Chicago (IL) - Recently published photos of the third-generation 2010 Toyota Prius have been confirmed by Toyota to be authentic. However, Toyota declined to provide additional information about the new hybrid – information that is likely to become available not until the unveiling of the car at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
Judging by what we can see now, the 2009 Prius should be about the same size as the current model, though previous shots published on the Indicated that the car could be both a little wider and shorter. The overall styling appears to be more refined and aligned with a much more fluid design theme that evolves from flat face of current Toyota models, such as the 2009 Corolla and Camry. The car also gets bigger wheels and, at least subjectively, looks fancier than the Prius gen 1 and 2.
The vehicles new headlights are pulled back over the fenders, giving the car sleeker lines; there are square fog lights and turn signals accent the curviness of the vehicle. The rear is hard to see but seems as though it may have a less exaggerated spoiler, and be more rounded than it was previously.
The interior has been completely overhauled. The dash has been rearranged and the infotainment screen has been placed beneath the vents, making it an easier reach for the driver. The gear shift was moved down from the dash to the center console making it appear more like a typical gear shift in an automatic car. It also appears that the Prius has gone digital, though we’ll have to wait until the unveiling to know what it is truly equipped with. It seems that a new port has been added besides the 12-volt outlet, which could indicate that a 110-volt outlet or an iPod/auxiliary input has been added.
Despite its focus on economy and the plug-in capability as well as solar panels we would hope to see in this Prius generation, it is widely speculated that the 2010 Prius will get an engine upgrade. Instead of the 1.5l, 110 hp power plant, the new model could switch to a 1.6l version with 120 to 125 hp. The new Prius will initially launch with nickel-metal-hydride batteries, but Toyota already announced that it will switch to lithium-ion technology soon.
While Toyota is largely responsible for the hybrid’s positive image in the U.S. public, it needs a capable upgrade of its current version. Honda already announced its Prius fighter, the 2010 Insight. The Insight is believed to be priced at less than $19,000 when it hits the market, while today’s Prius is priced from $21,550 and up. The Insight is believed to provide a gas efficiency of at least 50 MPG. The current Prius is rated at 48 MPG / 45 MPG (city/hwy).