Pic of New 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid

For all of you Hybrid fence sitters the next-generation Toyota Prius due out in 2009 is not only good looking but should average 50-55 mpg.  In addition to superior mileage then the 2008 Toyota Prius it is also rumored to have additional horsepower  as the engine size increases to 1.8 liters.  New batteries and refinements to the Hybrid Synergy drive, possibly a solar panel on the roof and eventually plug-in capability which could up city economy to 80 mpg.   Pictured is an all new larger body which is 1 in. wider, and 1 in. shorter in overall length.

Comments

[Kevin]

Plug in won't happen until it get lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries won't happen until late 09 early 10. The picture posted in this article is over a year old (first published by Popular Mechanics in the March 2007 issue). Since then new revisions have been announced including an overall longer cargo area (over 3 inches) and 3 new body models, which should be very exciting to see.