4th generation coming 2015!

I meant the wind exceeded 100mph, not my ground speed. I've gone 79 into a quarting 60mph head wind from the right front quarter. I've been in a straight crosswind that was gusting between 60 and 90mph. The car's weight wasn't a problem.

 

You have no idea how tall the driver is in that pic. But, let's say the 'six foot woman' fits in front and somehow, back of this NS4, and somehow there is magically as much cargo room in this thing as our current Prius. .....

This 4th gen better be MUCH better to drive on the highway than the current 3rd gen Prius.

134 total HP is not enough for the 3,050 lb weight of the car. A loaded 2013 Civic EX-L is 140 HP, but only 2,877, loaded leather w/ nav. That 200 extra pounds on Prius bites, and I think we all know a Civic isn't laden with extra power. Plus at that weight, Civic is shod with 16" wheels and 205 width tires, and multi-link rear suspension, so it has Prius beat at that too.

Gonna take more than looks to draw customers into a 4th gen NS4 Prius. Last time I checked, Civic sales handily pounced Prius liftback sales for the umpteenth time.

Plus, the rumors abound among general population about battery life and cost in hybrid cars, so question is, what is Toyota going to do about that? hmmmm...

 

Keep selling a diversity of cars that rank high in their class? Toyota will figure it out.

 

Just as you didn't with the man standing next to the car or, for that matter, seating space on the NS4 pictured.

The only point in noting the NS4 was that it is a much more logical and conventional design for the 2015 Prius than the highly stylized pictures floated at the start of this thread.

If one looks at the design progression of the Prius, something along the lines off the NS4 fits.

 

It is possible Prius will end up something like the NS4, but if so, seems Prius will gain several inches in length to make it work, maybe ending up about 180" long total. Presents a bigger challenge to keep weight down which is critical with Prius.

btw, Feb 2013 in US, over 31,000 Camrys sold, 28,000 Accord, almost 28,000 Altimas and Fusions, each, .... out there in all their 28 MPG glory for the next 10 or so years. Every month it's the same.


February 2013 U.S. Vehicle Sales Rankings - Top 251 Best-Selling Vehicles In America - Every Vehicle Ranked - GOOD CAR BAD CAR

11,428 Prius liftbacks sold Feb '13, while gas is $4.25 / gal here .... ok, but not great

 

The Prius looks like a lot of different compromises. I would gladly settle at 50 mpg (I get ~52 in my '07) for a more interesting and seductive design. The Ford Fusion is close, but not quite there. Give it a panoramic sunroof and we're good.

 

The civic looked cool when it was first introduced. At the moment it looks okay, but not exceptional. I don't like the side or back look of the NS4. The front look is decent.

 

Maybe Toyota is trying to foil the competition and 4th gen will be like it :

"DETROIT, January 10, 2012 – Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS), today revealed the NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept vehicle at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The NS4 signifies Toyota’s vision for future mobility with a focus on connectivity and the human interface....

Toyota engineers were challenged to design a new mid-sized concept for potential global market introduction by 2015. The NS4 concept is a dedicated plug-in hybrid, separate from the Prius family, designed with future mobility requirements in mind."

Toyota | Toyota Reveals NS4 Advanced Plug-In Hybrid Concept

"Toyota has previously hinted that the next Prius will be influenced by vehicles like the NS4 Plug-In Hybrid concept shown at Detroit in January, or the FT-Bh concept which debuted at Geneva in March"

Will Toyota Prius Hybrid Change Its Shape For 2015?

 

I agree with that...had the Fusion gotten 47 mpg, I would likely get the Fusion plug-in for good looks, comfort, safety features (auto lights, blind spot mirrors) as the 20 miles EV would put me in the 100 mpg range. But looks like the Fusion is a bust.

2015 I'm up for a new car and an AWD, 50 mpg plug in Prius would be it if it looks like the NS4. I'm fairly confident it will as Toyota's progress on the Prius has been to a better looking design every time.

 

Today, about 9 manufacturers are already selling 2014 model year vehicles. We are not far from 2015. I hope next year at this time, we'll get an idea as to when these models(Gen 4 & NS4) will be in showrooms.

 

I think it's safe to say that whatever Toyota rolls out will be a leader in efficiency and reliability. What more could we want?

 

Something that looks great.

 

Any idea when the 2014 Prius gen3 goes on saleif it is in fact the last year for the gen3

 

Late in 2012 like the 2013 did?

 

I haven't read the 6 pages of comments so sorry if this has been answered.
Gen II was from (released in 2003) 2004-2009, will the last Gen III be a 2015 model making Gen IV first model a 2016 released end of 2015? That would make it equal years for Gen II and III.
By looking at the first 2 comments it looks like that will be the case but wanted clarification since other comments imply at least a possiblity of 2014 as the last year of Gen III.

 

Camry (C fits Cube or Cubist) or...




Fusion from Ford?



Hmmm.

The Prius Hatchback is pretty darned popular with people that like 50+ mpg, hatchback utility and excellent aerodynamics. It certainly has been a fairly successful car in this field globally.

There are sedan bodied hybrids to chose among already, for those who like more "traditional" 3 box car designs. I hope that Toyota keeps the Prius hatchback going for those of us who prefer this kind of useful car.

Make the new Gen 4 Prius hatchback lighter, more aero, more efficient and don't let it bloat. Keep the size where it is. Prius v is made for those that need a bigger interior and the c is made for city commuting and easier parking.

Whatever Toyota decides on, it will probably be pretty good. Toyota's a very conservative company... so it probably won't upset the boat very much. Soft touch materials on the dash and door badly needed!

I like the interior theme... especially the console integrated to dash. Excellent drivers cockpit. Really hope that continues on the next Prius. Porsche liked the Prius console enough to put a similar version in their new Cayman.

 

Information seems to be coming, but the leaks are worthless.

 

Read this interview with Toyota engineer from Motortrend

Radical New Toyota Prius in the Pipeline - Motor Trend


"When can we expect the next Prius?
A: It was originally scheduled for a late 2014 launch, but the global financial crisis delayed our advanced development of the car, so it's now due around spring 2015".

Read more:
Radical New Toyota Prius in the Pipeline - Motor Trend

 

Yep! Looks like unveiling will be New York Autoshow, exactly 2 years from now, goes on sale in the summer as a 2016 model.