Toyota: A hybrid minivan is not out of the question

Hi All,

Hmm. I am thinking we were mostly looking to see a Mini-Van, not a v for versatile vagon.

A turbo 1.8 liter HSD would probably be sufficient for a Mini-Van. And the parts could be sold as aftermarket for the other 1.8 liter Prius vehicles. This would make a full Miller cycle engine, which would have even better efficency than the Atkinson engine.

 

A true Miller cycle engine would be way too inefficient in simple cruise, light engine loads/loading (only partial cylinder "charge") mode. What is needed is a multi-mode DFI (Direct Injection) engine that runs in Atkinson Mode, HIGH compression ratio, 15-18:1 CR, for cruising, and then transitions into Miller Cycle Mode (no intake valve closing delay) as the throttle approaches the fully open position.

With a variable volume positive displacement SuperCharger (PSD driven..?) no throttle plate would be required. SC could be used to "meter" intake airflow volume/pressure throughout the ICE's operational range.

 

The V is a wagon, everyone knows this.

And the C-max is not a microvan, it is also a wagon; the one coming to the US seats 5. Minivans or microvans seat more than 5, it is that simple. I love how they try to paint it some complex thing, how to classify these, but it's not difficult.

And Toyota I think has long said they might, maybe, possibly would have a hybrid van. At this point there isn't one on the horizon, period.

 

I was in the Bahamas last week and saw an Estima minivan there, it would be perfect. I don't know why they don't bring it to the USA? It would be perfect and they already make it.

 

+1

I like Doug Coleman, but his dismissive objection to classifying the v as a wagon ("That doesn't do it justice.") is absurd.

 

*sounds of cash registers*
Money
It's a hit
Don't give me that do goody good bullshit...

People will pay much more money for larger vehicles. 'Twas ever so (dumb).

 

Absurd... hmmm. Depends on what your emotional reaction is when you hear the word "wagon". If it's a positive one for you, I am completely fine telling you that it's a wagon. But whether you like it or not, lots of people still cringe when they hear the word wagon... they just don't have favorable opinions of what it conjures up in their mind. Never mind that they could be pleasantly surprised by this particular "wagon"... it's not a good starting point for them.

And I'll repeat the point I made to Brad. We test these models with consumers before we show them to the public - every which way you can think of. In the case of the Prius v, a particular question we had was "what do you call it?" And as I said, when we asked consumers what they thought it was, because many had negative reactions to their idea of what a wagon meant to them, and they LIKED the Prius v - they could not bring themselves to call it one. That's what I'm trying to relate.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

 

So the prius v is a wagon, but you won't call it one because it has negative connotations? Is that an accurate summery of what you wrote?

If that is that case wouldn't it be better to just not the w word instead of saying its not a wagon?

 

What I am trying to say is that the Prius v is a wagon if you so deem it to be and that works for you. That's fine with us. But I'm not going to try to sell someone on the fact that it's a wagon if that person doesn't like "wagons". Then I'll probably just call it a big Prius with more space, and let them call it whatever they want. Does that make sense?

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

 

Typical PR BS
If walks like a duck
Quack like a duck
Then it a Duck

P V is a wagon plane and simple

We test these models with consumers before we show them to the public - every which way you can think of. In the case of the Prius v, a particular question we had was "what do you call it?" And as I said, when we asked consumers what they thought it was, because many had negative reactions to their idea of what a wagon meant to them, and they LIKED the Prius v - they could not bring themselves to call it one. That's what I'm trying to relate.


What is the difference between concumers and public

I believe most members on PChat are consumer since we have bought a prius already

And members here will call it a wagon

 

Wow, glad I've built a lot of faith in you. For the record, we have plenty of PR outlets. When I come here to talk with all of you at PC, I hope you understand I'm not blowing smoke. The whole point is to have good discussion, and hopefully, throw some data your way.

I did forget one piece of this... among all the people we asked, the subset of Prius owners was more likely to call it a wagon than any other descriptor. I think it's safe to explain that that was because of their reference point. So in that sense, yes, I agree that "members here will call it a wagon." And again, that's just fine.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

 

Enough with Prius v or Prius Wagon. Let's just say it's a supersized prius.

 

Doug,

I really am not concerned with how you name it. What I want (need) is a high MPG AWD model. Please consider adding an extra electric motor driving the rear axle as is done in the Highlander.

JeffD

 

I expect that a large portion of those same people that are repulsed into not considering a car because it is a wagon are the same people that are repulsed by the name Prius. Which are also likely the same people that would be repulsed by the idea of a minivan rather than an SUV.

When saying "were not there," regarding the hybrid minivan it is only with respect to cost. Toyota has been building 2 different hybrid minivans for years and selling them in Japan. I'm not sure if their still making the Estima hybrid but it did exist soon after the Gen II Prius came out here. There is also, the larger Alpherd Hybrid, which I would totally be interested in buying if it were available in left-hand drive.

 

Doug, Can you please tell us why Toyota refuses to bring the Estima min-van over here to the US?

 

hmmm, I duno, along with the electric motors, the atkinson in the 2011 hyhi has 280 hp and its counterpart the RX-450h has 295 hp yet they still yield 30mpg. Do we need more?

As for the wagon drama ... all I know it that this sucka will be able to hold a lot of additional batteries, come modding time.


.

 

Now that's a wagon!