At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Toyota unveiled two all new Toyota Prius cars. One is called the Toyota Prius C. The other is called the Toyota Prius V.
Right now, both are concept cars. These are prototype vehicles meant to show off new technologies and new styling. According to a news release from Toyota, some form of the Toyota Prius C will hit the market sometime in 2012.
The Prius V should hit sometime late in 2011.
To help you get a taste for what is in store, here is what you need to know about the Toyota Prius C and the Prius V.
The C Stands For City
The Toyota Prius C will be a city car for a young generation of drivers. It will be the third car in the Prius hybrid family. It will join the Prius (third generation) and the Prius V.
The Prius C will be a compact car made for city driving. Because of its small size, this hybrid car is expected to get excellent gas mileage.
The exterior of the vehicle has a similar styling to the current third generation Prius. However, the new vehicle has a smaller, streamlined look. At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, the hybrid car featured a vibrant blue paint color and a sporty style of wheels.
The V Stands For Versatility
The Prius V will be a larger, family oriented vehicle. According to the Toyota news release, the Prius V will have more leg room than the current third generation of Prius cars.
It will also feature 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. This would make it the most spacious hybrid car on the market. It probably would also rival some standard and hybrid sport utility vehicles.
The exterior of the vehicle would retain the standard Prius triangular shape. However, the car would feature improved aerodynamics as well as a refined backdoor panel.
According to the Toyota news release the Prius V would have the following specifications:
Length: 181.7
Width: 69.9
Height: 62.0
Wheelbase: 109.4
Wheels: 16-inch alloy, 17-inch allow (optional)
Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder
Horsepower: 98 hp
Drive System: Front wheel drive
Battery: Nickel metal hydride
Most importantly, the Prius V would features 42 miles per gallon for city driving and 38 miles per gallon for highway driving. Combined that is 40 miles per gallon.
Other Vehicles
In 2012 Toyota will also feature a plug-in Prius. According to the news release, it will be able to be driven up to 13-miles on plug in battery power. Once that power is depleted, it will work similar to standard Toyota Prius cars.
This new lineup of hybrid vehicles will probably change the hybrid car landscape. In the mean time, people can purchase the standard third generation Prius.
