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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/IMG_07001.JPG
So I've been lucky enough to score an
invitation to the Tucson Press Preview of
the 2010 Toyota Prius in Tucson. The
conditions should be perfect for some
good numbers on the new redesign. We
will get to take some drive cycles on it
and I'm hoping to get a feel for the new
refinements to going.

Here are some initial questions I'd like
answered so far. I won't be able to post
many answers immediately because of the
press blackout, but I will shortly.

Basic stats I have gathered on the
differences (duplicated elsewhere I'm
sure).

Stats

Max HP increased to 134 hp (20hp more).
Pack peak output of 27 kW (up 2kW)
Weight is 110 lbs heavier.
ICE Displacement is 1.8L or 1797cc ( up 0.3L from the 1.5L ).
MG2 torque 153 lb-ft (down 142 lb-ft).
MG2 Max RPM 13500 RPM ( up 7100 RPM ).
MG2 peak of 80 hp ( up 13 hp ).


Questions:

Is there still talk of a Prius Brand with 2-3 models in it (small, med, large)?
Are plans still in place to offer LiON packs in 2011 or PHEV in 2011?
What is the expected volume of production for the calendar year 2010?
Has a new battery facility come on line, and will that release supply restrictions?
How is the PHEV field testing plans proceeding, are they 2010 base models?
Any movement on the plans for a US manufacturing facility in Mississippi?


Jump in with any questions you want me to add.

11011011

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/500/IMG_0715.JPG
Day one was primarily dedicated to travel.
A good adventure regardless of the
occasion. Due to some surprise
obligations at the office I spent too much
of Tuesday night and Wednesday morning
dialed into the office. I left Cypress
around 8am made it to the airport,
grabbed my bags and jumped on the
shuttle. Breezed through check-in,
skated into the gate and made the plane
with over 40 minutes to spare.

Made my connection in Phoenix, grabbed
a sandwich and jumped the commuter flight
to Tucson. So far so good right? Not so
much. Back between "grabbed my bags"
and "jumped on the shuttle", there was a
crucial step I left out. I didn't disconnect my
gauges, as such I didn't have them in my bags. A few calls to some EXTREMELY helpful friend will
hopefully rectify the situation in the morning through the miracle of Federal Express.

After a bit of emergency management with the gauges it was off to dinner with TMS. I got to visit
with some of the people from marketing, University of Toyota, and Toyota PR. They were interested
in the craft of Hypermiling. They will have a MPG challenge of sorts, but there will be some interesting
topology to deal with. Wayne's run in the 2010 and the Hypermiling community in general were all
mentioned in high regard. Dinner yielded some answers off my question list, but I still have a
good volume of information to get through.

First round of pics (prius free, just pretty mountains):
http://picasaweb.google.com/dkbryant/Tucson_3_18

11011011