Toyota to preview first Europe-made hybrid, plug-in Prius at Frankfurt show
09/01/2009, 12:29 PM
By Drew Johnson
Toyota will use this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show to show off at least four concept vehicles, including a show car version of what will eventually become the Japanese automaker’s first European-made hybrid vehicle. Toyota’s Lexus luxury brand will also display a hatchback concept at the Frankfurt show.
Toyota revealed on Tuesday that it will display a hybrid version of its Auris at the Frankfurt show. Dubbed the Auris HSD Hybrid, a production version of the concept will begin rolling out of Toyota’s Derby factory near London in mid-2010.
Toyota says the hybrid version of the Auris will sip 19 percent less fuel than its non-hybrid counterpart and spew 17 percent fewer emissions. The Auris platform serves as the basis for the Lexus HS 250h hybrid, so expect fuel economy to check in at about 35 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Toyota will also use the Frankfurt Motor Show to reveal a plug-in hybrid version of its third-generation Prius. Although no mass production plans have been announced for the Prius plug-in hybrid, Toyota will offer 150 examples for fleet use next year.
Additionally, Toyota will show two concept version of the diminutive iQ in Frankfurt, with one appearing to be nothing more than the Scion concept of the same name that appeared at this year’s New York Auto Show.
09/01, 12:40 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
About the most sucktacular, boring lineup I’ll ever see at an Auto Show.
09/01, 6:04 PM
posted by:
teahead
Have you seen what people drive these days? 95% of the people own boring, appliance-like cars for daily transportation.
If you gonna drive something boring, why not something w/good gas mileage?
09/01, 8:48 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Expect the next Prius in 2015 to offer full plug-in capability
DrFill
09/02, 12:28 AM
posted by:
A True Gear Head
Umm I really dont like Toyota, but that iQ is certainly not boring..
09/02, 12:30 AM
posted by:
MrTreize
If Toyota wanted to impress anybody with its European Prius lineup they would introduce a clean diesel hybrid with an engine sourced from VW. That would obliterate any perceived mileage competition from diesel only vehicles in Europe. As it stands, real world numbers do not lie. Clean diesel vehicles from VW and Mercedes get better mileage in real world numbers, proven time and time again. Not saying the Prius gets significantly worse numbers but even 1 less MPG for a powertrain that is all about fuel savings compared to a standard engine is hurtful to your brand.
09/02, 9:42 AM
posted by:
GMasaurus
One word: Turd.