Toyota plans a midsize hybrid-only model with a 2.5 or 3 liter engine
Toyota already offers a hybrid midsize model, the Camry hybrid. Additionally, they have hybrid versions of other popular model lines, such as the Highlander and various Lexus models. However, the Prius remains the single hybrid-only model in their U.S. lineup. This may be about the change.
The Asahi Shimbun reports that Toyota plans to introduce a new hybrid-only midsize model in 2009. The model will include the third generation of Toyota's hybrid gas-electric technology. This newest version should allow them to cut the costs and size of their system, and reduce costs further by spreading the R&D costs across more vehicles.
Toyota claims that one of the reasons that the Prius is their most popular hybrid model in the U.S. is because Americans want to be seen while being green. A hybrid-only model achieves that image. Additionally, the model will sport a larger gas engine of 2.5-3 liters, in part because Americans prefer vehicles with larger engines. They have already set a goal of 1 million gas-electric hybrid sales by 2010, this model should help them reach that goal.
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[Source: asahi.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Broudie 9:18AM (12/28/2006)
This aint gonna work, at least for cars (not trucks). Honda already went this route with the Accord Hybrid which had a 3liter V6 along with a hybrid powertain, and sales weren't that good. Apparently, Americans who "like to be seen while being green", and Americans who "prefer vehicles with larger engines" aren't the same group of people.
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Raymond 10:56AM (12/28/2006)
Broudie, I have to disagree on your comments. What Toyota could be hinting at is a hybrid-only "tall wagon" akin to the Mazda5 and Kio Rondo now on sale in the USA, but designed around a third-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive system. It could be based off the new Toyota Avensis model that just went on sale in Europe.
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Broudie 6:44PM (12/28/2006)
Raymond, could be that you're right. In that case it would not be a sedan or coupe-type vehicle, which I based my assumptions on. In which case, I would not have any facts to base an opinion. Hopefully you are right and they do decide to sell a tall wagon.
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MikeW 9:21PM (1/01/2007)
The accord hybrid sucked, it was 'hybrid lite' and had a $30,000+ sticker.
3gr-fse or 4gf-fse + IVT transmission would work just fine.
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RyDawg 9:39AM (1/04/2007)
THe Accord is what they call a mild hybrid, Toyotas are full hybrids. That's why the Accord was not a big seller, even the Highlander hybrid gets better gas mileage over the Accord.
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