We've known for quite some time that Toyota would be introducing the world to its third-generation Prius hybrid sedan at next year's Detroit Auto Show. Expected to be powered by a revised and enlarged 1.8-liter engine and electric motors, the new model aims to continue Toyota's hybrid dominance, at least for the next few model years. We also expect Lexus to get its own more luxurious version of the Prius, and Inside Line is reporting that it will come in calender year 2010 and could be the first Toyota-made hybrid with lithium ion batteries. What's more, Lexus is said to be considering a second hybrid-only model to be based on Toyota's midsize sedan architecture, as is the current RX, which is available in both standard and hybrid guises. Rumor is that the second dedicated hybrid model might be a crossover utility vehicle, the current darling of the it's-not-a-station-wagon set. We'll surely hear more about this new model before its expected introduction in 2011.
[Source: Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
icu812ru469 @ May 22nd 2008 12:44PM
looks funky enough to probably sell very well...
Omer @ May 22nd 2008 12:45PM
I don't understand the trend of enlarging the engine with every generation. This applies to all manufactures.
In this case what is wrong with the current motor? Are they going with a larger motor since they increased the weight also? Well how about reducing the weight rather than taking the easy way out with a larger motor.
Chris @ May 22nd 2008 12:47PM
because small engines can be forced to rev too high to do the work they need to do and therefor lower mileage.
Look at the Smart cars, people leadfoot them all the time reducing their mileage all because the engine is too small to deliver the performance people expect in their cars. Now once some learn to drive them within their specs their mileage climbs.
Don't always assume a larger motor is less efficient, especially when we are talking fractions of a liter
FThorn @ May 22nd 2008 1:43PM
M-B C230 went from 2.3 to 1.8T (IIRC).
MikeW @ May 22nd 2008 4:43PM
The problem with the Smart isn't the engine, it is the transmission. It needs something better than 5 forward gears.
Omer @ May 22nd 2008 5:42PM
Chris I understand your point about people need more power and larger motor doesn't always mean lower mpg but in a car like civic or Prius does it really matter. These cars not designed for performance rather cruising with great mpg. Anyone who is buying smart or hybrid car doesn’t car much about performance otherwise they would pickup regular accord, wrx or cobalt.
I mean civic used to come with 1.5 vtec now they are standard with 1.8 with tons of more weight. Why not reduce weight and pair it with lighter and smaller motor? Like the good ole days of CRX. I don't mean to say all cars should be like CRX but if you intended to make high efficiency vehicle pair with a good light motor and keep the weight of the car as low as possible. In fact this done all over Europe where are tons of cars that have 1.2 to 1.8 liter engines and they all sell very well. Hell even Merc makes an E1.8D or BMW make 1.6 3 series. The irony of it all is that we in America have the higher performance engine yet they we drive like a grandma compared to European drivers who have smaller engine cars. So engine size doesn’t equal higher performance in regular day driving.
mike @ May 22nd 2008 12:45PM
If the next Prius can improve on the current one.....it could very well become of the best selling small cars, it has the potential to be in Corolla, Civic field.
Kaptain75329 @ May 22nd 2008 3:16PM
The Prius is notably bigger than those examples - and it's classified as a midsize car in the USA by the EPA.
The Prius may sip fuel, but it's not an economy car.
rav3 @ May 22nd 2008 5:28PM
I would call the Prius economical. And since when did the phrase "mid-sized economy car" die???
Nobody tells me anything anymore...
riggs @ May 22nd 2008 12:53PM
i would buy that one.
Jason @ May 22nd 2008 1:10PM
Hey, wow, look, a Prius that isn't fugly!
Steve @ May 22nd 2008 1:31PM
headlights and front fascia seems familiar to the euro ford mondeo.
FThorn @ May 22nd 2008 1:45PM
why not make the whole hood a giant headlamp enclosure? I like the Dodge Challenger's utilitarian light. That is, they face forward, don't shine 90 degree left or right, have the lens (=weight) just where the light NEEDS to come out to shine forward.
simple
rouse42 @ May 22nd 2008 2:04PM
looks similar to the sketch of the new honda hybrid.
Guenther @ May 22nd 2008 2:09PM
It would seem logical to me that the second model being referenced here will be a Lexus version of the Venza, which itself is to have a hybrid set-up.
jv2k @ May 22nd 2008 3:30PM
So basically Toyota is rebadging their Prius and coating it's interior with leather and upping the price.
What the hell is the point of buying an EXPENSIVE hybrid? It kind of defeats the whole purpose of it.
AZMike @ May 22nd 2008 3:47PM
ahh, but how it will sell!!
just think of all the blog space from all the Japanese fanboys, always telling us how ridiculous the silly domestics are with regard badge engineering.
of course, the fact that Toyota has many versions that magically become tarted-up Lexus models doesn't apply, so I've come up with this simple formula:
-domestic badge engineering: stupid, wasteful, pointless, last gasps of a dying breed, not fooling anyone.
-Japanese badge engineering: brilliant, excellent use of existing platform, "it's different than what you think it is".
the bottom line is that there are many status-oriented buyers out there. all they want is that big "L" on the front; it doesn't matter if there's mice under the hood powering it...it's a Lexus.
I'm anxious to see what it will look like with a carriage roof, gold package, and Vogue tyres.
AZMike
Disgruntled Goat @ May 22nd 2008 4:13PM
"What the hell is the point of buying an EXPENSIVE hybrid?"
Wow, you really lost me on that one. Why would there NOT be a market for an upscale Hybrid? Are you assuming people only buy hybrids to save money? If that were the case they could just buy 10 year old Civics.
jv2k @ May 23rd 2008 9:49PM
Disgruntled Goat the whole reason most people buy hybrids is in order to save on gas. Yes there are some who do it for the environment, but overall the demand for hybrids is almost directly related with the price of gas.
If you actually believe that most people are buying the thing for any other reason you are delusional.
cly @ May 22nd 2008 4:19PM
I'm waiting for an IS 250 Hybrid.