Upcoming Toyota lineup

[zenMachine]

Prius: The hybrid will be redesigned in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model. Despite earlier reports that the Prius would have several body styles, the line will be limited to one model. The lithium ion battery pack is not ready, so Toyota will offer what it says is an improved nickel-metal hydride battery. That also means there will be no plug-in system at launch--Toyota is waiting for lithium ion to unveil plug-in technology.

The engine behind the batteries will be increased from the Yaris' 1.5-liter four-cylinder up to the Corolla's 1.8-liter engine. The car will be a half-inch longer and about an inch wider.

But, the interior upgrades buyers asked for were too expensive for the project, so it may still have a cost-down appearance inside. As exterior design goes, it's the same basic shape with crisper lines. There will be no mistaking it for anything but a Prius.

Second hybrid: The second Toyota-badged, hybrid-only vehicle that President Katsuaki Watanabe promised at the 2008 Detroit auto show was something of an overstatement. That vehicle will be for Japan only.

Venza: In terms of styling, the 2009 Venza crossover splits the difference between a Sienna and a Highlander, with a low roofline but high beltline and narrow greenhouse.

The Venza is based on the Camry platform, so it will share the 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The base engine will be a bored-out, 2.7-liter version of the Camry's 2.4-liter inline-four. Both engines will drive a six-speed automatic transmission.

Like the Camry, the Venza seats five occupants. No third-row seat will be offered. Toyota required that the vehicle be able to fit a 42-inch flat-screen TV or a mountain bike. A hybrid will come in the 2012 model year.

Sienna: The current Sienna gets pushed out until the fall of 2009 as a 2010 model, making the current run almost a six-year cycle. The redesigned 2010 model will feature more room for third-row passengers and more cargo space, as well as a six-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version will come for the 2012 model year.

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

[TimBikes]

Originally Posted by zenMachine

Prius: The hybrid will be redesigned in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model. Despite earlier reports that the Prius would have several body styles, the line will be limited to one model. The lithium ion battery pack is not ready, so Toyota will offer what it says is an improved nickel-metal hydride battery. That also means there will be no plug-in system at launch--Toyota is waiting for lithium ion to unveil plug-in technology.

The engine behind the batteries will be increased from the Yaris' 1.5-liter four-cylinder up to the Corolla's 1.8-liter engine. The car will be a half-inch longer and about an inch wider.

But, the interior upgrades buyers asked for were too expensive for the project, so it may still have a cost-down appearance inside. As exterior design goes, it's the same basic shape with crisper lines. There will be no mistaking it for anything but a Prius.

Second hybrid: The second Toyota-badged, hybrid-only vehicle that President Katsuaki Watanabe promised at the 2008 Detroit auto show was something of an overstatement. That vehicle will be for Japan only.

Venza: In terms of styling, the 2009 Venza crossover splits the difference between a Sienna and a Highlander, with a low roofline but high beltline and narrow greenhouse.

The Venza is based on the Camry platform, so it will share the 3.5-liter V-6 engine. The base engine will be a bored-out, 2.7-liter version of the Camry's 2.4-liter inline-four. Both engines will drive a six-speed automatic transmission.

Like the Camry, the Venza seats five occupants. No third-row seat will be offered. Toyota required that the vehicle be able to fit a 42-inch flat-screen TV or a mountain bike. A hybrid will come in the 2012 model year.

Sienna: The current Sienna gets pushed out until the fall of 2009 as a 2010 model, making the current run almost a six-year cycle. The redesigned 2010 model will feature more room for third-row passengers and more cargo space, as well as a six-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid version will come for the 2012 model year.

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

So the Prius won't be a plug in and lacks lithium ion, the second hybrid was "an overstatement", the Venza hybrid won't hit until 2012, and the Sienna is delayed one more year with a hybrid delayed until 2012?

And people bitch about GM and the Volt? GM haters, take note.

[JamesWyatt]

2009 will be a good year for Honda.

[skruse]

Japan uses SI measurements. The US system of Measurement, per the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Bush) makes SI the only legal, and preferred, system of measurement in the US. The 2009-2010 Prius cannot be measured in inches. Perhaps it will be 2 to 4 centimeters longer. Prii are made to SI standards. Why did the writer make use of archaic (pre-1862) measuring units to describe a 2009-10 vehicle?

[zenMachine]

Originally Posted by skruse

Why did the writer make use of archaic (pre-1862) measuring units to describe a 2009-10 vehicle?

So American readers can understand??? Just a wild guess.

[McDonald]

Looks like I'll be holding on to my Prius for a few years then. We want a plug!

[rfruth]

Is Toyota not going to compete with the 19K Honda hybrid - maybe the margins are too small in the sub 20K market ?

[morpheusx]

Originally Posted by rfruth

Is Toyota not going to compete with the 19K Honda hybrid - maybe the margins are too small in the sub 20K market ?

They probably realize that there will be few dealers who actually sell it at MSRP and it will mostly likely pad an extra 3 grand to the dealers pockets and end up selling at $21 -$22 grand, so no need to compete just yet.

[Spectra]

Originally Posted by zenMachine

Prius:
The engine behind the batteries will be increased from the Yaris' 1.5-liter four-cylinder up to the Corolla's 1.8-liter engine. The car will be a half-inch longer and about an inch wider.

Larger engine & larger size?

I'd say we got in at the right time for max MPG & min emissions.

Why on Earth is Toyota doing the "new improved larger powerful" American thing? To attract Hummer drivers?

[TimBikes]

Originally Posted by Spectra

Larger engine & larger size?

I'd say we got in at the right time for max MPG & min emissions.

Why on Earth is Toyota doing the "new improved larger powerful" American thing? To attract Hummer drivers?

To broaden the market, obviously.

It'll likely get much better fuel economy than the current version despite being roomier and more powerful. The added power will be nice to have since you will now (presumably) be able to seat 3 lifesize passengers in back, instead of 2.5, currently. So maybe a buyer who is on the fence will now consider the Prius. I don't see anything wrong with that.

My beef is with auto makers that come out with more powerful engines but that are getting no better mpg than the existing model. I don't think that is in Toyota's plan here.