4th generation coming 2015!

That cut in half Prius is way cool!

 

Yaris Hybrid-R concept has a road-mode and a track-mode. I hope they manage to get a little bit of this in the next Gen Prius; Power-mode for track-mode... ev, eco, normal, power(track).

 

I think hybrid sports cars are only a matter of time. In the next several years, things will be very interesting.

 

What I mostly got from that vid was that the GenIV Prius was to be "more compact." They also seem focused on rear wheel electric drive, as a hybrid family concept, in combo with front drive ICE. In other words - 4WD.

I wouldn't mind rear wheel electric. Tesla does that now with greater power transfer to the wheels with less friction loss. As long as that can be tailored by me, the driver, with switchable modes, then great. But I don't want a more compact Prius hatchback. Nor do I want to pony up to a larger v-type body.

 

HSD system will be more compact to reduce weight and size with a roomier interior. Prius Liftback is already in good company as far as passenger volume, a little more would make it perfect imo.

2013 Toyota Prius - Midsize​

Passenger Volume 94 ft3 (Hatchback) - Luggage Volume 22 ft3 (Hatchback)
2013 Tesla Model S - Large
Passenger Volume 94 ft3 (Hatchback) - Luggage Volume 26 ft3 (Hatchback)
2013 Audi A7 quattro - Midsize
Passenger Volume 94 ft3 (Hatchback) - Luggage Volume 25 ft3 (Hatchback)

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cmth - "Average" is a mathematical term where the total is divided by the number of entries (or responders, or whatever). I am not sure there is such thing as an "average car buyer." The older I get, the more I realize how out of the "loop" I am with other buyers .... and I considered myself a "joe" like most other "joe's" in what I liked and disliked about the G3 ... and what I hoped would be featured in the G4. Even other priuschat contributors .... I am sometimes amazed how much different my likes/dislikes and needs/wants/ and hopes for the future are from other responders.

Regarding the NS4 .... I really like what I see ...... but remember it is a concept design .... and, that design is several years old if I am not mistaken. I will say (perhaps with slightly less confidence that you express) I HOPE ... Toyota will make "the right decision." I have complete confidence that the engineers can solve the technical issues .... but when the marketing, economist, and corporate leaders get involved, decisions will be made for considerations that may have little to do with the engineering solution.

I wish Toyota would be more forthcoming .... even some "teasers" of the (model year) 2014 would be nice. But I suspect, the 2014 will be pretty much like the 2013 .... maybe a new color, or a previous option that is now standard. Not a lot to get excited about.

 

I don't think Toyota has any problem with going 6 model years on 3rd gen Prius. I'm sure it's quite a bit more complicated to develop than a newfangled conventional car plus they have to design the plug-in along side.

If someone pushed Toyota for an answer now about 'when the 4th Gen will be available' ... I think their answer might be 'we'll be done when we're done'. 3rd Gen Prius still selling pretty well anyway.

 

Just read in one of my car magazines that there are some major changes coming in 2015. They will be more fuel efficient; supposedly getting closer to 55 mpg. The electric engine should be getting stronger, which will make the Prius faster.

 

Too bad you did not read PriusChat instead.

Gen IV Prius Speculation | PriusChat

 

I thought they announced that things would change 2015. Now that could mean NS4. For some reason I thought the refresh would happen 2015 regardless. Now the question is: released 2015 for 2016 model? Or a 2015 model released 2014.

My guess is 2014 the way things are shaping up...

 

My 2010 Prius has better 15 inch tires the TRD rear anti-roll bar and aftermarket mid and front bars. I can corner with just about any BMW 3/5 series sedan on the road.

 

My problem with the handling has nothing at all to do with the springs, shocks and swaybars, and everything to do with the steering that has no weight, no feel, no feedback. I actually think the Prius turns in rather decently, and holds its line once it's there - the wheel just tells you absolutely nothing about what its doing down there.

There are lots of cars that handle decently on compliant suspension and 15" tires (I own one). That said, I don't think Toyota will or should compromise the primary vision of the Prius (efficiency) for handling. Maybe an alternative hybrid sports car, but not for the main-line Prius family.

 

Admittedly, the Prius power steering takes a bit of getting used to. The lack of feel is no longer a problem for me - the car goes where it's pointed (as long as I'm reasonable with the throttle) and there's very little play. Overall, I find it less tiring than more feedback.

As for the suspension...yeah, that needs some work. More chassis rigidity would help, too. And - I've made this point before - this is not about trying to make the Prius into something it's not. Better handling makes for a safer car.

 

Sure.. until the BMW driver pushes the gas pedal... it's not even close really. The Prius is so under powered. Once you loose your momentum, if you haven't noticed happens in turns, the BMW or most cars, simply power away.

As someone noted also.. feedback, there's also the power or throttle control to consider. I find the steering feedback less of an issue as compared to throttle control in or through a turn.

 

What is shaping up with a next gen Prius? Only thing I've seen is some photos of what looks like a 3rd gen Prius draped in Black clothes.

 

There's a windy freeway entrance an 1/8th mile long or so near our place. Last Saturday it was free and clear of cars ... I went a little fast through the turns but geez, the car just kinda wwwalllowed ... and body rolled it's way through the turn. Like, meh, not much fun to be had here. Sort of a buzz kill experience. A bone stock Civic LX must be sharper through those turns than a stock 2011 Prius III.

 

The design was a little difference and there were some physically differences. My guess though it was merely a test (of course) and the new engine was inside with the batteries (plugable). There will be more spies through the winter and if things pass as theory I think it'd go into production 2014 with a late 2014 release.

 

Steering feedback? Its all by wire, there's no mechanical link. Same with the throttle; its just a volume control. Won't ever feel like a 3-series BMW in a sharp fast turn under power. Not designed to, unfortunately.

 

There is no mehanical link in stearing? I doubt that, I would say that electric assist is only active when you are stationarry or moving really slovly or hevy cornering, you don't need it at normal driving on the road.

 

2014 Corolla came out about a month ago, which is 5 year cycle, so it's possible, but Prius is more complicated than Corolla.