This is a diary about changing the public's perception of hybrid vehicles. I believe the future of the automobile, barring a revolution in batteries, is going to be the series hybrid layout - using an internal combustion engine as an electrical generator to provide power to electric motors driving the wheels. In short, series hybrid is more efficient because the internal combustion engine (I.C.E.) can be optimized to run at one speed, meaning it can extract the maximum amount of power from its fuel.
Unfortunately hybrids are currently thought of as weeny economy cars. They are only cool within a small circle of liberal or environmental types (which I am, but that's beside the point). In order to gain widespread acceptance, they need an image makeover.
If I were wealthy, I'd do this myself, but I'm not. So I'm going to try to pitch this in a way that will catch the imagination of someone who is.
Here's the idea in a nutshell -
Jay Leno's Tank Car + the PML Flightlink Mini QED, tuned solely for massive horsepower and torque numbers, = every car guy on the planet with their jaw on the floor.
How much power could it make?
From a site about the Dodge Intrepid ESX hybrid concept cars:
The engine is derived from a series hybrid-drive propulsion system meant to use 40% of gasoline's potential energy (the typical car only uses 15% of gasoline's potential energy)
Link
Leno's Tank Car, in it's current, non-hybrid configuration -
Banks estimates the whole shebang will produce 1600 hp and 3000-lb.-ft of torque. However the 6-speed Allison transmission has a torque limit. So Banks will limit the motor’s output in at least First gear. Still, this thing should light the tires up like a Top Fueler.
Link
So if the Tank Car can use it's fuel at 40% efficiency instead of 15% efficiency, it would be putting down 4256 hp and 7980 lb/ft of torque at the wheels. Furthermore, the Allison transmission wouldn't be needed. The electric motors would be directly bolted to the wheels - all the power could come on instantly (because of the electric motors) and go straight to the tires instantly. Of course they would spin or be vaporized, but that's a problem outside the scope of this diary.
I believe this would finally put the nail in the coffin of "hybrid as wussy vehicle," and make every red-blooded meat eater want one.
Jay might go for this - he already owns an electric powered Chrysler Crossfire and a biodiesel powered jet turbine super car. He's got the environmental/alternative fuel interest, and the means, and the crazy car guy head. Maybe the idea only needs to go from here to there.