More 3rd Generation 2010 Prius spy photos

[Rybold]

Originally Posted by TonyPSchaefer

Are any Prii built in the US yet?

An article that was posted on here a few days ago, quoting Toyota's restructuring plans, said that U.S. Prius production will begin in April 2009.
(due to the cost of retooling a factory for a new model, I am assuming this means that towards the end of April 2009 is when we should expect to see the 2010 Prius)

.

[efusco]

Originally Posted by justlurkin

I think that's just an '08 with A LOT of body panel mockups duct-taped on. Aside from the wheels, whatever isn't covered up with duct tape and cardboard looks like a Gen-II-- The windows and door frames, the location of the door handles (added side panels have obvious cutouts for the door handle locations), the rear hatch glass, the front grille, etc. all look like a Gen-II.

I absolutely agree...this looks like moulded plastic splapped on a gen II. Maybe it's to get a general idea of the aerodynamics of the Gen III, maybe it's a mule for the Gen III, but that is the same body as the Gen II IMO.

[confused]

Wow, I didn't know there were waiting lists for the 2010? I'm on week 9 waiting for an 08...

And I had no idea that the 2010 would be available by next May or so..is this true?

Maybe it's worth waiting it out for GENERATION 3 of this Hybrid????

Ah, more confused than ever now!

[Manksgloob]

Are those rear disc brakes I see?

[Danny]

It looks a lot like a Gen 2 wrapped up to mess with people, but it also looks a lot like this pic that was caught a couple of weeks ago



Are they both just Gen II's with padding? I don't know...

[Stefx]

Originally Posted by confused

Wow, I didn't know there were waiting lists for the 2010? I'm on week 9 waiting for an 08...

And I had no idea that the 2010 would be available by next May or so..is this true?

Maybe it's worth waiting it out for GENERATION 3 of this Hybrid????

Ah, more confused than ever now!

If you were to wait for a 3rd gen:
-How fast (slow) do you think you will get it? 3-6 months wait?
-Do you want the first runs of a new gen production in a new factory, or would you rather wait for the 2nd-3rd year so that the minor (hopefully) initial bugs are worked out?

For a new model built in a new factory, I myself would rather wait for the 2nd or 3rd year.

[Plymouth Patrick]

Originally Posted by Stefx

If you were to wait for a 3rd gen:
-How fast (slow) do you think you will get it? 3-6 months wait?
-Do you want the first runs of a new gen production in a new factory, or would you rather wait for the 2nd-3rd year so that the minor (hopefully) initial bugs are worked out?

For a new model built in a new factory, I myself would rather wait for the 2nd or 3rd year.

-23rd on the 2010 list vs. 117 on the current 2008/09 list
-No lithium batteries in early 2010 models
-Dealer says most 2010 models will be coming from Japan

[eyesmell]

Reminds me of a StormTrooper

[ZippyPri]

Originally Posted by justlurkin

I think that's just an '08 with A LOT of body panel mockups duct-taped on. Aside from the wheels, whatever isn't covered up with duct tape and cardboard looks like a Gen-II-- The windows and door frames, the location of the door handles (added side panels have obvious cutouts for the door handle locations), the rear hatch glass, the front grille, etc. all look like a Gen-II.

Diddo.

[robbyr2]

Gen III doesn't have to look that different from Gen II. I thought Toyota had already said that they didn't want to change the appearance too much. I think the back end looks substantially different, but it may be just a good disguise.

If this is just panel mockups, I don't see the point. Everyone knows the 09 isn't changed. So why bother if it isn't at 2010?

It does look a lot like the spy shots that were supposed to be (according to Road and Track) of the new Honda Hindsight (just kidding). Given that that new hybrid only Honda is supposed to be smaller than a Civic it didn't make a lot of sense.

But I'm happy with my new baby. It's sure nice to just stop in at the convenience store for milk and bread, rather than gasoline!