Sneak Peek of the New Prius - Picture 2

[TonyPSchaefer]

Originally Posted by usbseawolf2000

Interesting how the Close and Open are not on the same level. Close is "caved in" while Open is on the same level as the plastic shell.

That's actually one of the first things I noticed about all the buttons on the steering wheel. The Buick I traded in had all the buttons exactly the same level and tactile. The Prius doesn't have a similar button anywhere near each other. They are either concave, convex, dimpled, separated by a bar. Once I knew which was which, I was able to keep my eyes on the road more and find the buttons by feel.

[Bryan5]

I'm guessing it's for a sunroof.

This "one picture a week" thing is kinda dumb. Exciting? Yes. Dumb? Yes. I want to see the whole car

[zenMachine]

Time to retire that "Name that part" thread...

I'm hoping that it's the sunroof button, but I think Danny's guess is more realistic - hatch release.

[zenMachine]

Originally Posted by usbseawolf2000

The plastic looks like it is from the ceiling, near the sunglass compartment.

It doesn't look to me like it's from the ceiling. The plastic makes me think more of a dash or door placement. And the way the labels are oriented makes me think they're meant to be read in a vertical setting...

[Texguy]

I'll guess it's for the "electric" fuel door.

[ericbecky]

Sunroof gets my vote.

[EZW1]

The way the button is laid out, I deduct the following:
1. It controls something that is normally closed by virtue of the fact the OPEN portion is easier to access than the CLOSED portion
2. When the OPEN portion is depressed, it recessess and the CLOSED portion rises
3. Too complicated for a side window
4. Too impractical for a hatch, which would likely use a single-action pushbutton
5. What's left: a Sunroof.

[blazer_5154]

It would seem that it would control something that should "default" to open (open is easier to push than close). I have tried to think of anything that such operation would be desirable for and the only things I could guess at would be either a fresh air intake or a power grill-block (no more pipe insulation).

[usbseawolf2000]

We all have been assuming the button is inside. What if it is outside? I cannot imagine where it would be outside (being white plastic) but it is still a possibility.

[hyo silver]

My guess is sunroof, too. I hope it's long and skinny, in between the bumps on the roof, and extends over the rear passengers.

I also hope the pace of pictures picks up. At this rate, it'll be 2013 before we know what the new Prius looks like.