11/13/2009

There have been rumors since 2007 that Toyota will launch a larger Prius model, but a new report finally confirms that the upcoming model will hit dealership lots next year.

According to the Yomiuri newspaper in Japan, Toyota is readying its new model launch for 2010, although it is still uncertain what type of body will be used for the upcoming vehicle. A wagon or crossover body is most likely, parting somewhat from the egg or tear-drop shaped Prius.

The new Prius, yet to be named, will be significant because it will mark the first time Toyota uses lithium-ion batteries instead of the standard nickel-metal hydride setup used in the current Prius. The lithium-ion packs store significantly more energy than the nickel-metal arrays, but have been a challenge for Toyota to produce at a cost effective price and also to make sure they are safe and reliable enough for mass production.

The larger Prius will first launch in Japan at about $22,000. Toyota has been quiet about its U.S. release, which has yet to be confirmed, but is highly likely due to the large sales volume of the Prius in the states.

Toyota has also been throwing around the idea of using the Prius as a sub-brand. The brand will specialize in hybrids and green cars, but won’t be quite as full fledged a brand as Lexus and Scion. The larger Prius model could be the first vehicle launched under this new sub-brand.

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