Official photos of Toyota’s next Prius have “accidentally” leaked onto the forums of Priuschat.com and they are now here for all of us to see. It wasn’t long before these photos were all over the Internet. Toyota is playing dumb though and stating that the photos were “accidentally leaked”, but mentioned that there would be “more details at the Detroit Auto Show.”
Though it will still rely on older-style nickel-metal-hydride batteries, Toyota expects to switch to lithium-ion batteries within a year or two. Other upgrades expected are a bump in displacement, from 1.5 to 1.6 liters, from the current car’s four-cylinder engine. Looks-wise, it seems Toyota is playing it safe with an evolution of the current car’s styling. A more rakish windshield and more streamlined bodywork help the car cut through the wind and achieve even better fuel economy. The car is slated to go on sale next year as a 2010 model.
A small leak never hurt anyone.
Source: Edmund’s Inside Line
Photos: Priuschat.com
