4th generation coming 2015!

no reason for hysteria?!?! what if it isn't absolutely everything i want it to be?????

 

I think there is every indication the test mules observed a year or so ago, were only testing the ICE/hybrid system components, especially considering that the "boss" reportedly rejected the exterior design. That being said, then how can we explain the latest mule shots looking so much like the earlier?

 

That sound easy. In reality, it is engineering and manufacturing hell to have mules depart from the manufacturing target. The mules are not to find component problems but to find the "never saw that coming" problems of putting an entire new vehicle on the road by the tens of thousands. Changing the paint or the veneer is not a big deal. Changing the configuration of any component from the targeted baseline is extremely high risk. What is the payoff vs the problems not discovered by substituting body parts? Too little to justify the last development vehicles before recalls become the only method of fixing uncovered problems.

 

Anyone who has done the mpg math based on the assumption of constant fuel price is a fool.

To me, a 50+mpg car is a way to make future fuel prices nearly irrelevant since I'll use so little of it.

 

I agree completely. It is, however, human nature to ignore benifits, or threats, that are not immediate.
Sure, some people are good at taking those into account, but the majority are not.

 

There's still a possibility that what we're looking at with these test mules is the rejected design. It is reasonable to think that all the thechnical side was identical, from drivetrain to suspension, etc. So they could still be testing the new components within the TNGA platform (really close to the production specs) while not showing final design. At least that's what I'm hoping as I really don't like the looks of the 2 renderings we've seen lately

 

Then be ready to jump brands like some of us.

I "hear" Honda has a really nice hybrid setup. If they can cram that into a Civic or an HRV it's good bye Toyota for me.

In the future, I'm hoping Mazda can tweak Toyota's hybrid into a fun to drive setup in one of their machines. The line between Mazda 2 and the Prius fuel efficiency isn't that far I can't help drooling on one already.

Now with Mazda's wizardy and a little zoom zoom magic, maybe Mazda can give the HSD the adrenaline it always needed. Mazda might be crazy enough to make a halo car matching a wankel to an HSD (...altho the reliability issues of that could be a nightmare).

 

i'm not into the zoom zoom, but if someone can make a lexus like plug in prius, same size, mpg and ev range, with a chat room as fun as this, i might be interested. truth be told though, i don't see that as a market any manufacturers are interested in.

 

What are the chances 4th gen Prius is going to look exactly like the 'from Taiwan' renderings? 0.0001%

btw, the Autoblog blacked out car's hood and windshield should end up looking quite a bit like a current gen Civic sedan.

 

And they can just have cardboard and foam under the disguise the car.

Unfortunately, it appears any Mazda hybrids are Japan only to meet some regulation there. There likely will be a Mazda PHV or BEV to comply with California's regulations though.

Audi had a rotorary powering the genset of their A1 E-tron PHV prototypes. It was a tiny 250cc unit that fit between the rear wheels.

 

It is "...sip, sip, sip..." versus "...zoom, zoom, zoom..." for most Prii drivers.

 

maybe,,,,but isnt this the japanese version of the 2015?
2016 Toyota Prius Possibly Going for a Sporty Look, New Details Emerge! | Master Herald

 

Looks more StarWars 'Storm Trooper' than other pix we've seen.

 

Did anyone actually read the article?
2016 Toyota Prius Possibly Going for a Sporty Look, New Details Emerge! | Master Herald

 

yes, it's all rumor and innuendo. what is the 'master herald'?

debut at the los angeles auto show? i thought it was frankfurt?

'it's likely that the plug in version will get a lithium ion battery pack'?

 

Well since the PIP currently has a Lithium Ion battery pack, it's a pretty good bet the 2016 will too.

 

yup, that article felt like it was written 5 years ago.

 

True, so true. But at today's prices, versus $5/gallon gasoline, it's not catastrophic. When thinking about our next car to replace the Camry hybrid, we toyed around with some math. Between $270 versus $5 per gallon gasoline, about $700 a year extra for gas.

 

Let me fix your statement: makes a PRIUS even better versus a non-solar charged BEV

Who am I kidding though, Prius is better in any situation lol