2010 Toyota Prius-III Revealed... new details

[xcel]

History in the making.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Jan. 16, 2009

2010 Toyota Prius-III -- 50 mpgUS City, 49 mpgUS Highway and 50 mpgUS combined on the 2008 EPA.

The 2010 Prius-III’s release announcement at the 2009 North American International Autoshow (NAIAS) in Detroit this past Tuesday morning turned the automobile world upside down. With some of the details about what may possibly prove to be the most important automobile release of the year, let us look back at its long and illustrious history in which the Prius-III’s predecessors were built...

Prius History

In late 1997, Toyota launched what was soon to become recognized the world over as “Prius”. Its early success however was by no means certain. In its first year, only 323 Japanese consumers decided to take a chance on the Prius’ entirely new automobile propulsion system that mated a small gasoline engine to two small electric motors.

With three years to perfect the technology before its worldwide debut, Prius sales had reached a grand total of just 33,219 units. With a somewhat rocky US introduction in late 2000, Prius sales had reached only 52,230 vehicles worldwide.

2002 Prius-I -- 41 mpgUS combined on the 2008 EPA.

In America, that level of total vehicle sales over a four year period in the domestic let alone a world wide marketplace would have been deemed an abysmal failure and the program would have surely been canceled. The Toyota Motor Company however saw what the rest of the world did not. That a carbon constrained future was upon us and that worldwide fuel prices would rise as would fuel efficient automobile demand in lockstep.

The Prius-I sedan was initially offered in just one trim level with ABS, A/C, PW, PL, PM, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo system standard. An 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on both the battery and hybrid system was also included which helped ease many of the early adopters concerns plus helped sales continue on their slow but ever increasing pace.

Along with the standard features, the Prius-I achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 41 mpgUS combined (per the 2008 EPA) and achieved an SULEV (super ultra low emission vehicle) emissions certification per CARB (California Air Resources Board) - about 75 percent cleaner than ULEV and nearly 90 percent cleaner than LEV for smog forming exhaust gases at the time.

In late 2003, Toyota launched the vastly improved and far more esthetically pleasing second Generation Prius-II to an eager worldwide marketplace. With significantly more power and both best-in-class fuel economy and best-in-market emissions performance, consumers soon began to purchase the Prius in droves.

2004 Toyota Prius-II -- 46 mpgUS combined on the 2008 EPA.

The 2004 Prius was the first to employ Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. The new system produced more power from both the gasoline engine and the electric motor, allowing the new Prius acceleration comparable to a 4-cylinder midsize car.

Along with a far more refined drivetrain, the Prius-II achieved an unheard of for a mid-sized automobile, EPA fuel economy rating of 46 mpgUS combined (per the 2008 EPA) and achieved an SULEV (super ultra low emission vehicle) exhaust emissions and AT-PZEV evaporative emissions certification per CARB.

The new designs attractiveness showed up in total sales. Between 2003 and 2004, worldwide Prius sales rose from 43,162 to over 125,742.

From its humble beginnings, Toyota gambled on the Prius’ advanced and somewhat expensive propulsion technology while low initial sales made its future financial success anything but certain. Fortunately, the Prius’ popularity rose with each generation and today, over 1.2 Million Prius’ have been sold around the world. With its past success now an afterthought, we will soon have an all-new third generation that is almost guaranteed to make an even bigger splash. As the hybrid automobile has come of age, the universally recognized "Green" icon known as the Prius has advanced even further and is almost certain to succeed far beyond what anyone including Toyota could have imagined 11 plus years ago.

Prius Award’s

• 1997 - Prius goes on sale in Japan becoming the world’s first mass-produced gas/electric hybrid vehicle.
• 2000 - Prius launched in the U.S market as a 2001 model.
• 2001 - Society of Automotive Engineers named it “Best Engineered Car of 2001” and the EPA named it the “Best Compact Car” in the 2001 Fuel Economy Guide.
• 2002 - Consumer Reports names Prius the “Best Driving Green Vehicle.”
• 2004 - Second-generation Prius is introduced with the following accolades: Motor Trend’s “Car of the Year”, named to Car and Driver’s “10 Best Cars”, Popular Science’s “Best of What’s New,” Motor Week’s Driver’s Choice Award for “Best Eco-Friendly automobile”, Consumer Reports “Top Picks for 2004” and “Most Significant Vehicle of the Year.”
• 2005 - Consumer Reports “Most Satisfying Vehicle” – Small Car, Top Pick – Green Car and “Most Reliable”, Hybrid's -- IntelliChoice’s Best Overall Value of the Year Award, and Kelly Blue Book’s “2006 Best Resale Value” – Hatchback.
• 2006 - “Greener Choices 2006” and “Best of 2006” by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
• 2007 - Awarded the “Editor’s Choice Award,” Cars.com, “Top Pick” in Green Car category by Consumer Reports and “Best Car Value Under $23,000” by Kelly Blue Book.
• 2008 - Named “Most Satisfying Vehicle Overall” by Consumer Reports and awarded number one in “Top 10 Green Cars” plus a top ten winner for “Best Resale Value” by Kelley Blue Book.

2010 Toyota Prius-III

Along with what has been released previously in the 2010 Toyota Prius-III revealed thread, other more esoteric information has come to light including the following...

Pricing

A rumor but discussion indicates the Prius-III should cost approximately $750 over the current generation Prius-II.

The solar/moon roof is not available with an option package featuring LEDs and 17-inch wheels. Those features, combined with the moon roof, would reduce the Prius-III’s fuel economy rating.

Price differential between the base and the fully loaded Prius-III may run as high as $12,000.

Propulsion and General Specifications

ECO button will allow ~ 8% improvement in FE on the test cycles but number will never be published. EPA is preliminary and of course ECO button/engagements are not allowed on those test cycles.

The 200 + Volt pack us stepped up to 650 Volt step up similar to the HiHy/RXh.

Engine redlines at 5,200 RPM.

0– 60 mph was reported at 9.8 seconds while other official Toyota sources show 9.6 seconds or less.

Engine coolant runs through an Exhaust heat exchanger to help warm-up while the thermos has been removed. System has been shown to increase Fuel Economy by up to 7% during the initial warm-up period. S1 through S4 warm-up stages appear to still be in force.

The fuel tank capacity is 11.9 gallons and the fuel bladder has been removed.

CO2 emissions per the EU’s Urban/Extra Urban combined will be in the 90 g/km range. This makes it possibly the highest fuel economy/lowest CO2 emissions vehicle available in the world.

LED lights (package of some sort) will be 20% less consuming than the Xenon HID’s. Meaning 25 to 30W’s for the headlights with that package.

New max RPM on MG1 was reduced from 10K to 9.5K RPM. MG2 has a secondary gear reducer like the TCH.

50 kg (110 pounds) more weight than Prius-II.

Tires: Three different types. 15” Bridgestone Ecopia, Bridgestone Turenza 45 series 17” w/ 51 psi max sidewall and a Michelin 17”, type unknown.

Interior

Tilt and telescopic are now standard as is the new Corolla style seat height adjuster.

EV button std.

Solar panels are only tied into the Vent fan for cooling while standing still. The 60W system does nothing when moving. Moon Roof/Solar roof is smooth while non-roof equipped Prius-III’s have the bump.

Smart Key was changed. To lock, you swipe your finger or pinch on a 4-bar recess section on the front of the handle.

A/C button on the FOB will use whatever SoC is available but once it is drawn down, it will not boot the car and start the IE. Have to be within 30’ of the vehicle to use that function.

Electronic Lumbar adjustment included with the leather equipped vehicles.

Five more cu. ft. of total internal volume has been added.

Lighted Kick plates available.

2010 Toyota Prius-III -- Interior features and controls explained.

Warranty Coverage

• 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive
• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
• 5-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion perforation
• 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid-related component coverage
• 15-year/150,000-mile hybrid-related component coverage (applicable states are CA, MA, NY, NJ, VT, CT, ME, NM and RI) with the exception of the hybrid battery. The hybrid battery is warranted for 10 years/150,000 miles.

Trims

Only one model with multiple option packages to be named later.

The complete 2010 Prius Gallery can be seen via Slideshow at the following: 2010 Prius-III revealed.

2010 Prius-III Reveal – Prius Connect Attendees Commentary

Originally Posted by xcel

I tried to be objective. I really tried given my duties here at CleanMPG but the 2010 Prius-III changes all of that. Every issue I had with the Gen 2 Prius other than the 41 mph EV/Glide limitations and/or possible future pricing has been addressed. The 2010 Prius-III has a much more masculine look with its sharp and rising body accents integrated into its beautifully sculpted aerodynamic shape. The only exterior issue I have even the slightest of issues with is Toyota’s new but uninspiring upper front fascia.

The interior has been ergonomically massaged with not just a much more comfortable seating arrangement thanks to the standard Tilt/Telescopic and seat height adjuster (Toyota should have fixed this shortcoming back in 2004) but also driver reach to manual controls has been reduced for a far more natural layout. Steering wheel controls showing up in the instrument display via Touch Tracer is a magnificent safety and ergonomic advance. The only two items I can see causing trouble is the location of the Seat Heaters under the center console for those that purchase the leather seat options and the seat height adjuster offering more of a tilt and height change rather than just height adjustment most seat height adjustment solutions offer.

Performance? The kind we really care about... If the Prius' final fuel economy rating actually reaches 50 mpgUS on the 08 EPA (this rating is still pending final certification), Toyota has yet another home run on there hands. There is simply nothing of its size and utility anywhere in the world that offers this level of fuel economy. I suspect Toyota has exploited SHM with the larger 1.8L ICE to a much larger degree for even better highway FE but to improve its city rating with the larger engine as well? The Gen 2 was already unstoppable and the larger AND heavier Prius-III steps that up a notch! Add to it the supposed tighter and better riding suspension, lower NVH and discs all around raises the all-new Prius-III's standing in the automotive universe that much further.

This brings me back to reality. While Prius-II sales have fallen off and incentives are again available for their purchase, some of this has to do with the vehicles pricing in our tough economic times. Since 2004, the Prius' base MSRP has risen approximately 20%. Yes, once optional or unavailable equipment has been added as standard equipment but in the same breath, HSD running gear should have fallen in price as Toyota approaches its $2,000 or less all-in HSD inclusion goal. As I see the Honda Insight-II being a great seller for the Gen-Y buyers if the highest trim level (EX w/ NAVI) arrives under $20,000, I am at the same time concerned that Toyota has priced the Prius-III out of reach with the fully loaded premium packages placing it into the mid $35,000 range. That price is simply too high to be awarded “A fuel efficient Hybrid for the masses.” CleanMPG’s goal is to see all new car purchasers in a fuel efficient automobile as soon as reasonably achievable and the Prius-III's base price let alone option package pricing may be the one item that removes the ability for the average citizen to own and drive what is arguably the most fuel efficient automobile in the world. We need it but we need it priced at a level most can afford without placing their home and basic needs at risk.

All in, I have one on order for myself (the Base package) but if the price comes in at the unobtainable level, it will be relegated to the status of a Mustang or Camaro owner salivating over a Viper or Vette. In other words, simply wishing for one without the ability to purchase does not save our country and our planet from itself.

Originally Posted by Msantos

I must admit that I was a little surprised by the invitation let alone the commitment and extreme professionalism that Toyota demonstrated throughout the course of the event. In my view, this was no small feat particularly in light of the global tough times we're all going through. Everything looked even more dramatic with the formal announcement several weeks before the event, that Toyota would be scaling back other plans including the public appearances by their top execs at various events. It all pointed to a painful but necessary exercise of fiscal discipline that I only wish many in our government could emulate.

As I mentioned, I was very surprised by the organization and commitment displayed not only by the Toyota Staff and execs but also by the people responsible for making it all happen. To this day I can only image the logistics and levels of planning that allowed so many of us to enjoy the release of yet another great Toyota automobile.

I am sure I speak for many if not all of those who attended the event that it will be hard to forget it. And if some of us were already Toyota Die-Hards now we're all firmly (dare I say religiously) bonded to this company? Talk about "speaking to the enthusiasts"; as far as I am concerned Toyota basically re-wrote the book with this one !!!

Anyway, apart from the social event where our virtual forum entities were replaced by the even more pleasing real-selves (myself excluded), there was much that I was looking forward to.

I was definitely eager to see the 3G Prius up close and get an idea of the changes and real world proportions it embodied over and above the 2nd Gen we all know and love. I was very happy to see that it was not much larger and it addressed many of the concerns we had with the model's second iteration. Of particular interest to me was the driver comfort, ergonomics and technical aspects affecting ownership, namely in the following order:

• A more "driver centric" instrument cluster. My wife will see it as an improvement.
• I find the rear visibility to be a bit improved.
• Simpler and somewhat more engaging instrumentation which in my view is both leaner and more effective. Still, maybe I missed it but, where's the tachometer?
• Height adjustable seats with more horizontal travel !!!!
• Folding mirrors !!!
• Tilt+telescopic steering wheel !!!
• Different dash and trim materials that feel somewhat better to the touch and less prone to scratching.
• A more conventional and still futuristic dash layout and trim. Did I say it feels more solid too?
• At the exception of some minor attributes and elements, the HSD hybrid power train remains relatively unchanged which is a VERY good thing.
• The gas engine got the tweaking it needed and I am looking forward to try it out on a highway stretch as soon as I get a chance.
• The thermally challenged bladder is gone and so is the fuel level guessing game many of us had to make when weather really got cold.
• The fuel guzzling effect that made the HCH-II look good in city duty especially during extreme low temps is also, hopefully gone. Toyota stated that this was one of the areas where they focused a good deal of engineering and design time. I have no doubt the new 1.8Lis now a star of its own.
• Did I mention that the new ICE requires 0W20 oil? Well, Yes it does and this means this is one seriously efficient engine !!
• The coolant thermos is gone too and I am looking forward to see how much more effective the new exhaust recirculation process is in not only speeding the warm-up process but also retaining the heat during a glide in a cold weather.
• The under-body aero treatments were nothing to sneeze at too and it shows Toyota was serious about not only keeping the advantage but also adding to it by every margin possible.
• A nice little port was visible on the battery pack and from all accounts it looks like a possible patch for battery extensibility. I guess only time will tell but if this is correct then the aftermarket plug-in conversions will simply explode to become a multi-million dollar market not too long after the car's release !!!

Also, I don't really feel too bad that EV only operation can not be sustained to a higher speed limit. This is in part because many of us would probably prefer to not use the pack as much as the average person would since the ICE remains the primary power source in the entire energy flow. I believe that Toyota's decision to focus on ICE improvements which is further upstream in the energy flow process, was not only wise but very necessary.

OK, Yes! It would be nice to have even better EV capabilities at least on paper. But in light of the existing battery production yields and worldwide production capacity, at what price do we really want more? Can we say, 10% market share for hybrids by the middle of the next decade?

I do have some concerns particularly regarding the pricing and the package levels. We know what the potential equipment is and what it does, but very few of us know in what combinations and trims these will be available and how these will translate into the final pricing. While I like the most esoteric and sophisticated features, I am compelled to believe a leaner car would be more effective in meeting the eco centric goals I always had: Technology that pollutes less and conserves more. I am sure that a heavily optioned Prius would undermine this goal but I am still hopeful that the weight and power saving advantages of some of the options are available in the lower trims as well (i.e: LED lighting).

Anyway, I could go on and on and still not say everything I truly want to say. Let me just state for the record that the vehicle is every bit as impressive as the event itself and that in my view it could not have been better.

The Prius represents a very tough act to beat and as a mid size vehicle I almost feel like the recently announced Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan was just rendered obsolete.

Such is the face of relentless progress and pursuit of excellence.

Originally Posted by brick

The 2010 redesign of the Toyota Prius was an opportunity not only for Toyota to correct some of the weaknesses of the outgoing model, but to make improvements well beyond the existing car. Having had the opportunity to crawl around the new vehicle, my impression is that they have done extremely well.

The new interior is very well executed. Most important to me is the combination of a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with a height-adjustable driver’s seat, which were absent on the 2004-2009 Prius. Finding a comfortable driving has become much easier, and it will accommodate taller drivers such as myself with ease. Some Prius aficionados will lament the loss of the touch-screen Multi Function Display from the base model. I will not miss it, as I have always thought that buttons and knobs were superior to a control device that the driver must look at to operate. I also find the cockpit to be a much more inviting place, as the new center console arrangement makes it feel like a more driver-centered environment. The only down-side to the new configuration is that models not equipped with navigation will not have a backup camera.

Under the improved but familiar sheet metal, there are several upgrades that I welcome. The postulated improvement in highway fuel economy from the larger 1.8L engine should ease the minor annoyance that the car gets better economy in the city. And if the exhaust heat recovery system works as advertized, owners in Northern climes will be much happier with cold-weather fuel economy. Finally, I am extremely happy that the fuel tank will not have the stupid bladder that was previously used to reduce evaporative emissions. No more belching gas tanks!

Overall I really like the new car. It’s still a Prius, but better. I can’t wait to drive one!

Originally Posted by bestmapman

When I first received the request for personal information from Prius Team, I was skeptical. Who is this asking for my name, address, etc. I inquired from the admins if this was legit and they immediately said yes. So I replied. What transpired next is just beyond what I could have expected. I was invited to one of the most amazing events that I have ever participated in. It was top notch and beyond any expectation that I had. The unveiling of the Prius III was a great event. I won't go into the actual event here, but let me describe the car.

The Prius III is set to be the new standard for automobiles going into 2010. For several years it will be the automobile that others are compared to. If you thought the Prius II was a trend setter, the Prius III will be a standard by which others are measured against. Here is why I think this:

Fuel Economy: The new 50 MPG ratings is about 10% above the Gen II. That is another 10% above the Gen I. With this new 50 MPG rating, the Prius Gen III will be one of the highest fuel economy vehicle sold in the world. There are some vehicle that get higher mileage, but it is the only full size 5 passenger vehicle that gets anywhere near 50 MPG. This is significant, because the Prius III is a real everyday vehicle that can be driven to work one day then taken on a 2000 mile trip the next day.

Technology: The Prius III is a true work of science. It is the leading edge of hybrid technology in Toyota's lineup. The hybrid synergy drive now has an exhaust gas heat capture system to help make to car more efficient. In addition it has 2 new safety features that are just amazing. Radar assisted cruise control with collision assistance, and Lane Keep assist. Both of these systems are great features. Also, the Prius III will be the only production vehicle to have a solar panel. This solar panel will help keep the car cool. Now that is literally "cool".

Styling: The new Prius III is much closer to the European feel then the previous Prius. The layout of both the exterior and interior are much more refined and pleasing. The new heads up display and hands on controls are tremendous. The new fully adjustable drivers seat is a major step forward. The increased cargo space makes this one of the most useful vehicles you can purchase.

In my brief space here, let me say the Prius III is a great vehicle that has surpassed what I thought I was going to get a preview of. I want to thank Toyota for inviting me and asking my opinion. I am signed up for the Silver package and am counting the minutes until delivery.

Originally Posted by Kacey Green

The new Prius,
The new Prius fixes many of the concerns I had with my 2004 model, Toyota could have gone further with the 2006 refresh, but now they’ve made up for letting the Prius stagnate in a really impressive manner.

I thoroughly enjoyed the events and I’m really impressed with the vehicle. The improvements to the electrical side of HSD could have been more extensive, but cost is a factor and they did a great job. I really like the improvements to the mechanical side of the Hybrid Synergy Drive, faster warm-up, no bladder, no squealing (in the cold) thermos bottle, bigger engine that can run even slower. They also improved the interior, the ’04 was not the best for driver or passenger ergonomics or look and feel, and the ’06 MMC actually made this worse (replaced painted plastic with cheap textured plastic and included more driver lockouts).

Interior
I like this interior I’ll focus on a few areas that stood out to me in an attempt to keep this short.
The interior now is much more driver focused, much like the car I traded for the Prius (an ’03 Civic), the gear selector and the drive train modes (eco, power and EV) are right at my fingertips, I don’t do much with my right hand while driving anyway and now I’ve got a functional place to put it. I didn’t like the shape of the center console at first, in fact I still prefer the shape of the HS 250h’s console, but I tend to prefer functionality over aesthetics. I like that they took the sliding center armrest cover that the other manufacturers have had for years, I don’t like the potential for finger pinching they’ve allowed but its very functional. Another interior improvement over my old Prius is the rear cup holders, they are now integrated into the rear armrest, they have no chance of simply falling off the back of the console and spilling soda all over the rear floorboard like the previous design. Touch tracer is very intuitive and if it didn’t show in the video, I really liked it.

Exterior and battery
Toyota did a fine job of not tweaking this too far from the 2nd gen, however I’d expected a complete overhaul like we saw from 1st to 2nd gen, finely executed. I was also disappointed that the battery wasn’t really worked over, though I’m glad the trend of shrinking the battery at each new generation has stopped. I realize that improvements in the inverter system were cheaper than wringing more out of the pack. I was also glad to see that the typical Toyota “upgrade” of making a vehicle larger heavier and less fun was not performed.

Final Thoughts
This new Prius has plenty of potential, and if priced correctly and the option packs are carefully selected this new Prius has the potential to make the achievements of the previous model look downright meager. If I could afford it I’d consider adding this vehicle to my personal fleet (consists of one vehicle currently).
I still need to drive one and not sit in it stationary but judging from the descriptions of this cars designers they’ve improved the lifelessness into something fun to drive (fun to drive and hybrid, we’re hearing bunches of this lately from all the manufacturers )

Originally Posted by Right Lane Cruiser

I have to start out by agreeing with Manuel when it comes to the treatment we received at this event. I've been to other large (non automotive company sponsored) events but I have never experienced such thoroughly pleasant, courteous, and thoughtful interaction. The attention to detail was not only surprising and extremely impressive, it mirrored the care put into the newest revision of Toyota's iconic hybrid. The company made it abundantly and unmistakably clear that not only are they interested in making a better car, they really do listen and they care much more about their enthusiasts than most anyone would have guessed. It was both an extremely shrewd and also risky move to give such access to the most ardent and knowledgeable hybrid enthusiasts -- they had to have known that the new underpinnings, exterior, interior, ergonomics, and design choices would get the most exacting and critical scrutiny of any group exterior to their own development engineers. To me, this speaks volumes to Toyota's commitment to detail and excellence.

Others have already extolled the virtues of this new vehicle and I have to add my own. From the standpoint of a tall driver/passenger, I have to agree that the ergonomics of the vehicle are vastly improved. I liked the second generation vehicle for what it could do, but honestly it wasn't very comfortable. Gone is the concern that my right knee will bump the shifter if I shift in the driver's seat. Gone is the constant shifting of my eyes from the road to gather information about the current status of HSD operation. Gone is the minimally supportive seating surface with awkward positioning for controls. Tim is tall, but I've got a few inches on him and this car is quite comfortable for my long frame. My right knee easily swings under the steering wheel when the brake pedal is depressed. I even fit easily behind the driver's seat when it is adjusted to its most rearward position (my knees have to go on either side of the seatback, but with plenty of wiggle room for them and sufficient footwell space I could ride there for several hours). I was skeptical of the new center console but they have positioned it far enough to the right of the driver that there is plenty of room to avoid feeling legroom is constrained by it. Headroom is good in the front and though sitting up ram-rod straight in the back seat causes my head to gently contact the headliner, a normal sitting posture easily avoids that. Seating surfaces as well as interior trim are all pleasing to the touch and appear sensibly durable.

The exterior of the vehicle has pleasing definition and very good fit and finish. The new hood is more sculptured and shorter than the second generation. The apex of the roof has been moved rearward and not only does it improve rear headroom, it adds refinement to the well recognized silhouette. The coefficient of drag now matches that of the original Honda Insight (0.25) -- due in no small part to careful exterior sculpting, under-body aerodynamic panels with strategically placed directional fins, and a more pronounced rear spoiler on the decklid. Weight saving efforts are evident in the choice of structural materials/placement, and further efficiency is extracted through the use of a new standard tire.

The electrical side of the HSD system has not changed appreciably, but there are some refinements to the motor in terms of size and efficiency. Additionally, LED lighting has been used extensively throughout the vehicle -- even to the extent of offering LED headlights in some configurations! Capture of regenerative braking energy has been improved and the battery/motor control modules have been repackaged to allow better servicing and placement in the vehicle.

Some of the largest improvements were applied to the engine and supporting architecture. The new, larger displacement, more powerful powerplant with greater torque promises relaxed operation on the highway with better fuel economy. Extensive friction reduction technology has been applied to the internals of this engine and 0W20 oil is specified right on the oil filling cap. The oil filter has been made less accessible, but overall the engine bay packaging is well laid out and space efficient. As mentioned above, two of the more notable upgrades are the use of exhaust heat recirculation to speed engine warm up (no more thermos!) and the elimination of the gas tank bladder. These changes in concert address three major complaints of current owners -- namely highway speed efficiency, warm up efficiency, and fuel filling variability.

Moving to the controls and feedback, Toyota listened to owners and made interaction with their excellent HSD much safer and more intuitive. All pertinent information is now available at the base of the windshield where second generation owners are accustomed to seeing their speed. Everything can be seen with minimal visual deflection from the road. Most important controls/functions can be operated from the steering wheel and the large buttons not only have raised bumps for tactile feedback, they are two stage so that light pressure causes a mimic to light up on the display alongside the speedometer... with the button selection highlighted! No more fumbling in the dark or glancing far from the road to see the steering wheel controls! The shifter is now located away from accidental contact, but still in a natural and easily reached position and all console buttons (including a standard EV switch ) are accessible without awkward reaches. Overall, this is a much more thoughtful execution by Toyota and should prove very popular with drivers.

Extra features available at purchase allow buyers to option up the vehicle to luxury standards, thereby increasing its already great appeal to those who are accustomed to more traditionally upscale offerings. While the new Prius will be more expensive than the previous generation, it is expected that the increase will be a modest one for the base model -- a good move that will ensure loyalty and accessibility for current owners.

Toyota is extremely confident that their new offering will be a huge success -- even to the point of bringing in the chief engineer responsible for its design and development so that we could ask questions. I firmly believe this confidence is well placed and (contingent upon actual driving experience) I tend to think that the company has produced the most compelling, versatile, and fuel efficient (full sized ) hybrid ever brought to market. I have every expectation that this new iteration of the perennial favorite among hybrid offerings will both continue its popularity and exceed the capabilities of its predecessor by a very respectable margin.

Originally Posted by Msirach

I have held Toyota in high esteem in the automotive sector since I first became interested in achieving high miles per gallon several years ago. Toyota is commonly known as the leader in automotive excellence. I was overwhelmed to have received this offer to attend the Prius Connection Detroit during NAIAS to review the all new 2010 Prius.

The event itself was amazing as I was able to meet Prius enthusiasts from not only across the nation, but across the world. Even with language, lifestyle, and Prius use differences, all were enthralled with the event and the new vehicle to be unveiled. Later that evening after Toyota unveiled the 2010 Prius Generation III to the world, we were bussed away to a special venue. The special venue was at a secret location that gave us access to three new 2010 Prius III, as well as an exposed demonstration chassis.

The new Prius became much more personal as we were offered hands-on experience. At a distant glimpse, the 2010 Prius III looks similar in design to the previous Generation II. That is where the similarity ends. Every square inch of the exterior has been re-designed to reduce the drag coefficient to .25, which gives it the distinction of the lowest aerodynamic drag coefficient of a production vehicle. The interior has been changed as well to maximize the interior dimensions, while not infringing on the shape of the exterior. The interior comfort has dramatically been increased by the addition of vertical seat adjustment, lumbar support, heated leather seats, coolant heat exchanger, choice of three operation modes, sunroof, solar-powered vent system and remote AC operation have all been added to increase the comfort level of the 2010 Prius experience while increasing efficiency.

It was exciting to take part in the experience in Detroit. Toyota offered us the opportunity to gather complete information about the new generation 2010 Prius. This information demonstrates that Toyota actively listens to consumers about challenges and needs for improvement in their product. I personally have gained a whole new respect for this company as it proved to me that it is the definite leader in Technologically Advanced Eco-machines.

I anticipate the 2010 Prius Generation III will meet Toyota’s sales expectations as well as my expectations for hypermileage. I currently have a Blizzard Pearl Gold Package 2010 Prius pre-ordered without pricing. If the price quote is reasonable, I plan to be driving my 2010 Prius in May to further explore and display the many attributes of this automobile.

[donee]

Hi Wayne,

The higher motor voltage is neccassary for the smaller diameter motor with the same power. It has to rotate at a higher RPM to achieve the same power, which means a higher back EMF. To overcome that, and get current to flow into the motor at those speeds, you need a higher power supply voltage.

Leather seats are TOO cold in the winter. What, people who live where it gets below 0 do not need lumbar adjustable seats?

[redcranes]

hello,so you can order the LEDs and 17-inch wheel's without reduceing the Prius-III’s fuel economy rating?

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Donee, you can get heated seats along with the leather.

Red, the concern was with weight. There is a slight penalty for the larger (and heavier) wheels but it appears to average out statistically.

[xcel]

Hi Donee:

___It is not the back EMF as that is minor. The step up via the Transverter is mainly to reduce current flow into and out of the MGSet(s) in order to reduce I2R losses plus keep the BUSSES physical size down. Heat is the real issue.

___WRT leather, European's love it and more American’s are welcoming it as well regardless of ambient temperature conditions.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[brick]

I have had cars with leather seats in the winter (real winter, not this SC winter) and it's OK, especially if you have good seat heaters. And let me tell you, the heaters in the new Prius are nice! They warm the buns and also your lower back. I guess a "real" hypermiler would do without, those of us with sensitive hineys might find it a good alternative to cabin heat.

[noflash]

Well, it finally got a telescoping wheel. Now I can consider it.

Cheers, nf

[msirach]

The tilt/telescoping wheel along with seat height adjustment will make it much more comfortable for a larger range of drivers.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

It certainly does for me, Mike!

[Prius Prime]

Does it come in super white??

I'll take one!!

It sounds better than some of us thought it would be.