New Prius

[GaryG]

Hi All

My wife Rhonda hit me again today for a new car. She likes the small '07 Honda Civic EX my daughter got, but I'm hybrid sold myself. She loves the Prius look, so we took a 5 package with the navi for a test ride today and we both loved it except for no leather seats. The bottom line, we are most likely looking at a white with the 6 package, but do I need to hold off for the '08? What improvements are coming?

GaryG

[xcel]

Hi Gary:

___I have to run (work called) so here is my quick rundown … The Prius-III may be PHEV capable (7 – 15 miles maybe?) although PHEV may be for a later model year release? It should achieve an increase in FE numbers between 10 and 25% city/highway with the 08 EPA specs knocking it back to just a touch above what it receives today. It should be available by January/February of 09 as an 09 (Toyota said they moved its launch back by 6 months). It may include Li-Ion’s but Toyota says it will possibly be using NiMH’s now? It will have an independent rear suspension for better ride and handling and may include a 1.8L ICE (Corolla block) for more performance. DI for better highway Fuel Economy (possibly lean-burn but that one is a rumor of my own). The problem will be any new launch will include a larger price of not only MSRP but forced MSRP and MSRP plus like numbers for some time vs. the $2K off the higher end option packages and decent small amount above Invoice as we see today.

___There are some really sharp guys here that should be able to add items I may have forgotten about or missed altogether.

___Good Luck

___Wayne