After speaking to a “well-placed Toyota source”, Edmunds’ Auto Observer claims to have details on the third generation of legendary hybrid cars, the Toyota Prius. The much-anticipated Prius is scheduled to be unveiled at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, and the buzz is already deafening.
First off, predictions are that the new Prius is going to be bigger and more powerful. Auto Observer predicts that the engine itself will weigh in at 1.8 liters, up from 1.5, and that the horsepower will grow from 110 to an impressive 160. Guesses are that the Prius body will be a few inches longer and an inch or so wider — still narrow enough to sneak into tight parking spaces.
Next, we have gas mileage. The predictions indicate that the combined US economy of fuel ration will clock in higher than 50 miles per gallon. The guess is that the Prius will accomplish this pretty amazing feat by keeping the weight down low and re-engineering the power train to increase the all electric and gas free driving ranges.
It’s looking like the new Prius won’t be a plug in model and will keep the traditional nickel metal hydride batteries instead of moving over to the newer lithium ion versions. There’s no word yet on whether or not Toyota plans to release the Prius in more models to include compacts, wagons, and small SUVs.
One HybridCars.com reader said, in response to the predictions:
“As it sits, Prius is a home run, the undisputed hybrid champ. I can’t wait to see what they’ve been working on. If nothing else, Toyota’s hybrid ideas are raising the bar and pushing the others to create their butts off to keep pace. If only Detroit could take a hint…”
Other readers weighed in to mention that they were most anticipating the increase in horse power, the one factor about hybrid cars that many think could use some work. If the horse power increases, the new Toyota Prius can more effectively enter the market of car buyers who are not quite ready to by a hybrid at the expense of all else. This could dramatically increase Toyota’s already high market share and get more hybrids on the roads.
It looks like Prius lovers are just going to have to wait and see what the exciting new Toyota Prius is going to look like. If you can’t wait and you want to get your hands on a new Toyota Prius now, stop by our Pennsylvania Toyota dealers to take a look or a test drive.
