Toyota: Why so small wheels on Prius?

On Wed, 03 Sep 2003 22:54:08 +0000, Mike Conway wrote:
 

I think it has to do with offsetting the mechanical advantage and finding
the right balance. Those old time bikes with the big front wheel, I have
never seen anyone just jump on one and pedal away. They sort of have to
get moving first. Ships steering wheels, same concept.

What intrigues me is that the Prius generates massive torque from 0-700
rpm when using the electric motor. Like steam engines, they generate
maximum torque @ 0 rpm. (I think) Seems like it should be enough to get
the car moving even with bigger wheels. Perhaps since the torque drops
off and the gas engine is "marginal" that Toyota is concentrating on
"getting the car moving" before all the "magic" happens.

> Taking a cue from bicycling, from a dead stop it takes less energy 

That's rather obvious when you change wheel size on RollerBlades.

The first generation Prius (1997) had 15" wheels.

The second (2000) switched to 14" to increase city performance, since
that did in fact make starting from a dead stop easier.

The third (2003) will have 15" wheels. The significantly increased
power of the electrical system easily compensates for the loss. And
the bigger wheels makes highway cruising more efficient. The size
increase also eliminates the need for XL rated tires or high PSI.

JOHN
http://john1701a.com

Peter wrote: 

My guess is to make more room inside (less space taken by
wheel wells).

"Peter" <com> wrote in message
news:google.com... 

Cost and performance. Most people standing close to a Prius
think the car looks very nice. Those who stand far away seem
to have an endless stream of criticism about the tires, the front
and back end looking weird. If there are occupants inside the
narrowness of the Prius becomes very obvious from the
outside. But once inside, the curious say they really like the
ride and how it handles. Next they like the instrument panel in
the center and they think the graphics are cool. Lastly, the deep
green color of my '03 seems to be a hit over the other colors.
I'm still meeting people who ask if it needs to be plugged in
to recharge.
There's a heck of a lot of people that want a Prius but say they
can't afford one. Many think the car sells for over $25 grand.
There seems to be a funky advertising problem that's sending
out the wrong message.
I'm not ashamed to admit I have car payments. Mine are $250
a month. Gasoline I'm not buying more than offsets the
payment. For the sincere and curious this is what I stress the
most.
Sorry for the rant.

mark_digital© wrote: 

Prius DOES sell for more than $25k when you load it up and include
taxes. A base model Prius here in southern CA is $20,480 plus taxes
and license (not including destination fee of $480).
--

~~Philip

"Never let school interfere
with your education - Mark Twain"

mark_digital© wrote: 

THe old Volvo 240 suffered from the same stigma, IIRC,
in the first few years as well when it was compared to the
big, wide U.S. competition.

Thinner body and tires makes for nice sporty handling - if done
within reason.
 

*** 19995 plus (insert tax rebates here) **** - big voiceover
on the ads.

> Prius DOES sell for more than $25k when you load it up and include 

The BASE model is extremely well loaded. Don't overlook that fact.

And I don't know where the heck you got the $25k value from. The only
additional options available (since so many already come standard)
are: 6-CD Player, Cargo Net, Wheel Locks, Glass-Breakage Sensor, Side
Air-Bags, Daytime Running Lights, Cruise-Control, DVD GPS Navigation
System. That does not add up to another $4,500. It's only $3,000
more.

JOHN
http://john1701a.com

"Philip®" <net> wrote in message
news:%VG5b.8368$news.pas.earthlink.net... 

I know but the extras are true for any new car. When you go out to eat
don't most people consider what they're looking for first, the meal cost
second, and far far down the list what the tax on the meal will be?
A local dealer is advertising hybrids on television as a quick relief from
high gasoline prices. It shows two Hondas getting mid 50 mpg, then the
Prius at 46 mpg, and then they throw in the Echo for good measure
getting 43 mpg. The 04 Prius will be much higher, and the 03 is hard
to come by if at all, so I don't understand why the bias towards Honda.
Besides, the only time I ever got 45 or 46 mpg was stomping on it
every chance I had, air-conditioning on full time, and driving during full
blown rain storms. Maybe less than 5% of my driving involves city,
and it's mostly country hills and farm areas. I honestly average 52+
driving properly (actual gas consumption, not the computer's average).
My Sunoco dealer has noticed my absence.
BTW Philip, are you a big guy? I'm 6' 220 lbs. and I'm comfortable in
the Prius. I only have a problem when I clean the rear inside glass.