar panel option from their press release:

An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.


Marketing ripofff???? i'd say!!

[core_upt]

I'm not sure what you mean? What part is a rip off?

[Tik-Tok]

Not really. My Audi does the same, only it uses battery power (with protection to ensure it doesn't drain the batt). It's awesome to get in a car that isn't scorching hot.

[freshprince1]

So...pay the extra money to get this option built into a lame hybrid...


OR


...pay $14.95 and get the same thing "As Seen On TV" as a quick aftermarket addition, and you also get a snazzy car cup holder organizer!



http://www.tvproducts4less.com/auto-cool.html

[Mibz]

Originally posted by freshprince1
So...pay the extra money to get this option built into a lame hybrid...


OR


...pay $14.95 and get the same thing "As Seen On TV" as a quick aftermarket addition, and you also get a snazzy car cup holder organizer!



http://www.tvproducts4less.com/auto-cool.html

Beat me to it. My mom bought me these. I didn't notice a difference :P I'd rather spend 10x as much and get all the windows tinted.

[Masked Bandit]

The Prius itself is a marketing pipe dream. The premium paid for having a Hybrid can't be justified in fuel savings, it's almost a hippie status thing.

[badatusrnames]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit
The Prius itself is a marketing pipe dream. The premium paid for having a Hybrid can't be justified in fuel savings, it's almost a hippie status thing.

[scat19]

Someone with sense! You'd have to keep the car for 15 years to get back your money let alone save any.

[5000Audi]

i just park in the shade and leave my sunroof open a crack for the heat to get out... pretty cheap to do that

[chkolny541]

Originally posted by 5000Audi
i just park in the shade and leave my sunroof open a crack for the heat to get out... pretty cheap to do that

finding shade is nearly impossible in 90% of parking lots

and next time i see your car with its window cracked ill be sure to drop my gum in

[canuckcarguy]

The only advantage to the hybrid is being able to park near the doors in Ikea's hybrid parking spots.

I always park my gas powered SUV there. Seems a shame to waste the parking space.

[Neil4Speed]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit
The Prius itself is a marketing pipe dream. The premium paid for having a Hybrid can't be justified in fuel savings, it's almost a hippie status thing.

Not to mention the environmental concern associated with Nickel mining.

http://www.hybridcars.com/battery-toxicity.html