Hi All, Everyone is anxious as to what changes there are on the 2008's. All we seem to know is the introduction of a stripped model at a lower price. Here is the link to the Toyota Prius web site in Japan: http://toyota.jp/prius/exterior/bodycolor/index.html Does anyone read Japanese? My quess is these are the new 2008's which we will see at the end of the month.
Looks the same to me as my 2007 with some side blinkers... And a flippin sweet blue color, I wish we had that here, instead of the pansy blue, no offense guys...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(silver squirell @ Aug 9 2007, 07:47 PM) [snapback]493348[/snapback]</div> Without knowing any Japaneese, I can tell you the color selection in Japan is not as good as US.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(silver squirell @ Aug 9 2007, 10:47 PM) [snapback]493348[/snapback]</div> Well, according to translate.google.com of http://toyota.jp/prius/spec/equipment/index.html, the Japanese model includes a "driver's seat suicide seat." Not exactly the seat upgrade I was hoping for, glad I broke down and bought an '07 this month. They also seem to think it's important to let everyone know that analog TV signals cease in 2011, apparently they can get TV on the dash. And they have the auto parking thing, but I think they've had that for a while.
From what I can see, there is something about a "G" and a "G/S" touring model. And on this link: http://toyota.jp/prius/navi-audio/navi/index.html the NAV looks like its had an overhaul. I dont know if its just the Japenese version, but the power button is located under the far right (left in US) air vent. I dont know if this is available in US either, but they have introduced "styling packages" which give you a ton of extra options.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jweale @ Aug 10 2007, 06:21 PM) [snapback]493747[/snapback]</div> I think I once owned a Ford Pinto with that feature!
that seat option has been available in Japan since the G2 was introduced It just swivels around, just like the captian chairs in motor homes.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NicksBlackBrid @ Aug 10 2007, 12:52 AM) [snapback]493404[/snapback]</div> Nice Blue. Would look great with a black cloth interior. Too bad the Japanese blue along with more Touring editions are not available in the USA.
I don't see anything especially different. The Nav system includes a "realistic" city view that seems to include 3D views of streets, but that's probably only available in Japan. Note that you can watch the Prius 10th anniversary commercials (and other Toyota commercials) on the site too: http://toyota.jp/tvcf/index.html
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Slair @ Aug 10 2007, 04:26 PM) [snapback]493752[/snapback]</div> That's where it's been all along in right hand drive Prius models.
Looks like the Japanese Leather version uses a different type of leather (non-perferated). http://toyota.jp/prius/exterior/garally/index.html
I would guess that the side blinkers are probably a Japanses requirement and that they won;t have them here in the US. Lot's of European cars had side blinkers years ago due to European requirements, and many US mad vehicles STILL don't have them. They don't make a huge difference, and if it is really important to you, I am sure can add these after-market and just tie them into the same circuit that handles the existing signal lamps.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JG in SB @ Aug 11 2007, 03:21 PM) [snapback]494040[/snapback]</div> For the record, side blinkers seen here: on Prius in Kyoto in 2004: http://allenlux.dyndns.org/qdig0/?Qwd=./Pr...humbs&Qis=M on my 2005 Prius in Luxembourg: http://allenlux.dyndns.org/qdig0/?Qwd=./Pr...humbs&Qis=M So let's not see this as a big 2008 feature...
After reading the page, there's nothing new out for '08 that was not out for '07. and one bad thing about japanese website is that it does not explain anything. if you have anything else you need translating, let me know. i'm japanese
"We are the Prius-Borg. You will be assimilated. Your biological and technological distinctiveness will be added to our own. Resistance is futile." I just noticed that sig line..how cute!
the dash seems to have one less colour in it ? the brown of the glovebox and piece in front of the driver changed to match the mottled black of the rest? loads more warning icons and what's that red thing in the passenger footwell?