4th generation coming 2015!

Future Products from Japanese Manufacturers -- Automotive News

The first spy shots of for example the 2010 Prius surfaced around early summer 2008, within a year in advance of release, went on sale in Spring of 2009 as 2010 Model.​

 

So it is confirmed then, it says for the release year it's a 2015 redesign.

My hunch is we'll see more spy shots especially through the winter, AND THEN end of next year a new Prius.

This year, end of the year will be a 2014 Prius. Then around October next year they will have the 2015 maybe with a summer time unveiling?

 

Thanks for the link. It has some info for Lexus NX300h, never heard of it before.

This is what the said about Prius:

2015 Toyota Prius

A redesign expected in early 2015 will have a different look — a lower hoodline and beltline, moving away from the one-box design, according to a Motor Trend report. Toyota sources tell Automotive News that the automaker is toying with multiple battery packs — using two different kinds of batteries for different usage cycles. Toyota has stuck with nickel-metal hydride batteries, but its alliance with Tesla could lead to use of advanced lithium ion batteries instead.

 

Then we ought to see a Blue Man Crew video leak in December.

 

I bought my 2009 Prius August 27 2008. We should see 2014 Prius coming in a month or two, but they'll be virtually the same as 2013. Sales Mgr at Toyota Sunnyvale told me no changes for 2014 Prius a few months ago.

 

Some people are confusing release year with model year. If accurate, we're a little less than 2 years away from 4th gen Prius to be called a 2016 Prius.

My hope is the 2014 Accord Hybrid will be a huge hit. Question is, how is a 3,500 car with 196 total HP, 0 to 60 in 7.6 sec with its hybrid drive mode in serial fashion going to average anywhere near 47 MPG???

 

Well, of course I meant that the first spy shots of the 2010 Prius surfaced around early summer 2008. My mistake, I obviously meant the 2010 Model Year released in 2009. Still, it was on spy shots within a year before reveal, so I think my argument still is valid. Though, of course, it's pure speculation. But then, why would road testing begin a year earlier for the 2015 Prius than other models?

 

HAH 47 MPG was derived from the 2 cycle test, just like Fusion hybrid. We'll have to wait for the real world data.

 

Yeah, sure this Automotive site could be correct, however, how do they know? I mean, they are probably guessing from things like earlier models cycle time etc, I'm not so sure they have first hand info from Toyota.

 

Thought I saw mistake in Auto News list: 2016 is redesign of 4-Runner while toyota.com lists '2014 4-Runner coming Fall 2013'. I guess it's just a refresh this Fall.

Could be the only redesigns coming in 2014 are Highlander and Tacoma, no new cars.

Think 4th gen front might look something like new Corolla? -



All-New 2014 Corolla

Corolla front end is like new Avalon.

 

If anyone cares, I have expressed a personal dislike for the enormous gaping radiator openings on many modern vehicles .... now to include the 2014 Corolla. I cannot imagine that cooling dictates the enormous grille?

But I am curious (for those more astute that I am regarding aerodynamics and cooling):
Would not a large grille opening decrease aerodynamics? Even rear engined vehicles do not require enormous radiators and openings to cool their engines.
We have seen large openings in front of the brakes on race cars ... that is understandable. Turbofan jet engines have very large openings, I understand that.

Previously on PC, there were many threads about blocking the grille during winter .... was the purpose to improve thermal efficiency?? or for aerodynamics when there is a lower demand for cooling??

To a novice such as I, it just seems there would be significant turbulence created behind the grille (almost like an air dam). I presume the air that is needed for cooling, is directed through the radiator, then that air, plus the excess air entering through the enormous opening, must be channelled, or directed downward, which would seem to create turbulence beneath the car, where Toyota engineers seemingly have tried to control with sheathing panels on the Prius.

I am just afraid the very large openings has no purpose other than style .... and I don't personally like the style.
I'll either get over it, or buy another brand.

 

Look closer. The opening is smaller than it appears.

The designer worked hard to make it look big. See the difference between 2010 and 2012 Prius.

2010


2012

 

Based on history, Toyota seems to come late for new year cars with the Prius line. Prius V 2012 did not arrive until Oct 2011 in the USA, while others had their 2012 already on the car lots. The 2012 Prius C did not arrive until March of 2012 (way late) for the model year.
Although Toyota is in their clearance events around the USA currently, as is most other car makers this time of year, the Prius line never seems to come out as soon as other new year lines in the USA. Most likely per shipping from Northern Japan via ship can cause some delay as opposed to other model lines manufactured here in the states.

 

1) No Insight III coming from Honda with Sport Hybrid DCD system??

2) Why are we so excited about '4th gen coming 2015!!!' Geez, that's still 2 years away

 

As for Prius c, v , plug-in a bit delayed .... : Earthquake and tsunami in Japan

2010 Prius arrived May 2009.

 

It sounds like you and I are in about the same situation. Toyota seems to find themselves in a situation, where many will hold off purchasing a model year 2014 to wait for the 2015. Which is why I predict the 2015 will appear in early calendar year 2014. Other disagree with that rationale, but it sure makes sense to me.

I agree with you re the AWD as well. Without more ground clearance, AWD would have limited benefits. I own a small SUV with AWD. I would opt for the 2 WD Prius.

 

Excellent posts, ladies & gentlemen, thank you!

I totally agree with your opinion, Tideland Prius - all the features that I have referred to indicate a whole more of a car to enjoy. Although my kids are fairly young (4.5 and five weeks), I am thinking about keeping the car as long as possible, minimum eight years. Therefore, the benefits of owning a V will eventually become more apparent as the time passes by and they will start becoming teenagers.

I was actually quite surprised to find out that the Luxury package in Canada would not contain the moonroof, but as I understand, it initially used to be a part of the package. The Touring package looks very tempting, I admit, but I think it might be out of my reach, financially speaking; so will those fancy LED headlights, washers and fog lights. Realistically speaking, the Luxury package will likely become my choice.

On a side note, I wonder how can any vehicle manufacturer sell vehicles with no dealer-installed fog lights. At least, I could request them to be installed in my '11 Altima. Frankly, this should be a part of standard package, especially in the Maritime provinces.

Thanks for your insightful comments. Please keep them coming, I appreciate them a lot!