4th generation coming 2015!

So far all we have is speculation. I wonder if Toyota is out there "seeding" the internet with what they want us to know. The mules I have seen in photos do not look very much different from the third gen Prius. They had to have been proving out the next gen of HSD in these mules.

If the styling does not grab us, I don't care how good the technology is, it would be a hard sell to even the most devout Prius follower (lover).
I believe we are yet to see the finalized version of the Next Prius. Pushing back the launch date tell us the car was not ready for prime time. Either they had a major engineering snafu or they really did change the whole design of the body to show that this is something very new and edgy.

If the latest C-HR hints at the New Prius styling cues, they may have a hit on their hands. If they have a waiting list, like they did in 2004, that would be an out of the park home run. Time will tell, Toyota has been called very conservative. I hope they swing and launch it to Timbuktu.

 

Remember, aerodynamic "TESTING" can be accomplished in a wind tunnel using a non-functional (ie: mock-up) "body" because only the exterior components -- NO powertrain is required.

 

The early mule must have been testing the new HSD, because the interior was conventional and the exterior looked identical to the current form. Now we hear that the centered gauges will remain a "signature", I don't know why, maybe it helps reduce cost.

The "spy" photo posted on this thread earlier this year show a lower, flatter roofline and a higher rear end, which matches the "wedgier" description in the latest Autonews article. Still looks more like the current Prius than the C-HR. I'm inclined to believe this is the redesign. If so, i imagine a rear camera will have to be standard.

 

I don't know what else we can say. I thought Tideland Prius did a good job of summarizing the entire situation.

I hope for the best. I really do like my 2010. It is a magnificent automotive achievement. But success is hard to surpass in the follow-along edition. They did it with the G3. I hope they can repeat with the G4. We have seen two artist depictions that IMHO, would be fantastic successors. But Toyota seems to be heading in a more sculptured direction (Corolla, Camry and even the Lexus). It is hard for me to imagine that all the front end recesses, bends, and angular panels would improve aerodynamics. Several have suggested they are aiming at a younger buyer. I would think that is a risky strategy. It's us old "toots" that have the cash to put a G4 in our garage.

To close on a positive comment ... I am grateful that Toyota did not release the G4 until they have worked out the design. I just hope the wait will have been well spent. BTW, I would imagine it is a very time consuming procedure to re-configure an assembly line on a new design,. Parts suppliers must re-tool; sheetmetal cutting and stamping machines re-configured; robots reprogrammed to align and weld at precisely the right spot and etc.

 

Just to add my 2 cents worth. ..

I think the article stating that Prius G4 will follow the C-HR design language is being wrongly interpreted. Actually I would go so far as to say even that article has taken comments made by Toyota officials slightly out of context.

When Toyota refers to a "new design language" in the context of C-HR, we should compare against current generation of CUVs or compact SUVs which is what the C-HR is meant to be. The Nissan Juke comes to mind, even Audi Q3 or BMW X1. Imagine you were looking to get a CUV, would you pick the C-HR over current alternatives?

Personally, I don't believe Prius G4 will look similar to C-HR. There could be identifiable design features but the fact that a CUV is a totally different type of vehicle to an Eco Focused car means they are unlikely to be as similar as we here have started to believe.

 

The current Prius "look" has become accepted, it no longer offends. Remember 10 years ago. The blog-o-sphere was spinning hard on how ugly the Prius was. Toyota must recapture that.

 

I just hope that Toyota's "...new design language..." isn't being taken from the asian fugly GODZILLA & TRANSFORMERS school of design!

 

I'm most hopeful about improved battery technology. Much higher charge densities have been achieved experimentally, and some specialized applications are currently using them, but so far the cost is out of reach for a production car.

 

Here's to better infotainment, more efficient break-charging from front and back wheels, eAWD, higher battery capacity in both LiION and NiMH versions, a little more room in the back.

Honestly, I don't freakin care about design, I like the current one, if they would just improve it......

 

To be truthful, I think the GenII Prii looked better than the GenIII Prii, even though they aren't as aerodynamic. However, since aerodynamics are VERY important to highway MPG achievements, I accept the GenIII design changes.

 

I think of the gen 3 as a pseudo-sporty version of the gen 2. Pseudo because it has the same body shape, but some clever creasing makes it appear to sit lower. Seems like the gen 4 will actually sit a few inches lower. The consequence might be somewhat worse visibility, but if there's really an advanced safety system, maybe we won't need to see things

 

True, human drivers are fallable, but they don't suffer "tin-whisker" migrations, etc., as electronic circuits are known to do.

 

Opposite here (preferred the Gen 3 design short of the blocky-looking rear-end).

 

Don't identify me as a "believer" yet, but I must admit that I am leaning towards the group that suggest that Toyota has lost interest in the Prius. Toyota's media approach "appears" to be much different towards the Prius, than from it's other brands.

I've said before, and admittedly, some have taken issue with my thought, but I suspect the current Prius is bumping up against a "barrier" of sorts. An overall 51 mpg (EPA) is difficult to improve upon in a production vehicle, and the public (at least here on PriusChat) wants/expect a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency. I suspect, there are a number of things that can be done with the ICE, with light weight materials, aerodynamics and with battery chemistry, but the cost impact overwhelms the considerations.

OTOH, just look at the last 10 post or so. We are all expressing interest in vastly different aspects of the new design. One expresses hopes pursuant to the design philosophy, another care less what it looks like. Another is more interested in battery chemistry, others are interested in PIP charging. The diversity of likes and dislikes seems to be more intense among Prius owners. We seem to take things more personal. Perhaps Corvette, or Mustang owners feel the same way? I do not read their forums.

 

A 'handful of forum people' does not constitute the majority buying market.

 

We knew all along the next Gen Prius would be a 2016 announced in the Spring of 2015 just as Gen III. Some in this forum were thought it would be a 2015. I doubt Toyota has lost interests, still owns the market.
Toyota Embraces Fuel-Cell Cars for Post-Gasoline Future - Businessweek

 

I remember when we were waiting for the Gen III. A lot of the same sentiments were given then.

 

Deja Vu?...again...again...again...again