According to a Japanese newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun, Toyota is planning to extend its Prius hybrid family with a larger variant. The model is reported to be a tall wagon or a crossover model and will be the first Toyota hybrid vehicle to use a lithium-ion battery pack.

The newspaper said that sales of the model will begin next year in Japan with pricing to start at an equivalent of $22,000.

It was reported last month that Toyota is planning a Prius coupe that will be later joined by a Prius MPV.

The 2010 Toyota Prius uses a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which is less powerful and larger than lithium-ion.

Click here for more news on the Toyota Prius.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Inside Line

Honda is ready to unleash its sporty CR-Z hatchback hybrid in the U.S. in 2010. In fact, it’ll be so sporty that it will be the first hybrid offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.

According to a report by AutoCar, Toyota is planning a Prius coupe that will go head-to-head with Honda’s CR-Z (can’t say that we didn’t see it coming).

The Prius will most likely use the same 134-hp 1.8L VVT-i hybrid powertrain and the same platform as that wagon version. However, a more aerodynamic body and possible weight savings would offer better fuel-economy and a more zippy drive.

AutoCar says that the Prius coupe will be later joined by a Prius MPV that would be based on the Honda Skydeck.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

At a dealer meeting in Las Vegas on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Japanese automaker told dealerships that it will use the Prius name on more hybrid models in its U.S. lineup. Toyota dealer Earl Stewart said that the Prius name would be attached to “a family of models” using similar hybrid powertrains.

“The Highlander hybrid and Camry hybrid do OK, but calling it ‘Synergy Drive’ never resonated with consumers,” Stewart told Automotive News. “But they can make hay on the Prius name. It’s a magic name. If somebody says ‘I drive a Prius,’ everybody knows what he means.”

Toyota Motor Sales’ COO Jim Lentz has been pushing for a multi-platform Prius for more than a year now. Stewart said that Toyota will have a range of Prius hybrid models “but Prius won’t be a separate sub-brand like Scion.”

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Kap Shah

Toyota spent most of February tossing and turning in its sleep over competition from the new 2010 Honda Insight. Honda’s new hybrid was the best-selling model in Japan in April; marking the first time a hybrid has held the spot for a monthly sales period. Well, Toyota can now sleep peacefully at night. 

For the month of May, Toyota’s 2010 Prius sales beat the Insight, becoming the best-selling car in Japan for the month.

“I think a green car tax break and other incentives helped the sales performance (of the Prius) quite a bit,” Akihiko Otsuka, chief engineer for the new Prius, told reporters.

The 2010 Toyota Prius went on sale on May 18 and was priced about $3,000 less than the outgoing model. Toyota says there were more than 80,000 advance orders for the third-generation model. Towards the end of May, Toyota announced that it will be increasing production of the 2010 Prius to meet better-than-expected demand.

We’re guessing all the Japanese folks listened to Clarkson when he called the Honda Insight ‘Biblically terrible.’ Nonetheless, Honda is planning to have four gasoline-electric hybrids on the road by 2012 including the CR-Z hybrid and a Fit hybrid.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Reuters

Toyota said today that it is considering revving up production of its 2010 Prius to meet better-than-expected demand, a move similar to the one Honda made when it launched its 2010 Insight hybrid in February.

“We are considering steps to increase production to meet demand,” Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco said.

While this is good news for treehuggers or those that hate the Honda Insight, the news is a sigh of relief for workers involved with manufacturing Toyota vehicles. Toyota was among the first Japanese automakers to halt production earlier this year as demand was hit by the global financial crisis.

Toyota has confirmed that it has received over 80,000 orders for the 2010 Prius, which it rolled out earlier this month. The Japanese automaker declined to comment on reports that the number had jumped to 110,000.

The 2010 Toyota Prius is on sale no with prices starting at $21,750.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Detroit News

The 2010 Honda Insight is the first of four gasoline-electric hybrids Honda has planned to bring to the roads by 2012. Early next year, Honda will unveil the production version of the much-anticipated CR-Z sports hybrid. That will be followed by a hybrid version of the Fit and the next-generation Civic Hybrid.

According to Japan’s Nikkei business daily, the Honda Fit subcompact hybrid will arrive in the autumn of 2010 followed by the next Civic Hybrid.

The 2010 Honda Insight hybrid, which is priced at 1.89 million yen ($19,960 USD), became the first hybrid ever to top the best-seller list in Japan in April 2009. Without citing any sources, Nikkei said that the Honda Fit Hybrid will carry a price tag of 1.5 million yen ($15,800 USD). Expected annual sales are estimated at over 50,000 units.

Spokeswoman Akemi Ando said that Honda has yet to decide on the schedule, price or sales target for the Fit Hybrid.

At this point, you guys are probably wondering what Toyota has up their sleeve to compete with the Honda Fit hybrid. As Toyota continues to fight the 2010 Honda Insight with the 2010 Toyota Prius, Toyota is also working on a hybrid version of the Yaris.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

Wondering where Toyota’s future design theme is headed? Just take a look at the 2010 Toyota Prius. According to Toyota’s global design chief Wahei Hirai, the third-generation Prius provides a look at the futuristic styling and carries many new design elements that will be adopted on upcoming models.

Hirai says to look out for sharply creased corners, a lowered grille, a more forward placement of the Toyota badge and styling that calls for “free-form geometrics.”

“Prius is a showcase. We can try many design cues here first,” Hirai told Automotive News at Toyota’s design studio. “This has to be symbolic.”

What are your thoughts? Should Toyota follow the design theme of the 2010 Toyota Prius for future models? Have you say in the poll below.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: Kap Shah

The 2010 Toyota Prius went on sale in Japan yesterday and the company’s in-house tuner, Modellista, is already offering body kits for the third-generation model of the hybrid.

The Aero Tourer Kit is available in two different versions with upgrades including a new front bumper, grille, front and side skirts, a new rear bumper, a lip spoiler and set of new alloy wheels available in two different designs.

Ride height of the 2010 Toyota Prius with the Aero Tourer Kit has been reduced by 20mm.

Click through for more pictures.

2010 Toyota Prius with Modellista Aero Tourer Kit Package:

- By: The Daily Auto Edtior

Source: Modellista (via Le Blog Auto)

Toyota announced today that it has delivered a fleet of 50 Toyota Prius units to the British Army as it continues its mission to reduce emissions. The fleet will become a part of the White Fleet branch of the Headquarters Land Forces which manages 6,600 non-deployable administrative vehicles.

Brokered by the Army through its leasing partners VT Group and Lex Vehicle Leasing, the Prius which produces just 104 g/km of CO2 replaces 50 Vauxhall Vectras. The 50 Prius units are the Ministry of Defence’s biggest commitment to date to use hybrids.

The White Fleet said that it is determined to drive down CO2 emissions with further deals before 2011 to arrive at a figure well below 130g per km.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Toyota today announced the pricing info on the 2010 Toyota Prius which is scheduled to go on sale in May nationwide. Prices start at $21,000 ($21,750 with delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fees) which is $1,000 than the outgoing model.

Power comes from a 1.8L Atkinson 4-cylinder engine making 98-hp. Mated to an electric-motor with an upgraded hybrid system the 2010 Prius makes a total of 134-hp allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds. Combined EPA fuel-economy is estimated at 50 mpg.

Including the DPH fees, the $21,750 price-tag is just $1,280 more than the $20,470 2010 Honda Insight. However, the top-of-the-line 2010 Honda Insight EX with Navi goes for $23,100 while the top-of-the-line 2010 Toyota Prius will run you $27,270.

Click through for a more detailed pricing.

2010 Toyota Prius:

2010 Toyota Prius Pricing Details:

Press Release:

Toyota Announces Prices for 2010 Prius

TORRANCE, Calif., April 21, 2009 – - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2010 Prius midsize hybrid, scheduled to go on sale beginning in late May at Toyota dealers nationwide.

The third-generation Prius will be available in one grade with a starting MSRP of $21,000. The Prius will be offered with five levels of popular standard equipment combinations.

“The 2010 Prius delivers outstanding mileage, performance and advanced technology at a great price,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division.

Carter sees the most popular model starting at an MSRP of $22,000, equipped with a high level of standard features, “This model provides more than $2,000 added value, including the features most buyers want, at the same price as the current base model” he said.

A new base model with a lower level of standard equipment is scheduled to be available later this year. It is designed to appeal to the most cost-conscious businesses and consumers.

Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than 1.2 million owners worldwide for over 10 years. When it goes on sale, the 2010 Toyota Prius will once again set new standards for innovative hybrid design and technology, raising its level of convenience features and performance to new heights, including EPA fuel economy estimates of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined (EPA MPG estimates, actual mileage will vary).

The third-generation 2010 Prius will offer enhanced performance and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as four driving modes, steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel, a moonroof with solar panels, and Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA).

The Prius is equipped with Toyota’s industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive and certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), emitting over 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle. A larger and more powerful yet more efficient 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine produces 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. Together with its electric motor the hybrid system in the new Prius will generate a combined net horsepower of 134, an increase of 24 horsepower over the previous generation.

All Prius models offer Toyota’s Star Safety System^TM as standard equipment, which includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) Systems, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Other standard features include electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes.

Starting fall 2009, select Prius models will include Toyota’s all-new telematics service, Safety Connect^TM, which will offer four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance. Safety Connect will be available by subscription, with an included one-year trial subscription.

Adding to the appeal of Prius is an additional array of standard convenience features on most models that include automatic air conditioning equipped with an electric air compressor; AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six-speakers and satellite radio capability; driver door Smart Key system with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry; a Multi-Informational Display with an energy monitor and fuel consumption history; six-way adjustable driver seat; power door locks; auto up/down on all windows with window jam protection; cruise control; tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio and HVAC controls; color-keyed foldable power heated side mirrors; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors; and tonneau cover.

Prius also brings many new firsts to the Toyota lineup. To help increase fuel efficiency, the 1.8-liter engine is beltless, uses an electric water pump, a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and an exhaust heat collection system.

Other Toyota firsts include a new Touch Tracer Display, which features touch sensors on the steering wheel switches that are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road; an available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels that power a new ventilation system; a remote air-conditioning system functions on battery-power alone, and allows remote operation so the driver can cool the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.

Also new to Toyota is an available Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system that uses advanced millimeter wave radar. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.

Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

According to local newspapers in Japan, Toyota has received more than 20,000 orders for the 2010 Toyota Prius, which goes on sale in Japan in mid-May. Chunichi and Nikkei both cited an unnamed Toyota official saying that the company expects that number to reach 40,000 before the cars launch – a pace that could allow the 2010 Prius to overtake its Honda Insight rival.

The 2010 Toyota Prius vs. the 2010 Honda Insight battle has been going on for a couple of months now. Just recently, Toyota told its Japanese dealers that pricing for the 2010 Prius will start at 2.05 million yen ($20,750 USD), undercutting the current Prius which starts at 2.331 million yen ($23,590 USD).

The 2010 Honda Insight is priced from 1.89 million yen the first hybrid to be sold for less than 2 million yen.

Honda has sold 18,000 units of the Insight in the hybrids first month on the market – that’s significantly more than the automakers original target of 5,000 models. Toyota expects to sell 400,000 of the new Prius annually.

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Reuters

Just two days ago, it was reported that Toyota will lower the price of the 2010 Prius in Japan to make the hybrid more competitive with the 2010 Honda Insight. Today, Honda’s CEO Takeo Fukui said that he will not lower the price on Insight anymore.

“I don’t think that would be meaningful to do so,” Fukui told Automotive News. ”I think that is something we can’t do right now,” he said. “We have to carefully examine the new Prius to know whether it is necessary for us to take certain measures.”

Dealers in Japan have said that the 2010 Prius will carry a starting price tag of 2.05 million yen ($20,750 USD).

Fukui also said that Honda is working on a hybrid drivetrain for larger cars and will abandon previous targets to rely on clean diesels in the large vehicle segment.

Next year Honda will also launch the CR-Z hybrid along with a hybrid version of the Fit.

2010 Honda Insight:

2010 Toyota Prius:

- By Omar Rana

Toyota has notified its Japanese dealers that it will price the new 2010 Toyota price at 2.05 million yen ($20,750 USD) which is right on par with the new 2010 Honda Insight. The move is Toyota’s latest response in the hybrid war between the Prius and Honda Insight.

Still, that might not be enough to entice treehuggers to go with the Prius over the Insight. Japanese dealers say that the base model of the 2010 Pius starts at 2.05 million yen ($20,750 USD) which is the same as a middle-trim Insight. The top-of-the-line 2010 Insight goes for 2.21 million yen ($22,370 USD) while the Prius runs all the way up to 3.27 million yen ($33,100 USD).

No word on whether if Toyota will make the same move in the U.S., but according to Automotive News, aggressive U.S. pricing is very likely. The 2010 Honda Insight went on sale in the U.S. in March with prices starting at $20,470. The third-generation 2010 Prius is expected to start around $24,000.

The current Toyota Prius starts at 2.331 million yen ($23,590 USD) in Japan.

2010 Toyota Prius:

2010 Honda Insight:

- By: Kap Shah

Toyota’s president Katsuaki Watanabe said today that the company will keep selling the current Prius model alongside the 2010 model year that arrive in Japan in May.

“They will have different engine sizes — 1.5 liters and 1.8 liters — and we figure there will be demand for the two to co-exist,” Katsuaki told reporters at the unveiling of the new Toyota Crown Majesta.

Katsuaki didn’t say whether Toyota will continue doing the same outside of Japan but executives in the U.S. and Europe have previously said that the current model will be discontinued once the new model rolls out. The new 2010 Prius will arrive in Japan in May and later next month in the United States.

- By:The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Reuters

Toyota has been pretty worried about the 2010 Honda Insight hybrid that is priced lower than the current Toyota Prius and will definitely be priced lower than the 2010 Prius. With competition heating up, Toyota has decided it will produce a new small hybrid vehicle that will be priced lower than the Insight.

According to Akihiko Otsuka, chief engineer of the redesigned 2010 Prius, Toyota is producing a small gasoline-electric car that will be a spin-off of the Toyota Yaris.

“We are developing a low-priced hybrid vehicle like Honda’s Insight,” Otsuka told Automotive News. “We are going to compete by expanding our hybrid-vehicle lineup to smaller hybrids, in the class of the Vitz and Yaris.”

Of course, it’s not a mystery that the Honda Insight Hybrid is much bigger than the Yaris.

Otsuka did not say when the Yaris hybrid will arrive but Nikkei business in Japan says it could arrive by early 2011.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Toyota today dropped a very detailed press release for the 2010 Toyota Prius that told us everything about the “eco-icon” other than the pricing details. Toyota says that the EPA has officially rated the 2010 Prius at a combined fuel-economy of 50 mpg.

The Japanese automaker said that its third-generation Prius offers better mileage, more performance, more room and more standard and safety features. Power for the 2010 Toyota Prius comes from a 1.8L Atkinson 4-cylinder engine that makes a total of 98-hp. Coupled with the electric-motor, the upgraded hybrid system allows the new Prius to produce a total of 134-hp – an improvement of 24-hp over the Prius generation. 0 to 60 mph comes in 9.8 seconds.

The 2010 Toyota Prius goes on sale in the U.S. next month. Stay tuned for the pricing info.

Check out the massive press release after the jump.

2010 Toyota Prius:

Press Release:

50 MPG with Additional Horsepower, New and Innovative Technology, Improved Aerodynamics, More Head and Legroom

YOUNTVILLE, Calif. (March 2, 2009) — When it launches this spring, the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius will once again set new standards for innovative hybrid design and technology, raising its level of convenience features and performance to new heights, including a combined EPA estimated fuel efficiency rating of 50 miles-per-gallon.

Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than 1.2 million owners worldwide for more than 10 years.

The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.

“The Prius has evolved with our customers over the past 10 years and is now more things to more people,” said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “It’s environmental, innovative, and practical. It’s an everyday car for everyday use, and when it goes on sale a few months from now, we believe that its new features will appeal to returning owners, while at the same time attract buyers who are looking for innovative technology with a hybrid powertrain.”

An Eco-Icon

Prius entered the market in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid. The name Prius, “to go before” in Latin, became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness had become a mainstream social issue.

From the beginning, Toyota’s full-hybrid system was developed almost entirely in-house and has become a driving force behind advanced vehicle technology. The company’s exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Prius. Since then, more than 700,000 have been sold in the U.S.

In designing the new, third-generation Prius, Toyota engineers combined a careful refinement of existing systems with an aggressive measure of new technology necessary for the future of automobiles.

During the development of the Prius, more than 1,000 applications for patents were filed worldwide.
Improved Fuel Economy, Power and Environmental Performance

The new Prius will be built using processes that reduce pollution in every stage of vehicle life, from production and driving, through to disposal.

The third-generation Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Prius, which was rated 41 EPA combined mpg, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 miles per gallon (mpg), combined city/highway. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an EPA estimated city/highway mpg rating of 50 in the city, 49 on the highway and a combined 50 mpg for the new Prius.

A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will produce 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm in the new Prius. Together with its electric motor the hybrid system in the new Prius will generate a combined net horsepower of 134, an improvement of 24 horsepower over the previous generation.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger engine actually helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.

Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine’s efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.

A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is standard. It provides feedback on the Prius’ efficiency using three different displays to help the driver acquire economical driving habits.

Unlike most other hybrid vehicles available, Prius has been an uncompromised “full” hybrid since introduction. This allows it to run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The system blends the best of parallel hybrid and series hybrid designs to achieve the ability to operate on the electric mode alone, and to charge the batteries while the car is running.

The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models.

    – The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model.
    – The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.
    – Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter.
    – A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration.

The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps drivers achieve their best mileage.

The new Prius will be certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in California, as well as those states adopting California emission standards. The AT-PZEV certification requires the SULEV exhaust standard linked with the ability to meet a zero-fuel-evaporative standard, a 150,000-mile durability demonstration, extended emissions system warranty, and technology deemed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to advance future fuel cell vehicles. In the rest of the country, Prius will be certified as Tier 2, Bin 3. The new Prius will produce over 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle.

Cutting Edge Styling

In designing the new Prius, aerodynamic performance was an important factor. The goal was to create a beautiful silhouette, while not compromising function. Designers preserved the dynamic triangle form of the

current model–instantly recognizable as a Prius–but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The front pillar, extended forward, helps refine the performance-focusing, shaped form.

The overall height of the Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics.

The design of the new Prius’ front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance.

Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward.
One of the World’s Lowest Cd

The new Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota in history, resulting in one of the cleanest aerodynamic profiles of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. By focusing on the shape of the body, underfloor, wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, the designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The airflow under the car was studied extensively. Engineers made changes to the shape of the fender liner, front surface of the underfloor, and added a fin at the rear floor cover to increase linear stability.

Advanced Equipment For a New Era

An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.

The new Prius also offers a remote air-conditioning system. It is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone, and allows remote operation so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.

LEDs (light emitting diodes), optional in low beam headlamps and standard in tail and stop lamps, help reduce the vehicle’s power consumption. Air conditioning, a major energy drain, has been re-engineered to increase efficiency and cool-down performance. In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently.

Enhanced Vehicle Performance

The next-generation Prius is built on a new platform, which enables improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabilizer layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds.

Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise.
Functional Interior Is Bigger on the Inside

Proving that small changes add up to big gains, the cargo area of the new Prius was expanded 0.4 inches in length and 2.2 inches in width by using a new and an improved layout of the battery cooling unit.

Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design.

Viewed from the cockpit, the center cluster smoothly flows from the instrument panel to the console. Handy storage space has been added under the shift lever by taking advantage of the shift-by-wire system. Simple, fin-type air vents are consistent with the cabin’s efficient appearance. Judicious use of silver accents adds a finished, technical feel.

A new Touch Tracer Display features touch sensors on the steering wheel switches that are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. Touch Tracer is the first display system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel.

The ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback for lower fuel consumption.

In pursuit of developing various advanced technologies aimed at realizing sustainable mobility, Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as “ecological plastic,” will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use.

Safety Enhancements

The new Prius was designed to comply with class-top level collision safety performance in each global region of sale, and to accommodate increasingly strict safety requirements in the future.

In addition to advanced driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags and driver’s knee airbag are standard equipment.

Active headrests are used in both front seats to reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota’s standard Star Safety System.

A Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.

Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces.

A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system. Safety Connect, Toyota’s first safety and security service, includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and an SOS call button. Safety Connect will be available a few months after launch.
New Model Strategy

Prius will come in one grade with four different standard equipment packages named II, III, IV and V, each with varying levels of exterior and interior features, allowing buyers to choose the Prius that will best fit their needs (see a complete list of standard features for each model in the attached specification documents).

Option Packages

In addition to its array of standard equipment an impressive list of comfort and convenience features are offered in these three simplified option packages:

    – A Navigation Package available on Prius models III, IV, and V, includes a voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with a JBL AM/FM/four-CD changer with integrated XM satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth® wireless technology, eight speakers and a backup camera.
    – A Solar Roof Package, available in Prius models III and IV, includes all contents in the Navigation Package, a power tilt/slide moonroof with a solar powered ventilation system and a remote air conditioning system.
    – An Advanced Technology Package, available in Prius model V, includes all contents in the Navigation Package; a Pre-Collision System; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Lane Keep Assist (LKA); and IPA.
Color and Trim

Prius will be available in seven exterior colors including Blizzard Pearl, Sandy Beach Metallic, Blue Ribbon Metallic, Winter Gray Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Barcelona Red Metallic and Black. They will be mated to three interior colors that include Misty Gray, Dark Gray and Bisque. All three interior colors will be available in both fabric and leather.

Peace of Mind Warranty Protection

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against corrosion with no mileage limitation. The hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. In applicable states (including Calif., Mass., N.Y, N.J., Vt., Conn., Maine, N.M., and R.I.) hybrid-related component coverage is 15 years/150,000 miles with the exception of the hybrid battery which is warranted for 10 years/ 150,000 miles.

Japan’s Nikkei claims that Toyota will continue to sell the current Prius in Japan when the new third-generation Prius launches later this summer. The business paper said that Toyota plans to keep selling the outgoing Prius with a lower price tag in order to stay competitive with the new 2010 Honda Insight.

According to Nikkei, Toyota will gut the interior of the current Prius as a way of lowering the price tag. Anyone that wants a luxurious and upgraded Prius will have to go for the 2010 model.

The 2010 Toyota Prius comes with many more features and a larger displacement of 1.8 liters, meaning the price tag will go up from the current Prius.

Toyota refused to comment on the report and said: “We don’t comment on future models.” The only thing is – this is not a future model but a current model.

2010 Toyota Prius:

Source: InsideLine

How do you let everyone know that you’re the hybrid king? By kicking off 2009 with the third-generation version of the most popular hybrid to ever drive planet Earth and by launching a certified used hybrid program. Toyota announced today that it will offer a new Toyota Certified Used Hybrid (TCUH) program that will provide inspection and warranty coverage on certified used Toyota hybrids.

Each certified used Toyota hybrid will come with a 3-month/3,000 mile comprehensive warranty, 7-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warrant and roadside assistance plan offered on traditional Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV). Toyota said that the program also brings awareness to a pre-existing eight-year/100,000-mile factory hybrid battery warranty.

The new program also includes 14 additional inspection points beyond the current TCUV 160-point quality assurance inspection. The 174-point Toyota Certified Hybrid inspection includes examination of key hybrid components, such as the hybrid transaxle, control modules and… the battery.