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Toyota in decline in 2009?

3618 messages,  Last post on Nov 28, 2009 at 7:57 PM

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#2416 of 3618 Re: speaking of the Prius [kdhspyder] by explorerx4 Jan 12, 2009 (2:41 pm)
Replying to: kdhspyder (Jan 12, 2009 11:13 am) yes, the imerial gallon is larger than a us gallon. 1 us gallon = .8 imperial gallon, as you pointed out.
#2417 of 3618 Re: of course [gagrice] by kdhspyder Jan 12, 2009 (3:36 pm)
Replying to: gagrice (Jan 12, 2009 2:13 pm) The Insight can't get any better numbers than the current Prius. It uses the same IMA configuration that the current HCH uses but it's e-motor is even less powerful.   It's a mini-HCH in the shape of the Prius for aerodynamic reasons. 60 MPG is out of the question. I'm surprised even that it reached 50 MPG in realworld testing.   It's lighter smaller and has less content than the current and future Prius, but it's perfectly placed for the budget conscious. Another way of looking at it is that it's a Honda Fit $17000 with a $1500 IMA option. Look at the Fit with it's size, ride, amenities and safety features and there you have the Insight II.
#2419 of 3618 Re: 62 MPG... [lemko] by 210delray Jan 12, 2009 (6:51 pm)
Replying to: lemko (Jan 12, 2009 8:13 am) That's a good one lemko, citing the diesel Rabbit of old, when you wouldn't touch such a car with a 10-foot pole, then or now.   I had 2 Rabbits, a '75 that was a hoot to drive (when it was running; what a pile of junk!), then I went and traded it and my wife's Corolla on a PA-built '79 gas version. Better though slower, but still nowhere near the reputed quality of the earlier Beetles. Diesel version? It only had the (meager) power of the old Beetle and what a smoker!   The current Prius is in a whole 'nother league! And I've never considered another VW since.
#2420 of 3618 Re: Go with the unsung hero! [chromedome] by gagrice Jan 12, 2009 (7:49 pm)
Honda will be presenting the Insight in the spring that should contend directly with the Toyota Prius   How do you think it will do that when it is EPA rated much lower than the current Prius? I think Honda wasted their time with that thing. They should have learned with the Accord hybrid. Just stick with the HCH and don't try to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Replies to this message: anythngbutgm (Jan 13, 2009 5:18 am) 210delray (Jan 13, 2009 6:50 am) anythngbutgm (Jan 13, 2009 7:02 am)
#2421 of 3618 Re: Go with the unsung hero! [chromedome] by mcdawgg Jan 12, 2009 (9:44 pm)
Well, ... nah, never mind.
#2422 of 3618 Re: Go with the unsung hero! [gagrice] by anythngbutgm Jan 13, 2009 (5:18 am)
Replying to: gagrice (Jan 12, 2009 7:49 pm) Ya know Gary, I gotta agree with you here. Not really in that they "wasted there time" per se because they weren't going to just sit by and watch Toyota and Ford gobble up the hybrid market. But the Insight mileage can be seen as a disappointment due to the fact that the first gen acheived better mileage than any Prius up to this point and this one will merely match Hondas own Civic hybrid. That's not impressive by any means. Replies to this message: 210delray (Jan 13, 2009 6:50 am) anythngbutgm (Jan 13, 2009 7:02 am)
#2423 of 3618 Re: Go with the unsung hero! [anythngbutgm] by 210delray Jan 13, 2009 (6:50 am)
Replying to: anythngbutgm (Jan 13, 2009 5:18 am) I suppose the problem with the new Insight is that it uses the IMA (integrated motor assist) hybrid system instead of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. The latter is inherently more fuel efficient. The only reason the original Insight got such high mileage with IMA was that it was a tiny 2-seater that weighed only about 1800 lbs. Replies to this message: anythngbutgm (Jan 13, 2009 7:02 am)
#2424 of 3618 Re: Go with the unsung hero! [210delray] by anythngbutgm Jan 13, 2009 (7:02 am)
Replying to: 210delray (Jan 13, 2009 6:50 am) Oh definitely. Plus, it also only came with front airbags and a lightweight structure which probably wasn't very crashworthy. This new Insight will probably be built around the same safety cage (forget what it's called) as the new Civic and come with the same array of airbags, and electronic gadgets that you'll find in an Acura.
#2425 of 3618 'Yota did what it said by larsb Jan 13, 2009 (7:13 am)
Specs on new Prius   I remember posting this on these forums somewhere a few years ago when a Toyota rep said it, and many people guffawed at it and doubted 'Yota could do it. They reduced the size of the hybrid system components and dropped 20% off the weight.   Ninety percent of the Prius's hybrid synergy drive system has been redesigned, with the focus on weight reduction. The lighter components include the transaxle to cut down on torque loss, inverter with direct cooling and smaller motor. In all, Toyota says it reduced system weight by 20 percent and estimates a 50-mpg combined fuel economy rating.   Three selectable drive modes are now offered. EV-Drive uses only battery power for low speed motoring, Eco for optimal fuel economy and Power mode increases throttle response for enthusiastic outings. Additionally, the regenerative brake system, now with discs at all corners, has been revised for improved regeneration performance.   Paired with the hybrid system is a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, replacing the previous 1.5-liter unit. The larger engine features a power bump of 22 hp to 98 hp and torque increase of 23 lb-ft to 105 lb-ft over its predecessor, helping to shave off more than a second from the Prius's 0-60 mph time, to 9.8 seconds. With the additional torque, engine revs are kept lower at highway speeds to consume less fuel. Also helping to improve engine efficiency is an electric water pump, exhaust gas recirculation system and the elimination of all belts under hood.   New exterior styling boasts sharper lines and more distinctive wedge shape, achieved by moving the top of the roof back 3.9 inches to improve rear headroom and aerodynamics. Extensive wind tunnel work further improves airflow through the underbody to drop the coefficient of drag value to 0.25 from 0.26 of the current model.   The redone interior is built partially from plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics. Cabin comfort improves with an optional moonroof with solar panels powering an electric fan, reducing cool-down periods in warm months. A remote air conditioning system is also offered, capable of operating on battery power alone to adjust interior temperature prior to getting in the car. Reducing driver distractions is a Touch Tracer system that projects an image of audio and info controls on a panel in front of the driver.   Radar cruise control and a self-parking system are also available as options.

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