Spy Photos for the Next-Gen Prius

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to throw in my two cents about PV systems. I was a member of a solar car race team that participated in the 2001 World Solar Challenge (Darwin to Adelaide in Australia). The PV system for our vehicle was comprised of 23% efficient dual-junction space-flight quality cells that were donated from one of our team's aerospace sponsors - the 9 sq. meter array was worth $1.5 million and produced about 1600W on a clear sunny day.

Although I would love to see a PV system that would work (supply adequate power to at least partially (re)charge the HV batteries), I don't think it can be realized at present. The efficiency of off-the-shelf solar cells (even high-end) just wouldn't be enough to do what we all wish it could regarding the HV pack. Perhaps in a few years things will change and/or we'll have a breakthrough in solar cell technology. For now I am more hopeful of seeing a better battery come to market in the next year or two (Nanosafe and similar). And until then I'm happy cruising around in my new "stock" '07 B)

cc

 

I read on EVworld that Toyota wants to be the first hybrid to us lithium batteries, lighter more powerful. The 2008 they road tested gets 94 mpg. After they get that out in numbers to keep up with demand the PHEV plug-in would be a next step.
EnergyCS and Hymotion are almost ready to do plug-in conversions . There is one in Phoenix I got to see and check out twice now. It uses Valence safion lithium batteries. 100+ mpg is easy for trips less than 60 miles. 200-300 would be typical for most work commutes of 30-40 miles.
This sure would be better than fighting in Iraq. We now import over 60% of our oil.

 

Today I attended the Orange County Prius Club meeting at which the guest speaker, Tomeo Yamzaki, a designer for Toyota, shared the process that resulted in the redesign of the gen I Prius to the gen II.

I doubt the hatchback is going anywhere. In fact I doubt the Prius is being changed in any drastic way on the outside. What goes on inside is another matter.

We saw artists renditions of the many designs based on the profile the engineers came up with for the gen II.

The shape of the Prius is for optimum aerodynamics. They will not change it if it will lose it's drag coefficient. They also will not change anything that will make the car less "green", I.E. lower the mileage or increase the emissions. Any of those changes would go against the philosophy that created the Prius in the first place.

And we saw an artists rendering for the FT-HS. The profile is very Prius-like. It's shorter (a two door) and looks a bit lower to the ground.

I think some of the rumors may be mixing up the two.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Prius The First @ Jan 19 2007, 11:59 AM) [snapback]377736[/snapback]</div>

I would need to see the City MPG at around 95 Mpg before I'd consider buying it. I'm generally unhappy with the MPG with my 2005 Prius, so I'd probably just hold on and wait a few more years until some better Electric/Hybrids are available.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(sdgeiger @ Jan 29 2007, 10:00 AM) [snapback]382247[/snapback]</div>

And I have to say that the new 2009, if that photo is indeed it, looks pretty disco. Seeing that photo doesn't make me want to upgrade at all. I like the lines of our 2007. I don't need one more inch wider, and a bigger gas engine. I like the power the 2007 has, I don't need more. If I wanted more power I'd get a Camry Hybrid.

Dave

 

Wow! That new Prius looks GREAT! I came on here because I was starting to consider buying a Prius, despite them looking very geeky (to me). But truthfully I didn't think I could do it. (Other cars I've test driven and considered is a 350Z, Mitsubishi EVO IX, WRX, Scion TC, and currently the most serious one is a BMW 330Ci or Mazda 3).

If Toyota wants to break into the market of more shallow people who like sportier looking cars like me, I think they're doing the right thing with the new Prius. I don't want to make any statements, just get good gas mileage. I think the new one looks great and if the rendition is accurate, I think I'll have to hold off on getting a new car until 2008. I only wish they made a 2-door version, but I guess I'm getting used to the fact that more companies are insisting on supplying only 4-doors (Mazda 3, WRX, etc.)

So, does anyone think that artist's sketch may be accurate?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(wheelspeed @ Feb 8 2007, 12:53 PM) [snapback]387050[/snapback]</div>

What ever you do don't test drive the prius (say borrow it for 24 hours). I did and it ruined me. The driver experience will change you and all other cars will look like yesterday's technology afterwards. So if you want to enjoy the 100 year old technology of the 350Z or 330Ci you better say clear. The Prius has creature comforts that will rival cars much more expensive then it (GPS, good automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth, ABS, Stability Control, Lots of Safety and Air Bags, decent IPOD integration, lots of storage, decent sound systems; and VERY quiet ride [for it's price]), it is also VERY practical with it's hatchback design and the least damaging to the environment of any car. If you ride one you will most likely see what I say. I know it ruined me as there is no other (mass produced) car including BMW, Mercedes, Lexus that I want even though I could afford (most of) them.

As for the looks, you get used to it! I think it's actually a cute car now and the look of the future.

Happy car hunting.

 

Seeing the rear windows tinted but not the front ones, it makes me wonder if they are solar panels. It would be cool if they are indeed see-through solar panels.

Dennis

 

Everyone keeps calling this the "2008" model but it is not. It is the 2009 model, that will be released in 2008. This has been confirmed by the Toyota dealership.

Yes, i agree it will probably be well over $30K. Sheesh! Out of my price range for sure! I'm keeping my new Prius for at least 7 years. I like the body styling just the way it is.