When it comes to hybrids, it’s hard to top the success of the Toyota Prius. Despite a growing wave of competition, the Prius is still the most fuel-efficient hybrid in the U.S.—with a stellar EPA line of 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway—and it’s the best-selling one as well, attracting more than 140,000 new customers last year alone. But that doesn’t mean Toyota is resting on its laurels; in fact, the automaker recently introduced three new members of the Prius family at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Prius v: Designed specifically to appeal to young families, the Prius v offers typically hybrid fuel-economy numbers of 42 mpg city and 38 mpg highway to go with a surprising amount of interior versatility. The new Toyota offers a full 50 percent more cargo space than the roomy Prius, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which then offer a 60/40 split configuration allowing for even more room. The bottom line: The Prius v will be the most spacious dedicated hybrid vehicle on the market when it reaches dealers late this summer.
Prius c: Showcasing a future Prius variant that will be at home in tight urban spaces, the Prius c concept vehicle offers athletic styling, responsive performance and, of course, incredible fuel economy. The production version is expected to reach the market in the first half of 2012 as the most value-oriented and fuel-efficient “cordless” hybrid in the U.S.
Prius Plug-in: Consider it the best of both worlds. The Prius Plug-in vehicle is slated to launch in key markets in the first half of 2012 with the ability to deliver up to 13 miles of all-electric, emissions-free driving, at speeds of up to 60 mph. Then, if its lithium-ion battery pack is depleted, it will provide hundreds of more miles of driving with the same kind of fuel efficiency as the standard Prius. Plus, its batteries can be recharged in as few as three hours, even with a standard household outlet.
“It’s a modern family with a Prius for everyone,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “The Prius v is an all-new dedicated hybrid vehicle, and all future Prius family members will be as well. They will all share common Prius attributes but will be unique, with a special appeal to different buyers.”
Read more: http://www.toyotainthenews.com/toyota-expands-prius-family-at-detroit-auto-show/#more-1263
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