4th generation coming 2015!

Well at least they didn't have the front shutters down with the driver wearing sun glasses and looking eagerly at whoever might be looking at the car. In all likelihood, this is a proper test mule with the person driving concentrating on the job at hand.

The Prius test mule on the other hand, seem to have been driven around with shutters down and the driver at the wheel glancing at the public most of the time - there are a number of shots confirming this. These things might seem insignificant or irrelevant but in really, it says a lot and hence the reason why it is not worthwhile analyzing the Autoblog Prius Test Mule spy shots.

 

A question more than a statement:

I suppose I have not put much credibility into the test-mule sightings because I do not understand the process, especially with a new "global platform."

It seems entirely logical, and not very difficult to put the ICE, Hybrid system, even the suspension in a G3 and test those components. Computer modeling could answer most of the sheetmetal, and aerodynamic question without a test-mule.

But there is this consideration of a new "global platform," which I understand suggest the same sub-structure will be used for several models of Toyota automobiles. Couldn't (and might) the spotted test-mule be a test of the "global platform," and not necessarily be a test solely of the G4?

Do you suppose the test-mule was hand-built?, otherwise, Toyota would have needed to set up the "global" assembly-line first? I'm doubting they could set-up the assembly line between now and September, based on the findings of the test-mule.

Until I can get my mind to accept all of the production ramifications of a new "global platform" I am left with doubts about what has been seen and identified as a G4.

 

From my first exposure to the term, I have taken-mule to refer to preproduction versions. They could be a late stage prototype or another model in the case of testing a specific subsystem. Toyota could have, and probably did, stick the the new HSD into a gen3 body. People have been swapping engines and transmissions in cars for nearly as long as the automobile has been around.

Road testing the suspension is going to take the actual body, since the car's weight, distribution of said weight, and even the flex in the body itself play a part in the final tuning of it.

The Gen4 test-mules are also test-mules of the global platform. Platform sharing has been going on for some time. A global platform means the sharing a larger percentage of subframes of the body to reduce costs further. Before, a car company would have a platform for their small cars and one for their large cars. With a global platform, those two platforms share a lot more in terms of common parts, or are even now one, modular platform that can just put in a "spacer" for larger models.

A global platform is one designed with more foresight into using it to design and manufacturer future models and trims. I've heard the Camry Solara took two years to come out after the release of the Camry sedan. If that Camry had been designed on a global platform, designing a convertible coupe version would have been less costly in terms of money, manpower, and time.

The gen4 testers is testing the global platform, but the global part is going to be the bones, the internals, of the car's body. In theory, Toyota could be testing it under the skins of current models.

 

And in theory they added a new front and rear Fascia to the Gen 3 Test Mules?

 

Hyundai ???????? Hyundai Hybrid Test Mule Spotted Again, The Prius Fighter is Real After All - Photo Gallery - autoevolution

 

Watch 2015 Toyota Prius Video Review - Alex On Autos Friday, July 17, 2015

Watch 2015 Toyota Prius Video Review - Alex On Autos - GOOD CAR BAD CAR

 

Wow!!!

Rated C's across the board (except economy, but that is expected for a hybrid)

That is a pretty sh¡tty rating!

Even more wow!!!! Averaging $3.00 per gallon for a hybrid... I think that is going to be more expensive than just regular gas!

Gas prices has been steadily coming back down. US's deal with Iran's nuclear energy will flood the market with Iranian oil creating more supply of oil to the world market.

With the US making headway with fracking technology and Sudia Arabia saturating the market with oil as well, these hybrids need to be more efficient or the price needs to be substantially lowered prices.

 

I've always liked his reviews.

 

gas dropped ten cents here, yesterday. $2.65

 

Hmm, well here, where it's produced, it went up about the same amount. And please don't complain about how much you pay in the US. Here it's running around $1.04 per litre. That's around $4 per US gallon! It -was- close to $5 a few months ago! I'll bet it's even more in the UK.

 

For me I don't care what the price of gas is; I just love the sounds of silence, at red lights and under light load. Couldn't go back, hooked.

 

agreed, wish that worked for more people.

 

it gets even better when the same is true @ 75 mph

 

I also agree...there's something nauseating (maybe the fumes? ) about an idling ICE when stopped at a traffic light or in backed up traffic. That's why the only way forward from the Prius for me is a PHEV or BEV.

 

I was going to do the conversion, but then realized the price of gasoline doesn't seem to be following the dollar's drop. The price went up -before- our dollar dropped. Gasoline is only -loosely- based on the price of crude. At least half or more of it is supply and demand/refinery capacity/refinery costs. Anyway, our gasoline is made from our crude, though the local producers keep -hoping- they get "world prices" for it. They don't.

 

The price of crude is possibly the cause of large fluctuations in the price of gasoline, but the final cost is based on what a dealer can get. A friend, each morning drives around the neighborhood and checks the price of gas in the area. Then he post the price at his station.

 

and then everyone else changes theirs.

 

I think this is the 4th gen Prius ...

2016 Toyota Prius: Our best look yet

and based on the shape of the car, I think Toyota took it in the direction it ought to go. When you have a successful formula, you don't mess with it too much: somewhat lower hood, angled up windshield, lower doorlines, still a Prius. Just like Toyota has been saying for years.

 

Don't like especially after being treated to the much sexier Motor Trend demo from 2012.