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“shift lever” that has evolved in successive models of the eco-car “Prius” .
ByPawani“25 years have passed since the debut of the “”Zani-Shift””! Tracing the History of the “”Shift Lever”” Evolved by Successive Models of the Eco-Car “”Prius
The “”Prius Shift,”” synonymous with electric shifting, has also had a history of change
It will soon be 25 years since the debut of the first-generation Prius, the pioneer of mass-produced hybrid cars, in December 1997. On November 16, 2022, Toyota fully remodeled the Prius for the first time in approximately seven years.
In the history of the Prius, which spans five generations, we will trace the history of the Prius, with a focus on its particularly distinctive “”shift lever.“”Prius Shift”” was different in the past! See 72 photos of successive generations of the Prius.
The Electro Shiftmatic, a joystick-like electronically controlled shift that is often referred to as the “”Prius Shift”” .
In December 1997, the first-generation Prius debuted as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid car with the catchphrase, “”Just in time for the 21st century.
The Toyota Hybrid System (THS), a series-parallel hybrid system combining a 1.5-liter engine, electric motor, and nickel-metal hydride battery, achieved a catalog fuel economy of 28 km/L (10-15 mode fuel economy), approximately twice that of a gasoline vehicle in the same class at the time. The THS hybrid system achieved fuel economy of 28 km/L (10-15 mode fuel economy), approximately twice that of a gasoline vehicle in the same class at the time, and became a major topic of conversation around the world.
The first-generation Prius 4-door sedan body was compact, measuring 4275 mm (overall length) x 1695 mm (overall width), but the height was increased to 1490 mm (overall height) and the front and rear sections of the body were shortened to ensure a wide interior space.
Like the exterior, the interior layout was designed with the next generation in mind.
Digital meters and a 5.8-inch display were placed in the center of the instrument panel. The shift lever is a unique column-shift type that extends from the top of the instrument panel.
In addition, the center console has been eliminated and the parking brake has been changed to a foot-operated type to provide more leg room and facilitate a walk-through (side walk-through) from the left and right front seats.
The side walk-through function is common in minivans and minicars, but its adoption in a compact sedan was rare at the time.
The second-generation Prius followed in September 2003. The body style was changed to a 5-door hatchback that combined aerodynamic characteristics with interior space to improve fuel economy.
Since then, this silhouette has been inherited by successive generations of models up to the current model as a symbol of “”Prius-ness.
The body size was increased to 4445 mm (overall length) x 1725 mm (overall width) x 1490 mm (overall height). The hybrid system has also been renewed and evolved into THS II.
The THS II system combined low fuel consumption and emissions with powerful driving performance, achieving the world’s best fuel economy at the time, 35.5 km/L (10-15 mode fuel economy).
The interior is as advanced as the exterior. The center meter is positioned farther away for better visibility, while the controls are laid out in a way that makes them easy to use at hand.
This cockpit concept of “”display at a distance and operation at hand”” is one of the characteristics of the Prius that has been carried over to later models.
As part of this concept, the “”Electro-Shiftmatic,”” a joystick-like electronically controlled gearshift, was adopted.
Because it switches electrically, the shift lever is operated lightly using only the fingertips, and as an unprecedented and innovative shift lever, it symbolizes the advanced nature of the Prius.
The compact Electroshiftmatic on the instrument panel was carried over to the 3rd and 4th generation Prius, and was later referred to as the “”Prius Shift.
The Electro-Shiftmatic was later also used in the 3rd and 4th generation Prius.
The fifth-generation new Prius, which was unveiled in November, has a low, sporty form, which is a major change.
The instrument panel of the new model adopts the “”Island Architecture”” concept.
This is based on the concept of clearly separating (zoning) the background and functions (island) visually by concentrating panels and other functional controls on an island-shaped surface.
The floating instrument panel, which appears to float above the island, and the “”surround tabs”” that continuously surround the instrument panel from the door panels, are composed of a low, recessed floating instrument panel that reduces the sense of oppression from the low front window and low vehicle height.
The shift lever has been moved to the orthodox center console, in part because of the low, reclined seat position.
The shift lever and other controls are now located in a more natural and convenient position for the driver to reach, based on the island architecture concept described above.
The new Prius also uses an electric gearshift that is light and easy to operate, but the length of the shift lever has been extended to a more conventional shape, so it does not look as “”futuristic”” as in the past.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”
Honda’s new SUV “CR-V” has been completely redesigned to emphasize “clean face” !Compare the new face announced in the United States with the current model .
“Honda’s new CR-V SUV has been completely redesigned to emphasize its “”clean face””! Comparison of the new face with the current model announced in the U.S.
New CR-V Evolves into a Sporty, Cleaner Design
On May 24, 2022 (local time), Honda’s U.S. subsidiary unveiled for the first time in the world part of the exterior design of the new sixth-generation CR-V, which is scheduled for official unveiling this summer.
How has it evolved from the current 5th generation CR-V? We compared the new and old CR-Vs.“”New image!”” Comparing old and new Honda CR-V photos
(Left) Honda CR-V (5th generation, current model) / (Right) New CR-V (6th generation, 2023 model) [both North American specifications].
These images show the front of the new CR-V, centering on the headlights, and the rear, centering on the tail lamps.
The body side shape, front and rear overall design, and interior and instrument panel were not disclosed.
With such limited information, let’s compare the new and old CR-Vs.
First of all, the more distinctive feature of the front is the new model’s larger hexagonal grille.
The inside of the opening is also decorated with a honeycomb structure (hexagonal beehive structure).
In addition, the grille is black without chrome decorations in the disclosed specifications, which is a feature that strengthens the powerful and tough impression typical of SUVs.
The current CR-V also has a hexagonal grille, but the upper part is covered by a continuous bar shape from the headlights, dividing the grille into two sections. The addition of chrome decorations gives the grille a rather cumbersome appearance.
Comparing the new and old CR-Vs again, the new model has a cleaner overall image.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
How about the back view?
The common feature of both the new and old models is the L-shaped rear combination lamps that run horizontally and vertically.
This is derived from the fact that since the first-generation CR-V introduced in 1995, successive generations of CR-Vs have used vertical rear combination lamps.
Furthermore, from the current model (5th generation), which was introduced in 2016 (Japanese version will be introduced in 2018), the vertical shape was arranged in an L-shape while retaining the vertical shape, and it is evident that the new 6th generation CR-V has also inherited it.
Also, similarly to the front, the specifications of the new CR-V unveiled this time are almost completely devoid of the chrome decorations in the center and bumper areas that are present on the current model, giving it a sportier look.
Comparing the tailgate, the current model looks a little high-backed due to the peak above the license plate number, while the new model’s center of gravity is lowered by lowering the apex of the shape, giving it a clean and uncluttered appearance.
According to Honda’s U.S. subsidiary, the new CR-V will be officially unveiled in North America in the summer of 2022.
We can’t wait to see the overall design of the new CR-V.”
Why is the used price of Toyota “Corolla Cross” soaring? A new car of 3 million yen becomes a used car of 5 million yen!
“Why the Used Toyota “”Corolla Cross”” Soared in Price? New car 3 million yen to used 5 million yen! What is the abnormal situation of the used car market?
Corolla Cross is an “”anomaly”” at 5 million yen
The used car market has been experiencing an overall surge in market prices due to the long delivery times of new cars, and popular models are now priced at a premium that far exceeds new car prices.
The price of popular used cars is at a premium, far exceeding the price of new cars.The popular SUV “”Corolla Cross”” is priced at 5,000,000 yen! A look at the SUVs that are now selling extremely well .
Used car prices far exceeding new car prices… conventional wisdom is no longer valid!
With the recent trend toward longer delivery times for new cars due to the lack of progress in the supply of semiconductors and various other parts, demand has increased as users who were considering new cars now also consider used cars, resulting in an overall surge in the used car market price.
Except for rare limited production models or those with special equipment or history, used cars rarely exceeded the price of new cars. However, such examples are now increasing.
The Toyota Corolla Cross is one such model, with a price tag of 4,899,000 yen at a major used car dealer as of July 22.
This Corolla Cross is a FWD version of the top-end “”Hybrid Z”” grade, which also comes with an optional panoramic roof and a 9-inch display audio system.
Although this is a 2022 model and the interior and exterior are in overall good condition, the mileage is approximately 12,000 km, so it is not a “”like-new”” car.
The price of a new Corolla Cross “”Hybrid Z”” with 2WD specification is 2.99 million yen, and the starting cost including options such as a panoramic roof is about 3.5 million yen.
According to the used car dealer’s representative, this Corolla Cross has no special equipment or history, and is just a general “”used car.
Despite this, the price of this car is about 1.5 million yen more than the new car price.
In the case of major used car dealers, the price of each car is basically determined automatically by the cost of purchasing at auctions for dealers, so the price does not seem to have been set arbitrarily for the purpose of creating a buzz.
In fact, several Corolla Crosses sold at another major used car dealer are priced in the low 4 million yen range, indicating that the overall market price is soaring.
Why the used Toyota Corolla Cross soaring? New car 3 million yen to 5 million yen used! What is the abnormal used car market?
Advantages of Used Cars Go from “”Cheap to Affordable”” to “”Quick to Get””
It is the balance between supply and demand that largely determines the price of used cars.The Corolla Cross is a compact SUV that is popular worldwide and has recorded strong sales in Japan immediately after its launch.
In particular, hybrid vehicles account for the majority of sales in Japan, mainly due to their class-leading fuel economy.
On the other hand, the global shortage of semiconductors and components has been plaguing the automotive industry in recent years, preventing the production of new vehicles from proceeding as planned.
In particular, hybrid vehicles, which require more semiconductors, tend to take longer to deliver than gasoline vehicles, and in Toyota’s case, most of its hybrid vehicles are being delivered in six months or more, or orders are being suspended.
Under these circumstances, the only way to get a Corolla Cross hybrid as quickly as possible is still to rely on the used car market.
However, since there are very few used cars for a relatively new model like the Corolla Cross to begin with, the ones that do appear on the market are literally up for grabs. As a result, the prices of used cars seem to be at a premium, far exceeding the price of new cars.
The highest new car price for a Toyota Land Cruiser (300 series) is approximately 8 million yen, but there are models on the used car market that are priced at close to 20 million yen.
A used car industry insider describes the recent used car market as follows.
A used car is basically a choice made by users who prioritize cost.
To put it another way, the main motivation for choosing a used car was ‘I don’t have the budget to buy a new car.
Recently, however, more and more users are choosing used cars because they can get them quickly.
Since such users do not prioritize “”buying cheap,”” the market price of a near-new car will inevitably rise. This situation is expected to continue until the supply of new cars recovers.
* * *
Unfortunately, there is no prospect of resolving the shortage of semiconductors and other components, and these conditions are likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Therefore, there is a great possibility that models other than the Corolla Cross will be sold at a premium price that far exceeds the price of a new car.
The current used car market is truly an “”anomaly”” considering the conventional wisdom, but on the other hand, there are many things in society where one can get a car quickly (and receive priority service) in exchange for paying an additional fee.
Until the supply of new cars recovers, the most effective countermeasure may be to adopt this attitude toward used cars as well.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”
First equipped with an advanced large digital meter! Toyota’s new “Corolla Cross” will appear in Europe in the fall of 2022!
“First to feature advanced large digital meters! New Toyota Corolla Cross to Debut in Europe in Fall 2022!
Equipped with the latest hybrid system and preventive safety package
On October 21, 2022, Toyota’s European subsidiary announced the new “”Corolla Cross,”” a C-segment SUV, which will be sequentially released in the European market starting in the fall of 2022.Large grille is dynamic! The European Corolla Cross, so different from its Japanese counterpart, is so cool!
Toyota’s new Corolla Cross (European specifications)
The Corolla Cross is positioned as a model that will support Toyota’s sales in the highly competitive European C-segment, with the goal of selling 400,000 units annually by 2025, equivalent to a 9% segment share.
Toyota also aims to become “”carbon neutral”” and plans to have 80% of its new vehicle sales in Western Europe be hybrids and plug-in hybrids and 10% be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2025.
By 2030, the company aims to have 50% of its sales in the region be ZEVs and to make Toyota’s production plants carbon neutral, with the goal of having 100% of new vehicle sales be ZEVs in five years.
In this context, the new Corolla Cross is the first Toyota to feature a fifth-generation hybrid system that delivers more torque, more power from the electric motor, and a more efficient driving experience.
Powertrains include a 1.8-liter hybrid and a 2-liter hybrid. To match the driving scene in Europe, the throttle is set so that the driver’s throttle operation and the car’s acceleration are coordinated more naturally.
Both the 1.8-liter hybrid and 2-liter hybrid are available in FWD (front-wheel drive), while the 2-liter hybrid is also available in AWD, with a more powerful rear electric motor for improved cornering and starting performance on low-grip surfaces.
The 1.8-liter hybrid will initially be sold only in Israel and Turkey.
The new Corolla Cross will appeal to young families seeking a practical and versatile vehicle. The exterior design is strong, typical of Toyota SUVs, and all grades feature slim, two-light LED headlights. The Mid+ and High grades are additionally equipped with sequential turn lamps and LED light guides.
The wheels are silver-finished 17-inch aluminum with tool-like graphics highlighting the rims, while the 18-inch wheels feature contrasting bright machined and dark gray finishes and an intertwining rim and spokes design.
The interior emphasizes practicality. Large side windows and a high driver’s eye point provide a bright, open space with good visibility for all occupants.
The panoramic roof with electric blinds, available as an option for all grades, further enhances the sense of openness.
The luggage space has a wide opening and a cargo height of 720 mm, the lowest among competing models. A power back door with kick sensor is also available as an option.
The latest 12.3-inch full-digital combination meter, which can be personalized by the driver, is now available for the first time on a Toyota vehicle (standard equipment on all models).
The digital meters feature an ergonomic design that maximizes space with highly visible, easy-to-read information and intuitive operation, allowing the driver to personalize the information and other aspects of the display.
It also offers display modes such as casual/smart/tough/sporty, which can be easily changed using a toggle switch on the steering wheel.
Toyota Motor Europe was deeply involved in the development of these digital meters, and the specifications have been tailored to meet the preferences and requirements of European users.
On the safety front, the new Toyota Mazda6 is the first model to feature the latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which can be updated via Over-The-Air (wireless communication).
The TSS package, combined with other active driving and parking support systems, not only makes driving easier and safer, but also protects all occupants and other road users in a variety of situations.
* * *
The price of the new Corolla Cross has been announced in Italy and ranges from 38,000 to 43,500 euros, or about 5,590,000 to 6,400,000 Japanese yen.”
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the flagship SUV of Mitsubishi known for its high off-road capabilities
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the flagship SUV of Mitsubishi, known for its high off-road capabilities. The current model, which was fully redesigned in December 2021, features a plug-in hybrid system and can seat up to seven people. It has been well-received by consumers, ranking 32nd in overall registration numbers for the 2022 fiscal year and being the best-selling car for the Mitsubishi brand. The Outlander PHEV’s appeal lies in its powerful and smooth driving performance, thanks to its new generation PHEV system and twin-motor 4WD.
Toyota RAV4 PHEV Model Customized to Look Tough
ByPawaniGet ready for an electrifying jolt of toughness as Toyota unleashes its revamped “RAV4 Off-road Version,” sending shockwaves through the automotive world! The rugged reimagining of the beloved RAV4 is set to blaze a trail of excitement, and if that’s not enough, brace yourself for the unveiling of a sporty aero edition that’s sure to set pulses racing. The stage is set, the date is locked – Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 is about to be electrified!
Steering straight into the spotlight, Toyota Industries Corporation (TOYOTA) has pulled back the curtain on its exhilarating lineup, slated to take the center stage at the much-anticipated Tokyo Auto Salon 2023. From January 13 to 15, 2023, the Makuhari Messe in Mihama-ku, Chiba City will play host to this automotive extravaganza, setting the scene for three days of jaw-dropping revelations and awe-inspiring showcases.
But the star of the show, the one that’s bound to leave an indelible mark on the minds of auto aficionados, is none other than the “Custom RAV4.” This isn’t your run-of-the-mill RAV4 – oh no, it’s been pumped up with an overdose of “Gothic” flair that’s not for the faint-hearted. The “Custom RAV4” is blazing a scorching trail of style, strength, and daring design choices that will have you glued to the visuals, trying to decipher every last detail of its transformative journey.
What sets this “Custom RAV4” apart from its regular PHEV counterpart, you ask? Buckle up, because it’s a visual feast of audacious alterations, imposing enhancements, and an unapologetic attitude of dominance. Toyota Industries Corporation, renowned for its prowess in manufacturing Toyota’s finest creations, has gone all-in on this electrifying makeover. This RAV4 incarnation isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement, a bold declaration that elegance and toughness can indeed coexist.
Hold on tight, because the journey doesn’t end there. Toyota Industries Corporation’s expertise extends far beyond the boundaries of the asphalt. Their legacy encompasses engines that power dreams, forklifts that move industries, and automotive parts that piece together perfection. And right in the heart of this diverse legacy, the RAV4 took its first bow back in 2019, quickly capturing hearts and blazing a path towards a new era of driving.
So gear up for a spectacle that promises to redefine driving dynamics, fuse audacity with elegance, and inject an electrifying dose of strength into the world of automobiles. Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 is poised to go down in history, and Toyota’s “RAV4 Off-road Version” will lead the charge, daring you to embrace a new dimension of rugged refinement. The countdown has begun – January 13th can’t come soon enough!