The next generation of Toyota's eco-friendly Pirus hybrid will make its debut at 2009 North American International Auto Show in January. According to Edmunds Auto Observer the 3rd-generation Prius will be 3 to 4 inches longer and about an inch wider, but not significantly heavier. It will sport a larger, 1.8 liter engine and combined gas and electric power is up from approx 110 hp to 160 horsepower. | |
The increases in power will be combined with an increase in fuel economy by about 10 percent and thus taking it up to the 50-55 mpg mark. Toyota will re-engineer the Prius' unique gas engine/electric motor/battery powertrain to make it more efficient, more tightly packaged and to extend the driving range in electric mode.
Toyota is also working on Plug-in versions of the next Prius. Its protoypes are being tested on various road conditions in different countries. Toyota plans to launch sales of Plug In Hybrids (fitted with state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries) to fleet buyers in the US and elsewhere by 2010.