Toyota Prius Shows Next Gen Body for First Time
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.
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!?
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.
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!
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.
"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!
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.
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.
...and someone else call it a "Stupid Electric milkfloat!"
This car does get the chicks... who love chicks.
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...
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...
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?...
He was hated by all the other dogs for being a Hybrid.
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.
It's a comments page - you're allowed to 'bitch' all you want.
It is sad the negative attitudes towards any manufacturer trying to increase gas mileage. Who cares what it looks like. The reason for the design is to increase mpg's. I heard Toyota was predicting the 2010 Prius might get like 84 MPG. Stop bitchin''bout gas prices if all you buy are inefficient vehicles. Diesels would be nice in the US if diesel were not $1 more than regular.