4th generation coming 2015!

john1701a - I completely agree with your statement "to deliver a competitive product should be rewarding." No exceptions.

Let's talk about the several other words that you mentioned: technology; reliable; affordable and practical.

There are many vehicles that meet that criteria today, and more being introduced each model year. Interestingly, you did not mention "fuel efficiency" and that, along with above four terms, is what has distinguished the Prius from the others.

Personally, I suspect the buying public would have been very favorably inclined to a new G4 Prius with a fresh exterior, upgraded interiors, improved handling, more comfortable seats, and a quieter ride, (and Oh ya, a different dashboard) WITH .... the same hybrid system as the current model. And, there is little doubt that it would meet (insert the four terms you mentioned). And, it would still be the fuel efficiency leader in the automobile world. The automotive magazines would have touted the improvements, and Consumer Reports would have given it their vaulted "Recommended" rating. Then, in a year or so when the kinks are resolved in a smaller, lighter, and more fuel efficient hybrid system, it could have been a major selling point for a model year 2017 or 2018.

All of the above is just an opinion, but I suspect that Toyota has fumbled a major opportunity and will find "getting back in the game" more difficult. Referring again to the automobile magazines and Consumer Reports ...... the Prius is rarely mentioned.

 

That's because it will be the norm, an expectation without needing to be said... just like the other criteria are already.

Which game are you referring? Again, this is a "who" matter.

In other words, is the competition the other niche players in the battle for enthusiasts or the war to win over those who continue to purchase traditional vehicles?

 

i don't think toyota needs to 'get back in the game' they've already passed 'go' and collected their $2oo.

 

I'm not sure I follow your point. Sorry. It is my problem, not yours.

My point was that "traditional vehicles" are enjoying a lot of success with the buying public, and several models are as fuel efficient, or better, than hybrids, especially on the highway. Many are using direct injection, turbocharged smaller engines and multi-gear transmissions to achieve these gains. And, reportedly, they are more fun to drive, more comfortable, and quieter..... even some of Toyota's vehicles (the 2015 Camry). Toyota seems to be stymied in achieving a 10% improvement in an already excellent hybrid system, where there still seems to be room for improvement in "traditional" automobile designs.

But I'd like to read your thoughts (and others too) on my comment about a new G4 with an all new design and interior with improved ride and quietness, but using the current hybrid system. The new Lexus 300h is doing exactly that.

 

FUMBLED?
Ford C-Max; From 47/47/47 to later 43 combined, now 40 combined, Not even close!
Compare Side-by-Side

 

Yes, but like in Monopoly, the game is not over after passing "Go" and collecting $200. All the other players are passing "Go" as well. To win the "game" requires that you make the circuit repeatedly (year after year) and have so many properties (sales) that the other players (buyers) pay for your property.

Enough on that analogy.

 

SNEAK PEAK! The 2015 NEW 4G TOYOTA PRIUS!!!? | Stage 10 Productions Inc.

 

Oh c'mon, at least look at the date of the article (2012)

 

all the other players are playing, but they haven't even bought a house or a hotel yet.

 

Or have a Get Out of Jail free card.

 

exactly.

 

Can anyone point to a thread where serious Prius enthusiast discuss revenant issues about the next generation Prius, and not get sidetracked on a word, such as "game" and launch into a dialogue that is senseless?

Meanwhile, no one has offered comments on my thought about the merits of an updated G4 with refreshed exterior, upgrades interior, improved handling a quieter interior with lower road noise and retaining the current hybrid system. Is Toyota attempting to move their enthusiast up to the Camry?

 

Here in Europe, we already have the Toyota Auris Hybrid and the Toyota Auris Touring Sports more or less what you've described - they are quieter, more efficient, cleaner and more refined overall compared to Prius G3. Strictly speaking I guess what you are referring to is a new revision of Prius with these refinements?

 

kinda looks like a hybrid matrix almost. something they should have done years ago.

 

yikes - oppps - sorry - my bad - I really need to spend more time reading my links -

 

I think the photos earlier in this thread indicate that the body shape will be significantly different (hood 3+ inches lower, roofline apex 1.5 feet further back) with a lower drag coefficient and a lower center of gravity. I wonder if the HSD is already so efficient that the engineers have turned to other methods (downsizing the drivetrain, lowering drag) to achieve the desired 10% improvement. I'm hoping for / expecting a G4 with essentially the same HSD but with fewer compromises, as you describe.

 

Thank you for your thought. That is somewhat like I was thinking. Even now, the Prius fuel efficiency is still the best in the business. I just wonder how much of a factor the expiring patents will be???
Re the same HSD and upgraded components .... As I understand it, that is what Toyota has done with the 2015 Camry.

 

There is an interesting photo on twitter from Mike Magrath. Search under his name or 2015 prius. Maybe a new spy shot?

 

It looks more like the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle Toyota is working on.

 

Yep, FCV. Or the next dodge dart