Toyota Prius Next Generation Hybrid Car

According to Auto Observer, Toyota is preparing the next generation for the year 2009 launch of the Prius. The new Prius will be powered by a 1.8 liter engine and will come with nickel metal hydride batteries to start. It is expected that the Prius will get bigger in size.

2011 Toyota Prius Hybrid Car

Toyota announces 2011 all new cars hybrid Prius. Backed by a four-cylinder engine 1.8-liter VVT-i offers 98 hp at 5200 rpm and 105 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Magnet 2011 Toyota Prius electric motor's synchronous, on the other hand, provides 80 hp and153 lb-ft of torque. It features fuel-efficient 50 mpg.

2011 Toyota Prius offers three driving modes: EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve their best mileage.

2012 Toyota Prius Alpha Hybrid Minivan Scooped?

Carscoop reader Nick K. had an opportunity to snag what may very well be the first spy photos of the long-anticipated minivan version of the Prius, rumored to be called the Prius Alpha.

Spotted out in California following a new Lexus CT200h with its logos covered, the camouflaged minivan seen here - said by Nick to be "about the size of a Mazda 5" - appears to be wearing a Prius-esque front fascia and doesn't look to fit anywhere else in the lineup.

As you can see in our photo gallery after the jump, the minivan and the Prius also seem to share a similar design for the windshield, front window line and tail lamps.

If earlier reports from Reuters and Japan's Nikkei daily are correct, the Prius MPV will end up housing three rows of seats with space for up to seven passengers and be powered by in-house developed lithium-ion batteries (which may later be manufactured with help from Panasonic).

As we recently told you, Toyota Executive VP Takeshi Uchiyamada hopes to launch six new hybrids worldwide by 2012 (two Lexi and four Toyotas) on top of its current hybrid offerings. That means the Lexus hybrid family - LS, GS, HS, and RX - will likely gain another crossover of some sort and probably an IS hybrid.

Toyota - currently at three hybrids in the U.S. with the Prius, Camry, and Highlander - will likely get at least one more variant of the Prius, as well as three other models. Speculation on those is up to you all.

By Phil Alex

Many thanks to Nick K. for the spy pictures!

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Toyota prius Automotive Gallery

Toyota prius Automotive Gallery

Toyota prius Automotive Gallery

Toyota prius Automotive Gallery

Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid to be Released in 2011

At the LA Auto Show earlier this month Toyota officially unveiled a plug-in hybrid version of its popular Prius. Toyota's Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamad recently stated that Toyota is going to start selling plug-in hybrids to consumers in 2011.

Before they are released to the buying public, Toyota is going to deliver 600 Prius plug-in hybrids to government agencies, corporations, universities and research agencies. The Prius plug-in is Toyota's first application of a lithium-ion battery. Thanks to the stronger battery, the car can travel up to 13 miles on electricity alone and reach speeds up to 60 mph using only the electric motor.

Toyota Planning Larger Prius with a Lithium-Ion Battery

A new report is claiming that Toyota is planning a new larger Prius, that will be powered by a lithium-ion battery. The new larger version of the Prius will either be a wagon or SUV and it will supposedly launch by the end of next year.

According to the Japanese Yomiuri newspaper, the new version of the Prius will be Toyota's first hybrid with a lithium-ion battery. Toyota of course has declined to comment on the report.

Toyota is also reportedly working on a Prius coupe to go head to head with the upcoming Honda CR-Z hybrid.

Full Story: Detroit News