Spy Photos for the Next-Gen Prius

[Prius The First]

http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/...en-toyota-prius

[Beryl Octet]

Nice

Engine size will increase from the current 1.5 liters to a 1.8 liter four-cylinder for better performance. Improvements to the Hybrid Synergy Drive along with new battery technology are expected to up city gas mileage to 80 mpg.

[SomervillePrius]

"This artist’s sketch gives an idea of what the new Prius might look like."

The new Prius is expected to keep its now-familiar low-drag shape, although the body will be all new, growing one inch in width, but getting one inch shorter in overall length.[/b]

I hope this is not true. While I wouldn't mind a slightly wider car I don't want to loose the hatchback. And reducing the length with an inch (and the picture above) is a less appealing car to me.

[MarinJohn]

From the link:
In Japan the Prius will be offered with a choice of front wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A solar panel on the roof to recharge the batteries and plug-in recharging are also being considered.

How cool is that?

[Beryl Octet]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Jan 19 2007, 12:11 PM) [snapback]377741[/snapback]</div>

While I wouldn't mind a slightly wider car I don't want to loose the hatchback.[/b]

Still looks like a hatchback, and I didn't see anything in the article about it not being a hatchback? Or did I miss something?

[viking31]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MarinJohn @ Jan 19 2007, 12:21 PM) [snapback]377752[/snapback]</div>

From the link:
In Japan the Prius will be offered with a choice of front wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A solar panel on the roof to recharge the batteries and plug-in recharging are also being considered.

How cool is that?
[/b]

AWD would be great for those in the Northern climes. PHEV is also much anticipated.

But a solar panel on the roof? We have discussed this at length in the past and it has been determined to be a silly idea at best. The amount of power realized even on the most ideal sun conditions (try solar recharging your car on a typical winter day in Chicago if you get my drift) is miniscule compared to the cost, overall life of the panels, and overall problems to integrate the panels (both body wise and electrical) with the car.

[TheForce]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MarinJohn @ Jan 19 2007, 12:21 PM) [snapback]377752[/snapback]</div>

From the link:
In Japan the Prius will be offered with a choice of front wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A solar panel on the roof to recharge the batteries and plug-in recharging are also being considered.

How cool is that?
[/b]

If we could get those options here in the US I would be tempted to upgrade.

[hill]

AND ... 80mpg?!?!? HEY NOW!
I can't wait to beat the EPA in THAT sucka. If the obsessively anal drivers here on Priuschat can get over 70mpg and 800 miles per tank, just THINK what they'll do with the '08 model. Woo Hoo! Take THAT, middle east fossle fuel sellers.

[SomervillePrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Beryl Octet @ Jan 19 2007, 12:29 PM) [snapback]377758[/snapback]</div>

Still looks like a hatchback, and I didn't see anything in the article about it not being a hatchback? Or did I miss something?
[/b]

Looking at the picture, it might still be a hatch-back but the rear of the car seem to slope down A LOT more. This would take away from the usefulness of that space. I like the wagon like feel of the 04-08 priuses. I'm still hoping they will do a wagon model!

[Screwdriver]

Personally, photovoltaics on ANY part (s) of the car is a welcome idea. Sure, you're not charging the batteries by the Megawatt, but who cares. It trickle charges the batteries and will minimize losses when parked.

Sure it's gonna cost more. But this is the world's most futuristic car remember? Im in two minds about purchasing. If it comes with a PV roof, I'll be first in line