The 2011 Detroit Auto Show holds promise for Prius-lovers, with the first addition to the ubiquitous hybrid brand's family: an MPV, or multi-purpose vehicle. Americans may want to call it a wagon, or a hatchback, or something else, but whatever it's named, it's a longer, larger version of the Prius.
X Games skateboarder Bob Burnquist, himself a big fan of sustainable living and minimizing environmental impact, gives us a few teasers of what to expect--including a look down its long cargo area--in the video below. Beyond this small sneak peek, however, we know a bit about what to expect of the Prius MPV.
First previewed by the Hybrid X concept back in 2007, the idea of a larger Prius is not new. Nor is the story of a full family of Prius-badged vehicles. The production version of the new, larger Prius has even been teased on Facebook. But what of the specs?
The hybrid drivetrain, including both the combustion engine and Synergy Drive electrical portion, are expected to be identical to the standard Prius, though it's possible the hybrid system of the foreign-market Toyota Auris Hybrid could be tapped to haul the larger load. Roughly 50 percent more cargo volume will be found inside, and seating for up to seven passengers is possible.
This isn't the only addition to the Prius family, however. A smaller, Yaris-like car is expected as well. Toyota is keeping mum on this expected addition, though we should see a concept version of the car in Detroit alongside the Prius MPV's unveiling--Toyota says "a Prius concept vehicle" is coming to the snowy show. It's not expected for sale until the 2013 model year, however.
It all kicks off January 10 at 1:05 p.m. EST, and we'll be on hand to bring you the live images, news, and details, so stay tuned. In the mean time, see how many unique elements of the new Prius family member you can spot in the video.
[Toyota]
