Volt was supposed to launch in minimal quanities in Nov 2010... with 30k available worldwide in 2011.

They are certainly more experts than me, but there are several issues with nimih plugin - extra weight and cost from the size of batteries needed to get 10 real world miles (3x-5x more than current Prius). Also nimh batteries in Prius operate between 50% and 70%, and charging them via plug will lower down their logetivity.

 

We haven't one once of data to even begin to argue about the panels. Its innovative and they should be given kudos for putting it on a high production car.

We shall see soon how they help or hurt.

 

I liked the Blue Man Group vid, does the 'welcome to Prius' actually show up when you turn on the car? The sloped center stack is interesting, not sure though if it makes the car seem more roomy/ergonomic or not.

 

I must not have a pulse anymore b/c I like Hyundais and I am looking forward to the Prius

 

who's to say that the panels dont work while your driving? anyway, i remember reading soemthing about how they only help wit hthe minor electrical work and dont actually charge the hybrid battery back.

 

They're for the small screen at the base of the windshield

(just like how the IS-F has that small screen that says IS-F with the stylized F upon startup).

The 97-03 one said Welcome To Prius on the large MFD. The 04-05 just say PRIUS in the stylized Prius name and the 06-09 models changed to the generic TOYOTA startup screen.

 

I dont see how this is any different than charging while driving? What shortens the lifespan of a battery the most is temperature. If anything, charging the battery through a plug while the car is off reduces the heat a lot better. The battery doesn't know and doesn't care if you're charging through your house of through a regenerative braking system..all it asks for is two things..1)the correct charging rate and 2)a comfortable temperature range.

Now if the Prius' solar panels are really for 12v sources, then its not so bad. You may gain some mpg (nothing dramatic), but how much does it add to the cost of the Prius? If the cost is little to nothing, then I'm all for it.

 

I heard the solar panels would be enough to power at least the AC. It's good since the AC often reduces fuel economy by as much as 10%.

 

2010 Prius Colours

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hy...rs-photos.html


Unfortunately, nothing funky. Just your usual array of colours with Winter Grey Metallic being the new metallic (seems lighter than Flint Mica but not light like Phantom Grey). At least Blizzard Pearl (premium paint) is offered!

 

Japanese website release 2010 Prius PR 3 days ahead of schedule :-)

- similar to the power of 2.4l engine - 164 hp?
- 1.2 mil Priuses sold so far
- better mpg than before
- solar ventilation for interior, built into the moon roof
- remote air conditioning activation even when car is off (world first)
- by mid may it should be sold everywhere
- 90% all new hybrid system
- highest fuel efficiency of any sedan
- LED headlights
- hybrid info screen at the combination meter
- S-VSC (small modifications of steering wheel angle done by the VSC)
- precrash (and radar distance control?)

we guessed most of these before, but good to know about them anyway :-)

 

Ah, neat. Thx. I like having a "Welcome to Prius" -- for some reason also makes me think of a scifi movie.

 

Specs look pretty good...

 

woops.










Tons more here.

http://tinypic.com/useralbum.php?ua=...A%3D%3D&page=1

 

how did the Prius get a logical place for the shifter, and the HS get the old gen prius shifter! the HS should have copied something from the MB and BMW styles

 

Looks better than the Insight.

Now the million-dollar question: What's the FE?