Unlike other traditional Plug-In style electric cars, the 2010 Prius PHV will only have a limited distance of 12 miles to run on battery alone.  After reaching a distance of 12 miles the plug-in battery is depleted and the Prius returns to standard hybrid mode.  The hybrid mode of this PHV is similar to that of what's found in existing model Toyota Prius's.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Plug-In Prius At Frankfurt Auto Show

There have been a number of people speculating about the all new hybrid coming from Lexus and it's relation to the wildly popular Toyota Prius.  Most of  the speculation claims that the Lexus HS 250h is as similar to the Toyota Prius as the Ford Ranger is to the Mazda pickup.  Thankfully for those in the market, this isn't true.

There is a single shared component between the HS 250h and Prius, which is the hybrid technology.  The name of  the system is the series/parallel and refers to the technology, not the actual components.  The series/parallel type hybrid means that the traditional engine component can drive the wheels directly and be disconnected from the drive train to allow the electric motor component to drive the wheels.  This type of system is used in the Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, and soon Lexus HS 250h.

The rest of the HS 250h is completely different than the Prius.  Some of the main component differences is the 2.4 l engine, double wishbone suspension, and a ton of electronic creature comforts.  There will nothing to confuse onlookers as to what type of car it is, the Toyota or the Lexus.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Is The Lexus HS 250h The Same As a Toyota Prius?

Fuel Efficient Sports Cars

Enthusiasts are already starting to demand a higher performance from their hybrid and ultra high efficienct cars.  Already there are some players in the market that are looking to push the envelope in regards to power in a hybrid and looks that really scream sports car.  Ultimately, and this is just my opinion, a hybrid car will only become truly popular when you don't look at it and automatically know it's a hybrid.

Fisker Karma has already started working on a sports car based on a plug-in type hybrid system.  Also most recently Rasser created a 100 mpg Hummer, that proves you can have the looks of a traditional car with the efficiency of a hybrid.  With advacements like this it begs the question of what the big boys will be bringing to the hybrid sport car market.

Toyota has debuted a prototype of what might develop into a full on hybrid sports car.  The FT-HS Concept is a short wheel base boxster inspired hybrid sports car.  Depending on who you believe, the FT-HS pictured below may be the launching point from reviving the Toyota Supra.  Yes, the next generation Toyota Supra may live on, as a hybrid sports car.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Hybrid Sports Car

Contributing factors to the increase in demand would be the new Prius lower price.  No doubt this is in response to the Honda Insight being released to compete in the passenger car hybrid market.  Also, in response to slumping sales in Japan, Toyota has revamped the last generation Prius to help compete with the newer advanced base model.

Hopefully this increase in Prius production is a sign that world economies are starting to turn around.  I'd love to start reading some positive automotive news in the near future.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Prius Hybrid In Demand

To me, the 2010 Tundra looks like more of the same and possibly emphasis on the more.  In a market that is currently trying to get away from V8 power and look more green, why would Toyota still produce this work horse?  Oh that's right, because people still buy them and because you can't haul 500 lbs of tools around in the back of a Prius.  Oh yeah, how many trips does it take to help a buddy move their furniture in a compact?

As a bonus, here is video from the 2009 San Diego Auto Show, where the 2010 Toyota Tundra was on exhibit.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

2010 Toyota Tundra

Let's look at history, even a few short decades ago.  In the 80's and before there was huge hatred toward the foreign market.  The perceived quality of foreign vehicles had not yet been established, so Toyota like other brands were just trying to prove themselves.  Another challenge they were trying to overcome was the general publics patriotism, the hope, and want for an American company to dominate the industry.

How far have we come?  Obviously Toyota took over GM as the largest car manufacturer in the world, owed largely to it's ever increasing US market share.  So what does Toyota risk, if they don't actively support it's domestic competitors?  In a sensitive market, walking on egg shells may be the only thing that keeps Toyota from slipping back into the early 80's in the eyes of American car buyers.

Consider the devastation to Toyota domestically if the American people decide to rally against foreign competitors and strongly support their domestic car manufacturers again.  Potentially, all the work Toyota had done to generate brand quality would be destroyed.  I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but there is a reason the owl wants the rabbits to mate.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Why Toyota Wants GM To Succeed

2010 Toyota Celica Concept

This rumor seems to originate in some French automotive website, who claims to have contacts.  Of course, would it be possible to keep news like this a secret?  Could this possibly be the illigetimate son of the infamous Toyota Supra?  Hell, if they make it half the car the Supra was, I'll buy one.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Rumor Motor: 2010 Celica RWD

Toyota has been dominating the hybrid market with over 75% of the market share.  Furthermore they have been offering 6 differnet hybrid badged cars under Toyota and Lexus manufacturing, where other domestic manufacturers are simply trying to catch up.

Continually pushing the hybrid envelope, Toyota plans to offer a luxury edition Priusy hybrid in 2010.  No doubt, if anyone has any money left, greenies will be buying this luxury early adopted technology right off the manufacturing line.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

1 Millionth Toyota Hybrid Sold

According to reports a foam pad near the seat belt could ignite during collisions.  Sounds interesting, considering anything that's flammable has the ability to ignite in any type of friction collision.  So to me, sounds a little suspicious, but I'm the type of person who believes in conspiracy theory.  Hopefully Toyota will get the Yaris back on the road and selling to start improving sales figures going into 09.

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Toyota Yaris Recall

The Toyota IQ was originally announced and shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.  Midgets and kids shrieked in excitement at the possibility of finally getting to drive a go-kart on the highways and biways.  However, it looks like the IQ will be focused on European markets, where traffic studies show the average speed is in the teens.  So, a tiny motor cycle engine will be sufficient to push the little tin can down the road.

Videos of Toyota IQ Car

Original automotive content: Automotive Blog

Toyota IQ Car