Without the "gift wrapping" looks like a nice car. I want one!!!

Keith

I think the shape of the car is a nice evolution of the Prius. I also like the wheels on the test mule. I wonder if those will be on the new Prius.

Funny, that Toyota wraps in white plastic and Honda in black.
Or is it the other way around....?

So I wonder if this means the new model will come out early in 2009 (as a 2010 model) rather than Octoberish? The 2009 model will only last 4-6 months?

Here's a link to another site although it looks like much of the text is the same:
First Ever Shots of Next Gen Toyota Prius! Wagon and Convertible to Follow? | NextAutos.com and Winding Road

I think that's just an '08 with A LOT of body panel mockups duct-taped on. Aside from the wheels, whatever isn't covered up with duct tape and cardboard looks like a Gen-II-- The windows and door frames, the location of the door handles (added side panels have obvious cutouts for the door handle locations), the rear hatch glass, the front grille, etc. all look like a Gen-II.

No, they aren't built here yet that I've heard of.... I think they're supposed to start a year or so after the new ones start rolling off the assembly line. Regardless, a prototype would be built in Japan.

It's my understanding that manufacturers want to drive the prototypes in the environments in which they'll be sold. For this reason we see a lot of prototypes in Arizona (and Southern California) as they can do their hot weather testing here.

I just had my dealer switch me from the 2008/09 list to the 2010 list. I was still #117 on the 2008/09 list, but now am #23 for the 2010 list. He said the overflow people from the 2008/09 list would be placed behind the already started 2010 list. Not sure I'd be too pleased with that from a 2008/09 list standpoint. This dealer mentioned that at the very least, the first half of all 2010 production models will be equipped with the Nickel battery technology. The fact that the first 2010 models will be equipped with the old, proven technology coupled with the body enhancements and short 09 production year solidified my decision to switch lists; I'm not fond of 1st year remods. Also happy to hear the 2010 Prius will be at the Minneapolis Auto Show.

An article that was posted on here a few days ago, quoting Toyota's restructuring plans, said that U.S. Prius production will begin in April 2009.
(due to the cost of retooling a factory for a new model, I am assuming this means that towards the end of April 2009 is when we should expect to see the 2010 Prius)

.

Wow, I didn't know there were waiting lists for the 2010? I'm on week 9 waiting for an 08...

And I had no idea that the 2010 would be available by next May or so..is this true?

Maybe it's worth waiting it out for GENERATION 3 of this Hybrid????

Ah, more confused than ever now!

Are those rear disc brakes I see?

If you were to wait for a 3rd gen:
-How fast (slow) do you think you will get it? 3-6 months wait?
-Do you want the first runs of a new gen production in a new factory, or would you rather wait for the 2nd-3rd year so that the minor (hopefully) initial bugs are worked out?

For a new model built in a new factory, I myself would rather wait for the 2nd or 3rd year.

-23rd on the 2010 list vs. 117 on the current 2008/09 list
-No lithium batteries in early 2010 models
-Dealer says most 2010 models will be coming from Japan

Reminds me of a StormTrooper

Diddo.

Gen III doesn't have to look that different from Gen II. I thought Toyota had already said that they didn't want to change the appearance too much. I think the back end looks substantially different, but it may be just a good disguise.

If this is just panel mockups, I don't see the point. Everyone knows the 09 isn't changed. So why bother if it isn't at 2010?

It does look a lot like the spy shots that were supposed to be (according to Road and Track) of the new Honda Hindsight (just kidding). Given that that new hybrid only Honda is supposed to be smaller than a Civic it didn't make a lot of sense.

But I'm happy with my new baby. It's sure nice to just stop in at the convenience store for milk and bread, rather than gasoline!