Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Dec 14th 2009 at 1:29PM 
Toyota Hybrid Concept teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery
Toyota, the Undisputed Heavyweight Hybrid Champion of the World, has just announced that it will unveil a new gas-electric concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Beyond that, details are decidedly scarce. As a dedicated model, this apparently won't be a hybridized version of a current Toyota model but a new vehicle entirely, and, judging by the two teaser images released with the announcement, it doesn't appear to be quite like anything the automaker has shown us before.
With that out of the way, let's speculate a bit. We've been hearing that Toyota is considering expanding its Prius range with both a sporty coupe and a roomier wagon, so this could be a conceptual version of one of those models. Or not. We'll find out for sure on January 11 when we point our own DSLR lenses at the concept in Detroit. In the meantime, feel free to hit the jump for the extremely brief press release and peruse the two high-res teaser images in our gallery below.
[Source: Toyota]
PRESS RELEASE:
Toyota to Debut Dedicated Hybrid Concept at 2010 North American International Auto Show
TORRANCE, Calif., December 14, 2009 - - Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. will stage the world debut of a new dedicated hybrid concept vehicle during the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The vehicle will be revealed during a news conference held on Monday, January 11th in the Riverview Ballroom at COBO Hall. News conference schedules are being finalized and exact timing will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SeattleJeremy 1:41PM (12/14/2009)
Looks like an iQ
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DiRF 1:50PM (12/14/2009)
My first thought, also... just like how the Nissan Leaf is essentially a slightly restyled Versa, this will most likely be a slightly restyled iQ...
gerrrg 2:05PM (12/14/2009)
Yes and no.
The front looks similar to the iQ, pushed tight to the front windshield. But they changed the configuration of the head light shape and squeezed it another 5 inches to the windshield and the placement of the logo from the fascia to between the fascia and the hood.
With the Toyota logo, I can't imagine this being too similar to the reported Scion iQ on sale next year. I suspect this is going to be an elongated 4-seater from the iQ.
Temple 2:43PM (12/14/2009)
@gerrrg
The iQ platform is suppose to be the basis for the next Yaris, MPV, and a small-hybrid (this). So all future Toyota compacts should be iQ based.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/1080919148/toyota-iq-platform-set-to-spawn-new-yaris-mpv-hybrid
The iQ's packaging is what is amazing; essentially super-compact front-end, flat-gas tank that sits under the car. They are going to be making a 7-seater MPV with the exterior dimensions of a Yaris and have disproportionately large interior volume.
Jom B 1:42PM (12/14/2009)
Here's hoping this is an actual preview to a production vehicle, and not automotive vaporware.
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Temple 2:16PM (12/14/2009)
Probably not vaporware...
As has been stated above, it *really* does look an iQ. Toyota says its a 'dedicated model', but its likely a small hybrid based on the iQ platform, which means it will likely hit production.
The iQ is a good place to start, it weighs just a little over 1,800lbs, it doesn't need much power to propel it; smaller motor, smaller batteries, lower cost.
For Asia and Europe making a small urban hybrid makes sense, and Toyota has been saying for awhile that they would make hybrid to slot in below the Prius.
Danimal 1:42PM (12/14/2009)
Short hood, steep windshield. Looks like some micro car to me, not a "sporty coupe" or "roomier wagon."
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James T 1:47PM (12/14/2009)
I don't think they need to show any more of that car. Next please.
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High Climber 2:03PM (12/14/2009)
I hope it's a "sporty coupe". Until there are some true mass market performance hybrids, I just can't get that excited. After all, it's just another economy car.
Sure, the Tesla is cool but give me a performance hybrid/electric vehicle that is sub 30K and not just a toy for the rich.
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zamafir 7:37PM (12/14/2009)
Does it get more than 75 mpg US? No? Don't care. If we can't build city cars that get better MPG than they did 10 years ago I don't give a rat's @$$.
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RockStoneSteel 9:41PM (12/14/2009)
Brilliant Toyota. Show us the hideously huge gaping seams between the panels. Sorry to say, we already know that you don't bother with the aesthetics of your designs. We don't need to be reminded.
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Tony C 1:29PM (12/15/2009)
Wow, that headlamp array is REALLY close to the windshield... I'd think that would cause glare problems and offer a much less functional road view at night?
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NeilBlanchard 12:27PM (1/05/2010)
6 days left...
Neil
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