We've written before that Toyota plans to introduce more Prius body styles to expand the reach of its most recognized and iconic hybrid car.
Now, our sister site GreenCarReports.com has uncovered three photos of a possible 2011 Toyota Prius station wagon.
One comes from a blog called Woody's Car Site, which reproduced the image of a Toyota Prius Plug-In in station wagon from BestCar, a Kanji-language magazine from Japan. Two other Japanese media images of a Prius wagon came via BurlappCars.com.
Real Prius, or artist's rendering?
We're not sure whether any of the photos shows real vehicles, or whether they're only artists' renderings. But the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri said in a recent article that Toyota plans to sell a larger Prius, either a station wagon or sport utility vehicle, by the end of next year.
The newspaper also says the new Prius variant will use lithium-ion cells, rather than the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack used in every one of the more than 1 million Toyota Prius models built thus far.
High-tail Hybrid X concept
It's hardly a secret that Toyota has a number of high-tail designs. At the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, its Hybrid X concept took the look to new heights in a low, sleek form that could be viewed as either a station wagon or a hatchback.
As for the eagerly awaited plug-in Prius, Toyota will provide 150 test versions each to European and U.S. fleets. The first Prius Plug-Ins will be delivered before 2010, but Toyota has resolutely refused to say when retail customers might get their hands on one.
Would you want one?
While station wagon or "estate" versions of hatchbacks are popular in Europe, the phrase "station wagon" seems to be viewed as the kiss of death here in the U.S.
So we're eager to survey our AllAboutPrius.com readers to learn your views.
Tell us: Would you go for a 2011 Toyota Prius station wagon over the 2010 Toyota Prius hatchback version? Give us your thoughts in the comments, below.
[Woody's Car Site, BurlappCars.com, BurlappCars.com, Yahoo News via GreenCarReports]
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!
By Darren Posted: 11/21/2009 11:10am PST
By anyonymous Posted: 12/7/2009 10:48am PST
SUV -no.
Defintely prefer wagons over regular sedans or SUVs. Why drive a gas guzzler. I wish Toyota & Honda would bring back wagons, instead of these crossovers.
By aml Posted: 12/14/2009 10:16am PST
By JD Posted: 12/27/2009 4:25am PST
By accessories Posted: 12/29/2009 8:23pm PST
By Lifted Trucks Posted: 1/6/2010 5:32am PST
Recently the GM is leading in producing the Hybrid cars. Toyota is also one step back in the race.
I hope these all new car launch by Toyota, Help Toyota to be top of the Hill.
By Bluemoon Posted: 1/11/2010 12:18pm PST
By mikkelly Posted: 1/12/2010 9:30pm PST
By Toyota cars for sale Posted: 1/20/2010 3:51am PST
By Fred Wacksman Posted: 2/17/2010 3:39pm PST
By Gerald Brach Posted: 2/21/2010 8:40pm PST
By Angela Davidson Posted: 3/12/2010 9:15am PST
By Cindy Posted: 3/15/2010 5:19pm PDT
By nike sb dunks Posted: 4/21/2010 11:35pm PDT
By Wendy Posted: 7/26/2010 10:33pm PDT
By Fire_hart Posted: 9/10/2010 10:49am PDT
By Tom Posted: 9/21/2010 7:31am PDT
Good improvement in the 2010 model, but need more updating. Lets go with the concept model and knock everyone's socks off.
By michael Posted: 9/26/2010 3:47pm PDT
By tin Posted: 10/8/2010 4:13pm PDT
By Steve Posted: 10/9/2010 10:55am PDT
By Ericka Posted: 10/11/2010 4:05pm PDT
By Anne Posted: 10/12/2010 1:01pm PDT
By David Posted: 10/20/2010 7:41pm PDT
By Bob Posted: 11/6/2010 7:38am PDT
By monica Posted: 11/22/2010 2:32pm PST
By Mike Posted: 1/8/2011 2:58pm PST
By Erica91 Posted: 1/10/2011 12:29pm PST
By George Posted: 1/10/2011 1:52pm PST
By Brad14 Posted: 1/11/2011 6:28am PST
By JuliaS Posted: 1/13/2011 7:01am PST
By johna@meyersound.com Posted: 1/13/2011 2:22pm PST
By Jose Posted: 1/17/2011 3:03pm PST
I take a station wagon any day.
By Terry Posted: 1/28/2011 11:44pm PST
By Will Posted: 2/18/2011 7:16pm PST
By Johnofrpv Posted: 3/22/2011 10:32pm PDT
By Jill Posted: 4/17/2011 6:23pm PDT
By Debbie Posted: 4/19/2011 8:01am PDT
By Glenn Posted: 5/4/2011 11:19am PDT
By Phyllis Posted: 5/21/2011 8:07pm PDT
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!