NY Auto show...

[techman01]

Greetings:

I was at the NY Auto show today and they were telling people that the 2008 and 2009 model years would be carry-over models with maybe minor tweaks here and there. The next model would not be ready until at least the 2010 model year, But Toyota is working to have it by that time as they want to pack as many new technologies into it as possible, while getting them right the first time.

[efusco]

Probably true, esp. if they're trying to bring it out as a PHEV with decent range. I think a lot of us were hoping for it in the 2009MY...and it still may come out then if they're just trying to keep the truth up their sleeves from GM.

[Tech_Guy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(techman @ Apr 10 2007, 02:36 PM) [snapback]421065[/snapback]</div>

Greetings:

I was at the NY Auto show today and they were telling people that the 2008 and 2009 model years would be carry-over models with maybe minor tweaks here and there. The next model would not be ready until at least the 2010 model year, But Toyota is working to have it by that time as they want to pack as many new technologies into it as possible, while getting them right the first time.
[/b]

Wow, 2010 is a long time to wait for a major model revision (considering that the current version is basically a 2004 model). But then you can't always believe everything you hear at the auto shows. I remember several months ago at the San Jose Auto Show, I was told by a Toyota Rep. that the Touring Verion was no longer available anywhere.

I suspect that the complex upgrades we (the consumer) are expecting, will be phased-in over a couple of years (Lithion Ion battery, then plug-in, etc.).

Keith

[Tideland Prius]

That's okay. I'm sure those of us who are looking to upgrade aren't much in a hurry especially if the 2010 model is something sweet and worth waiting for. I'd rather they launch everything from the start rather than add it midlife.

[Orf]

I would have thought Toyota would bring out new refinements, especially the battery upgrade and plug-in, as soon as possible to keep ahead of the field.

[john1701a]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Apr 10 2007, 04:39 PM) [snapback]421070[/snapback]</div>

I think a lot of us were hoping for it in the 2009MY...and it still may come out then if they're just trying to keep the truth up their sleeves from GM.
[/b]

Actually, it may be a 2009 regardless.

Remember what Toyota did with Highlander-Hybrid? They instantly created a collector's edition by producing a small number baring that first model year label then immediately transitioned to the next.

[JimN]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(techman @ Apr 10 2007, 04:36 PM) [snapback]421065[/snapback]</div>

Greetings:

I was at the NY Auto show today and they were telling people that the 2008 and 2009 model years would be carry-over models with maybe minor tweaks here and there. The next model would not be ready until at least the 2010 model year, But Toyota is working to have it by that time as they want to pack as many new technologies into it as possible, while getting them right the first time.
[/b]

Under The Equal Cynicism Act of 2006 I say, "I'll believe it (a new improved Prius) when I see it. The new Prius is vaporware until I see one in a showroom for sale." Now if you want to speculate whether you will see a new, improved Prius before a 1st gen Volt...

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Apr 10 2007, 06:01 PM) [snapback]421214[/snapback]</div>

Actually, it may be a 2009 regardless.

Remember what Toyota did with Highlander-Hybrid? They instantly created a collector's edition by producing a small number baring that first model year label then immediately transitioned to the next.
[/b]

yeah well I don't think it's going to matter whether you bought an 06 or 07 HiHy since the 08 HiHy has a lot more features (although I still like the style of the current HiHy).

[Darken]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(john1701a @ Apr 10 2007, 09:01 PM) [snapback]421214[/snapback]</div>

Actually, it may be a 2009 regardless.

Remember what Toyota did with Highlander-Hybrid? They instantly created a collector's edition by producing a small number baring that first model year label then immediately transitioned to the next.
[/b]

Actually 2009 sounds quite logical, if we look at the length of time Toyota normally has between redesigns.

[Tideland Prius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Darken @ Apr 11 2007, 02:18 AM) [snapback]421386[/snapback]</div>

Actually 2009 sounds quite logical, if we look at the length of time Toyota normally has between redesigns.
[/b]

Toyota's typical run is 5 years with the 4th and 5th year being the midlife update. However, they've been shifting that around recently. Examples:

2003 Corolla (released Feb 02)
2005 Corolla updated
2008 Corolla redesign

The Corolla had the midlife update a year early. (same goes for the Matrix)

2004 Sienna
2006 Sienna updated
200? Sienna redesign

The Sienna also had an early midlife update

2001 Highlander
2005 Highlander updated
2008 Highlander redesigned

The Highlander is a year late in its full redesign and a year late for the midlife