2010 Prius information & pictures from Car & Driver

[flareak]

However, the front and rear views will remain familiar.

are they serious? the rear needs to be fixed. i am actually really disappointed. and since when was a fully loaded 30k? used to be 26 and now its 30... super disappointed.

[Godiva]

I must say I'm disappointed in the added trim, to me that spells more chrome. I think there's too much chrome as it is. I'm not happier with the perceived need for a larger engine. And I want to see if the real world mpg are really better or not.

Wider. I don't care. Longer. I don't care.

Now what about the things people are really complaining about? The seats and their lack of adjustment? If they put in programmable seats with heaters, I could talk my parents into one.

I may have to order my 2010 plug in....now if it's limited to a few hundred.

[V8Cobrakid]

in 04 my fully loaded prius cost me roughly 28.5k

I was hoping for the 1.8.. but that's cool. my 1.5 keeps up and a 1.6 will be impressive for it's size. ( so i assume )

[pdhenry]

Define "Fully Loaded" - A base with Package 6 is $28,085. Since the Touring isn't offered in PA that's as fully-loaded as they come off the boat for this market (Which means I'm ignoring PIOs)..

[carz89]

Originally Posted by joe1347

Why not use a small solar panel to keep the engine and catalytic converter warm when the car is parked. I've noticed that my fuel efficiency drops quite a bit on short trips - with the engine apparently used to heat up the catalytic converter quickly in order to reduce emissions. So why not use solar power instead of burning gas to keep everything "warm" and hence improve 'short trip' fuel efficiency?

YES!!! Excellent idea! Rooftop solar panel (standard equipment) to power a built-in engine block heater, power a thermostatically-controlled vent fan, and any remaining juice can charge up the traction battery. I'm crossing my fingers that Toyota has thought of all this and included it in their next Prius.

[Doc Willie]

Originally Posted by cjzito

If Toyota can't do it, I know Scotty from Star Trek can (transparent aluminum).

Scotty has been busy with other things.

[patsparks]

Pictures are not all that accurate, one shows a crease inward at the door handles while the other shows an edge like a BMW. (may just be my perceptions) I don't think we should expect the Prius to look anything like these renderings. If they really want the Prius to look like a Prius, why would they put a Yaris front on it?

I have no issue with the 2 piece rear window, the top is the window the bottom is a bonus.

Solar panels on the roof implies a glass roof which would be heavy as it must be tough enough to withstand hail. The added weight wouldn't be worth it, as it would reduce acceleration and induce more body roll. Plastics would be OK but for the replacements of same every few years when it looks ugly, have a look at a light plane which is a few years old. Even covered in plastic, solar panels on the roof would add weight to the worst place to add weight.

Here is an idea, climate control which comes on as soon as the door is unlocked to get the car comfortable quicker. If it's hot inside the car the AC fan runs on high vent until the door closes or 2 minutes which ever is the lesser.

I like the idea of a multi-adjustable seat, I had a manual one in my Tercel SR5 which was nice but I can't really say I miss it.

[donee]

Hi All,

The picture looks as if they have closed up the gap between the fenders and the tires. If so, that would help the air drag. Now, put some flashing on the trim rings, and who needs wheel well covers ?

[TonyPSchaefer]

Originally Posted by patsparks

If they really want the Prius to look like a Prius, why would they put a Yaris front on it?

That's the new Toyota grill thing.

[DeadPhish]

Good stuff Danny, tks.