Toyota mulls whether to change Prius look to widen appeal

I kinda like the idea of making a hybrid version of every Toyota model. <GRINS>

Bob Wilson

 

If they change the aerodynamic look, it won't stand out and it'll take all the fun out of being smug.

 

As long as Toyota can maintain or improve the 50+ mpg, I wish them the best.

 

I like the look now but they need to offer a real performance option for those that still like to give her hell once in a while. There is plenty of electric motor torque available but the software applies torque limiting to keep it tame. Let us have that limit lowered or removed as an option at order time or TRD software flash we could buy and flash ourselves or have the dealer flash. Many other cars have that option with programs available thru manufacturer's performance divisions.

Mike

 

say it ain't so!

 

It ain't so.

Mike

 

If they change it, it had better be to make it better performing and not just "different." I'm all for improved aerodynamics and more usable interior space. I think the Prius hits both these points well but if they can do better, go for it. but it will be very hard to improve over a a flat sides airfoil wedge.

 

Since the switch to hatchback was for the practical nature of the shape.

Intentionally removing that benefit makes no sense. Diversifying by offering a sedan-style variant does.

But since the next generation will look different anyway and more vehicles are taking on more aerodynamic characteristics, I just see this as continued interest in Prius leading the market.

 

Not too much change! Hope this model remain a liftback, shaped like the Toyota NS4, very Tesla Model S-like!

 

Dweeb-mobile? If you read the whole article, that quote did not come from Toyota, so perhaps edit OP to clarify that this guy Wolkonowicz is an independent auto consultant, and apparently not a dweeb (Prius owner).
IMHO Prius in sedan format is pretty much Camry Hybrid.
I guess they could add a Gen1 retro style small sedan but it's not for me.

 

Changing their marketing may be worth it. Most of the (ok all) Prius commercials are very "sweet" and not going to appeal to your [self-described] manly men.

 

The Prius' success relies on the premise that form follows function. Hope Toyota does not abandon that concept in its quest for popular appeal. In fact, I'm starting to see more cars imitating the Prius' aerodynamic look.

Would be cool if Toyota did a survey and showed us their menu of styling options to get our input.

 

Whatever the change is, there will be some who like it and some who don't. My Prius does what it is designed to do and I like it. I hope for the best in any new designs. If they get away from aerodynamic that goes aganist the purpose of the Prius.

 

I think Prius already started a "dual look" strategy with the C and v, which do not have the aerodynamics of the "regular Prius."

I would like to see one car continue to have the greatest feasible aerodynamic advantage.

A real sedan as another choice would be good, especially if it is sized and priced more like a Corolla hybrid than a Camry.

 

Just add Prius S (sedan) to the family. Don't change the hatchback look.

 

Tesla S shape beats it with .24, and that ev1 design was less than .2. They can improve aerodynamics. I doubt changing it to .26 or .24 will change much. They probably can do active grill shutters and increase rear visisbility with minor changes.

The biggest drop in cost would be north American production versus Japanese and that is already rumored. The yaris based prius c isn't that much less expensive than the liftback when they are optioned the same. I would think that a ns/4 type sporty sedan as a new non-prius hybrid and phev would make sense.

 

Who on earth trusts Toyota to make a car look good? My GenII looks weirder every day, but I keep it for the 52 mpg I get. The GenIII is probably the best looking Toyota car, but it still doesn't look desirable. If they improve its looks significantly and give me 60 mpg under $25,000 I might buy one.

 

Agree! would like to see the NS4 positioned above the liftback as Prius Sedan(or small s as in Prius v) and continue the liftback model.

 

I hope toyota doesn't stick with its retarded single letter scheme. I could live with the v since they wanted to say cuV instead of avant or wagon. The c for city just seems wierd when its a B not a C sized car Prius Aqua would have made sense to align with the Japanese name. NS4 seems like a better name than S - nice sedan, normally sedate. It would be cool if they stuck a more powerful battery and mg2 in the car to give it more power when you want it but similar fuel economy when you choose it.