When is the 2006 model being released?

Any info or (reliable) rumors about what changes, if any, there will be for the 2006 model?

 

If Toyota holds to their usual schedule for changes there will be little change for the 2006 Prius.

 

this is getting to be a wishlist! if i were to buy another Prius i'd wish for remote hatch release, autostart, mp3 capable player, a premium speaker system that's actually 'premium', and back-up camera! hmmm... and also the originally advertised tire pressure monitor; as well as the DSP of the stereo! :roll: oh yeah.. also body side moldings standard! :mrgreen: and also.... :mrgreen:

 

When I asked that question I pretty much expected no major redesign, but rather a reshuffling of option packages and maybe some changes in the color offerings. Now, if the '06 will be available in Seaside Perl with the gray interior I might just have to sell my white '05 :mrgreen:

 

the plug in your house prius would be great, i could sell my generator.

 

i expect there will be minor changes in package options, maybe a few more add-ons. no changes in the chassis or engine...earliest expected upgrade for that is probably 2007 if they stick to the 3 year upgrade cycle that they have used so far.

with all the gripeing about color here and other places, i expect that we might have some more color options. perhaps some brighter options taylored to the ever expanding customer base the Prius is experiencing now.

 

I've talked to two different dealers and they don't anticipate any major changes for the 2006 model. I'm holding out until the fall (2006 expected release) for the possibility of a moonroof.

 

i think with the broader appeal the Prius is getting that they will offer some "younger" color choices

 

What's with all this obsessing over the 2005 or 2006 Prius? Is this some sort of US-only thing? Over here at least, car makers don't change their models on any sort of fixed schedule - they might change things several times during a year, or not at all.

We certainly wouldn't try to distinguish a "2004" or "2005" Prius. They're the same car. And I don't see why there'd be any reason to suppose that changes this month, next month, September or next June would be more likely.

Our registration plates do change every 6 months, so you might talk about a "54"-plate car versus a "05"-plate car, and there is a small amount of cachet in a newer plate (less so than when changes used to happen once a year), but that doesn't align at all with model changes.

 

actually Toyota does improve their cars several times a year and a latter model year will most likely have more of the bugs resolved than previous years. other than that, no changes other than possible minor package option combos. maybe color changes...(my prediction only...no word from Toyota on this)

 

KMO:

It really is a North American thing. Instead of keeping the same model line forever until it is refined to the point of being absolutely fool-proof, we appear to need styling cues to entice folks to buy new cars.

That doesn't always work.

Consider the "old" Chrysler 300. It was a somewhat uninspiring front wheel drive salon powered by a 3.5 litre V6. Given its size, the fuel economy was so-so.

With great fanfare, Daimler Chrysler redesigned the 300 to a rear-drive platform. As far as interior room, there really isn't much difference, and my Prius had more practical interior space.

They also introduced, with great fanfare, a Hemi V8 in the lineup. Even with the standard 3.5 litre V6, fuel economy took an average 25% hit. The "new" 300 is bigger on the outside, and heavier too. RWD cars also can't offer the fuel economy of FWD cars.

They also introduced a station wagon again, the Dodge Magnum. Yes, it also has a Hemi as an option. With regular bloody unleaded now at 92 cents a litre and climbing.

Driving past Chrysler dealerships here, the same Chrysler 300's have been sitting in snowbanks and now puddles of water all winter. They really blundered. Let's face it, they are bloody UGLY:

http://www.dodge.com/magnum

http://www.chrysler.com/300

Like something you'd find in a Hot Wheels toy car collection.

Perhaps if Daimler Chrysler could package a Mercedes direct injection V6 diesel, it might be an attractive alternative, especially in the Dodge Magnum. The same motor in the E series MB delivers very good fuel economy, around 40 MPG highway.

 

What tax break? Can anyone point me to more information? Tax breaks are a Good Thing.

thanks,
dave.