Automotive News say 2010 Prius will be.....

[edwjmcgrath]

Only one model-not multiple models as previously suggested. One other Hybrid-only model will be Japan only.

2010 will be "improved" NiMH. No plug-in until Li-Ion battery.

Engine will be Corolla 1.8L.

Size will be pretty much the same: 1/2" longer, 1" wider.

Interior and exterior get only minor upgrading. It'll still look like a prius.

Here's a link that doesn't require a subscription:

Toyota gives Prius improved batteries, slows pickup push | Car Tech: An automotive blog from CNET - CNET Reviews

[ScarGo]

"But, the interior upgrades buyers asked for were too expensive for the project, so it may still have a cost-down appearance inside."

Hmmm... I hope there is a seat height adjuster..

[Tideland Prius]

They're still saying 1.8 litre even though we're almost certain it'll be the 1ZR 1.6 litre engine.

[JamesWyatt]

Wow, I'm reeling at the statement that the FJ will be history. I'm stunned they didn't try a diesel or hybrid setup. Such a shame to just let such a unique vehicle die.

On the "inefficient" side of the equation, truck-based SUVs are clearly out of favor at Toyota. While it was too late to cancel the 2010 4Runner, expect the FJ Cruiser to be a one-generation vehicle. The Sequoia may become little more than a niche offering. The tepid market for big pickups will slow development of variants to the Tundra full-sized pickup.

and

FJ Cruiser: The swooning body-on-frame SUV segment means there isn't room for the FJ and the 4Runner, so the FJ is one-and-done.

[JustAnotherAsian]

Originally Posted by JamesWyatt

Wow, I'm reeling at the statement that the FJ will be history. I'm stunned they didn't try a diesel or hybrid setup. Such a shame to just let such a unique vehicle die.

but if you were forced to... which would you rather cut in the mid-size body-on-frame camp? the 4-runner or the fj? i'd kill the fj in a heartbeat, even though i'd prefer it.

4-runner nameplate is stronger than the fj cruiser's.

[JamesWyatt]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherAsian

but if you were forced to... which would you rather cut in the mid-size body-on-frame camp? the 4-runner or the fj? i'd kill the fj in a heartbeat, even though i'd prefer it.

4-runner nameplate is stronger than the fj cruiser's.

The current 4Runner is lost in Toyota's own SUV sea. The 4Runner lost it's tough off road stance a while back. I owned a 1994 4wd with no added frills (sunroofs or running boards), and I loved it.

I think the FJ has a strong niche market and gives Toyota some "quirky goodness" they lost with the demise of vehicles like the Celica, Paseo, MR2, etc. Toyota has become too conformist getting to the top, and the FJ adds the perfect balance at the other end of the scale.

The FJ is to Toyota's SUV/truck lineup as the Prius is to the car lineup.. almost anti-Toyotas in styling and serve as exhibition platforms for the engineering teams.

[Black2006]

Originally Posted by JamesWyatt

... I think the FJ has a strong niche market and gives Toyota some "quirky goodness" they lost with the demise of vehicles like the Celica, Paseo, MR2, etc. Toyota has become too conformist getting to the top, and the FJ adds the perfect balance at the other end of the scale.

The FJ is to Toyota's SUV/truck lineup as the Prius is to the car lineup.. almost anti-Toyotas in styling and serve as exhibition platforms for the engineering teams.

Nailed it:-)

I never looked at a Toyota until the Prius.

The new FJ is a bit over-styled for me, but it's still an interesting car and something I might've considered. (I wish they would update the styling of the old FJ in a more measured way, like VW did with the Beetle, and do a hybrid.)

The rest of the Toyota line up, with the possible exception of the Scion, might as well be all "soccer-mom minivans," or "your father's Camry," as far as I am concerned

[DeadPhish]

Some interesting stuff in that article and some glaring errors as well.

As Tideland noted that reference to the 1.8L from the Corolla going into the Prius is probably wrong.

The note about the Venza getting the 2.7L which is a bored out 2.4L is equally wrong. The two engines are entirely different.

I'd take half of it as fact. The only question is 'which' half is fact?

[Tideland Prius]

Yeah it's the other way around. The 2.7L is a bored out 2.5 litre.. both AR engines I think??

[spwolf]

Originally Posted by Tideland Prius

They're still saying 1.8 litre even though we're almost certain it'll be the 1ZR 1.6 litre engine.

that whole article is full of holes... I believe they are right about size - slightly bigger and better packaging.

As to the engine - I am pretty sure it will be 1.8 ZR engine for better highway mileage. All reports from reliable sources (including toyota) talk about 1.8 engine.