Toyota May Use Prius as Basis for Line of Hybrids

Thats a totally sweet idea - i could definitely see people going for alternative Prius designs... Myself, i just want one that can tow a boat (that way, i can actually go out and buy a boat :-p)

Infact, i could see myself potentially getting two down the line - say a nice little 2-seater Prius that gets amazing mileage and a Prius wagon that can haul stuff and tow a boat...

 

It's the way Japanese business typically works - make sure a product has been proven before introducing or expanding it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Delta Flyer @ Nov 2 2006, 10:42 AM) [snapback]342489[/snapback]</div>

That's a silly idea. It's better to take a half-baked concept, make it look pretty, then push it out in huge volume. You can work out all of those little problems and safety issues as you go along. <_<

Tom

 

.....and do you work for GM or Ford?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Nov 2 2006, 06:29 AM) [snapback]342483[/snapback]</div>

Isn't it called Highlander Hybrid?

 

Just come out with a hybrid minivan for god sakes, you friggin nitwits at Toyota!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TimBikes @ Nov 2 2006, 03:19 PM) [snapback]342801[/snapback]</div>

Amen bro. A nice looking van the size of a Mazda 5, or just a hair bigger would be perfect for my family.

 

I hate to rain on the parade, but I suspect (and I admit up front that I have absolutely nothing to substantiate what I'm about to write) that the real purpose of the Prius is to be the 'halo' vehicle under which the HSD and Toyota hybrid technology falls.

They're already doing it with those little HSD badges that are being applied to other Toyota hybrids, too.

Then, as this current tech becomes more mainstream, the next gen Prius can be used to introduce the next leap forward.

But, as I said, consider the source.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Pinto Girl @ Nov 2 2006, 05:32 PM) [snapback]342886[/snapback]</div>

I don't understand the difference in what you're saying and what the OP's article says?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(San_Carlos_Jeff @ Nov 2 2006, 06:58 PM) [snapback]342897[/snapback]</div>

I guess my take was that the article was saying that there could be more Prii models to choose from (although a second reading makes me wonder if I didn't jump to conclusions).

My thought was that the Prius name will continue to be applied to only one model that's purpose designed to be as efficient as resonably possible...but the HSD made famous by the Prius will be found on more and more models, and Toyota will take increasing pains to make sure that we understand that it's current best system among hybrids.

Kind of like in the 50's, when ads used to say that "...There's a little bit of Thunderbird in every Ford..."

But, as I said, it's pure speculation on my part.

 

Toyota had been using the HSD to advertise their hybrid line. That's nothing new. I don't think the Prius was intended to be the vanguard of their hybrid line. After all, the first gen didn't really take off until it was redesigned as the second gen. I think the popularity of the 2nd gen Prius was as much of a surprise to Toyota as to everyone else. Still, they're selling HSD, making it the "brand name recognition", much like Intel did with the "intel inside" advertising for PCs. Now Toyota is looking at how to keep the Prius in the top spot and exploit it's popularity.

If they expand the Prius line I expect we'll have the current Prius hatchback, plus a Prius sedan and a Prius wagon. After all, we've got the regular Prius and now the touring edition. If anything, the touring edition is Toyota's testing the waters for an expanded Prius model line.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(San_Carlos_Jeff @ Nov 2 2006, 02:05 PM) [snapback]342844[/snapback]</div>

Exactly.

 

"A smaller 'city car' based on the Prius..."

As long as they don't make the Prius smaller. I like the roomy interior, and if while improving overall mileage, they make engine bigger as they were planning to, so that it will get better mileage at higher speeds (because it won't have to work as hard to make the car go faster), then I will have to upgrade when it comes out. But not if it is smaller.

 

That is totally wrong. The ICE is most efficient at high load. The last thing the Prius needs is a bigger engine. Bigger battery, maybe. But not bigger engine. Besides, who says the Prius engine is working that hard at high speed anyway? The speed limit is 75 MPH, not 100.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Nov 2 2006, 10:29 AM) [snapback]342483[/snapback]</div>

I have a sunfish that I tow with the Prius. It's hysterical to be on line at the boat ramp with a bunch of SUVs pulling power boats. But ya, a littl extra towing power so I could move up to a hobie cat would be lovely.

 

Hey! Do you think I could sell them a convertible?
Now that I have more WeePris than I know what to do with (Thank you, Rufaro!!), I think I'll try another idea or two or three.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TimBikes @ Nov 2 2006, 02:19 PM) [snapback]342801[/snapback]</div>

Sienna Hybrid coming model year 2008. Told by a person at Hanlees Toyota of Davis.