Toyota Reveals All-New Prius

Really, sounds great. But can you tell me what the SRU is?

But I'm still a little dissapointed with the power. After all, everyone was expecting 160hp.

 

As far as my memory recalls, there were rumours about the 160hp way back in April 2008:

Hints of the Third-Generation Prius | Hybrid Cars

Here's another one from August: (120kw translates to 160hp):

Sprung! Next-generation Toyota Prius hybrid - drive.com.au

 

Re: Gen III Prius

Shifter closeup

Same shifter, different position. It simply moves from the dash down to the centre console. Looks like it's momentary as before (i.e. you push it to a position to select a mode, then it returns to the 'dead' position when you release it). A compromise between being more agreeable for current owners, and more acceptable to prospective new owners, I suspect.

It was reportedly quite easy to knock when feeling for audio controls - Art's Automotive detail a problem report.

 

Here is another one from Edmunds Inside Line: Imagine the 2010 Toyota Prius - Inside Line

They predict 94 mpg and 160 hp in April 2008.

Anyone remember this picture?

 

Interior upgrades confirmed -

The 3rd Generation Prius

 

I feel like the solar paneled moonroof is a bit of overkill ... needless cost practically or at least not worth the money ... I mean really, open up the windows when it's hot for a few seconds and the hottest air is gone.

 

the HUD is recessed so therefore covered. you would have to be pretty far north (like me) for sunlight to be an issue, and that would only occur in summer in late evening. (sun sets at 10 PM here in middle of summer)

as far as clarity, its primarily symbolized. if you dont have issues seeing the dash now, you wont with this one either. the HUD (dash) is much bigger and still has brightness controls for personal settings

 

i remember it very well and am reminded of it every time i look at the picture (autographed by the Prius chief design engineer) of the development stage which includes the above along with 2 clay model interims and the final design

 

Where we live this is true. It's pretty nifty, but not "needed" here. That's why it's an option. If you don't need it or want it, don't get it.

One of the things Toyota was very clear about is that the Prius is their technology flagship. You expect to see new and over-the-top features available on a new Prius. Eventually some of them work their way into other vehicles.

Tom

 

I agree about the cost of a solar moon roof being to expensive . Do you think its possible they would offer the moon roof without the solar panels? I like the open feeling a moon roof gives.

 

Toyota has not released package information. We know about three pre-release packages, but that is all. Only one of the three pre-release packages has a moonroof, and that comes bundled with the PV panel and remote A/C.

Tom

 

Yet, almost all of the country ISN'T like Phoenix in the summer ... and a lot of people would like a sunroof but not if it costs THAT much more solely b/c of the solar panels ... all being said, no one knows the cost of that particular option.

 

Exactly, and we don't know if the PV panel will be bundled with the moonroof on all of the moonroof packages. All we know for now is what is on the pre-release packages.

Tom

 

Below shows the Iconic Prius setup. MG2 moves along with the wheels.


This one shows MG2 torque being multiply with a second planetary gear-set (Speed Reduction Unit). Notice: The ring gear is grounded so it will not move.

 

Although I love the new Prius and can't wait to get my own, I'm disappointed about one thing. The steering wheel. It's dangerous. The top entire 180 degrees has ZERO steric hindrance. VERY dangerous! At the ten o'clock and two o'clock positions, there should be two protuberances to add steric hindrance while gripping the wheel. Otherwise, the driver's hands can easily slip on the wheel (especially in dry weather, when skin is dry).



Here is the steering wheel from the Corolla, Matrix, Celica - tried and true Toyota safety standard for more than the past decade:

I am including this just in case it's difficult to see the protuberances in the image above.

MOST other auto manufacturers have these notches on their steering wheels. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Porsche, and many, many more. I don't know why Toyota would not include such an important safety feature.