Aside from 1st-generation Priuses, the basic design concept has continued to the present. As noted below, 2nd-through-4th generation Priuses retained the same wheelbase -- something a little unusual in an era where car models often become larger generation-by-generation. That said, the most recent Prius wheelbase grew two inches (50 mm) longer.
Images below are via Toyota
The initial Prius was short and chunky-looking.
The next generation design set the theme for Prius styling to date. Unlike the original design, this body shows greater reliance on wind tunnel testing that required a longer wheelbase to accommodate the new shape.
Different in detail, but essentially the same theme. Note that the high point of the roof is slightly aft of the B-pillar, whereas previously it was a little forward of it.
Cladding is more sculpted, in line with current styling fashion. The roof's high point is forward again, peaking ahead of the the driver's face. I find this the least-attractive Prius aside from the original: needlessly fussy.
The current Prius' roof seemingly peaks abaft of the B-pillar again. The longer wheelbase permits a more steeply angled windshield, probably improving aerodynamic efficiency. Sculpting is more subtle, in line with current fashions for all-electric cars.
1 comment:
Walked by one parked nearby. Really a miracle for Toyota and Prius. Amazingly radical but slick and flowing unlike their typical origami awkwardness. A compact supercar sedan. CR said it has less trunk and interior room though, and I'm not sure about the practicality of that windshield.
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