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The higher mileage was achieved “thanks to its unique shape, a larger engine and smaller, more efficient hybrid components. (http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/07/lz1dd7prius233115-toyota-hopes-redesigned-prius-wi/?uniontrib)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Prius-III_Drivers_Side_Front_Headline_Pic.jpgAutomotive News – Feb. 7, 2009

2010 Prius-III -- 50 mpgUS on the 08 EPA.

With the automobile industry what it is, 180,000 in sales might be tough? -- Ed.

Sales of the Prius fell 12.3 percent last year to 158,884 units. Most of the decline came in the second half of last year as the economy faltered and gas prices plunged about 50 percent.

Despite the decline, the 2008 results still were the second-best in the nine-year history of the vehicle, which now has generated sales of more than 100,000 units for four consecutive years.

Bob Carter, general manager of Toyota Division, said part of the sales decline also was a result of loyal Prius owners waiting for the redesigned model.

“Currently, there are 700,000 units in operation,” Carter said at a news conference at the Detroit auto show, during which the redesigned Prius was unveiled. “More than 90 percent of current Prius owners say they intend to buy another one.”

The redesigned model goes on sale in the United States in the spring. It is equipped with a new, beltless, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine making 98 horsepower. When the electric motor is added, overall horsepower is 134. That compares with 110 combined horsepower for the 2009 Prius.

Ninety percent of the Prius' hybrid synergy drive system has been redesigned, with the focus on weight reduction. The lighter components include the transaxle to cut down on torque loss, inverter with direct cooling, and smaller motor. In all, Toyota says it reduced system weight by 20 percent… http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/07/lz1dd7prius233115-toyota-hopes-redesigned-prius-wi/?uniontrib

I think the $30k price tag will be a pretty big jolt!

Getting tired of people throwing around $30k as if it is a real number.

At the Detroit event, the chief engineer talked a bit about cost. What he told us was that they realized cost savings in the drive train, which they have used to make other parts of the vehicle better. The implication is that pricing will start in the same area as the current model (i.e. ~$22-24k). High-end vehicles will certainly be in the $30k range, likely even $35k at the top. But it's not like you **have** to have the 17" alloys, lane keep assist, radar guided cruise, NAV, etc...at least I don't want that stuff.

But it's not like you **have** to have the 17" alloys, lane keep assist, radar guided cruise, NAV, etc...at least I don't want that stuff.

I don't need all that stuff, but I can't live without my sno-cone maker, fax machine, coffee brewer, microwave, video phone, and fondue pot. :D

Considering the current market conditions, I suspect Toyota is going to pull out all the stops to try to deliver the new Prius at a price that is at least close to that of the current cars. To do anything less is to shoot themselves in the foot when the current generation is already seeing slower sales, and the price of gas hasn't spiked enough to restore consumer demand. The only unknown is where exchange rates will be when the new model rolls out, as that can really sabotage the pricing structure. Setting the price too high will make the Insight a smash hit, and Toyota knows it. So I don't doubt that they will make the Prius very competitive in price.