As we expected, Toyota will use the 2011 Detroit auto show to take the wraps off new variants of the Prius hybrid. The debuts comprise the plug-in version of the current Prius, a concept vehicle of undisclosed type, and what Toyota characterizes as an “addition to the Prius family.”
We suspect the latter vehicle is the MPV teased by Toyota and seen in our spy photos. Further proof comes at the end of this Toyota video, in which skateboarder Bob Burnquist opens the spacious rear hatch of an unnamed Toyota, claims it offers 50 percent more cargo room than the existing Prius, and promises it will arrive at the Detroit show. A Prius mini-minivan should be around the size of a Mazda 5 or Toyota Matrix, and will likely employ an uprated version of the current car’s hybrid powertrain.
Toyota offers no additional information about the promised concept vehicle, but it could be a coupe model. In addition to the existing five-door hatch and promised five-door MPV, a sporty (visually, at least) Prius would expand the brand into an entirely new area. If a Prius coupe is indeed in the cards, it would compete with Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid.
We’ll bring you full information from the Detroit show in January, so stay tuned.
Related posts:
- Toyota Teases Prius MPV Prior to Detroit Debut
- 2011 Toyota Sienna to Debut at 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show
- Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept @ 2010 Detroit Auto Show – Video
No comments:
Post a Comment