Click on the photo for a gallery of high-res images of the Hybrid-X Concept

There's a good deal that we already know about Toyota's next Prius. For instance, we expect it to make its formal debut in 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show, along with a possible Lexus sister. We know that Toyota plans to increase production by 60 percent in 2009. We also expect Prius V.3 to be equipped with nickel metal hydride batteries to start, though lithium ions could go into the Lexus model. A recent article on Auto Observer reinforces all of these points and adds that Toyota is planning to increase the displacement of the new Prius' internal combustion engine to 1.8 liters from today's 1.5 liters. This should offer twenty-five extra horsepower from the engine, pushing total power to a combined 160 horses. Even with the added gumption, the next Prius is expected to post an efficiency increase of around 10 percent, possibly achieving 50-55 miles per gallon in the real world.

The next-gen Prius is expected to grow a bit larger and could get a wagon option as well, though the assorted hybrid bits will actually decrease in size. If the next Prius grows too large for your needs, rumors indicate that a smaller hybrid under the Prius banner is also possible. Auto Observer quotes an anonymous source as suggesting that the next generation Prius is "still Prius-eque, but a bit bigger and more solid looking." The current Prius' styling is an acquired taste, but most consider Gen-2 better looking than Gen-1. We have high hopes for the next Prius redesign, and the possible Prius brand as well.

[Source: Auto Observer]

Ever see a car smile? It sure looks like that's what this redesigned Prius is doing testing out in Death Valley, as captured by KGP Photography and posted to Jalopnik. The vehicle as seen is not all that different from the current Prius model, just with a grinning grill and some changes to the headlights. Toyota is working on a redesigning the current model before the (delayed) next-generation Prius hits the streets.

While this smiling tester gives us a glimpse into the near future, ABG reader David has give some thought to what the next-gen Prius will look like. Click on the photo at right to see Jalopnik's gallery of new Prius spy photos.

[Source: Jalopnik via Auto Future h/t to David]

Toyota has released a teaser shot of the new hybrid concept that will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Alongside the FT-HS that was first shown in Detroit, Toyota will present the Hybrid X, as a technology showcase for their future hybrid models. Judging from the rear corner that is shown and the timing of this concept, it is probably safe to assume (is it ever really safe to assume?) that this concept will give a pretty strong hint at the look and mechanicals of the next generation Toyota Prius which is due sometime next year. The press release states that the concept shows a new design language for future hybrid models from Toyota. We'll just have to wait and see. The Toyota Europe press release is after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

WorldCarFans has an image of what may or may not be the next generation Toyota Prius. Expected to hit the road sometime in 2008, the third generation of the hybrid pioneer might have lithium-ion batteries, factory plug-in capability, a solar cell roof, all-wheel-drive, any combination of the above or even none of them. The image presents a car that looks like a mash-up of shortened Honda FCX, Gallardo headlights and 350Z fascia. So far Toyota's not saying anything other than that there will be a new Prius sometime in the future.

[Source: WorldCarFans via Jalopnik]