From the March 2008 issue:
Traditionally tight-lipped Toyota has released few official details on the 2009 Prius, but no orgnaization that large is completely free of loose lips, so here's the best info we've ginned from the rumor mill.
Edgier styling will cloak a body expected to grow an inch in width for better three-across seating as its length is bobbed by a similar amount. The Prius engine grows to 1.8 liters while economy improves and an extended-range battery with plug-in capability will be added as soon as the lithium-ion batteries needed to meet the packaging and performance targets are ready for prime time. The car will likely launch with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, then may transition to lithium-ion in the conventional (shallow-discharge) hybrid before being upsized for plug-in duty.
A Prius wagon should follow around 2011, possibly with unique styling in the vein of the Hybrid X concept shown last year at Geneva. A third, smaller (Yaris-size) Prius also could become a part of the mix, each with unique hybrid-only styling and a Prius moniker, but Toyota will still build hybrid versions of other mainstream models in its quest to increase annual hybrid production to over a million by 2017 (Toyota just built its millionth hybrid in May 2007, roughly a decade after the system lauched.)
SUM UP: Poised to remain the hybrid to beat.
2009 Prius, according to Motor Trend
Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Arroyo, Feb 5, 2008.
![[IMG]](http://www.lacar.com/images/pages/editors/prius2009mt.jpg)