2008 Prius to get 113 mpg? It's in the works...

Here's the link in a more accessible form:

Prius to have 113 MPG

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bob_Perkowski @ Apr 11 2006, 01:52 PM) [snapback]238083[/snapback]</div>

Bob,
Looks like the link you sent was wrong on the date. The reference articles mention a target date of 2008. I'm glad I got my 2006 now, to save gas NOW. I'll get on the waiting list for the 2k8 one late next year )

 

It'll be out in 2008, but sold as a 2009 model, so it'd arrive mid to late 2008.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Over Achiever @ Apr 11 2006, 05:58 PM) [snapback]238315[/snapback]</div>

Watch all the waiting lists for Prius and TCH disappeared next week... :lol:

 

As with anything else, I think there will always be something better out later. So that's why I'm getting my Prius now. But this is great news if it's true - a major step in the right direction!

 

here is my 2 cents worth........ current prius is rated 61/55. I average 49/45. say next prius 113/100.......... I would be lucky to get 90/80.

Just my 2 cents worth.

so instead of 300 gallons a year, i may use 180........ a savings of 120 gallons a year. If gas is $4.00 a gallon that is only a $480 a year savings........ may not be enough to convince me to trade.........

 

I think Toyota is aiming to double the fuel economy again of the already amazing Prius mpg. Say, 04 Prius is twice the fuel efficiency of comparable mid size sedan. If true, 08 Prius would quadruple that efficiency. After reading "The Prius That Shook The World" book, I will not be surprise if Toyota engineers reach this goal again.

Think about it... hints were given that there will be improvements in the electrical side and the Li-ion is the key. The Maganese Li-ion capacitor (wonder why they call it capacitor) from Fuji Heavy Industries can absorb/charge much (100x) faster. Since the regen brake can capture much more electricity, the 4.5x higher capacity battery makes sense to store and use that extra juice.

Since the Magnese Li-ion capacitor can also discharge much faster (possibly with 2nd Planetary Gearset as SRU), the new Prius could launch to 40mph in electric alone before ICE kicks in. Current Prius can realistically do 10-15mph electric only. This bring to the gas ICE part. Since the electric side is more powerful, the ICE can be down-size further. Let's say 1.0 liter HCCI engine making 60hp and assume Magnanese capacitor make 67hp (completely supplying MG2), total output will be 127hp.

With that combo (HCCI ICE and Li-ion capacitor), I think next gen Prius can double the mpg.

Dennis

 

Why? I ask again...why?

Why do I need to go over 100 mph when no freeway in the U.S. lets me legally drive over 65? (Or maybe 70 in some state I don't know about?

Isn't this going down the same sad road that has brought the Big 3 to their knees?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Apr 11 2006, 09:24 PM) [snapback]238422[/snapback]</div>

Uh... that's 100 miles per GALLON we're talking about -- not miles per hour!

Now are you interested?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbarnhart @ Apr 12 2006, 01:34 AM) [snapback]238453[/snapback]</div>

Oh...never mind.

(They're talking a plug-in...right? Not with just straight I-L batteries. What about heat, instability, big *boom*?)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Apr 12 2006, 01:37 AM) [snapback]238455[/snapback]</div>

There are various Li-ion batteries in production now, that add polymers or other materials. Slightly reduces power, but also eliminates the runaway thermal effect (fires, meltdowns). I'm sure one of the safer battery types is what they would use. Subaru has been working with NEC for some time to develop a good Li-ion battery, and now that Toyota has a >10% shareholder interest in Subaru, they're probably picking up that battery technology.
I'm not sure about the plug-in capability. I've heard 9 miles on EV mode, perhaps the increase in battery power is enough to do that without plug-ins (increase the usable SOC range, and park it with a full battery), but Toyota has recently admitted they are looking at using plug-ins.

nerfer

 

I guess you could take a plug in hybrid, put 1 drop of fuel in the tank, and then drive 1000 miles in electric only mode, and then write a press release about your million mpg car!!! After another 1000 miles of electric only mode, then you could claim 2 million mpg!!!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sam-I-Am @ Apr 12 2006, 12:51 PM) [snapback]238678[/snapback]</div>

I agree.

But if Toyota can have the plugin once per gas refill and still get you 94mpg (real world experience)... then that will just be... marvelous.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dipper @ Apr 12 2006, 11:58 AM) [snapback]238680[/snapback]</div>

Let me add I'm not against plug ins. I'm close enough to work and most everything else that I would rarely need the gas engine, so a plug in would be perfect for me. I just think making up mpg numbers like that is a little ridiculous.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sam-I-Am @ Apr 12 2006, 08:27 PM) [snapback]238924[/snapback]</div>

Unfortunely, EPA/DOT complaining like this, without setting guidelines, are going to keep manufactors from even thinking about doing something new. Just look at the EV Button.