4th generation coming 2015!

True, but TOYOTA has been known to "screw-up" things in the past, present...and, will probably do so again in the future.

 

Would you like Prius G4 to look more futuristic ? I think I would - but I may be in a minority with this one, anyway just my own preference, don't want to cause a storm here

How about something like this:
This is just a Mercedes prototype.

Actually, what are the main challenges in getting wind drag coefficient down without going with the classic prius shape? Maybe someone here with expertise can comment?

We already know that there are ordinary production cars with better (less) drag coefficients than Prius G3 - like Mercedes C Class and Tesla S.

Some basic technical info here and a list with drag coefficients for various cars.
Automobile drag coefficient - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Drag coefficient is just that, a coefficient, total car drag is a function of coefficient and frontal area. And one study suggests that MB cheated

"The relatively compact CLA is next up at 7.0 sq ft, the Volt hits 6.7, and both the Prius and the much larger Model S feature a drag area of just 6.2 square feet."
Aerodynamic Tesla Model S Electric Car Wins The Wind-Tunnel Wars

 

Okay that makes sense, I wouldn't be surprised if MB had cheated but I do like many of their very recent designs.

What exactly is the definition of "frontal area" - if that is the area of the front of the car taken purely from a two dimensional view, would that mean we are neglecting the impact of side area of the car. In my own experience, I have noticed especially when driving at higher speed on windy days and where the wind direction hits the car from the side (at an angle rather than directly from front), there is a noticeable force hitting the car - could it be that cars are only tested under a wind tunnel for straight wind-performance? If that is the case, that's not a worthy approximation indicative of real world performance - just my 2 cents. Of course it would be difficult to test under all external wind flow scenarios but I have definitely noticed the Prius has a greater impact (than our other Hybrid - a Toyota Auris HSD) when driving through side wind.

And if anyone is wondering why I am so concerned about external wind, I live in Scotland, UK where rough, windy, stormy weather is the norm

 

Toyota to refresh hybrids in 2015

In the words of Tony Cramb, Toyota Australia's Executive Director of Sales and Marketing. Speaking before an audience of journalists earlier this week, Cramb also officially announced 2015 would see the launch of the long-awaited new-generation Prius.

"I can confirm that the Prius family will be revamped, with significant updates for Prius C and Prius V in 2015, and the arrival of the next-generation Prius..."

This new hybrid is anticipated to lift fuel efficiency up a further step from the current model, introducing a lighter Hybrid Synergy Drive system with a new semi-conductor intended to reduce power losses in the car's power control unit. Additionally, the new internal-combustion powerplant will deliver improved thermal efficiency, and the car will be cheaper to build – potentially translating to lower retail pricing for consumers.



Excerpt from:
Toyota to refresh hybrids in 2015 – Car Reviews, News & Advice - carsales.com.au

 

Ehh?

Right...fall 2015 will see the 4th gen? Funny how they post that image art that is the Gen 3 that only looks a bit 'meaner' - doesn't phase me.

So, any takers when the announcement would be? Buenos Aires show where they first showed the NS4?

 

That's SiC.

 

Ok!
New York; NS4 Plug-in,
Tokyo; Gen IV,

Dates: the major international auto shows of 2015

January 16 to 25:Brussels Motor Show (Belgium), Website: autosalon.be
January 17 to 25: North American International Auto Show (Detroit, US), Website: naias.com
February 14 to 22 : Chicago Auto Show (US), Website: chicagoautoshow.com
March 5 to 15: Geneva Motor Show (Switzerland), Website: salon-auto.ch
April 3 to 12: New York International Auto Show (US), Website: autoshowny.com
April 22 to 29: Auto Shanghai (China), Website: autoshanghai.org
June 19 to 28: Buenos Aires International Auto Show (Argentina), Website: adefa.com.ar
September 17 to 27: Frankfurt Motor Show (Germany), Website: iaa.de
October 30 to November 8: Tokyo Motor Show (Japan), Website: tokyo-motorshow.com

 

Gen 4: new york. Prius liftback is the big seller in the States, plus Tokyo seems too late.

 

Well, Prius's primary market is Japan; Worldwide Sales of Toyota Hybrids Top 7 Million Units | TOYOTA Global Newsroom
Thought NS4 plug-in is mostly for North America and Europe, So speculating; New York.

 

I really wish we see something in January … one can dream right?

 

I said this last year...but cloud toyota possibly consider a super bowl commcommercial with gen 3 price cuts and a preview of gen4

 

Would be nice, but based on the vehicle types typically shown on football commercials, that maybe out of sorts.

 

I am with you then. He did commit to 2015 Detroit, didn't he? Take a listen! 2012 NAIAS - Toyota NS4 Concept and Prius c Reveal

 

I think we might hear some details about Prius Gen4 and possibly NS4 in Detroit but actual reveal will be much later on unfortunately. I can't see why Toyota would have felt the need to announce further delays to Prius G4 if the car was going to be announced only a few months later.

 

I think the Gen 4 is in a similar situation to the iPhone. Both were revolutionary and took an early, dominant lead in the market, but now they have a giant target painted on their backs. They have both become the ones to beat, and nearly the entire industry is focused on beating them. They stand to lose, not merely by resting on their laurels, but by not taking on the entire industry, and emerging as the undefeated champion for years to come.

 

Well the Volt 2.0 seems nice. I think ultimately though the Prius still has more room in the back seats and trunk. We'll see when the real specs come out. But dual motors? Is that why the Volt 2.0 handles well in the snow?

They upped their mpg to 41 mpg.

Instantly I start calculating my frequent trip of 160 miles roundtrip to work (once a week) - and 80 miles one way.

Assuming 17 cents per KWh
New Volt (assuming 16 KWh I can access out of 18 KWh) = 16*.17 + 30/41*2.5 (current cost of gas and traveling 30 miles more) = ~$4.55
Now my PiP, 3 KWH charge just about and honestly I get 55 mpg quite frequent, so: 3*.17+70/55*2.5 = $3.69

What, still cheaper to drive my PiP?

Now I want to make the worst assumption for my PiP of 50 mpg and $3 gas...
New Volt = 16*.17+30/41*3= $4.9
PiP = 3*.17+70/50*3=$5.73
PiP (55 mpg) = $5.35

Obviously Gas is kind of in its sweetspot at the moment - but mpg matters a lot compared to EVs. What I want to know is EV efficiency.

And if the supposed next gen Prius is 60 mpg then:
Prius 4th gen: = 80/60*3=$4 - we are still cheaper to drive (and buy) than the Volt 2.

What I *love* about the Volt 2 is the battery tech and improvement there, also lighter system, on-demand charging and further range, 5 seats is good but from what I hear it's smaller than a Prius anyway - maybe you could fit 3 children in the back, but maybe a combination of adults would be hard...

Great stuff though!

Where's Toyota's innovative products? Give me the next gen Hybrid Highlander, anything! lol - not the Mirai ;(

*edit* - figuring the Volt 2.0 figured a way to go from 38 miles ev to 50 (and have *more space!*) - I'd be disappointed if the next gen PiP is less than 20...

 

No way. Demand is just fine.

 

Where is Toyota? Taking a back seat I believe and giving competitors time to catch up.