BusTalk

[Q65A]

I'm sure that some of the other NYC-area bus websites might have additional info on this subject, so this may be old news to some of you, and I apologize in advance.
My wife & I were at various locations on Staten Island yesterday.
I saw 3 or 4 brand new Orion VII Next Generation HEV's in service on the S40, S51 and the S78. I did manage to catch one bus number (3817 on the SB S51 on Midland Rd. near Hylan Blvd.)
In addition to a sleek new appearance, the Orion VII NG HEV also has 2 rooftop-mounted structures: the large forward-mounted dual traction battery tubs, and a smaller structure mounted at the rear rooftop (housing the power control box).
That "lightning-bolt" rear grille is a bit unusual in my opinion, but in time we'll all become accustomed to it (as a rumored 850 NYCT units are on order with DCCBNA).

[RailBus63]

The 850-bus order for New York City is a fact -

DBNA Press Release from 12/17/2007:

New York City and Ottawa Place Orders for 1,052 Orion VII Next Generation Diesel-Electric Hybrid Transit Buses