2009 Prius Details

[ystasino]

Originally Posted by Winston

One thing a turbo would allow, is to put in a smaller engine. You could go with a 1.3L or even a 1.0L with a turbo. Then you would get better mpg with light throttle, and still have the power on reserve.

I hope they stick with the original goals of the Prius. Comfortable, drivable, super high mpg sedan. It does not need more power. The main improvement that I would be interested in is better mpg. That could be achieved with a smaller turbocharged, or maybe a smaller supercharged engine.

I completely agree. The Prius does not need more power. I think their goal in the American market would be to make it bigger. That's the first complaint one hears about the Prius in the American market. Now if they need more power to maintain current performance and manage to maintain consumption as well that will play well in the US.

Toyota could aim for a super efficient hybrid, but unless major advances in battery efficiency are completed, my guess is that such cars would result in Honda-Fit-like compromises that would marginalize the vehicle. Not really Toyota's market.

[DeadPhish]

Originally Posted by ystasino

I completely agree. The Prius does not need more power. I think their goal in the American market would be to make it bigger. That's the first complaint one hears about the Prius in the American market. Now if they need more power to maintain current performance and manage to maintain consumption as well that will play well in the US.

Toyota could aim for a super efficient hybrid, but unless major advances in battery efficiency are completed, my guess is that such cars would result in Honda-Fit-like compromises that would marginalize the vehicle. Not really Toyota's market.

The two key 'issues' ( less than complaints ) that I have with the Prius are that it's not as quiet for example as a Camry, road noise is noticable, and that it gets buffetted in gusty weather.

I can deal with the quietness issue by playing music.

It has plenty of power for me and most here but it could use a smidge more if it were going to attract a significantly larger buying public.

However if the longer-wider stance improves stability on the road then I'm all for it.

[LazyBear]

I think you are simply merging three cars that Toyota is planning in the next gen Prius family Future Toyota Hybrids: Prius Times Three - Latest News, Features, and Future Models - Automobile Magazine

Perhaps A will be 1.5L, B = 1.6L and C = 1.8L. I have also read that Toyota is planning a Lexus model based on Prius, possibly a wagon and that one may come with current Camry drivetrain.

Bigger car with more amenities and better seats will require bigger engine.

[esears1]

Here are some sketches from motor trend.. Looks nice.. they also mentioned there will be a lexus version...

2010 Toyota Prius Illustration Photos - Motor Trend Magazine

[DeadPhish]

Originally Posted by LazyBear

I think you are simply merging three cars that Toyota is planning in the next gen Prius family Future Toyota Hybrids: Prius Times Three - Latest News, Features, and Future Models - Automobile Magazine

Perhaps A will be 1.5L, B = 1.6L and C = 1.8L. I have also read that Toyota is planning a Lexus model based on Prius, possibly a wagon and that one may come with current Camry drivetrain.

Bigger car with more amenities and better seats will require bigger engine.

The 'Camry wagon hybrid' will probably be the Venza hybrid. The Venza will be here in the Fall but there's no word about a hybrid version yet. However it does use the Camry/Avalon/Highlander/Sienna drivetrain and it's made in KY. It makes sense that a hybrid would also be offered. Hopefully it is something less pricey than the current Highlander Hybrid at $37K -$38K. I'm thinking $30K to $35K based on the new 2.7L I4 engine getting 30-32 mpg real world.