4th generation coming 2015!

Fair enough, will wait and see. FWIW, the new 2015 as I have stated do NOT look much different than the 2013 or 2014.

Sorry for the confusion. I had heard 2015 was going to be when the new Gen IV was to come out.

I stand corrected now.

Peace everyone,
Ron

 

I almost wonder if you didn't look at a Plus Performance Package equipped prius, which gives it a much sportier look.

I'll admit it looks pretty awesome, and I probably would get the kit despite the price. The thing holding me back however, is that it lowers the prius about an inch or so. Which is bad if you live in an area that gets snow like Wisconsin. In southern states though, I totally would get it for the better handling and sporty look.

Performance Plus Package ground clearance? | PriusChat

 

i think if the IV looks as much like the III, as the III does the II, some people will be disappointed.

 

FWIW, Toyota had the AWD Matrix but axed it, so WHY would they re-introduce a concept they've already discarded?

 

Matrix had mechanical AWD. Prius is supposed to have electrical one that increases fuel efficiency (see Highlander hybrid 4WD).

Tesla did something similar with the Model D.

 

One wheel driving while the other three are regenerating is a TOTAL waste of energy...because that single driving wheel has to generate power to overcome the DRAG of the three other wheels in regeneration mode!

Nice IDEA, but lousy ENGINEERING.

 

It's great and all, but I'm still blank about it, manage to make it around corners now, with minimum theatrics. It's new, it'll cost, there will be problems.

 

That's an acceptable description, but it is NOT what the video and graphics where claiming/showing.

 

Ashlem,

If you are referring to the car I looked at, I doubt seriously it was a package deal as you mentioned. This car came equipped with the Bridgestone Ecopia's on it. IIRC they were the 15 inch rims also. Had the cheap plastic wheel covers with the black wheels underneath. One thing that was on the car that was a surprise was the OEM body side molding. It did lack the lower door moldings that I added to the 2013 I have now, and it also lacked the rear bumper scratch guard. It also did not have tinted windows. Not sure if the package you mentioned comes with the window tint or not. What I will say is this, I liked the car so much I actually took the stock number and VIN with me before I left the lot. I seriously thought about it for two days before deciding to keep the six (6) month old 2013 I have now. It is serving me well, giving excellent MPG and hauls anything I can fit in the backend. I was really impressed with it on this current road trip. I crossed the divide with it yesterday. The Prius made it with NO problem. I did drive slowly though and respected the machine. Gave it a good bath today and she looks show room new once again. Spending another night here in Grand Junction, CO. Not sure which way I am going next, but I know our Prius will get us there safe and sound while delivering excellent fuel economy. Last tank was all mountain driving and crossing over Monarch Pass which has a elevation of 11,3XX feet. I was travelling east to west. I filled up in Trinidad, CO that morning. Drove 376 miles which got us to Junction and a little around town driving. That tank actually came in at 55 MPG. If that is not amazing, I don't know what is. I will update my fuelly when I get home. I will also post pics in the string I started earlier today in the MPG section of this forum.

Again, sorry for the confusion I started. Yes, I was one that was fooled by the rumors... Fact - 2015 model year is NOT a Gen IV Prius. Still a typical Gen III.

Peace Everyone,
Ron (dorunron)

 

that cartoon they made is an oversimplification-- just to give a vague idea of what they're doing.

In the near future I expect to see a lot of cars with each wheel having its own motor/generator.

 

If I recall correctly, the only hybrid Highlander offered now is the AWD version, so there is no FWD version available for a direct comparison. If one looks at the Lexus 450h, the FWD version is 30 mpg combined (32 city, 28 highway) while the AWD version is 29 mpg (30 city, 28 highway). So for Toyota, going to AWD, even if it is an electrical AWD, still has a fuel efficiency penalty.

 

Ok, I was going by the last gen of HH.

 

I for one would like to see an AWD option. Our Prius is primarily driven by my wife and we have a young son and maximum safety is very important. We also live in an rural hilly area with harsh winters. Our Gen III does alright now, but lets just say we're lucky to have a 4WD truck as well. I don't think a 50:50 AWD is needed, but one with a little power supplement at the rear via electric motor would help very much in poor traction environments.

My other big complaint about the Gen III we have is I would like to see better highway performance at high speeds (70-80 MPH). We have some large highway hills in our area, and the droning when climbing hills from the ICE is irritating. It also seems to work a lot harder in the same hills our old Civic used to climb effortlessly. We'd be happy with more cargo room, but I am hesitant to step up to Prius V because with the same drivetrain it would be even more underpowered in the hills and on the highway.

 

Careful now! I think this spy photo is of the next Gen Volt!
2016 Toyota Prius spy - New Car Review 2015 : New Car Review 2015

Nope!
but I am betting on this front end, love it!
Slim A pillar of the NS4, and I would not change much from the B pillar rearward of the current Gen.

 

Reminds ME of Japanese-designed Catfish barbels!

Top (purple) is the FCV and bottom (blue) is Prius?

The GenII design is looking better & better every minute!