The 2010 Toyota Prius is said to be a slightly scaled-up version of today's sloped-roof 4-door hatchback sedan. One company source describes it as "Prius-esque, but a bit bigger and more solid-looking." And hold onto your credit cards: A second Prius model is expected to appear after the new hatchback goes on sale, likely within 12 months. It's rumored to be a "wagon" or "minivan" style that could resemble the recent Hybrid X concept and will be about the same size as the hatchback.
The 2010 Toyota Prius gets a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine of similar design to the current 1.5-liter unit. An apparent response to some customers' request for zippier performance, the replacement engine makes 98 horsepower versus 75. Combined gas/electric horsepower is said to be 134, up from 110. There's been no carping about Prius' electric Hybrid Synergy Drive, but we understand Toyota has re-engineered the system to be lighter, more compact, and more powerful despite launching the new model with conventional NiMH batteries. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) will remain mandatory, but will doubtless be re-engineered, too.
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