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Toyota Sai Hybrid Sedan

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by morpheusx, Sep 30, 2009.

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  1. morpheusx

    morpheusx Professor Chaos

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    Toyota has confirmed that the Sai hybrid, a Toyota based on the Lexus HS 250h, will be available for sale on October 20th. The Toyota Sai will most likely come with the same 2.4L HSD engine that is included in the Lexus HS 250h. And, like the HS, that increase in power will equal lower fuel efficiency (the HS gets 35 combined MPG). The Sai has a revised grille (with less chrome) and a new lower fascia and wheels. Different taillights distinguish the Toyota from the Lexus and, inside, there are fewer buttons and a revised mouse control. Mums the word right now as to whether or not the Sai will make it to the US or Canada, but if it does look for it to be the first addition to the new upcoming Prius sub-brand. While the Sai would be subject to some of the downfalls that I believe the HS suffers from, there is definitely a market for a Toyota hybrid positioned between the Corolla and the Camry (size-wise). [​IMG]
     
    #1 morpheusx, Sep 30, 2009
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Interesting... although I don't know if they'd want to bring it over. Wouldn't that piss off a couple of HS owners who know bought a car that is now rebadged and sold as a Toyota Prius sedan?
     
    #2 Tideland Prius, Oct 1, 2009
  3. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    AWESOME !!!!!!!!!
    No, seriously! This is awesome!!!
    It will be a midsized car but instead of having to make a hybrid out of a Camry, it's designed from the ground up with hybrid in mind. The shape, materials, weight, etc, etc, are all designed knowing that this will be a hybrid. Superb if this makes it to the US!!! It could outsell the Camry (wishful, but seriously hopeful), and render the Camry obsolete. Bring it on!

    The "Prius Midsize Sedan"

    (hopefully, it will at least match Ford Fusion 41mpg)
    .
     
    #3 Rybold, Oct 1, 2009
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Umm.. the Camry Hybrid was designed to be a hybrid from the start (which baffles me cause the battery placement is still not optimal imo).
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Oct 1, 2009
  5. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    #5 Danny, Oct 1, 2009
  6. jasony79

    jasony79 New Member

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    "Mums the word right now as to whether or not the Sai will make it to the US or Canada, but if it does look for it to be the first addition to the new upcoming Prius sub-brand."

    "2009 Tokyo Auto Show: Toyota's Newest Hybrid, the SAI Sedan, to Bow This Month" Green Car Advisor
    "Despite reports that Toyota intends to spread its Prius nameplate across multiple models, including a Subaru, the Japanese automaker announced today that its only other dedicated hybrid will debut at the Tokyo Auto Show later this month without the P word anywhere on it."
     
    #6 jasony79, Oct 1, 2009
  7. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    I believe SAI is for Japanese market only, like Crown Hybrid.

    In the US and Canada, you guys already have the same engine Camry Hybrid.
    The differences are...
    - SAI/HS250h is shorter wheel base than Camry Hybrid.
    - SAI/HS250h have the exhaust heat recovery system.

    Ken@Japan
     
    #7 ken1784, Oct 2, 2009
  8. morpheusx

    morpheusx Professor Chaos

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    I think it would make perfect sense here because the majority of American's do not like hatchback designs for whatever reason, and it seems like a natural fit being that it has a very similar wedge shape as the Prius.
     
    #8 morpheusx, Oct 2, 2009
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    But we already have the Camry Hybrid which is what Americans want in a sedan (supposedly). You guys buy > 400,000 Camrys a year!
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Oct 2, 2009
  10. nerfer

    nerfer A young senior member

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    Ummm, no. The TCH has the same sheet-metal as the standard Camry on which it was based, same engine area, etc. They just rearranged the guts to fit in a hybrid powertrain. Like you say, the battery pack was tacked in rather oddly, rendering the fold-down seats nearly useless (particularly the left one). It all works the way it is, but if they designed it as a new car to be a hybrid, the trunk at least would look a lot different. Probably some changes to the aerodynamics. Are the hood and trunk lid aluminum like the Prius?
     
    #10 nerfer, Oct 2, 2009
  11. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    the name pretty much confirms that

    what about something REAL!! a mini-van and sub compact??
     
    #11 DaveinOlyWA, Oct 3, 2009
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yes but when the Camry was redesigned, they already had a hybrid in mind so the body and the chassis and all the other hidden stuff were designed to take in a hybrid system. It's not like the Camry already came out and then they decided to snap on the HSD.

    Yes they are but I've noticed there's less aluminium in the trunklid than the old Camry.
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Oct 3, 2009
  13. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    Vitz(Yaris) Hybrid will be in 2011.
    Also, a rumor said Prius mini-van (three row seats) with Li-ion battery is coming.

    Ken@Japan
     
    #13 ken1784, Oct 4, 2009
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    That's exciting news, Ken!
     
    #14 Tideland Prius, Oct 5, 2009
  15. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    #15 hill, Oct 7, 2009
  16. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    My understanding is Toyota won't use Li-ion on hybrid vehicles now.
    However, I'm sure there are possibilities to use Li-ion on future hybrid.

    Ken@Japan
     
    #16 ken1784, Oct 9, 2009
  17. asj2009

    asj2009 Member

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    The HS barely sold 1000 units in September, even though Toyota was hoping it would sell at least 24k units per year (not sure whether there were supply constraints or not, but it sure isn't generating that much of a buzz). That thing, like the HS, looks like a Corolla but probably with a much higher price tag. if it ever comes here (and it looks like it won't) it'll sell some, but not as many as you might think.
     
    #17 asj2009, Oct 16, 2009
  18. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    #18 Rybold, Oct 20, 2009
  19. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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    I am awaiting for a plug in coupe. Lower to the ground with a lower roof due to lower seats. With the same HSD as current Genn III, that could mean a significan higher hwy MPG due to less frontal area.

    Ah, wishful thinking
     
    #19 bestmapman, Oct 20, 2009
  20. wintechsw

    wintechsw Junior Member

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    #20 wintechsw, Oct 20, 2009
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