Archive for the ‘Prius News’ Category

Last week, we outlined the first in a “family” of 2012 Prii with the spacious Prius V. Toyota hinted at a wide variety of different Prii for the coming years, including possibilities of a minivan, SUV, and even a convertible – but no one expected this.

As Motor Trend reports, the Prius Sports Coupe is currently in the works for 2014 – a model that will add a whole new dimension to a vehicle that was thought of only as a fuel-saver for those in a specific demographic. Although this one won’t make its debut for a few more years, it does provide a glimpse into an evolving hybrid market and the future of Toyota.

The image displayed on the right is one artist’s vision of what the Prius Sports Coupe might look like. The development of this model represents the gravitation toward hybrids that are more fun to drive as they increase in popularity and become more mainstream. Insiders of the situation report that the next generation of Toyota hybrids will incorporate the plug-in hybrid unit, rear-drive platform, and a manual transmission option.

Other future rumors include Prius as its own separate brand under the Toyota umbrella, potentially where all Toyota hybrids will fall. Toyota may also be developing a new hydrogen-powered sedan for the coming years, all of which we are excited about. Stay tuned for more news as it develops here and on Facebook!

Looking for your own innovative Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @ greshamtoyota.com!

Perhaps the greatest challenge in creating fuel-efficient vehicles is achieving a large enough size to fit the whole family without sacrificing big bucks at the pump.

Enter the 2012 Prius V.

As Motor Trend reports, the second in the “family” of 2012 Prii presents a more fuel-efficient option to the consumer who enjoys the space of vehicles in the crossover and SUV categories. Toyota noted that Americans often seek increased comfort and more cargo space in mid-sized vehicles rather than cramming more passengers into a third row seat, so the 58% extra space is utilized for extra passenger comfort and cargo space.

The “V” in this Prius stands for versatility, and it delivers exactly that. Despite being 238 pounds heavier than the standard Prius, it still delivers an impressive 44 city MPG. Also reported was a “level of driving elegance that’s simply absent from the normal car”. They were especially impressed at how such a large hybrid could handle so smoothly around the California curves. Rather than targeting existing Prius owners who need more room, Toyota is launching the Prius V to provide a better option to Crossover and SUV owners who aren’t excited about $4.00/gallon fuel prices. The company predicts this model to account for 15-20% of 2012 Prius sales.

We’re excited for the new lineup of Prii, each with their own unique personality and benefits. Read the full article and stay tuned for more information as it rolls out!

Looking for your own innovative Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @ greshamtoyota.com!

Continuing with a commitment to develop innovative future vehicles, Toyota has is releasing new additions to the Prius family. Last week’s New York Auto Show set the stage for a reveal of the crossover Prius V and a tri-engine electric plug-in version. As reported in a recent New Jersey Newsroom, each vehicle will compete in different car segments.

The Prius V will be one of the newest additions to the crossover segment and is set to compete with the likes of the Honda Crosstour and Nissan Murano. The roomier Prius V achieves only slightly less gas mileage than the original, with an estimated EPA rating of 42 MPG city and 38 MPH highway. This is an impressive feat for a full-sized family ride. Other features include folding second row seats and an Entune multimedia entertainment system.

Competing in an entirely different niche is the Prius Plug-In Electric vehicle. So far, 160 “test” vehicles are already on the road. The new plug-in goes a step further than the original Prius, allowing the driver to use a third power system. The addition of the third has already proved useful in increasing mileage between power-ups.

We can’t wait to see the latest Prius models hitting the pavement early next year.

Looking for your own innovative Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @ greshamtoyota.com!

The Toyota Ideas For Good campaign has attracted thousands of entries, and now comes the hard part. A panel of independent judges will narrow down the submissions to 25 finalists, and all indications suggest they have their work cut out for them.

Toyota asked contestants to submit ideas for how they would use Prius technology to make a better world. Members of the public are encouraged by the advertising campaign to find new, non-automotive applications for five distinct Toyota technologies to ultimately benefit society. One winner in each of the five technology categories will witness their idea spring into reality. Winners will be determined by a formula based on input from the Toyota panel of gurus and the general public. Additionally, winners will receive their pick of a new Prius, Venza or Highlander Hybrid as a prize.

Check out one of the latest videos where engineers from Deeplocal build a solar-powered relief tent!

Looking for your own innovative Toyota vehicle? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @ greshamtoyota.com!

While most of the cars that debuted at the recent Geneva Auto Show were diminutive in size in accordance with European tastes, Toyota offered innovation in a family-friendly size. As Motor Trend reports, the Prius+ is modeled after the American Prius V, which boasts nearly 50 percent more cargo room than the original Prius sedan.

One of the main differences in the Prius+ is the third row of seating that brings the passenger capacity to 7, surpassing that of the Prius V.  When not in use, the 50/50 split bench can be folded flat for additional load space. This is also the first Toyota vehicle in production to receive the new lithium-ion battery. The new battery’s smaller size allowed engineers to  place it beneath the center console- a move that could free up additional interior space.

The Toyota Prius+ just may ‘mind the gap’ between fuel-efficient innovation and family-friendly size in Europe.

Looking for your own innovative Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @ greshamtoyota.com!