New Lower Priced 2009 Honda Hybrid (which looks a-lot like the Prius) Was Just Spotted!

Honda, is coming out with totally new (yet-unnamed) hybrid for 2009. The main feature of this hybrid will be the lower price - due to the fact that Honda engineers have figured-out a way to cut the cost of the (IMA) Integrated Motor Assist technology in HALF! They have done this by simplifying it mechanically, which at-the-same-time has made it almost half the size than in any other previous models. This is why the base price is to be just $18,580 - about $5,000 less than the Prius!

My take: I think it’s great news! But I still want a plug-in from Honda and Toyota! The key on price will be if dealers don’t jack-up the price on this one… I hope Honda forces dealers to sell them at this new lower price, or people are just going to go for the sure (proven) technology, and wait for Honda to get the “bugs” out of their new drive system. So listen Honda - Keep the price low and you’ll sell millions!

Side Note: Do you know why people bought more Prius’s and less Honda Hybrids? Because Honda Hybrids looked exactly like regular Honda’s… and people seem to want to flaunt the fact that they’re “saving the planet”.