New Toyota Prius, More Hybrids Coming in 2009

Today, Toyota announced that the next-generation Prius would go on sale in the U.S. in 2009. Even bigger news is that Toyota will introduce two additional hybrids. One will be a Lexus and one another Toyota. 

Both will be completely new models, meaning they won’t be hybrid versions of existing cars, like the Camry Hybrid or Lexus RX 400h. The Toyota will be larger than the Prius and will be a “totally new car.” Meaning, it won’t be a Venza hybrid.

The Lexus will be based on the Prius platform, so it might become the company’s new entry-level vehicle.

Toyota will debut the new models at the Detroit auto show in January 2009, which no doubt has some symbolism. The company is aiming its sights squarely on the American market, and domestic automakers will be hard-pressed to come up with new models that will steal the spotlight from Toyota. 

Toyota reveals plan for new hybrids, including plug-in model (MotorTrend)

Comments

[ziggy]

What happened to Toyota creating a new line-up under the Prius name? Has that gone by the wayside? 4 new hybrids by 2015 and Honda coming out with 3 news in the next two years - that's good news!

[ziggy]

I've seen reports that new Prius will get around 70 mpg and the plug-in is reported at 100 mpg. And this can all change with improvements in the battery technology.

"domestic automakers will be hard-pressed to come up with new models that will steal the spotlight from Toyota." Now Dave - don't be cynical.

[Tony]

Finally they're coming!

[Keith]

Umm...proper use of cynicism by Dave would have been "domestic automakers should have started development of hybrids 10 years ago but they had their SUV blinders on so once again they will be upstaged by Toyota and this time at their hometown autoshow."

[Dave T.]

The only thing that will steal a new Prius' thunder is a production model of the Volt, with a price tag attached.

[woogie]

How does a plug in get 100mpg when it doesn't use gas?

Is this based on the fuel required to generate the electricity to travel 100 miles?

[Keith]

Dave,
I wouldn't be surprised if GM does show the production version of the Volt but I can't see them releasing too many details including the price. We will probably see Ford's Fusion hybrid as well.

[Dave T.]

Keith,
Fusion/Fusion Hybrid may be an L.A. reveal. Detroit usually features bigger models. They also have to unveil the new Taurus somewhere but that may be Chicago.

I think big news would be the Kuga coming to the U.S. as the next Escape. That won't likely happen this year though. Maybe Fiesta production versions? I don't know. Ford doesn't have much.

GM has a new Cobalt they gotta put out, chevy equinox, new buick sedan, cadillac and saab midsize crossovers. Much more in their pipeline. none will be mainstream media magnets like a Prius or Volt.

Chrysler...they got nuthin.

[Dave T.]

Woogie,
The volt and other plug-in HYBRIDS we'ver heard about all have a gasoline generator of sorts that will charge the batteries. So you still fill it up with gas. That way you can't run out of a charge on a long road trip. the powertrain itself, what moves the wheels, is all electric.

[Keith]

Agreed...these standalone hybrid models are the attention grabbers.

[ziggy]

Woogie -
The plug in hybrid is basically a hybrid that can also run on battery power alone. When the battery runs out the engine kicks in. Then you take it home and plug it in.

[ziggy]

Dave -
I've heard rumors that Ford might bring over the Ka and the Imax(mazda5). Also Dodge might have production version of the Hornet concept. I also read somewhere that the plug in hybrid Prius will be priced under 30K.

[DodgeFan]

I would assume Dodge would show their version of the Versa that Nissan is building for them. I like Dodges but probably have to go for the Ford Fiesta when it comes out for gas milleage and lower price than a smart car. Like you Dave I think they already showed all their products. Maybe they will show us the Seabring replacement. Personally I think they might hold off on the Avenger replacment.

[Rich]

If these Toyota hybrid news releases are factual, the major news that I see in them is that anybody remotely thinking about buying a new non-hybrid automobile at this time will be wise to wait. Otherwise, your new non-hybrid car's resale value will fall "like a rock off of a cliff". This latest news from Toyota and Honda means remaining new car sales for 2008 as well as the next year will suffer. People will (and should) hold off buying a car until next year (2009).

[LM]

Dodgefan - Your comments sound so, 1995. Chrysler is in serious trouble. They have crappy products and now have no "mothership" to siphon crap away from (M-B's BlueTec for instance).

I would be fine with them going away.

[ziggy]

I don't think the new hybrids coming from Honda and Toyota will have an impact on the high mpg vehicles that are out now. Most of the car buying public don't pay attention to the industry news. It's like saying the civic hybrid will hurt regular civic sales. That's not happening. Now in 3-4 years when we have about 7-8 hybrid models from H and T to choose from - then we might see an impact - by then gas will be $8 a gallon.

[Tony]

"Chrysler...they got nuthin."

Hey, they got gas cards!

5 years.
4 years, 364 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds....

[Pat]

I think Electric Cars is the way to go. You can see some cool videos of hybrids on www.greenenergytv.com Also, I saw a video on that site that shows Israel in getting off of oil and will have all electric cars within 3 years. If they can do, then we can too!

Pat