More 3rd Generation 2010 Prius spy photos

I don't know...with the camouflage, it makes me realize just how ugly the Cadillac CTS is.

 

That was *exactly* what I thought looking at the photo! A Prius without its cute smiley face and a big Caddy nice person at the other end.

 

Looks like an 08 to me. But maybe they aren't changing the styling.

 

This is not going to be a carryover, customary model year launch ... this will be the new generation Prius.

The 2009 Matrix hit US showrooms middle of February of 2008.

 

Yeah, we got punked on the driver's seat in the US. Can anyone confirm it was a US design/marketing group that canned the height adjuster, and better yet, send them on a 2-year vacation during seat decisions on the 2010 Prius

 

In my not so humble opinion ... that ain't no 2004 - 2009 Prius

-- take a good look at the side shot picture compared to the current gen ....

* the nose is longer on the spy shot car. Far different than the current.

* the spy shot lower grill has styling cues straight fromt the 09 Matrix, much narrower than the current. or are they blocking the grill on the current as a fake? Doubt it.

* IMO, much of the front end resembles the Matrix from a side view.

* that longer nose might indicate room for the apparent 1.8L going into the next gen (some dude at toyota sunnyvale seemed 100% sure it's getting a 1.8 ... scary, but if it's more efficient/green .. great)

* The profile of the roofline is far different than the current. New one is more symmetrical. Doubt they'd mock up the current roofline to run around only a new drivetrain at this point. It's field testing time the next few months before they unveil that puppy in January. Bring it.

I like what I see.

 

Cycledrum:

The photo enclosed below is a 2004-2009 Prius with the Matrix-style nose grafted on. Add on those foamboard side panels and it will look just like the more recent spy shots.

Looking at the length of the sidesills from the front wheelwell of the most recent spy shots and comparing them to an '08, I don't think the nose is any longer (unless they padded up the front bumper with some foamboard).

 

Also the fuel filler door is located Below the side door handles on the 2010 . vs above on the 2nd gen.


Look at the trailing edge of the rear door :

2010 is much straighter. They have lengthened the wheelbase

2004-9 has more curve to fit around intrusive wheel well


This is not a second gen!

 

Ever hear of a car maker producing more than one production prototype?

 

Bingo.

I'll bet the new gen will look sportier than ever, will appeal to many more people and the wait to get them will be long and distuinguished.

I see a rear brake caliper ..

 

They've already announced that ....
the 2009's will 'line off' in August of this year - Now - for Sept/Oct arrival.
the 2010's will 'line off' in April of 2009 ( estimate of Summer 2009 arrival ), and yes that this 6 months off their normal fall schedule.

Dollars to donuts these pics are the next Gen under mild camo.

Donlen Corp has accurate info on current models...
http://www.donlen.com/buildstart_toyota.html

 

More photos of that car being road tested, dated August 4...

WITHOUT THOSE FOAMBOARD PANELS.

New Model Photo Galleries -AutoWeek Magazine

Sorry guys, I stand by my statement. Sucker looks like an '08 body. With a modified fuel tank door and the Matrix-style nose, and those same wheels.

It can't get any clearer than those photos.

 

These new pictures you present are pics of a mule. They are testing out new parts on the old body. These include the cooling system new engine and trans. The only part of the car covered is the front clip (3rd gen parts which they don't want you to see), which is grafted on to the old body which they don't care if you see. Note the fuel filler door is in the old position(higher than the door handle line).

The question is WHAT IS THIS A Mule for: It's not a mule for the new prius. The front clip has completely different shapes for the lower radiator opening. Maybe this front clip is for the smaller hybrid coming out after the new 2010 Prius.

There is something different between the headlights on the mule and the headlights on the spy pics.
Anyone know if those mule headlights are from 2004-8?

 

It would be fun to get some cardbard and a few rolls of tape, and drive around and see if you get your picture published. I don't know how they get away without plates, though. It looks like its in Europe, with the turn signal mirrors, and rear disks. The wheels look like Matrix wagon wheels. Its a nice look. Wish they'd change the tail lights back to normal red and amber. I hate the clears.