What did we learn from the Chief Engineer?

OK, here are a few details from part two of the interview with Mr. Akihiko Otsuka:



Cheers;

MSantos

This may seem like a dumb question but does anybody know for sure that the 2010 Prius will allow the driver to engage in gliding by pressing down slightly on the accelerator?

I don't know why this is assume to be a "for sure" with any car besides the 1 and 2G.

Sometimes on this site, people "talk" about gliding in hypothetical cars (EVs even) and I'm doubtful about the possibility or necessity.

I wouldn't be surprised of course if the 3G had the capability to glide, but really, isn't being able to glide a lucky fluke - something somebody discovered by accident, not something that Toyota intended or even recognized at first.

We know pulse and gliding works to improve mileage so I wonder if the 3G engineers somehow incorporated gliding into the software/design of the eco mode so drivers wouldn't have to do it manually?

FYI,
The gear ratio of reduction gears on the GS450h/LS600h are 1.900 and 3.900.
AISIN AW CO.,LTD./Hybrid System

Ken@Japan

I WOULD I WOULD. Especially when its -18 F (like yesterday morning)

Sunroof is a SEE ME SEE ME add on favored for those who would like their faces clearly seen as they drive around in their status symbol. It adds weight high on the chasis and reduces structural rigidity. A better solution would be round port-hole like vents spaced around like lightening holes. Ala Space Ship One. Also, more secure.

Remember your basic auto-mechanics here. The thermostat valve has a bypass arrangement. SO, when its closed the water still flows, but back to the engine, and not to the radiator (and then back to the engine). This takes care of the hot spot issue mentioned in the other response.

Hi Fibb,

I doubt Toyota did not know about the glide mode. One of the project cars that led to the Prius, mentioned in the "Prius the Car that Shook the World" was code named COASTER.

Oh man, what a cheap shot! And untrue.

We sunroof fans prefer the fresh air, the openness, the view of the sky and suggestion of unlimited possibilities ("the sky's the limit") that a sunroof offers.

We don't buy a sunroof in order to be seen. (Although some may think that they look better with overhead lighting.)

I am RIGHT there with you, bruceha. Would so much rather see technology going into practical/FE considerations - instead of moon roof and solar roof. But then I'm rarely the "target audience" in anything I do!

Except when buying Spandex.

Tom

I saw Boo in all kinds of different lighting. I can confirm that the moon roof lighting probably won't help.

I was wondering why his name was "Boo"

Actually... Pearl Izumi has moved things around a bit, and I've gone from being a perfect size M to something between M and L. And of course there IS nothing bewteen M and L.

Maybe I just need to order the salad more often.

Or get stronger Spandex.

Tom