Leftlane broke the news earlier this year that Toyota had given the green light a new Prius brand, and it looks as though the Japanese automaker is determined to grow the brand into a full model lineup. Our original report has been corroborated by Motor Trend, with a few new details.
Although Toyota still has the hybrid market on lock down, Honda is preparing to launch some new hybrid models, which could intrude on Toyota’s territory. To make sure Honda doesn’t surpass it in the hybrid race, Toyota is planning a few new models of its own.
The Prius brand will of course include the ‘classic’ Prius and a larger, more up-scale model, but Toyota also intends to develop at least one or two entry-level models.
According to Motor Trend, Toyota is currently developing a 2+2 coupe version of the Prius, which would do battle with Honda’s upcoming CRZ hybrid. The Prius two-door would take on a much sleeker look than its sedan sibling, featuring a sloping roofline, lower ride height and generally more sporting proportions.
The Prius coupe would use the same drivetrain found in the standard Prius, but, thanks to a lighter curb weight, would have better performance figures than the ho-hum Prius sedan.
Also in the works is a production version of the A-BAT Concept pickup truck. Toyota hasn’t yet nailed down which brand will get the production version of the A-BAT hybrid truck, but it seems like the Prius brand would be a perfect fit. However, Scion is still in the running for the small truck.
No official word on when to expect the Prius brand and its subsequent models, but sources have indicated Toyota is targeting a 2012 launch date.
