Radical New Toyota Prius in the Pipeline for '15
Radical New Toyota Prius in the Pipeline for '15
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 11
From: The Woodlands, TX
LOL at the pic.....but it IS an interesing read....
The design will change significantly, the most radical of which will be the lowering of the hood and waistline. The hood height will drop in height by at least 90 mm [3.5 inches] and it will lose its characteristic wedge shape. The A-pillar will retreat backwards while the roof line will be pushed forward by around 500 mm [19.5 inches] with two aims: 1) to improve aerodynamics and 2) to improve the overall look.
The design will change significantly, the most radical of which will be the lowering of the hood and waistline. The hood height will drop in height by at least 90 mm [3.5 inches] and it will lose its characteristic wedge shape. The A-pillar will retreat backwards while the roof line will be pushed forward by around 500 mm [19.5 inches] with two aims: 1) to improve aerodynamics and 2) to improve the overall look.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,810
Likes: 15
From: MI
As a current Gen III Prius owner, I approve.
One thing to remember regarding the e4WD system is that Prius snow performance is hampered with traction control that basically prevents ANY wheelspin to prevent harm to the electric motors. If the wheels spin, it goes into limp mode. The current generation is better than past ones, but it's still a major interruption to power delivery usually when you need it most - like pulling into traffic.
One thing to remember regarding the e4WD system is that Prius snow performance is hampered with traction control that basically prevents ANY wheelspin to prevent harm to the electric motors. If the wheels spin, it goes into limp mode. The current generation is better than past ones, but it's still a major interruption to power delivery usually when you need it most - like pulling into traffic.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,266
Likes: 2
From: Washington
Look at the GT300 Prius to see how it COULD look, at least in terms of shape-
Minus the overfenders and radical wings, this Prius is a lot lower in profile and sits lower. They should take knowledge of this car for future Prius applications.
Minus the overfenders and radical wings, this Prius is a lot lower in profile and sits lower. They should take knowledge of this car for future Prius applications.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,201
Likes: 251
LOL at the pic.....but it IS an interesing read....
The design will change significantly, the most radical of which will be the lowering of the hood and waistline. The hood height will drop in height by at least 90 mm [3.5 inches] and it will lose its characteristic wedge shape. The A-pillar will retreat backwards while the roof line will be pushed forward by around 500 mm [19.5 inches] with two aims: 1) to improve aerodynamics and 2) to improve the overall look.
The design will change significantly, the most radical of which will be the lowering of the hood and waistline. The hood height will drop in height by at least 90 mm [3.5 inches] and it will lose its characteristic wedge shape. The A-pillar will retreat backwards while the roof line will be pushed forward by around 500 mm [19.5 inches] with two aims: 1) to improve aerodynamics and 2) to improve the overall look.
Nov. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp., closing in on record global sales of Prius models, is studying whether to keep the hybrid line’s aerodynamic wedge-shape as the automaker designs a next-generation car to boost demand.
“There’s an undercurrent among most people that they’re ready for a new Prius look,” said Chris Hostetter, Toyota’s U.S. group vice president for strategic planning, who’s working with Toyota engineers on the redesign. “Maybe our architecture has been a little bit similar for the last two generations.”
While the carmaker hasn’t yet selected a look from “a menu to choose from” for the next Prius, “one of the avenues we’re exploring right now is to evolve it, and the other is to really evolve it,” Hostetter said in a phone interview last month, without elaborating. A replacement for the main Prius hatchback won’t go on sale for “a little more than a year,” he said.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloom...#ixzz2BOOyaH7e
“There’s an undercurrent among most people that they’re ready for a new Prius look,” said Chris Hostetter, Toyota’s U.S. group vice president for strategic planning, who’s working with Toyota engineers on the redesign. “Maybe our architecture has been a little bit similar for the last two generations.”
While the carmaker hasn’t yet selected a look from “a menu to choose from” for the next Prius, “one of the avenues we’re exploring right now is to evolve it, and the other is to really evolve it,” Hostetter said in a phone interview last month, without elaborating. A replacement for the main Prius hatchback won’t go on sale for “a little more than a year,” he said.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/business/bloom...#ixzz2BOOyaH7e
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,405
Likes: 10
From: NC
More Rumors
The next Toyota Prius will be 4-wheel drive, capable of 90mpg-plus and launch in 2015 alongside a plug-in version – and our exclusive image shows it’ll get a stunning look to match its technology.
The details were leaked by a Toyota engineer, who told Auto Express that “the next Prius will redefine the hybrid as we know it”.
A new ‘C’ platform will help the Prius shed 70kg. Our source also said: “The current 1.8-litre engine will be modified, while the inverter and motor will be downsized, but will deliver more power.”
The end result will be a car that’s not only quicker than at present, but also capable of more than 90mpg fuel economy and with CO2 emissions of under 70g/km – that’s about 25 per cent better than the existing Prius.
A similar improvement won’t be possible with the new plug-in version – the current model manages 134mpg and 49g/km – as Toyota doesn’t see the charging structure advancing fast enough, according to the insider. The brand doesn’t want to hike the current plug-in Prius’ £28,000 price, either.
However, both cars will get 4-wheel drive. “The rear wheels will be driven by a motor in an e-4WD system,” added the insider. “Targeting snowy areas, they will operate at up to 37mph.”
There’ll be a new design to go with the radical tech. “The bonnet height will drop by at least 90mm and the car will lose its wedge shape,” we were told. “The A-pillar will move backwards and the roofline will be pushed forward by around 500mm.” Our image reveals a shape designed to be sleeker without denting the aerodynamics or practicality.
There’s expected to be about 500 litres of boot space – enough to hold 4 sets of golf clubs.
Surprisingly, the regular Prius will keep its nickel-metal hydride batteries, with advanced lithium-ion tech reserved for the plug-in model. Toyota engineers still feel the cheaper, old-style batteries manage power delivery better when it comes to intensive use and charging.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 11
From: The Woodlands, TX
Surprisingly, the regular Prius will keep its nickel-metal hydride batteries, with advanced lithium-ion tech reserved for the plug-in model. Toyota engineers still feel the cheaper, old-style batteries manage power delivery better when it comes to intensive use and charging.