A few answers to your questions...

Many of you have raised questions on the forums or at the Prius Connection events that we needed to investigate. We have a bit more information and wanted to share the latest with you. A few answers are still being investigated and as they become available, we'll be sure to post more info.
Thanks for your patience,
Erica & Doug

1. Does the Traffic on the Nav require an extra subscription fee beyond the normal Sat Radio? Yes, there are different subscription levels, see below for pricing from the XM site: XM Radio Only: XM Everything -- $12.95/mo XM Radio Only: XM Everything Plus The Best of SIRIUS -- $16.99/mo XM Radio + XM NavTraffic -- $16.94/mo (add Best of SIRIUS for an additional $4.04/mo). 90 day trial period is typically offered and some dealerships might have special offers as well.
2. Bluetooth Streaming with iphone? The iphone is not compatible, this is an Apple constraint, not a Toyota Navi issue.
3. Replacement costs of the LEDs? We do not have this information at this time. Closer to or at launch would be the time at which we’d know more about parts/service.
4. Navi: still DVD based system? Any easier to get updates? Yes, it's still DVD based and yes customers can buy map updates, usually every Fall from their dealership.
5. Safety Connect: can you add this later (retrofit)? No, unfortunately this is not possible. Safety Connect will be available on select Prius models beginning Fall 2009.
6. Will the new Prius use synthetic oil? I use synthetic now and have no problems, have you heard of any? No, the new Prius will not call for synthetic oil. And for current owners using synthetic oil, there seems to be no issues using it but it is unnecessary. The engine is very low stress, low RPM, and friction. Older engine seals may leak with synthetics due to smaller molecule size but haven't heard of issues with Prius.
7. Is it common to get static when listening to the AM radio in '04 & '05 vehicles? There were two running changes to fix this...improved antenna cable from the radio to the A-pillar and improved antenna mast assembly. These were improved at the start of the '06 Prius. The dealer can order these parts and replace the old ones to resolve the issue.
8. What is the engine break in period? Can I drive it across country right away? To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended: 1 - For the fist 200 miles, avoid sudden stops, 2 - For the first 600 miles do not drive at extremely high speeds, avoid sudden acceleration and do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods of time. (What this means is that for the first 600 miles it's better to drive at varying speeds without going extremely fast.)
9. Does the key constantly communicate to the vehicle like the CG Prius? And will the battery loose power quickly? In the following circumstances, the entry function is disabled in order to prevent the key from discharging: When the entry function has not been used for 5 days or more and when the key has been left within 3 ft of the vehicle for 10 mins or more.
10. On the display, is there a distance to empty icon? There is a small Prius with arrows pointing to a gas pump. It represents the miles you have left until empty or in other words, your cruising range.
11. What are the main differences between Gen 5 and Gen 6 Navi? A few of the key upgrades and features that come with the new Generation of Navi are: the ability to receive XM Traffic (additional subscription required), enhanced Bluetooth Phone Operation (including music streaming via Bluetooth), improved voice interface using simpler voice menus and better phone book transfers. Points of Interest are easier to input and find, and English/French and Spanish are now supported. Compatible phones that function fully with the 09MY vehicles’ hands-free systems can be found at http://toyota.letstalk.com for reference, and I would imagine the MY10 will be added to this site at some point soon. With Gen 6 Navi, the system will announce the actual street name prior to the turn using text-to-speech technology. Previous Destinations and Cell Phone Call History are now unlocked and accessible while driving.
12. Why isn’t the backup camera offered without the Navi? The current Multi-Information Display is not set up for a backup camera monitor. Therefore additional costs would have been associated with making the display capable of showing the camera’s image. In an effort to keep the base Prius costs and pricing lower for our customers, the backup monitor is only offered through the Navigation package in 2010 Prius.
13. Can I change out the 17” wheels on a Prius V to either 15” or 16” wheels or will they not support the advanced technology package weight? To our knowledge, there are no weight issues in supporting the advanced technology package and your local dealer can simply replace your 17” wheels with 15 or 16s.
14. The 2010 Prius is equipped with reduction gear between MG2 and sun gear. We know Camry/Highlander Hybrid uses the single-stage reduction gear (gear ratio is fixed 2.478) and Lexus GS450h/LS600h uses the two-stage reduction gears (gear ratio is 1.900 and 3.900). Does the 2010 Prius have the single-stage or two-stage? What are the gear ratios? 2010 Prius has a single stage and the gear ratio is 2.636.

 

a priori--we assure you, neither the Prius Team nor any dealer has pricing confirmed at this point. It's hard to say when it will be available, it depends mostly on when it becomes finalized. As soon as we can be more clear, we'll let you know.

Seems most of you have already answered each others' other questions, but we'll compile a list of outstanding ones and keep addressing them as we can. Keep in mind, "Prius Team" is the US Toyota Marketing Team and therefore the info we share with you is for US Product. Please keep this in mind when you view our info from outside the US as it may not apply to your market's Prius.

Best,
Erica

 

Dave et al, I think you'll enjoy this (pg 5 will take care of your q)....appearances might vary for Prius, but this will answer many of the basic functional questions. We might have already shared this with a few of you upon request, but for those that haven't seen it, it's a nice read.

Best,
Erica