Next-gen Prius spied testing
We have already garnered so many technical details regarding Toyota's next-generation Prius hybrid sedan that we are getting pretty antsy to see the vehicle in the flesh. Though it is still heavily camo'd, the first real spy pics of the green halo-car have been snapped, and we can definitely recognize the iconic windswept shape which has become a Prius hallmark. Not entirely visible are the roof-mounted solar cells which are rumored to make it into production. Although the new car will grow a bit in size and get a mildly enlarged engine, efficiency is expected to increase and nickel metal hydride batteries will continue to be used in lieu of the newer but as-yet unproven lithium-based units. Expect the official V.3 Prius debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show. Also planned are a Lexus version of the Prius along with additional models which could make the Prius a sub-brand in Toyota's line of cars and trucks. [Source: NextAutos]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
captainpease 4:44PM (7/30/2008)
what happened to the redesign?
Reply
Clark 5:17PM (7/30/2008)
Still cannot believe they are making it bigger. Come on Toyota...
Reply
matt 10:12AM (7/31/2008)
I'm 6'2"; my father is 6'5". They needed to make it bigger. I almost bought one this past winter, but the size and distinct lack of cargo space put me off. The trunk on the Prius is a joke. My wife's Scion xB has more cargo room, and you can't put four people & their luggage in that car. (I'll not discuss the horrid exhaust noise on that car...)
I would really like to have a car that gets great mileage, and can fit four people and their luggage comfortably. Unfortunately, the Prius just isn't it (yet). I'm still driving my dying Intrepid, waiting for a good, all-around, daily & vacation driver that sips very, very lightly.
Bill Guiffre 6:51PM (7/30/2008)
There's no solar cells on that roof. Look at all the pictures and you can probably see 80% of the roof (combined).
I wonder if some folks in the develpoment departments of some of these companies take an existing vehicle and put duct tape some camo on it and drive around hoping someone will take "spy shots" just for lunchtime laughs.
Reply
Thom 5:33PM (7/30/2008)
Looks like the new Honda Hybrid-only with all that padding?
Reply
BillySharps 7:05PM (7/30/2008)
Even with all the padding, I think it looks really good. I can't wait to see the reveal.
Reply
retro77 7:26PM (7/30/2008)
It doesn't look any different.
Reply
Matthijs 8:11PM (7/30/2008)
Why is this news? I already saw this pictures on July 13 (Not 31) 2008
http://njection.com/blogs/jalopnik/archive/2008/07/13/2010-toyota-prius-caught-sem-silently-prowling-streets-of-san-fran-2010-toyota-prius.aspx
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cutwater55/2656345832/
Reply
ronal IQ 3:04AM (7/31/2008)
it looks pretty square like, definitively different from the hybrid X model, which I think looks much better.
Can't wait for detroit, I hope toyota does not dissapoint!!!
Reply