Cheaper Hybrid Synergy Drive by 2008

[Cyorke]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=108022

[Tideland Prius]

lol. Wasn't the article on CNN Money? Oh well.

Yeah, we're expecting Li-Ion by 2008 on the next generation Prius. A German article says Toyota wants to lower the fuel economy average from the current Euro average of 4.5L/100km to 3.9L/100km. (Right now, Europe's testing organization has the highest rated FE average for the Prius. In contrast, Transport Canada rates the Prius at 4.0L/100km city, 4.2L/100km highway). Electric motor output is expecting to be bumped by 15%. Again, a plug-in hybrid option is being considered. No idea if they'll actually offer it or not.

[Cyorke]

lol. Wasn't the article on CNN Money? Oh well.

Yeah I think it was but was linked over to Edmunds. THey are partners in the auto reporting field or something like that I think.

[vasia]

The 3rd gen hybrid system is being introduced two YEARS ahead of schedule ... simply incredible!

That means it's being introduced at about the same time as the GM/DCX "two-mode" system.

It's no wonder that Toyota's product development teams are maxed out, I mean look at the incredible pace they're going.

Most automakers seem to delay their products, while Toyota seems to release more and more AHEAD of schedule.

[chindo]

Toyota's design cycle had always been relatively quick. If I am not mistaken, there was a time when other car companies complained about that because they are unable to compete. Toyota is just too good.

[Tideland Prius]

lol. I thought they've always stuck to the 5 year cycle (4 for some models)

[karma]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

lol. Wasn't the article on CNN Money? Oh well.

Yeah, we're expecting Li-Ion by 2008 on the next generation Prius. A German article says Toyota wants to lower the fuel economy average from the current Euro average of 4.5L/100km to 3.9L/100km. (Right now, Europe's testing organization has the highest rated FE average for the Prius. In contrast, Transport Canada rates the Prius at 4.0L/100km city, 4.2L/100km highway). Electric motor output is expecting to be bumped by 15%. Again, a plug-in hybrid option is being considered. No idea if they'll actually offer it or not.

you mean raise the mpg right? i read it at first that they wanted to get lower mpg until i just reread your post.

Also, this article states that the japanese version gets 100mpg...???? wtf? how come we dont' get that in the states?

[vasia]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

lol. I thought they've always stuck to the 5 year cycle (4 for some models)

Not always ... the gen 2 Lexus GS example had a 7 year model run. Same with the previous gen 4Runner.

The 3rd gen hybrid system was supposed to be introduced in 2009/2010, but Toyota moved up the release.

Also, the Gen 5 Camry's release was moved up by six months.

[84Cressida]

Originally Posted by karma

you mean raise the mpg right? i read it at first that they wanted to get lower mpg until i just reread your post.

Also, this article states that the japanese version gets 100mpg...???? wtf? how come we dont' get that in the states?

They might measure it differently. Canada measures fuel economy in Imperial Gallons.

[Bakemono]

Toyota doesnt always stick to 4 or 5 year design cycles. Look at the Tundra. Its been relatively unchanged since '00. Most of the changes had to do with the engine (more power, VVT-i technology).
It just depends. If a design isnt working, Toyota will scrap it and go back to the drawing board (take the Paseo for example).

[drunken_panda]

Look at the landcruiser, that beast has been around forever.

[Cyorke]

NOt really the newest version has only been out since 99. They seem to go longer ontheir trucks or at least they used to

[Tideland Prius]

Yes I realise. Also the LS400 from 95-00, 6 years
Ditto for RAV4.. 95-00
Highlander --> 01-06
Sequoia --> 01-06

With regards to 100mpg. Yeah, it's actually 84mpg US. (35.5km/L). It's not that you don't "get" it but it's just that our roads are wider and we have longer stretches of road allowing for higher speeds. A group of hybrid enthusiasts did a Prius Marathon (it's in one of the forums here, I believe in the Prius forum). They got an average of 105mpg US or sth like that. The single highest tank was 110mpg? So it's possible to achieve that kind of mileage. In Japan, the super high milers get 1,200kms consistently per tank. The record is 2,110kms.

[Tideland Prius]

The company has told the Japanese press that the new engine will first enter production in three years' time. The new powertrain can reportedly be adopted by most of Toyota's medium-size and larger models, and having signed technology agreements with GM, Toyota is said to be planning to produce some components of the system in America.

Toyota's first Prius hybrid was launched in 1997, and the second and current model, which generates 1.5 times more electric power than the first, two years ago.


From newcarnet.co.uk

[84Cressida]

Originally Posted by drunken_panda

Look at the landcruiser, that beast has been around forever.

That's no bad thing, but I do want to see a new one soon.