Wish-list for 2012-13 Prius

The NHW20 received some mid-life improvements in 2006. Notable was fixing the MFD soldering problem. So to, the NHW11 only had three years before it was replaced with the NHW20 but notable changes included making cruise control standard. It is reasonable to expect a mid-life improvements in the ZVW30.

We know backup cameras will become standard by 2013. This means the graphical display is coming back but whether or not Toyota returns to the integrated display of the earlier models remains unlikely.

I would like to see "fuel exhaustion you are now on battery" provided as another safety feature. Unlike the 1.5L models, Toyota hid this safety notice so only by monitoring the energy flow can a clueful driver know when the last of the fuel is burned.

Now the Prius V addresses the 'station wagon' version to directly complete with the Jetta SportsWagen. The mini-Prius, the commuter version, will be out next year. Also, the plug-in Prius. But there are a few holes in the line-up:

o hybrid panel van - take a Highlander and fix the body so there is a utility van version and possibly an after-market, mini-RV.

o hybrid pickup - take a Highlander (or Prius V) and chop the body so it is a two-seater or put in a front bench and then a flat-bed, pickup bucket behind it. Give it some towing capability.

Bring back the bladder, only if the variable fill problem is solved. But the goal should an improved fuel monitoring system that is accurate and keeps the driver informed about the exact fuel state. Include a software hook so the indicated MPG can be calibrated for the car including dealing with different tire sizes.

Provide the same instrumentation as the default displays of the ScanGauge: (1) coolant temperature, (2) engine rpm, and (3) fuel consumption per unit of time. This would provide exactly the data needed to efficient driving.

Put cooling air inlet vanes that minimize air drag. When the car is cold, close the vanes, even in the summer, until the engine and inverter coolant reach operational temperature. Then open only as much as needed to provide adequate cooling flow.

Inside, it would be nice to see the center bridge go away. I know it insulates the driver but we don't need 'walls' and it isn't clear that it contributes to safety or structure.

Make sure the non-USA Prius still have the option of turning off the pedestrian noise maker. There are ways to making a Prius noisy that can never be defeated but they are not needed. Let the USA foolishness show up on the roads until a future Congress 'gets a clue.'

Midlife Prius, a low profile, sports car with the largest electric capability; a turbo-charged light-weight ICE; tuned steering, and; independent rear wheel suspension (or rear-wheel motor.) Tune the car for 0-60 in under 6 seconds and high-G turns with steering that actually tracks yet responds with precision.

Bob Wilson

Reply to
bwilson4web
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It doesn't mean that at ALL.

Many mfrs are simply using the rear view mirror to solve that problem.

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

Assuming sight lines out the rear and sides of the vehicle.

Reply to
News

no no, I meant by putting a small display in the rear view mirror itself.

No need to bother with the expense of "the graphical display".

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

What the rule does NOT say is that "Toyota must install the multifunction display back in every Prius in order to fulfill this rule".

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

On this car.

Reply to
News

It still doesn't mean that they have to put the MFD into every model now.

They can EASILY solve this another way. Many are putting the small display where the current fuel economy display is, and Toyota will likely just tie the camera into that when the car's in reverse.

Your "this means MFD comes back on all models" is wishful thinking.

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

Which is an option on the current generation of Prius, as opposed to being there for all models, because it's a cost that's easy to cut when the car doesn't NEED it for navigation.

What a fantasy world you live in. So you're saying that the manufacturer can't make whatever minimal-cost changes they need to in order to satisfy the current regulations.

You want the MFD back so badly, you'd stick your head in the sand, eh?

It's all in the numbers, numbers which you clearly are in denial of.

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

Oh--you mean like you do, Bob? Your record stands for itself.

So you KNOW "the graphical display is coming back"? You KNOW that for a FACT, do you, Bob?

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

Which is an option on the current generation of Prius, as opposed to being there for all models, because it's a cost that's easy to cut when the car doesn't NEED it for navigation.

What a fantasy world you live in. So you're saying that the manufacturer can't make whatever minimal-cost changes they need to in order to satisfy the current regulations.

You want the MFD back so badly, you'd stick your head in the sand, eh?

It's all in the numbers, numbers which you clearly are in denial of.

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

What's that, Bob? Misquoting AGAIN?

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

So now you're saying that "it's public law" that the graphical display is coming back?

You are such a sick f*ck.

Reply to
Elmo P. Shagnasty

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