4th generation coming 2015!

Pretty sure the 3rd gen Prius arrived at Piercey Toyota by Friday on Memorial Day weekend, so that makes six years and two days ago.

 

55 mpg.

I think that pretty much tells us this, we are close to the maximum limit we can reach on a gasoline engine efficiency.

The future is in electric motors, already reaching really high efficiency.

 

55 mpg with 40% thermal efficiency, but that's not including small aerodynamic and battery improvements. Nor does it account for a potentially lighter frame. Although I do agree that hybrids are reaching diminishing returns, I'm not giving up on the idea of the first hybrid that gets 60 mpg.

 

from 38.5% to 40% is minor improvement and would mean only ~52 MPG. I think 55 MPG is the ceiling of what next gen will achieve.

 

The gen2 has an EGR that gas cars have had for decades. The gen3 uses a chilled EGR; there is a heat exchanger that cools the recirculated exhaust gases further. I admit that is the extent of my knowledge of the differences. The gen3 could have lower combustion temperatures than the gen2, or just have the EGR valve open for shorter periods leading to identical cylinder temps.

If clogging is more likely in the gen3, my guess would be it happening in the heat exchanger. The greater, and quicker temperature drop can lead to more material getting deposited. Then the flow through the exchanger could have eddies allow depositing. A basic EGR is just a short length of hose, and they aren't immune to clogging, with some engines being more prone to it.

 

We purchased our 2010 model year Prius 3rd generation in May of 2009. So why is it I can't buy a 2016 Prius in May of 2015??????

 

In Canada the 2012 Plug-in Prius didn't show up until fall 2012. In fact, my dealer got one of the first, and they registered it November 2012.

Big variability in what that model year number means.

 

So why isn't Toyota doing an EV version of the Prius? Seems like it would be a good competitor to the upcoming Telsa 3 or other EVs on the market today.

 

i thought they were.

 

I haven't checked this Thead in a couple months. Anything new out there regarding the Gen 4??

 

Toytota says EVs aren't the future Fool Cells are. So they are doing the stupid Toyota Mirai

 

i honestly believe toyota is chasing the money. no government incentives, no hydrogen cars. they have to talk the talk, it's part of the deal.

 

While the Mirai is an electric vehicle, most people mean BEV when they speak of EV.

 

I think he was being sarcastic.

 

FC stack is a bettery that breaths air.

 

Here is another brand new model on the market now that will grab some customer's attention away from Prius. A driver needs to specifically be wanting a car that gets 50 MPG to want a Prius and that means they probably drive a ton of miles a year. But, if they don't drive much, like 10k miles a year, I'll bet they don't feel the need for any hybrid really.

I saw one at Honda, an EX with AWD and leather and navigation priced in the $26k range, that's with destination. 1.8L 4 cyl with CVT and rated at 29 MPG combined.

Honda HR-V Reviews - Honda HR-V Price, Photos, and Specs - Car and Driver

 

i drive 9,000 miles a year. need? we need what we want. this new model will probably just steal sales from other honda models.

 

Funny, I thought I was the only one cross-shopping the Prius and the HR-V. The HR-V is great at fitting a lot of cargo space into a small package (58 cu. ft.). Its engine is a bit outdated, and its ground clearance is just over an inch higher than the Prius. If you want all-wheel drive, the Subaru XV is a compelling alternative. I'm expecting the Gen 4 to have more cargo space, so I'm not sure the HR-V will end up with a big advantage there. If the gen 4 is really 20% lighter(!), it will certainly be sportier. But for those who want to sit higher, carry lots of stuff, and park easily, the HR-V seems like a good alternative.

 

gen 4 Prius will absolutely NOT be 20% lighter. Know how much that is? .2 x 3,000 lb = 600 lbs. lighter ....

gen4 Prius ... 2,400 lbs curb weight???? Not in a million. Thing would be so darn flighty at that weight, it would ... stink.