The company has told the Japanese press that the new engine will first enter production in three years' time. The new powertrain can reportedly be adopted by most of Toyota's medium-size and larger models, and having signed technology agreements with GM, Toyota is said to be planning to produce some components of the system in America.

Toyota's first Prius hybrid was launched in 1997, and the second and current model, which generates 1.5 times more electric power than the first, two years ago.

Source: newcarnet.co.uk