When is the 2015 Prius (4th gen) going to be revealed (2014 Detroit AS, 2014 NY AS), and what changes in style and performance for 4th gen HSD can we expect?
The 2015 Prius w/4th Gen Atkinson Hybrid Tech Power Plant reportedly will improve fuel efficiency by ~ 8-10% (50---> 55 mpg), and reportedly will arrive ~ this September (it didn't make the 2014 NY AS, presumably because Toyota wanted all the attention focused on the 2015 Camry makeover/reveal). So far only camo pics and limited info: (http:// "http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2015-toyota-prius-rendered-news")
I have been following the 15 prius for about a year. The lack of publicity about it from Toyota made me feel the April 15 introduction would not and did not happen. I recall what was happening in 2010 when we purchased our 2010 Prius 4. We were able to pick it up at the end of August. The information about the 2010 was out there in July, or maybe before. I guess the 15s are going to be a dramatic upgrade so it taking Toyota a little more time to to formalize the final configuration. Fortuniately I can wait.
If gas prices stay in the basement, prices should be pretty competitive on these. I'm still interested to know where the Prius v fits into the scheme of things though. Thanks for the updates, @ushy66.
After the 2016 Prius is available at dealers the Prius V will be redesigned w/all the new 4th gen Prius hybrid tech ungrades w/improved MPG + an AWD option, but the next Prius V w/AWD option may not show up until late 2016 or 2017 (or about one year later).
We have been very pleased with our 2008 Prius Hatchback. It currently has almost 150K miles with zero issues. We took a look at the Gen III but I ruled it out due to the flying buttress console which impeded the freedom of my right leg. I have claustrophobia and found it disturbing. If not for that one issue we would have bought one.
For the 2016 Prius Hatchback I'd like to see three things. 1) Eliminate the flying buttress console. 2) Improve the MPGs (our main reason for selecting a Prius). 3) redesign the gauges so they are in front of the driver instead of being pushed toward the center of the dash board.
I know Toyota wants to improve the exterior looks which might be smart but I don't care about that.
We need the 20+ Sq Ft of cargo space so I hope they don't mess with that.
I'd like to see the shift lever back on the dash instead of putting it in the console like some mechanical shift lever. I think this is a positive differentiator.
I would really like to have more EV range too. Perhaps 2 miles or so, without requiring me to baby the gas pedal. It's not about wanting a Plug-In, just a bit more EV range. In the process I wish they would eliminate the "warm up" period which totally prevents driving on EV until after a few miles.
Hm, an auto show launch. Wonder how that translates into arrival at the dealers? Weeks, not months, hopefully. And I bet the V that I'm more interested in won't arrive until 2017.
"VW surpassed Toyota as the world’s largest automaker earlier this year, but with the shocking news about the emissions test cheating, Toyota is in the perfect position to take back its crown."
A reporter is looking to interview a car shopper who had been looking to buy a diesel car but decided against it, and either chose something else or is still shopping for for a non-diesel.
Please email a few lines about your decision to PR@edmunds.com before October 2, 2015.
Are Keyless Ignition Safeguards in place on the new 2016 Prius (and 2015 Prius too), like a timed auto shut-off, to eliminate the risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, when you have an attached garage?
Does anyone know if the 2016 Prius has built-in keyless ignition safeguards, like a timed auto shut-off, to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, if you have an attached garage?
At the very least, this car tech deficiency can cost the car owner lots of wasted gas and bad MPG #'s, and at the worst it can kill the owner and the entire family!
Maybe I'm over-sensitive to language, especially when something is being touted as the next "best thing".
This passage jumped right off the page for me... Toyota says that it has a "maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent." Compare this to an average thermal efficiency of 25-30 percent for most modern gas engines
Comparing "maximum" to "average". Also, "most modern gas engines" seems to be a pretty wide group. But this is just me being cautious
Additional Comment and References on the Keyless Ignition risk of CO Poisoning, and Toyota's Legal Exposure
Some have argued these inexpensive auto shut-off safeguards are unnecessary, and that drivers who forget to turn off their keyless ignition cars in their garage before they exit their vehicle are 'stupid' and shouldn't be driving at all. I disagree. After all we are human, and we all occasionally make mistakes. This occurs with some frequency when people get distracted by their kids or grand kids, etc, or having a senior moment. While it probably happens more than we might think on non-hybrid models, it probably occurs much more on the ultra quiet hybrids like the Avalon, Camry and Prius! Sometimes people need to be protected from themselves, and I believe requiring Toyota and other mfg's install an inexpensive auto-off switch on keyless ignition cars is one of them, when a stupid mistake or forgetfulness could cost someone and their family's lives from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Heck, one could make the same argument for the necessity of safety features that are showing up on most cars like blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, etc, etc, because if the 'stupid' driving public would only look into their side and rear view mirrors properly and turn their head a little over their right shoulder like they are suppose to before changing lanes in traffic to check their blind spots we shouldn't need those safety features (and other safety nannies) either, right, yet the auto manufactures (including Toyota) claim these features make driving safer (and I agree), and are putting them on more and more of their products/cars.
Requiring the auto mfg's to retro-fit/fix this problem/tech deficiency seems to me to be a no-brainer, before more people are injured or die from keyless ignition carbon monoxide related poisoning.
If Toyota does not intervene in a timely fashion and right a wrong in their cars, like issue a TSB and/or recall, for those Toyota cars already sold that have keyless ignitions, it's not only terrible for the owners who will continue to be injured and killed by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to this issue, it can be potentially very expensive to Toyota, like the unintended acceleration suit that cost Toyota at least one billion dollars not so long ago.
Comments
2015 Prius (4th Gen) ETA ~ September 2014 +/-
The 2015 Prius w/4th Gen Atkinson Hybrid Tech Power Plant reportedly will improve fuel efficiency by ~ 8-10% (50---> 55 mpg), and reportedly will arrive ~ this September (it didn't make the 2014 NY AS, presumably because Toyota wanted all the attention focused on the 2015 Camry makeover/reveal). So far only camo pics and limited info: (http:// "http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2015-toyota-prius-rendered-news")
Toyota semiconductor research shows potential for additional fuel efficiency of 10% for future, but we may not see this new tech until the gen. 5 Prius in 2020. Check it out: (http:// "http://www.autonews.com/article/20140520/OEM05/140529996/toyota-developing-chips-to-boost-hybrid-efficiency-up-to-10")
2015 Toyota Prius Launch Pushed Back Six Months: Report
Probably should change the title of this thread to the 2016 Prius; check it out: (http:// "http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1093025_2015-toyota-prius-launch-pushed-back-six-months-report")
Done; curious what the tweaks are. Glad we decided not to aim for a fall purchase of a V.
I have been following the 15 prius for about a year. The lack of publicity about it from Toyota made me feel the April 15 introduction would not and did not happen. I recall what was happening in 2010 when we purchased our 2010 Prius 4. We were able to pick it up at the end of August. The information about the 2010 was out there in July, or maybe before. I guess the 15s are going to be a dramatic upgrade so it taking Toyota a little more time to to formalize the final configuration. Fortuniately I can wait.
My guess is that the V will be another year behind the "regular" Prius redesign.
Customers want wireless charging in next-gen Prius Plug-In; they might get it
Check it out: (http:// "http://green.autoblog.com/2014/07/08/toyota-prius-phev-wireless-charging/")
Interesting. I wonder what kind of losses/inefficiencies are involved in wireless charging
Hm, lower efficiency, waste heat (in general, per Wiki).
At least you'd always know where to find your cat.
Next Gen Prius MPG gain may be as much as 20%! Is this Possible?
The 2016 Toyota Prius will top 60 MPG! Check it out: (http:// "http://www.torquenews.com/1083/next-toyota-prius-could-approach-60-mpg")
2016 Toyota Prius to Offer Lithium-Ion and Nickel Batteries; All-Wheel Drive Possible
Check it out: (http:// "http://blog.caranddriver.com/2016-toyota-prius-to-offer-lithium-ion-and-nickel-batteries-all-wheel-drive-possible/")
Toyota really must be kicking themselves for spending all that money setting up the Scion dealer network instead of going with a Prius network.
Why Toyota Delayed the All-New 2016 Prius--- moving to a modular vehicle architecture?
Check it out: (http:// "http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/07/14/why-toyota-delayed-the-all-new-2015-prius.aspx")
Gen 4 Prius may hit dealers Q4/2015 with design cues from Toyota Concept, C-HR.
Check it out: 1) http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1412-report-design-hang-ups-delayed-next-toyota-prius-launch/ ; and
2) http://www.leftlanenews.com/next-gen-toyota-prius-to-be-inspired-by-c-hr-concept-report-claims.html
For the 2016 Prius Hatchback I'd like to see three things. 1) Eliminate the flying buttress console. 2) Improve the MPGs (our main reason for selecting a Prius). 3) redesign the gauges so they are in front of the driver instead of being pushed toward the center of the dash board.
I know Toyota wants to improve the exterior looks which might be smart but I don't care about that.
We need the 20+ Sq Ft of cargo space so I hope they don't mess with that.
I'd like to see the shift lever back on the dash instead of putting it in the console like some mechanical shift lever. I think this is a positive differentiator.
I would really like to have more EV range too. Perhaps 2 miles or so, without requiring me to baby the gas pedal. It's not about wanting a Plug-In, just a bit more EV range. In the process I wish they would eliminate the "warm up" period which totally prevents driving on EV until after a few miles.
Check it out: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098145_toyota-prius-plug-in-production-to-end-in-june-new-one-coming-next-year
Check it out: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098429_next-toyota-prius-hybrid-40-percent-thermal-effiency-from-engine-toyota-says
Thanks for the link!
Check it out: http://masterherald.com/redesigned-cylinder-head-and-pistons-top-enables-the-2016-toyota-prius-to-generate-40-thermal-efficiency/17994/
Check it out: http://www.caradvice.com.au/357303/2016-toyota-prius-spotted-in-thailand/
Check the link: http://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/2015/06/11/2016-toyota-pruis-expected-lentz/71088068/
Check it out: http://www.hybridcars.com/is-this-the-2016-prius/
Check the link:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/toyota-to-reveal-2016-prius-next-month-89422.html
Check it out: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/08/21/2016-toyota-prius-spy-shots/#slide-3591497
All-New 2016 Toyota Prius Fully Revealed in Latest Spy Photos
Not that the Prius is stuck in a box, but if you're going to try to minimize aerodynamic drag, your styling options start to run into limits
Check them out: http://www.carscoops.com/2015/08/all-new-2016-toyota-prius-this-is-it.html
More to come in a few days!
Lots of hype and short on substance. No interior pics yet, but coming soon. Dealer ETA ~ December--> Jan --> Feb time frame.
Check it out:
MotorTrend: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/2016_toyota_prius_first_look_review/
Automobile Mag: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1509-2016-toyota-prius-drops-cover-boasts-improved-efficiency/
So much aggression and boldness for a vehicle with such a calm demeanor, and so many boring owners. Nobody is fooled.
Could VW’s Diesel Snafu Spell Good News for the 2016 Toyota Prius? (thenewswheel.com)
Please email a few lines about your decision to PR@edmunds.com before October 2, 2015.
Check it out: http://www.torquenews.com/1083/2016-toyota-prius-cost-ownership-challenges-evs
Does anyone know if the 2016 Prius has built-in keyless ignition safeguards, like a timed auto shut-off, to eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, if you have an attached garage?
Check out the following link: http://abcnews.go.com/US/keyless-ignitions-led-carbon-monoxide-deaths-recalled-suit/story?id=33344253
At the very least, this car tech deficiency can cost the car owner lots of wasted gas and bad MPG #'s, and at the worst it can kill the owner and the entire family!
Check the article and Toyota press release: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/10/13/2016-toyota-prius-tech-improvements/
This passage jumped right off the page for me...
Toyota says that it has a "maximum thermal efficiency of 40 percent." Compare this to an average thermal efficiency of 25-30 percent for most modern gas engines
Comparing "maximum" to "average". Also, "most modern gas engines" seems to be a pretty wide group. But this is just me being cautious
Check it out: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/toyota-aims-to-mostly-eliminate-gasoline-cars-by-2050/
An impressive goal!
Check it out: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/5-ways-the-new-prius-is-better-than-the-old-one-2015-10-14
Some have argued these inexpensive auto shut-off safeguards are unnecessary, and that drivers who forget to turn off their keyless ignition cars in their garage before they exit their vehicle are 'stupid' and shouldn't be driving at all. I disagree. After all we are human, and we all occasionally make mistakes. This occurs with some frequency when people get distracted by their kids or grand kids, etc, or having a senior moment. While it probably happens more than we might think on non-hybrid models, it probably occurs much more on the ultra quiet hybrids like the Avalon, Camry and Prius! Sometimes people need to be protected from themselves, and I believe requiring Toyota and other mfg's install an inexpensive auto-off switch on keyless ignition cars is one of them, when a stupid mistake or forgetfulness could cost someone and their family's lives from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Heck, one could make the same argument for the necessity of safety features that are showing up on most cars like blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, etc, etc, because if the 'stupid' driving public would only look into their side and rear view mirrors properly and turn their head a little over their right shoulder like they are suppose to before changing lanes in traffic to check their blind spots we shouldn't need those safety features (and other safety nannies) either, right, yet the auto manufactures (including Toyota) claim these features make driving safer (and I agree), and are putting them on more and more of their products/cars.
Requiring the auto mfg's to retro-fit/fix this problem/tech deficiency seems to me to be a no-brainer, before more people are injured or die from keyless ignition carbon monoxide related poisoning.
If Toyota does not intervene in a timely fashion and right a wrong in their cars, like issue a TSB and/or recall, for those Toyota cars already sold that have keyless ignitions, it's not only terrible for the owners who will continue to be injured and killed by carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to this issue, it can be potentially very expensive to Toyota, like the unintended acceleration suit that cost Toyota at least one billion dollars not so long ago.
Article #1) Oct 5th ABC News Investigation of Keyless Ignitions: http://abcnews.go.com/US/abc-news-investigation-potential-risk-keyless-ignitions/story?id=34161887
Article #2) Courthouse News Service: http://www.courthousenews.com/2015/08/28/class-calls-keyless-autos-dangerous.htm