REPORT: Toyota Prius wagon, SUV in the works
Toyota Hybrid X Concept - click above for high-res image gallery
Exactly how the Prius name navigates the shift from defining the world's most famous hybrid to it's own sub-brand – "Not!" – or moniker for other Toyota hybirds – "Yes!" – has been a source of interest for quite some time. The latest bit of speculative news comes from the Yomiuri newspaper in Japan (via Green Car Advisor) that the automaker is considering building a Prius sport wagon or a Prius SUV about 12 months from now, maybe using lithium-ion batteries (despite Toyota's public pronouncements). Toyota officials would not comment to the Yomiuri about the report.As we saw with the Hybrid X (above) unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, Toyota has been thinking about a Prius wagon for a while. Green Car Advisor speculates that the the Venza could be a good candidate for the production wagon, while any of Toyota's JDM wagons could make the transition to hybrids here. As for a Prius SUV? Tone down the Lexus RX 400h and there you go.
[Source: Yomiuri via Green Car Advisor]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
stevezilla 9:56AM (11/16/2009)
I like this design, though I'd rather see more glass for visibility at the rear. Those are gonna be some BIG blindspots. But overall, I like this.
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Treehugger 9:04PM (11/15/2009)
Quite a smart move, if they can put a vehicle close to this concept on the market with an hybrid drive train, that will be a huge success
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Beeri 4:06AM (11/16/2009)
not a good idea. They'll ruin the Prius brand.
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NeilBlanchard 12:26PM (11/16/2009)
Hi,
I'd love to see something close to this design, made with carbon fiber like the Toyota 1/X.
Sincerely, Neil
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John 12:44PM (11/16/2009)
Yes to a Prius wagon. Make a Toyota Prius in a wagon form, and I will buy it - providing it beats the Fit Hybrid to market.
No, a thousand times no, to a Venza wagon with Hybrid Synergy Drive and a Prius sticker. I want a wagon that weighs no more than 3,000 lbs and gets 50+ mpg on the Interstate. I do NOT want a bloated 5,000 lb over-styled monstrosity that doesn't even have decent room behind the back seats
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Scooter 1:33PM (11/16/2009)
Wow, I was waiting for this for years! Right now, the Prius is the best positioned car on the green market, but I think, that it would be nice to have more versions: touring and sport one for example.
http://1000scooters.com
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amityr9 8:15AM (11/17/2009)
let it show its creditlity on road
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