Prius Here it is everyone. The teaser pic of the new 100 Mpg Toyota Prius.

[Kowalski]

Auto Express this week revealed a teaser of the new Toyota Prius.


______________________________

Tail of the 100mpg Prius



Green giant Toyota has revealed its first sneak peek of the new Prius

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk
21st February 2007

At its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the third generation petrol-electric powered car will be revealed in the form of this concept, called the Hybrid X. It's said to propose a new design direction for the firm's dual-power models. And, as this teaser image of its bold tail shows, the new Prius will be much more distinctive.

It showcases a new hybrid system, too. Toyota is staying tight-lipped for now, but the car is likely to get a turbo*charged 1.8-litre 'lean-burn' engine - as we revealed in Issue 912 - which is capable of returning 100mpg. As well as being more economical, the next Prius will be faster and offer lower emissions. Toyota is also considering a plug-in version that can be connected to owners' mains electricity supply. When the Prius goes on sale in 2008, it will cost nearly £20,000.

Meanwhile, organisations for the blind are calling for noisier hybrids on the road. In the US, the National Federation of the Blind says that partially or non-sighted pedestrians are at risk of serious injury from the near-silent machines.

It's calling for the cars to be fitted with a device that produces a distinctive sound, louder than normal ambient levels. The Guide Dogs for the Blind association in the UK is backing the call. A spokesperson told us: "We are not running any active campaign, but would welcome any innovations that improve safety, par*ticularly in urban areas, for blind and partially sighted people."

 

[Centurion]

Oh so a new Toyota Prius is in the pipeline. A question I have for Toyota is why they have to make it so damn ugly, why does it have to look so abnormal? Can't it just look like any other car, like a corolla you know.

 

[siko]

100mpg.... yeah I'm sure. It probably delivers (in real life scenario) about 50% of advertised fuel efficiency... like all Toyota hybrids.

 

[notic]

i've been driving the current prius for about two months now (borrowed from a family friend) and while it does only consume about a third of what my touareg needs, it doesn't do the 4.7l/100km unless you drive REALLY carefully. You can't go up hills, get stuck in traffic or leave it idling (even leaving it on for half a min. without going anywhere will hurt your avg. consumption). A realistic number for everyday driving is anywhere between 5.0l/100km to 5.3. Also, don't expect to pass ppl on the highway, this car has very little power.

overall, its a pretty good car for anyone just looking to get from A to B. It's an extremely dull drive, but they pack it with lots of technology (ie. bluetooth, voice rec., gps, touch screen everything, sat radio, aux for ipod, climate control, etc.).

edit: for other prius owners out there, the car can get better mileage when you do something called lift and glide (or something close to that, just google it). You lift off the gas pedal and lightly step on it again (usually works between 40-65kph), the screen will show that no energy is being transfered from the engine or to the battery. The car will seem like its in neutral gear and will have no gear resistance.

 

[Bruce]

Interesting goal. Although most who have experience with Toyota's know that their claims can be very optmistic (even for the current Prius). Speaking of which, got a ride in one today. First time for me and I've got to say..they kick ass.

Yes, it's ugly, however I was hugely impressed with the interior ergonomics. Hopefully the new Prius looks a lot better than the current model (IMO of course)

 

[kovachian]

I once launched a Prius up over a curb and down a small hill into a ditch. Fortunately I wasn't hurt. Unfortunately, the Prius dind't suffer much damage.

I'll increase my approach speed next time.