09 May 08 11:14
Toyota is planning a range of Prius variants in its all-new Mk3 hybrid range. The new and substantially different Prius will make its public debut at next January's Detroit Motor Show, with sales starting for the 2010 model-year.
The new Prius will be positioned further upmarket, with a more luxurious interior, and it will be considerably larger - three or four inches longer and an inch wider - and more solid-looking, according to Toyota sources. However, it will not get any heavier.
The current 1.5-litre petrol engine will be replaced by a larger 100bhp 1.8-litre unit, to give improved high-speed cruising abilities (as demanded by American Prius enthusiasts) along with a new-generation electric motor fitted, giving a total power output of around 160bhp. However, nickel-hydride batteries will still be used, rather than new-generation lithium-ion cells, as Toyota is said to be concerned over both supply and reliability of this as-yet unproven technology.
The whole powertrain will be more compact, allowing for better passenger space and it will also be able to run for longer distances in electric-only mode. Overall fuel consumption will be improved by a margin of around 10%, with carbon dioxide emissions expected to dip below the 100g/km mark.
Toyota is working on a plug-in version, too, which will give owners the chance to boost battery power and electric-only capabilities. This will be rechargeable from domestic power supplies or public facilities; it will be offered initially to company fleets but private retail sales will follow. Two body styles will be offered: the Hybrid-X concept (Geneva 2007) hints at a high-roofed station wagon, and there may also be a saloon.
Further down the line, Toyota plans an extensive line-up of hybrids in a number of sectors. There will be a Lexus-branded version of the Prius itself and a larger model, with an engine between 2.0 and 3.0 litres, is also said to be on the drawing board. There will also be a much smaller model, as previewed by the 1/X concept (Tokyo 2007).
