According to AutoExpress UK, Toyota is set to go for the green-veined jugular with its next Prius. The automaker’s
next hybrid will reportedly net a scarcely-believable 94 mpg (113mpg in imperial gallons). The figure
comes about as the company has reportedly set a fuel economy bogey of 40km/liter, as it looks to distance itself from
the fuel-sipping diesels that are so popular abroad.
Word is that the gains will largely come from replacing the current Prius’ nickel-hydride batteries with lithium
ion cells. AE further reports that Toyota hopes to have the charged-up hybrid on the road by as early as 2008.
While pulling up the MPG, the manufacturer also hopes to improve the car’s acceleration, and is expected to
drop its 0-60 mph times by more than one second.
[Source: AutoExpress UK]
(Great tip, Jay!)