4th generation coming 2015!

Once again, I searched the Internet for anything regarding the 2016 Prius. Several sites show a picture touted (and labeled) to be images of the 2016 Prius. (I tried to attach the picture, but without success).

What is depicted is a vehicle that closely resembles the current model, except with a sculptured panel beneath the side passenger doors, a sculptured addition beneath the grille that raps around to the front wheel openings, and a slightly different grille. The depiction shows a dark roof, which I assume is a solar panel.

IF ..... that was in-fact the new 2016, my judgement is that it will take more than a few "tacky" sculptured panels "tacked" on, to hold off the competitors. I wonder if that is what Toyota management has reportedly rejected, and sent the designers, "back to the drawing board?"

 

I certainly hope it lives up to its hype. Especially now because of all the new viable competition that has cropped up since the Gen 3 came out.

I'm Toyota also realizes this, and this is why they're trying to take their time on it. They can't afford to rest on their laurels for long, lest they allow another automaker to steal their thunder, and subsequently, market share, like some of them probably will regarding EV's or at least plug-in hybrids.

 

Three photos, same angle:
1. 2010 Prius
2. 2013 Prius mule
3. 2014 Prius mule

When I first saw the 2013 mule, I thought it was just the current version. Now, I notice small differences: the windows are lower, the side rear corner window is rounded instead of triangular. But the overall shape is pretty identical. I bet this design was rejected for the standard Prius, but might still be used for the plugin version.
The 2014 mule has significantly less side window area and a lower roofline. Also the rear bumper appears to have been "cut" at several different angles, rather than rounded. Does it remind me of the C-HR concept? Not really, but I can see how a Prius designer might see it as a radical application of the C-HR's "diamond architecture" and sportiness.
In general, I expect the 2016 Prius to look much more like a Prius than anything else, albeit with some polarizing style quirks.
Now, does anyone care to wager on whether or not we'll see the real thing at NAIAS in mid-January? Chevy has been teasing the heck out of the Volt for it...

 

Video: 2016 Volt is Quieter and has ‘Very Exciting’ Electric Range - HybridCars.com

What can "wow" the person according to ev range ? Must be over 50 miles....chevy growing the hype well I think! How it handles in snow? Maybe awd lol...

 

It's very important to set realistic expectations... hence complaints about lack of detail so far.

For there to be a hype claim, there must already be expectations to meet. What are they?

 

Quasi-quoting the Millennial's Mantra: "...We want it ALL, right NOW..."

 

thread title needs to be changed: 4th Gen Prius is not coming in 2015. It's early 2016, right?

the 3rd generation 2010 Prius was leaked in video by the Blue Man Crew in December 2008, a month before official reveal. I know you know that.

Even though 3rd Gen is all-new, it is not radically different from the 2nd Gen.
Will it be radically different and not be recognizable?
My interest is to see how well Toyota can appeal to mainstream sedan buyers while still satisfying the space and efficiency 'expectations'.

 

Source ? 4th gen still expected fall next year. Supposedly toyota already approved of the production vehicle.
pip might be released 2016. Then c v 2017

 

Lots of discussion regarding the exterior of the Prius. I really hope the interior is upgraded with better materials and a softer touch. I like the current Prius exterior and anticipate some improvements but aerodynamics will still drive the process.

I hope they retain the flying bridge but improve on the interior electronics, the layout and the materials. A five mpg gain in the Gen 4 would not make me leap to the new one since the benefit is minimal. A nice interior with a refined electronics set up that is phone friendly, with a clear display would make me jump.

 

I'm still surprised that they're sticking with the centered gauges, but I take it as a sign that Toyota won't stray too far from a winning formula, promises of exciting changes notwithstanding. I agree that interior needs upgrading to keep up with Ford etc.

 

I am traveling and have rented a new Corolla. The interior is a big improvement on my Prius. The electronics and display are still not very good.

 

I think 10 mpg gain in the regular prius...let's find out!

 

Yeah

Would you forgo aesthetic improvements for a 10 MPG gain? If I could get my hands on a 60+ MPG hybrid I wouldn't care if the interior was improved at all. I know it's wishful thinking with the diminishing returns that Toyota engineers are facing...

 

I know I am bucking the tide here, but I just find it hard to believe that the Prius hatchback, the Prius PIP, and the "v" will all be released in different years. They are , or at least in the past, have been basically the same vehicle. I presume assembled on the same assembly line. I cannot imagine that one vehicle coming down the line will get the new hybrid system, and the next will keep the old.

Perhaps, the PIP and the "v" will be an entirely different vehicle??? Anyone know if the are assembled on the same line???

 

Simple way to answer that question is to check the 11th-digit of VIN code of PIP and "V" vehicles, and if they have different codes:

0 = Tsutsumi plant, line #1
1 = Tsutsumi plant, line #2
5 = Fugimatsu plant

then, indeed, they are made on different lines.

 

I meant 4th Gen Prius coming in calendar year 2016. Last I heard, Prius production was delayed 6 months and deliveries would come in January 2016. Has this changed?