4th generation coming 2015!

The big battery pack boosted the vehicle efficiency (what EPA measures) but the gas engine operation drags it back down. Volt with 50% EV ratio is as efficient as a regular 50 MPG Prius (without a plug). The big battery pack can also produce the big fuzzy logic MPG for "feel good" marketing. It'll be interesting to find out how long this strategy would last.

I would expect Gen4 Prius to be better overall, still well balanced. I think it will have a new generation of HSD. Thermal efficiency of the gas engine is expected to increase. Lithium battery would also provide better packaging, higher EV efficiency and lower center of gravity. It'll be the first Prius under Akiko leadership so, the handling should be better too. Exciting time ahead.

 

Really interesting discussion guys. I just can't wait to see what's coming, it's really exciting to be part of the switch from gasoline to electricity or any other type of energy.

 

I sincerely hope you are right in all respects.

I have just enough 'brand loyalty' to want the G4 to be a 'trend-setter' while repeating the achievements in care-free, efficient, comfortable motoring. If, I can decide they have successfully achieved those attributes .... there will be one in my 'stable.'

 

The fuzzy logic is your math. You statements about efficiency is wrong, at least pump/wall to wheels.
Using an EPA estimates of 37MPG and 35kWh/100 mile, a volt with 50% EV ratio would have 74MPG, and 54MPGe. To see the first is east as 50% EV means it would use gas for only 1/2 its miles so raw MPG would be double the ICE MPG. MPGe takes more work to calculate, but 1 gallon gives 37 miles, and 38 miles takes 12.9kWh (i.e. one full charge), which is about .38gallon gas equivalent for 75/1.38 = 54 MPGe which is better than 50MPGe.

I do hope to see the Gen4 improving its efficiency. No matter what ones does with a bigger battery, improved thermal efficiency is always a good thing, and something Toyota leads the world in doing.

 

Those do nothing to improve suspension. We'll get a better handling car next time.

 

Looking Very Similar to the NS4

 

Oooh, green hue on logo instead of blue? My only worries seeing this is efficiency and cargo room. I hope it's not less (it almost looks like there is). Wheels are larger which could decrease efficiency.

I really hope it's not 60 mpg (as Toyota's goal is) merely because of a lighter electric engine AND closing vents on the highway to reduce drag (which are all great ideas). I hope Toyota doesn't go sportsy just to appease 'the public' vs going by what the original prius stood for.

 

It kind of looks like the Ford Fusion or the Toyota Avalon. Perhaps Toyota is following the Ford model where all of your cars start to look fairly similar regardless of the model?

 

Maybe...Love it or Hate it?


Burlappcars: 2015 Toyota Prius

 

It looks like a Honda Civic

 

I've looked at '13 Ford Fusion very closely and I don't like it all that much from inside:

Fusion belt line is Very high. Window height is quite low, B pillars very thick. Gives me a limited view of outside world from inside.

The car I like inside and out is the all new 2013 Honda Accord 4 door sedan. Great view outside from inside, love the seating, interior and I see one heck of lot of BMW in the body shape. Also, seeing tons of them popping up with dealer plates.

Unfortunately, I am pretty turned off to Toyota at this point, not because I'm brand hating, I just dislike much of what I see and Toyota taught me one expensive lesson: I cannot drive a car around 'reaching really far' to steer the car >> 3rd generation Prius. Thought I could, but oh no, cannot.

I much prefer Honda interiors to Toyota, but unfortunately, Honda advanced tech cars aren't so hot.

 

Are you referring to visibility when you say 'reaching for the moon'?

 

Here is another artist's rendering along with the same specs we have been hearing:

Redesigned Toyota Prius Expected in 2015 - Toyota Titans

 

^^ I don't understand that either!
Always a good thing to test drive before you buy, 'cause once you make a purchase, the car or the car company is really not to blame for the decision, unless they promised mpg that is impossible, etc...

 

Someone just stole that off the other site and regurgitated it on their own blog. And most of us believe the final product will look nothing like that.

 

This is a B segment future Yaris-sized hybrid, has nothing to do with Gen IV Prius.

 

I can say there was a very weird view inside the car sitting low (which at 6'2" is fitting) and seeing the steering wheel perched up so high.

At least this time it took one year before the crap hit the fan (8 months ago) which led to finally building a clip-on board to brace my leg on (It took less than 3 months to realize things were way wrong in last gen Prius).

Maybe someday on the nth generation of a Prius I won't be making modifications.