Exclusive: 2004 AltWheels Festival

This weekend was the second annual AltWheels Festival at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. Saturday's lawn events, unfortunately, were largely rained out. By Sunday, inclement weather had cleared, and events were back in full swing.

Automotive Exhibitors included:

• A CNG Police Cruiser
• Segways from www.segwayboston.org
• A test drive prius.html">Prius from Toyota of Weymouth
• A 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid from Stoneham Ford
• A now out of production GM EV-1
• A Smart Fortwo Coupe
• CNG trash collection trucks from Keyspan
• A Biodiesel schoolbus from Middlebury College
• A Solar Powered racecar from Tuft's Nerd Girls
• CNG Busses from the MBTA (Boston's Public Transportation System

Plus many, many more

There were also a great many bicycle exhbitors, environmental groups, and state agency representatives.

Check out the AltWheels website for more information.

Lexus Pre-Sells 9000 Hybrids

Lexus has sold over 9,000 of its 2006 model RX400h SUV as of the close of August 2004. That's right, check your calendar. The vehicle won't hit streets until early 2005 and is listed as a 2006 model.

Contracting to sell 9,000 units at around $40,000 each has to be the greatest volume of a luxury vehicle ever pre-sold. Please check on that.

The Lexus RX400h is basically a hybrid version of the RX330, the smaller of its luxury SUV models.

Despite Efficiency Talk, Bush Flunks

In a Yahoo! News video, Deb Callahan, president of the League of Conservation Voters gives George W. Bush an 'F' for his environmental record - the first 'F' in the organization's 34 year history. The interviewer asks her if her organization is politically tied to the let, and interestingly, Callahan claims that 20% - 23% of her endorsements are Republican candidates. She goes on to say that John Kerry, if elected, will be the most environmentally friendly president in one hundred years. Watch the video here.

Toyota Prius GT

According to AutoIndustryCo.uk, Toyota will be showing its prototype Prius GT at the Paris Motor show this September.

The vehicle is similar to the conventional Prius model in that it uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive - containing the same hybrid technology.

However, according to Canadian Driver, the car has some sporty modifications:

The standard Prius Atkinson-cycle gas engine has been replaced by the 1.5-litre Yaris (Echo) T Sport powerplant which provides better response and results in a power gain of 29%, from 77 hp to 99 hp.

The Prius GT goes 0-60 in 8.7 seconds, all while maintaining the fuel efficiency of the conventional Prius under normal speeds.

There is no word yet on the vehicle's chance at mass production.