Toyota to release 2 different Prius-es to US & Europe

[nyty-nyt]

The only problem with the smaller engine is the long time it takes to warm in winter, and the rapid cooling during pulse and glide in cold weather. I don't know if a 1.8 solves that. Otherwise it has plenty of power. The world needs to get off the power addiction and learn to conserve momentum to save fuel.

[JSH]

I think this is Toyota responding to the new challenge from the Honda Insight. If the Insight really starts at $17,000 as predicted by Edmunds.com, then the Honda will undercut the Prius by $5,000. Toyota needs to differentiate the Prius from the Insight in ways that the general public can relate to. They already have one, size. The American car buyer will pay more for a larger car. They other thing that Americans will pay for is larger engines with more horsepower. This is true for everything from lawnmowers to automobiles.

Before you all reply back that you won't pay extra for more horsepower or larger size, remember that you and I are not the typical buyer.

Toyota is trying to see if there is enough support for a smaller engine to make it worth while to offer two engines in the US market. My guess is that they won't.

[patsparks]

I'd get used to the bigger engine.
I went to a Toyota marketing site and I think I picked up a clue.
The Lexus RX450h has 10% more power but at the same time gets 8% better economy. Toyota has had more time to refine the Prius so I expect something similar for Prius.
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/default.aspx

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by edmcohen

Every time I travel a highway at 55mph in the slow lane, the parade of cars passing me includes Prii... I have the impression that many Prii are in the hands of people for whom they were not such a sensible buy...

Hi Ed,

Why does Prius ownership require the owner to drive below the speed limit? If an owner wants to drive at 75 mph, better to drive a Prius and get 40 mpg; vs. driving a conventional vehicle at that speed and getting 15 mpg.

[ruby]

Originally Posted by edmcohen

Every time I travel a highway at 55mph in the slow lane, the parade of cars passing me includes Prii.

I am SO glad I'm not the only one getting passed by other Prii

I thought I read that the 2010 was supposed to get better MPG even with the larger engine. If that's true, then I won't mind upgrading when the time comes. But for now, since mine is still new, it's too early to really think about it. Have to admit, though, I'm hoping for more ergonomic seats. When my back bothers me, I can't drive Ruby without a back pillow.

[cairo94507]

Toyota designed our nice little car and I love mine. I am sure they will do us all proud with the next generation. I am not concerned at all.

[bob_ninja]

Originally Posted by patsparks

I like the feeling of knowing I'll get there, that's why I pick Toyota over Honda every time. Maybe I have only driven basic Hondas but I never drove a Honda car I thought felt solid. Even Yaris and Corolla feel solid.

What does "solid" mean????
I have 2 hondas, older Civic and less old CRV. CRV I drive now in brutal Canadian winters (before CRV the small Civic was used year around).
I NEVER had any issues, any problems with either one, besides the usual rust and wear. Toyota cars may have more features, but a "solid" car is one that gets you from point A to point B regardless of features.

I don't understand how Honda's are not solid??????

[jprates]

Originally Posted by Danny

We're less than a week away from the big reveal of the 2010 Prius, and I can confirm some rumors that have been going around about Toyota producing 2 different engines for the Prius depending on what part of the world you live in.

Sorry to take away the spotlight from you Danny, but this is really no news at all.

I had already confirmed this info right here on PC as well:
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hy...tml#post750549

Glad to see it sprung a new discussion though... maybe I should have opened a new topic myself back then...

[Jared]

After driving a Camry and experiencing its nice acceleration, my 2005 Prius does feel sluggish. It needs a bit of zip. After all, mileage is not the be all and end all. I like the sportier look of the new Prius. I like the fact that it will be slightly bigger. Now please, please make the seats softer! If they do, it will be the perfect car.

[bob_ninja]

The entire point of a hybrid design is to borrow extra torque when needed from electric motor. So why is then ICE size being increased as opposed to electric motor??? My guess is that Toyota is still tied to ICE and doesn't believe in electric propulsion, so they still put emphasis on ICE. In particular, they are likely using the same battery pack which cannot supply more power to a bigger electric motor. Instead, it is cheaper/easier to just increase cylinders for +0.3L

Like others said this is the wrong direction. My 13 year old Civic runs fine with a 1.5L ICE alone, no electric assist. Insight is going even lower to 1.3L and bigger/heavier GM Volt is still using only 1.4L ICE. So going up to 1.8L is silly. I imagine there are plenty of non-hybrid 2L cars that cost much less. Heck a slightly used car of comparable size with 2L is probably less than half the price!

Regarding US preference for bigger and more power, that is in the past. If you look at the latest retail reports and sudden emrgence of savings trend that was MIA for a long time, it is clear that preferences are changing to cheaper vehicles, even if it means less power and less size. Of course, people will still purchase big/powerful vehicles offered at heavy discounts. Nevertheless, few people are ready to pay the hybrid premium these days as priorities change.

I think the cheaper Insight (assuming rumours are correct) will sell much better despite lack of power and space. That being said if I do end up getting a Prius it will be '09 with 1.5L