Eco-tuning

I just wanted to comment on your recent articles on the "greener" side of the car scene.  I must admit I was more than a bit surprised to see a Mugen CR-Z grace so many of your pages.  I'm a Prius driver (roll eyes and insert laughter here) however, not your average Prius driver.  The reason I have one is my 90 mile round trip commute I make to work every day, even at 78mph I average 43mpg.  I am still a car guy at heart though. Oh how I would love to drive something more sporty, but oh how it would break me at the pump. So, I've begun the tedious task of modifying my hybrid. To date I've installed eibach springs and larger front and rear sway bars. I also compete in local autocross events and even compete in the tuner class bracket races at my local 1/8th mile strip, yes in a Prius.

I constantly get one of two reactions, laughter, or the "man, I can't believe you're racing that! Cool!" comment.  Let's face it, this whole scene was started with econobox cars that weren't supposed to be fast.  Look how far it's come.  Are hybrids the next step in the evolution of the import tuner scene, who knows?  But what would be wrong with having your 400hp while you get 40mpg on the highway? Is it here now, no.  But it can be if we embrace it.  I think Honda is testing the waters with the CR-Z, let's hope this is just the beginning.