2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In: 15 mile EV range, 87 MPGe, $32,000

It does have Nav (probably the same DVD based). Yes, it is very similar to Prius IV with solar sunroof package ($32.5k).

Instead of leather seats and sunroof, you get heated seats and PHV option. With the $2,500 tax credit, the price is about Prius III with solar roof package ($29k).

 

Prius V with AT is $34.6k. The difference is $4.9k minus $2.5k tax credit.

 

So, did anyone catch the model designation? Is it ZVW36 or something like that?

 

Nope, can you find out tomorrow at Green Drive Expo.

 

Agreed that I wished they offered a more stripped down cheaper model w/o the heated seats and nav.

As for "one in my current Prius is so inconvenient to use that I would rather go with my portable Magellan or the one in my phone", I totally disagree. I have a Garmin Nuvi 1200 and a 350. I got the 1200 for free from my bank and the 350 for my now sold nav-less 04 350Z.

I NEVER use the Garmins now except if I know the area has likely inaccurate map data (like Vancouver BC area) since I'm still using the original DVD that same w/my 06. I take the Nuvi 1200 on long trips, just in case, since it has much newer map data.

I also had an Android phone w/Google Navigation. I never used it except to test it out briefly. Screen was too small, was a battery hog and I had no mounting bracket/solution for my phone.

Having the nav system right in my Prius is very convenient and the roads don't change that much. However, the prices that all automakers want for nav and updates is insane vs. current PND prices. So, despite the convenience, I'm a bit leery of spending the money on a factory nav system on my next car and paying the premium prices..

 

I suspect that HOV sticker wannabees in CA will snap up the car at this price. I can wait.

Come to think of it, I paid $26k msrp for my high trim Prius in 2004. Seven years later, and about 20% inflation would set the car at $31k in today's dollars. So Toyota is adding plug-in tech while decreasing the inflated-adjusted price.

 

No sunroof, high price, poor color selection ( No red, black, dark blue) Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid Colors
and they're making a big deal about "oh we're throwing in special badges" Keep your badges, We don't need any stinking badges. Give us a sunroof.
I don't know, I may be getting cold feet.

BTW, A big thanks to Danny for getting the info together as soon as possible.

 

Sunroof and 17" rims add weight. It is why both are not offered together. It doesn't surprise me PHV doesn't come with those to cut down the weight.

 

Also, no 17" wheel/tire package for the advanced trim plug-in?

 

Yes, it seems that it's a 2012 Liftback 2 PHEV plus:
- 3-door SKS
- nav
- heated seats

So, a $7.5k (less $2.5k with the credit) premium over the Liftback Two, although that $7.5k includes some forced bumps that are coming in the 2012 model anyway and a smaller premium for the high-end tech nuts.

Most importantly, of course, they said speeds up to 62 mph. If it's 53 mph in Europe, but 62 mph in the USA, either they're going to go easier on the battery in Europe or it's 53 mph EV but 62 mph true glides. Either way I'm pleased.

I don't want one and don't really like low AER PEVs but now I'm excited because I'm certain I'll see some EVs around here.

 

Nope. It gets the 15" but it is a new design. Check it out on Toyota site.

The 3rd Generation Toyota Prius Plug-in Features

 

I'm sure the engineers could come up with a light weight 17" wheel. I was hoping to purchase the upper end model but not for 39,500. The tax credit does not come off the price at time of purchase. I would rather spend the 50-55k for the Model S, as it is far superior in tech, details & overall quality/craftsmanship.

 

Website has just been updated again with photos of interior shots!

 

If you absolutely know you're going to buy, pay $2,500 less in tax before buying it.

 

I was thinking I could negotiate the $32K price down into the 20s, but now I'm thinking there will be limited supply and dealer markup. For those that pre-ordered (and didnt preorder but just purchased off the lot) the Gen III Prius when it first came out, what was your experience?

 

Cashcorn,
You are happy to pay $55k for a Tesla, but are worried about the few months from car purchase until the tax credit arrives ?

 

Check out the pdf Danny posted with detailed specs. The 'base' model is anything but. This is easily a $26k car without the plug-in, so Toyota has indeed priced the EV part at about $3500 after tax credit. For plug-in wannabees who like the high-end trim package, this is a very reasonable price.

Personally, I do not care about big wheels and do not want leather, so no complaints about those being absent. Worth money to me (included in the base package):

Nav
Heated Seats
Adjustable driver *and* passenger seats -- NICE
Back-up camera
3 door SKS

I just hope the rattles and squeaks are taken care of. They are incongruent with a $30k car.