New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/01/2010-toyota-prius-hybrid-specifications-price-detroit-2009.php

by MikeCapone • 18 years ago

11 14 18 years ago

vaksel2• 18 years ago

Why do the electric/hybrid cars need to look so bad? If you are going to make the effort to design a new body, and not just slap an electric engine into an existing car like GM does, why not spend a few extra bucks to make it look good?

ntoshev2• 18 years ago

Aerodynamics? The buyers are supposed to care about mileage more than how it looks. Also it has a distinct look, I suppose Prius buyers like to be recognized as someone who cares about the environment.

gravitycop2• 18 years ago

[The Prius] has a distinct look, I suppose Prius buyers like to be recognized as someone who cares about the environment.

http://www.cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automotiveenergy

http://www.cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automotiveenergy/DUST%20PDF%... [PDF]

a strong reason for selecting a hybrid is the distinctive "styling" or styling ques it projects or has. Insight buyers and Prius owners list this as a highly critical reason for making the particular selection. This also a likely reason the Ford Escape and Honda hybrids seem to be languishing. It simply can't be identified easily as a hybrid and for the premium paid it lacks instant recognition.

If that sounds somewhat cynical, consider the following graph. Among the choices given to hybrid owners was "Makes a statement about me." Fully a third of owners give this as their first or second reason for making a hybrid acquisition. And without the styling cues, the statement is less than clear at first glance.

kyofiyfi• 18 years ago

Why does everyone keep saying that it is about image? I want to buy a prius because they get 50 mpg (at least), not because I'm in the business of doing whatever pleases you.

LogicHoleFlaw• 18 years ago

I must admit, I don't find it ugly at all. Different tastes I guess.

pstinnett• 18 years ago

Agreed. I like the way it looks. I'm interested in the Honda Insight as a competitor.

vaksel2• 18 years ago

it doesn't look ugly for a wagon, but most people would prefer a sedan. Or something like a Mazda6 hatchback

DaniFong• 18 years ago

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The Honda Insight has been superior technically, and was released earlier, but it has nothing like the mindshare of the Prius. We're hard pressed to account for this with anything other than branding and design.

donw• 18 years ago

At least this one looks better than the last-gen Prius. Probably still has the same handling and acceleration characteristics of a dead llama, though.

Rather than this hybrid nonsense, I would love to see some of the fun little city cars (like the Aygo) arrive over here in the US. Better mileage, yet still peppy and fun to drive.

kirpekar• 18 years ago

The Yaris is based on the Aygo. Sorry, why is hybrid "nonsense"?

gravitycop2• 18 years ago

According to the latest Dust to Dust report update, the Yaris is vastly superior to the Prius. http://www.cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automotiveenergy/107%2008%20... [XLS]

In energy dollars per mile, that report shows:

  Smart           $0.583
  Ion             $0.621
  Focus           $0.621
  Cavalier        $0.655
  Xb              $0.683
  Aveo            $0.693
  xA              $0.713
  Corolla         $0.748
  Fit             $0.799
  Yaris           $0.916
  Crown Victoria  $1.134
  Le Sabre        $1.462
  Lucerne         $1.589
  Park Avenue     $1.924
  Sprinter van    $2.173
  Prius           $2.191

Here's the page showing the collection of reports: http://www.cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automotiveenergy

This is the Prius-beating Dodge Sprinter van: http://images.google.com/images?q=sprinter+van

It's big. It weighs 4,784 lbs., empty. Fully loaded, it's 11,000 lbs. http://www.google.com/search?q=sprinter+van+weight

New Prius: 50 mpg, optional solar roof, bigger engine, better drag coeff, EV Mode, etc

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