putting the speculation to rest. 2009 carryover from 2008 CONFIRMED.

Lots of posts about the 2009 not being different from the GEN II Prius. Well, just got this in an email from TMS. It's a color chart for Toyota/Scion/Lexus models (I converted it to Google Docs format). If you click on the Prius tab, you'll see that 2009 is a full carryover, and 2010 is a full redesign dropping in April 2009.

link removed at the request of Toyota

according to the owner of the dealership I work for, the 2010 Prius will offer a solor panel option that keeps the inside of the car cool while it's off. He didn't elaborate much on that, though.

I hope this helps clear up confusion, and you guys may like to look at the other toyota models plans.

Wow, now there's an option I really need, to heck with those adjustable lumbar supported heated seats.

ZC1
(We already knew the 2009 was a carryover, but 2010 was debatable.)

I know most people "knew" it, or could guess based on what toyota's been saying to the press, but I figured this would just help out. The solar option is hearsay, though, from a reliable source to me. I know it doesn't mean much to the group.

"Click on Prius Tab?"
Help.

I feel really stupid right now. I just updated the link. sorry:

link removed at the request of Toyota

I'm looking forward to seeing the 3rd Gen Prius at the SF auto show around Thanksgiving time.

They had better! ...

*give it a bit more power for steep hills

* put in that darn pump handle for driver seat height adjustment (why do they not have that now !!!)

* telescoping steering wheel so tall folks who must put the seat almost all back don't have arms outstreched, duh, every $15k Corolla has telescopic wheel.

what else ...

those are my 3 biggies

well, you'll be the envy of all your friends when you "predict" the new colors!

all I'm hoping for is significantly improved fuel economy. I'm comfy in my 2005, have tons of room, can see just fine all around me, and my arms aren't tired.

But, if they had all those features, they'd be so much easier to sell to elderly or tall customers.

Any word on '09 pricing?

Good find.. thanks. 'Line-off April' prolly means arrivals here beginning around July 1, 2009. 13 mo's and counting.

no word on 2009 pricing, but I do have the following on mid-year price increases:

TO: ALL SOUTHEAST TOYOTA & SCION DEALERS AND GENERAL MANAGERS

DATE: May 1, 2008

• • SUBJECT: 2008MY Mid-Year Price Announcement

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. and Southeast Toyota Distributors announce new base vehicle MSRP pricing for select 2008MY/2009MY cars and trucks. These pricing actions are in response to several economic factors, including the significant global increases in the cost of raw materials used in our vehicles. While we recognize that this price adjustment is not ideal in the current market, we trust that you will find this a modest increase and one that will allow us to maintain our superior price/value relationship.

Pricing will be announced to the public on Friday, May 2, 2008. New prices will affect the following series:

• • • • Series Price Change
        
        % Change
        
        Yaris H/B +200 1.7% Yaris S/D +200 1.6% Prius +400 1.8% Camry Gas (09MY) +200 0.9% Camry HV (09MY) +300 1.2% Solara +250 0.9% Avalon +250 0.8% Sienna +100 0.4% RAV4 +250 1.1% Highlander Gas +200 0.7% Highlander HV +500 1.3% FJ Cruiser +500 2.1% 4Runner +400 1.3% Land Cruiser +900 1.4% Tundra +100 0.3%

At this time, there are no price changes for 08MY Sequoia, 08MY Tacoma, or 09MY Corolla/Matrix.

These new prices will be effective beginning with wholesales on Monday, May 26, 2008.
Pricing Summary Documents

Updated price guides will be posted in the “Secure Area” for Dealer Principals on Dealer Daily under Special Announcements during the week of May 12, 2008.

As always, manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are suggestions only. Dealers are free to sell at whatever prices, markup or margins of profit they may choose.

Should you have questions, please contact your District Sales Manager.

Yes, I have read that the 2009 will be 20-30% less. At least the 2010 will.

Can you clarify? Im thinking Gen III Prius will be close to or over 30k with all the bells and whistles... and with gas price a year from now on.. we could be well into $4+/gal.. Dealers will DEFINATELY take advantage of the situation.

Remember when Gen II Prius came out? 6 month wait list and sometimes you paid over MSRP with the color you didnt like...

Not that I mind, but do you think Toyota minds you passing this on? You didn't give anything on existing prices that we can't already get from Consumer Reports, but corporations are still pretty protective of their IP...

It was in a Toyota press release a week or 2 ago.

Do you mind posting a link to that info?

Are there any threads specifically talking about the lexus?

can someone email me the link?

Second, I think we all know why 2009 will still be the same as 2008, can we say batteries?

Thirdly, why not utilize the solar panels to keep car cool when off, and help power other things when it is on.

Fourthly, make an easier mfd to interface with to get a carputer hooked up with

Fifthly, The next version needs to increase 10 mpg with the same garbage batteries and then when the lithium is ready double that new number. so 120 in my scenario, then I would be willing to pay the extra 3k up to 30k if there is a new tax credit on plugins

I think you'll see a 5-10 mpg increase in the 2010 MY Gen 3. I'd be shocked if the eventual Li-Ions got over 100 mpg. 70-80 mpg would be a good estimate IMO.

However I think you can expect the next Gen 3 to top out around $30-31K for the top trim. Then when the Li-ion version comes out it'll prolly be in the $35K+ range as a premium trim level. Lots of goodies and fantastic fuel economy. But you will still be able to purchase the good ol' standard NiMH Prius getting 'only' 55-60 mpg day in and day out at about the same prices as today. JMHO

Hmm, interesting

Link pulled before I had a chance to have a look, but a bit of Googling revealed it on another site.

It's interesting that they seem to be dropping the Magnetic Gray from the new lineup, and that's a shame because it's already what I had hoped to buy on the new model when it's released - hopefully one of the other unreleased colours will make up for it (Winter Gray?)