I'm sold on the new Prius after test driving one today but have a few questions that weren't answered by the dealership. Seems I knew more about it than they did just from reading these forums. Is it safe to assume that the 16s have the same PSD transmission that they used in the first gens. Also, is the trans still able to be serviced, i.e. drained and refilled. I know how some manufacturers are going to a sealed trans and hoping Toyota didn't do anything stupid. Thanks.
There are no more orange cables. Power flows through connectors on the top from the new, power inverter. Bob Wilson
They made the PSD more compact, by reorganizing the planetary gearset. If there is any possible maintenance you can do by yourself, it will be described in the user's manual. It has been posted here somewhere, I cannot find the post to it.
That was my main concern, that Toyota still uses the same technology in their new Prius. I was looking at new Hondas and was immediately turned off by the fact that they now use the CVT with the metal belt in all their 4 cylinder Accords. Didn't believe the sales BS that they did that to improve fuel efficiency but more likely to keep the price lower and go with a cheaper to manufacture transmission. I haven't found the answer to the drain and fill capability question yet but I will tomorrow when we pick up our new Prius.
All hybrid vehicles manufactured by Toyota use the idea of two electric motors and the engine powering a planetary gearset. Minor enhancements seem to be by Generation, but fundamentally, they all use the same principle. Ford and Nissan use the same idea in their hybrids, and the Volt vaguely resembles it as well.
Nice classic silver, normally I do not care for side moldings, but looks great here. I also prefer the non-2-tone wheel covers.
Priusgto, I like your side moldings. Was it installed at the ports? I notice it doesn't look like the ones featured on Toyota website under accessories.
Which Nissan systems use it? The Pathfinder hybrid had a one motor system. The old Altima hybrid was just Toyota's system under license.
They manufactured the Altima, just as the others mentioned. I understand it was TRW's idea. C-Max Energi: George Gelb, Planetary Gear, Hybrid Drive and Ford (some part of our patent mess these days is that design, while important, should lead to implementation. Steve Jobs said "Real Artists Ship" Steve Jobs was right: Real Artists Ship! Toyota Shipped.)
