New Prius to be bigger, better

Toyota's 1/X concept may hint at some ideas for the new Prius.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

The Truth About Cars blog posted commentary on the next generation Toyota Prius today. The car is supposed to debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show, but a few details have come out in Edmund's Auto Observer. The new Prius will be 3 inches to 4 inches longer than the current model and it will get a 50 horsepower boost. Along with all that, it will get better fuel economy than the current model. The last update was in 2004, so this new version is definitely due. There's also talk of another model in the Prius line, and a Lexus equivalent featuring an even larger engine. Toyota showed off its 1/X concept at the 2008 Tokyo auto show, a study in design materials for a car with a Prius-like body, which might hint at some features of the new model. We also expect the new Prius to be a showcase for new cabin electronics from Toyota.

(Source: The Truth About Cars)

[Dreldragon]

I think Toyota's making a mistake by increasing the size of the car and increasing the horsepower. While mileage may be going up, the former increase will indirectly lower mileage by increasing the mass of the car (unless they've found a way to make the car larger AND reduce overall weight), and the latter increase will directly lower mileage by increasing energy consumption.

This is THE environmentally responsible hybrid car. All of Toyota's engineering prowess should be going towards maintaining that position, rather than making it more comfortable or more powerful. I have yet to hear a Toyota Prius owner complain about not being able to go faster, or fit more in, but I have heard a couple who have remarked on being slightly disappointed by the fuel mileage they've attained in real world conditions.

I'm very disappointed to see Toyota moving the Prius (slightly) closer to greenwashing hybrid SUVs and luxury cars, that might eke out 4-5 MPG more than their gas-only siblings, and primarily use the electric motor for additional torque and power.