4th generation coming 2015!

Yeah it's not valid. The Thai picture shows better validity where it looked like a sleeker Gen III, but I'm not sure if that's true either.

Who here thinks the SuperBowl is the perfect time to show off the Gen IV or at least the dates of the auto show that will?

Please, please!!

 

I think it is interesting that Toyota has (seemingly) completely avoided any 'tidbits' of publicity about the G4. Other manufacturers drop hits, reveal a partial picture, or more importantly, keep interest up. Perhaps we will see more in the upcoming auto shows (or at the super bowl as suggested above).

You would think that Toyota would make an effort to squash rumors like the depiction above. That image deflates any interest I might have had in the G4 ..... I wouldn't drive that even if it gets 10% better fuel efficiency.

Repeating myself, Let's suppose the new hybrid and battery technology isn't ready yet. Toyota should consider updating the exterior and interior sheet metal, even if they retain the same hybrid system as the 2014. 51 mpg 'ain't' bad. (no one else can match it yet). Then introduce the new more efficient hybrid system when it is ready. That way a sales 'bump' could be spread over two model years.

 

I agree. Japan even got a more better 'facelift' than the US for some reason. No way it's going to be that mounstrous grill thing in the pictures...But then again didn't the Corolla get a larger grill? Although it doesn't look too bad...

I'm certain that the facts are:

55 mpg
lighter hybrid engine (new tech)
NiMH or Li-ION is a hogwash
Plugin is ESPECIALLY being looked at, most likely different software altogether and slightly different interior
Lower to the ground
Could offer 7 seater version finally? (wishful thinking)

 

I want to see in the liftback / regular Prius

* narrower LRR tires (think 195/xx/17, 185/xx/16, or 175/xx/15 sizes that aren't currently available on the market)
* automated grill blocking (louvers behind the grill to keep ICE temp up, saving fuel)
* heated front seats (to avoid running cabin heating as much, keeping ICE temp up, saving fuel)

For the PiP I want all the above plus

* heat pump AC/heat simlar to what they did in the Nissan Leaf to reduce drain of heater vs battery or reduce/eliminate running the ICE.

* increased battery capacity vs original PiP possibly even two battery capacity options

 

Thank you for your reply, but I am not sure I understand what you said.

A "facelift" in Japan??? What is that about?

And the "monstrous grill thing in the pictures?" What pictures? You have seen something I have not seen.

Lastly, "lower to the ground." Lord I hope not. I've suffered damage from hitting debris on the road in my 2010. I don't dare drive down a gravel road. In the west where there is little rain, the drains are formed into the side of the road. When turning from one street to a side street, I must really be careful or I will drag crossing the "gutter."

 

I agree about it being too low and for a Prius without the 17" rims, it's pretty low. I think it's only like a cm lower or something.

As for Japan facelift: 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Gets Facelift--In Japan, Gallery 1 - Green Car Reports

 

Can anyone confirm if this is a legit pic?

 

Thank you Inferno, I had not seen the facelift you directed us to. Most interesting.

 

Isn't that the new Toyota Sai? A Japan only model.

Toyota Sai - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Negative. It is a plugin concept car with next gen HSD.

Look up NS4.

 

A follow along thought on a previous comment:

I seriously question Toyota's marketing strategy. The absolute silence about the Prius from Toyota, is leaving a vacuum that is being filled by other manufacturers. Even PriusChat .... the leading consumer voice on the Internet, is silent, revealing very little interest. Just go to the top of this page and click in 'Gen IV Prius Speculation' and you will see that most threads have generated no comment for weeks and some even months.

Marketers need to maintain interest in the product. The public is very 'fickled,' and interest can be lost quickly. The 2010 Prius was evolutionary, but it has languished for 4 years with no change, upgrade, or improvement, except for a different tail light bezel. First time hybrid buyers might consider a 2014 Prius, but there is a likelihood they will be swayed by newer designs, and praise of competing models in the media.

Automobile magazine publishers must be kept engaged, writing articles touting your product. Prius enthusiast must be accommodated as well, interest tweaked, .... most G4 Prius will be purchased by prior owners. Clearly, the publics interest in migrating towards performance, handling, and luxury....... not Prius selling points.

 

I think you are assuming your wants are what the public wants. The vast majority of consumers don't think much about their next car purchase until it is getting close for them to buy. Yes, Toyota marketing could be doing just a bit more, but it is only going to satisfy an itch of a tiny niche of buyers...buyers that will probably buy it regardless.

As others have said, they have reached "somewhat" of a plateau as far as fuel economy. They would have to pump in more and more money to get smaller and smaller gains. Not worth it for a company only looking at their bottom line.

 

i have to agree with mark, sales numbers tell the whole story. yes, some sales are being siphoned away by new competition, but that's to be expected. toyota has built the largest automobile company in the world based on a philosophy that is unlikely to change anytime soon, if ever. much to the chagrin of a few people who want a honda with a toyota badge for some reason.

 

Both markabele's and bisco's comments are fair, and accurate....... and appreciated.

I just enjoy the "hunt" (reading research, pondering, considering, studying) more than the actual purchase. My 2010 is holding up remarkably well, and gives every indication it is "good-to-g0" until something better comes along.

 

My 2010 is holding up really well also. Only 53k miles but still very efficient in the summer and not too bad in the winter. I tested it with a Yaris, got around 30 mpg consistent while 40 mpg in the winter. My Prius last summer already averaged 50 mpg.

 

I hope the new Prius will keep its "out-of-this-world" look

 

If the fuel efficiency, reliability and TCO improves, I could care less what it looks like. To me it is a point A to B transportation and nothing more.

 

I was disappointed that the new Gen IV was not revealed at the Detroit auto show.

 

More Gen IV Details Emerge

 

This makes sense based on what Toyota has done previously. The Gen2 went from 04-09 (5yrs,) Gen 3 came out in early 09 as a 10 model. I bet the current Gen.3 runs to the 15 model year with the Gen.4 coming out as a 16 model in early 2015. Place your bets, the gaming tables are now open LOL.