The Prius - What's Next

I was just reading about the 2010 Prius. They've added quite a few neat, gadgety things to the design. Their attempt to recapture the sizzle and downplay the practicality. Because really, what sells best in the US? Practicality or sweet, sexy sizzle? With a starting price tag of $22k, it makes a nice, mid-level statement. But when you top it out with all features at $32k, it better have it all! A mpg rating of 51 hwy/48 city ain't bad either.

Hard to believe the Prius is already 13 years old. It was launched to the Japanese market in 1997, and to the US in 2000 as a 2001 model. But after more than a decade, does anyone care who started it?

The new features of the Prius are definitely geared towards the early adopters and the green segment. Toyota knows these are already their primary market, and is working to maintain a strong relationship with that core. Some of the cool new features they've given the Prius can already be found on more upscale cars (think BMW, Mercedes). For instance, gotta get that car into a tight space on the street? No worries, the Prius will parallel park itself, using the Intelligent Parking Assist feature. It can even steer itself at highway speed, using the Lane Keeping Assist system. I wouldn't get overly excited about the LKA, the driver still has to steer, the car applies only slight corrections. So you might have enough time to take your hands off the wheel and strangle your GPS system for taking you down the wrong road before the Prius will need you to drive again. One article I read said that, given enough time, the Prius will begin to bounce from one side of the lane to the other at an angle that can't be corrected, leading it to go into the oncoming lane. But again, don't worry! That's when the Lane Departure Warning system will let you know, YOU NEED TO DRIVE THE CAR.

Safety first could be a motto for the Prius. The 2010 model will include automatic braking. If the car's radar sees something in the path of the car that could potentially be dangerous, it will do two things: 1 - first it tightens your seatbelt (that's nice, like having mom next to you.) then 2 - if you brake, the computer on board will INSTANTLY apply maximum braking force, trying to shorten the stopping distance and prevent a crash. If you don't brake, it brakes for you.

Also new in 2010 will be the optional solar panel. I think this falls into the "that's kinda cool" category, because it only generates enough power to run the cabin vent fans. If it's a really hot day and you're not looking forward to that burning sensation you get on the back of your thighs when you first get in - don't worry! The Prius will have a REMOTE CONTROL air conditioner. Now you can cool your car before you get in, because the a/c will run off the electrical system rather than the fan belt.

Another way they're reducing the power consumption is through LED lights. LED taillights have been around a while, but the Prius will have LED head lights, saving 17% of the power used by high-intensity discharge low beam lights.

Current Prius drivers like driving on electric power alone, so Toyota has given this model an EV-mode button. You can buzz aroud for about a 1/2 mile on battery-only (as long as you don't exceed 25 mph). (To me, this is another one of those - hmm, that's kinda cool...but no giant benefit to the driver).

The 2010 model has a 20% smaller electric motor, power inverter and transaxle than the previous models. But it operates at 650 volts, versus the previous 500 v. There is also a 20% reduction in torque losses.

The 2010 Prius still has an energy monitor feature. Most drivers enjoy seeing where they're "saving". But to get it this year, y0u have to buy the GPS system.

Of course, the Prius also has all the really cool telematics - connections for Bluetooth phone and iPod, an ability to wirelessly stream audio from your mobile device tot he 8-speaker JBL audio system. And the optional navigation system includes real-time traffic information.

Seems like Toyota has once again done a good job incorporating some cool bells and whistles into a modest car, while keeping the price tag relatively in-line for middle America. What will be interesting, is how manufacturers will develop the tools to work on this next generation of hybrids. For instance, did you wake up this morning thinking - I should probably develop a tool to work on the solar panels of the new Toyota? Not only will we need tools for independent components of the vehicles, did you notice the number of "systems" that I mentioned? As these hybrids continue to develop and evolve, I see the need for new tools and equipment to work on them, and new technicians with new skills will be required as well. So, I think the future of the automotive aftermarket continues to hold promise.

On a side note, to Berge and Mr. McClane, apparently others in Akron have found the beauty of the scooter. These were my first attempts at photos while on the move. Now, Akronites can worry about two things - idiot drivers who try to drive while talking on the phone, and me trying to take pictures with a camera while driving. I don't know how I'd react if I saw someone driving their car and taking photos at the same time. It's not like I represent Google Earth or anything...