2010 Prius Preview, L.A. WOW it was FUN!!

Can you comment on how you liked the center console?

 

I'm very jealous. Waiting for the pics. Glad you had a good time .

 

Sounds like you had fun! Can't wait for the pics .

 

I'm jealous.
Good on you for posting your thoughts.

 

Center Console was a total turn off for me!
Makes the whole cabin appear cramped/congested imo.
Plus...now the nice little hidden compartment at the bottom front of the old style console is hasta la bye bye!

 

I can see how the console would make you feel cramped. It is about what you are use to. I have had a lot of small cars where you feel like you are in a cockpit. There is no less room but it gives you the feeling of being in a small space. Some people like it and some don't.

 

I love having something to brace my leg against when cornering hard. As long as it has no sharp edges I'm all for it.
The loss of the draw is a shame, I didn't notice if the centre box is deeper because it's gone or if the space is just an empty void under there?

 

The good news: four 2010 to drive, one 2010 demonstrating Parking Assist and two 2010 on display; great food, very hospitable Toyota and Maritz staff, fabulous central location at Nokia Theatre LA Live, nice to meet/see LA/OC PriusChatters including Pat (KK6PD) & his Mrs.; Gary (Hill) & his Mrs.; Cathy & George Margolin (leaders of OC Prius Club), Sev MacPete (pres. of San Diego Prius Club), and to again see Danny & Nichole Cooper, Tideland Prius, FireEngineer, and Rick Johnson (HTMLSpinnr) & his Mrs.; who all traveled great distances to be in LA.

The bad news: no alcohol (Pat Sparks, take note.) Too much liability considering the available test drives.

More good news: New technical exhibits focusing on the transaxle, battery, and inverter improvements from 2G to 2010. See photos attached; note sealed MG1.

Also a photo of my DW about to take her test drive in the Barcelona Red Metallic (see smile on face) and note KK6PD entering the Blue Ribbon Metallic vehicle behind her, as well as a photo of the extremely competent but elusive Erica along with Petra (both with Prius Team) who I previously met at PC Detroit.

Regarding the center console, I like it. However I can also see that tall people who previously spread into the center area with their legs might not like the console taking up so much space.

Many thanks to Doug C. and Erica G. of TMS USA for hosting the various Prius Connection events and inviting me to attend the Detroit and LA gatherings!

 

No. Winter Grey Metallic, Black, Barcelona Red, and Blue Ribbon Metallic colors were available to drive.
A Blue Ribbon Metallic was doing the parking demos.
A Sandy Beach Metallic and Blue Ribbon Metallic were on display inside.

 

Thanks for sharing, Pat. Nice pics!

 

Excellent photos. Did they talk about gear ratios in the transaxle?

The structure of the outer power split device reminds me of a sketch that Ken@Japan had once point to showing a 'two-stage' gearing in a Lexus. It may take a while to find them again but if I remember correctly, there are two planetary gear sets in that center unit. This expands the range, a clever approach.

The impressive part is the size of MG1. That is a really small motor, which suggests the PSD gearing is more sophisticated than the single-stage, current NHW11/NHW20. We have some indication the peak RPM is up around 13,000 rpm so I'm really fascinated.

Did they talk about the MG1 shielding material? At the likely frequencies, the shielding may be doing double-duty to keep EMI losses down. Did you see any evidence of coolant piping with MG1?

THANKS!
Bob Wilson

 

What a great event. It was more like something you'd expect from Mercedes, or some really upmarket manufacturer. Great food, nice gifts, even comped valet parking. Hopefully, without violating the non-disclosure statement, I really wish they had put the iPod plug somewhere more accessable. It was not very convenient before, and looks like even less convenient in 2010. My only gripe. Thanks Toyota, Prius connection for a really great day.

 

Wow, I've always liked the shape and style of the 2010 compared to the 2nd gen, your photos really do show the true glamour of that 2010! When that 2nd gen was parked next to the 2010, the 2010 looked like a lambo! I know it's supposed to be a fuel efficient car but with that sports carish looks, I really hope it has the performance to match it.

good looks + good performance + great economy (of course) = my dream car ...lol...
Oh yeah, how can I forget?! It has to be a hybrid as well.

 

whats this

http://priuschat.com/forums/attachm...486-2010-prius-preview-l-wow-fun-p3010022.jpg

 

I believe that is the backside, the firewall side, of the inverter. The two rounded end, rectangular outlets are where MG2 and MG1 cables come out. The round one is where the battery comes in.

Bob Wilson