4th generation coming 2015!

Ref'ing the article, Prius sales down 7%. Only 7%? That's freakin' incredible given the rush of new model hybrids on the market - Cmax, Fusion hybrids and Energis, new EVs.

I don't think 4th gen Prius will be like the NS4 concept which loses the split rear window and seems might as well have a trunk instead of hatch. Also this -

Toyota | Toyota Reveals NS4 Advanced Plug-In Hybrid Concept

"Toyota engineers were challenged to design a new mid-sized concept for potential global market introduction by 2015. The NS4 concept is a dedicated plug-in hybrid, separate from the Prius family, designed with future mobility requirements in mind."

 

* Masses of people in US say 'I get 32 (or 30 or 28 ) MPG at the pump, that's really good!'. Maybe they don't drive all that much. Car sharing in cities more popular since avg cars sits 22 hours a day.

* Only the MPG champions will prevail in the hybrid / alt fuel market space. Overall market space all but liftback are clobbered by 28 MPG sedans.

* I'd think the auto manufacturers are quite clued into future gas prices / resources as they likely have a very cozy relationship with BP, Exxon and all

* 4 door midsize sedan with trunk is still king in US. Most with money want good looking cars. i.e. Nissan comes out with funky looking Leaf for low price. Isn't Model S outselling it at 3 times the price? Model S looks hot and gets gobs of attention because of it.

 

Cars are not designed just for the U.S market, and the rest of the world is probably "ga-ga"(Lady Gaga?) about mpg because of their gas prices. World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices 2013| MyTravelCost.com

 

Are we going to know...until we know?
I'm not going to get too worked up about artist's renderings or even the inevitable photo shopped "photo's".

But I do have some expectations even in speculation.

The Gen 2 Prius became a huge hit. Loved and Hated the style became Iconic. I'm basing my expectations for the next generation on what Toyota has done thus far.

Toyota IMO did a good job with the Gen 3 evolution. It's a different vehicle, it's overall a better vehicle (IMO). But they also paid respect to "Prius" and Prius Gen 2 styling. They wanted Prius to remain identifiable as a Prius. They succeeded in this respect going from Gen 2 to Gen 3.

I doubt Toyota would abandon this approach to evolution so radically as depicted in those drawings in going from the Gen 3 Prius to the Gen 4.

Could I be wrong? Well if you go back far enough in the Prius bloodline you find a small sedan. So sure, I could be wrong. I expect a lot of change, but I still expect the Gen 4 Prius to be a Gen 4 PRIUS....and IMO Prius has been hallmarked by being a hybrid first and foremost, but also by being a comfortable and useable, almost utilitarian hatchback. With distinct and unique styling ques that make it a Prius. I'd be surprised if Toyota abandons those traits.

 

I hope it stays a liftback, like a Model S hatch, see it at 1:15 min.
2013 Toyota NS4 Plug-in Hybrid Concept - 2012 Detroit Autoshow - YouTube

 

NS4 looks cool from the outside, but I'll bet it's not so cool being behind the wheel due to very limited view to front / side pillars / windows.

 

The NS4 is a very attractive (cool) show car, and I suppose it could suggest a style direction for Toyota Hybrid's in the future. But I also suspect, the vehicle shrouded in the (test mule) pictures, is not a NS4 variant (and no one suggested it is).

Personally, I am a little more concerned about the 2014 Prius. I hope it will be just a "place holder" awaiting the 2015 that will be introduced sooner rather than later in 2014. Further, I hope it will be the long awaited, and often spoken of, "Generation 4."
Anything less ...... I am afraid Toyota will fall from the "lofty" perch of the recognized leader in the Hybrid market.

 

Just an opinion, but I "really" doubt the NS4 will make it into production as a Prius IV. Please don't be too disappointed.

I think manufacturers develop show cars with the intent to get people excited about the "brand name" and to create some show "buzz" for the company in automobile magazines. Look how much publicity resulted from the NS4. But rarely do show cars "morf" directly into production cars. Generally speaking, design ideas are put forth to test the public's reaction.

 

I agree with you. I don't like the 'sporty' concept Prius either - especially if it's at the loss of the wind drag coefficient. My guess is a new synergy engine whereas the gen 3 could average 50, the new one will probably be aimed at 55 mpg, I doubt they're gunning for 60. My guess is 55 mpg, wider, sleeker look (but not too sporty), good drag coefficient, and then the plugin of that version a year later where space is handled well.

Actually, I'm wondering if they'll finally mass produce the Lithium Ions for just the regular hybrid. There are a few new things already here, strong windshield for windows that is like 50% lighter than glass, which would help, and actually a new battery (might be too early though) that lasts longer than Lithium Ions, I forget what it's called though.

Here's hoping to a plugin that doesn't get rid of a spare tire and a more spacious but yet efficient prius. Then they can do the 'C' model or whatever.

 

Old news but I couldn't find a posting here. Can't tell much about the exterior but the interior are interesting; a "regular" dash? Love the duct tape!

Next-gen Toyota Prius spied inside and out - Autoblog

 

Prius City! some high tech features for next Gen Prius!

Toyota on Front (toyotaonfront) on Twitter

 

Cool, connected cars and a city without stoplights.

 

I love the more stylish, low profile look, thank you Toyota...
Thank You so much

 

I love it!
Thank you Toyota,
Thank You...
I love the curves, sexy, low profile, beautiful, high technology..

 

NS4 looks pretty awesome. Can't help but think this would be a $40k+ car. And what is this see through solar? Can it really be efficient that way? Plus, how is it it's trickling into the batteries? This must be some funky stuff going on.

But great vision, and some sites say it's the 4th gen synergy system...My guess, this thing probably gets 45mpg without electric, and when they toss the whole numbers they're talking about electric or mpge, probably would get a 30 mile range though. Guesses...

I hope that's not what the 4th gen is all about though.

 

Can't wait to see this in action and hopefully for the masses. No idea how they'll push this considering the consumer market's sweet spot for the hybrid is $24k and I feel like that's the max most people can justify paying for a hybrid.

Unless of course, hybrid tech just got a whole lot cheaper thanks to every hybrid coming out. Perhaps the current prius deserves a price drop of a couple k....

I for one am excited. It feels like cars have taken a huge step forward thanks to the American market finally waking up to efficiency and tech.

 

Very cool. I want ADB.

 

Ok, Tesla Model S got rid of the push-button Start all together.

Guessing the center button on the shifter is for Start & Park functions, a turn of the shifter to the left(counterclockwise) for Drive, to the right(clockwise) for Reverse, and paddle shifters for regen!