More 3rd Generation 2010 Prius spy photos

[DeadPhish]

Originally Posted by justlurkin

Take a look at the earlier photo and the latest photo of that same car. Many of the taped-on panels have been changed, including the location of the crease line on the doors. The older photo had the crease going through the cutouts for the doorhandles. The newer photos had the crease higher, clearing the door handles. The rear end has a different panel configuration taped on too.

Why change the shape of the foamboard taped-on panels so much? That seems like a lot of work for nothing. I'm sure they got better things to do than to spend hours reshaping foamboard and reapplying all that duct tape.

Maybe not for the 2010 if they already set up the production line and tooling for it, perhaps for something else. (though I question whether or not they can actually put the 2010 into dealer showrooms by Spring 2009-- That's 6 months ahead of their customary September/October model year launch for Priuses).

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

[justlurkin]

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.

[ScarGo]

Originally Posted by justlurkin

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?

[subarutoo]

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.

[Tideland Prius]

hmmm.... could Toyota be doing a mild redesign with the next gen Prius, similar to what Nissan did with the new Altima? The new Altima looks similar to the 2002 model with some touch ups.

What's of interest is the amber lights in the front bumper. We did away with those when the millennium came around because it was cheaper to incorporate them into the headlight housing as well as reduce repair costs to the bumper.