Filed under: Hybrid, Manufacturing/Plants, Toyota, Detroit Auto Show
Toyota considering April 2009 intro for next-gen Prius
Click on the photo for a gallery of high-res images of the Hybrid-X Concept
We've been hearing about the third-generation Toyota Prius for a very long time, and we're really looking forward to seeing it in person at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, where we are expecting its official debut to take place. What we don't know, however, is when the model will actually go on sale. A preliminary hint comes courtesy of Korea, as an un-named Toyota of Korea source is quoted as suggesting that the next-gen Prius will get an official launch in April of 2009 in the United States, Japan and Korea. Apparently, Toyota believes that the hybrid will be a very important model for the Korean market, and is set to price the vehicle very aggressively. Pricing information for the U.S. market is unavailable, of course. Getting back to Korea, the article also mentions that tax breaks are expected in that country for purchasers of hybrid vehicles, which, along with the high price of fuel, could make the fuel-sipping vehicles quite popular.
[Source: Digital Chosun Ilbo via Prius Chat]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TheRookie 4:52PM (6/05/2008)
From that Korean article:
"The third-generation Prius comes with a bigger engine, up to 1.8 liters from the existing 1.5, and enhanced fuel efficiency of 40 km per liter."
Is this correct? This is translated to 2.5l\100km, 94mpg (US) or ~113mpg (UK). If yes, then does anyone knows when this thing is coming to Europe?
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Peter L 6:17PM (6/05/2008)
April 1st?
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James 6:21PM (6/05/2008)
I still say the company that can come out with a four door car say like the Honda accord that can run 80 mph and have a 400 mile range on a charge. Will make a fortune they would not be able to make them fast enough.
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Karkus 6:51PM (6/05/2008)
They already can't make the current hybrids fast enough.
As for the 94mpg number, that was on the old Japanese test (where the current Prius tested at 35.5 km/l or 83.5 mpg)
http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-news/17451-2008-prius-stats-revealed-lithium-ion-94-mpg-7.html
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/08/prius-certified.html
So that's a ~13% increase over the current model MPG, which would put it into the low 50s.
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giyad 8:48PM (6/05/2008)
DESIGN come on!!!! why?? why???
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Kevin Nugent 9:35PM (6/05/2008)
well all i can say is that once that new pruis hits the market belive me when i say the list for one at dealers will only grow. As it stands they are having a fit trying to keep up with demand. In my opinion the current pruis needs that redesign that is bound to happen in april so that would make more buyers drawn to it.
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tark 2:24AM (6/06/2008)
Where's my ABAT ? Seriously I need a truck
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Peekoyle 9:34AM (6/06/2008)
I've said it before.... Surely they could come up with a better front end that doesnt look like a giant beaver face.
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scott.brownlee 10:14AM (6/06/2008)
That picture is not the new Prius - that is a show car from a couple of years ago.
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Rob O. 10:34AM (6/06/2008)
I'm digging the Yaris-esqe styling! If the production model actually looks like that photo, I'm in!
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Sasparilla 12:17PM (6/06/2008)
Does anyone else find it strange that Toyota keeps slipping the intro date for the 09 Prius? Originally it was to be fall 08 then it was pushed back to Jan 09 and now its back to April 09. Seems like something is up...this is a full year delay from original target and Toyota is normally precise about these things. The small rise in efficiency is not what alot of people were hoping for - I wonder if they're trying to make some last minute adjustments? BTW, the picture is of a concept show car - not the 2009 Prius...you can find shots of the 2009 Prius on the web if you hunt around, its alot closer to the 2004 - 2008 Prius design.
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tekdemon 3:31AM (6/07/2008)
Actually April 2009 is a move-up in launch date from the previous estimates.
The January 09 date you're thinking of is going to be the reveal date, where it'll be revealed at the auto show. (unless there was also an original 1/09 launch date, which is likely/possible)
Either way though it's a move up from the last dates announced which was Q3 2009...so it's been bumped up 1-2 quarters.
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