Don't count on the mph during Minnesota winters. In fact, the Prius does not achieve advertised mph during any season. I am getting 30-35 this winter. I guess that is ok. I would agree with the other points.
However, deep snow and the Prius don't mix well. Muddy roads also bring the excitement back to driving. dan tallman Aberdeen, SD -----Original Message----- From: Michael Engh To: mou-...@cbs.umn.edu Sent: 3/7/03 11:44 AM Subject: [mou] a car designed for birders I've had the pleasure of driving my sister's gas/electric hybrid Toyota Prius this past week. Its so cool that I just had to tell somebody about it. Birding features: 1. 40-50 mpg. Save money on long bird chasing drives. 2. To my knowledge it's the only car you can get in MN which meets the California SULEV standard (super ultra low emission). Minimize adding to greenhouse gases which has the potential for dangerous changes in habitat, food sources, migration patterns, etc. 3. Large windows, front and back for viewing and for holding most large scope window mounts. 4. Now, for the coolest birding feature: when you pull over and stop at side of the road, the gas engine automatically shuts off-no noise, smells, or vibration to disrupt your viewing. Then, when you want to pull ahead a little for a different viewing angle, the electric motor silently moves the car-no ignition noise to scare those skittish shorebirds. Only when you push harder on the accelerator does the gas engine automatically start up for more power. As long as you move under 20 mph (depending terrain) and don't accelerate too much, the gas engine stays off. You can run on just the electric motor for quite awhile with no engine noise to interfere with hearing what's singing along the roadside. Mike Engh Wayzata
