4th generation coming 2015!

Tideland Prius - You make a compelling argument, and may be absolutely correct, especially the statement that it wasn't until 2012 that the Camry got all of the improvements from the 2010 Prius. I did not know that.

But I will say this, I would not even consider purchasing a new vehicle that utilized outdated technology IF, I was aware that the latest technology was available on a corporate "variant."

Let me explain: Even the most loyal Toyota hybrid followers have a point where the deal is broken. Several have expressed the "flying console" as one such deal breaker; others have mentioned the absence of AWD; and others the centered dash. When I am paying a premium price for the latest hybrid technology, my interest would collapse immediately on old technology, as good as the old technology was. My 2010 has served me well, and still has a lot of miles remaining. Why would I consider going back into debt?

 

Fortunately for Toyota, most consumers are not so picky, nor do they even know what generation of hybrid tech is in any given hybrid model.

 

Next Gen PIP is more than 2 years away as a 2017 MY. I will not wait that long for a Plug-in hybrid .

Next-Generation Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid To Enter Production In 2016

 

Article is 6 months old. I'd wait until Gen4 announcements before jumping to any conclusions.

 

I agree!

The c and v refresh (to me) signal two things;

1) That these two models will _not_ be seeing a new generation anytime before the 2017 MY
2) The GenIV (2016) Prius Liftback and PiP will likely be a very late model, likely not available until December of 2015.

Why would Toyota waste their staff hours significantly updating two models if they intended to throw it all away in 12 months. To me, it appears Toyota will use the Liftback and PiP to showcase new HSD technology before rolling it out to other models - retaining the Liftback's status as "cutting edge", while also allowing for reduced development costs for other platforms.

Just my 2-cents

 

Some speculation here that Prius G4 delay is due to re-styling - apparently Mitsuhisa Kato didn't like the initial design. I like the C-HR Concept though for an SUV.

Last-minute Prius styling rebuff shows Toyota's new focus on design

 

Well - that's hugely disappointing although the article seems to go back and forth the Gen IV details (regular) vs Plugin.

With Toyota focused on FCEV versus plugins ... well, Chevy and Nissan will run away with the market. Tesla's consumer version should be ready by then also lol.

This Gen IV better be 60 mpg+ with AWD. 55 mpg will not cut it. 55 mpg with 15 miles ev will not cut it!

 

Does anyone really believe the gen 4 will actually make it to production as an AWD?

I personally think that would be awesome, but remember AWD = a heavier veh, and possibly more resistance to have to push, axels to turn, so 60 mpg might be wishful thinking.. (Think subaru crosstrek hybrid! What a joke, 1 mpg gain for 3k hybrid price premium).

But that concept looks sweet. Like a mad max dune buggy! Those rims though. Lol. What are they like 28"s haha.

 

I actually do. Consider the Li-ion liftback version. More space to fit an electric motor. Look at the battery pack in the Prius Alpha (how they fit 7 seats). It's in the center console in the front, that's it!

 

I eagerly await and hope like everyone here. I prob won't be back in the market till at least 2017 / 2018 unless the gen 4 is a slam dunk and proves itself. Heck we still don't even know if it will be out in 2016, 2017 or....

 

Another reason for Toyota to move to electric. A second motor to provide AWD can actually increase highway efficiency. It may still drop city efficiency though, we should know soon though.

 

I believe the future of vehicle automotion is slick button pressing. Tesla is probably the lead in this. Like Toyota HV/EV, PWR Mode, etc...We can have a 4WD mode and programmable to work at certain speed limits.

Here's a question for all. Does Regen breaking only work for the front tires? What if it was captured in the back wheels as well?

I'm certain Gen IV will be out next year, I just hope the plugin is not too far behind...

The future might not be EV (yet) - until the battery tech is resolved - but the future involves some sort of EV tech, and that's what Toyota pioneered with their Hybrids. Now - to fuel in the convenience of your home...And Solar being cheaper than ever, it just makes sense to focus on electric as well - just be efficient at it!

We will see, supposedly the NS4 was shown recently again - so indeed that plugin extended range vehicle might come out? Maybe it's 45 mpg instead of 55-60 for the Gen IV, but most likely it'd have 30+ miles EV and be in direct competition with the Volt - plus look snazzy.

 

Yes, in Toyota's eAWD system as used in some Highlander and Lexus models, the rear wheels also do regenerative braking and together with a higher battery capacity, can produce a higher rate of energy recovery when slowing down.

JeffD

 

Well, from reading all of the comments above, and especially the article Last-minute Prius styling rebuff shows Toyota's new focus on design, I am feeling more like Toyota will forfeit it's leadership position as the world leader in hybrid vehicles. If that turns out to be true, it will be a real tragedy. Toyota has built a wonderful reputation for quality, engineering, and dependability, all of which earned them respect.

Hopefully, we will know soon enough. BTW, I very much dislike the concept depicted in the above mentioned article. If you haven't seen it, take a few minutes and read the article.

 

There was an article much earlier mentioning that the Gen IV will borrow more of a design from the NS4 versus any other concept. My guess is that this is true - I think Dianne said the same thing. The design depicted in the article is 'meh' and I'm almost certain ti won't look like that. That was a previous concept wasn't it?

 

Thank you inferno, I appreciate your level headed approach to this question. Personally, I have no idea if the design depicted is old or new, although it does have some resemblance to that (IMHO) terrible depiction that was passed around this thread a year or more ago.

But one thing about the article that somewhat "rang-true" to me was mention of the new Camry and Corolla. Not the most beautiful designs I have seen lately. If this is Toyota's new trend, then it does not bode well for my enthusiasm.

Another point that I do agree with .... if Toyota's design team can do no better, then retain the services of an Italian design studio. Or hire the man that does really great design that we see on the VEL television network. The show is "Overhauling." He really has a talent for turning pigs ears into velvet purses. LOL.

And finally, others will be turned-off by the centered instrument panel. Personally, I have no problem with that, but I know many do.

 

Who knows what that means. The rumors are all over the place; artist depictions only agree that there are 4 wheels; Toyota has offered absolutely no information. Personally, I think that is a mistake. Sales are being lost to other brands that the automotive magazines are "hyping," Other hybrids are getting closer to the milage standard that Prius set. Customer loyalty can only hold out so long in the absence of information. One writer above even suggest that Toyota Management has lost interest in the Prius.

Your guess is as good as anyones. We shall see, perhaps this time next year???