4th generation coming 2015!

Nope! but Lexus has something small to show next week in Geneva!

Lexus LF-SA concept leaked ahead of Geneva debut | New and Used Car Reviews, Research & Automotive-Industry News & LeftLaneNews

 

Man if that Lexus was a 4 door and a little bigger...

It's real sharp.

 

Somewhere reported to be a MINI COOPER sized vehicle, probably with next gen HSD.

 

Ok so there is some alright designs from Lexus/Toyota.

Next bit of Prius Gen IV news probably won't be anything but the reveal! (or date to reveal!)

 

That grille…

 

We are all entitled to our opinions ...... mine is that the above picture is unbecoming to the Lexus brand.

If that is what their designers dream about when not solving real-world problems, then Toyota needs to retain the services of a European design studio like one of the competitors did. The more I read about delays, and the more I see like pictured above, I find that I am slowly moving away from any continuing interest in Toyota.

But then, all of you may disagree, and that is okay too.

 

UGLY is in the 'eye' of the beer holder(s)...and my eyes HURT!

 

Tideland Prius, Thank you for your comment. I enjoy reading the opinions of others, whether I agree or not. I respect other opinions. Personally, I'll take one of those "boring" Beemers or "mad" Menzes any day, all day, and all year.

In my mind, Lexus is "targeting" the wrong market segment.. It appears to be a two seater, very little storage (I doubt a set of golf clubs would fit); a woman could not get-in or out and maintain her modesty. Some will say, but that is not the purpose of a concept car. Perhaps, but I examined numerous "concept" vehicles pictured in an automobile magazine website, and found most while futuristic, are sleek, attractive, and capable of influencing future production models.

I recognize that concept vehicles are intended to create interest, excitement and get the public talking at car shows. I suppose that positive or negative talk somewhat achieves that goal. I submit the concept is wrong for the Lexus brand. A Lexus is a luxury vehicle that heretofore has represented dignity, comfort, luxury and value. To enter the Smart for two, of Fit segment cheapens the brand. The competition are Beemers, M-B's, Audi, Porsche and etc. Potential Lexus owners will generally be older, interested in comfort and convenience, and some will care about the perceptions of their neighbors that are driving BMW, M-B, Cadillac, and Lincoln's.

Clearly, I do not like the concept. But, that is my opinion.

 

Has Toyota's Styling Gone Too Far? - KickingTires

I guess we will have no hope in terms of gen 4 design...it better win our hugely on specs

 

I still have confidence that Prius Gen 4 will be good overall product.
Here is why:

1. When Prius Gen3 came, it didn't look like any other Toyota, to me it wasn't the best looking car around either but I was still very keen to get one. G4 will probably be the same.

2. TGNA is going to target B & C segments so that means Toyota is not going to invest much updating existing B & C designs. Until TGNA is established and we start seeing cars based on that platform, Toyota needs to make money and also try improve on various emission and safety standards so till then that is what mid-term refresh will try to achieve. Therefore, we should not base our judgement on Toyota mid-term refreshed designs - especially B & C segments.

3. Prius Gen4 has been delayed - this is the main problem and party the reason some of us on this thread have started commenting on new Toyota designs. I think the frustration felt by everyone is fully understandable but on the other hand, if I put myself in Toyota's shoes, and I was in-charge of a great product (Prius G4) which is complete and ready to be launched within a few months, I would not hesitate to talk to the press and send signals/hints/sneak peeks out - a product launch will always be about publicity. The fact that we haven't seen those yet could only mean one thing - G4 is not ready yet.

4. We know (and have always known) that Toyota is a conservative company, for those who value design and looks over everything else, there are plenty of alternatives around. However, to expect Toyota to come out with a technically superior car which also looks great in every way possible is asking a bit too much - if it was that easy to do we would already have plenty of other cars to choose from by now.

5. We all know Toyota also has high hopes for their fuel cell cars. Some of us here might not agree on the value proposition of fuel cell technology but there were plenty of sceptics back then for the Prius too so the point is; Toyota HSD is not the only bleeding edge technology Toyota is trying to advance right now so we have to expect that to impact development time for its hybrids.

To sum-up, I am frustrated too, I keep looking at the NX 300h and even joined that forum but until I hear about Prius G4, no way will I replace my current car.

 

And it seems Toyota will introduce 15 new engines within this year, cant wait till they announce Prius G4 ICE details:

New Toyota 1.2T engine in detail - Toyota

 

Tideland - It appears you have the last word on this topic - LOL

 

I thought the below the BMW lineup is called Mini. And there are so many Mini versions out that it can cover almost all the VW Golf/Jetta versions car for car.

 

My favorite part of this car is the side view mirror delete or using cameras for side view mirrors. Its amazing how much wind drag is caused by svm's.

 

But... I think it is required by law to have mirrors, cameras cannot replace them.

 

Oh brother. Why don't you take your electric car or FCV and try to win the Daytona 500.
ICE will go away when it is offers less. Even though you (and environmental types) don't like burning gas, clearly it will be around for quite a few years.

 

jdonalds, FCV? Really?

You complain about battery, but you do not talk about how much energy is needed to transform into hydrogen. This is like the corn powered ethanol over again.

And then there is the access to refueling station. I have not seen one in every corner nor will I in my lifetime. And gas station owners are not going to put $1mil each into transforming their gas station(s). Imagine people hating to find diesel refueling stations? Try FC refueling station argument 1 million times worse.

 

How did this thread morf into the above discussion???