4th generation coming 2015!

Skylis - I am fairly certain the 2015 Prius is, for all intent and purposes, nearly identical to the 2010 - 2015. I suppose there were a few changes, like the tail light, and new colors, but the 2015 is a 3rd generation Prius.

What everyone is awaiting, is the 4th generation Prius. Many had hoped it would be a 2015 (model year), but it seems fairly certain it will now be a 2016 (model year). There has been a lot of speculating, but I suppose the consensus is the 4th generation will be a model year 2016 released near the end of calendar year 2015.

Toyota has been virtually silent about details, thus fueling expectations. There have been occasional leaks, and several magazines have printed artist depictions of "the next generation Prius." But they vary so much, it is clear to me that none of the artist has any idea what it will look like. So we are waiting and watching.

Unfortunately, the competition is closing the gap with numerous models that get pretty good mileage, but offer more comfort, sportier handling and a quieter cabin .... and at a lower cost.

 

Haven't we been speculating on the Gen IV since 2012 ? lol That's when artists depictions came out. Toyota better make it 60 MPG+ to stay ahead of the competition. Hear of the Chrysler MiniVan plugin that supposedly goes 20 miles EV and 50 mpg on hybrid mode? Probably more like 40 or so...but it's going to be released as a 2015 model! So early next year or late this.

They were going to release it as a 2016 model but got ahead of production some how?

 

2015 Toyota: "...milking the GenII Prius cow for all she's worth..."

 

"Milking" as in wringing another years worth of sales from an 'old' (by some people's account) product, before bringing out the 'new' (and higher MPG) technology.

Don't get me wrong: (a) I am NOT a "...fix it, even if it ain't broke..." person; rather, (b) I AM a "...improve the breed, stay ahead..." person.

 

^^ Every product ever brought to market with maximum profit in mind was 'milked' for maximum ROI of the R&D and manufacturing costs.

 

I personally suspect/believe that Toyota is not delaying the introduction of the G4 to extract additional sales of an older design.
I am fairly certain had the G4 been ready, Toyota would have produced it as a model year 2015.

Toyota has to be keenly aware that the competition has significantly "closed the gap," and the brand is loosing sales each day the G4 is delayed. But, to Toyota's credit, they did not rush an unproven product into production. Corporate Toyota's reputation is more valuable than the loss of Prius sales (I'm thinking of the GM label and the loss of their credibility as a viable, responsible auto manufacturer.

 

You can have that today - just buy a Tesla.

 

$90k will get you 265 miles (optimally), 275 with the new dual motor option.

That's conservative Japanese business philosophy for you.

 

American automobile drivers *buy* Japanese products, not Japanaese philosphies (wink,wink).

 

I fully AGREE...it's like the difference between STANDING on an escalator and WALKING (or even RUNNING) on an escalator...you're still moving but neither as fast, nor as far ahead, as your COULD be!

 

Hello,

Thought I would share and get some feedback
Anyone speak Russian (I think because of the .ru)
Toyota Prius 2016 может получить полный привод и две батареи на выбор

 

interesting design. a lot more agressivew in the front but appears to have less room in the trunk. Regardless, I can't wait to see the new 4th gen.

 

The Russian says, "The 2016 Toyota Prius may get four wheel drive and offer a choice of two batteries."

I think it looks cool. And I'd love a 4wd option, since I live in the trackless tundra, Minnesota

 

That looks surprisingly like the European Toyota Auris hybrid with a modified front end.

 

and a bit like the ct200h. i sure hope they don't make it smaller.

 

Sizewise that looks more like the Prius C.

 

That was my initial reaction too.