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Love it or hate it, the Toyota Prius might be the most recognizable car on the road these days with its slippery, wedge-like design. Originally used to optimize aerodynamics, the unique shape of the second-generation Prius quickly made the car an icon, so Toyota kept the same basic look on the latest, third-gen model. According to an interview with Chris Hostetter, group vice president for strategic planning of Toyota Motor Sales USA, in Bloomberg, Toyota might be looking to alter the Prius' signature shape in the name of increasing sales across the model's lineup.

It sounds like a replacement for the current model is still at least a year away, but the next design could be a stark departure from the Prius we know today. While there is no indication as to what direction Toyota could take, the report does rehash the Toyota NS4 Concept sedan that was displayed earlier this year in Detroit. Whatever it looks like, the next Prius will certainly be tasked with not only keeping existing hybrid customers interested but also drawing in new ones as well.

Since growing the Prius to include the Plug-In, C and V, sales have almost doubled this year with 200,114 Prius-branded cars sold in the US through October. Bloomberg says that on a global scale, the four models accounted for almost 700,000 units through September eclipsing the previous Prius record of 509,399 units sold back in 2010. With Toyota expecting the Prius to be its top-selling car by the end of the decade, this recent trend could easily continue upward for the with a more mainstream design.

Toyota looking to alter Prius styling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designns4 conceptpriustoyotaMon, 05 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370493/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/05/toyota-looking-to-alter-prius-styling/20370493/article-detail.xml 20370493 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-toyota-prius-plug-in-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-toyota-prius-plug-in-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota teases NS4 plug-in hybrid concept again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/toyota-teases-ns4-plug-in-hybrid-concept-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/toyota-teases-ns4-plug-in-hybrid-concept-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/toyota-teases-ns4-plug-in-hybrid-concept-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota NS4 Plug-In Hybrid Concep teaser screen capture

Toyota has released a quick teaser video for the company's NS4 Plug-In Hybrid Concept ahead of the vehicle's debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Though less than a minute in length, the clip gives us a clear look at the vehicle's badges as well as quick line-drawing outline. Toyota has released few details about the NS4 beyond saying the vehicle will be an "advanced plug-in hybrid." Whether that means the vehicle will boast new battery, engine or motor technology remains to be seen. Odds are the NS4 will be used to display new design language for the entire Toyota hybrid fleet.

The NS4 Plug-In Hybrid Concept will debut next week, along with the company's Prius C; a Yaris-sized hybrid with better fuel economy figures than the current Prius. While the model has received an unveil at the Tokyo Motor Show, we've yet to see the vehicle on American soil. Hit the jump to check out the NS4 Concept teaser video for yourself.

Continue reading Toyota teases NS4 plug-in hybrid concept again

Toyota teases NS4 plug-in hybrid concept again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2012detroit auto showns4 conceptpriusprius ctoyotatoyota ns4 concepttoyota prius cWed, 04 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20140258/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/04/toyota-teases-ns4-plug-in-hybrid-concept-again/20140258/article-detail.xml 20140258 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/toyota-ns4-concept-teaser-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/toyota-ns4-concept-teaser-628.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota confirms NS4 plug-in hybrid concept and production Prius C for Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/toyota-confirms-ns4-plug-in-hybrid-concept-and-production-prius/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/toyota-confirms-ns4-plug-in-hybrid-concept-and-production-prius/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/20/toyota-confirms-ns4-plug-in-hybrid-concept-and-production-prius/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota NS4 Concept teaser

Toyota is bringing a new concept to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The company calls its NS4 showcar an "advanced" plug-in hybrid, though it hasn't shared any more information beyond the vehicle's name. While we can't say for certain, odds are the concept will give us a glimpse of what the company has planned for future hybrid design instead of boasting any tangible next-generation technology. As you may recall, Toyota and BMW recently partnered up to create a new lithium-ion battery pack, so it may be some time before we see the tech debut, even in a concept vehicle.

Toyota has also made it clear the company will bring along the Prius C, which will make its North American debut at the Detroit show (see gallery below). The Prius C rides on a platform about the same size as the Yaris, but comes packing a hybrid drivetrain. Word has it the vehicle will come with Prius-besting EPA fuel economy figures, too. Hit the jump for the brief press release, and stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the Detroit show.

Continue reading Toyota confirms NS4 plug-in hybrid concept and production Prius C for Detroit

Toyota confirms NS4 plug-in hybrid concept and production Prius C for Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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