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Future Toyota/Lexus Hybrids (Prius 2.0, Camry, Lexus 600h, etc.) - READ ONLY

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What is this discussion about? Toyota, Lexus, Hybrid Cars, Sedan

Messages Page 3 of 4

#16 of 35 What Toyota needs to remember is by drfill

Apr 22, 2007 (6:44 am)

Power sells, but that's not what we need Hybrids for. People think Hybrid, they think efficiency. That's a good thing.
 
   Toyota's line-up doesn't need more power, and people don't buy Toyotas for power.
 
   If every Toyota vehicle were 30% more efficient, and only 10% more expensive (in Hybrid form), and make that standard practice, the public would gravitate towards them that much faster, if they could count on a tangible advantage.
 
   Toyota is trying to burn the candle at both ends. Ambitious, but it could cost them in the long run.
 
   DrFill

#17 of 35 I, ROBOT by toyolla2

Apr 24, 2007 (1:54 pm)

Almost nowhere else can the expression "Emotion overide logic" mean so much than on the sales floor of a car dealership. Or perhaps on the sales floor after the dealership has closed, but that is no part of this story
 
I can't speak for the leasing demographic but for some buyers going in you know a Lexus is not going to be an inexpensive purchase. It's more likely to be a longer term purchase than other vehicles so peace of mind with a reliable vehicle that handles well is what you're after.
 
 So what does the Hybrid Synergy Drive do for you ? Well besides giving you a few more mpg it can also change your perception of the car from that this is an expensive car to that this is an expensive and somewhat complicated car. You realize that to make this choice you will be moving in the direction of increasing the potential of the possibility of something going wrong. And you also know that in the event, it will also end up to become a very very expensive proposition somewhere down the line.
  
Your peace of mind is diminished And that is enough to make some shy away. Why tempt fate ? And that sobers you up quickly. Logic overides emotion. You don't buy.
 
T2

#18 of 35 Re: I, ROBOT [toyolla2] by cubssoxs

Apr 26, 2007 (9:22 am)

Replying to: toyolla2 (Apr 24, 2007 1:54 pm)
Does anybody know if the Camry will have any new features for the 2008 model year.

#19 of 35 Re: I think the IS would be a good candidate for Hybrid power [drfill] by alpha01

Apr 27, 2007 (7:45 am)

Replying to: drfill (Apr 21, 2007 8:02 am)
Why would Lexus get rid of a model that sells swiftly without incentives? And seriously, its not that slow, at what? 7.2 to sixty with the 6M? Even CR managed a sub 8 run with the 6A AWD, and averaged 24MPG - same as they got for the Camry, which is about 1.5 seconds slower. If anything, I think the IS250 is a well-kept secret regarding performance and efficiency.
 
But this forum is about hybrids, right? I don't know that Lexus did wrong with the absurdly named LS600h L... It would have been a relative no-brainer to just create a V12.. but at least they TRIED something different. And for a huge ultra-luxury sedan that can still accelerate to 60 in 5.5 seconds (MT, June 07) to get 19 MPG overall (MT, June 07), seems pretty impressive. Can any of the 100K Mercedes S class or BMW 7 series lay the same claim?
 
IMO, like was stated in the edmunds.com IL article, there's going to be no problem selling 2,000 units per annum.
 
Now, that said, there's several changes I'd make to the standard LS460 L, first of which being those unbecoming brakes...
 
~alpha

#20 of 35 Next hybrids...what's going on with the trucks? by kdhspyder

May 02, 2007 (12:32 pm)

Toyota, as usual, is being awfully close-mouthed about what the next hybrids will be. I can't get a sniff other than there will be a Prius 3.0 in late 2008 as a 2009 model.
 
I did get an email from the 'HSD mothership', maybe some others got one as well, stating that the next Prius definitely will have Lithium-Ion batteries. That tells me that they've solved the technical difficulties. The new batteries will be lighter and smaller and just as powerful.
 
I had hoped that the new Highlander would have a TCH-like drive linking the 2.4L + HSD but that apparently is not to be...initially.
 
A comment was made last summer about Toyota coming out with a group of vehicles under the 'Prius' line.
..Prius hatchback 3.0
..Prius minivan ( Estima hybrid ) smaller than the current Sienna
..Prius compact? Yaris-sized?
..Prius pickup? 90's sized pickup - but a hybrid.
 
Now GM has shown it's Tahoe 2-mode hybrid to the press and it apparently is just what they say it is. They've linked it to the 6.0L with AFM resulting in a 30% increase in FE!! This is a very interesting and impressive development.
 
So where is Toyota in it's development of a hybrid system for heavier vehicles? Awfully, awfully quiet.

#21 of 35 rav-4 hybrid?? by spfotey

May 21, 2007 (8:27 pm)

we are looking for a compact SUV hybrid to come along -- other than the escape. hoping either honda or toyota show up with one -- anybody know anything on that??

#22 of 35 Considering you can get a CR-V or Rav4 by drfill

Jun 17, 2007 (6:48 pm)

that will get you similar performance, and maybe 4-5 MPG less, but for $7-10k less, I don't see a rush for Escape competitor.
 
  DrFill

#23 of 35 Spyder, Two Tings! by drfill

Jun 17, 2007 (6:50 pm)

 
   First Ting: as has been reported on this site, the Lithium-Ion battery will NOT be ready for the 2009 Prius LAUNCH!
 
   I would expect them to become available for a mid-gen refresh, which should accelerate sales nicely later on.
  
   And my #2: Toyota doesn't need to follow the beat of GM's drummer when it comes to the Tahow Hybrid.
 
   Tahoe is a major cog in GM's portfolio, as the HL is for Toyota.
 
   I don't expect a Tahoe to challenge the HL in this area. Remember, the HL Hybrid gains power AND economy.
 
   I would be surprised to see anything other than Sienna and Corolla as the next Hybrid candidates.
 
   DrFill

#24 of 35 Re: rav-4 hybrid?? [spfotey] by stevedebi

Jun 18, 2007 (11:35 am)

Replying to: spfotey (May 21, 2007 8:27 pm)
"we are looking for a compact SUV hybrid to come along -- other than the escape. hoping either honda or toyota show up with one -- anybody know anything on that??"
 
Honda has announced a "50-state" diesel engine for the CR-V, estimated for introduction in 2009. That would yield upper 30's on the highway, so I don't think a hybrid would be in the works for Honda.

#25 of 35 What is Toyota designing to? by hsd1

Jun 29, 2007 (2:10 pm)

Where is the hsd design going in the Prius/camry... where is the technology headed in 10 years... what can make the technology lighter/cheaper/more stylish?

Messages Page 3 of 4

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