TOKYO — Toyota Motor is planning to expand its Prius hybrid family with a larger variant, possibly a tall wagon or crossover model. The new gas-electric model will be the first Toyota hybrid to use a lithium-ion battery pack. It will go on sale late next year in Japan.
According to Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, the new Prius variant will sell for the equivalent about $22,000. The newspaper said the car would be either a wagon or a utility model.
The 2010 Prius uses a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Lithium-ion batteries are more powerful and compact, with a longer life cycle.
Inside Line says: This latest news suggests Toyota's plan to spin the Prius into a sub-brand, à la Scion, is still on. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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davesuton says:
10:06 PM, 11/16/2009
Just when you thought Toyota couldn't build anything uglier.
sdiego says:
05:54 PM, 11/15/2009
wagons sucks!
perrito says:
02:44 PM, 11/14/2009
Wagon...wagon...wagon...wagon...wagon...wagon...wagon...wagon. All work and no play makes Toyota a dull boy.
steve_ says:
02:53 PM, 11/13/2009
A wagon would be nice. Another inch or two of ground clearance would be good too.