Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Next-gen Toyota Prius spied inside and out

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2015-...photo-5908567/

Toyota has built itself into the industry's standard-bearer when it comes to hybrids, and it isn't going to let the poster child for gas-electric vehicles get stale on the market. These spy shots captured in California are our first good look at the next-generation Prius, which could come to market wearing a 2015 model year designation.

Even though it looks like Toyota may have blown its annual camouflage budget on this mule, we can clearly see that it will have the same iconic half-moon design that has been with the car since 2003. If so, this goes against reports from last year that suggested the car would be getting a different look inspired by the 2013 NS4 Concept. Although, this could also indicate that the Prius family will continue to grow – adding a new sedan – to the existing Prius C, Prius V and Prius Plug-In lineup.

These spy shots also give us an indication as to what the interior will look like, with a more stylish three-spoke steering wheel and an instrument panel design that sort of reminds us of a BMW. On the other hand, all the tape, cobbled together pieces and lack of space for a center stack display screen has us thinking this isn't what the final product will resemble.

As for what will be powering the 2015 Prius, we hear that updated versions of the current electric system and engine will be employed, but it will carry over the nickel metal hydride batteries found in today's model. Still no word on the rumored possibility of all-wheel-drive system, either. In addition to a new design and updated powertrain, it sounds like production of the next-generation Prius could be making a move to the US, joining the line at Toyota's Tupelo, MS plant.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/n...nside-and-out/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

WHOA look at the CT interior (climate control - gauge cluster) with the driver mode select moved into a vertical location

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2015-...photo-5908565/

Fizzboy7

You beat me to it Hoovey. First thing that came to mind with the dash was CT. I see no BMW in there.
Some of the displays to the far right of that plain look very far from the driver though. A more vertical center stack would keep vitals within closer reach. I'm sure this aint the final version at least.

Also very interesting this Prius carries analog guages! That would be a first for any Prius and a big move away from the techno trend of digital meters on compact and hybrids. Maybe this is a faux sport model with the 3-spoke wheel.

No doubt, this will be a huge story as the release gets closer. The Prius is one of the most important vehicles in Toyota's portfolio. The day it gets manumatic shifting is the day I'll consider one. The temptation of saying F-U to the gas companies is pulling more and more at me as I become an old fart.

spwolf

top of the dash is CTh interior... instrument cluster is from CTh as well... it is exactly the same thing... so they probably just stuck something in preproduction vehicle.

spwolf

also, next prius is coming next year too...

mordecai

Why so soon?

And will they introduce a new Toyota HSD with the new Prius? Hopefully they will break the 50 overall MPG, 60MPG would be amazing.

spwolf

its typical 3+2 Toyota cycle... facelift was in 2012.

There are some rumors of 60 MPG, AWD like in RX450h and lion batteries... might be for some models only.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

exterior looks the same, but the interior - hey they're finally moving the guages in front of the driver?

spwolf

its donated CT200h dash... so who knows.

even though, Prius speedo is pretty much in front of the driver right now...

pbm317

I think this is some sort of frankenstein mule. Current Prius Body + Current CT Interior, maybe testing some new powertrain stuff underneath?

I don't believe the CT interior will be put into the Prius.

bagwell

+1, that's the current exterior...just a test mule for the revised interior

RXSF

so someone explain to me why Mercedes can build a car that has proper proportions and gets .22 cD when Toyota has to build this wedge shape for the Prius

spwolf

Mercedes CLA has no back space at all, and barely usable trunk. I just in one... i couldnt sit in the back at all.

Plus thats just cd... Prius likely has less overall area.

UberNoob

consumer perception and marketing

most consumers wont know what 0.22cD means but they know what wedge shape means (even though we all know wedge could still be less efficient)

RXSF

true, but then mercedes was also able to make the S class just as slippery as the prius