I think I just saw the Gen 4 Prius (in stealth)

Definitely a lower center of gravity.

 

At least the front end is better looking than the v.

Today I was reading on-line that Prius sales in May were 27% lower, as are the other hybrids and EV's. The article stated the public is returning to the big cars. The reason? lower fuel prices. I hope I am wrong, but I do not expect that gasoline will remain below $3/gal, certainly not over the live expectancy of a car.

Fuel efficiency was not the ONLY reason I bought the Prius in 2010, and it will not be the only reason when I replace it. But it does reinforce the point that a car will not sell if mileage is the only strong point (like the Leaf).

I have never faulted the ride, handling and performance of the Prius, but I would like a quieter interior. The Michelin energy saver tires help, but more insulation is needed. OTOH, features that get very little attention, that I really appreciate are, the electric A/C compressor, electric water pump, and the absolute ease that the vehicle transitions from the ICE to electric. 112,000 miles, still looks good, very few rattles, no battery issues, and the original brakes have tens of thousands of miles remaining. It is a hard vehicle to beat, if it fits within your driving needs.

 

i hope you are right. low gas prices are killing this country and the environment.

if mileage doesn't matter, who cares if it sells?

 

Car companies produce lower MPG vehicles to meet gov standards. Cars like the Prius greatly help them his these numbers. Gas prices drop. Sales of these energy efficient vehicles drop. Dealers end up with extra inventory. That can create some great deals for those looking to purchase one. Just think what the sales will be on the current models once the new one comes out.

 

The front end looks a little Mirai-ish!

 

Ballbearing - Gosh I hope not. Those (I presume faux) side air scoops are larger than an F18's. LOL

Automobile designers today (by in large) seem to have a fixation for large, ornate, frontal surfaces decked-out with horizontal, vertical and diagonal indentations and projections, that appear to be a grille, but in reality are just tacked on ornamentation. There may be exceptions, but from what I have seen, that appears to be the case. I would assume all the ornamentation added weight, a degree of wind noise, and I can't see how they would not have an adverse impact on aerodynamics?

Years ago, designers chromed every possible surface. Now they hang fake grilles? If that is what is called, "appealing to the youth?
I am showing my age.

 

2016 Toyota Prius unveil expected soon, CEO Lentz says

 

Lol define real soon...what was it, a month shown on the Internet before officially unveiled ? Maybe less...for the Gen 3. Anyone remember ? I am a but disappointed him saying a 15% is too high. It should still be above 10 tho

 

Certain individuals here already have.

Fortunately, their claim quickly falls apart when they can't actually provide a link or even the statement itself.

 

klutz would have claimed 'better than 15%' probably would have said something silly like 'leapfrog the competition.'

 

I can understand exercising caution when discussing fuel efficiency, or in this case improvement. He must speak to all buyers. In reality, many of us get significantly better mileage now, than the EPA figure. OTOH, Consumer Report, from day one, has said the Prius overall average is 44 mpg. It is a rare week that I am down in that area.

If you live where it is not too hot, not too cold, where there is no significant rain, or wind, and the traffic enables you avoid stop and go traffic, and drive distances at a relatively steady speed in the 35-50 mph range, then you WILL get better than 15% improvement.
Not spoken as an automotive expert, rather a driver with 5 years experience with the Prius, that has studied the impact of excessive environmental factors. BTW, that assumes everything else, like tire pressure, and no excessive weight is being towed around.

 

Gen 1 to 2 was a 10% improvement, and so was the gen 2 to 3. What major breakthroughs has Toyota had to lead people to believe that the gen 4 will have greater than 10% improvement?

 

CR has a nutty MPG test system that dings Gen3/most hybrids with about 32 MPG City rating, apparently reflecting the engine warm-up period. CR on Highway gives Gen3 a 55 MPG rating.

 

With it being outside, and no publish method, their test is also unrepeatable and useless for comparisons between models.

 

I'm just waiting for the 2015's to stop shipping in then the bargain priced inventory to run low, then I'll put mine on the market.
A spike in gas prices will help too

 

all the best.

 

In some parts of the country they're already spiking (hello southwest).

I don't like CR. They have similarly wonky comparison methods for TVs. I would never pay for their rag.

 

In this photo, there looks to be an opening for a passenger side refuel. Toyota usually chooses the driver's side for liquid fuel entry, with the passenger side for electrical. I am going to assume this is the new plug in Prius?

http://images.thecarconnection.com/lrg/2016-toyota-prius-camouflaged-test-car-southern-california-jun-2015-photo-by-cars-direct_100514616_l.jpg

 

that was the question, since it's over a year away.