3rd Gen Prius hype: Time to get over it?
Third generation Prius will still be greatI'll be honest. For a long time I've been hoping beyond hope that somehow Toyota would find a way to integrate lithium into the third generation Toyota Prius, or at least into some Toyota hybrid car, but it just isn't going to happen for a few more years.
Still, the latest third generation Toyota Prius rumors indicate that the next Toyota Prius will be a little bigger than the current Toyota Prius, a good bit quicker, especially off-the-line, and about 10 to 20 percent more fuel efficient.
Sure, this isn't the revolutionary lithium hybrid that some fans - including this writer - had hoped for, but if Toyota can offer these improvements at the same price as the current generation, I'm a buyer. Plus, inevitably it seems, lithium will eventually power the 3rd generation Hybrid Synergy Drive.
Nonetheless, I can still hope that Toyota might also offer a Prius-derivative next year, especially a smaller, city Prius - that could easily temper my lithium disappointment, for now.
Labels: toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:40 AM
11 Comments:
Regardless, it's going to be a better product in every way, shape, and form than anything GM could possibly make.
I've been hoping they would turn it into a plug-in-hybrid. Hasn't anyone noticed the skyrocketing price of gasoline? I'm waiting for the Th!nk to be available in the U. S. At 110 miles per charge, and a 65 mph top speed, this will meet my daily commute needs, and the best part is that I will be using NO GAS AT ALL.
noz-
I know you hate GM, but aside from the Chevy Volt, I think the Saturn Vue hybrid will be a fanstastic hybrid. Additionally, GM's lithium 'mild' hybrids could also be quite good.
solar john-
Toyota is still claiming that sometime in 2010 they will offer a plug-in hybrid. According to the latest reports (and rumors) develoment on the Plug-in Prius is successfully moving forward.
Why aren't they suggesting a diesel version?
Toyota hasn't been very pro-diesel, although they are starting to be a little more open-minded to the idea it seems lately.
I think a diesel hybrid from Toyota is possible, but I don't anticapate one anytime soon. Besides, the US is the key hybrid market, at least for now, and diesel just isn't yet finding acceptance amongst enough consumers.
This seems to be crucial to prevent criticism from diesel adepts: http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/used_car_reviews/article3552994.ece
Could it be that they are working on a highly anticipated new-type gasoline engine that is expected to be diesel-efficient?
Uuuups, the right linke is here!
Well, diesel-efficient is a weird topic. The last time I researched, it takes a good bit more oil to make a gallon of diesel versus a gallon of gasoline. If the goal is reduced foreign oil dependency - which is my goal - then is diesel really helping my cause?
Nonetheless, I'm an advocate of the diesel engine, but because of biodiesel, not diesel. I very much like the idea of biodiesel hybrids.
but back to a gasoline engine with diesel-like performance. many automakers, including Toyota and a GM, are working on technologies, such as HCCI engines, which are supposed to be just as efficient as the best diesel engines.
gm, for instance, has discussed coupling HCCI engines with their BAS hybrid system.
in 2010 the bas system is supposed to begin using lithium, and if such an HCCI was cost-effective at the time, combined with the bas system, fuel economy improvements could be huge.
could toyota be even further along? possibly, but i wouldn't make that bet yet.
Thank you for your comments. I would add that one liter of diesel fuel also produces more emissions (by 15%) and costs more money. Fact that diesel marketoids rarely mention.
PS: Yes, I hope HCCI engines will solve many problems. It is a shame to burn 30% of the fule just because we cannot implement the engine invented more than 50 years ago.
Very interest topic with some great posts. I was also wondering about a diesel version, that said the price of diesel is now higher in the uk than gas
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