Automaker sees strong U.S. demand for gas-electric hybrid
DETROIT, Dec. 8 — Toyota Motor Corp. said Monday that it will boost production of its Prius gas-electric hybrid sedan to meet heavy demand in the United States, where sales are expected to be 31 percent higher than originally forecast

TOYOTA SAID it expects to sell 47,000 of the new Priuses in the United States annually, up from its original plan of 36,000 for the car, which was launched in mid-October.
The new Prius, powered by both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to boost fuel economy, has won strong sales and widespread praise. The car gets a combined 55 miles per gallon of gasoline, compared with 48 mpg for the previous Prius, which went on sale in the United States in 2000.

That is incredible and WONDERFUL! No plugging in either. Do you know I would/am actually considering this. 19k, 24k loaded. Tax credit to boot.

 

I am very excited about this technology. I like reading up on this Hybrid stuff. I wish there was a way we can track every month what these cars are going to through.

I want to take a wait and see approach. Find out how this technology does in the long term. Once the Horse Power on these cars reach above 220hp, I am buying one! Maybe the RX Hybrid.

 

Prius: ugly, but is the best "around towner" there is. better city mileage than freeway and the synergy (sp) hybrid concept is amazing. should make a good crossover into the RX and hopefully GS.

James

 

My sister in LA has had a Prius on order for about six months and it came in this weekend. She went to pick it up and it didn't have the option package that she had ordered . Not sure what dealer, probably one close to where she lives in Playa Del Rey.

Weird thing about these cars is that they get WORSE fuel economy on the highway vs the city because they're using more electric around town.

 

Yea they charge the motor on braking, but still, by worse its still 55mpg compared to the 60 freeway. Great engineering by Toyota. The great city mileage would be great for those who have to go through gridlock to get to work everyday.

James

 

James,

I think it's the other way around like I said above

60 city / 51 highway / 55 combined

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2004/prius/specs.html check the MPG tab. I only remember this because they mentioned in on Autoweek during their review of the car and thought it was unusual.

The other thing that struck me as odd are the HP and TQ ratings. Super high TQ, very low HP
67 hp @ 1,200-1,540 rpm
Torque 295 lb.- 295 lb.-ft. @ 0-1,200 rpm

 

Anyone knows what's the top speed attainable ?

 

I was up in Reno over the weekend and my brother just bought one. They're a little strange to look at and they are loud inside. You hear every bump in the road. Other than that it's a very cool car. The indash touch screen gives you all your info. Very cool stuff

 

Yeah thats what I meant, numbers confused me. Look at my first post. Thanks.

James

 

And with a fully loaded Prius you get Navi and HID's

Have you guys heard about the 2004 Japanese version Prius that has an optional system that parallel parks the vehicle for you! Simply amazing. It's the coolest ugly car out there; I wouldn't mind having one.

http://compactcars.about.com/b/a/024614.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3198619.stm

 

I remember reading about Toyota's hybrid system and how it was able to produce high amounts of torque - it had something to do with the electric motor, but I can't remember exactly. It seems as though this high-torque-producing technology is very conducive to trucks and SUV's

 

Do i hear 1SickPrius


James - my bad, see what you had up top now

 

This tech has a very good chance of spreading to other TOyota and Lexus products believe it or not.Yup, no wait to spool. It takes off instantly, instant power. That is why the RX 400H is gonna do the 0-60 sprint in the 5s. I don't know why but I find the new Prius cool. Seriously. Pratical too and Toyota quality. It would be a RARE show car. I am just amazed at the tech.

Jeez, remember the GM EV-1?

 

Our Prius came in last week but the M5 disappeared

-Silver on black leather (dealer installed), HID's, Navigation, and 35% smoke tint all the way around.

The Prius has been an absolute blast! I feel like I'm driving a Ferrari, everywhere I take it, it turns heads (courtesy of the odd-ball styling and well publicized name).

Handling is better than expected and performance is fine for city driving and adequete for highway driving.

All in all, the Prius is a TRUE SUCCESS

 

What about a turbocharging a Prius

The ultimate paradox!