Spies Catch First Interior Shot of Next Generation Toyota Prius
By Clinton Deacon
August 23, 2008 1:00 AM
Filed Under: Japanese, Spy Photos, Toyota
The next generation Toyota Prius is entering its final stages of development and to entice those prospective consumers in we can bring the first shot of the redesigned interior.
The inside word from Japan is that the 2010 version of the landmark hybrid will deliver both better fuel economy and more power. The 1.5-liter engine will be replaced by a larger 100bhp 1.8-liter version which will improve high speed cruising of the vehicle. A new generation electric motor will boost the model's total power to 160bhp and there are rumours of an optional solar panel roof being fitted to the model as well. Improvements will certainly get the thumbs up from the politicians, fuel economy could go down to as low as 2.9 litres per 100 kilometres (80 mpg) whilst emissions may drop below the 100g/km mark.
It may not look it, but the body will be all-new, growing 2.5 centimetres wider, but getting some 3 centimetres shorter in overall length. The Prius' range may also grow from the current one body style, with a sedan variant expected to be launched as well and a little further down the line we should also see a plug-in version.
Related Articles
- Leaked 2010 Toyota Prius Images Confirmed (22 comments
- Toyota Prius Shows Next Gen Body for First Time (20 comments
Comments
"The Japanese government paid for 100 percent of the development of the battery and hybrid system that went into the Toyota Prius,"
...so says Jim Press, the highest-ranking non-Japanese executive at Toyota before leaving for Chrysler last year. You'd think HE would know something others wouldn’t...??
You know some Toyota's and Lexus' are fitted with a sleep warning device, in case the driver falls asleep?
...SUMS UP the Toyota driving experience :)
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Toyota-Prius/226008/
For the money I would know which I would buy...
and to place the auto/CVT tranny into the center console instead next to the steering wheel is a good move, the old small handle was to small and kind of odd!!!
i hope the suspension gets much better and sportier and i might give it a second look... i test drove the latest prius in 2002 and loved the concept, but the ride and acceleration were huge trade offs....
Incidentally, in Europe we have a 320d BMW. Admittedly it is about 20% more expensive than the Prius. However, it is a relatively clean, environmentally friendly car. For your information, I have provided a comparison below: 320d Prius Emissions (CO2 g/km) 128 104 0-60 mph (seconds) 8.4 11.9 Top speed (mph) 148 104 Mpg (imp) [official] 60 65 Range (miles) 790 ?? It should be noted that the Prius has struggled to match the official fuel consumption figures, perhaps dropping by about 10 mpg or more. The BMW is near enough there, and 60 mpg (imperial) is about 70 mpg (US). Plus the fact the BMW is an enjoyable drive.
Another point to note is that the American market is averse to diesels. The 320d is whisper quiet. Alongside the Rolls Royce Phantom, Mercedes S500, Maybach 62 one finds the 325d. (okay don’t have figures for the 320d but the next bigger engine up 325d - just to demonstrate it doesn't sound like a tractor) Source: http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/kaufberatung/kataloge/hxcms_article_514452_13987.hbs
Given the choice I would opt for the 320d. I know it may not be available in your market, which I feel is a shame.
Not to mention the price differance between the 2 cars. But as most new comers say on Priuschat.com....Have to drive one to understand it.
I used to work in the car industry, which included 10 years in the USA... I've driven pretty much everything. I do like and drive American muscle cars and understand the differences in car culture on both sides of the Atlantic, which is sometimes overlooked on various posts on this site.
Yes, I've driven all Toyotas including the Prius a number of times. I found it okay, but not something I had to dash out and buy immediately. Nor did I want to confirm with the "tree hugger" street cred image this car may convey.
But be honest, if you had that shiny new Camaro (featured elsewhere on this website) parked on your driveway, right next to your Prius greeting you in the mornings..., would you take the Prius first time, everytime? If so, it would be a bit like having a meal in MacDonalds when you could have had a meal in Ruth Chris or Mortons... (then again, you may be a vegetarian! hmmm, I'm now seeing the link between vegetarians and hybrids...)
I've often wondered why Americans with super low gas prices are so worried about fuel economy? Even at $4 / gallon it is still cheap by the $10 /gallon in the UK. My Mustang only took $30 to top up the last time @ $3.94 / gallon. Perhaps I don't do the mileage.
Let’s face it, regardless what anyone may say, the US has THE largest oil reserves in the world. Think there should be enough to power those muscle cars then...! (Before they become hydrogen powered)
Enjoy your Prius. I do eat at MacDonalds sometimes (not a lot but I do)
Add Comment
- 2011 Suzuki Swift Latest Spy Photos in Germany
- MEC Design SLS AMG Design Proposals
- Britain's Bloodhound Project Seeks 1000 MPH World Land Speed Record in 2011 [Video]
- Wimmer RS Porsche GT2 Speed Biturbo with 827 PS
- Renault Twingo Gordini Renaultsport Revealed
- LOMA Performance Corvette C6.BlackforceOne to Debut in Essen
- Lexus to lease, not sell, LFAs to foil speculators
- SpeedART Porsche Panamera PS9-650 Photos Released Ahead of Essen Debut
Latest F1 News
Kobayashi to take Toyota sponsors to Renault?
Nov 25, 09 4:00 PM
Donington can still host 2010 British GP - Gillett
Nov 24, 09 11:08 PM
Merc also open to non-driving role for Schu - report
Nov 24, 09 8:30 PM
Brawn again plays down Schumacher rumours
Nov 24, 09 8:00 PM
Canada GP deal set for official green light
Nov 24, 09 7:30 PM
Campos reports progress with 2010 car
Nov 24, 09 7:00 PM
Paris court to hear Briatore appeal on Tuesday
Nov 24, 09 6:30 PM
Rosberg deal done before Merc takeover - Fry
Nov 24, 09 6:00 PM
Brawn not backing Ferrari's three-car push
Nov 24, 09 5:30 PM
Silverstone 'very close' to British GP deal
Nov 24, 09 5:00 PM














