Should The Next Prius Be Conformist Or Even More Unique In Design?

Is THIS it?



001

***Agent001***

You do know that the original concept of the Pruis and Hybrid tech. was for stop and go driving in large congested cities (i.e. Japan, where it was developed). Where do we live? But yes, the styling could be better I will have to agree with you on that.

...but I digress...

Why are you getting excited about something that is just an interim solution to our energy problems? Now don't get me wrong I do believe that it has helped our current automotive debacle by promoting smarter automotive development for better fuel economy. The biggest question is...What is going to fuel our cars in the future?

I truly believe that it is going to be synthetic or cellulosic based fuels. I just can't get over the sound a performance engine at full song. For our future's sake that too in turn could turn to be an interim solution that just has a longer shelf life. But ultimately I would like to see the pure electric take precedent. Couple reasons: instant torque, great performance, low vehicle maintenance. Anyone see 'Who killed the electric car'? GM had it over ten years ago with the EV1. But realizing that all their residual sales of servicing the internal combustion engine and the ancillary systems that go with it, they would have developed themselves out of business. So, GM went to Uncle Sam and the auto enthusiast best friend (the CARB); and killed it.

In turn I do know that I will read, "But Mook, how do we produce that energy for pure electric?" Now? Mostly coal. That it definitely not smart for our environment. Result: a conundrum; what do we do?

Anyway food for thought and to bust 001's b@lls over his Lexus fetish. Love the new stuff. I'll keep posting and thread surfing.

I'm out.

[img]http://i.treehugger.com/images/2007/10/24/Prius2-front.jpg[/img]

Guess it doesn't work. Delete the comment, please.

The image has to be in your agentspace to post...upload it to there then place THAT link in there

001

Let me try...

<a href="http://m53r.myautospies.com/gallery/Dubai-Auto-Show-2007/1433/7119/" class="highslide" onclick="return hs.expand(this, {captionId: ''})"><img src="http://m53r.myautospies.com/gallery/Dubai-Auto-Show-2007/1433/7119/" style="width: 540px; border: solid 1px #000000;" alt="" /></a>

Ignore that..

Agent001.

Can you please tell me how to do it step by step? My problem is with finding the link to any sinlge picture in my gallery, without the profile showing.

Right-click on the picture, goto 'properties' and the url shown there is for the picture only.

*testing my above theory*

<a href="http://m35mt.myautospies.com/users/205/ms3.jpg" class="highslide" onclick="return hs.expand(this, {captionId: ''})"><img src="http://m35mt.myautospies.com/users/205/ms3.jpg" style="width: 540px; border: solid 1px #000000;" alt="" /></a>

You have to put [img]url[/img] on it.

let me try again...

<a href="http://m53r.myautospies.com/users/173/Dubai-Auto-Show-2007/15112007(054).jpg" class="highslide" onclick="return hs.expand(this, {captionId: ''})"><img src="http://m53r.myautospies.com/users/173/Dubai-Auto-Show-2007/15112007(054).jpg" style="width: 540px; border: solid 1px #000000;" alt="" /></a>

Still didnt work... and I did add [img]url[/img].

hmm..

I ll try for one last time...

<a href="http://m53r.myautospies.com/users/173/Dubai-Auto-Show-2007/15112007(054).JPG" class="highslide" onclick="return hs.expand(this, {captionId: ''})"><img src="http://m53r.myautospies.com/users/173/Dubai-Auto-Show-2007/15112007(054).JPG" style="width: 540px; border: solid 1px #000000;" alt="" /></a>

I could live with that. The wife is completely brainwashed that the Prius needs to be her next car – there is no arguing other wise. Will go perfect with a CTS-V parked next to it.

brainwashed? no. she's just MORE ENLIGHTENED than you are.

just how often do you exploit 100% (or even 80%) of the cts' capacities? and when you do, what does the few seconds' worth of 'powerful feeling' COST YOU?

with a prius, you'll get to exploit its FUEL EFFICIENCY capacity 80-100% of the time! and the feel good vibes SAVE rather than COST you money!

i WILL say that the edgy lines of today's cts-v would not be inappropriate next to a prius.

my parents were not at all car people. but there was ONE new model that made SUCH an impression on my mom, she simply could NOT not notice it. she excitedly reported to me, "We saw a car that looked like a ROCKETSHIP!" it was owned by another doctor down the street.

this was the (then new) 1959 cadillac. caddy has just about never been so daring and bold in styling since. the '59 and '60 caddys are THE highwater expressions of mid-20th century GM style.

It should be more radical and more clever, because Honda is launching a comparable model.

How much are the Man U - Chelski final tickets in Moscow going for?

Keep it weird. The Prius is the best selling hybrid because it has the most "Look at my I'm saving the environment" look to it.

it is even MORE than merely a green statement. from a strictly DESIGN viewpoint, it is ALSO one of the most advanced automotive statements.

about the ONLY cars that look more aero clean without being odd shapes, are the italian exotics.

My thoughts exactly.

Chicane... you can't forget the German rockets...

For some reason I stand alone on this, but I think the Prius is ugly as sin. I know Toyota can do better with the next one. The question is: will they?

beauty/ugliness is strictly in the eyes of the beholder.

to many, the prius is THE MOST 21ST CENTURY looking vehicle on the road.

Not to me. It kind of seems like the only people who find the Prius attractive are those who want other people to know that they're "saving the world" from those horrible fossil fuels.

^^
And it's working too. I always leave them in the dust under light acceleration in my IS. Oh would you look at that, I guess it's not working. I laugh everytime.

I think it should be just like it is now, it sticks out enough for people to notice it, but there is nothing to exotic about it. I like it that way.

It needs to be futuristically funky.

A design is right when Prius fans are proud, and Prius haters want to gouge their eyes out.

No room for middle ground with the Prius. That's what the Camry hybrid is for.

the prius is not as ugly as the yaris, but it's alright.

hybrid badge will sell, but also because this is the most practical hybrid out there. the camry hybrid is so-so, lexus hybrids useless.

answering the question:

it has to be very unique. that's what the prius is about.

Make it look normal and plug-in is a must.

Good God it's even uglier that before. Why? Why? Why? would you buy this car in the first place when you could just get a German diesel. I know why, cause it's cool to go green, but come on, this car isn't that green, and neither are the Smart Cars(or Dumb Cars as I like to call them). I live in LA, and I would NEVER buy this car, ever. I don't care what the masses think. If you gave me one, I would trade it in on something else. This car should probably stay ugly, because that's one of the distinguish characteristics about this car. Because if it we're attractive, you would then be forced to compare it to other vehicles. In which case, you would see that it's crap compared to others, and others on the way. So, I'll wrap up this rant, by saying, I hate this car. VW, please give us the turbo diesel Jetta.

The End

the new turbo diesel Jetta (1.4L) which gets 60mpg.

Because it runs on regular gas and you save .75 per gallon over diesel.

When diesel was cheaper it didn't make as much sense.

001

It still makes sense cause the Jetta gets around 45 in city and 60 on highway, beating the Prius on the highway in mileage, thus less trips to the fueling station probably than the Prius. Anuone good at math that wants to figure this out? Plus I believe that the unleaded gas will soon be around same as diesel.

Terrible environmental pollution took place last Tuesday and Wednesday in the UK. Manchester Utd 1 Bracelona 0 and Chelski 3 Liverpool 2. There were massive Methane expulsions by both sets of fans during these games!

Now about the new Prius thing and all of this nonsense about buying German tractors instead. Petrol engines are far superior. Bags more fun to drive, smoother, quieter and better in nearly every department. How often have you had to switch to "air recirculation" behind a diesel? Look at the fuel economy figures of the Prius and it isn't exactly sniffing the gas! Prius - Pious! My A*se! As for the Smart 'dumb' car. Having had one for 9 years a comment passed by an American resident with not the slightest notion of why these cars are so good at what they were designed for, shows a total ignorance of driving outside of "The colonies" and yes 52miles per imperial gallon around town isn't fantastic but it is a real hoot to drive with the 6-speed Tiptronic box etc.

Just make it better. The prius has sold butt loads so they just need to make the next gen better. It doesnt have to be amazing to keep selling...just better than the current model.

the current Prius already has one of the lowest cD of any vehicle on the road. if the aero slipperyness can be improved, toyota should do it, REGARDLESS of the look.

as answer said:
"No room for middle ground with the Prius. That's what the Camry hybrid is for."

"A design is right when Prius fans are proud, and Prius haters want to gouge their eyes out."

Since Toyota will launch the Pruis name with other counterparts I think they should create the sedan and maintain its "futuristic" looks (like the Toyota Hybrid Concept X); while at the same time make a sporty looking & driving coupe with the same technology and design to somewhat tie them together, but not make them look the same (something to compete with the upcoming Honda CRX). And perhaps a small Prius Hybrid crossover also?

Since Toyota will launch the Pruis name with other counterparts, I think they should create the sedan and maintain its "futuristic" looks (like the Toyota Hybrid Concept X); while at the same time make a sporty looking & driving coupe with the same technology and design to somewhat tie them together, but not make them look the same (something to compete with the upcoming Honda CRX). And perhaps a small Prius Hybrid crossover also?

from edmunds' Auto Observer:

"Eventually, there will be two body styles, according to a Toyota source. The minivan-style hybrid powered Hybrid X concept from Geneva 2007 could perhaps provide a few clues in that direction.

"Toyota is also planning both bigger and smaller Prius-badged models as 'Prius' starts to become an eco brand all of its own. The tiny, two-cylinder, rear-engined 1/X concept from the 2007 Tokyo Show suggests what a future mini Prius could end up looking like.

"As for the 'bigger' model, Japan's Nikkei business paper has spoken of an upscale hybrid model with 2.0-3.0-liter engine which could bow as early as 2010, but that yet to be confirmed and may even appear in due course with Lexus badges.

"As far as the 2009 Detroit Show intro for the next Prius, we have that from an impeccable source. Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe himself, no less, has spoken about the NAIAS unveiling, so that surely has to be gospel."

Manchester United 1 0 barcelona.

"Manchester United 1 0 barcelona."

Sadly. Although it was a great goal.

But it was a lucky win... ^^

Anyways 528, everytime you remember manchester united, also remember the 3-0 embarassment against AC Milan last year ;)

I don't think it was a lucky win. It was a combination of a rock-solid Man U defence and an ineffective Barcelona attack. After the first leg where I felt that Barcelona would never have scored if thaey'd have played all day, I thought that Man U would sneak it on the return leg. No, I'm not a Man U fan but a lover of the "beautiful game". Having said that, having seen many outstanding Man U performances this season, that was not the prettiest game to watch. The final should be a cracker though!

Oh! about the Prius? Well, it's butt-ugly (so that Bangle bloke must have had a hand in it somewhere), it will sell loads to mum's for the school-run helping to ease their guilty conciences over clogging the roads in the first place in case little Johnny gets run over walking 200 yards to school. It will be dull to drive, non-descript handling and about as desirable as Herpes but heh! when does that put folk off a Toyota. Another winner that will prove that the majority of the car-buying public don't give a hoot about what they drive or how it drives. Mediocrity is alive and kicking!

More importantly, how much is a ticket to Moscow for the final?

Its a very interesting question. Although true the Prius sticks out as a hybrid car, but who says the hybrids need to stick out or have their own odd look? Today the Prius has its own odd look than the rest of the cars and the future will move away from gas fueling and into new ways of fueling, all which will be green, and yes greener than the petrol hybrid car, so does that mean any GREEN car should look odd?

The answer I think is to have both, odd and normal, since it all depends on the taste of people. So just like Toyota is planning to have its own Prius branch I’m sure they’ll provide the public with just this.

I think its design should remain interesting. I mean why not? It should make a statement that this car saves on fuel and has less impact on the environment and lets the buyers feel good by letting others know they are doing their part for the environment.

If the next Prius looks like these photos, more power to Toyota. In addition to being better-looking than the current Prius, it has that unique "Look at me, I'm saving the planet!" cachet that some carbuyers covet.

By the way, 001, I'm too tall to fit in the Prius, but I am considering getting a diesel Audi or BMW when my current lease expires. Diesel engines have great mileage and torque, and historically Diesel fuel has sold for about the same price as gasoline, but in my region Diesel sells for $0.50-$0.54 more per gallon than gasolline. How come?

I'll take the metro before any hybrid.

well, can you visualize a Metro sized car, that IS a hybrid? the gas engine can be EVEN SMALLER, with the primary driving motor being an electric one. (which can provide max torque from 0 rpm upward).

the small gas engine's primary purpose would be 1) just keeping the battery charged; and 2) secondarily, on demand, helping the main electric motor. (a reversal of the Honda hybrid scheme of having an electric motor give the ICE a boost).

such a design OUGHT to get 70 - 100+ mpg. if it is ALSO a plug-in hybrid, mileage would be variable but generally TOO HIGH TO CALCULATE on a mpg basis. it'd be calculated instead on miles/kilowatt-hr. (main limiting factors being just battery size, and number of miles on daily commute.)

the electric drive motor can be offered in a whole RANGE of power offerings, from super-miserly to Tesla conquering.

i would be surprised is some engineer somewhere is not already considering something like this. the current crop of "city cars" are just a jumping off point. the next generation toyota IQ may well be something like this.

Chicane - I think he means the Metro, as in the train?