The "Next-Generation" Toyota Prius (2008-2009)

The milage figures quoted by Toyota are for a Japanese fuel economy test. The current Prius gets something like 90mpg on that test, so don't get TOO excited about seeing numbers like "113mpg". Still, it will have better economy and higher performance -- it will be a very worthy successor to the current generation.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbarnhart @ Jul 7 2006, 08:00 PM) [snapback]282787[/snapback]</div>

Wonder if it's going to be more expensive. If not there's going to be some buyers remorse going around.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(burritos @ Jul 8 2006, 04:03 PM) [snapback]283104[/snapback]</div>

Not for those who upgrade!

 

I'm tired to tell Toyota's target is 40km/L Japanese 10-15 mode test and it is EPA 62mpg combined mileage.
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=20195&st=6

Ken@Japan

 

Is that a 25% increase?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DerekLarsson @ Jul 8 2006, 08:51 PM) [snapback]283208[/snapback]</div>

You're not reading carefully.

The milage for TODAY'S Prius -- i.e. the one in my garage now -- tested in the same Japanese fuel-economy test, is about 90 mpg. Sure, the next one will be better. Maybe even 15% better (although that's a stretch). But don't expect any EPA test showing the new Prius getting anywhere close to 90 mpg.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbarnhart @ Jul 8 2006, 09:25 PM) [snapback]283158[/snapback]</div>

Yea, hanging on for the 2014 Prius may not be such a great plan by then... <_<

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbarnhart @ Jul 11 2006, 12:41 AM) [snapback]284305[/snapback]</div>

Argh. That's a bummer. I was relly hoping they would nump the MPG substantially for the next model. I guess this doesn't inlude the plug-in feature which is hard to account for?

From what I've read they are including a larger ICE :-( and it will have better zip (not needed i.m.o) so getting that and maintaining the FE isn't bad. Just not as impressive as I'm hoping. I think I'm back looking at EV's again

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SomervillePrius @ Jul 11 2006, 11:34 AM) [snapback]284424[/snapback]</div>

Something I have wondered is whether a larger ICE would allow the Prius to improve its mileage while accelerating or traveling at faster speeds (or conversely, whether the tiny size of its current ICE is partly responsible for the mileage hit taken when accelerating or traveling at freeway speeds).

 

I hope we can get an expandable battery pack. Maybe you could plug in a 20 mile range at a time and get a Prius 20, Prius 40, or even a Prius 60.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cheap! @ Jul 12 2006, 09:23 PM) [snapback]285369[/snapback]</div>

A senior Toyota engineer has said that the next Prius should be a Prius 9.

(9 mile plug-in capability)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clett @ Jul 13 2006, 03:23 AM) [snapback]285520[/snapback]</div>

Man, I need to change schools. The one I work at now is 11 miles away, mostly freeway. They're building a new one in the neighborhood. It will be 1 mile away. I could do it all on battery. If I had a plug in...whoo hoo. Maybe by the time the 2009 is available I'll be working there. They open in Fall 2007.

 

As an existing Prius owner my interest in the next Prius is:

1) Because I'm a tech geek. I love reading about great possibilities being accomplished.

2) Because if the new Prius gets 75mpg and the one after it gets 100mpg, it moves the breaking point for more and more buyers where they can't justify buying a clunky old gas burner anymore - even if it's cost alone. Toyota's successes here in R&D lead to a better environment.

3) If by some disaster I lose my current car, it'd be nice to upgrade.

I'm not curious so that I can buy one in the most likely scenario that my current Prius lasts though - it's not worth the money to move up every time. Most likely this car will last me 15 years at which point I'll buy a Tesla or something along those lines. But the technology is fun to read about and good for the planet.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jbarnhart @ Jul 10 2006, 11:41 PM) [snapback]284305[/snapback]</div>

I beg to differ. If the AutoExpress article is correct, the US mileage may actually be close to 94 MPG.

The article states that Toyota's mileage "target" is 40 km/liter. That works out to 94 miles/US gallon, or 113 miles/Imp gallon.

Cheers!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Subversive @ Jul 12 2006, 09:25 PM) [snapback]285331[/snapback]</div>

Hi Subversive,

The bigger engine may just be a stroked-out engine, to allow it to get 20:1 expansion ratio, rather than 13:1. Although, the Corrola is going up to 1.8 liters too, so maybe its not that.

But I thought I read somewhere that the optimum piston diameter size for fuel efficiency in a car is something like the size found in the typical 2.0 liter I4 engine. Smaller diameter, and too much heat is loss. Not sure what makes a piston too big. Like why not a 3 cylinder 2.0 liter, instead of a 4? Would make the engine shorter and easier to fit in transversly. Might be tough to balance or operate at 6500 rpm. Anybody have any insight on this?

Additonally, they are adding a turbo-charger, which is probably why highway mileage is going up. One can size the turbo-charger to overcome the pumping losses closely. Bigger, and it just loads the exhaust gas flow, while bringing the intake manifold way over air pressure during highway operation. Thats good for power, but its bad for econonmy.

They might also offset the crank to reduce engine friction. One can hope. There is enough room behind the present engine.