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I am also with x_, diesels are the way to go. Gasoline-electric hybrids are a fad. The technology is unproven, and if you run the numbers comparing the fuel savings against the price premium, economically they don't make sense. Besides, the simple fact that millionaire Hollywood actors love to haughtily drive their Toyata Priuses around is reason enough not to buy the damn things.
Ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is here. Technology exists to make diesels 50 state legal, even under Tier II Bin 5. The EPA will soon release guidelines for urea injection, which the Euros are using in BlueTec. Honda has announced it will release within three years a clean diesel that will not depend on urea injection. Toyota just paid almost $400 million for an almost 6% stake in Isuzu, a pittance for a company generating billions in cash. Toyota figured it was better (faster) to buy diesel technology than further develop it itself - this from a leading manufacturer of hybrids.
I don't understand why folks aren't rushing to embrace modern diesels. Diesels will allow Americans to resume their love affair with large SUV's and pickup trucks without having to take a big hit to the wallet. Perhaps this is where the manufacturers need to push the technology to the consumer. I can easily find E85 in my area. I tried to use it often in my Tahoe, but the mileage penalty was crippling. I look forward to getting back into a diesel.
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