Rumormill: Toyota Prius coupe in the works
Even though Toyota has made it clear that a separate Prius brand isn't a sure thing, that doesn't mean that more body styles of the iconic fuel miser aren't on their way. The latest speculative Prius variant comes courtesy of MotorTrend, which has mocked up a rendering of what a Toyota Prius coupe could look like. Although the idea of a 2+2 hybrid with a lower roofline and some sporting pretenses might seem odd given the Prius' main claim to fame, Toyota doesn't want to be left out in the cold when the also-hybrid Honda CR-Z goes on sale within the next two years.Predictably, the coupe would share the same drivetrain as its five-door stable-mate, consisting of a new 1.8-liter engine (300cc larger than the current Prius) while returning fuel economy on par or exceeding the outgoing model. The coupe would be lighter than the sedan, allowing the 2+2 to be both quicker and possibily more fuel-efficient.
MT also mentions that the production version of the Toyota A-BAT is still in limbo as the automaker determines under which brand it wants to sell the hybrid pickup. It was originally thought the A-BAT would be offered as a Scion, but Toyota's pledge to only offer one generation of each model in its "youth" brand and the automaker's need to bring its CAFE numbers in check might mean that the A-BAT will don a Toyota badge when (if?) it goes on sale after 2010.
[Source: MotorTrend]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Kevin 4:09PM (11/10/2008)
"Although the idea of a 2+2 hybrid with a lower roofline and some sporting pretenses might seem odd"
Have you guys actually seen the Volt? It is a 2+2 with sporty look to it. (well more so than the Prius).
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TJ 4:29PM (11/10/2008)
The volt also has four actual doors....
Kevin 6:04PM (11/10/2008)
I do realize that it has 4 doors, however, the point I was trying to make is that it is a 2+2 arrangement and had a relatively sporty look. Thats all.
chonkyfire 4:13PM (11/10/2008)
Hmm....let's take something who's only appeal is it's practicality less practical.
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The Luigiian 4:16PM (11/10/2008)
Dang. On the Fusion post I stated that the Fusion is more versatile a platform than the Prius and can accept more engines and can be more types of car. Now this.
Well, you shut me up, Toyota.
As for your A-BAT: I've reconsidered. I looked at your 2009 Tacoma, and I think I'd rather have a real BOF truck anyway. So if you build your Tacoma with a four-cylinder hybrid option, and make it strong and fuel-efficient, that would satisfy my needs a lot more than your A-BAT. You could release it sooner, too.
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The Luigiian 10:39PM (11/24/2008)
Edit #2: OK, reconsidered again. Want A-BAT. Build A-BAT.
Also: Prius coupe looks good. I'd consider one.
Sean Flanagan 4:20PM (11/10/2008)
"allowing the 2+2 to be... quicker"
Hardly the biggest feat in the automotive world.
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Red 4:28PM (11/10/2008)
If Toyota's recent abandonment of anything even remotely sporty in the American market is a marker, CR-Z > Prius coupe. Even if it isn't a marker...CR-Z > Prius coupe. I'm sure the efficiency could make up for that though.
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BoneHeadOtto 10:34PM (11/10/2008)
@Red
Toyota doesnt have sports cars but they do have some of the fastest cars in their class.
Camry SE was 2nd fastest car under $25k but as for all cars under $25k it was the fastest to 100mph.
Rav-4 is Porsche Cayanne fast all while getting some of the better mileage.
Scion economy cars are significantly faster than the other eco cars they compete with
so yeah toyota doesnt make the Supra anymore but now their Camry is significantly faster than the old non-turbo Supra. Give them a break will ya.
Mobius_1 4:30PM (11/10/2008)
Taking smugness to a whole new level ;)
Coupes are supposed to be stylish and plenty quick, which hybrids (specifically the Prius)...
...aren't
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Torrent 4:32PM (11/10/2008)
Unless it's the Tesla. other than that, +1.
Elise SC 4:45PM (11/10/2008)
Torrent, The Tesla Roadster isn't a hybrid, it's fully electric. Just saying..
Torrent 5:49PM (11/10/2008)
I know, but I just call it a Hybrid. Sounds tighter.
Travis 5:54PM (11/10/2008)
just because that's the way they always have been, doesn't mean that that's the way they always will be...
Bluestreak 4:41PM (11/10/2008)
Bad idea-- it won't happen. Why bother with the inconvenience of two fewer doors when the four-door gets the job done? Coupes are for those who are willing to trade utility for a bit of style. The Prius is bereft of style regardless how many doors you knock off of it.
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TJ 4:47PM (11/10/2008)
With a schnoz wart like that, how can you say it has no style!
I has 'style'..... just not goooood 'style'.
Jon 1:56AM (11/11/2008)
Agreed. A two-door Prius would only appeal to extreme enviro-weenies who think their ride would get them some tail. Oh, wait... that makes them....
...
Hey, if you're going to be a sportscar driver you might as well get one with some actual sport to it. Unless you want your car to attract women with hairy armpits and wearing Berkenstocks...
Levi 5:43PM (11/10/2008)
Sounds like a bastard child of the FT-HS?
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Jeremy B 6:09PM (11/10/2008)
Yawn. Still lame.
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CarbonBlack 8:48PM (11/10/2008)
Toyota won't do it, as it would ruin the Prius's Eco-Jerk appeal!
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