[littleboy]

Would a manual transmission option be desirable for the Prius compared to the CVT ("automatic" transmission) that is standard now? :?:

 

[Paulie]

No, because the "automatic" transmission in the Prius really isn't a transmission. To go from a single gear (and there is only one forward gear with no reverse) you would have to separate gas and electric motors. You'd lose the "Synergy".

Do a search of the forum for PSD or Power Split Device.

It functions more like a classic differential, via a planetary gearset.

 

[DanMan32]

Check out "Understanding the Prius on Grahm's site: http://home.earthlink.net/~graham1/MyTo ... Frames.htm

And John's site has some good info too:
http://john1701a.com/