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.
11/10, 7:35 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
2012? by that time the world wouldn’t even exist according to the Mayan calendar, in a more intelligent oppinion, I think even NASCAR would be hybrid by 2012.
11/10, 8:55 PM
posted by:
DrFill
I say the future is ours
IF YOU CAN COUNT!
DrFill
11/10, 9:18 PM
posted by:
A4
i still love how you are calling the prius a sedan
better not use the H word or all sales will drop off the face of the earth.
11/10, 9:32 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Why are they so intent on spinning off a hybrid only division? Does this mean that in the future no ‘regular’ Toyotas will be? And what’s the original Prius going to be called- the Prius Prius Classic?
11/10, 10:00 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
for some reason i think Apple has something to do with this… i think they are trying to takeover the world
11/10, 10:04 PM
posted by:
eddie_313
i dun know why they dun sell any hybrids in ma country (saudi arabia)……
oh i get it!! cuz we get petrol for 0.45 riyals a litre ova here!! lolz!!
11/10, 11:25 PM
posted by:
olds307
Didn’t they vote yes on Prop. 8?
11/10, 11:30 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
If the SEMA show was any indication. the A-BAT truck concept will be Scion xB-based.. the xB truck concept they had there was pretty slick!
11/11, 2:40 AM
posted by:
VWgrouP
I think a new all hybrid Toyota division is an alright idea, but they have to keep in mind that its pretty hard to suddenly bring a new unfamiliar automotive brand into the NA market.
HAHA EDDIE..try some friggin proper spelling and grammar!…LOLZ ATCHU!
11/11, 10:33 PM
posted by:
cereal
Good.
They can actually make a coupe that would work. That would be much better. No doubt better than the current Prius.
And I have a feeling the truck won’t make Scion. Just because, it doesn’t seem to fit with the other three.
And also– Hybrid Scions? Really?
-eat your cereal
11/11, 11:22 PM
posted by:
DrFill
The iQ goes to Scion
The A-Bat to ‘Yota
DrFill