Sneak Peek of the New Prius - #3

[furblog]

Originally Posted by DeadPhish

I think that that Open/Close switch is for a protective panel that car covers the solar array, a sunroof that isn't a sunroof. When you park it directly in the sun, now there's a twist, you open the panel to expose the solar cell array.

I first thought that the dimples on the side of the fenders were for a parking assist but now I'm thinking that it's a warning sonar sensor. If the vehicle while in motion were to come too close to another vehicle or solid object the warning beeps will begin, then followed by a loud warning buzzer.

I really like that device. I often bump things upon parking in a very narrow parking space.

[neutronned]

Date and time of Teaser posting: 10/20 @ 11:17A
Date and time of answer: 10/20 @ 8:12P (thanks to Spwolf!)

Elapsed time to nail the question: less then 9 hours!!!

Toyota Team: how does that stand up to your estimate on how long it would take????

[bruceha_2000]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

Honestly, just because you like one thing doesn't mean 6 billlion people will like it too. Sure, I like the location of the speedo but it is quite plain and the Crown is targeted at old people who have done well in life and want to reward themselves with Toyota's top model (not counting Lexus).

I don't know about where you live, but the Prius 'early adopters' here are SENIOR CITIZENS and middle aged people (like myself). It is EXTREMELY rare to see anyone under the age of 40 driving a Prius. So the 'old people' aren't afraid of change.

Certainly those 'targeted at old people' Crown buyers would APPRECIATE having the guages at the dash/windshield line. Maybe you aren't there yet, but the ease of changing focus from distant to near diminishes with age. That is why people start needing bi or multi focal lenses starting in their mid 40's. And reaction time slows as well. Better to drop your eyes 15 degrees than 30 degrees plus setting your focus on the guages rather than the wheel. The higher location is safer. Old people LIKE safer

Toyota can make the Crown as fancy as they like but that doesn't mean the guages should be hidden behind the steering wheel just because "that is where they have always been".

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by bruceha_2000

I don't know about where you live, but the Prius 'early adopters' here are SENIOR CITIZENS and middle aged people (like myself). It is EXTREMELY rare to see anyone under the age of 40 driving a Prius. So the 'old people' aren't afraid of change.

Certainly those 'targeted at old people' Crown buyers would APPRECIATE having the guages at the dash/windshield line. Maybe you aren't there yet, but the ease of changing focus from distant to near diminishes with age. That is why people start needing bi or multi focal lenses starting in their mid 40's. And reaction time slows as well. Better to drop your eyes 15 degrees than 30 degrees plus setting your focus on the guages rather than the wheel. The higher location is safer. Old people LIKE safer

Toyota can make the Crown as fancy as they like but that doesn't mean the guages should be hidden behind the steering wheel just because "that is where they have always been".

Crown buyers are basically Town Car and Grand Marquis buyers... Older than 40... way older. The Prius owners around here are middle-aged 30-50s. There are a good number of us younger folks.

[echase]

"I'm Sorry Dave, I'm Afraid I Can't Do That."

(Reference)

[Toyotatrio]

Hate to ruin it for you, but who else thinks of Hannibal Lecter when hearing Hal?
I have been looking at that black camo pic and think what you are seeing next to rear-view mirror is an oject actually on the other side of car(looking thru rear passenger window). just my take. gotta say i like reading everyones insight into the sneak peaks. can't wait for the next.
new to forum, first post, love your site.
thanks, chris

[Gassipper]

I think it might be an auto headlight sensor. Headlights ON/OFF automatically?

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by Gassipper

I think it might be an auto headlight sensor. Headlights ON/OFF automatically?

auto headlight sensors are a lot smaller. You see that dome on your dashboard? The other blank space next to it is for the auto headlights. It's the same size and has the same plastic dome cover.

[EvilTree]

Its a sensor, that plays fake engine noise if anyone is within range so those people that complain they can`t hear the car coming now can

[Alender1953]

Not to kill any dreams, but the advanced pre collision system in the LS 600h is a two-camera infrared system that includes a radar system hidden behind the Lexus logo. The lane departure system is turned off for the US version. Therefore, I doubt that if the LS 600h doesn't have lane-departure, that the Prius will. Also, the cameras are mounted at the very top of the windshield to the point you can BARELY see them without putting your eyeball on the glass. If any car would get pre collision in any form, it would be the HS 250h.

It's probably a HUD system that can adjust for different driver's heights.