4th generation coming 2015!

[QUOTE="bisco, post: 2208403, member: 5889" ]i think they're blown away by the buzz generated, which is more than anticipated, and exactly what they hoped for. [/QUOTE]

I suspect you are right, but there is a danger ...... a very high expectation is being generated . The G4 needs to be more than anything we have seen thus far in appearance, matched with improved efficiency, handling and comfort.

 

Oh well if it was down to economics I don't buy it.

Quick run on current Prius II vs Mazda3 iTouring auto shows $1774 difference in 5-year ownership, $34,218 vs $32,444. This is assuming 15k annual, and current low gas prices. So someone driving 26K would break even over 5 years. Or keep the same car for 8 years.

Make Prius prettier, as fun to drive, or reduce HSD markup premium and $30/mo would not be decisive in buying $550/mo car.

 

I know you have had great frustration waiting for the all new Prius. Are you convinced the Autoblog / Car and Driver black tarped car is indeed the 4th gen Prius in very nearly production ready form?

 

actually, they are slowly lowering my expectations. anything will look good compared to what we've seen so far.

 

Maybe this is a test mule which got rejected (wishful thinking). This is what it reminds me:

 

Actually, I have dropped out of the market. I bought a new Avalon hybrid. Great automobile.

Regarding the "Autoblog" test mule ...... no. I'm not convinced it is a G4 "in drag." I just don't understand Toyota's approach to marketing. Referring to the article about declining hybrid sales, this is the time to get people excited about what's coming down the pike. This late in the design process, no appearance "teaser" could possibly help a competitor. I can understand holding back MSRP data, horsepower and performance figures, where a competitor might change a gear ration, or change a camshaft profile, but it is far to late to make sheetmetal changes. Just my opinion.

 

marketing a hybrid in an era of 3 dollar gas maybe an oxymoron.

 

...design by Japanese "Committee"?

 

right, and it was disappointing to many. but when gas prices went up, so did sales.

 

And the Nissan Leaf wasn't released until 2011. (lower cost per mile driven, better acceleration, easier to maintain)

Gen 3 Prius had 2 to 3 years to sell without something showing it up.

Gen 4 Prius has to compete with the better half of the scorecard. Prius customers are starting to move on from hybrids to Plug in hybrids and/or fully battery based EVs.

 

yep, there's more competition, what's your point?

 

So, all Plug-ins put together January-June 2015 YTD = 54,338

All Toyota Prius U.S. Sales January-June 2015 YTD = 90,149

Even if the gate is left open, not enough Prius owners will escape to make a significant difference in the plug-in numbers.

 

Wow, this is madness. PCers are doubting the black tarped Autoblog / Car and Driver pics is a gen4 Prius even though we've established it will be completely unveiled in September in Germany.

The fact is the blacked out car looks like Toyota said the Prius was going to look like: Flatter hood, lower Cg, lower door lines. Plus, NA boss has driven the production car, said it's nice and will be revealed 'very soon'. But, ya'll can believe whatever you want. I say it is the 4th gen Prius.

 

I agree. 3 Months from It's debut, its no longer a prototype. It's the real deal under there. The renderings are probably 95% accurate, based on leaks from people who have seen or worked on the car.

 

Very true, however the former Prius owners aren't making the majority of the plug-in sales. Former drivers of SUVs, performance, and more standard sedans are making the bulk of those sales.
Which is exactly what we should all be pulling for

 

A problem with car marketing today. The new Prius needs to be a great car, not an upgraded hybrid.

Big, HUGE difference. Most people have already done the mpg math.

 

what will that accomplish?

 

I'd believe that based on Toyota's predictability of design.

My guess is that the Yawns generated by the release will be loud enough to wake some people up. I think they'll open the doors for more robust competition the next few years. If that is the car, how many that have waited this long are excited?