Toyota Prius Shows Next Gen Body for First Time

CarPix / Toyota Prius Shows Next Gen Body for First Time
by Brian Potter
July 30, 2008 7:00 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Spy Photos, Toyota

The world’s most popular hybrid car, the Toyota Prius, is getting a new look, and here are the first photos of the newly styled next generation body.

Previously caught by spy photographers with the newly designed front end attached to the old body, it was speculated that this prototype was the Prius facelift. Now sources say, the proto was in fact the new generation Prius in mule form hiding under the body of the old Prius.

The new Prius is longer and wider resulting in increased rear passenger space and a larger boot. As a result, the Prius may be extended into a range of vehicles. Toyota USA President, Jim Lentz, previously mentioned a two-door coupe, wagon or a commuter car may join the five-door hatchback.

Naturally, better fuel economy is expected despite more horsepower. Insiders are talking about a change from NiMh batteries in favor of lighter and smaller Li-ion batteries. The smaller Li-ion batteries will allow for more storage space but also make the Prius faster as well.

The next generation Prius is expected to arrive in 2010.

Source: CarPix
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Comments

mmr66
July 30, 2008 7:19 PM
uncoolest car in the world

Tuner_Mad
July 30, 2008 7:27 PM
^ You got that right.

ShinyG
July 30, 2008 7:36 PM
I think it looks way better than the last one with all that cardboard on it! I'd say keep it like this, it's cooler :p Seriously now, they focused on making the hybrid work with the first Prius, can't they invest part of the profit in getting a decent design for the new one!?

Tuner_Mad
July 30, 2008 7:42 PM
Wait a second, is it me, or has the front end been ripped off an Auris/Corolla? The rest looks the same as the current one.

Nurchus
July 30, 2008 7:49 PM
Dynamite the car. I think it would look better exploding then driving. Bloody hell, why don't they make hybrid cars look good so people will have an incentive to go hybrid.

Cheers!

Snark21883
July 30, 2008 8:41 PM
The majority of hybrid cars do not have the kammback shape of the Prius, so I'm not quite sure what you're even complaining about. Go buy a Civic, Camry, Altima, Mariner, or Escape hybrid if you care so much about looks that you're willing to sacrifice aerodynamics and therefore efficiency.

Nurchus
July 30, 2008 10:27 PM
"Go buy a Civic, Camry, Altima, Mariner, or Escape hybrid if you care so much about looks that you're willing to sacrifice aerodynamics and therefore efficiency."

There are more ways than this design to make cars aerodymanic and efficient. I am not a fan of the Civic or Camry. Altima and Mariner I will pass on, same with the Escape. Again, I restate my original comment and opinion. Nothing wrong in asking for more choices when it comes to hybrids mate.

Cheers!

Joe_Limon
July 31, 2008 1:31 AM
Snark, if the Prius ditched the electric motors/batteries the weight savings alone would give the car the same mileage it currently gets. And since it's lighter it would also handle better. Electric hybrids in small already efficient cars = the biggest most useless marketing skam in the automotive world.

daimlerz
July 31, 2008 2:18 AM
This revealed new Prius should put an end to the remarks by others who insist that the upcoming Honda hybrid model, also a kammback design, is actually the next generation Prius!!! The Honda certainly has different design cues - door handles, C-pillar, horizontal tail lights and headlights, etc.

hanifcd
July 31, 2008 2:45 AM
They should call the car 'Sillius'

Car_Nut
July 31, 2008 4:51 PM
Well, I've heard someone call it a PRI-ASS...!

Car_Nut
July 31, 2008 5:00 PM
...and someone else call it a "Stupid Electric milkfloat!"

PotatoEater
July 31, 2008 3:33 AM
This car does get the chicks... who love chicks.

AAUSAGuy
July 31, 2008 7:56 AM
Looks like a junior sized Cadillac.

my2cents
July 31, 2008 9:53 AM
what's all the bitchin' about this design and the car? granted, it's not for everyone...but a lot of people do like it. so move on to your next topic and critique the hell out of it. well, it looks like it's always the same people who are good for nothing but bitch, bitch, bitch...

BabyMilo
July 31, 2008 10:50 AM
it looks like it is going to keep it ugly rear end so i guess it is still going to be one of the ugliest cars on the market...

BritBoy
July 31, 2008 1:27 PM
When it becomes as efficient and practical as a Diesel I might consider it. As said above this car is one big marketing con.

Anyone remember when Jeremy Clarkson was going to call the Top Gear dog 'Prius' because he ate & drank a lot more than anyone expected? :)

What did happen to Top Gear dog I wonder?...

Tuner_Mad
July 31, 2008 6:15 PM
He was hated by all the other dogs for being a Hybrid.

Lutzie
August 3, 2008 11:59 AM
Why is Diesel so much more expenses than petrol in the USA? Coz a good Diesel like a VW Golf Tdi or similar is more economical than a Prius and you don't have all those nasty batteries to dispose of at the end of its life.

Lutzie
August 3, 2008 12:00 PM
It's a comments page - you're allowed to 'bitch' all you want.

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