Auto Observer reports that the next generation of Toyota's wildly successful Prius hybrid "is coming soon and will launch at the Detroit auto show in January 2009." The car will be "a touch bigger so offering more space. It will come with stronger 1.8-liter hybrid performance yet at the same time boast even better economy and class leading emissions, if early word is correct." The Prius will feature "a bigger 1797 cc four cylinder gas engine to cope with the bigger body and counter criticism in some quarters of the weedy performance of the current 1.5," boosting the total output of the car to 160 horsepower (up from the current 110). Sources say Toyota rates the new configuration for 94 mpg.
CNET is anxious to see it, noting that "The last update was in 2004, so this new version is definitely due. There's also talk of another model in the Prius line, and a Lexus equivalent featuring an even larger engine."
The Truth About Cars is disappointed, commenting, "Imagine how much more it could be up if they weren't trying to squeeze another 50 horses out of the car, or adding 4 inches to the body."
As we reported in February, the shape of the 2009 Prius is expected to resemble that of Toyota's Hybrid X concept, pictured above.
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