4th generation coming 2015!

I see the Prius as an optimization of economy and utility. I think the original G4 preserved this optimization by increasing efficiency while retaining cargo space, visibility, etc. We saw mules that looked almost exactly the same as the G3. Then, the higher-ups mandated a sportier look, if not driving characteristic. Something had to give in the efficiency/utility equation, which contributed to the delay. I don't think mpg would be sacrificed, so that left utility to absorb the blow. Can you still carry the same amount of stuff and still see out the back? This is where I think people who care nothing for appearances might be disappointed. But new buyers will look at the car, and look at the mpg, and not know/care what's missing from previous versions. BTW, I'm OK with that, it's how I rationalize the delay and temper my expectations.

 

This delay is going to cost me. Our family has 2 2010s, a 2012 PiP, and a 2014 Prius v. But instead of getting a 5th Prius, it looks like I'm going for a model S.

 

I'd love to be well-heeled enough to incur such a cost.

 

I hope it doesn't get a wider stance. I love squeezing my G2 through narrow spaces. Sporty usually means wider.

 

Yes, it's odd how car volume tends to stay the same, so that when height is reduced, width goes up...ala' automotive girth growth!

 

We have been told that the new TNGA platform will feature a lower centre of gravity. We have also seen that with some of the more recent Toyota/Lexus hybrids, the batteries are placed under seats and even split into two. Therefore, it seems Toyota has had some success dealing with some of the fundamental constraints that influenced the classic wedge shape of G2 and G3. Then you look at it from an image perspective, the Prius is no longer carrying the green crown for Toyota, we have Mirai doing that job so the Prius does not need to sport that recognizable eco look. Then you think about Toyota's aspirations for the Prius and hybrids in general - they will be looking to sell this car to a wider group and I would go so far as to say that considering the future potential with technologies such as supercaps and SiC, Toyota will be aiming to replace best sellers like Corolla and so there will come a day when Toyota will cease production of ordinary non hybrid cars. I think the shape, design, price, etc. of its hybrid cars will begin to reflect this transition.

 

The PROBLEM is aerodynamics vs. marketing aesthetics.

Power is a cubic function of velocity (highway speeds), not of eye-candy flanks or Godzilla mouth grills. So power (gasoline, hydrogen, or electrons) is primarily aero-driven, with weight coming in second as a squared function of rolling resistances.

 

cmth - Great post. I always like reading your comments.

The absence of any test mule activity (that we have been able to detect) for all these many months, might suggest the g4's new hybrid system is tested and ready for production. Might that suggest the delay is solely due to the exterior design, which I doubt would need extensive testing?

 

The exterior design test would be in a wind tunnel.

 

Thanks Felt, likewise I read your posts in great detail and I find your ability to stir interest, stay on topic and be open to different points of view very commendable while we discuss hybrid cars and Prius G4 on this thread.

And you may be right that the delay could be to do with issues outside the scope of the hybrid system. In a way, I still think it is good that there have been no leaks or giveaways done prematurely because I can remember several other companies e.g. Pergeot 3008 hybrid where they previewed the car well ahead of the production date so much so that years later when it did make it into production, the specifications of the car had degraded significantly and worse still, its price was higher than predicted.

Having said all that however, I think it is time Toyota gave us some indication on approximately when we can expect to hear about G4. I am also hoping that when they announce Prius G4, there will also be some indication of what other models are planned for the 2015/16 timeframe.

 

That's a great post cmth. Toyota has been forced onto the battlefield again the past several years. One of the things Toyota has to deal with is fighting for the Camry sales, as well as dealing with a variety of issues like the offset test, manufacturing issues, and the CAFE rules. Toyota is financially strong, and so is most of their competition now.

Rather than put out another bland update that will please the devoted faithful, I hope Toyota has spent this much time planning for the next 5-10 year period. I think about a new, stylish and modern Prius, a car that will have other brands go WOW! Smaller and more powerful batteries, better systems overall, and a better platform to expand upon. I think you cmth have this right. While the Corolla name will live on, I can definitely see it becoming a model within Prius at some point. But now, replacing the current hatchback with a sleek design will probably double sales. If they can use the platform elsewhere, economies of scale would be very beneficial.

I wonder how much battery production has caused this lengthy delay?

 

Personally, if the new design results in a significant loss of cargo space, I wouldn't see any advantage over the new Volt for my driving patterns. And if the Mirai is the new "green car", I'm wondering what Toyota will do about plugins for the next few decades. As for the idea that the new platform brings "sportiness" for free (without radical changes in body design), I really hope that's true, to minimize compromises in other departments.

 

Agreed, the lack of cargo space has proven to be a negative for a lot of buyers. There should be no reason to lose spec in the next gen by making it more visually appealing. There's so much to be gained by making the next Prius a mainstream car.

 

Sorry, but the hatchback is the most aerodynamic body style, so it's doubtful Toyota could even consider switching the Prius to a new different body design...to do so just isn't realistic...because it's ALL about aerodynamics at highway speeds for achieving minimized drag so LESS energy (gasoline or electric) is required to maintain vehicle speed.

 

If Mercedes can do a .22 on the CLA, Toyota could certainly match that in a Prius, now at .25 I think. Mazda 3 right behind at .26. Both of those cars are very nicely done. Peugot 508 at .25.

 

Welp, it needs to be a good redesign considering hybrid market share consistently under 3% here.

 

Haven't seen it mentioned anywhere but will the new redesign impact the Prius c and v (lowercase v) or will it be limited to only the Prius and Prius plug-in?

 

Only problem is that CLA does not have .25, they cheated

 

FriarNurgle - The reason you have not seen it, is because Toyota has not said (as far as anyone on this thread knows).

Personally (and I could be 100% in error), I cannot image Toyota would upgrade one and not all. There are those that disagree.
I know the c and the v were introduced at different times, but IF (and I don't know the answer) IF they are assembled on the same assembly line, it make no sense to me that one car coming down the line would be a G4 and the next car would be the current model.

Lets wait and see, and we will all be surprised together.