Prius competiton coming???

You've mentioned a lot of lovely compact hybrids, so that takes them out of competition with the Prius.

Ford Fusion (I know he said Focus) and Lincoln MKS hydrid are good comparisons. Still, 20% less mpg. More in line with the Camry Hybrid since that group all weighs in around 3800#, as opposed the the Prius 3024#.

Anyway, I think the idea is, more is better. And when those manufacturers get 15 model years of experience under their belts, I may consider purchasing one if it warrants it. But then Toyota will have 30 years experience, so there you go.

 

I think it is folly to talk about other manufacturers future offerings in glowing terms re fuel efficiency, and relegate the Prius to the 2011 EPA figure. Toyota is not going to sit on the sidelines and cease to improve the Prius.

That said ..... I wonder if 50 mpg is perhaps a barrier that will be difficult to pass (like the sound barrier for aircraft). To achieve 50 mpg required the optimazation of ICE, CVT, MG1 and 2, battery chemistry, weight, wind resistence, power accessories (A/C, water pump), and reasonable speed limits...... and attentive driving habits. The Prius achieved all that in a moderately sized vehicle and was able to contain the cost. That, is the genius of the Prius!! Other may achieve 50 mpg, but I suspect that initially they will be smaller and lighter.

I certainly could be wrong. BTW, the sound barrier was passed, but it requires some fantastic engineering to do so and few aircraft "cruise" above the sound barrier.

 

I think these two quotes sum it up really well!!

 

I don't buy the Prius is a mid size car that everyone insist on when it comes to competition with other cars. The Prius has interior space of a mid size according to EPA but it's wrapped in a compact body. Anyone whose shopping for a compact car will only see the Prius as ohh it's got more room inside. Anyone whose shopping for a mid size car will not look at a Prius to begin with. People in the market for a Camry, Maxima, Accord, 6, will not look at a Prius and won't consider the Prius as the same class as those. They're not going to look at the Prius and say ohh it's smaller on the outside so it's easier to park.
I remember back in the days when Saab came out with the 9000. It was classified as a large car by the EPA but was wrapped in a mid size body. No one went out and bought a Saab 9000 because it's classified as large car and it's easier to park than a Caprice or a Crown Vic.

 

their loss.

 

Nevertheless, it is a mid-size car and is not classified as a compact by any means. Why do you think Fusion stopped advertising itself as the most fuel efficient mid-size in America? Because Ford knows the Prius is a mid-size.

 

Found On Road Dead
I'd never own a Ford Looks like an old Grandma's car :bolt:

Mike